Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a strobel stitched to the upper at a series of stitches disposed in stitch holes that extend through the strobel. The strobel and the upper define a foot-receiving cavity with an inner surface of the strobel disposed at the foot-receiving cavity. A midsole is secured to the upper and an outer surface of the strobel is disposed at the midsole. The stitch holes are obstructed such that the stitch holes are not exposed to both the midsole and the foot-receiving cavity. Accordingly, when a flowable polymeric material is injected in a mold cavity to form the midsole with the lower portion of the upper and the strobel in the mold cavity, the stitch holes will not provide a path for entry of the flowable polymeric material into the foot-receiving cavity. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed.

Abstract: A stitch-down shoe and a method for making the same are provided. The method includes: imparting a toe cap shape to an upper; reserving a width along a lower edge of the upper as a folded-out edge according to the toe cap shape; fixedly attaching a welt along a periphery of a midsole sheet so as to form a midsole; bonding and stitching the folded-out edge flush to a periphery of the midsole so as to form a shoe body; steaming the shoe body until softened, and putting a last into the shoe body for shaping; removing the last; bonding an outsole; performing fine edge-abrading; and finishing. The midsole sheet is made of a non-woven material and the welt, of leather. The width of the folded-out edge is precisely controllable. The resultant stitch-down shoe is economical in material, keeps the upper smooth, has nice curvature, and feels soft when worn.

Abstract: A footwear item includes an upper and a lap element. The lap element is formed of a moldable resilient plastic material with a predetermined shape and forms the sole or insole of the footwear item. The lap element includes opposing surfaces defining a channel for receiving the periphery of the upper. The predetermined shape of the lap element follows the perimeter of the upper.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a sandal or shoe having an outsole with a socklining on top of and in direct contact with the outsole for directly contacting a user's foot and a cushion having a thickness between approximately ? and 1½ inches, where the cushion is placed between said outsole and said socklining. The sandal or shoe also includes at least one material partially covering a user's foot extending across the socklining for holding the sandal onto a user's foot and a securing mechanism extending from the at least one material through the socklining to the outsole for securing the socklining directly to the outsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an outsole having a top surface and a lip, where the lip extends around a portion of a periphery of the outsole and is above the top surface. The lip also has an inner surface facing inwardly and an outer surface facing outwardly. An upper is in contact with and secured to the outer surface of the lip. The inner surface of the lip is thereafter secured to the top surface for completing the shoe's attachment of the upper to the outsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an outsole with a bottom surface for contacting the ground, and where the bottom surface has a notch adapted to receive a stitch and hinder premature wear of the stitch. A socklining is also provided on top of and in direct contact with the outsole for directly contacting a user's foot. Moreover, a cushion is placed between the outsole and socklining and a securing mechanism extends from the socklining to the notch, without extending through the bottom surface, for securing the socklining directly to the outsole.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a three-dimensional insole including a base, and a wall part extending upward from an outer peripheral end of the base, each of the base and the wall part being made of a sheeting material. The wall part is sewn to the outer peripheral end of the base to form a three-dimensional outline. An upper has a bottom open end connected to the wall part of the insole, and an outsole is connected to the bottom open end of the upper and the three-dimensional insole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an upper with a first surface and a foot placement mechanism for placing a foot and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The foot placement mechanism also includes an extension extending outwardly from the foot placement mechanism in a direction generally parallel to the top surface. The first surface of the upper is in contact with the top surface in a localized area proximate to the extension. A securing mechanism is used to secure the upper to the foot placement mechanism in the area proximate to where the first surface contacts the top surface. A sole is then secured to the bottom surface. Preferably, vulcanized rubber is in contact with the sole and bottom surface for securing the sole to the bottom surface by vulcanization.

Abstract: A shoe includes a hollow insole component which has a horizontal part with an inner peripheral end confining an opening and an upward flange extending upward from a top face of the horizontal part, an upper having a bottom open end attached to the horizontal part; and a lining mounted within the upper and having a bottom open end attached to the upward flange, wherein the hollow insole component is made by forming an elongated strip into a loop, and the insole component has a connection joint extending transversely of the hollow insole component.

Abstract: A shoe includes an ergonomic insole unit, and an upper with a bottom margin connected directly to a periphery of the insole unit. The insole unit has a heel part which includes a planar bottom face, a rear upward flange extending upward from the heel part and a concave inner surface which extends gradually upward and outward from a mid part of the heel part to the upward flange. The thickness of the heel part decreases gradually from the upward flange to the mid part and thus substantially conforms to the contour of the bottom face of the wearer's heel. The ergonomic insole unit contacts and supports sufficiently all part of the wearer's heel for better distribution of the weight of the wearer.

Abstract: A “wrap-around” shoe construction having a generally horizontal seam that joins the upper and bottom. The sole includes separate heel and forefoot sole portions that expose the “wrap-around” upper. The horizontal seam preferably extends substantially parallel to the bottom line of the foot. The horizontal seam includes an outwardly-turned moc stitch in the forefoot and heel regions, and an inwardly turned butt stitch in the arch region. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an article of footwear including the steps of (1) forming the upper, (2) forming the bottom, (3) stitching the bottom to the upper along a horizontal seam, (5) lasting the upper and bottom assembly, (6) setting the shape of the upper and bottom assembly, (7) forming the outsole from separate forefoot and heel portions, and (8) installing a molded insole and a footbed in the shoe.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a hollow sole pad having an intermediate opening, an inner marginal end confining the opening, an outer marginal portion spaced from and extending around the inner marginal end, and an upstanding flange which projects from the sole pad between the outer marginal portion and the inner marginal end and which loops around the opening. An upper has a bottom open end stitched to one of the outer marginal portion and the upstanding flange. A lining sleeve is disposed inside the upper and is made of a material which is impervious to water but is pervious to vapors. The lining sleeve has a bottom open end stitched to the upstanding flange of the sole pad to form a stitch seam which is then sealed by means of waterproof means. The bottomless lining sleeve and the hollow sole pad permits the lining sleeve to be secured and sealed watertight to the sole pad in a less complicated manner. Drainage is permitted at the stitch seam of the sole pad and the upper.

Abstract: A slipper and a method of manufacturing a slipper is described where the slipper includes an outsole having a sidewall extending along a perimeter of the outsole. The outsole also includes a supporting sole structure including a platform surface. The supporting sole may include lattice walls defining open cells. The slipper also includes an insole and a vamp. The insole covers the platform of the outsole and fits within the sidewall. The method of manufacture includes the steps of providing the outsole, providing the vamp, and attaching a lower perimeter of the vamp to at least a portion of the sidewall extending along a perimeter of the outsole.

Abstract: A “wrap-around” shoe construction having a generally horizontal seam that joins the upper and bottom. The sole includes separate heel and forefoot sole portions that expose the “wrap-around” upper. The horizontal seam preferably extends substantially parallel to the bottom line of the foot. The horizontal seam includes an outwardly-turned moc stitch in the forefoot and heel regions, and an inwardly turned butt stitch in the arch region. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an article of footwear including the steps of (1) forming the upper, (2) forming the bottom, (3) stitching the bottom to the upper along a horizontal seam, (5) lasting the upper and bottom assembly, (6) setting the shape of the upper and bottom assembly, (7) forming the outsole from separate forefoot and heel portions, and (8) installing a molded insole and a footbed in the shoe.

Abstract: A method of constructing a footwear includes the following features. An outsole having a backpart and a forepart is provided. The forepart has a standing lip around the periphery of the forepart. An upper is provided, which together with the outsole defines a volume for receiving a wearer's foot. The upper is turned inside out and then the upper is stitched to the lip of the forepart. The upper stitched to the forepart is then turned inside in. A back portion of the upper is lasted. The backpart is then secured to the lasted back portion of the upper.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a hollow sole pad having an intermediate opening, an inner marginal end confining the opening, an outer marginal portion spaced from and extending around the inner marginal end, and an upstanding flange which projects from the sole pad between the outer marginal portion and the inner marginal end and which loops around the opening. An upper has a bottom open end stitched to one of the outer marginal portion and the upstanding flange. A lining sleeve is disposed inside the upper and is made of a material which is impervious to water but is pervious to vapors. The lining sleeve has a bottom open end stitched to the upstanding flange of the sole pad to form a stitch seam which is then sealed by means of waterproof means. The bottomless lining sleeve and the hollow sole pad permits the lining sleeve to be secured and sealed watertight to the sole pad in a less complicated manner. Drainage is permitted at the stitch seam of the sole pad and the upper.

Abstract: A method for making shoes comprises the stages of molding a base of the shoe according to a preset curve, folding the edges of the base outwards, folding the flaps of an upper outwards and of joining the upper to the base at the outer edge of the base. The method may also comprise stages of applying a thermoformable element on a first surface of the base, at least at the outer edge of the base and of applying a sole element, on at least a portion of a second surface of the base. A shoe obtained in this way, therefore, comprises a base, molded according to a preset curve and an upper attached to the base at the outer edge of the base by joining the flaps of the upper and the edges of the base which are folded outwards.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a hollow sole pad having an intermediate opening, an inner marginal end confining the opening, an outer marginal portion spaced from and extending around the inner marginal end, and an upstanding flange which projects from the sole pad between the outer marginal portion and the inner marginal end and which loops around the opening. An upper has a bottom open end stitched to one of the outer marginal portion and the upstanding flange. A lining sleeve is disposed inside the upper and is made of a material which is impervious to water but is pervious to vapors. The lining sleeve has a bottom open end stitched to the upstanding flange of the sole pad to form a stitch seam which is then sealed by means of waterproof means. The bottomless lining sleeve and the hollow sole pad permits the lining sleeve to be secured and sealed watertight to the sole pad in a less complicated manner. Drainage is permitted at the stitch seam of the sole pad and the upper.

Abstract: A waterproof and moisture-permeable shoe which includes: a moisture-permeable and waterproof upper assembly having a lower outwardly-folded edge; an insole having an outer peripheral component to which the lower outwardly-folded edge of the upper assembly is perimetrically connected; a plurality of stitches which connect the lower outwardly-folded edge of the upper assembly perimetrically to the outer peripheral component of the insole; a waterproof outsole connected below the insole; and a waterproof sealing connecting element which is made of moisture-impermeable sealing material and which connects the lower outwardly-folded edge of the upper assembly to the outer peripheral component of the insole in at least one sealed region such as to provide a waterproof seal in the at least one sealed region. The moisture-impermeable sealing material of the waterproof sealing connecting element is a hardened material which has been injected in a fluid state, preferably as a portion of the outsole.

Abstract: A slipper and a method of manufacturing a slipper is described where the slipper includes an outsole having a sidewall extending along a perimeter of the outsole. The outsole also includes a supporting sole structure including a platform surface. The supporting sole may include lattice walls defining open cells. The slipper also includes an insole and a vamp. The insole covers the platform of the outsole and fits within the sidewall. The method of manufacture includes the steps of providing the outsole, providing the vamp, and attaching a lower perimeter of the vamp to at least a portion of the sidewall extending along a perimeter of the outsole.

Abstract: A shoe structure includes an outer shaft, an inner shaft and a sole. The inner shaft includes at least one waterproof, water-vapor permeable functional layer and at least one layer of lining material which faces the inside of the shoe structure. An extension, made of a waterproof material, is connected in a waterproof manner to a lower end of the inner shaft which faces an outsole of the shoe. The inner shaft is fixed in place in the sole area by the extension only. The extension preferably encloses the lower end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety shoe having improved characteristics of flexibility, weight and style. The shoe, which is of stitch-down construction incorporates a metal toe box retainer which fits within the metal toe box and holds the metal toe box in place. The metal toe box has flanges which fit under the edges of the metal toe box retainer. Durability and comfort are achieved by means of a liner which is lasted to the interior surface of the metal toe box and wraps around and under the retainer.

Abstract: A shoe structure which includes at least part of a shoe and consists of: an upper, a first insole, a second insole and an outsole. The upper includes at least one outer layer and lining. The lining lines the inside of the outer layer and includes a waterproof and water-vapour permeable functional layer. The first insole closes the underside of the inner area of the shoe structure. The second insole and the outsole are bonded whereby the lining extends further downwards than the outer layer by the length of a lower end area. The lower end area of the lining is turned back to the inside and positioned against the second insole. The second insole has an outer edge around its periphery. The outer edge has a contour corresponding to the contour of the outer layer and joined to the lower end area of the outer layer. The shoe structure includes a second insole cut out to form an outer edge around its periphery and an inner edge around its periphery thus forming a strip between the outer edge and the inner edge.

Abstract: A cushioned insole (10) has an upper layer (12) and a lower layer (14). The layers have a toe area, a heel area, an upper surface and a lower surface. The insole has a cushion (28) disposed between the lower surface of the upper layer and the upper surface of the lower layer in the toe area of the layers. In the heel area of the layers, a tack board (30) is disposed between the upper and lower layers. A rib (40) is attached to the upper surface of the upper layer and to the lower layer by stitching, capturing the cushion therebetween and forming a peripheral margin exteriorly of the stitching. A lip (32) is formed from the upturned peripheral margin of the upper layer and is attached to the rib to add strength and reinforcement to the overall structure.

Abstract: A wedge slipper includes an all fabric construction with a flat rubber outsole. A wedge cover is stitched to the outsole with a bottom peripheral edge of the wedge cover turned inwardly to avoid presenting exposed stitching. The insole and the wedge cover are stitched together with both the insole and wedge cover turned inwardly at the line of stitching. Into a toe portion of the outsole with a ribbon covering raw edges of the vamp and the insole. A cushion filler of increased thickness is placed within a cavity defined between the outsole and the insole with an enlarged thickness portion of the filler received in the heel cavity.

Abstract: Footwear having a pair of slipper or footwear/shoe members joined together. Each member is formed of a flexible upper body and a sole secured thereto about the perimeter. The two slipper or footwear/shoe members are further joined with their soles abutting each other.

Abstract: A California-type shoe having an upper with a folded-over edge, a sock-lining and a sole having a stitching edge. The folded-over edge captures the sock-lining to form a three-layer seam, which seam is sewn directly to the stitching edge of the sole.

Abstract: A shoe upper is directly joined to a shoe sole and contoured to a last by stitching a socklining to an upper and providing a mold engaging lip between the lower periphery of the upper and the stitched seam. The stitched socklining and upper are then mounted on a last. The lasted socklining and upper are mounted in a two piece, resilient upper mold and the upper mold is then mounted on a bottom mold having expanding, foaming resin therein with the mold engaging lip resiliently held between the edges of the upper and lower molds. An integrally joined shoe upper and sole are formed thereby.

Abstract: A shoe upper is directly joined to a shoe sole and contoured to a last by stitching a socklining to an upper and providing a mold engaging lip between the lower periphery of the upper and the stitched seam. The stitched socklining and upper are then mounted on a last. The lasted socklining and upper are mounted in a two piece, resilient upper mold and the upper mold is then mounted on a bottom mold having expanding, foaming resin therein with the mold engaging lip resiliently held between the edges of the upper and lower molds. An integrally joined shoe upper and sole are formed thereby.

Abstract: A stitched-down shoe in which the upper or the upper material has an outwardly-turned edge which is sewn directly to a base. The base has a lateral seam groove extending around the periphery thereof and near the top of the base, and pre-formed stitch holes directed essentially perpendicular to the seam groove. The upper is stitched to the base through the stitch holes. In another embodiment, air holes are provided through the shoe base to allow "breathing" and interior grooves are provided connecting the air holes.

Abstract: A thread-lasted shoe has an upper which is stitched to a stitching edge of the sole of the shoe. In the area of the heel of the shoe, the stitching edge has stitching holes extending substantially parallel to the plane of the sole of the shoe whereas the stitching holes are inclined at an angle to the plane of the sole of the shoe over the remainder of said sole of the shoe. The said angle at which the stitching holes are inclined to the plane of said sole may be a right angle.

Abstract: A shoe construction including a pre-formed unitary sole member made from a flexible, resilient material and including a concave top face pre-shaped to fit the bottom of the wearer's foot. The outer marginal portion of the bottom face of the sole member is recessed to form a stitching land for securing the sole member directly to the forepart lower marginal portion of the shoe upper. A soft, resilient sole filler member may be secured to the top face of the sole member, with the rear portion of the sole filler member being secured to the front portion of the shank tuck.

Abstract: A shoe construction including an upper having a forepart marginal flange secured to the corresponding marginal portion of the forepart of an insole, and an elongated binding tape extending the length of the periphery of the forepart of the shoe folded over and secured to the flange and the bottom face of the marginal portion of the insole to provide a welt-look. The shoe also preferably includes a padded member secured to the upper face of the forepart of the insole by a cover sheet, the margins of which are secured to the marginal portion of the insole and between the insole and the flange of the upper.