Abstract: A shoe having one or more detachable and/or interchangeable outsoles is provided herein. The shoe may include a sole, a rear outsole (e.g., a stiletto, a wedge, etc.), and a forward outsole (e.g., a platform, etc.). The sole may be generally configured to support a wearer's foot, with the rear outsole being detachably coupled to a rear portion of the sole and the forward outsole being detachably coupled to a forward portion of the sole. By having two detachable outsoles (e.g., a detachable rear outsole and a detachable forward outsole), the shape, style, and design of the shoe can be varied/changed.

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray and a forefoot. The support system for a foot comprises of the following. A first portion configured to support an underside portion of the sustentaculum tali at or below the sustentaculum tali on the medial side of the foot to provide a force on the sustentaculum tali. A second portion configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third portion configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe (A) provided with an internal side (LI) and an external side (LE) and comprising a sole (I), an intermediate sole (3) and a reinforcement insert (4) joined with the intermediate sole (3) and comprising at least one lateral wing (42,43) which is inclined and disposed on the internal side (LI) or the external side (LE) of the shoe (A).

Abstract: An improved welt construction for use in a welted shoe is disclosed, in which the construction contains a number of components, including: (1) an anti-fatigue layer with tapered recesses for providing cushioning; (2) a rigid shock diffusion welt-frame back part; (3) a flexible forepart welt-frame; (4) a torsional shank; and (5) a flexible ply rib, which may surround a periphery of the support system. Methods of: (1) constructing a shoe utilizing the aforementioned welt construction; and (2) manufacturing the aforementioned welt construction through the use of a mold(s) are also disclosed.

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: 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: Disclosed is a footwear insole for alleviating arthritis pain of the foot, knee, and/or hip by providing a rigid shell layer for arch support, and a topcloth, an upper cushioning layer, and a lower cushioning layer for cushioning. Further, the rigid shell layer includes a shell aperture, and the lower cushioning layer includes a lower layer aperture, through which a portion of the upper cushioning layer extends for cushioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, particularly to a sports shoe, with a sole (1), wherein the sole (1) comprises at least one spring element (2), which spring element increases the bending stiffness of the sole (1) around an axis (Q) which is oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the sole (1). To create a shoe which sole has a sufficient bending stiffness and spring properties respectively without employing separate measures, i. e. without employing a spring element, the invention proposes that the sole comprises at least one receiving groove (3) for the at least one spring element (2), in which the spring element (2) is arranged in such a manner that it can slide at least along a part of its extension in longitudinal direction (L) relatively to the sole (1).

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure may include a flexible arch support adapted to provide support for a user's arch while permitting the arch to flex away from the user's foot. The flexible arch support may include a plurality of articulatable segments that, from a resting position, can rotate with respect to each other away from the user's foot, while resisting articulation in an opposite direction. The upper may include articulatable straps that secure the article of footwear to the user's foot while providing flexibility for foot bends or other movements.

Abstract: A shoe comprising: an assembly of a shoe upper and sole unit for supporting a foot, the assembly defining a foot compartment that orients a foot in an objective (desired) tri-planar alignment to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously: (1) the sustentaculum tali; (2) the lateral calcaneus; and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot. In certain embodiments the shoe compartment is configured to correct an adverse internal rotation of the talus by: (1) vertical lift on the ST; (2) varus movement of the calcaneus; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot.

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 invention concerns a shoe (10) including an upper (12), having lateral and medial sides, a midsole (14) joined to the upper (12), and an outsole (16) joined to the midsole (4). Shoe (10) is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system (18) comprising a lace (20) and tightening mechanism (22). Lace (20) is threaded through shank (24) positioned under the arch and heel wrap (26) and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism (22). In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace (18) is tensioned to draw shank (24) upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank (24) is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than the upper (12).

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 shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

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 aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole's sidewall.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a hard plastic high heel, a partial metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and extending forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and an open shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have a flexible insert in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather outer sole spanning a length and width of the shoe including a thinner middle section. In certain embodiments there is a front sole support originating from the front sole area and providing cushioning and support for the toe box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, and in particular but not exclusively a dance or performing arts shoe, comprising a separate shank portion (2) which engages with a separate toe box portion (3) to form a unitary part. The invention also relates to methods of construction of said shoe.

Abstract: A footwear sole includes a shank with a honeycomb reinforcement structure, heel aperture and rib receptacle in the bottom side of a front region of the shank. A fabric sheath surrounds the shank. Polymers are formed in the rib receptacle, in the heel aperture and on the top side of the shank. A foot bed insert is used with the shank. The foot bed insert includes a fabric upper layer, a foam forefoot component, a foam matrix connected to the foam forefoot component, a heel cradle and a heel strike region.

Abstract: A support structure for footwear includes a longitudinally extending member to which a plurality of laterally extending supports members are secured at spaced apart locations along a length of the longitudinal member. The support structure may extend along the entire length of a footwear or may be specifically designed for the forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot areas of a footwear. The support structure may be combined with plate-like structures or may include a plurality of longitudinally extending members. The lateral supports may extend in a generally horizontal plane or may extend in an upward or downward direction out of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral members may be made of different materials, or each may be made of a plurality of different materials to provide the desired characteristics of the support structure at a given location in the footwear. Different portions of the longitudinal member may be more or less flexible than the lateral supports.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe 10 including an upper 12, having lateral and medial sides, a midsole 14 joined to the upper 12, and an outsole 16 joined to the midsole 14. Shoe 10 is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system 18 comprising a lace 20 and tightening mechanism 22. Lace 20 is threaded through shank 24 positioned under the arch and heel wrap 26 and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism 22. In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace 18 is tensioned to draw shank 24 upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank 24 is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than that of upper 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a midsole structure having an airbag in the rear portion or from the rear portion to the front portion for Masai walking specialized shoes, wherein a connecting panel shank comprising the front shank and rear shank coupled with a connecting panel is built such that rolling movement of three steps occurs actively during walking three steps of landing, center moving and leaving step and an arch styled finger pressure effect occurs because the front and rear shank are compressed.

Abstract: A ballet pointe shoe for supporting a dancer. The shoe has a shank with fibers of various orientation to provide a stiffness characteristics desired by the dancer. The stiffness of the shank is varied to meet the performance needs of the dancer. In one embodiment the stiffness of the shoe at the arch is greater than the stiffness of the shoe at the ball of the foot.

Abstract: A heel for footwears including a body (1) and an elongated support portion (1a) wherein a rigid reinforcing core (2) is embedded and has a stem-like structure with a substantially frusto-conical cross section.

Abstract: A boot for reducing injury from a close range explosion includes a sole unit, an upper, and a shin guard. The sole unit includes at least an outer sole, a shank sheet composite, a shank filler and an insole. At least the shank sheet composite includes a plurality of layers having a pyramid shape and is formed of a strong composite fiber. The upper is attached to the sole unit and is formed of a laminated canvas. The shin guard is connectable to the upper and protects an ankle and leg of a user. The shin guard is formed of a strong composite fiber.

Abstract: A footwear sole having a dual-structure midsole, in which a seesaw movement can be performed to enhance an exercise effect during walking. The seesaw-motion footwear sole includes a main midsole having a convex projection in the central portion of the underside thereof to define a walking axis; a sub-midsole coupled to the underside of the main midsole and made of a softer material than that of the main midsole in order to exhibit a primary shock absorbing function, wherein the sub-midsole allows the main midsole to perform a seesaw movement on the basis of the walking axis in backward and forward directions during walking; and an outsole coupled to the sub-midsole. The seesaw-motion footwear sole can be applied to a variety of shoes such as running shoes, and can advantageously provide an excellent exercise effect, which is superior to that provided by heelless shoes of the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed is a midsole (22) for a healthy shoe, which is easily and simply manufactured and comprises a tunnel portion (28) or an airbag (128) formed therein so that impact caused by the landing of a heel of the healthy shoe on the ground in a landing step and a gravity center-transferring step is uniformly applied to the heel of the shoe due to the rolling of the heel on the ground and discontinuous impact is not transferred to various parts of the body of a user, such as an ankle joint and a leg, and a method for manufacturing the same, thereby allowing the user to smoothly land on the ground and walk stably.

Abstract: An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert 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 insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well 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. The insert preferably also extends vertically.

Abstract: In a high heel shoe the heel seat is angled upwards approximately 3-5 degrees. The insole follows the natural shape of the inside long arch of the foot so that the medial arch of the foot is raised higher than the lateral arch of the foot in order to support the natural angle of the calcaneus, the navicular, the medial cuneiform and the first metatarsal. The angle of the heel seat is more acute relative to the ground looking from the lateral side of the shoe. A triangular dome bump on the insole of the shoe has one corner behind the second metatarsal head, a second corner behind the fourth metatarsal head and the final corner near mid-foot. Material is added beneath the sole of the insole so that the greatest thickness is beneath the metatarsal heads and tapers to zero at the end of the insole toward the toes.

Abstract: A shoe having enhanced flexibility is disclosed, wherein there is a reduction in the stiffness of the shoe in proximity to the flexline. The shoe has a shortened innersole and a reduction in innersole stiffening material toward the toe end of the shoe. The innersole may include cutouts that reduce the stiffness of the innersole in proximity to the flexline. A method of manufacturing such shoes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A footwear sole includes a footwear sole base with a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and a heel region. A lower heel cushion is positioned in the heel region. An upper heel cushion is positioned over the lower heel cushion. A shank with reinforcement ribs is positioned in the mid-foot region. A forefoot stabilizer is positioned in the forefoot region. The forefoot stabilizer includes an axial spine and lateral ribs to facilitate forward movement and lateral support. The footwear sole may be used in combination with a foot bed with a flexible base and a rigid orthotic structure. The foot bed may include elastomer cushioning domes at heel and metatarsal impact points. The foot bed may include a liner with moisture wicking and anti-microbe properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear item that is designed for racket sports. The inventive item includes a sole that includes a dynamic element that stores and releases energy when the sole is subjected to lateral stresses. The dynamic element includes at least two pair of elastically deformable support parts which are located longitudinally on either side of the metatarsus support area of the sole and which extend opposite to one another such that a first pair extend on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the sole and toward an arch portion of the sole and the second pair extend on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the sole and toward a front part of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A sole plate is positioned between the upper and the sole assembly. The sole plate includes a midfoot member comprising a medial member having a base plate and at least one medial pillar extending upwardly from a medial edge of the base plate; with the base plate having a substantially planar finger extending forwardly and configured to extend under a foot of a user; and a lateral member having at least one lateral pillar extending upwardly from a lateral edge thereof. A forefoot member has at least one finger extending upwardly along an exterior surface of the upper.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of footwear having a stabilizing element incorporated into a sole structure. The stabilizing element is located primarily in the midfoot region of the footwear but extends into both the forefoot and heel regions. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes five stabilizing members that extend from a connecting member. The function of the stabilizing members is to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in the midfoot and heel regions; permit the forefoot to axially flex in relation to the heel; and permit forefoot flexion.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole with a midsole. A midsole plate includes a lateral fork member and a medial fork member configured to provide flexibility to the phalanges bones during ground engaging actions. The midsole plate includes a plurality of perforations configured for air communication within an upper of an article of footwear. A midsole plate may include a phalanx portion, a metatarsal portion and a midfoot portion corresponding to a foot of a wearer. The phalanx portion, the metatarsal portion, and the midfoot portion each have a different stiffness with respect to each other.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have a flexible leather area at least in a forward portion thereof above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a flexible insole having a ball portion arranged below the ball of the user's foot, the bottom surface of the ball portion containing a plurality of transversely-arranged longitudinally-spaced flex grooves that define therebetween a plurality of flex bars which impart a desired degree of flexibility to the insole. A longitudinally-extending shank slot is provided beneath the arch portion of the insole member for receiving a bowed semi-rigid shank member that supports the arch portion of the user's foot. An annular sealing gasket may be provided in a sealing channel that extends around the flex grooves, flex bars and shank slot, thereby to prevent moisture from entering the depressions in the bottom of the insole member.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of footwear having a stabilizing element incorporated into a sole structure. The stabilizing element is located primarily in the midfoot region of the footwear but extends into both the forefoot and heel regions. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes five stabilizing members that extend from a connecting member. The function of the stabilizing members is to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in the midfoot and heel regions; permit the forefoot to axially flex in relation to the heel; and permit forefoot flexion.

Abstract: A shoe midsole (1) for shoes with exceptional walking comfort, eg hiking shoes. The shoe midsole is provided with a shock absorber (6) in its heel zone (4) and a bead (8) behind and adjacent the heel zone, said bead completely or partially following a U-shape and forming a side support for the heel of the wearer. The sole is flexible about at least two slightly curved bending lines (12,14), which are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (10) of the sole, said lines being defined by channels or grooves (12,14) in the sole material. The bending lines do not intersect each other and their cavities face away from each other. The sole (1) has a particularly elastic portion (16) of a hand-like shape with at least two finger-shaped zones (18a,18b,18c) pointing towards the toe end (30) of the midsole. As a result the shoe midsole offers a considerable degree of flexibility during the wearer's walking motion.

Abstract: A footwear construction comprising a flexible and resilient outsole having a front portion with a plurality of depending moguls on the bottom surface thereof. A midsole is positioned over the outsole and has a front portion with a plurality of spaced holes therethrough which are substantially vertically aligned with some or all of the moguls to enable air flow through the midsole when the moguls are deformed by the weight and walking action of the wearer. A footbed is positioned over the midsole and comprises a soft flexible and resilient body member having a plurality of spaced, raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof. The footbed has a front portion with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough which are substantially vertically aligned with some or all of the holes in the midsole to enable air flow through the body member. An upper extends over the footbed and midsole, and is secured to the outsole.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have an elastic insert above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe sole comprising an outer sole 1F, 1B, a midsole 2 and a reinforcement device 4 made of a resin plate. The reinforcement device 4 is firmly secured to the underside of an arch portion 2M of the midsole 2. At a medial side 11 and a lateral side 10 of the foot, the reinforcement device 4 is shaped like an arch between separated outer sole parts 1F and 1B. A medial foot portion 43 of the reinforcement device 4 is formed to have a higher hardness than a lateral foot portion 40 of the reinforcement device 4. This allows the reinforcement device 4 to have a greater flexural rigidity in its medial foot portion 43 than in its lateral foot portion 40.

Abstract: Sports footwear for cycling use, in which a latching member is provided to cooperate with a bicycle pedal and is detachably attached to the sole with a rigid insert. The footwear of the invention includes a sole and an upper extending upwardly from the sole. A reinforcement plate is fixed on an upper surface of the sole and is positioned beneath the peripheral edge of the upper. Further, an insole is positioned above the peripheral edge of the upper, the peripheral edge thereby being situated between the insole and the reinforcement plate, with the thickness of the peripheral edge of said upper defining a housing. The rigid insert has an upper portion that is adjustably positioned on an upper surface of the reinforcement plate, the upper portion of the rigid insert having a thickness no greater than the height of the housing defined by the thickness of the peripheral edge of the upper. The latching member is detachably connected to the insert.

Abstract: A safety shoe includes an upper, a steel toe, an outsole and a partial insole tuck for preventing rearward movement of the steel toe.

Abstract: Boot of the type including a rigid frame including of at least one rigid sole portion and a heel reinforcement affixed to the sole, and including an upper that is at least partially flexible, wherein it includes a part forming a cover that takes the shape of at least a portion of the rigid frame and is intended to is pulled on over at least the portion of the frame, the cover being equipped with connecting elements to the rigid frame. Advantageously, the boot includes a liner affixed to the part forming the cover, the outer wall of the liner constituting the inner wall of the part forming the cover.

Abstract: An improved article of footwear, specifically for use in the sport of tennis. The article of footwear addresses motions prevalent in the sport of tennis by enhancing performance and preventing injuries. The article of footwear is asymmetrical and the lateral and medial portions have features to performs different functions to enhance flexibility, balance control, propulsion, stability and support in the specific areas where needed. In part, the medial portion of the article of footwear is designed to provide flexibility while the lateral portion is designed to create stability. These differences in the medial and lateral portions of the article of footwear exist in the upper, e.g., lacing system, material composition, and material thickness differences, and/or in the sole, e.g., different midsole materials, supporting elements effecting only the lateral side.

Abstract: A shoe, e.g. for dance or athletics, having a split sole, with a front portion at the front of the foot, a rear portion beneath the rear of the foot and no sole beneath the mid-section of the shoe upper at the mid-section of the foot, beneath the arch. To help support the foot and prevent sag of the mid-section of the shoe upper, a band of flexible, but non-stretchable, fabric is stitched inside the shoe upper to extend from the bottom of the shoe upper, up the sides of the shoe upper, to the top of the shoe upper. The stitched in material supports the mid-section of the bottom of the shoe upper against sagging, while permitting the foot to be flexed. If the shoe has a split top side of the upper and is closed or laced, the closing of the top of the shoe upper pulls up on the band.

Abstract: A footwear sole comprises a foot-shaped sole of a relatively cushioned, low density polymer foam, with a higher density, harder midfoot shank portion integrally fused within it. The sole may be a unitary footwear sole or may have an outsole or insole adhered thereto. A method of manufacture of the sole comprises forming a polymer foam sole piece, stamping out a portion of the midfoot, forming a shank of higher hardness polymer foam to fit the stamped-out midfoot portion of the sole piece, fitting the shank into the sole piece, and hot compression molding the sole piece and shank to form a unitary, integral sole. The sole of the invention is particularly useful as a sandal sole.

Abstract: A shock absorbent shoe includes an outsole having a toe, a heel, and a cavity in the heel. An elastomeric shock absorbing plug is disposed within the heel cavity and includes a planar lower surface and an upper surface. The upper surface of the plug includes a raised central portion, an outer boundary, and an annular depression separating the raised central portions from the outer boundary. The shoe is divided into a number of shock absorbing zones, with each of zones including one or more shock absorbing layers or components.