Abstract: An improved shoe, promoting a heel-to-toe motion of a foot, comprising an outsole and an upper part. The outsole has a contraction extending to a first area where a back of the foot is located. The upper part has a heel guide, including one of a heelplate and a flexible heel brace, which are arranged in a second area where the heel of the foot is located, such that an Achilles tendon of the foot is free.

Abstract: There is provided an article of footwear having a thematical a toe box cover. The toe box cover may be removably coupleable to a primary shoe element in which the toe box cover has an ornamental sculptured work simulating the appearance of another and different article. A covering system for an article of footwear, includes a themed cover adapted to cover at least a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer. The themed cover may include a flange provided for removably coupling the themed cover to the article of footwear and the flange is disposed on bottom periphery of the themed cover. Further, a plurality of interchangeable footcovers bears different three-dimensional ornamental simulations within a common theme relating to another article of manufacture. There is also provided a method of marketing an article of manufacture with an article of footwear, in which the article of manufacture is different from the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe upper sized for receiving a range of foot sizes from a minimum foot size to a maximum foot size. A growth indicator is connected with the shoe upper and includes an indicator for indicating when the foot of a wearer is equal to or greater than the maximum size of the range of foot sizes.

Abstract: A shoe upper has an outside surface having a first ornamental theme, the first theme being formed in three dimensions, with artwork coincident with the three dimensional effect. An outsole below the shoe upper includes a bottom surface for engagement with a walking surface; a peripheral area extending about the bottom and mating with the upper. The upper surface is for engagement with a bottom of the upper. The bottom surface and the peripheral area have a surface with a second ornamental theme. The first ornamental theme and the second ornamental theme are thematically related so as to create a surrounding ornamentation of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and shoe for determining the fit of a shoe from outside the shoe wherein the shoe has an outsole with reference marks such that when the bottom of a person's foot is placed against the outsole, the reference marks can be used to determine the proper fit of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for displaying indicia, such as a logo or trademark, on a shoe. A window is provided in the shoe, for example the heel of the shoe. Indicia appear on a removable member such as an insole and are displayed through the window.

Abstract: A shoe (and fabrication techniques therefor) on which is provided a bottom portion that includes a sole portion and a heel portion and that has a bottom surface and an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the shoe has areas of a fabric material (such as cotton, nylon, polyester, any other cloth or fabric), or any of a variety of other first materials, interspersed with areas of a durable material (such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic rubber, any other plastic, and/or any other natural or synthetic leather or rubber), or any of a variety of other second materials.

Abstract: A footwear the entire appearance simulates the appearance of a reptile preferably a chameleon reptile. The footwear can be a slipper, preferably a children's slipper, having a stuffed body adapted to simulate the appearance of //a// the chameleon reptile. The outer surface of the slipper body is covered with a green skin simulating imbricating reptile plates having an open protruding reptile mouth embracing a retractable tongue. An inner horizontal air pad sole cushions the child's foot and controls the expansion and deflating of the reptile tongue and activates a foot switch of a battery powered electric system which controls a pair of opposing reflector eye lamps.

Abstract: A figurine is mounted on a shoe. On a preferred embodiment, the figurine stands upright on top of the toe portion of the shoe; is selectively removable from the shoe; and is capable of standing upright on a floor surface when removed from the shoe.

Abstract: A new and improved footwear the entire appearance simulates the appearance of a reptile preferably a shameleon reptile. The footwear can be a slipper, preferably a children's slipper, having a stuffed body adapted to simulate the appearance of a chameleon reptile. The outer surface of the slipper body is covered with a green skin simulating imbricating reptile plates having an open protruding reptile mouth embracing a retractable tongue. An inner horizontal air pad sole cushions the child's foot and controls the expansion and deflating of the reptile tongue and activates a foot switch of a battery powered electric system which controls a pair of opposing reflector eye lamps.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided that includes a sizing apparatus to allow the shoe size to be adjustable by the wearer. The article of footwear in the form of a shoe includes a sole, an upper extending from the sole, and a sizing apparatus located within the upper, in which a sizing member is attached to the upper at the rear end of the shoe. The sizing apparatus may include a composite inner core, a detachment feature, and a dual selective fastening system. The inner core may be substantially enclosed in a lining. The sizing apparatus enables a user to adjust the effective length of the shoe to at least three effective lengths. A method of adjusting the size of the article of footwear is provided to make the shoe at least three effective lengths.

Abstract: A plush toy is provided that is capable of easily being detachably mounted on a shoe having a shoelace. The plush toy comprises a body having top and bottom sides and front and back ends and at least one mechanism for detachably mounting the body on the shoe without unlacing the shoelace. Preferably the body comprises at least one hole extending through the body for insertion of a shoelace. A young child can easily and quickly decorate his shoe with the plush toy.

Abstract: A footwear sole is provided that comprises a first layer and a display element integral with the first layer. The first layer has a lower surface and an upper surface and is at least semi-transparent such that the display element is observable through the first layer.

Abstract: A child's slipper is provided having a decorative animal head and a music box disposed within the animal head. A hat is interconnected with the animal's head. A pull string extends from the music box, through the animal's head, and through the hat. A pull ring or bead is interconnected to the pull string, the pull ring or bead positioned exterior of the hat. The pull ring or bead is pulled to actuate the music box. A substantial portion of the pull string remains positioned within the animal's hat.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a flexible outersole, an insole and an upper, the upper being formed from a flat Thermo Plastic Rubber blank, a toe cap first being fabricated in the blank by means of a teacup crease special-use sewing machine, the blank or preform subsequently affixed to a last and joined by a second special purpose sewing machine, or disc feed overseaming machine, to a non-woven fabric midsole or insole, substantially completing the upper. Thermal processing on the resulting preform completes processing of the upper without use of an insole board. A third element of the shoe, the outersole, is unitary in construction, and equipped with a unique pattern of intersecting grooves, as well as an external bridge or instep support in lieu of an inner steel shank. Following bonding of the upper and the outersole, a shoe of unique flexibility is produced, while still providing adequate protection to an active user's foot.

Abstract: Provided is play footwear having a substantially cylindrical body and a strap. The body has a trough-like depression and first and second end walls having support rings. The trough-like depression have a substantially flat bottom surface and angled sidewalls. The strap has a first portion having a first end fastened to the first end wall and a second portion having a second end fastened to the second end wall. The first portion and the second portion have a fastening means that allows the strap to be adjusted to accommodate various foot sizes when the first portion and the second portion converge.

Abstract: Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion, a sole portion, and an insole liner, a window portion associated with the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a reference mark associated with the insole liner, the reference mark for indicating proper fit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoe and viewed through the window portion.

Abstract: Footwear for leaving a personalized imprint on wet sand and other surfaces is accomplished through the removal of material as opposed to previous additive processes. Footwear according to the invention includes a sole portion having a bottom surface with a matrix of projections extending therefrom. Each projection is selectively removable, thereby enabling a user to remove a subset of the projections corresponding to the personalized imprint. The sole portion may form any type of shoe, including sandals, thongs, ‘flip-flops,’ and so forth. Each projection preferably has a nominal length in the range of {fraction (3/16)} to ⅜ inch and a nominal width in the range of ⅛ to {fraction (3/16)} inch, and may be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, or hexagonal in cross-section. The matrix of projections may cover the entire bottom surface of the shoe, or a non-partitioned border may be provided which surrounds the matrix of projections.

Abstract: Described is a child's toy that is useful for assisting a child in imaginative play. The toy of the present invention has two primary embodiments: a sock mounted embodiment and a shoe mounted embodiment. The sock-mounted embodiment comprises a sock and a sock-attachable foot. The shoe-mounted embodiment comprises a shoe harness and a shoe attachable foot. The sock (or shoe) attachable foot is preferably an animal foot (most preferably a pair of feet). Preferably, the sock attachable foot is a replication of a complete foot, but may only be a replication of a top portion of a foot section. The bottom of each sock-attachable foot is designed to attach to a topside of a sock or shoe-attachment harness to be worn, or is simultaneously worn, by a child. There are several preferred sock mounted foot designs, among which are duck's feet, dinosaur feet, monkey feet, chicken feet, monster feet, and the like.

Abstract: A shoe for use in training an infant to walk. The shoe includes an upper sized to receive an infant's foot and a sole that is attached to the upper. The sole extends a distance D1 beyond a front side of the upper adjacent to the toes of the infant's foot, with the distance D1 being from about 10% to about 30% of the length L of the infant's foot measured from heel to toe. Preferably, the sole also extends a distance D2 beyond a rear side of the upper adjacent to the heel of the infant's foot, with the distance D2 being from about 5% to about 15% of the length L. The present invention also provides a method of training an infant to walk. The method includes fitting a shoe according to the invention on each foot of the infant, encouraging the infant to walk while wearing the shoes, and removing a portion of the sole so as to proportionally decrease the extent to which the sole extends beyond the upper as the infant learns to walk.

Abstract: A slipper having a sole and a foot covering that transforms into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may take the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro®, button or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper® or string. The sole may also have a pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united.

Abstract: A slipper having a sole and a foot covering that transforms into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may take the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro®, button or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper® or string. The sole may also have a pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a sizing system to allow the shoe size to be adjustable by the wearer. The article of footwear in the form of a shoe includes a sole, an upper extending from the sole, and a sizing member located within the upper, in which the sizing member is attached to the upper at the rear end of the athletic shoe. The sizing member includes an inner core, a separation feature, a fastening system, and locking feature. The inner core is substantially enclosed in a lining and the separation feature includes a plurality of perforations at the top of the sizing member. The sizing member enables a user to adjust the effective length of the shoe. The article of footwear may also include separable sockliner layers. This enables a user to adjust the effective height of the shoe.

Abstract: A child's sandal, having removable and interchangeable soles that may be attached to a permanent upper sole, where the bottom of the removable soles has any desired textured graphical design, such as an animal paw print or the like. A removable ornamental design may be added to an upper portion of the sandal, on top of a wearer's foot, to correspond to the underside of the removable sole. For instance, if the underside of the removable sole includes a design that resembles a bear claw track, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a bear's face and head. Similarly, if the underside of the removable sole resembles the footprint of a rabbit's foot, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a rabbit's face, head, and ears. This arrangement allows a child to choose from any number of available soles and ornamental designs to be attached to a single pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Abstract: A reversible shoe that can be taken apart and reassembled with inside and outside faces reversed includes: (a) a reversible sole; (b) two side flaps, each affixed to the sole along a longitudinal side edge of the sole; (c) a heel flap attached at one end to a posterior end of the sole; and (d) attachment means, such as zippers, laces, snaps, and buttons, for attaching one portion of the shoe to another. The reversible shoe has a generally flat, unassembled position for storage, and two opposite assembled positions ready for wear as a shoe. This reversible shoe allows the user to switch from one style to another, one color to another, monotone to multi-hued, or from plain to decorated. A method for assembling a reversible shoe, and a kit for building a reversible, readily assembled shoe are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and shoe for determining the fit of a shoe from outside the shoe wherein the shoe has an outsole that has a reference gauge for placing a person's heel and a reference mark indicating how far a person's toes should extend so that the shoe would fit. The system is adaptable so a decal may be used or a separate foot measurement guide such as a hang tag may be attached to a shoe where the visual fit guide depicted on the hang tag corresponds to the size of the shoe to which it is applied. The hang tag may be printed on both sides to correspond to both a left and right foot.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole, a vamp and a transparent toe cap. The toe cap is secured to the vamp at the position corresponding to the toe of the wearer. With such an arrangement, any person can see through the toe cap and directly determine whether the shoe fits or not. To buy a shoe that does not fit is avoided. In addition, a shoe will have a different appearance when a vamp with a different toe cap is used. The appearance of the shoe is variable, and the cost for manufacturing shoes with different appearances is reduced.

Abstract: A figurine is mounted on a shoe. On a preferred embodiment, the figurine stands upright on top of the toe portion of the shoe; is selectively removable from the shoe; and is capable of standing upright on a floor surface when removed from the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe for use in training an infant to walk. The shoe according to the present invention includes an upper sized to receive an infant's foot and a sole that is attached to the upper. The sole extends a distance D1 beyond a front side of the upper adjacent to the toes of the infant's foot, with the distance D1 being from about 10% to about 30% of the length L of the infant's foot measured from heel to toe. Preferably, the sole also extends a distance D2 beyond a rear side of the upper adjacent to the heel of the infant's foot, with the distance D2 being from about 5% to about 15% of the length L. The present invention also provides a method of training an infant to walk.

Abstract: A shoe for use in training an infant to walk. The shoe includes an upper sized to receive an infant's foot and a sole that is attached to the upper. The sole extends a distance D1 beyond a front side of the upper adjacent to the toes of the infant's foot, with the distance D1 being from about 10% to about 30% of the length L of the infant's foot measured from heel to toe. Preferably, the sole also extends a distance D2 beyond a rear side of the upper adjacent to the heel of the infant's foot, with the distance D2 being from about 5% to about 15% of the length L. The present invention also provides a method of training an infant to walk. The method according to the present invention includes fitting a shoe according to the invention on each foot of the infant, encouraging the infant to walk while wearing the shoes, and removing a portion of the sole so as to proportionally decrease the extent to which the sole extends beyond the upper as the infant learns to walk.

Abstract: A shoe having an expandable shoe upper includes an outsole having a rear outsole and a front outsole and an expandable insole with a rear insole and a front insole. The front insole is movable relative to a length of the rear insole as the shoe upper expands from an unexpanded position to a fully expanded position. As the shoe upper expands, a gap is created between the heel and front outsole. At least one of the front insole and the rear insole covers the gap to protect a wearer's foot in an area of the gap when the shoe upper and expandable insole expand toward the fully expanded position.

Abstract: A pair of shoes 10 have a continuous design 30 applied to the upper structures 18 of the shoes, with the left shoe 12 containing the left portion 32 of the continuous design and the right shoe 14 containing the right portion 34. The left and right portions of the design are formed so that when the left shoe is worn on the wearer's left foot and the right shoe is worn on the wearer's right foot and the feet are brought together, the continuous design is formed and is displayed to the wearer, or to third parties observing the shoes, thereby enabling the wearer and/or third parties to discern if the shoes are being worn on the correct feet.

Abstract: A child's sandal, having removable and interchangeable soles that may be attached to a permanent upper sole, where the bottom of the removable soles has any desired textured graphical design, such as an animal paw print or the like. A removable ornamental design may be added to an upper portion of the sandal, on top of a wearer's foot, to correspond to the underside of the removable sole. For instance, if the underside of the removable sole includes a design that resembles a bear claw track, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a bear's face and head. Similarly, if the underside of the removable sole resembles the footprint of a rabbit's foot, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a rabbit's face, head, and ears. This arrangement allows a child to choose from any number of available soles and ornamental designs to be attached to a single pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Abstract: A system to manufacture articles of footwear, shoe soles, shoe parts, clothing, or externally visible safety material having enhanced safety and visibility with reflective fluorescent safety particle chips, pieces, and shapes which are embedded, bonded, or mixed then are distributed in a pattern or at random throughout and integral to a bonding material which is a transparent or translucent elastomeric compound by extrusion or injection molding. The elastomers can consist of natural or synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomers, vinyls (by which is meant polyvinylchloride plastics in transparent or translucent forms), plasticized vinyl (by which is meant polyvinylchloride plastics, with plastersizer, in transparent or translucent forms), butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, GSR, urethane and all similar flexible transparent or translucent mediums with the reflective or fluorescent safety particle chips, pieces, and shapes distributed throughout the structure.

Abstract: A lighted slipper comprises a slipper body having an exterior surface defining an opening for receiving a foot of a wearer. The lighted slipper further includes a pair of light housings mounted to the exterior surface forward of the foot opening. Each light housing presents a planar top side and an aperture through a front side. A light is forwardly mounted within each light housing and electrically coupled to a battery which is also mounted on the exterior surface and provides an electric current for energizing each light. A switch housing encases the battery and includes a switch for selectively delivering current from the battery to the lights. A shaft is rotatably coupled to a hub within each light housing. A plurality of colored lenses are radially attached to a plate depending from said shaft such that the lenses may selectably be positioned between the light source and the front side aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a slipper in combination with a hand puppet. The slipper comprises a sole and an associated upper attached to the sole and forming therewith a foot pocket having an inlet opening for reception of a persons foot. Decoration is provided on the upper representing a puppet character such as a head. Either a set of finger slots or a pocket is provided in the sole so that a person, by inserting their fingers into the slots or by insertion of their hand into the pocket, can manipulate the puppet character in the manner of a glove puppet.

Abstract: A device for adjusting at least lengthwise a shoe as a function of growth of the size of the foot of the wearer, the shoe comprising a sole, with a front portion (28) and a rear portion (30), a lower insole (12) and an upper insole (14) and an upper (16) comprising an instep (20) and a rear quarter (22). The instep (20) is secured to the front portion (28) of the sole, the rear quarter (22) is secured to the rear portion (30) of the sole. The sole comprises a region of elongation (24) interposed between the front portion (28) and the rear portion (30) with elements for blocking as to length.

Abstract: A novelty shoe embodying a caricature of the head of an animal includes a sole and an upper which cooperate to form a foot-receiving compartment therebetween. The sole and the upper are configured such that a mouth of the caricature defines an entry for the foot-receiving compartment. A first portion of the upper is attached to the sole and forms a lower jaw of the caricature. A second portion of the upper extends from the toe and forms an upper jaw of the caricature. The upper second portion articulates relative to the entry of the foot-receiving compartment between open and closed positions and fasteners are provided for releasably securing the upper second portion in the closed position. The shoe may be displayed on a support in the form of a headless animal, wherein the shoe is positionable on the support such that the addition of the shoe creates the appearance of a completed animal.

Abstract: A article of footwear is disclosed having a flexure member in the sole to facilitate abduction bending to provide footwear that is easy to don and doff. The footwear includes a split upper having a forefoot upper portion and a rear upper portion. A closure mechanism is provided to hold the upper closed while the footwear is worn by a user.

Abstract: An infant footwear leash for preventing the loss of footwear worn by infants is provided. The leash includes a string and a slidable element through which the ends of the strings are completely inserted to define a loop that rests around the infant's ankle, while the leash is in use. In an open position, the slidable element allows adjustment of the size of the loop as necessary. In a closed position, the slidable element prevents adjustment of the size of the loop to prevent the loop from enlarging and causing the leash to fall off the infant's foot. A clip is attached to one end of the string. The clip is clipped onto the infant footwear. Thus, if the footwear falls off the infant's foot, it is held by the clip and is kept dangling from the leash.

Abstract: A footprint generating toy that is worn on a person's foot, and enables the wearer to leave liquid or dry simulated footprints. The footprint generating toy is made from an absorbent, moisture retaining material that, after being soaked in water, will leave liquid simulated footprints as the wearer walks. The footprint generating toy may also be used dry, to leave simulated footprint impressions in soft surfaces such as sand, snow or loose dirt.

Abstract: A child's footwear is disclosed and includes comprises-a boot member having a foot enclosing member and a lower leg encircling member attached to the foot enclosing member, a fastening mechanism having a strap and hook-and-loop fastener components for fastening the lower leg encircling member about the child's lower leg, and a signalling mechanism constructed of reflective material. The signalling mechanism has an elongate configuration in the form of an exclamation point and extends substantially from an upper extremity of the lower leg encircling member to a juncture between the lower leg encircling member and the foot enclosing member, a non-vertical orientation, and at least two rows of stitches, one of which is spaced along each side of the signalling mechanism such that the signalling mechanism is caused to bulge convexly outwardly between the two rows of stitches.

Abstract: The outsole assembly of a shoe having an upper defining a volume for enclosing a wearer's foot, with the outsole assembly attached generally therebelow, includes an outsole consisting of an outsole body of transparent material defining a water impervious outsole bottom surface disposed for engagement with a walking surface when worn, an outsole upper surface disposed generally in opposition to the volume, and an outsole side surface extending peripherally about the outsole generally between the outsole bottom and upper surfaces. A grid member defines at least one aperture at the outsole upper surface. An article disposed within the aperture is observable through the water impervious outsole bottom surface of the body of transparent material. A method for shoe assembly is also described.

Abstract: Stretchable shoes capable of being fixed without causing any stretch of the shoes once adjustment of a size thereof depending on a wearer is completed. Velcro-type hook and loop fasteners are arranged on a heel, so that a size of the shoes may be kept fixed once adjustment of the size is carried out, because engagement between the fasteners exhibits rigidity to a degree sufficient to substantially prevent release of the engagement. Also, the stretchable shoes permit adjustment of a size of the shoes to be readily accomplished by merely loosening a single countersunk screw kept tightened.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a shoe with a sole and upper, a toy element, and a snap attachment assembly consisting of cooperating male and female components. The female component is attached to the shoe. The cooperating male component is attached to the ornamental article, which is thus removably assembled with the shoe by cooperative, snap engagement of the female and cooperating male components of the snap attachment assembly. In preferred embodiments, one or several ornamental articles are interchangeably displayed on shoes and on fashion display accessories, e.g., bracelets, barrettes, chains and pendants.

Abstract: An adjustable shoe has a heel, a toecap and an insole. The front portion of an instep has a plurality of positioning protrusions. The first and second fastening pads are disposed on two outer sides of the heel. The first and second ball buttons are disposed on the rear surface of the heel. An adjustable pad with positioning holes thereon is disposed on the toecap. Two flaps are extended upward from the toecap. The inner surface of the flap has a fastening element. The first and second positioning plates are extended from the back of the outsole. The first positioning plate has the first socket button. The second positioning plate has the second socket button.

Abstract: A sole for the footwear has an inner surface and an outer surface including a heel. A spongy material is disposed adjacent the inner surface over a majority of the sole remote from the heel and a sheet of material covers the inner surface and the spongy material. A cylindrical passageway is disposed in the sole in communication with the spongy material and an exterior of the heel adjacent a back of the footwear. A one-way air noise-maker is disposed in the passageway adjacent the exterior of the heel, the noise-maker enabling the spongy material to draw air therethrough after a step is taken and the spongy material is deflated to inflate the spongy material without emitting noise and to make noise by air passing therethrough when a step is taken and the spongy material is deflated thereby providing only a single noise per step of a person wearing the footwear.

Abstract: This invention is a familiar design overlying the adjacent toe portion of a pair of childrens shoes. With the shoes properly positioned side by side, a child will see the design as a whole and relate the left foot shoe with its left foot and the right foot with its right foot shoe as the proper positions for the shoes to be worn.

Abstract: An adjustable child shoe comprises a heel, a toecap and an insole. The heel has a position guiding groove, an instep, a plurality of positioning protrusions, and a plurality of fastening elements. The toecap has two flaps, an outsole, an adjustable pad, a foldable extending pad and a plurality of positioning holes. A plurality of fastening elements are disposed in the toecap and the heel.

Abstract: Novelty footwear has a reservoir for storing liquid within the footwear and selectively ejecting the liquid from footwear. The footwear includes a sole having the reservoir formed therein, the reservoir being further partitioned into a plurality of interconnected cells. The footwear is provided with a pumping actuatable by the toe of the wearer for forcing the liquid from the reservoir to the exterior of the footwear.