Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular footwear to provide a variety of footwear comprising: an outer enclosure, where the outer enclosure includes a base portion, a front portion, side portions and a rear portion, where the front portion includes an expansion joint and side portions include a first expansion joint and a second expansion joint; an inner enclosure, where the inner enclosure removably inserts within the outer enclosure through a first cavity; and a fastening mechanism, where said fastening mechanism secures the footwear to a foot of a user. In one exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a plurality of eyelets along an edge of the side portions and laces, where said laces pass through the eyelets. The rear portion may include a peripheral portion, where said peripheral portion includes a first attachment mechanism for enabling a detachable engagement of the outer enclosure with the inner enclosure.

Abstract: A footwear comprises a sole and a heel provided with a first heel portion fixed to said sole, said heel comprising a second heel portion, rotatable around a hinge device and adjustable from a first position, in which said second heel portion protrudes transversely from said sole, to a second position in which said second heel portion is rotated to said sole; a footwear comprises a sole provided with a heel, and a support portion connected to said sole on which a further heel is obtained shaped to supportingly receive said heel.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe having conveniently interchangeable components, such as a vamp and an ankle strap constructed for releasable attachment to the periphery of a sole member with the same fasteners. The components are easily removed and exchanged to alter the appearance of the shoe, thus providing a wearer with a variety of styles and/or decorative appearances in a single pair of shoes.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is footwear separable into two pieces in which an insertion body is adapted to be fit into an insertion recess formed at the heel portion of a footwear body, for absorbing the impact applied to a wearer upon walking, thus to achieve better wearing effect, the insertion body is freely assembled with and separated from the footwear body, thus to form a variety of designs thereon, the insertion recess has a drain hole connected from the bottom portion thereof to the corresponding bottom portion of the footwear body, thus to prevent water from gathering into the insertion recess, and if the footwear body is formed of a polyurethane material, the insertion body is formed of an ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA) material, and vice versa, thus to provide high flexibility to the footwear, which makes the wearer feel comfortable.

Abstract: A thong style sandal system having removable and interchangeable ornaments that fasten to the sandal upper by means of a releasable attachment system (snap) that will hold the ornament securely in place but also allow for quick and easy removal of the ornament. The ornaments may be of many different designs (i.e. flowers, monograms, butterflies, sports emblems, etc) thus allowing the wearer to have fun with expressing different styles or moods when desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe characterised in that it comprises a bent, relatively rigid holding piece (1) having an upper part (11) which comes over the top of the foot (2), a central part (12) connecting the upper part (11) to the sole (3), and a lower part (13) fixed in the sole (3), the rigidity of the holding part (1) being sufficient to hold the sole (3) beneath the foot (2) when the foot is raised, with only one fixing point on the sole (3).

Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.

Abstract: A method for displaying content in a shoe system that includes a shoe having an upper includes the steps of: selecting a first region on the upper to display content and defining a first display area within the first region of the upper that permits an interior of the shoe to be visible therethrough and identifying a first area on an innerliner that is constructed to be worn on a foot inside the upper of the shoe; the first area being an area that is specifically selected in view of the location of the first display area such that when the innerliner is worn with the shoe, the first area is in registration with the first display area. The method also includes placing first content on the inner liner in the first area such that the first content is displayed area when the innerliner is worn with the shoe, thereby allowing the shoe to have different, customizable appearances depending upon the content.

Abstract: A set of shoes for use by members of a team. The shoes allow for a uniform appearance in a team environment by way of substantially similar uppers, while providing individualized performance specifications, with respect to support and breathability, for each upper. The substantially similar appearance of the upper may be due to material overlays, stitch patterns, color scheme and/or perforations and may be based on team criteria. The uppers are materially different from each other due to internal or external supports, material types and/or breathability. The substantially similar upper provides a uniform appearance for the team. The individualized performance specifications of each upper provide the comfort, performance and/or safety preferences desired by each player.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel interchangeable flip-flop/sandal footwear that is capable of interconversion between a flip-flop and a sandal by movement of a heel and/or forefoot band between a first stored position and a second in-use position. In the first stored position, the heel and/or forefoot band is movably stored adjacent to the heel portion of the sole. In the second in use position, the heel and/or forefoot band is placed on the user's foot as described herein. In one embodiment, the flip-flop/sandal comprises a sole, a forefoot cover, at least one of a heel band and a forefoot band, each of which being capable of movement between a first stored and a second in-use position, at least one central member rotatably secured and received by the sole, said central member being in removable communication with the heel band and/or forefoot band and at least one void or indentation in the sole to rotatably receive and secure the central member.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: The invention provides for a vamp bound by an edging that allows the vamp to be attached to a base member of an interchangeable shoe forming assembly without bunching, gathering or pulling out of line.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly having a midsole having an upper surface, a frame recess and a first registration recess being formed in the upper surface. A frame member is seated in the frame recess, and has a first end secured to the midsole, a second end free of the midsole, and a first registration member extending downwardly from a lower surface of the frame member. The first registration member is received in the first registration recess. An upper is removably attached to the sole assembly, and has a pocket on a bottom surface thereof, with the second end of the frame member being received in the pocket.

Abstract: A sandal which includes two molded plates which releasably lock together. The underside of the male plate contains a male lock, and its front and rear underside contain the reciprocal fasteners to secure the straps. Ongoing styles of mix and match shoe straps overlap the front and rear sides of the male plate and their ends are secured on its underside with reciprocal releasable and non releasable fasteners. An example choice of hook and loop fastener provides a continuous releasable and adjustable benefit in vertical and horizontal directions for maximum comfort. An example of gluing the straps to the underside of the male plate will have the same custom comfort benefit only once, but will retain the ability to mix and match insoles, and straps and be interchangeable to a plurality of base styles. Multiple base styles (heel, flat, wedge) contain a hollowed out center area which creates a perimeter sidewall into which the female plate sized to fill the sidewall is inserted and permanently secured within.

Abstract: A composite shoe includes detachably coupled first and second shoe bodies. The second shoe body, which is a close-toed and close-heeled shoe, is received in and coupled with the first shoe body, which is a close-toed and open-heeled shoe, so that an outer bottom surface of a sole of the second shoe body lies on a surface of an insole of the first shoe body while the second shoe body has a close-toed portion inserted in a close-toed portion of the first shoe body and a close-heeled portion disposed at an open-heeled portion of the first shoe body. The close-heeled portion of the second shoe body is provided with at least one coupling element to be coupled with at least one coupling element at the open-heeled portion of the first shoe body. The composite shoe serves interchangeably as a formal outdoor shoe, a casual outdoor shoe, or an indoor slipper.

Abstract: A transformational shoe construction comprising an upper surface, lower surface (sole) and an upper-lower attachment means; said upper surface consisting of an exposed segment and a hidden segment with the upper surface joined to a lower surface (sole) by an upper-lower attachment means; said upper surface detachable from said lower surface (sole) and said upper surface capable of being turned inside-out to cause the exposed segment to become the hidden segment and the hidden segment to become the exposed segment.

Abstract: A shoe including an insertable midsole orthotic located within a structure formed by a combination of a bottom sole and a portion of a shoe upper attached to the bottom sole. Both the inner and outer surfaces of the sole include rounded portions which together define a rounded portion of the shoe sole located between the rounded surfaces, and at least a rounded part of each rounded portion of the sole has a uniform thickness extending at least from a lowest point of the sole to at least a sidemost extent of the side of the sole, all as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition. The shoe sole can also include at least one compartment containing a liquid, gas, or gel, or include at least two computer controlled compartments and a duct providing fluid communication between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole which can be made from any natural or synthetic material. According to the invention, bands are sewn between the layers of the sole and provided with links for the passage of the strap(s) used to fasten the sole to the foot. As a result, the user can alter the colour, shape, length, etc. of the straps and, in this way, design the footwear to suit the occasion.

Abstract: A shoe or sandal with a transparent plastic film visible display permanent pouch or detachable showcase, constructed to receive, retain and display interchangeable inserts. These INSERT ARRAY blanks provide for Do It Yourself heat or pressure sensitive adhesive applications, or can be Pre Customized fashion designs, both with quick and easy in and out insertion and replacement, thereby changing the appearance of said shoe or sandal to exactly match or coordinate with like color or design with a variety of fashionable ensembles.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a custom article of footwear, a method of making the same, and a method of conducting retail and Internet business. In particular, the components of the custom article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and they can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: A sandal comprised of layered footwear components includes a lower base, a middle member replaceable platform which secures the straps, and an upper member replaceable insole. A hollowed out center area creates a perimeter side wall on the top of the base into which the platform is stored. A frontal (toe area) and rear (heel area) ledge crosses the toe and heel areas of the superior base horizontally. The straps are attached to a platform and secured by a present choice of a hook and loop fastener. The front and rear of the platform is eased under the front and rear ledges on the base. A midpoint lock on the platform further secures the platform to the base. A final top layer insole is secured on top of the platform and under the overlapped straps and placed into the remaining hollow area of the base hiding the shoes components. The straps and insole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot. Platforms and insoles are interchangeable to heel, flat or wedge style bases.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: The automatic shoe lace tightening system or power lace has a switch on the shoe upper to activate a small battery powered slow speed motor fixed into a recess in the heel which winds in onto the winder spool the smooth plastic or wire lacing cord passing through guiding tubes positioned across the shoe tongue and down the side of the shoe through to the motor housing upon which the tightening cord draws together the lace loop plates fixed either side of the shoe's upper adjacent to the tongue by passing in a zig-zag through cord loops fixed to and along the lace plates with the end of the cord attached to the bottom of one of the plates and the desired tension of the cord and shoe fit is automatically held in place as the cord passes through a sprung loaded clamp which can then be manually released to loosen the shoe.

Abstract: To summarize, the shoozit is an interchangeable and affordable shoe skin designed with the American consumer in mind. It can be made in a similar fashion, and with all the same materials as, any type of shoe. The primary difference between a shoozit and a shoe is that the shoozit is only the exterior of a shoe, the shoozit is then adhered to the shoe by coating it with a type of temporary adhesive made for fabric. The idea is to make it easy for the consumer to switch shoozits. It is designed to overlap the user's shoe and hence change its appearance.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a height adjustable heel. A heel assembly is coupled to a toe assembly. A sole assembly is disposed over the heel assembly. A hinge assembly joins the sole assembly and heel assembly at a junction with the toe assembly. The hinge assembly has a locking mechanism, which allows the sole assembly to pivot with respect to the heel assembly to adjust a height of the sole assembly over the heel assembly when the locking mechanism is disengaged. The height of the sole assembly over the heel assembly is fixed when the locking mechanism is engaged. The heel assembly has a first inner support and the sole assembly has a second inner support. A pin coupled to a sprocket engages and disengages the first inner support and the second inner support to adjust a height of the sole assembly with respect to the heel assembly.

Abstract: A transformable shoe described wherein can transform into different heel heights. It is a shoe wherein the heel is detached or attached that transforms the shoe into heels of varying heights. The frame of the shoe contains two independent soles that are pivotally connected via a hinge. The two independent shoe soles will vary angles via the hinge upon attaching or detaching of the heel. Heels of varying heights can be attached to the bottom of the sole. The hinge connecting the two independent soles will rotate according to the height of the heels attached to the sole. The heel upon detachment from the shoe can be stowed by the person separately.

Abstract: A cleated article of footwear includes a chassis assembly having a sole plate having a plurality of bosses extending from a lower surface thereof. A heel counter extends upwardly from a heel portion of the sole plate. An outer assembly is secured to the chassis assembly and includes a sole portion and an upper secured to the sole portion. A plurality of cleats extends downwardly from a lower surface of the sole portion. Each of a plurality of apertures extends downwardly into a corresponding cleat and receives a boss.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe that can be easily, but significantly, changed. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with an upper ankle portion that has an elongate length that extends upwardly from the shoe sole. The length of the ankle portion allows a top part of the ankle portion to be folded downwardly over a bottom part of the ankle portion to produce a first appearance of the shoe. The top part of the ankle portion can be unfolded to extend upwardly from the bottom part of the ankle portion to produce the second appearance of the shoe.

Abstract: A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe.

Abstract: A sandal comprises a sole, a first strap having a first end, a second end and at least one first magnetic member positioned between the first and second ends, each of the first and second ends mounted to the sole at a predetermined position such that the first strap and the sole define an opening for receiving a foot of a user and retaining the foot therein, and a second strap having a first end, a second end and at least second magnetic member positioned between the first and second ends corresponding to the at least one first magnetic member of the first strap such that the second strap is releasably attachable to the first strip by a magnetic attraction force generated between the at least one first magnetic member of the first strap and the corresponding at least one second magnetic member of the second strap.

Abstract: One embodiment of a shoe accessory may include a decorative covering and a peel-off layer. The decorative covering is configured to be attached on a portion of a shoe. The decorative covering may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may include an adhesive for affixing the decorative covering with the portion of the shoe. The second surface may include a decoration. The peel-off layer is bound with the adhesive on the first surface. Peeling off the peel-off layer exposes the adhesive. The exposed adhesive is capable of attaching the decorative covering on the portion of the shoe. In another embodiment, a method for modifying an appearance of a shoe is disclosed. In yet another embodiment a shoe with a decorative covering attached thereon is disclosed.

Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a group of interchangeable heels. Each heel in the group may be removably associated with the article of footwear. A finger-operable locking mechanism prevents a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving toward a toe region. Similarly, a tab positioned at the rear of the article of footwear inhibits a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving away from the toe region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe system comprising an interchangeable shoe base and vamp. The shoe base has a rim piece on the outer edge of the shoe base that interlocks with a protruding lip on the outer edge of the vamp except in the toe area, where the rim piece and vamp abut one another rather than interlocking, allowing the interchangeable vamp to have a closed toe.

Abstract: A decorative strap for a shoe includes a body having a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of the strap section of the shoe. The body of the decorative strap includes a first end and a second end. Each of the ends includes a slot formed therein. The slot is configured to capture the rivets of the strap section of the shoe thereby coupling the decorative strap to the strap section such that the decorative strap completely covers the outer region of the strap section.

Abstract: A sub-assembly for incorporation into a shoe, in particular a ladies shoe, comprises a base having at least an arch portion and a heel portion, and a heel, which is adjustable between a first, relatively low position and a second, relatively high position. The heel is at least partially detachable from the base and, once at least partially detached, is freely rotatable or rotatable about a pivot that is movable with respect to the base.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement on a bottom surface of a sole of a shoe. The graphics plate is removable and interchangeable. In a second embodiment, a shoe is provided having a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement in a shoe, a sole of the shoe being molded and configured for receipt of the graphics plate. In a third embodiment, a footwear system is provided for imprinting customized messages on a surface below. The footwear system includes a shoe having a molded sole and a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement on a bottom surface of the molded sole of the shoe. Once inserted into the shoe, the graphics plate leaves an imprint of a surface below the sole of the shoe as a wearer of the shoes walks and runs.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a street shoe configuration and a dance shoe configuration is provided. The shoe includes a sole and an upper having a lacing system, lace and a tongue. The tongue is removably attached to the upper. The tongue may be removed to convert the shoe from a street shoe configuration to a dance shoe configuration. The tongue may also be secured via a lace strung through an apertures formed in the tongue. This configuration provides for easier conversion from street shoe to dance shoe.

Abstract: A multi-position heel assembly is structured and arranged to be integrally formed with or mechanically connected to a shoe. The assembly includes: a chassis; a heel connected to the chassis and rotatable relative to the chassis about an axis; and a locking mechanism including an actuator that is axially translatable along the axis. The locking mechanism selectively allows rotation of the heel relative to the chassis.

Abstract: Footwear having removable straps is disclosed herein. More specifically, the footwear disclosed herein includes a removable strap assembly having concealed releasable connection means for attaching to the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Abstract: Any footwear comprising of interchangeable footwear sole and interchangeable upper portion. The interchangeable upper portion consist of upper foot grip straps, vamp or a full shoe upper portion already attached to a soft pad insole. The interchangeable sole is attached to the upper portion.

Abstract: The claimed invention is a modular shoe apparatus which is optimized for storage and for efficient use of materials, which includes stylistic upper ornamental components which may be selectively, securely and unobtrusively attached to sole components of various styles and configurations thus offering a consumer a choice in the marketplace over a traditional shoe apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of footwear having a hollow heel cavity that is adapted to receive a heel insert. A user can interchange heel inserts of varying thicknesses based on their activity, and is not required to change their footwear when undertaking a new activity. For example, hiking on a dirt trail may require a heel insert with less cushioning and more support, while running on pavement may require a heel insert with more cushioning and less support. The user can simply carry with him multiple heel inserts and replace the heel insert as needed to achieve a desired level of support, cushioning and comfort.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for V-strap sandals wherein the device is engageable with the thong and strap for impeding movement between a wearer's foot and the sandal, and connection means for releasably connecting the stabilizing device to a V-strap sandal.

Abstract: Footwear, namely a shoe or sandal for a human foot fabricated from multiple interchangeable components which can be easily manufactured, assembled and manually replaced and interchanged by the user for purposes of design, repair or changing color and aesthetic coordination and/or component design combinations of the footwear.