Abstract: The present invention provides a traction device for a terrain engaging element. The traction device defines a stud having a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion and adapted to be secured into the terrain engaging element. A plurality of spherical carbide pellets are bonded together on and to surfaces of the head. The carbide pellets are provided in multiple layers extending across the head surface. The carbide pellets are provided in a stacked relationship to each other so that during use the carbide pellets are capable of being individually dislodged to reveal a carbide pellet of an underlying layer.

Abstract: An outsole for a golf shoe having a plurality of lateral and medial cleats spaced apart longitudinally adjacent the perimeter on each of the lateral and medial sides of the foresole region, and least one cleat adjacent the perimeter on each of the lateral and medial sides of the heel region, with a groove running longitudinally through the foresole region between the medial and lateral cleats, in substantially vertical registry with a region of the foot defined by the center phalange and the lateral and medial phalanges adjacent the center phalange. Preferably another groove extends between the lateral and media sides of the foresole region, having an inverted “V” shape with the apex of the “V” directed forwardly and intersecting the longitudinal groove, in substantially vertical registry with all of the five phalange joints lying midway between the toes and the arches of the foot. In a further preference, a raised pad is provided at the medial side of the arch region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf shoe outsole that is comprised of a generally soft, and flexible base having a plurality of raised portions on the lower surface of the base, a pair of flexing supports that are placed on the lower surface of the base in an abutting relationship with the raised portions, a pair of chassis that fit over and about the base and a two-piece arch support that acts as a shank for the arch section of the base. The base has a plurality of raised portions that are of a size shape, and number to correspond and mesh together with a plurality of cleat containing pods that are molded to both chassis. The two-piece arch support allows for the necessary rigidity in the arch area of the shoe which is vital for a good golf swing.

Abstract: A traction plate for a shoe. The traction plate is removably attachable to the outsole of a shoe to provide traction on a surface for a shoe wearer. The plate includes a flange with one or more surface-engaging elements on one face. The plate also includes two or more shoe-coupling elements. The shoe-coupling elements are inserted into corresponding receptacles in a shoe-outsole and then rotated to affix the plate to the shoe. The shoe-coupling elements may be captively attached to the plate flange or attachable to the shoe receptacle with a rotation of no more than one full revolution.

Abstract: A golf shoe is disclosed that includes an upper shoe configured to be selectively secured to a foot. A sole assembly of the shoe includes articulating cleats that allow a user's front foot to pivot during a golf swing while maintaining the cleats in a generally fixed position with respect to the ground surface. Articulating cleats may be provided on a pivoting heel assembly that is disposed beneath a heel portion of the shoe. Articulating cleats may also be provided on a sliding forefoot support.

Abstract: Support structures for footwear and the like include contact surface-contacting members (e.g., outsole structures) having an exterior surface that includes: (a) a recessed segment extending longitudinally from a forefoot to a heel portion, (b) plural lateral motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, forefoot portion, and (c) plural medial motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, heel portion. The recessed segment provides a flex line about which the medial and lateral sides of the surface-contacting member can move to independently engage and disengage from a contact surface as a wearer's weight shifts. In at least some structures, the lateral side of the foot-supporting member may be less flexible and/or more stable than the medial side. Support structures of the types described above can allow more of the surface-contacting member to remain in contact with the ground and provide a solid base or support for the movement or activity.

Abstract: Tractional characteristics of athletic shoe cleats are adjustable by selectively blocking and unblocking the amount of flexure of dynamic traction elements on the cleat. Blocking is achieved as a function of rotational starting locations during cleat attachment to an outsole receptacle by placing material or recesses in the outsole at different final rotational positions of the tractional elements. Alternatively, adjustability is obtained by attaching and angularly positioning a separate member, such as a ring, on the cleat with segments of the member positioned or not to block traction element flexure.

Abstract: There is described a sports shoe, especially a golf shoe, having a sole on which downwardly projecting ground-engaging elements are mounted or can be mounted. It is provided according to the invention that the ground-engaging elements (9), or the means (10) provided for mounting them, are guided and held to move forward and backward along an arc, especially an arc of a circle.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole includes receptacles for specifically-oriented studs. The outsole also includes traction elements formed integrally with the outsole. The studs and traction elements being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud.

Abstract: A shoe with a leveling instrument for detecting a relative height and a gradient of a ground to step thereon with the shoe, includes an outsole disposed at a lower portion of the shoe, an upper disposed at an upper portion of the outsole, an x-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth (i.e., an upper strip portion or welt) of a front end portion of the outsole or the upper, a top surface thereof being externally exposed, and a y-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth of a side portion of the outsole or the upper thereof, a top surface thereof being externally exposed. Accordingly, the shoes having the leveling instrument can detect the relative height and the gradient around the ground stepped by a user, whereby helping to correct a swing posture of a golfer, conduct a measurement operation of various engineers in architectural and civil engineering etc., and correct a walking posture of a walker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-component releasable mounted cleat assembly for interlocking into a receptacle of a golf shoe. A locking component is biasly inserted into an open receptacle in the shoe and has a geometric construction of downwardly extending tongues causes a requirement for a greater torque remove the cleat than was necessary to install it. An outer component which is coupled to the locking component provides a plurality of rigid posts extending outward for firmly gripping turf. The posts have an exterior wall surface extending vertically from a base and are confined within the outer perimeter of the base. An inner component is secured within the outer component and has a plurality of resilient legs extending outward in a radial direction and originating from a central area of the component.

Abstract: Interchangeable slip-on golf overshoes for fitting over conventional footwear includes (a) a first golf overshoe being sufficiently symmetrical from a top view to be interchangeably worn over a shoe on a left foot and over a shoe on a right foot of a golfer, the first golf overshoe having at least a sole, a toe component and a heel component and having a portion of the first golf overshoe being stretchable; and the first golf overshoe having a predetermined pattern of spikes on the bottom of its sole; and, (b) a second golf overshoe being sufficiently symmetrical from a top view to be interchangeably worn over a shoe on a left foot and over a shoe on a right foot of a golfer, the second golf overshoe having at least a sole, a toe component and a heel component and having a portion of the second golf overshoe being stretchable; and the second golf overshoe having a predetermined pattern of spikes on the bottom of its sole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf shoe outsole that is comprised of a generally soft, and flexible base having a plurality of raised portions on the lower surface of the base, a pair of flexing supports that are placed on the lower surface of the base in an abutting relationship with the raised portions, a pair of chassis that fit over and about the base and a two-piece arch support that acts as a shank for the arch section of the base. The base has a plurality of raised portions that are of a size shape, and number to correspond and mesh together with a plurality of cleat containing pods that are molded to both chassis. The two-piece arch support allows for the necessary rigidity in the arch area of the shoe which is vital for a good golf swing.

Abstract: A single component traction cleat of co-molded hub and dynamic traction portions includes dynamic traction elements flexible about proximal ends secured inboard of and below a hub periphery having cut-outs through which the elements move when flexed. The hub has a cross-like configuration with spoke-like legs from which static traction elements depend. Locking posts located on the hub spoke legs include a recess between two symmetrical interference sections for receiving a locking tooth on a mating receptacle.

Abstract: A flip flop sandal comprising a sole portion made from a flexible, resilient and moldable material. The sole has an upper surface and a lower surface. Molded within the upper surface is a foot attachment strap having an enlarged end captured within the sole portion. The largest dimension of the enlarged end portion is about 8 to 16 times larger at its largest dimension than the thickness of the foot strap where it meets the upper surface of the sole portion. Also molded within the sole portion are a plurality of spikes. The spikes comprise a lower exposed portion for gripping the surface upon which the wearer walks and a upper bud portion that extends away from the lower portion at a first diameter and expands to a larger diameter farther from the lower portion. The larger diameter is molded within the sole portion.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole (1) includes receptacles (2) for specifically-oriented studs (5). The outsole (1) also includes traction elements (7) formed integrally with the outsole (1). The studs (5) and traction elements (7) being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements (7) are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud (5).

Abstract: An adjustable golf spike assembly for a golf shoe includes a receptacle fixedly attached to the sole of the golf shoe. The receptacle defines an octagonal recess and an octagonal, externally threaded post disposed within the recess. A cleat includes an oversized gripping portion for providing traction and an attachment portion extending from the gripping portion. The attachment portion has an octagonal outer surface to match and engage with the octagonal recess and an octagonal threaded recess for engaging with the threads of the receptacle. Rotation of the cleat relative to the receptacle longitudinally moves the gripping portion relative to the receptacle. Engagement between the upper portion of the cleat and the receptacle provides for discrete rotational positioning of the cleat relative to the receptacle to position and hold the cleat a desired distance from the receptacle.

Abstract: A shoe that relates to safety of the participants' when sports shoes with cleats are employed, e.g. golf, football, and soccer. Knee, ankle, & hip injuries are brought about by abrupt leg turns after the foot is planted and the participant's knee continues to move in a separate direction. A principle objective of the present invention is also to enhance the participants' performance. The primary objective, however, is to minimize the frequency and/or seriousness of knee, ankle, and hip injuries brought about by knee and leg turns after the foot is planted on the playing surface. This invention will permit the foot to rotate under magnetic control when enough pressure is exerted by the participant's body.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a sports shoe, especially a golf shoe, having a sole on which downwardly projecting ground-engaging elements are mounted or can be mounted. It is provided according to the invention that the ground-engaging elements (9), or the means (10) provided for mounting them, are guided and held to move forward and backward along an arc, especially an arc of a circle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone, wherein said collapsible support element is stiffer in a longitudinal direction and is more collapsible in a transverse direction. More specifically, the collapsible support element comprises a collapsible gel pad encased in a thermoplastic urethane, or a single collapsible element having a wave configuration, or a series of collapsible wave elements. Each embodiment of the collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.

Abstract: A replaceable shoe cleat is provided having a receptacle element and a detachable cleat element. The receptacle element is adapted to be located within a sole of a shoe. The receptacle element has at least one detent receiving portion. The detachable cleat element is capable of insertion into the receptacle element. The detachable cleat element has a frame with at least one resilient detent portion. The cleat element has a movable lock element coupled with and movable relative to the frame. The resilient detent portion is adapted to enter the at least one detent receiving portion when the cleat element is located in the receptacle element. The movable lock element is movable relative to the frame to lock the at least one resilient detent portion relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cleat for a shoe has an annular array of different types of angularly spaced traction elements disposed about and depending from a hub periphery. The array includes plural types of flexible traction elements and plural types inflexible traction elements interleaved within the array. The dynamic elements are longer than the static elements and are of two different lengths. The static elements have two different configurations. The flexible elements are sufficiently close to adjacent inflexible elements to permit grass to be trapped therebetween when the flexible elements are flexed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved spike installed in a sole of a shoe and consists of a receptacle having a base and several connecting seats integrated around the edge of the base in one piece flexibly moving in proportion to the base. Several spikes are installed unto individual connecting seats extruding the sole. Accordingly, each connecting seat and partial spikes are wrapped up by the flexible sole. When spikes receive an external force causing connecting seats to deviate slightly and simultaneously, the elasticity of the sole material and elastic recovery of each connecting seat are used ingeniously to create proper grip.

Abstract: A shoe cleat comprises a fan-like array of dynamic traction elements that, under the weight of a wearer of a shoe, resiliently deflect toward the cleat hub and are compressed against an adjacent traction element and/or the hub to trap interposed grass blades.

Abstract: A flexible hinged cleat for a shoe includes a base, a hinge section and a traction section formed as a one-piece mechanism. The flexible hinged cleat is capable of flexing upwardly or downwardly, depending on the direction of the applied force. The hinge section is configured such that the traction section is hinged for rotation relative to a generally fixed axis. Multiple flexible hinged cleats may be molded as parts of a strip and subsequently sandwiched between the outsole and midsole of a shoe.

Abstract: A cleat receptacle for footwear. The cleat receptacle includes a cleat-engaging structure surrounded by a flange. The flange includes portions that are sloped with respect a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cleat-engaging structure. The receptacle is molded into a shoe outsole. Outsole material adjacent to sloped portions of the flange resists twisting of the receptacle as cleats are inserted into or removed from the receptacle. Paddle projections may be attached to the flange to further resist twisting of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-component releasable mounted cleat assembly for interlocking into a receptacle of a golf shoe. A locking component is biasly inserted into an open receptacle in the shoe and has a geometric construction of downwardly extending tongues causes a requirement for a greater torque remove the cleat than was necessary to install it. An outer component which is coupled to the locking component provides a plurality of rigid posts extending outward for firmly gripping turf. The posts have an exterior wall surface extending vertically from a base and are confined within the outer perimeter of the base. An inner component is secured within the outer component and has a plurality of resilient legs extending outward in a radial direction and originating from a central area of the component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf alignment system that generates a visible, audible and/or tactile response indicating when a golfer is properly aligned with respect to an intended target line or to a golf ball. One embodiment includes a first shoe having at least one transmitter disposed on an instep portion thereof. A second shoe has at least one receiver disposed on an instep portion thereof. The receiver is activated by a signal from the transmitter when the first shoe is in a predetermined position relative to the second shoe. Activation of the receiver causes actuation of an indicator, such as a light emitting device which projects a visible reference line on the ground. The present invention is also directed to a method of aligning a golf ball.

Abstract: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include flexible members disposed between discrete pieces of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole includes a pair of stabilizer rods. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole. The outsole has areas of extension for improving the traction and balance of the user.

Abstract: A shoe stud and receptacle combination for specifically oriented studs, the shoe stud (1) including a ground-engaging part (4). The stud (1) and receptacle (2) are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot (5) on one of the components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component. A locking means (7) of the components is arranged to become interengaged at least when the spigot (5) is fully inserted into the socket (22) to resist unscrewing of the components. The locking means (7) comprises at least one locking assembly (8), the arrangement is such that the relative number and/or position of the threads of the threaded connection and the locking assemblies (8) determine the initial and final positions of the stud (1) relative to the receptacle (2).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-component releasable mounted cleat assembly for interlocking into a receptacle of an athletic shoe wherein an inner rotating component may reciprocally swivel within an outer stationary component. The outer stationary component having a plurality of rigid posts extending outward for firmly gripping turf. The inner rotating component has a plurality of resilient legs extending outward in a radial direction for rotatably gripping the turf, wherein each leg may swivel in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions about 15° in relationship to the outer stationary component. The cleat assembly has a locking component which is biasly rotated in a first direction to install it within the shoe receptacle, and a geometric construction of downwardly extending tongues causes a requirement for a greater torque remove the cleat than was necessary to install it.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for securing a reversible cleat having a securing mechanism, an anchoring mechanism adapted to be attached to a sole of a shoe, and a cleat having a first side and a second side and placed between the securing mechanism and the anchoring mechanism. The second side faces toward the anchoring mechanism when the securing mechanism is removably secured to the anchoring mechanism. The second side is repositioned to face away from the anchoring mechanism by removing the securing mechanism from the anchoring mechanism, removing and repositioning the cleat with the second side facing away from the anchoring mechanism, and removably securing the securing mechanism to the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: A cleat (10) to be used on a golf shoe is disclosed. The cleat (10) includes a cleat body (3), securing means (4) and a plurality of long legs (1) and short legs (2). The long legs (1) and the short legs (2) are provided alternately on the cleat body (3). The long legs (1) protrude outwardly from the cleat body (3) having an angle with an imaginary plane normal to the axis of the cleat in the range 70±15 degrees. The long legs (1) are rigid enough to penetrate through grass while the short legs (2) are rigid enough to retain their shape on a hard surface and press grass hard from above. The cleat having voids between the long and short legs provides excellent grips on grass as grass blades and stalks enter the voids and entangle with the long legs (1) and the short legs (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to spikes for golf shoes that ensure stability while walking and a sufficient gripping force for any green surface on a golf course, and that will never damage a delicate green surface such as a putting green. The spike for golf shoes is characterized by comprising a plurality of leg portions (2) extending downward from a spike main body (1), and a rounded bulge (B) formed on the front-end of each leg portion (2), wherein there will be no sharp portion produced in a bulge (B) even if the bulge (B) wears out.

Abstract: A cleat for an article of footwear comprising an insert made from a synthetic plastic material and a synthetic plastic traction member. The traction member is secured to the insert during a molding process, wherein the insert is made from a synthetic plastic material having a greater hardness than the traction member. The insert having a stem portion, an engagement means at a first end of the stem portion for releasable engagement with a complementary engagement formation defined on an undersole of the article of footwear and a securing formation extending from the stem portion for securing the traction member to the stem portion. Further, the cleat is formed in a single, economic injection molding process wherein the insert is formed from a plastic material which is of sufficient hardness to alleviate past problems experienced with stripping of a thread on the stem. The insert is formed of a synthetic plastic material having a hardness between 75 MPa and 85 MPa.

Abstract: An improved cleat for an athletic shoe provides for: enhanced strength and wear-resistance for the cleat traction element; and/or prevention of grass, mud and other debris from agglomerating and clogging the cleat. A resiliently flexible web is connected between adjacent traction elements to absorb the lateral and torsional forces tending to weaken the junctions between the cleat hub and the traction elements. The web is extended from the hub to prevent debris from entering the space between the shoe sole and the traction elements as well as between the traction elements themselves.

Abstract: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a support member having an upper surface attachable to a foot, and two bulbous protuberances, each having a curved outer contour, protruding from a lower surface thereof, one of the protuberances being positioned more posteriorly than the other of the protuberances.

Abstract: Golf shoe insole inserts for improving the position of a golfer's body during a golf swing while stabilizing the feet against both over-pronation and over-supination. The golf shoe insert according to the present invention has an upper portion fashioned to support the entire bottom of the foot, including the transverse arch, the longitudinal arch, and the heel. In particular, the upper portion of the orthopedic insert supports bottom regions of the foot from the posterior plantar surface of the metatarsus through the plantar surface of the lesser tarsus to the posterior plantar surface of the rear foot. The upper portion of the subject orthopedic insert includes a deep heel cup to aid in stabilizing the foot and providing support at the back of the foot.

Abstract: A removable outersole covering for the treaded bottom of an athletic footcovering is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the outersole includes an elastically deformable band defining a continuous loop, the band having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge of the band forming the shape of the border of the treaded bottom of the athletic footcovering, a sole surface coupled to the bottom edge of the band, the sole surface configured in the shape of the treaded bottom of the athletic footcovering; and a plurality of sport cleats protruding from the bottom side of the sole surface.

Abstract: A golf alignment system and method that allows a golfer to properly align his or her feet in relation to the already positioned golf club prior to attempting a shot. The invention comprises one or more substantially horizontal alignment stripes disposed upon a pair of shoes worn by a golfer. The alignment stripes may be of any color or material provided they are visually discernable from the rest of the shoe. The present invention uses aligned stripes skewed at a slight angle, offset from the longitudinal axis of the golfer's shoes. Because a human's back or heel portion of the foot is narrower than the front portion, adjacent horizontally disposed alignment stripes on each individual shoe, when brought together, would not result in a series of horizontal lines. However, when utilizing the present invention at the beginning of the alignment process before the golfer actually strikes the ball, the golfer brings his or her feet together or very close to each other.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes a hub with an exposed surface facing away from the shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe, at least one traction element extending from the hub in a direction away from the exposed surface of the hub, and a cleat connector extending from a surface of the hub opposing the exposed surface and securable within a receptacle of the shoe. The cleat connector is positioned on the hub such that the radial distance defined between the hub perimeter and a central axis of the cleat connector differs at varying locations along the hub perimeter in order to facilitate different orientations of the hub with respect to the shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe.

Abstract: A removable cleat for a shoe is described. The cleat includes a ground-engaging structure for engaging the ground. An attachment structure is for removably attaching the cleat to the footwear. The attachment structure has a vertical axis, a base to which the top of the ground-engaging member is attached, and multiple extensions projecting radially outward from the base. The extensions are adapted for insertion into a cleat receptacle in the shoe to engage a receptacle attachment structure within the receptacle, so that when the cleat is attached to the receptacle, each cleat extension will be securely engaged above a receptacle restraining ledge.