Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.

Abstract: A shoe structure specifically designed to more securely fit a wider range of feet widths and proportions by providing an integrated resilient heel device in the rearfoot region of the upper. The heel device extends upward and rearward toward the back of the foot to avoid the bulbous end of the calcaneus but also to engage the area just above the heel bone. The heel device has opposing portions that are biased toward one another and provide a secure but comfortable engagement of the shoe onto the wearer's heel. The heel device is smaller than the size of the shoe into which it is incorporated to enhance the biasing effect of the opposing portions.

Abstract: A shoe with a height-adjustable heel including a heel having a first heel member fixedly attached to the sole and a second heel member telescopically disposed within the first heel member which is operated by a hydraulic pump disposed in the first heel member and a pump lever, pivotally disposed on a rear wall of the first heel member, by which the hydraulic pump is activated to extend and retract the second heel member to respectively lengthen and shorten the heel and which also includes a twist-lock valve mechanism in a heel tip that controls the passage of air into the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole that provides friction between the playing surface and the player's foot. In some embodiments, the article footwear includes a sole having a plurality of elongated studs in the heel region in addition to a back lateral stud having a rounded or circular shape located in the back lateral area of the heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible athletic shoe featuring an athletic shoe having a foot portion with an inner cavity, the foot portion can move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first strap extending out of a first side of the sole area of the athletic shoe and a second strap extending out of a second side of the sole area of the athletic shoe, wherein the first and second straps function to secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position, the first and second straps can be temporarily secured together via a first attachment means; and a heel strap disposed on the heel portion of the shoe, the heel strap functions to further secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A shoe assembly and decorative shoe accessories for attachment to various parts of a shoe are disclosed. The decorative shoe accessories comprise a substantially U or C-shaped heel cover, the heel cover having first and second front ends and a back end. The heel cover has an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein when the heel cover is slipped over a heel of the shoe tension created when the first and second front ends are moved away from each other holds the heel cover in place over at least part of the heel. The outer surface of the heel cover has a decorative pattern. The decorative shoe accessories also comprise a toe box cover having a top surface and a bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a cushioning system comprising a lower sole element and an upper sole element. The cushioning system further comprises at least one lever having at least two arms where an angle ? between the arms lies within the range 0°<?<180°. The first arm is connected to a deformation element and the second arm is connected to one of the two sole elements, wherein the lever is pivotably arranged at the other sole element.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a sports shoe (10) having an upper part (12) configured to receive the foot (14) of a wearer and a sole arrangement (16) which is inclined so as to reduce in height in a forwards direction, wherein the sole arrangement (16) includes a rigid portion (40) and a compressible portion (28) where the rigid portion (40) is thinner than the compressible portion (28) and, in use, is provided between the compressible portion (28) and the foot (14) of the wearer, wherein further the rigid portion (40), in use, is provided beneath the heel (22), lateral aspect of the mid foot, the fifth metatarsal bone (52) and the fifth metatarsal joint (34) of the foot (14) of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in weight lifting is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a non-deforming midsole. Also, the article of footwear includes a raised heel and a substantially flat bottom surface. Additionally, the article of footwear includes holes formed along the bottom of the midsole in order to reduce the weight of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe allows the shoe to be rapidly entered and readied for wearing by the user. The shoe may be any of a wide variety of shoe types, including shoes of a wide variety of styles and functions. The rapid entry features of the shoes utilize various movable elements that are attached to a sole portion or other portion of the shoe and allow movement of a portion of the shoe under pressure to allow rapid entry of the user's foot into the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear including heel portion movable relative to the forefoot portion from a first articulated configuration to a second articulated configuration is provided. An articulation assembly having a forefoot articulation member and a heel articulation member is also provided. The articulation assembly couples the forefoot portion to the heel portion and includes a hinge mechanism and a cam mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a pin located within a socket. The cam mechanism may include a cam surface and a protrusion configured to ride on the cam surface. The article of footwear may include a locking mechanism having a first locking element that engages a second locking element in the first articulated configuration. The first locking element may be a first concavity formed in a surface and the second locking element may be a protrusion configured to extend into the first concavity in the first articulated configuration.

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

Abstract: An article of footwear including a forefoot portion and a heel portion movable relative to the forefoot portion from a first articulated configuration to a second articulated configuration is provided. An articulation assembly having a forefoot articulation member and a heel articulation member is also provided. The articulation assembly couples the forefoot portion to the heel portion and includes a hinge mechanism and a cam mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a pin located within a socket. The cam mechanism may include a cam surface and a protrusion configured to ride on the cam surface. The article of footwear may include a locking mechanism having a first locking element that engages a second locking element in the first articulated configuration. The first locking element may be a first concavity formed in a surface and the second locking element may be a protrusion configured to extend into the first concavity in the first articulated configuration.

Abstract: An easy-to-wear lace up article of footwear includes a forefoot opening intended to be secured by a lacing system and a second opening at the rear heel part of the shoe which is secured by a rear tongue and a rear lacing system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved shoe comprising: a shoe having a heel; a cavity defined in said heel; and, a spring assembly for being received in said cavity and attached to said shoe having a plurality of leaf springs. The invention can also include a vibration damping element carried by each of said leaf springs. The invention can also include non-slick coverings carried by each of said leaf springs.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, an upper attached to the outsole and a heel portion attached to the outsole and movably connected to the upper. The heel portion is movable between a support position, where the heel portion is substantially transverse to the outsole, and a mule position, where the heel portion is substantially parallel to the outsole. A cushioning heel pad is attached to an outer surface of the heel portion, where the heel pad has a designated thickness and contacts and supports a user's heel when the heel portion is in the mule position.

Abstract: Footwear sole structures include: (a) a chassis member including a lateral side, a rear heel portion, and a medial side, wherein the chassis member includes an opening defined between the medial side and the lateral side; (b) an impact-attenuating member engaged with the chassis member, wherein the impact-attenuating member includes a lateral side arm and a medial side arm that extend toward a forefoot portion of the sole structure, and wherein the impact-attenuating member further includes a rear heel portion joining the lateral and medial side arms; and (c) an outsole element extending beneath the impact-attenuating member, wherein the outsole element extends around the rear heel portion of the impact-attenuating member and engages the rear heel portion of the chassis member.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole assembly; an upper attached to the sole assembly; a heel counter on the upper, the heel counter having an upper edge and including a first connector portion that extends along the upper edge; and a heel insert removably attached to the heel counter along its upper edge, the heel insert having a corresponding second connector portion that mates with the first connector portion of the heel counter.

Abstract: A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which includes a front body for accommodating phalanxes of a foot, a rear body for accommodating a heel of the foot, an internal lateral body and an external lateral body linking the front body and the rear body, and a sole. The shoe has a clamping device for exerting a pressure essentially laterally on the rear body and a clamping member and pinching members for cooperating with the clamping device and wherein the pinching members are positioned laterally on either side of a median strip of the rear body and whereby the pinching members place force against the median strip by tightening of the clamping device.

Abstract: A shoe has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion and comprises a sole having a base layer, a heel pedestal extending from the base layer, a lateral stabilizer pedestal extending from the base layer and positioned at least partially beneath the cuboid bone, and a medial stabilizer pedestal extending from the base layer and positioned at least partially beneath the navicular bone. During bipedal locomotion, the weight of a person wearing the shoe is supported on at least one of the heel pedestal, the lateral stabilizer pedestal, and the medial stabilizer pedestal, thereby transferring the person's weight from the heel pedestal, to the lateral stabilizer pedestal, and to the medial stabilizer pedestal. The heel pedestal, the lateral stabilizer pedestal, and the medial stabilizer pedestal include an outsole and a compressible base layer between the outsole and the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to enable anyone to replace a worn out or damaged heel simply by pulling out the heel and inserting a new heel without using a separate adhesive or work piece and a fastening element during replacement of the heel. Another object of the present invention is to securely hold a replaced heel and restrict the heel in horizontal, vertical and back-and-forth directions while in use to prevent separation and disengagement, thereby improving usability. Still another object of the present invention is to reduce shoe repair costs once a heel of the shoe is replaced and resolve any inconvenience and trouble involved in requesting repair by a shoe repair expert, thereby motivating customers to purchase shoes, as well as to increase the life of those shoes, thereby improving the economic value and be environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the construction of a shoe that is comprised of a disengageable-heel portion that may be disengaged from an upper. Disengagement of the heel portion from the upper allows the heel portion to fold away from the upper, which exposes a heel-end opening that a foot may pass through to gain entry to the interior of the shoe. Additionally, a stretchable lacing material may be utilized to allow the shoe to absorb energy exerted on to it by a wearer of the shoe without disengaging the heel portion from the upper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, an upper attached to the outsole and a heel portion attached to the outsole and movably connected to the upper. The heel portion is movable between a support position, where the heel portion is substantially transverse to the outsole, and a mule position, where the heel portion is substantially parallel to the outsole. A cushioning heel pad is attached to an outer surface of the heel portion, where the heel pad has a designated thickness and contacts and supports a user's heel when the heel portion is in the mule position.

Abstract: Described herein is a plurality of athletic shoes including a sole portion comprising a toe end and a heel end having a medial side edge extending from a midline of the heel end to a midline of the toe end and a lateral side edge extending from a midline of the heel end to the midline of the toe end; an upper portion comprising a medial portion having a lower edge attached to the medial side edge of the sole portion and extending from the midline of the toe end to around the medial side; the medial portion comprising a heel end portion for contacting with at least a portion of a wearer's heel and having a forefoot portion for contacting with at least a portion of the wearer's forefoot; and a lateral portion having a lower edge securely attached to the lateral side edge of the sole portion and extending from the midline of the toe end along the lateral side to a point before the midline of the heel end; the lateral portion comprising a heel end portion for contacting with at least a portion of the wearer's hee

Abstract: Shoes having midsoles with heel support, specifically designed to facilitate production via efficient shoe manufacturing methods and systems are described. In embodiments, the shoe upper is designed by way of a flat forming process. Additionally, in embodiments upper forms may be coupled with dual hardness midsole structures that provide heel support and eliminate the need for a heel counter in the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe structure specifically designed to more securely fit a wider range of feet widths and proportions by providing an integrated resilient heel device in the rearfoot region of the upper. The heel device extends upward and rearward toward the back of the foot to avoid the bulbous end of the calcaneus but also to engage the area just above the heel bone. The heel device has opposing portions that are biased toward one another and provide a secure but comfortable engagement of the shoe onto the wearer's heel. The heel device is smaller than the size of the shoe into which it is incorporated to enhance the biasing effect of the opposing portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wedge type article of footwear having a concealed storage cavity for storing personal items, including but not limited to, small wallets, coin purses, keys, money, credit cards, makeup, pepper spray, small cellular telephones, tampons, etc., for increased personal safety and increased convenience.

Abstract: Footwear includes a shaft and a shell connected to the shaft. The shaft includes an expandable portion adapted to expand to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a heel of a foot into and out of the shell. The expandable portion is surrounded by a material forming the shaft.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member or by striking the heel on a hard surface and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear. The footwear may comprise a sole for supporting a foot and vamp means for extending from the sole. A heel restraint may extend from either side of the vamp means. The heel restraint may comprise biasing means for biasing the heel restraint to extend around the upper heel of the foot so that the foot is restrained from slipping from the footwear. The heel restraint may be able to be moved from the upper heel and toward the sole so that the foot can be slipped from the footwear. The footwear of the present invention, in many embodiments, is less prone to cause discomfort than other known footwear, owing to the fact that the heel restraint extends from the vamp means.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a forefoot portion and a heel portion movable relative to the forefoot portion from a first articulated configuration to a second articulated configuration is provided. An articulation assembly having a forefoot articulation member and a heel articulation member is also provided. The articulation assembly couples the forefoot portion to the heel portion and includes a hinge mechanism and a cam mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a pin located within a socket. The cam mechanism may include a cam surface and a protrusion configured to ride on the cam surface. The article of footwear may include a locking mechanism having a first locking element that engages a second locking element in the first articulated configuration. The first locking element may be a first concavity formed in a surface and the second locking element may be a protrusion configured to extend into the first concavity in the first articulated configuration.

Abstract: A shoe having a guard device disposed at or near the second end of the shoe to prevent injury to the back of the wearer's foot from an impact force against the second end of the shoe. Preferably, the guard device has a body member that extends substantially from the bottom of the shoe to the top of the shoe at the second end thereof to protect against an impact anywhere between the sole and the top of the shoe. The body member of the guard device can be made out of metal, hard plastic or rigid composites and be rod-like, a rectangular plate or curved to conform to the shape of the heel. The guard device can be embedded inside the shoe body or be affixed to the outer surface of the shoe body. The shoe can be configured as a conventional shoe, safety shoe or boot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a shank area located between a forefoot portion and a rear foot portion of the sole, an upper including an inner counter and an outer counter, and a pivot mechanism attaching the outer counter to the sole so as to permit the outer counter to pivot relative to the inner counter at a pivot point located at the shank area of the sole. The outer counter pivots between an open position away from the inner counter and a closed position in supporting engagement with the inner counter. The pivot mechanism may be a mechanical, composite, or living hinge. The article of footwear may further include a locking mechanism for selectively securing the outer counter in the closed position in supporting engagement with the inner counter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydro-mechanical shoe which generates electrical energy while walking.

Abstract: A shoe with a permanent magnet including a basic body having a magnetic North Pole and a magnetic South Pole and being elastically deformable solves the problem of realizing a shoe which is able to provide its wearer with information about the material properties and the condition of the shoe.

Abstract: A sole (1) for a pedestrian's shoe or a slipover device (18) for such a shoe has a base consisting of a non-woven microfibre material made of thermoplastic polyester PVC knobs or polyamide. The microfibre material is exposed in an arcuate section (5) in the front foot portion (2), in the mid-foot portion (3) and in a wheel-shaped section (6) in the heel portion (4) of the sole. An elastomer material is deposited as rounded knobs onto the microfibre material in a fore portion (7) of the front foot portion (2) and in a ring (8) and sectors (9) in the heel portion (4) of the sole (1). A PVC material is deposited, also in the form of rounded knobs, in a transverse band (10) in the front foot portion (2) and in a larger part (11) of the heel portion (4) so as to surround the ring (8). The use of the microfibre material as a means of enhancing friction on an icy surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear with heel webbing is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an elastic member along a heel portion. The elastic member is associated with a heel protector. The heel protector is attached to the outsole of the article of footwear at one end and to a portion of the elastic member at another end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional footwear having a shock absorber of an operating member adapted to absorb the shock applied during the wearer's walking, such that as first and second arms and a second magnet are operated by the shock-absorbing operation, a vibration plate having a first magnet is automatically vibrated by the generation of the repulsive force with respect to the second magnet, which makes the wearer excited during walking, thereby providing pleasant walking to him or her. Especially, the magnetic field generated from the first magnet provided on the end portion of the vibration plate stimulates the acupuncture spots on the wearer's foot sole and accelerates his or her blood circulation, thereby greatly improving his or her health.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pedicure boot having a forward end of an upper member detachably secured to the forward end of the sole member to enable the toes of the user to be exposed and then covered as needed without having the forward end of the upper member detached from the pedicure boot.

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

Abstract: A sneaker-like or exercise shoe with an adjustable, posterior heel strap that provides for a one size fits all configuration. A plurality of peripheral hook members are positioned around the mid-section and toe portion of the shoe for attaching an elastic or stretchable band. Specifically, the plurality of hook members are positioned (A) on the inside of the foot at the medial portion of the 1st metatarsal distal end; (B) on the outside of the foot at the lateral medial portion of the 5th metatarsal distal end; and (C) on the distal end of the 2nd metatarsal. At the back of the shoe the strap goes around the posterior calcaneus of a foot for adjustable sizes.

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

Abstract: Footwear includes a shaft and a shell connected to the shaft. The shaft includes an expandable portion adapted to expand to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a heel of a foot into and out of the shell. The expandable portion is surrounded by a material forming the shaft.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of foot apparel that includes a platform curved to anticipate the natural movement of a foot. The method includes forming the platform with a heel pad having a geometric center point. The method also includes connecting a retaining covering to the platform that is configured to retain a foot at the front of the platform and to allow the heel of the foot to move freely relative to the heel pad. The article of foot apparel conforms more closely to the actual physiology of the foot and allows the heel of the foot to remain centered in the heel pad when worn.

Abstract: A shoe (1), having a toe section (2), and a heel section (3). The heel section (3), either totally or partly detachable from the toe section (2). Once at least partly detached, the shoe may be easily slipped onto the foot of a wearer, without the wearer having to bend or apply pressure to their foot to install or remove the shoe. In the embodiments in which the shoe is partly detached, the heel section (3) may be rotated relative to the toe section (2), either sideways or downwards. The detachable fastening means (4) may incorporate zippers, Velcro™ or other fastening means.

Abstract: A shoe outsole has a heel post extending outwardly therefrom. An outer heel cover has a hole for receiving the heel post in an assembled position. The heel post thus acts as a convenient positioning guide for the heel cover. A plurality of fluid-filled heel cushioning members at least partly surrounds the heel post between the outsole and the cover in the assembled position, for cushioning heel impacts during use of the footwear. A plurality of dividers on the outsole extend radially of the heel post, and position each cushioning member between a pair of the dividers. The dividers thus act as convenient positioning guides for the cushioning members. The cushioning members have different resistances to compression for adjustably cushioning heel impacts during use of the footwear.

Abstract: An exemplary wheeled footwear or skate is provided that may include footwear with an upper portion, a sole with a forefoot, an arch, a heel with an opening formed in the bottom surface of the heel with at least one wheel that rolls partially in the opening, at least one wheel adjacent the left side of the forefoot, and at least one wheel adjacent the right side of the forefoot. A user may roll on a surface using the wheels in the opening in the heel, and those positioned adjacent or near the left and right side of the forefoot. In other embodiments, the wheeled footwear may include removable wheels such that the wheeled footwear may be used in three configurations that may include: (i.) walking or running, (ii.) heel rolling, and (iii.) skating using wheels positioned adjacent the forefoot and the heel.