Abstract: A shoe or sneaker includes a hydromagnetic joint having a first joint part including a first magnetic element having a first magnetically charged surface, and a first buoyant element coupled with the first magnetic element. The first buoyant element overlies a surface of the first magnetic element that is opposite the first magnetically charged surface. The shoe includes a second joint part including a second magnetic element having a second magnetically charged surface that opposes the first magnetically charged surface of the first magnetic element, and a second buoyant element coupled with the second magnetic element. The second buoyant element overlies a surface of the second magnetic element that is opposite the second magnetically charged surface. A liquid is disposed between the first and second joint parts. The first and second joint parts are moveable relative to one another and are in fluid communication with the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a piece of shock absorption footwear that includes a base athletic shoe that includes a bottom, a sole disposed on the bottom of the base athletic shoe, the sole includes a heel portion, the heel portion of the sole forms an open wedge, where the open wedge has a top inside surface and a bottom inside surface. The top inside surface and the bottom inside surface are brought closer together when the user steps on a surface and a plurality of magnets on the top inside surface and the bottom inside surface of the open wedge form a magnetic field between the top inside surface and the bottom inside surface.

Abstract: Embodiments relating to a lightweight sole structure are disclosed. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a lobed member having a protruding portion associated with a cleat member. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a chambered member located in an indention in an intermediate member. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a cleat member having an outer layer, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer. In some embodiments, a method of making a sole structure may include injecting a chambered member in between an upper member and an intermediate member. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a plurality of zones having varying degrees of flexibility. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include cleat members having penetrating portions for penetrating into the ground surface.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper; an outer midsole having a base coupled to the upper, and a rim portion extending from the periphery of the base, wherein the rim portion defines a plurality of spaced apart gaps; and an inner midsole disposed interiorly to the rim portion, wherein a portion of the inner midsole is disposed in at least one gap.

Abstract: A shock absorbing shoe with a triangle shock absorbing space, the shoe having an outsole and a midsole, wherein the midsole is divided into upper and lower midsoles, a plurality of upper seating holes provided on opposite sides of the upper midsole behind an area corresponding to an arch region of a foot sole, a plurality of lower seating holes provided on opposite sides of the lower midsole. The shoe includes a shock absorbing means having a body member formed longitudinally between the upper and lower midsoles, and wing members provided on opposite sides of the body member. Each wing member includes an upper inclined portion inclined upwards to be received in the associated upper seating hole, a lower inclined portion inclined downwards to be received in the associated lower seating hole, and a connecting portion connecting the upper and lower inclined portions.

Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slip-on boot with fit features that enable snug fit while still allowing for convenient foot entry and exit. Related methods of using and manufacturing a slip-on boot are also provided.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable bladders for use in articles of manufacture. The method includes the steps of providing a first polymer film, applying a curable release coating to the polymer film in a pattern that corresponds to the configuration of the inflatable bladder, curing the release coating to the first polymer film, providing a second polymer film with the first polymer film to form a layered element such that the release coating is disposed between the polymer films, positioning the layered element between two plies of material, applying heat and pressure to adhere the polymer films together except in the area where the release coating has been applied to form an inflatable compartment surrounded by a sealed perimeter, and removing the plies of material from the adhered first and second polymer films.

Abstract: An article of footwear which has a body consisting of a polymer material, and which is shaped to closely surround a wearer's foot during use. The article of footwear has a planar insert locatable within the body portion to improve the puncture resistance of the footwear. The body may be formed as a single homogenous piece of moulded material and is deformable between a storage condition and an in use condition.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include a plurality of slots. The slots are associated with connecting portions that connect portions of the sole structure in the generally longitudinal direction and provide for increased fit, flexibility and stability.

Abstract: The shoe is a foldable shoe with sufficient rigidity during use but allows for folding during periods of non-use. The shoe has an upper which is made of a flexible material that makes it possible to push the upper together in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. In a portion of the shoe there are reinforcing elements which run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shoe and maintain the form of the shoe in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. Rigid material is formed around the toe area and the heel area of the shoe. To make the shoe sufficiently rigid for use, an outer element that clamps onto the reinforcing elements, a stiff insole, or both is used.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: The invention is a shoe with an upper and a sole member. The sole member has multiple individual pieces connected to each other by connectors. The connectors are placed below the top surface of the sole member and above the bottom surface of the sole member. The connectors may connect the individual pieces of the sole member laterally and longitudinally.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure extends longitudinally from a back edge to a front edge of the article of footwear and transversely from a medial side to a lateral side of the article of footwear. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-contacting layer. A first rib projects upward from the ground-contacting layer. The rib has side walls and an end wall. A channel is defined by the side walls and end wall. The channel opens downward through the ground-contacting layer and has a depth extending above the ground-contacting layer. The rib may have a multi-stage vertical stiffness profile. The sole structure may include a midsole attached to the outsole. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.

Abstract: A chamber may have an outer barrier and a tensile member. The barrier is formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity. The tensile member is located within the interior cavity and includes (a) a first layer element secured to the barrier, (b) a second layer element secured to an opposite portion of the barrier, and (c) a plurality of I-shaped tether elements that extend through the first layer element and the second layer element. In some configurations, the tether elements may include (a) a first end member located between the barrier and the first layer element, (b) a second end member located between the barrier and the second layer element, and (c) a central member extending through the first layer element and the second layer element and secured to the first end member and the second end member.

Abstract: A ballet shoe has elastic in place of a conventional drawstring. The ballet shoe of the present invention eliminates the need for a drawstring, making it easier for children to put on their own shoe as well as making it safer, as untied shoes (or those that become untied) can be a tripping hazard. Without a drawstring, the ballet shoes provide a neat appearance while still fitting on the user's foot and minimize the need for shoe repair due to broken drawstrings.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper formed of a flexible upper material and a sole formed of a flexible sole material, wherein the sole is rolled, folded, or collapsed onto itself to reduce the volume of the article of footwear. The article of footwear in a collapsed state can then be packaged in a container. This container can be dispensed by a vending machine in a convenient urban area.

Abstract: An article having a primary use associated with an open position thereof, and a secondary use associated with a closed position thereof. The primary use is that of a piece of clothing, and the secondary use is that of a storage container. The article comprises a pouch portion (12) having an opening (20), the pouch constituting, in the open position of the article, a functional portion of said piece of clothing, and, in a the closed position of the article, a storage pocket.

Abstract: An article of footwear with flexing portions disposed in an arch portion of a sole system is disclosed. The flexing portions in the sole system increase the curling toe flexibility of the article of footwear. In addition, the sole system includes trapping portions that enhance the ability of a wearer to stop and capture a ball. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes an asymmetric fastening system biased toward a medial side of the article.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a groove that separates the sole assembly into first and second portions. Moreover, the article of footwear includes a flexible cord including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends through the sole assembly and across the groove between the first portion and the second portion. The article of footwear also includes an adjustment device that is operably coupled to the first end and the second end. The adjustment device is configured to move at least one of the first end and the second end to selectively adjust tension of the flexible cord between a first tension level and a second tension level. The first portion is more rotatable about the groove relative to the second portion at the first tension level as compared to the second tension level.

Abstract: An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion. A shaft runs longitudinally along a lower sole and the shaft is rotatable along its axis. A mechanical interface between the shaft and the shoe portion keeps the shoe portion in horizontal synchronization with the shaft, thereby shoe portion maintains horizontal position with respect to the shaft and a forward set of points on each of the shoe portion and the shaft converge and diverge to and from each other at the same rate as a rearward set of points on each of the shoe portion and the shaft.

Abstract: An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion having a sole. The sole has a toe area and a heel area. The sole is capable of bending at a point between the toe area and the heel area. A lower sole has a toe area and a heel area and is bendable at a point between the toe area and the heel area. A heel mechanism interfaces the shoe heel area to the lower sole heel area and holds the shoe heel sole area in horizontal synchronization with the lower heel sole area thereby maintaining a same horizontal position between the heel areas and allowing front and rear ends of the heel areas to close and open at the same rate. A spring or other device pushes the heel areas away from each other, thereby absorbing energy upon impact and releasing the energy on step-off.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a multi-directional sole structure including a flex groove system is disclosed. The flex groove system includes a plurality of longitudinal flex grooves and lateral flex grooves that divide the sole structure into a plurality of segments. The flex groove system also includes a plurality of diagonal flex grooves that intersect the corners of the plurality of segments. The flex grooves system can provide enhanced flexibility for the sole structure and can enhance multi-directional flexing.

Abstract: An athletic shoe configured to efficiently attenuate plantar loading forces is disclosed. The shoe toebox includes a region of increased stretchability aligned to intercept a big toe of a foot abruptly moving forward within the shoe. The increased stretchability region defines a damping passageway through the toebox material through which a front portion of the big toe can pass externally of an at rest outer peripheral surface of the toebox. The region of increased stretchability may include a cutout portion through the toebox with an associated elastic layer or web that stretches to open a passageway for the big toe into and through the cutout portion. The elastic layer can comprise porous material for ventilating the toebox while keeping foreign matter out, and urges refraction of material forming the cutout portion back toward its initial configuration upon retraction of the big toe from the passageway.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially to a sport shoe, comprising a shoe upper (2) and a sole (3) which is connected with the shoe upper (2), wherein the sole (3) comprises an upper sole element (4) as well as a lower sole element (5), wherein the upper sole element (4) has a surface (6) on which the sole of foot of the wearer of the shoe (1) rests during intended use of the shoe (1). To accomplish that the drying of the shoe can take place with simple means in an improved manner the invention suggests that between the upper sole element (4) and the lower sole element (5) at least one spring element (7) is effectively arranged, which spring element is designed and arranged in such a manner that the upper sole element (4) rests on the lower sole element (5) due to the weight of the wearer of the shoe (1), and that at least a part of the upper sole element (4) lifts from the lower sole element (5) due to the force of the spring element (7) during non-use of the shoe (1).

Abstract: Material for mitigating impact forces with collision durations in nanoseconds to milliseconds range is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an object wearable on or against a human body comprises one of a layer of polyurea material and plug of polyurea material, and the layer of polyurea material or plug of polyurea material is positioned within the object or on the object between the human body and an outer structure of the object.

Abstract: An article of infant footwear includes a sole made of a flexible, compliant layer of material with a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. The article of infant footwear includes an upper attached to the sole, the upper and the sole together define a void to receive a foot. The upper has a heel cap independently movable relative to a remaining portion of the upper. The article of infant footwear further includes lateral and medial expanders. The lateral expander has a first end attached to a lateral heel portion of the upper and a second end attached to the heel cap. The medial expander has a first end attached to a medial heel portion of the upper and a second end attached to the heel cap. Each expander independently moves between a relaxed state and a stretched state to accommodate receipt of the infant foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a shoe, which includes an outer sole assembly and an upper, the sole assembly including a first comfort layer and a reinforcement layer, the first comfort layer being located between the reinforcement layer and the upper. The reinforcement layer includes a first portion and a second portion connected to one another by a bridge, the first and second portions being fixed to the comfort layer, the bridge being opposite the comfort layer and not fixed to the comfort layer.

Abstract: The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having an upper, a footbed, an outsole, and a bladder that is disposed between the footbed and the outsole includes providing a plurality of layers. The layers include a top, outsole, first bladder, and second bladder layer. Also, the method includes molding the layers together substantially simultaneously to form the upper, the footbed, the outsole, and the bladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to parts having a foamed polymeric material attached to a fabric, and systems and methods for forming same. An example method of attaching foamed polymeric material to a fabric layer includes providing a mold having at least one cavity and at least one material injection channel in fluid communication with the cavity, disposing a fabric over the at least one cavity, closing the mold, injecting unfoamed polymeric material into the at least one cavity through the material injection channel, wherein the unfoamed polymeric material penetrates at least a portion of the fabric proximate the at least one cavity to attach the polymeric material to the fabric layer, and foaming the unfoamed polymeric material.

Abstract: A skate boot or other piece of footwear is provided with a flexible midfoot section that is not rigidly connected to either a sole and/or base of the boot, in order to adjustably tighten around the bottom, sides, and/or top of the wearer's midfoot to provide arch support and uniform snugness. The midfoot section is in a “hammock” type arrangement while the bail and heel portions of the wearer's foot rests on the footbed over the respective sole portions.

Abstract: A combination sock and shoe includes a shoe sole, an exterior sock that is secured to the shoe sole, an intermediate sock positioned inside the exterior sock, and an interior sock positioned inside the exterior sock and inside the intermediate sock. The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. The exterior and interior socks conceal the intermediate sock from view by sandwiching the intermediate sock between them. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot and holds the wearer's foot to the shoe sole, thereby preventing the shoe sole from separating away from the heel of the wearer's foot during walking.

Abstract: A directionally flexible shank for an article of footwear is disclosed, which provides support to the bottom of a user's foot while providing flexibility for foot movements in one or more particular directions. The directionally flexible shank may also support the arch of the foot. The directionally flexible shank may include a plurality of articulatable segments that can easily rotate with respect to each other in a first direction and thereby permit the directionally flexible shank to flex away from the foot, while limiting articulation in an opposite direction. The articulatable segments are connected to each other via hinge structures, which may include living hinges formed of a thermoplastic material. The hinge structures may also be formed from a flexible sheet attached to a bottom portion of the directionally flexible shank. Methods are also disclosed for manufacturing the directionally flexible shank.

Abstract: Waterproof footwear having a liner material, insole, and sealing carrier are described herein. The sealing carrier includes one or more layers containing a flowable polymer adapted to flow upon application of energy in order to impart a waterproof seal.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, includes a unidirectional bending element. The unidirectional bending element enables a dorsal bending of the sole (bending of the sole in the direction upward and away from the ground) and blocks a plantar bending of the sole (bending of the sole in the direction downward and towards the ground). The unidirectional bending element may be arranged at a first layer of the sole and may vertically project from the first layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle and lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion. One structural element of such footwear may comprise a top collar yoke having anterior and posterior gussets forming a channel and a shoe comprising a rotation zone supporting the channel and an elastomeric zone forming a tension spring via an elastomeric overlay or otherwise providing a spring-like member approximately parallel to and to assist the Achilles tendon during locomotion.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole defining a lateral side and a medial side, an upper attached to the sole, and a resilient member positioned within the sole. The resilient member includes a plurality of arms including a medial arm extending along the medial side of the sole and a lateral arm extending along the lateral side of the sole, wherein an end of the medial arm is connected to an end of the lateral arm.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a sole defining a bending feature (e.g., a groove) between a phalanges portion and a metatarsus portion of the sole. The bending feature allows the phalanges sole portion to articulate upward with respect to the metatarsus sole portion. An upper is attached to the sole and defines a foot void for receiving a human foot. The upper has a phalanges portion that defines at least one toe receiver volume. The at least one toe receiver volume defines a raised shape with respect to an adjacent metatarsus portion of the upper. Articulation of the phalanges sole portion and substantially unrestricted toe lift movement into the at least one toe receiver volume allows substantially unrestricted upward toe flexion of a received foot in the foot void.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an outsole structure having a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The midfoot portion includes a series of ribs cooperating to define a series of pockets disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The plurality of pockets include a smaller volume proximate to a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the outsole structure and a greater volume proximate to an outboard, lateral edge and an outboard, medial edge of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes: a foam base; a lateral pod assembly haying a plurality of pods fluidly connected in series disposed below the foam base, wherein the lateral pod assembly extends from a heel portion of the sole to a forefoot portion of the sole along a lateral side of the sole; and a medial pod assembly having a plurality of pods fluidly connected in series disposed below the foam base, wherein the medial pod assembly extends from a heel portion of the sole to a forefoot portion of the sole along a medial side of the sole, wherein a portion of the foam base extends between the lateral pod assembly and the medial pod assembly.

Abstract: A foldable footwear for easy storage, comprising an upper; an insole having a top surface and a bottom surface; the insole defining a first folding member comprising a U-shaped indentation in the top surface; a padding layer positioned on the top surface of the insole; and an outsole attached to the bottom surface of the insole and the upper, the outsole defining a second folding member, wherein the first and second folding members are positioned at an approximate middle section of the footwear and act together to ease folding of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper formed of a flexible upper material and a sole formed of a flexible sole material, wherein the sole is rolled, folded, or collapsed onto itself to reduce the volume of the article of footwear. The article of footwear in a collapsed state can then be packaged in a container. This container can be dispensed by a vending machine in a convenient urban area.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion and a second portion that are separated by a groove. Also, the article of footwear includes a biasing structure that is elongate and nonextendable. The biasing structure is operably coupled to the sole assembly to bias the first and second portions of the sole assembly generally toward each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a multi-directional sole structure including a flex groove system is disclosed. The flex groove system includes a plurality of longitudinal flex grooves and lateral flex grooves that divide the sole structure into a plurality of segments. The flex groove system also includes a plurality of diagonal flex grooves that intersect the corners of the plurality of segments. The flex grooves system can provide enhanced flexibility for the sole structure and can enhance multi-directional flexing.