Abstract: A shoe comprises a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a top member having an outer surface and an inner surface and mounted on the sole. The top member and sole to together define a space for receiving a foot, and the top member further comprises an opening. A fastener is provided in the top member and extends from the opening and continues over the top member such that a portion of the top member is movable between a first position in which the space is substantially closed and a second position in which a portion of the top member is folded back from the sole to provide access to the space.

Abstract: Modular footwear and a method of manufacturing that uses pre-manufactured outsoles each with a plurality of clips that fit into recessed clip openings formed on the top surface of the outsole. Disposed over the outsole is a mid-sole pad with clip openings configured to be aligned and registered over the clips located on the outsole. Disposed over the outsole is a shoe upper with a plurality of hook members configured to attached to the clips located on the outsole. Disposed inside the shoe upper is air upper sole pad that covers the mid-sole pad. Because different shoe uppers may be used with the same outsole, footwear retailers only need to carry a limited number of outsoles and a wide selection of shoe uppers to offer a wide variety of different styles on footwear. Customers can purchase different shoe uppers and exchange them on the outsoles to create different styles of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular shoe adapted to be configured by a wearer comprises: a sole capable of receiving a shoe upper for arrangement over a wearer's foot by at least one channel. In this way the wearer is able to configure multiple shoe arrangements by use of modular parts that are interchangeable to create customised shoes that are lighter and can be packed away smaller than traditional shoes.

Abstract: A medical shoe having a plurality of outsole projections is provided. The medical shoe may include a sole assembly configured to support a foot, and a frame surrounding the sole assembly. The sole assembly may include a midsole portion forming a substantially planar surface for supporting the foot and an outsole portion including the plurality of outsole projections extending from the midsole portion. The frame may include a plurality of through holes corresponding to the plurality of outsole projections. The plurality of outsole projections may extend through the plurality of through holes so as to form a ground contacting surface. The plurality of outsole projections may also be provided in a symmetrical pattern. The sole assembly may be secured to the frame by a self-locking fit between the sole assembly and the frame.

Abstract: A footwear upper comprises a front section and a rear section. The front section is at least partially forward of the rear section and at least partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The front section has a medial edge and a lateral edge partially defining a foot entry opening. A zipper system includes a medial slider movable along the medial edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the medial edge, a medial zipper pull engaged with the medial slider, a lateral slider movable along the lateral edge of the front section to zip the rear section to the lateral edge, and a lateral zipper pull engaged with the lateral slider. A tightening system includes a lace-receiving feature on the front section forward of the zipper system, and a lace extending through the lace-receiving feature, through the medial zipper pull, and through the lateral zipper pull.

Abstract: In example aspects, materials are repurposed for footwear manufacturing. That is, in some instances, materials in the footwear manufacturing supply chain are potentially subject to disposal. However, aspects of this disclosure sustainably repurpose those materials (that might otherwise be disposed of) to be used in footwear articles. In some aspects, the repurposed materials may be obscured with a concealing layer.

Abstract: A customizable shoe assembly for altering the appearance of slippers includes a slipper that can be worn on a user's foot. The slipper has a sole, an insole lying on top of the sole to have the user's foot lie thereon and a body to surround the user's foot. A cover is provided and the cover is removably positioned on the slipper for completely covering the slipper. The cover is provided in a variety of colors to alter the appearance of the slipper.

Abstract: A shoe assembly includes a base shoe (10), a removable outsole (25) and a removable cover (22). The base shoe (10) is defined by a skeleton insole (11) having a lower surface, a heel component (12), and an upper (13) rising from the periphery of the skeleton insole (11). The upper (13) defines a foot-retaining element. The removable outsole (25) is connected to the skeleton insole (11) to overlie the lower surface thereof. There is a releasable mechanism having a first part on the skeleton insole (11) and a second part on the outsole (25) to interconnect the two. The removable cover (22) is for the upper (13), and fits over the base shoe (10) to overlie the foot-retaining element. The cover (22) has a sole region provided with a sole opening for accommodation of the releasable mechanism interconnecting the outsole (25) with the skeleton insole (11). The cover (22) also has a heel opening (23) through which at least a part of the heel component (12) passes.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper having a strap assembly with a plurality of straps, where a plurality of the straps have outsole connectors, and at least one removable connecting member is configured to interconnect a plurality of the straps. The article of footwear also includes a sole including a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of through-holes positioned on the sole, where the plurality of the straps including the outsole connector are inserted through a corresponding one of the through-holes until a bottom surface of each outsole connector is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the sole to secure the strap assembly to the sole, and at least two of the straps are interconnected by the at least one removable connecting member.

Abstract: A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes an outsole that has longitudinal ribs and a midsole that is disposed above the outsole and that defines notches. The longitudinal ribs are disposed in the notches.

Abstract: Footwear is provided and comprises a bottom part comprising a sole and an integral rear upper section, and a separate top part comprising a front upper section. The parts are releasably connected to each other by a releasable fastener. Each part provides a fastener half and each fastener half has a start and an end. The rear upper section of the bottom part includes a heel cap portion. The top part comprises two ends at a rear part thereof and the ends are connected by a strap positioned between the start and end of the top half fastener, and a movable flap is provided and extends over the inside surface of at least part of the heel cap portion. The releasable fastener is a zipper fastener, in which each fastener half has a zipper track with a plurality of teeth, and the number of teeth on the halves is exactly the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for efficiently and rapidly cleaning the bottom of a shoe. The system includes a base having a plurality of alternating, complementary shaped cleansing portions separated by grooves. The configuration of the cleansing portions provides for a sturdy and efficient device for cleaning the bottom of a shoe.

Abstract: An item of footwear having an interchangeable sole system, midsoles for such an item of footwear, and related methods for making such midsoles, including a receptacle incorporated in the midsole wherein a portion of the receptacle is configured to complement an engageable element of a sole unit so that a bidirectional stop is provided that helps secure the sole unit to the midsole, and wherein a material property of the receptacle differs from a material property of the midsole so that the midsole provides cushioning to the item of footwear, and the receptacle allows for engagement and disengagement of the engageable element of the sole unit to the midsole without the need for an outsole frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a leg protector. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, disclosed is a leg protector which can protect a wearer's foot and leg and is made of an elastic material, the leg protector comprising: a bottom plate part for supporting a wearer's foot; and a protection part connected to the upper side of the bottom plate part, extending upward therefrom, and formed to cover at least a part of the side and rear portions of the wearer's foot and leg, wherein the protection part includes, on both the left and right sides of the ankle portion thereof, an opening part through which regions corresponding to the wearer's malleoli are exposed to the outside.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a removable outsole, midsole, and upper is provided. A portion of the upper may have a perimeter lip that may be coupled to a perimeter channel in an upper surface or side of the outsole. The midsole may be securely placed into the upper to further secure the upper to the outsole. The fit of the outsole, upper, and midsole generates a securely assembled article of footwear ready for user wear. In aspects, the removable outsole, midsole, and upper may be changed to customize the article footwear for the user.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion and first and second sides, the shoe including a sole, an upper and a closing mechanism extending from a top portion of the upper down along the first side of the shoe and then horizontally between the sole and the upper around the toe portion, around the second side and around the heel portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: A decoration for a shoe element and a method of decorating a shoe element includes the steps of cutting a substrate to correspond to the shape of the shoe element and applying decorative elements to the substrate. Openings are cut in a protective cover to align with areas where the decorative elements are applied to the substrate. The protective cover and the substrate are aligned, including aligning the openings in the protective cover with the decorative elements on the substrate. In the process, the substrate is coupled to the protective cover to form a one piece, and the one piece is coupled to the shoe element. The decoration, once installed on the shoe, includes the substrate under the protective cover with raised decorative elements appearing through the openings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fastening structure which enables objects to be easily removeably coupled, and enables a smooth slideable coupling and decoupling. The fastening structure includes a male and female component. The male component is cross shaped with a wing member and cross bar member. The female component has a complementary structure with an elongate slot and cross groove, such that the male component is slideably received and mated.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a top member having an outer surface and an inner surface and mounted on the sole. The top member and sole to together define a space for receiving a foot, and the top member further comprises an opening. A fastener is provided in the top member and extends from the opening and continues over the top member such that a portion of the top member is movable between a first position in which the space is substantially closed and a second position in which a portion of the top member is folded back from the sole to provide access to the space.

Abstract: The footwear includes a sole having three holes passing through the sole. A front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel are formed in an underside of the sole. The footwear also includes of a strap having a front plug, a first rear plug, and a second rear plug connected to the strap. Each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with respective channels to enable the three respective plugs to pass through each respective hole. The three plugs are releasably attached to the sole and configured to allow a user's foot to be located between the strap and the sole. Each respective plug is completely located within a respective channel such that each respective plug sits flush with the underside of the sole to secure the strap to the sole. The three channels and the three plugs are of complementary size and shape.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing footwear with interchangeable straps and soles is provided. In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes an upper assembly with at least one fastener. The fastener of the upper assembly can be inserted into a lower assembly and magnetically attracted to a fastener of the lower assembly so as to removably attach the upper assembly to the lower assembly. The removable attachment of the upper assembly to the lower assembly allows for interchangeability with other lower assemblies and upper assemblies, allowing the article of footwear to be quickly customized to several different styles and/or colors of footwear for different occasions.

Abstract: The convertible shoe with interchangeable sole consists of an upper to hold the foot and an interchangeable outsole. There is an attachment surface on the underside of the upper and an attachment surface on the topside of the outsole, and the two attachment surfaces are paired and configured to securely attach the two components while also being detachable to allow for the interchange of different outsoles having different tread surfaces. The attachment surfaces are a non-flat contoured shape. There are two protruding ridges on one surface, one substantially under the toe and the other under the heel and part of the arch. These mate with a recessed channel on the other surface. There is also attachment material on both surfaces that are mated and provide a secure attachment.

Abstract: A shoe may comprise an upper and a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure. The shoe may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to measure force exerted in a footbed region of the article of footwear, as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors. The processor may be configured to receive input indicative of forces measured by the sensors and to transmit data based on that input. Methods utilizing the article may include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.

Abstract: A modular sandal. The modular sandal includes a sole having an upper side and a lower side. Slots disposed on the lower side include an interior wall and a width. Channels extending from the lower side of the sole through the upper side of the sole include a diameter. Each of the channels is positioned within one of the slots. A strap including locking tabs is pivotally affixed to the sole. Each locking tab is configured to pivot between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each locking tab is configured to pass through each channel when in an unlocked position. Each locking tab frictionally engages the interior wall of each slot when in a locked position, thereby anchoring the strap to the sole.

Abstract: An upper portion of a footwear is detachably attached, the attached upper portion is sufficiently prevented from being removed, and the footwear can be thinner. To attach an upper portion (5) on an outsole portion (3), a plurality of insertion pieces (15) made of a material having elasticity is formed on a periphery of the upper portion (5). A locking hole (19) is formed on each of the insertion pieces (15). Insertion holes (21) are formed on the outsole portion (3) at a position of each of the insertion pieces (15) in a state that the upper portion (5) is attached so that the insertion pieces (15) is inserted into and penetrated through the insertion holes (21). Locking protrusions (31) are formed on the outsole portion (3) to lock the locking hole (19) in this state.

Abstract: Pedicure toe band separators and methods of making and using the same. Each toe band separator wraps around a single toe and is secured thereto while avoiding contact with the toenail. Once secured to the toe, the toe band separator provides a space or gap between adjacent toes and toenails so that when the toenails are painted, contact with one or more such adjacent toes and/or toenails is avoided via the toe band separators of the invention and the space/gap generated thereby. The toe band separators may be used in combination with an additional spacer, and may be reusable or single-use disposable toe bands.

Abstract: Footwear, including athletic footwear, opens very wide, e.g., by moving an ankle containing portion of a footwear upper laterally/sideways with respect to the sole structure or a base portion of the upper (e.g., rotate it to the lateral side). In effect, the ankle containing portion may move/rotate sideways with respect to the sole structure/base portion via a connecting member (e.g., moving akin to rotation on a hinge type structure) to open in somewhat of a “clamshell” fashion. The rear of the upper base portion in this open condition may appear somewhat as an open backed slipper or “slide” type shoe. These actions and features open the rear heel area of the upper wide and low to enable easy insertion of a foot into the interior chamber, generally from the rear of the footwear structure. One or more straps can be used to secure the upper to the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes elongated members extending from a lower peripheral portion that mechanically connect the upper to a sole structure. The sole structure includes several recesses for engaging the elongated members. The upper and/or the elongated members can be printed using a three-dimensional printer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes elongated members extending from a lower peripheral portion that mechanically connect the upper to a sole structure. The sole structure includes several recesses for engaging the elongated members. The upper and/or the elongated members can be printed using a three-dimensional printer.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: A shoe system has an interchangeable upper. The shoe includes a shank (6); a heel (9); and a platform (8). The shank is assembled to the heel. A fastener (37) joins the shank (6) and the platform (8). The shank (6) and the platform (8) are configured to removably assemble to each other. The shank (6) and the platform (8) are removably joined together by the fastener (37).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device used to change the visual appearance of the straps of a shoe. The interchangeable shoe device comprises an insole and a shoe base, wherein the insole is removably secured to the shoe base by one or more fasteners, such as a snap. The shoe base and insole each comprise a toe end opposing a heel end, wherein the heel ends are removably secured to one another so as to allow one or more front straps to be disposed there between.

Abstract: A pair of footwear items including a left footwear item and a right footwear item, each of the footwear items comprising a sole portion and an upper portion, the upper portion and the sole portion adapted for at least temporary connection to one another, the upper portion consisting of a support element having at least a first surface and a second surface and wherein each of the first surfaces includes an upper of a first style of footwear, and each of the second surfaces includes an upper of a second style of footwear, and wherein the pair of footwear items is converted between the first and second styles of footwear by removing and inverting the upper portions and connecting the upper portion removed from the left footwear item to the right footwear item and connecting the upper portion removed from the right footwear item to the left footwear item.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a gap extending longitudinally through the sole structure. A tensioning member extends through the sole structure and across the gap such that tensioning the tensioning member contracts the gap and pulls opposing sides of the sole structure together. As the sole structure contracts, the upper is pulled down on the foot, thereby tightening the upper around the foot.

Abstract: An outsole element for an article of footwear having a base and a lug that extends from the base. The outsole element includes a body and a cavity defined in the body. The cavity receives the lug to removably couple the body to the lug. Also, the cavity includes an internal undercut.

Abstract: Footwear having interchangeable heels, includes: (a) a top component having a back section, a middle, a front and an upper section for encompassing a foot, the top component having an underside shape and contour, and having at least two separate connect mechanisms for connection to a bottom component; (b) a bottom component having a having back, a middle, and a front section, the bottom component having a topside shape and contour sufficiently coinciding with the top component underside shape and contour so as to nest with one another, and having at least two separate connect mechanisms corresponding to the at least two separate mechanisms of the top component for connection to it; and (c) at least one locking mechanism.

Abstract: A passive therapy device to facilitate range-of-motion in the human hand, wrist, or forearm after surgery, trauma, rehabilitative therapy, or other events that resulted in limited wrist motion or stiffness. This device facilitates wrist therapy by utilizing gravity and leverage. The therapy device includes two generally isosceles triangular rigid sides functioning as top and bottom, joined by and narrowing to a point via a sandwiched solid wedge, a hand strap and wrist strap of a strong, soft material on the outside of the top rigid side. This device provides therapy to restricted tissue in the human hand, wrist, or forearm while applying passive tension during rehabilitation. Readily converting from supination or pronation therapy to extension or flexion therapy, and radial or ulnar deviation, the device can be used on the right or left hand. This invention provides a low cost, effective and simple to use wrist rehabilitation device.

Abstract: A footwear assembly with integral footbed suspension system is disclosed. A shoe comprises a sole, a blade extending away from the sole, an Energy Return System (ERS) connected to the blade, an upper, and a cradle coupled to the upper and coupled to the ERS via a plurality of ties, wherein the ERS is intermediate the cradle and the blade. The ERS is configured to resiliently deform under pressure from the foot while the foot is substantially suspended via the cradle relative to the sole. A plurality of sensors are configured to detect relative movement between components of the shoe and to transmit data to a chip positioned in the shoe. The data can be used for gait and performance analysis.

Abstract: A snap-in footbed system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a shoe, wherein the shoe includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an aperture formed in a molded portion of the shoe from the inner surface to the outer surface, a footbed, wherein a top surface of the footbed is configured to receive a user's foot, wherein the footbed comprises a snap-in element, wherein the snap-in element comprises a head portion having at least one dimension that is sized to be larger than the aperture, such that when the head portion is passed through the aperture from the inner surface to the outer surface, one or both of the head portion and the aperture undergo elastic deformation, and such that when the head portion has been passed through the aperture, the snap-in element secures the footbed to the shoe.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing footwear with interchangeable straps and soles is provided. In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes an upper assembly with at least one fastener. The fastener of the upper assembly can be inserted into a lower assembly and magnetically attracted to a fastener of the lower assembly so as to removably attach the upper assembly to the lower assembly. The removable attachment of the upper assembly to the lower assembly allows for interchangeability with other lower assemblies and upper assemblies, allowing the article of footwear to be quickly customized to several different styles and/or colors of footwear for different occasions.

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. The insert system can include a lateral insert configured to be inserted into an upper and associated with an inner surface of the lateral side portion. The system can also include a medial insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with an inner surface of the medial side portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mule (1, 201, 301, 401, 501) with at least one strap (3, 203, 303, 403, 503) detachably arranged on the mule. According to the invention, the strap (3, 203, 303, 403, 503) can be arranged on the main body optionally either by a form fit and/or force fit or by a force fit or by a form fit and is detachably connected. A fixation device (13, 213, 313, 413, 513) that cooperates at least indirectly with the free ends of the strap (3, 203, 303, 403, 503) is provided inside the main body (2, 2, 302, 402, 502) and means are provided that bring about a simultaneous detachment of the free ends of the strap (3, 203, 303, 403, 503).

Abstract: A modular shoe having a removable upper is described. The upper may be adapted to be attached to an associated base. The upper may be secure to the base using a fastening element. Such a fastening element may be inserted through the base into a receptacle in the upper before being locked in place to secure the upper to the base. Similarly, the upper may be removed from the base by unlocking the fastening element from the receptacle. Such a modular shoe allows a wearer to easily change uppers (and/or bases) to create various combinations as desired.

Abstract: A convertible article of footwear has an upper outer component with a reversible exterior shell, an inner sandal base and means for repeatedly connecting and disconnecting these two main components to one another with either outer shell exposed. When connected by a zipper or other joinder, the parts form a whole outer shoe for sports, casual or other uses. When kept apart, or separated into main component elements, the user can wear the underlying sandal as a stand-alone footwear item.

Abstract: A sandal that includes loops extending around the periphery of the base of the sandal and a strap configured to connect to the loops and form an upper portion of the sandal. The sandals can include a base; a continuous cord that extends along the periphery of the upper surface of the base from a point near the toe end on one side of the base, around the heel end, and continues to a point near the toe end on the opposite side of the base; connectors that connect the cord to the base at spaced locations along the cord to thereby form loops along the base; and a strap. Each loop of the sandal can also include an identifier for each loop. Methods of forming an upper portion of a sandal and methods of forming a sandal.

Abstract: A shoe having a magnetically removable toe cap, where the shoe includes an upper, a heel secured to the upper, a sole secured to the upper, the sole having an outsole and a support fixedly secured to the outsole, the upper comprising a vamp secured to the sole in such a way as to form an open toe section, the shoe also comprising a magnet hidden and secured within the vamp; and, a metal toe cap having a lower flange portion and an upper portion, the toe cap arranged to be magnetically attracted to the magnet hidden within the vamp, and to lock in place with the shoe, where the lower flange portion contacts and circumscribes the outsole, and the upper portion contacts and circumscribes the vamp when the toe cap is magnetically secured to the shoe.

Abstract: A two-piece convertible boot. The boot may include a shoe portion for enclosing a wearer's foot and extending substantially up to the wearer's ankle, the shoe portion comprising a sole, an insole, a heel and an upper. The shoe portion can further include an opening for inserting the wearer's foot, and a top end extending downward from the opening. The boot may further include a calf portion for enclosing a portion of the wearer's calf, the calf portion having a top opening disposed at a top end of the calf portion, and a bottom opening disposed at the bottom end of the calf portion, wherein the bottom end of the calf portion can overlap the top end of the shoe portion so as to form a friction fit between the bottom end of the calf portion and the top end of the shoe portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.