Abstract: This disclosure relates in certain embodiments to protective footwear comprising a flexible strap that can be wrapped around a bare foot in order to provide protection and traction to the ball and heel of the foot. The footwear can provide protection from rough or hot surfaces, for example swimming pool decks or hot sand at the beach. The footwear can also provide traction for the user on wet or slippery surfaces. The footwear is designed to minimally cover the foot, giving the user a “barefoot” feeling, while still providing protection and traction to the pressure points (e.g., ball and heel) of the foot. The footwear can be securely fastened to the user's foot such that it does not fall off during routine physical activity (e.g., swimming, walking, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outsole for a shoe which lessens the impact on a wearer's heel region to aid in preventing and treating heel spurs. The rear portion of the outsole comprises a heel region having a cut-out in a center part of the heel region such that the center part of the heel region never contacts a surface when worn. This aspect is central to the function of the present invention since the positioning of the cut-out eliminates impact on a wearer's heels. Rather, pressure from impact is distributed from the center of the heel to the outer edges of the heel region which symmetrically flank the cut-out. Finally, the present invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper attached with an outsole or formed as one piece with an outsole as previously described.

Abstract: A tongueless footwear includes a sole, a first side, an opposing second side, a canopy and a fastening system. The canopy is coupled to the first side and configured to extend over the second side thereby providing substantially direct support for the ankle and instep of a user.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure with openings formed therethrough is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper for receiving a foot of a wearer and a sole structure attached to the upper and positioned generally below the foot. The sole structure has at least one opening formed therein that extends through the sole structure. The at least one opening formed through the sole structure exposes the plantar surface of the foot of the wearer to a ground surface when the article of footwear is worn by the wearer, and is constructed so as to allow contact between the plantar surface of the foot and the ground surface.

Abstract: Multiple shoe types are made from a plurality of generic molded base frames including a midsole and at least one upper portion integrally molded together. A first set of upper components is provided for forming a first shoe type secured to a first portion of the base frames and a second set of upper components is provided for forming a second shoe type secured to a second portion of the base frames. The upper portion that is integrally molded with the midsole may be a forefoot panel or a quarter. The various types formed from the generic frame include sneakers, backless shoes, slip-ons, skate shoes and boots. The generic unitary molded frame construction substantially reduces the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A thermal treatment boot device is provided for the purposes of securing thermal treatment means to a foot or leg. The device comprises a supporting boot, a plurality of pocket recesses, and a set of securing straps. The supporting boot is shaped similar to a standard boot, but lacking a front portion. This structure allows a user with an injured foot or ankle to easily slide in and out of the same without bending the ankle joint. The device is secured to a user's foot and leg by a plurality of straps extending from one side of the supporting boot to the opposing side, wherein they are attached by a fastening means. Thermal treatment packs or ice may be inserted within pocket recesses along the lateral sides, posterior, and base of the supporting boot according to a user's preference and the nature of the injury.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a plurality of strips is disclosed. The connections between continuous portions of the article can be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures disposed in one or more continuous portions. One continuous portion may include a tongue portion of an article. The attachment of the tongue portion to a front of an article may be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures.

Abstract: The application relates to a sole (20) for footwear (10) which has a toe part (70) being made of a substantially inflexible material, a ball part (80) being made of a flexible material, and an instep-heel part (90) being made of a substantially inflexible material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the substantially inflexible material is carbon fiber in a thermoplastic epoxy resin and the flexible material of an aramide fiber in a thermoplastic epoxy resin. The application also teaches a shoe made with this sole and a method for the manufacture of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear for contact sports is disclosed. The article of footwear also includes pads disposed along its medial and lateral sides, including pads associated with the malleolus. Additionally holes along the toes, the bottom, and at the heel allow for increased contact of the user's foot with the ground, allowing greater feel and balance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outsole for a shoe which lessens the impact on a wearer's heel region to aid in preventing and treating heel spurs. The rear portion of the outsole comprises a heel region having a cut-out in a center part of the heel region such that the center part of the heel region never contacts a surface when worn. This aspect is central to the function of the present invention since the positioning of the cut-out eliminates impact on a wearer's heels. Rather, pressure from impact is distributed from the center of the heel to the outer edges of the heel region which symmetrically flank the cut-out. Finally, the present invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper attached with an outsole or formed as one piece with an outsole as previously described.

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: A shoe (100) provides a sole (105) under the ball of the foot (110) but none below the arch (112) or heel (113). An upper (104) encircles the metatarsal bones and the distal end of the tarsals. An inelastic ankle band (102) shaped as “C” holds the shoe on the foot. Support is mainly longitudinal, includes over the arch, may be adjustable, and is provided without causing foot distortion. Sensation from exposed parts of the foot promotes kinaesthetic procedure for teaching and learning dance. Variations enclose the dorsal part of the foot, some enclose the toes, and one optio is a toe box for en pointe.

Abstract: An article of footwear for contact sports is disclosed. The article of footwear also includes pads disposed along its medial and lateral sides, including pads associated with the malleolus. Additionally holes along the toes, the bottom, and at the heel allow for increased contact of the user's foot with the ground, allowing greater feel and balance.

Abstract: Disposable, anti-pathogen, anti-contamination barrier membrane structure characterized with drape, and adapted to be interposed the sole of the foot and a walking surface including (a) gossamer-thin, flexible, pathogen-blocking, sheet-like barrier material having an adhesion face, placeable, adhesively and removably, with light pressure, onto, and fully covering, from a perimetral point of view, the sole of a person's foot, and (b) low-tack, re-positionable adhesive structure resident on the adhesion face.

Abstract: A shoe having a rubberized sole, a heel section having a heel support, an at least partially covered toe section, and a generally open midsection extending from approximately the wearer's toe/instep joint to the front of the wearer's ankle. In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise waterproof materials or water resistant materials. The midsection may comprise a side rail that rises above the sole between the toe section and the heel section. The shoe may further comprise a strap anchored to one side of the shoe and adapted to wrap around the wearer's foot to a securing member on the other side of the shoe to secure the wearer's foot in the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe that greatly reduces and/or eliminates toe pressure, restriction and movement problems caused by the conventional shoe. The shoe would have either a completely open toe box, partially opened toe box, or a completely covered toe box. The toe box can be made of a flexible material, such that when the toes apply pressure, the toe box actually moves away thereby reducing pressure and reducing or eliminating associated pain on the toes and lastly, a flexible or non-flexible raised toe box section.

Abstract: An athletic training shoe that is designed to simulate beach training (exercising in sand) so as to provide the user with all of the positive effects of beach training which result in improved running speed, vertical jump, pedal agility and quickness. Such benefits are easily understood where greater demands are placed on an athlete's muscles when walking, running, or jumping on a beach as opposed to other common surfaces. The muscles of the lower leg are strengthened and elongated simultaneously as they are put through a broader range of motion. The athletic training shoe is comprised of a highly pliable, foot-receiving member which places the user's foot in an ample depth of sand simulating material contained by a material holding element, positioned specifically under the front portion of the user's foot. This causes the user's weight and momentum to be supported by the muscles of the lower leg and foot that control flexion of the foot and toes.

Abstract: The subject of this patent application is an improved walking and/or running shoe. The shoe is an assembly made up of four primary parts, namely, a means for exposing front portion of foot, a means for forming sole of shoe, a means for covering top of shoe, and a means for tying shoe. The means for exposing front portion of foot is the open or exposed area of the means for covering top of shoe, which exposes some, a portion, or all of the toes, and may include an additional indentation to expose some or all of the pinkie toe as well.

Abstract: A boot comprising an upper portion, an outersole portion, an optional midsole/wedge portion and a shell portion, wherein the shell portion is produced by the blow molding process. The shell portion may contain a midsole/wedge element inside or outside of its volumetric shape and it may also contain a pre-molded outersole which is replaced into the blow mold. The shell portion can be produced with thickness as little as 0.25 mm and weight as low as 25 grams. The shell portion may be constructed of any material that is extrudable. The shell portion is produced with mold cavities, but no mold core. The shell portion may be flocked internally with textile fibers. A pair of shell portions can be simultaneously produced from a single extrusion of material.

Abstract: An open toe sock that includes a foot engaging portion, a leg engaging portion, a thin resilient circumferential band, and a skid resistant sole. The foot engaging portion has a heel area, an open toe area that is disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion, and a bottom area that extends from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. The foot engaging portion replaceably and comfortably engages a foot of a wearer with toes of the foot of the wearer extending replaceably outwardly through the open toe area of the foot engaging portion and being exposed. The leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion, and replaceably and comfortably engages a leg of the wearer.

Abstract: An ironing board caddy for stowing ironing supplies and accessories. The caddy removably attaches to an ironing board so that the supplies and accessories are kept conveniently to hand during clothes ironing. The ironing board caddy is conveniently a wire form construction with a hanging member adapted to serve three functions: first, it is shaped to fit over the end of the ironing board to serve as a means of attachment of the caddy to the ironing board; second, it serves as a carrying handle when it is being moved from the ironing board to a storage place and vice versa; and finally, it serves as a wall hanger when the caddy is stored between uses. The caddy also has a basket member suspended from the hanging member to receive ironing supplies and accessories such as sprays, water bottles, and the like.

Abstract: A shoe is provided comprising a sole, a sock attached to the sole, and a form-retaining shell attached to the sole, at least partially enclosing the sock, and not attached to the sock above the region of the sole, such that the sole may flex in use. The shell, an ankle restraint fastener and a heelband provide ankle support.

Abstract: A protective shoe for use in contact sports of the martial arts comprising a unitary upper member constructed of a foam base defining an opening and side slits into which a foot can be inserted. An elastic strap provided with fasteners is secured to the upper member allowing the upper member to be attached around the ankle of the wearer. A sole is mounted to the bottom of the upper member to provide an enclosed toe area and an arch area with cutouts in the sole defining an open heel area and open ball of foot area. A protective instep pad and achilles tendon pad are secured to said upper member to give additional foot protection to the user.

Abstract: A sandal particularly well suited for surfing has an instep pad adapted to extend across the instep at the top of the foot and a traction surface adapted to extend across the bottom of the foot between the heel and the ball of the foot. An ankle strap holds the pad and sole rearward while a toe strap holds the pad and sole forward. A cross strap over the foot near the leg prevents the ankle strap from falling down around the heel. A traction surface is applied to the sole and a second traction surface is applied to the toe strap below the base of the toe. The sandal is constructed of neoprene for warmth and flexibility and the traction pads are preferably formed from a rubber. Loop and pile fasteners allow the straps to be adjusted.

Abstract: In order to produce a shoe without insole, the lasting fold of a shoe upper (4) is glued directly on the underside of a last (1), specifically with the use of an adhesive which is selectably releasable at some later time. Next, an outside sole (5), which is provided with an adhesive layer (6) in the area of the lasting fold and possibly in the area of the side leather, is glued to the shoe upper (4). Next, the adhesive power of the selectably releasable adhesive is cancelled, for example, by means of heating, and the adhesive power of the adhesive (6) between the shoe upper (4) and the outside sole (5) is increased. Now the last (1) can be removed from the completed shoe. Such a shoe without insole is particuarly suited as an orthopedic shoe which makes possible a direct contact between the foot and the soft upperside of the outside sole (5).

Abstract: A unitary leg and foot protective device of soft energy absorbing material which may be worn by a human comprising a lower portion for covering the top and sides of the foot of the wearer, a middle portion for covering the front and sides of the ankle of the wearer and an upper portion covering the shin of the wearer.

Abstract: A releasably attachable insulative covering for a skate shoe and comprising a covering panel adapted to envelop the skate shoe and fabricate it from thermally insulative material. The panel includes a toe covering portion, a heel covering portion, and an in-step covering portion therebetween, with flexible fastening means for releasably attaching the covering panel to the skate shoe. The flexible fastening means includes a plurality of mating interconnecting pairs of hooks and loops, and are mounted on the covering panel with one such mating pair being secured generally vertically along the rear portion of the panel to form a heel closure, and with another such mating pair being secured as cross-strap tab fasteners for coupling generally transversely across the undersurface of the arch portion of the skate shoe.

Abstract: A protective shoe for use during the practice of the art of karate and other sports. The shoe has a foot surrounding member shaped to surround a portion of the wearer's foot. The foot surrounding member is adapted to hold a shoe member shaped to surround the upper part of the foot. The shoe member is fabricated from a shock absorbing material.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided with an open-toe to facilitate cooling of the wearers' foot during running. The tongue of the shoe is attached to one side edge of the shoe.

Abstract: Karate protective equipment including a glove, a boot and a shinguard, is formed of an outer soft foam material and selectively positioned harder, inner foam layers for added protection.

Abstract: This foot protector includes a front portion providing protection for the toes and instep of the wearer and a rear portion protecting the ankles and heel, the protector being open at the bottom. The rear portion of the protector includes heel side margins extending downwardly from the top of the protector and terminating upwardly of the bottom to define separable side flap portions and a connecting lower portion for the rear side portions. The heel side margins include arcuate interconnected lower portions and an integrally formed reinforcing pad extends transversely of said side margins. A connector element releasably connects the separable side flap portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gymnastic footlet including a toe section for receiving the forward end of the foot and a securing strap attached to the toe section for wrapping around heel of the foot. The toe section includes a bottom portion extending over only the ball area on the bottom of the foot to provide the dancer or gymnast with an area of relatively low friction between the foot and the support surface. The heel of the foot is uncovered to provide the dancer or gymnast with an area of relatively high friction between the foot and the support surface. The footlet leaves uncovered most of the foot and the ankle area to free the wearer from any possible encumbrance and to expose the natural elegance thereof.

Abstract: This foot protector includes a front portion providing a protective cover for the toes and instep of the wearer and a wrap-around rear portion protecting the back and ankle portions of the foot, the protector being fully open at the bottom. The rear portion of the protector includes oppositely disposed sides extending above the front portion and the rear portion is formed into separable portions which are provided with lace openings. The upper side portions are also provided with lace openings so that the separated side portions can be laced together by a single lace which extends around the ankle to draw the sides together and secure the protector to the foot. Reinforcing strips are provided to strengthen the lace margins and the junction between the front and rear portions of the shoe.

Abstract: Apparatus in the form of a foot gloving having a plurality of padded surfaces for use in Karate fighting. The apparatus consists of a shoe-form gloving which is laceable for secure positioning on the foot, and the shoe is constructed of tough, resilient material having uniform padding at all surfaces and, in addition, having padding on sides, heel and toe where the conventional Karate foot blows make contact.

Abstract: This article protects the toe-end portion of the shoe upper of a drummer playing a trap set. It is formed from a single sheet of leather and has a flat sole portion that is the same general shape as the sole of the drummer's shoe has a pair of sides and a toe panel extending up at right angles to the sole portion, and has a tongue extending from the toe panel. The forward parts of the sides are cut away from the sole portion, turned in behind the toe panel and attached to the latter. A first pair of straps extend over the tongue to hold it securely against the arch of the drummer's foot. A second pair of straps extends around the heel of the drummer's foot to hold the formed leather piece in place over the forward part of the shoe.

Abstract: A protective device adapted to protect the foot and shin area of a person, said device comprising a first member adapted to fit about the heel area, a second member adapted to cover the top portion of the foot, and a third member covering at least a portion of the shin area, said three members being secured together to form a composite structure, each of said members being formed of a protective material.