Abstract: A footbed system is disclosed which includes at least one sole pad and at least two heel cups. Each heel cup including a base and a side wall extending from the base on the medial and lateral sides thereof. The volume of the side walls of each heel cup is varied to accommodate different width heels of users. The volume is modified by changing the height and/or thickness of the heel cup side walls. A cushion is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a forefoot region and a damper is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a heel region. The sole pad is detachably connectable to the heel cup that best accommodates the user's heel width.

Abstract: A height adjustable flexible shoe including a shoe upper portion having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a body portion therebetween. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving a foot therein. The closed lower end has a toe portion and a back portion. The back portion has a first heel portion extending downwardly therefrom. The body portion is comprised of an adjustable elastomeric material. A second heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the first heel portion of the shoe upper portion. A third heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the second heel portion.

Abstract: A supplemental tongue for an athletic or casual high top or low top lace up or loafer type shoe and referred to herein as a Phat tongue. The inventive Phat tongue includes a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the shoe. The Phat tongue is designed for insertion into and removal from the shoe beneath a conventional tongue thereof. Consequently, the Phat tongue rests between the conventional tongue and a foot of a wearer. In the illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue includes a shell made of cloth on which a decorative pattern is disposed on one side thereof. The cushioned pad is substantially planar and contoured to facilitate insertion into the shoe. In a first illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is hexagonal ball and a second illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is oval in shape. A loop is provided to facilitate insertion and removal and a hook and loop type fastener is provided to secure the Phat tongue in place against sock.

Abstract: A shoe heel comprises a support pillar mounted under the rear portion of a shoe sole, and a heel body of a rubber plastic material and having a pillar fitting hole for fitting the support pillar. The profile of the heel body is formed by grinding. Such combination enables the shoe heel to have various profiles and colors at a low cost.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole and a collapsible upper attached to the sole. The upper includes a vamp portion to be worn around the toes and forepart of a foot of a wearer, a heel portion to be worn adjacent the heel of the wearer, side portions provided between the vamp portion and the heel portion to be worn adjacent the sides of the foot of the wearer, and insets, at least one inset being provided between each side portion and the heel portion of the upper. The insets are made of a thin, flexible material which can be easily folded to allow the vamp portion, side portions and heel portion of the upper to collapse onto the sole when not being worn.

Abstract: A sport sandal comprises a sole having at least one through hole, and a strap having at least one placing tape which is replaceably disposed in said through hole of said sole such that said placing tape is joined with said strap in various forms.

Abstract: A slipper having a sole and a foot covering that transforms into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may take the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro®, button or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper® or string. The sole may also have a pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united.

Abstract: A sandal comprises a sole and at least one upper. The sole is provided in left and right sides with a connection piece. A stop member is fastened with the connection piece. The upper is provided at two ends with a connection hole for connecting the stop member. The connection piece of the sole may be provided with a hooked member which is fastened therewith fixedly or detachably. The hooked member has a neck. The upper is provided with a connection hole and a fitting hole in communication with the connection hole. The neck of the hooked member is retained in the connection hole of the upper. The upper or heel strap is detachably fastened with the sole.

Abstract: A slipper having a sole and a foot covering that transforms into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may take the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro®, button or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper® or string. The sole may also have a pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united.

Abstract: A shoe with replaceable vamp and insole consists of an outsole, an insole, a vamp and a plurality of anchor blocks. The outsole and insole have respectively anchor bores and anchor struts to attain replacement function. The outsole has housing chambers for holding the anchor blocks and a storing chamber for storing a dismantle tool. The anchor block has a wedge trough to engage with a latch section of the vamp to allow the vamp be replaced as desired.

Abstract: A child's sandal, having removable and interchangeable soles that may be attached to a permanent upper sole, where the bottom of the removable soles has any desired textured graphical design, such as an animal paw print or the like. A removable ornamental design may be added to an upper portion of the sandal, on top of a wearer's foot, to correspond to the underside of the removable sole. For instance, if the underside of the removable sole includes a design that resembles a bear claw track, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a bear's face and head. Similarly, if the underside of the removable sole resembles the footprint of a rabbit's foot, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a rabbit's face, head, and ears. This arrangement allows a child to choose from any number of available soles and ornamental designs to be attached to a single pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Abstract: A footwear has an inner footwear body with a sole pad, and an outer footwear body with a sole pad rest. Each of the inner and outer footwear bodies has an instep member, and the inner footwear body has an adjustable joining band, so that the inner footwear body can be separably united on the outer footwear body by the adjustable joining band. When the inner footwear body is soiled, it can easily be removed and washed or exchanged for new one, thus to keep the footwear clean.

Abstract: A reversible shoe that can be taken apart and reassembled with inside and outside faces reversed includes: (a) a reversible sole; (b) two side flaps, each affixed to the sole along a longitudinal side edge of the sole; (c) a heel flap attached at one end to a posterior end of the sole; and (d) attachment means, such as zippers, laces, snaps, and buttons, for attaching one portion of the shoe to another. The reversible shoe has a generally flat, unassembled position for storage, and two opposite assembled positions ready for wear as a shoe. This reversible shoe allows the user to switch from one style to another, one color to another, monotone to multi-hued, or from plain to decorated. A method for assembling a reversible shoe, and a kit for building a reversible, readily assembled shoe are also included.

Abstract: A shoe system with a sole having a top surface and a bottom surface and a generally vertical peripheral side wall therebetween. The sole has a generally horizontal forward region. A plurality of transverse slots extend through holes in the side walls and across the forward region. A strap has opposed ends threaded through the slots for securing a wearer's foot to the sole.

Abstract: A footbed system is disclosed which includes at least one sole pad and at least two heel cups. Each heel cup including a base and a side wall extending from the base on the medial and lateral sides thereof. The volume of the side walls of each heel cup is varied to accommodate different width heels of users. The volume is modified by changing the height and/or thickness of the heel cup side walls. A cushion is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a forefoot region and a damper is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a heel region.

Abstract: A bowling overshoe includes an upper formed from a stretchable sheet material and two outsole portions attached independently of each other.

Abstract: A cover for an athletic shoe includes an elastic fabric upper member sized to snugly conformally fit over an athletic shoe covering at least the mid-foot region of a shoe upper portion and extending above and encircling the wearer's ankle. An elastic lower member extends under at least a portion of the shoe sole spanning the inboard and outboard side panels of the upper member without covering the gripping surfaces of the shoe sole. A zipper is provided in the fabric upper member to form an openable seam enabling the wearer to remove the athletic shoe and attach the cover on the wearer's foot without removing the cover from the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe having retractable spikes including a shoe portion comprised of a sole portion having a heel portion and a toe portion. The heel portion and the toe portion each have a plurality of apertures therethrough in a spaced relationship. A pair of plates are disposed within the hollow interior of the sole portion. The pair of plates each have a plurality of spikes extending downwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship. The plurality of spikes are aligned with the plurality of apertures of the heel portion and the toe portion of the sole portion. The pair of plates each have a pair of springs extending downwardly therefrom which bias the plate upward. A deployment mechanism provides an extended orientation whereby the pair of plates extend downwardly against the biasing of the springs with the spikes extending through the apertures.

Abstract: A shoe adapted to be used as a mule. The shoe has an upper that includes a quarter and a heel piece. These two parts of the shoe are connected by a band that extends to the sole, the band having a greater flexibility than the heel piece and the quarter. This constructive arrangement makes it possible to flatten the heel piece forwardly, and to thus permit entry of the foot into the shoe through the rear.

Abstract: The present invention is a detachable tongue for a shoe. The shoe has an upper covering, disposed on a sole, which defines an instep opening and an ankle opening communicating therewith. The instep opening has a fore end and an aft end. The detachable tongue is an elongated strip of material having fore and aft ends which is disposed in the instep opening. The shoe with the detachable tongue includes means for removably fastening the strip to the upper covering at the instep opening. The fastening means includes fasteners such as a fabric fastener defining a hook and loop fastening system, one or more buttons, a snap system, a hook and eye system, a zipper, and a string system. In one embodiment the detachable tongue is removably disposed on the upper covering of the shoe at the fore end of the instep opening such that the fastener is hidden from view.

Abstract: Footwear has an inner footwear body with a sole pad, and an outer footwear body with a sole pad rest. The inner and outer footwear bodies each have an instep member having an adjustable joining means, so that the inner footwear body can be separably united on the outer footwear body by the adjustable joining means. When the inner footwear body is soiled, it can easily be removed and washed or exchanged for new one, thus to keep the footwear clean. The footwear such as mules, scuffs and sandals is easy to handle and especially convenient for use in public facilities such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals and meeting places.

Abstract: A convertible shoe ensemble with a heel that is manually attachable to and removable from the shoe, and a manually attachable and removable heel cover of substantially less height than the heel for attachment to the shoe when the heel is detached.

Abstract: A child's sandal, having removable and interchangeable soles that may be attached to a permanent upper sole, where the bottom of the removable soles has any desired textured graphical design, such as an animal paw print or the like. A removable ornamental design may be added to an upper portion of the sandal, on top of a wearer's foot, to correspond to the underside of the removable sole. For instance, if the underside of the removable sole includes a design that resembles a bear claw track, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a bear's face and head. Similarly, if the underside of the removable sole resembles the footprint of a rabbit's foot, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a rabbit's face, head, and ears. This arrangement allows a child to choose from any number of available soles and ornamental designs to be attached to a single pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Abstract: A replaceable elastic air cushion shoe structure includes a sole, and a vamp. The sole has a top provided with a plurality of oblique conical locking grooves and having a periphery provided with a plurality of waterproof ribs. The sole has a periphery defining a plurality of locking recesses each provided with a catch piece. The vamp has a bottom provided with a plurality of oblique conical locking blocks each locked in the locking groove of the sole. The bottom of the vamp defines a plurality of waterproof slots for receiving the waterproof ribs of the sole therein so that the vamp is integrally formed with the sole. A plurality of U-shaped snapping pieces are each secured in the bottom of the vamp and each have two sides each provided with a hook.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a camp shoe that is similar in most aspects to a typical shoe. However, to make it easy to pack and tote in a knapsack, for example, this shoe has construction features that permit it to be folded flat to conform with sole of the shoe and, therefore, be easily tucked in and toted in luggage where spare space is typically at a premium. The construction features include a rigid heel counter; a heel support flexibly attached to said heel counter; a pair of upper ankle supports flexibly attached to said heel support; and a pair of lower ankle supports flexibly attached to said upper ankle supports and said heel counter.

Abstract: A post-operation shoe includes an outsole member having first and second end portions, an intermediate portion, an integral wedge member formed at a bottom side of the outsole member at the intermediate portion to be in contact with the ground. The wedge member is tapered in the longitudinal direction so that the second end portion is disposed higher than the first end portion. An upper includes an instep strap, an ankle strap, and left and right end portions extending downward from the instep strap and inserted between the outsole member and a midsole member which overlies and detachably connects with the outsole member via screws.

Abstract: The invention provides a slipper in combination with a hand puppet. The slipper comprises a sole and an associated upper attached to the sole and forming therewith a foot pocket having an inlet opening for reception of a persons foot. Decoration is provided on the upper representing a puppet character such as a head. Either a set of finger slots or a pocket is provided in the sole so that a person, by inserting their fingers into the slots or by insertion of their hand into the pocket, can manipulate the puppet character in the manner of a glove puppet.

Abstract: A grind shoe apparatus incorporating a variable friction grind plate complementally received in the recess of the shoe sole and having a downwardly facing trough and an outwardly facing rail with respective slide surfaces for contacting a support surface to slide therealong. Such plate further includes at least one speed control compartment positioned within one of such slide surfaces and having an insert removably carried therein for varying the frictional resistance occurring during sliding maneuvers.

Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.

Abstract: A convertible slide and method for slide-type sandals typically used in the out-of-doors includes rubber and synthetic materials and exhibits a lightweight robust, high-strength, flexible construction including a midsole for supporting a foot. A vamp is securely attached to the midsole for covering the foot and includes a pair of outwardly extending studs for providing a pair of pivot points. A rear heel strap is provided for securing the convertible slide to the foot. The heel strap is rotatively connected to the pair of outwardly extending studs for rotating between a first lowered position about the heel of the foot and a second raised position above the vamp. Finally, an outsole is bonded to the midsole for contacting the ground surface. In a first alternative embodiment, the pair of outwardly extending studs is replaced by a pair of rivets while in a second alternative embodiment, the pair of outwardly extending studs is replaced by a pair of threaded screws.

Abstract: A pair of slippers has a moisture-transmitting band across the bottom. An absorbent sponge is placed within the band and the band is secured by a hook and loop fastener. The slipper is worn in this condition when the sponge exchanges water to and from the floor to clean the floor and pick up spills. The securing band is releasable to change the absorbent material. In one embodiment the securing band is detachable for separate washing. Spills may be picked up without bending over.

Abstract: Footwear is provided with a series of removable insoles, each being adapted to be detachably installed to the outsole. The insoles have a wearing surface which conforms to the shape of the user's foot, the wearing surface of each insole being configured to accommodate a progressively larger foot size, increasing the useful life of the footwear and optionally eliminating the sockliner. In the preferred embodiment the footwear comprises decorative lights of as many different colors as there are insoles in the series, and each insole is provided with an actuator positioned to activate a specific color of light. Each insole may be colored or color coded to match the color of the lights activated thereby, and can be identified by the color code applied to either the lights or the insoles. The insoles may alternatively be integrated into a single insole with tear-away layers.

Abstract: A floor cleaning system that includes a mop assembly that is attachable to the user's foot. The mop assembly is constructed to be worn over the foot or the shoe of the user and includes a number of absorbent inserts that can absorb fluid from the floor contact sponge and that are not compressed by the weight of the user when the user walks. A number of detachable scrubbing pads are included that are attachable to the mop assembly.

Abstract: An asymmetrical article of footwear reversible sole is provided which offers improved performance and fit. The article of footwear is worn on a different foot when reversed. The invention may be shaped to fit the general outline of a person's foot and may be configured to fit the contours of the bottom of the person's foot. Different materials may be used for the different parts of the composite sole thus allowing the reversible, asymmetrical, composite sole to be used in dual purpose situations.

Abstract: A sport shoe having an upper, a sole having at least an outer sole having a mobile portion at least at the heel portion of the sole which is pivotable about a lateral axis forward of the heel portion. A midsole insert member is insertable between the mobile portion and the upper. The mobile portion includes upper engaging projections cooperating with the upper to prevent the midsole insert from moving laterally relative to the upper when the midsole insert member is introduced between the mobile portion and the upper.

Abstract: A skate provided with a supporting frame for in-line wheels and comprising a shoe which is composed of a nonrigid upper that, in a sandwich-like fashion, surrounds a stiffening element which affects the regions of the tip, of the heel, of the ankle and of the sole of the foot, and a lateral band or rim made of rubber which externally and laterally surrounds said upper proximate to said region of the sole of the foot. An anchoring sole for the frame is formed thereat. A skate is obtained which at the same time allows optimum transmission of forces from the foot to the wheel supporting frame and optimum fit for the user's foot.

Abstract: A new detachable shoe strap system for providing an assortment of easily interchangeable styles of footwear in a single system. The inventive device includes a sole member having upper and lower surfaces, and a perimeter side wall extending around the perimeter of the sole member between the upper and lower surfaces of the sole member. A heel is detachably coupled to the lower surface of the sole member and is located towards the heel end of the sole member. The system includes a plurality of flexible straps. Each strap has a pair of opposing ends. Each end of each strap is detachably couplable to the perimeter side wall of the sole member the such that the inner surfaces of the straps face the sole member.

Abstract: A rigid midsole structure for footwear extends from the metatarsal area to a rear-most portion proximate the heel of a wearer. The rigid midsole accepts any form of replaceable undercarriage structure, and includes means for attaching the undercarriage structure to the bottom side of the rigid midsole. The rigid midsole is preferably formed with an upper surface configured to conform with the bottom of a wearer's foot to provide sufficient rigidity and comfort.

Abstract: A new shoe having removable heels for permitting a user to wear a single pair of shoes which can be used in high heel form and in a flat form. The inventive device includes a sole having opposite heel and toe ends. The lower surface of the sole has a hole therein located towards the heel end of the sole. The hole has a perimeter with a number of sides. Each of the sides of the perimeter of the hole has an aperture into the sole. A heel is also provided and has a block outwardly extended from its upper end. The block also has a number of sides with each of the sides of the block associated with a side of the perimeter of the hole. The block is removably inserted into the hole of the lower surface of the sole and each of the sides of the block has a detent which are inserted into the aperture of their associated side of the perimeter of the hole.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper, a sole and an adjustable heel including a first heel member connected to the sole at a rear portion thereof and a second heel member arranged at least partially within the first heel member. The second heel member is movable relative to the first member between a first position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a first height and a second position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a second height greater than the first height. In the first position of the second heel member, the second heel member is arranged partially within the first heel member whereas in the second position of the second heel member, the second heel member is arranged below the first heel member.

Abstract: The multi-state support provides the use of pressurized fluid to cause expansion of an expandable volume positioned above a roller assembly which, in turn, places the support in either a rolling or non-rolling state. In a first embodiment, the roller assembly is fixed relative to a support surface. Expansion of the volume results in contact between a wall of the expandable volume and the rollers of the roller assembly. This contact prevents rotation of the rollers and defines the non-rolling state. In a second embodiment, the roller assembly is moveable relative to the support surface. Expansion of the volume results in the contact between a wall of the expandable volume and the roller support without interfering with the ability of the rollers to rotate relative to the roller support. Expansion of the volume causes the extension of the rollers of the roller assembly from within the sole. The extension of the rollers from the sole defines the rolling state.

Abstract: A footwear has a thermochromic coloring color-memory layer having a large hysteresis on a color-density-to-temperature curve so as to show interchangeability between a first color phase and a second color phase different from the first color phase, and a coloring tool for forming a desired image on the footwear.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is convertible from a low-top shoe to a high-top shoe. The convertible shoe includes a sole portion, an upper attached to the sole portion, and a detachable high-top. A securing strap secures the high-top to the upper. Both the upper and the detachable high-top include a series of slots through which the securing strap extends. To secure the high-top to the shoe, the securing strap is fed through each of the slots in the high-top and the upper respectively.

Abstract: A reversible shoe is comprised of a rubber, double-sided, grooved base with reversible uppers attached between sections of the base. The rear unzips and a midsole insert can be taken from the pegholes in the aforementioned base. The base is turned over and the insert from both shoes are then put on what was the bottom of it's mate. They're then rezipped and relaced to show a different color or design on the uppers, and a fresh tread on the base.

Abstract: A show having a removable cover for the upper is disclosed. The cover is removably secured to the unfinished shoe upper by hook and loop fastener strips on the lower parts of the cover and shoe upper adjacent to the line where the upper joins the sole of the shoe. The lower edges of the cover are concealed by a vertical strip about the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: Combination athletic shoes and plyometric training devices are disclosed. The said shoes having removable heels that include a snap-lock track slide retainer fixedly disposed in the sole at the instep of the athletic shoe, a heel track slide retainer fixedly disposed in the sole at the heel of the athletic shoe and having a lower surface with a female portion of a dovetail joint therein, and a heel track slide with integral forward snap-lock insert fixedly attached to the heel of the athletic shoe and having a male portion of a dovetail joint on the top thereof that slidably engages the female portion of the dovetail joint in the lower surface of the heel track slide retainer and which is releasibly retained thereto by a release disposed on the bottom of the athletic shoe. This arrangement allows for the athletic shoe to function in a combination use in that without the heel in place the shoe can be used as plyometric type strength training device for the lower leg muscles.

Abstract: In a pair of laced footwear, each item of footwear includes a sole and an upper which are formed from a transparent material. The footwear includes a tongue and insole which are removably assembled to the footwear and which are provided with non-transparent indicia consisting of a solid color or a suitable design or pattern which will be clearly visible through the footwear when the insole and tongue are assembled thereto. The indicia on opposite surfaces of the tongue may be different from each other, yet may be the same as the indicia on opposite surfaces of the insole. A shoelace for tightening the footwear around the foot of a wearer includes indicia which may or may not be the same as the indicia on at least one of the surfaces of the tongue or insole. Convenient packages consisting of two tongues, two insoles and two shoelaces having coordinating indicia may be made available for changing the appearance of the footwear to achieve a desired look.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe sole with rotatable and replaceable rear soles and replaceable cleats to provide the user with longer wear. The invention also provides the user with the ability to quickly and easily adapt the sole to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A shoe having reflective surfaces between a covering layer and an underlying layer.

Abstract: A snowboarding boot having a flexible upper portion has one or more somewhat vertical elongate pockets on the surface of the upper portion to receive therein elongate, semi-rigid stiffening stays. Each pocket is formed of flexible material to define a medial channel having an open top and cross-sectional area similar to that of the stiffening stay to be carried therein to allow variable vertical positioning and positional maintenance of the stiffening stays by reason of frictional engagement with the pocket. Stiffening stays are formed of elongate strips of semi-rigid material, normally having some resiliency but being more rigid than the flexible upper portion of a boot, and the stiffening stays optionally carry a loop of flexible material in their upper end portions to aid insertion and removal and releasable fasteners for positional maintenance within a carrying pocket. The pockets extend downwardly from the top of a boot or to the ankle area in vertical or angulated orientation.