Abstract: The sports boot has a plastic shell (1) and an inner boot (8), the shell having at least one zone (12) which is less rigid than the less of the shell. The less rigid zone is a relatively flexible zone located on the side of the shell corresponding to the outside and/or inside of the foot, so as to face the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot.

Abstract: The invention provides laces, such as shoelaces, having affixed to them repeatedly collapsible and expandable aglets which can form 2- or 3-dimensional objects. The aglets can advantageously be passed through an eyelet thereby making it possible for them to be permanently affixed to laces during their manufacture. Thus, a user need not purchase a lace and aglets separately and attach them to each other after lacing an article such as a shoe.

Abstract: A shell for sports shoes, particularly for Telemark skiing, which comprises a sole and a lateral surface which surrounds the foot of the user. A frame is rigidly coupled internally to the shell and has a foot resting surface and a toe cup which partially extends over the upper metatarsal region. On the resting surface and on the toe cup there are, respectively, at least one first transverse opening, arranged below the metatarsal region, and at least one second transverse opening, which lies above the metatarsal region. A transverse bridge, arranged in the region that lies to the rear of the metatarsus, is thus formed at the toe cup. The resulting shell is therefore highly flexible but torsionally rigid, making it easier for the user to ski.

Abstract: A skate includes a rigid frame with a plurality of wheels and a skate boot coupled to the frame. The boot has a lower outer shell, an inner soft shoe and a vibration-dampening and shock-absorbing material bed at least partially interposed between the lower outer shell and the soft shoe. The lower outer shell has greater rigidity than the material bed and soft shoe and has greater flexibility than the rigid frame.

Abstract: A boot is intended for cross-country skiing, ice skating or roller skating, the boot including an upper that includes stiffeners. The boot has a cuff mounted on the upper so that the cuff can articulate forward and rearward. The boot includes two rivets having pins. The rivets are mounted on the stiffeners at a level with the malleoli of the wearer. There are included circular recesses in the cuff with the recesses facing the malleoli and the pins pass through the recesses. There is an arcuate groove located either on the outer surface of the upper or the inner surface of the cuff. There is an arcuate rib located on the cuff or upper opposite of the groove. The rib and the groove have the same radius centered on the pin whereby the rib moves freely in the groove.

Abstract: A boot (10) for a skating apparatus includes a first attachment (12) having a first recess (16). A second attachment (14) has a recess (18) that faces the first recess (16) of the first attachment (12). An illuminating device (20) may be inserted into the first recess (16) and the recess (18) of the second attachment (14) such that it is held in place on the boot (10). The first attachment (12) may also have a second recess (28) to retain a second illuminating device (24). The second illuminating device (24) may run from a heel (21) to a toe (26) of the boot (10) and is held in place by one or more sheaths (22).

Abstract: An innerboot, particularly for skates comprising a rigid shell associated with a supporting frame for two or more in-line wheels or for an ice-skating blade. The innerboot is of the soft type and is constituted by a rigid cuff that affects at least the calf and the malleolar regions and is interposed between a padding lying inside the innerboot and an optional outer covering. The innerboot has holes for pivoting to the underlying rigid shell.

Abstract: A sports boot of the type that includes a rigid frame constituted by at least one heel reinforcement and a rigid collar for the retention of the lower part of the leg connected to the heel reinforcement for forward and rearward angular movement, the angular movement of the collar being unimpeded at least forwardly when the sport is practiced. The transverse inclination device is associated to at least one portion of the collar, and an elastic return structure is associated to the transverse inclination device for a return into the neutral position.

Abstract: A unitary hollow shoe bottom comprises a bottom and a sidewall integrally molded with the bottom and extends upwardly to form a cavity and a periphery top edge surrounding the cavity. The unitary hollow shoe bottom further comprises a thick platform section and a raised rear high heel section, where the raised rear heel section is elevated substantially above the thick platform section. A reinforcing brace member is transversely positioned across the platform section and secured within two opposite offset recesses located on the periphery top edge and flush with the periphery top edge for supporting the ball of the foot of a person.

Abstract: A skate (20) hingedly attached to an elongate ice blade (24) by a frame (22). The skate having an upper shoe portion (26) adapted to receive a foot, and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end. The skate further includes a midskate hinge member (12) defined the metatarsal head portion to permit the upper shoe portion to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end to lift away from the ice blade, while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the ice blade. The skate also includes a binding plate (23) fastened to the sole of the skate and extends from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole. A mid-boot support mount (70) extends upwardly from the frame and is adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole to maintain the plate in a stable position as the skater pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the ice blade.

Abstract: Footwear assembly for the practice of a sport, especially an in-line roller skate boot, of the type including two elements of which one, internal, is relatively flexible and forms a removable liner or boot, and the other, external, is relatively rigid and includes a shell, provided with a longitudinally opening at its upper portion to allow for the introduction of the liner or boot in the shell.

Abstract: A reinforced skate including a frame for supporting wheels or an ice-skating blade, and associated with a shoe. The reinforcement includes a first rigid element and a second rigid element, which are articulated to each other and surround the quarter and the shell so as to laterally assume the shape of the Greek letter lambda. The first rigid element is connected, at its end, to the frame so as to form a structure which allows optimum transmission of forces to the frame.

Abstract: A boot for the practice of a sliding sport, such as snowboarding. The boot includes, in particular, a relatively rigid shell and a relatively rigid collar, the collar being articulated to the shell about an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal plane of the boot. A relatively flexible upper is received in the shell and has an upper part enclosing the lower leg.

Abstract: A skate boot is described in which a one-piece plastic ankle and heel counter insert is employed, positioned between the various layers which make up the skate boot. In sequence from outside to inside, the boot includes a conventional outer, the one-piece plastic insert, suitable cushioning, and a lining. The insert has a heel counter portion which is generally U-shaped and which cups around the heel area from along the lateral side, across the heel, and along the medial side, and an integral ankle portion which extends upwardly from the heel area of the heel counter portion and which includes forwardly projecting wing portions which cup around the ankle area from over the area of the lateral malleolus, across the rear and over the area of the medial malleolus. Preferably, the plastic insert extends up most of the height of the back of the boot, and includes lateral and medial cuff portions which extend partially forward along the sides of the skater's upper ankle.

Abstract: A sports shoe including a rigid supporting element which surrounds the sole and the sides of the foot and at least partially the rear part and the sides of the leg. A soft upper is associated with the rigid supporting element.

Abstract: A boot especially adapted to sports that require movement of the foot, or to gliding sports, including an upper provided with a rear stiffener surrounding the heel and an external sole. According to the invention, the stiffener is rigid and substantially non-flexible, and extends along at least one side of the boot, up to the so-called metatarsophalangeal bending zone. According to a second aspect of the invention, the stiffener is rigid and substantially non-flexible, and surrounds the heel and essentially the rear portion of the base of the foot, in the manner of a shell. This construction also allows for a better transmission of the forces, while maintaining a flexibility of the boot in the metatarsophalangeal zone, due to the reinforcement of the rear portion of the boot. These constructions permit a better control of the ski through the heel retention and, at the same time, a general gain of energy by eliminating the parasitic deformations of the sole and of the boot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inline roller skate consisting of a boot 10, 11, a removable roller unit 1-5, an interface 12 on the boot and a device for locking and unlocking the roller unit 1-5 to and from the interface 12 on the roller unit 1-5. To enable optimum rolling and, after simple removal of the roller unit, also comfortable walking with the boot, the interface 12, which preferably consists of a harder material than the boot body 10, extends upwards from the boot sole 11 laterally along the boot body 10, and the roller unit 1-5 is provided with a substantially horizontal standing plate 4 and substantially vertical side walls 5 for the reception of the interface 12, so that substantially perpendicular stepping into and out of the roller unit 1-5 is created, and the device for locking and unlocking the roller unit 1-5 to and from the interface 12 engages in the interface 12 outside the area of the boot sole 11.

Abstract: A gliding shoe having an upper and a sole in which a sliding zone is obtained. At least one referencing arrangement is obtained on the upper in correspondence with the sliding zone. The referencing arrangement enables the user to use his/her eyes to place the shoe in the position that is best suited to the alignment of the sliding zone with the long support on which he engages to glide.

Abstract: A sports sandal having a pair of arc-shaped strips secured to each lateral side of the sandal utilizes a connection means to provide more lateral support. Specifically, the connection means includes a slit on either the front or the rear strip on each lateral side of the sole of the sandal. The strip not having the slit is inserted through the slit thereby providing additional structural support for a wearer's foot. Three straps utilizing Velcro can be employed to adjustably secure the sandal about the user's foot, ankle and heel respectively.

Abstract: Polymer structures having a laminated surface and enhanced physical properties that can be used for packaging, athletic gear (e.g., padding, water sport equipment), gaskets, and protective garments are described. The structures include a core of a relatively high density material and one or more layers laminated to the surfaces of the core material of relatively low density polymer foam. The structures can be stiff or flexible. The foam layers improve the softness of the surfaces of the core material.

Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate is disclosed having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: A roller skate of adjustable size includes an upper shoe portion and a lower frame portion. The upper shoe portion has a toe portion and a heel portion. The toe portion has a pair of studs received by a pair of slots formed on the heel portion. When the toe portion is assembled and affixed to the lower frame portion, the heel portion is also movably mounted in between. A buckling structure installed in a passageway formed in the lower frame portion is used to fix or release the movable heal portion. A spring is used to push up a buckling block in the buckling structure to fix the heel portion. An adjustment device is used to pull down the sprig for releasing the buckling block and, hence, the heel portion for easily adjusting the roller skate size. Similar ridged structures are formed on the buckling block and the heel portion to tightly couple each other. A shoe liner that includes an extendible section is also provided in the upper shoe portion to accommodate the change of the roller skate size.

Abstract: A grinding plate formed on its bottom side with a transverse downwardly facing grind surface disposed medially under the arch and configured on the medial side with a longitudinal medial runner having one radius of curvature and formed on the lateral side with a longitudinally extending runner having a downwardly and outwardly curved surface of a greater radius of curvature. In one aspect, the bearing surface is bifurcated centrally by longitudinal extending groove to form flanking bearing surface segments.

Abstract: A cuff buckling apparatus to ease the buckling of an in-line skate or other boot having a cuff is provided. The in-line skate includes a boot having front and back portions corresponding to the front and back of a skater's leg, and medial and lateral portions corresponding to the medial side and lateral side of the skater's leg respectively. A leg cuff encases the back, medial and lateral portions of the boot, and includes a cuff flap originating proximate the medial portion of the boot. The cuff flap has sufficient length to cross the front portion of the boot when folded over the front of the boot. A buckle lever is coupled to the leg cuff proximate the lateral portion of the boot, and a buckle strap is mounted to the buckle lever. A buckle strap latching mechanism attaches to the cuff flap, and engages the free end of the buckle strap. The leg cuff is tightened around the skater's leg upon actuating the buckle lever.

Abstract: An asymmetrical article of footwear reversible sole is provided which offers improved performance and fit. The article of footwear is worn on a different foot when reversed. The invention may be shaped to fit the general outline of a person's foot and may be configured to fit the contours of the bottom of the person's foot. Different materials may be used for the different parts of the composite sole thus allowing the reversible, asymmetrical, composite sole to be used in dual purpose situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for footwear having a structure for minimizing injury to the wearer from twisting or turning movements which may occur during sporting activities, and/or for enhancing performance by assisting rotational movement of the foot. A first invention is a shoe sole comprises a turntable within the sole and connected thereto by a resilient web which provides a seal between the periphery of the turntable and sole. The web is resiliently deformable in response to rotation of the turntable in either direction from a rest position to apply resilient bias to restore the turntable towards it rest position. There may be additional biasing means.

Abstract: A thong is composed of a sole and a strap attached to the sole for securing a foot. The sole is provided in the upper surface thereof with a breathable body made of a plurality of elastic filaments which are intertwined to form a network body having a number of gaps for driving out foul air and foot perspiration.

Abstract: A two-piece shoe bottom system including a platform structure and a hollow interchangeable heel structure. The platform structure comprises a lower forepart portion, a raised rear heel portion, and a middle wedge portion connecting the forepart portion to the raised rear heel portion. The raised rear heel portion is elevated substantially above the forepart portion so that it will correspond to a particular height of the interchangeable heel structure. A reinforcing bolt member is molded to the underside of the raised heel portion of the platform structure. The hollow interchangeable heel structure is detachably attached to the reinforcing bolt member.

Abstract: A shoe assembly is described which is designed and constructed to permit and enhance the normal action of a human foot received in the shoe assembly during a stride and while standing. Among other things, the assembly includes a heel shaped to approximate the lower and rear shape of the calcaneum bone of the human foot, and separate relative moveable pads underlying the lateral arch and various contact points in the forefoot area of the human foot. Also, the thickness of the heel area is substantially the same as the thickness of the toe area, thereby to maintain the skeletal and muscular structure of the body above the foot in its natural position.

Abstract: A slippage-resistant sandal includes a sole, a heel strap, and a main strap. The heel strap is non-adjustably and fixedly secured to the sole. It extends rearwardly to form a loop for engaging the wearer's heel. One end of the main strap is secured to the forward portion of the sole. The other end is adjustably and releasably secured with securing means to accommodate different size and shape feet. The main strap extends through a channel in the sole to form a forward loop for engaging a forward portion of a wearer's foot and an ankle loop for engaging the wearer's ankle. The ankle loop is interconnected to the heel strap.

Abstract: An internal collar device for an article of footwear. The internal collar device includes ankle wraps, a pivoting spine and a heel cup. The pivoting spine is a relatively narrow portion of the internal collar device which is flexible so that it pivots with the wearer's movement. The internal collar device is disposed in an external boot of the article of footwear so that the internal collar device pivots about a pivot axis near the wearer's malleoli. The article of footwear is configured so that internal collar device pivots almost entirely independently from the external boot. As such, the internal collar devices controls the forward and rearward flex of the wearer's ankle and provides support to the wearer's foot and ankle within the article of footwear. Further, forward and rearward flex of the wearer's ankle does not result in a crease or wear area forming in the external boot so that the present invention prevents premature wear of the boot material.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inflatable lining for selected inner surfaces of footwear, such as a shoe, boot or sandal. The inflatable lining is formed of first and second plastic sheets having the shape and size of the selected inner surfaces, e.g., a sole, or any portion of the upper surfaces of the footwear. The sheets are bonded together in a continuous seam about their peripheral edges thereby forming a sealed interior chamber. A plurality of discontinuous seams are formed between the first and second sheets to create within the sealed interior chamber a plurality of interconnecting tubular passageways, and at least one continuous seam can also be provided that subdivides the interior chamber into two or more subdivided interior chambers. The inflatable liner is provided with an air pump that preferably is a flexible bulb with an inlet valve which discharges into a flexible tube which extends to a pressure control valve and then to the interior chamber of the inflatable inner sole.

Abstract: A seashore sandal includes a body which has drain holes and grooves in a recessed top chamber thereof and two recessed bottom chambers, an insole made of plastic wires and fastened to the recessed top chamber at the top side of the body, and two bottom blocks made of plastic wires and respectively fastened to the recessed bottom chambers at the bottom side of the body. Sands are carried away from the top side of the body through the grooves and the drain holes to the bottom side of the body when water is applied to the top side of the body.

Abstract: A foot cover insert (1) adapted to be slid over a wearer's foot (2) and to cover the instep and sides of the foot for keeping feet inside straps (3) of sandal shoes (4). The foot cover insert having an upper (5) consisting of a clear, smooth, firm, pliable, vinyl material; and a flat sole (6) consisting of a thin cork material or a fabric material that has a heavy grain. The upper (5) and sole (6) joined together at their edges to form a tubular shaped member with an enlarged first opening (7) to permit the insert to be slid over the foot of the wearer, and an enlarged second opening (8) at the front of the tubular member. The insert (1) adapted to cover only the portion of the foot between the toes and the instep, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, wherein the foot cover insert (10 can be removed and placed in any type of sandal and give a smooth and perfect look to the foot hiding imperfections of the foot and keep the foot within the boundaries of the sandal.

Abstract: An in-line skate (10) includes an upper shoe portion (12) secured to a frame (16) by a base (14). The frame (16) carries a plurality of wheels (18). The upper shoe portion includes an internal elastomeric support layer (50) that includes first and second recesses (54) which receive bladders (32) on either side of the ankle joint. Each bladder is constructed from a pliant envelope (62) that contains a reverse thermal gel (60). The support layer is backed by a rigid ankle cuff (28) also mounted internally within the upper shoe portion. The reverse thermal gel filled bladders (32) conform to closely fit the malleoli of the ankle joint when the foot is received within the upper shoe portion of the skate. The reverse thermal gel is initially a low viscosity liquid which readily conforms to the anatomic structure of the ankle joint.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for use with a snowboard boot strap that is attachable thereto. In one aspect, the boot comprises a foot-shaped outer surface; and a strap mounting member that includes an attachment feature adapted to mount a portion of the strap to the snowboard boot, the strap mounting member including a raised portion that protrudes beyond the foot-shaped outer surface of the boot, the raised portion including the attachment feature. In another aspect, the snowboard boot includes a boot upper having an outer surface, a sole, and an adjustable strap that is mounted to the outer surface of the boot upper, the strap being adjustable so that the strap can be selectively tightened and loosened over the outer surface of the boot upper. The outer surface of the boot upper is formed from at least first and second materials, the first material having a lower coefficient of friction than the second material, the first material being disposed to underlie a portion of the strap that is movable to tighten the strap.

Abstract: Shoe apparatus including a midsole movable relative to a runner or a rigid plate surmounted by such midsole and a wear resistant tab on such midsole to accommodate the relative movement.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole incorporating low friction surfaces for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and walking surfaces for other athletic pursuits, and a method of making same.

Abstract: A scuff type slipper is produced so economically that it may be disposable, yet it has excellent cushioning properties and a sole with sufficient stiffness that the heel end will not fold under when in use. The slipper is produced from third web cushioning material. This has two planar thermoplastic webs spaced apart from one another by a middle thermoplastic web in the form of a plurality of bubbles hermetically sealed to the outer webs, trapping gas in the bubbles for cushioning and imparting stiffness. A vamp portion is formed by folding over a strip of the material at the toe end and fusion bonding it along the sides to the sole of the slipper and then cutting the slipper from the strip.

Abstract: A slipper having good draining functions and providing enhanced support, including an outsole having a top face provided with a pre-determined number of raised portions along its periphery, and a pre-determined number of water outlets each being located between two adjacent raised portions; an insole formed by a multiplicity of interwoven elastic filaments and having a pre-determined thickness and multiple gaps, the insole being disposed on the top face of the outsole and being surrounded by the raised portions; and an upper secured to the outsole such that it forms an arching receiving space adapted to receive a user's foot. The slipper allows water to drain away quickly, and the raised portions provide a stopping function to the toes of the user's foot when the user advances.

Abstract: A skate provided with a supporting frame for in-line wheels and comprising a shoe which is composed of a nonrigid upper that, in a sandwich-like fashion, surrounds a stiffening element which affects the regions of the tip, of the heel, of the ankle and of the sole of the foot, and a lateral band or rim made of rubber which externally and laterally surrounds said upper proximate to said region of the sole of the foot. An anchoring sole for the frame is formed thereat. A skate is obtained which at the same time allows optimum transmission of forces from the foot to the wheel supporting frame and optimum fit for the user's foot.

Abstract: A new detachable shoe strap system for providing an assortment of easily interchangeable styles of footwear in a single system. The inventive device includes a sole member having upper and lower surfaces, and a perimeter side wall extending around the perimeter of the sole member between the upper and lower surfaces of the sole member. A heel is detachably coupled to the lower surface of the sole member and is located towards the heel end of the sole member. The system includes a plurality of flexible straps. Each strap has a pair of opposing ends. Each end of each strap is detachably couplable to the perimeter side wall of the sole member the such that the inner surfaces of the straps face the sole member.

Abstract: A process for attaching a shoe upper to a sole includes the steps of forming clasps having inner and outer staples, folding the clasps around the ends or edge of the upper so that the inner staples attach the clasps to the upper, and inserting clasped portions of the upper into corresponding apertures formed in the sole so that the outer staples attach the upper to the sole.

Abstract: Footwear products incorporating the use of natural materials; therein, and, more particularly, insoles, liners, and footwear incorporating sisal material. The sisal material is arranged so as to provide direct contact with a user foot in order to avail to the user foot the sisal therapeutic benefits of skin massaging, exfoliation of the skin, increased blood flow and ventilation, and the wearability benefits of a non-slip surface and evacuation of foreign objects from direct contact from a user foot. The insoles are at least partially formed of sisal material and can be provided in a flat or contoured form. As another embodiment, the sisal insole is provided as part of a sisal sandal arrangement which incorporates sandal straps and sandals fasteners for attachment to a user foot in a sandal arrangement.

Abstract: The healthful shoe includes a shoe sole having inclined front and rear cutouts respectively formed on front and rear sides of the shoe sole, a shoe upper attached to an upper portion of the shoe sole to cover a foot, and front and rear recesses respectively formed on the boundary surfaces between the front and back cutouts. The front and rear recesses formed on the front and rear cutouts can achieve a triple-time stepping to reduce the fatigue and to provide the smooth circulation of blood. Since the inside of the shoe sole has a height lower than that of the outside, a pedestrian walks with the inside of the foot sole in a lower position than the outside, so that the pedestrian's "O"-shaped legs can be corrected to "II"-shaped legs.

Abstract: An outsole including a base member, an insert member and a member for attaching a blade chassis to the insert member. The base member includes an outer surface, a ball region and a heel region. The insert member is integrally molded with at least a portion of the outer surface of the base member.

Abstract: Articles of footwear incorporating one or more sliding elements are described. Such articles include shoes, sandals, boots, and appliances for attachment to any or all of the foregoing. In addition to serving the traditional functions of footwear lacking such sliding elements, such footwear can be used for recreational "grinding," or sliding across hard surfaces having edges, corners, etc.

Abstract: An improved soft style snowboard boot which is internally reinforced by a multi-piece boot support assembly that includes a rigid molded plastic shank portion, a semi-rigid molded heel cup portion, and a molded or die-cut plastic highback portion. The shank portion is designed to resist flex, and provide ergonomic support for the foot, and further includes molded-in features which permit positive mechanical fastening of conventional step-in binding attachment structure, to the outsole of the boot. A pair of length adjustable tensioning strap members are connected between the shank and highback portions and when tightened the straps induce a desired forward lean in the highback portion. The straps may be tightened independently of each other to provide a desired side bias, left or right, to the highback portion. In one embodiment, the straps are contained within the outer boot portion. In another embodiment, the straps are routed exteriorly of the outer boot portion for more convenient forward lean adjustment.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise shoe having an upper made up of a vamp, a counter, a heel and an instep part. A foot receiving an opening is provided in the upper between the vamp and the counter. A heel strap is attached to the counter and has ends attached to the instep. Cross straps are provided each having a first end attached to the heel and extends across the opening and attached to the instep. The straps are self adjusting by opening and closing. Button holes are provided in the strap ends to receive buttons attached to the instep part to adjust the length of the strap. Holes are formed in the sole to drain water from the inside of the shoe.

Abstract: A contoured cover including lateral and medial panels constructed of thermally insulative, stretchable material. Lateral and medial panels are joined to form a unitary body having an ankle opening, a blade opening, and a pair of confronting front flaps. Flap fasteners and blade opening fasteners can be engaged to stretch taut the unitary body to closely conform to the boot outline and cover a substantial portion of the underneath of the boot.