Abstract: In its simplest conceptual form, the applicant's invention is the structure of a conventional shoe sole that has been modified by having its sides bent up so that their inner surface conforms to a shape nearly identical but slightly smaller than the shape of the outer surface of the sides of the foot sole of the wearer (instead of the shoe sole sides conforming to the ground by paralleling it, as is conventional). The shoe sole sides are sufficiently flexible to bend out easily when the shoes are put on the wearer's feet and therefore the shoe soles gently hold the sides of the wearer's foot sole when on, providing the equivalent of custom fit in a mass-produced shoe sole. This invention can be applied to shoe sole structures based on a theoretically ideal stability plane as a basic concept, especially including structures exceeding that plane.

Abstract: This invention is related to a golf shoe that naturally shifts the center of weight into a heel portion and cause smooth swing. The golf shoes according to this invention comprises a sole having a heel portion (30), a toe portion (34) formed continuously forwardly from the heel portion (30) and an intermediate metatarsal portion (32) formed between the heel portion (30) and the toe portion (34), wherein the toe portion (34) is angled 1.about.5.degree. upward from a horizontal line taking the intermediate metatarsal portion (32) as pivot point and the heel portion is angled -7.about.7.degree. from the horizontal line taking the intermediate metatarsal portion as pivot point.

Abstract: A grinding shoe apparatus for both normal running and walking activity and including a sole cavity for mounting a complementary plate configured with a plurality of bearing surfaces for sliding along rigid support surfaces and braking surfaces to control speed developed while sliding.

Abstract: A footwear exercising device for use by a wearer in improving various aspects of the wearer's physical condition, health and overall appearance. The footwear exercising device of the present invention includes a combination reverse wedge and sole for wear below the sole of a wearer's foot, and may be worn with a wide variety of fashion. Prolonged use of the device of the present invention has been shown to improve the tone of the muscle groups of a wearer's body which have to do with the wearer's posture. Prolonged use of the instant invention has also been shown to improve the blood circulation in a wearer's legs and to strengthen significantly the muscles supporting a wearer's knees. The design of the device is such that prolonged wear of the invention is neither strenuous nor taxing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shoe using a moulded bottom provided with a series of slots on the edges, or with through openings on the sole, for the application of a closed upper, made up of a fabric or leather strap that embraces the back and the neck of the foot.

Abstract: A two-piece orthotic insert assembly. A post member is fixedly mounted in the heel end of a shoe, and has a generally concave bearing surface. A separate plate member is placed in the shoe so that the heel end thereof rests in the post, the heel cup of the plate member having a generally convex lower bearing surface which engages the concave bearing surface in the post member so as to permit a predetermined range of pivoting motion between the two pieces. The concave upper bearing surface of the post member defines a generally U-shaped bearing area which supports the rear foot portion of the plate at a predetermined angle for heel strike. Following heel strike, the plate member pivots so as to permit a controlled amount of pronation of the foot.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, which includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot shoe, including the bottom and the sides, when that foot sole deforms naturally by flattening under load while walking or running in order to provide a stable support base for the foot and ankle. Deformation sipes such as slits or channels are introduced in the shoe sole along its long axis, and other axes, to provide it with flexibility roughly equivalent to that of the foot. The result is a shoe sole that accurately parallels the frontal plane deformation of the foot sole, which creates a stable base that is wide and flat even when tilted sideways in extreme pronation or supination motion. In marked contrast, conventional shoe soles are rigid and become highly unstable when tilted sideways because they are supported only by a thin bottom edge.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

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

Abstract: A shoe made of flexible material having an outer sole. The outsole having an inner surface, an underside, a longitudinal axis, a heel zone, a toe zone, a ball between the toe and heel zones, and an edge surrounding the sole surface. The inner surface includes inner projecting elements wherein inner projecting elements form a substantially rectangular grid. The underside includes outer projecting elements wherein the outer projecting elements are interrupted webs that extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis, at least one longitudinal rib on the underside parallel to the edge on the sole underside, and a sickle-shaped reinforcement zone on the inner surface filling a portion of the rectangular grid between the ball of the foot zone and the heel zone.

Abstract: A main body portion of a shoe includes a base having a heel and a sole, and an upper on the base. A lower sole is positioned below the base sole and is movable front to rear and back relative to the base sole. A transducer is provided in the seal and is connected to the lower sole. The transducer pushes the lower sole forwardly in response to heel pressure being imposed by the heel of the wearer on the heel of the shoe. After a forward shoe is set down on the ground, with its heel up and its lower sole contacting the ground, the main body portion of the shoe, with the wearer's foot inside of it, slides forward and adds length to the step.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole and a separate midsole having interlocking shank portions. The outsole has an upward extending arc in the shank area which defines a shank interlock portion on the top surface of the outsole. The midsole has a corresponding arc which defines a shank interlock portion on a bottom surface thereof which mates with the arc in the outsole for resisting motion of the midsole relative to the outsole in the case where the midsole is unsecured within the structure to allow for removal of the midsole. A rigid shank insert may be provided between the midsole and outsole. The midsole further includes a plurality of cushioning pads on a bottom surface of the midsole which are separated by air channels. The air channels extend along the length of the midsole and intersect with a heel cavity. A plurality of thru holes are formed in the midsole to extend from the top surface thereof to the air channels in the bottom surface.

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: The sole comprises three layers, including (a) an outer or ground contact sole (7) having flexibility, ground-gripping, and abrasion-resistance properties, (b) an upper or comfort layer (8) positioned directly beneath the foot and having elastic shock-absorption properties, and (c) an intermediate layer or rib (9) positioned directly between the upper portion of the contact layer (7) and the lower portion of the comfort layer (8) and having torsional rigidity properties which provide both for the distribution of shocks sensed by the contact layer (7) and for their diffusion over the comfort layer (8) before they come into contact with the foot (4).

Abstract: A multiple-part foot-support sole having a cork support with a thickness that is minimal under a heel and under a ball of the wearer's foot. A wedge is arranged under the foot support so that a front edge of the wedge lies approximately under the ball of the wearer's foot and encloses an angle between 75 and 80.degree. relative to the longitudinal center line of the sole. The wedge has a substantially flat upper and lower side and is made of a lightweight and flexible material. An outsole is provided under the wedge in the cork foot support so as to be sharply raised in a toe region of the sole while the cork foot support is only slightly curved in the toe region.

Abstract: A shoe having improved sole component composed of a closed cell foam mid-sole which is adhered to at least a portion of the shoe's upper component. The mid-sole component has multiple thickened zones which are separated by multiple flex grooves between the zones. The thickened zones are provided in a fore foot and rear foot portions and underlie only the high impact regions of a wearer's foot during a wearer's gait cycle. An outer sole is attached to the outer bottom surface of the thickened zones of the mid-sole with the thickened zones being between the out sole and a portion of the upper component.

Abstract: Footwear intended primarily for outdoor use, wherein a variety of ground conditions are likely to be encountered, has a sole with traction elements inspired by the hoof of a mountain goat. In several embodiments, an interior region of the sole is provided with a plurality of pairs of relatively soft protruding pods, while a perimetric region surrounding the interior region includes a plurality of relatively hard lugs provided on opposite sides of the pod pairs. The pods extend downwardly below the lugs such that they will make initial ground contact and compress. The compression cushions initial impact and increases the area of ground contact to improve traction on firm smooth surfaces. The compression also brings the lugs into ground engagement, following initial contact, to improve stability and traction on irregular and soft ground surfaces. Other embodiments of the invention implement similar principles, in soles having a more conventional (less goat hoof-like) appearance.

Abstract: A footwear last usable in the mass production of footwear comprises a solid body having a top, bottom, toe and heel portion with a smooth contoured sole surface connecting the toe and heel portion including an inner longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface and on an inner side of the last, an outer longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface on an outer side of the last. A first transverse arch formed proximate the toe portion. A second transverse arch formed forward of the heel portion. The smooth upper surface transitions to the smooth sole surface in a continuous curve free from a sharply angled last bottom featherline and the contoured sole surface defines three separate and distinct contact areas. The sole surface projects cross-sections of varying percentages with respect to the total cross-sectional area onto a base plane at different heights above the base plane in accordance with the unique contours of the sole surface.

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: A boot having an improved blast and fragment resistant vulcanized rubber boot sole (13) for protection against large anti-personnel mines is described. The sole comprises embedded protective material composed of at least one layer (18) of woven polyaramid (Kevlar) material. The boot further has an upper insole (19) having a critical supporting structure comprised of at least one polyaramid layer (18). An additional graphite or engineering polymer (e.g. Delrin 100) toe-cap (41) and shank are also described.

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: A shoe construction for supporting an inner sole providing a plurality of spaced-apart pedestal sole support areas. Each pedestal support area is partially stabilized by adjacent supporting walls which walls have reduced height areas close to the support area. Partial stability provides adequate support for the active shoe wearer while at the same time permitting the pedestal support areas to move within a limited area or orbit.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus and footwear for distributing weight evenly so as to relieve pressure and discomfort from the ball, arch and heel region of the wearer's foot. This is accomplished by first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments in which two substantially parallel plates are mounted between an inner sole and an outer sole. The parallel plates are spaced apart by a spacer which is located at a point or region of attachment between the two plates in the arch region of the footwear. The lower plate is rigid and the upper plate is flexible. A layer of easily deformable foam material is provided between the two plates. In the first embodiment, sole spacers are provided in the toe region of the footwear. As a result of the attachment configuration, the plates are cantilever mounted both extending forward and rearward from the arch region.

Abstract: A shoe having a resilient strap running from under the forefoot to a rigid heal counter is provided. The shoe is constructed such that a fulcrum is provided under the strap so as to create a windlass effect during the normal walking cycle. This effect results in providing added support for the longitudinal medial arch of the wearer of the shoe.

Abstract: A sole having the ability to provide both stability and cushioning includes at least one stabilizer positioned at selected locations around the perimeter of the sole. Stabilizers are positioned at perimeter locations where sudden impacts are unlikely and greater resistance to compression is needed to stabilize the running motion. The perimeter areas of the sole most likely to experience sudden impacts during running and like activities remain unencumbered of the stabilizers.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of footwear having inclined lugs that protrude downwardly from the bottom of the outsole. The outsole defines an undercut around at least a portion of each lug to permit the lugs to collapse into the outsole when walking on hard, flat surfaces. The lugs in the forefoot portion of the outsole are inclined rearwardly and the lugs in the heel portion of the outsole are inclined forwardly. In a second aspect, the outsole includes a plurality of downwardly protruding ridges that undulate around the profile of the outsole in a generally horizontal direction to provide the profile of the outsole with a gripping surface.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, specifically a shoe sole, particularly the structure of an athletic shoe sole. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a lateral stability sipe that allows any shoe sole to provide significantly improved lateral support to the foot. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the use of a lateral stability sipe in an athletic shoe sole to provide it with sufficient flexibility along a natural axis so as to allow the shoe heel to remain relatively flat under the foot heel even when most of the forefoot of the shoe is lifted off the ground when tilted out sideways to a maximum in natural supination motion.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising ethylene interplymers, such as a linear or substantially linear ethylene interpolymer and polydimethylsiloxane. The compositions have good abrasion resistance without sacrificing coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole having a bottom walking surface and a depressed top surface surrounded by an upstanding peripheral sidewall having a upper peripheral edge, an upper attached to the outsole, and a replaceable inner sole. The upstanding peripheral sidewall and depressed top surface of the outsole together define a cavity lying generally below the upper peripheral edge. The upper and outsole together define a volume disposed over the cavity and generally above the upper peripheral edge, the volume sized comfortably accommodate a wearer's foot. The replaceable inner sole has a body sized and shaped to fit snugly within the cavity portion, generally removed from encroachment of the volume, while supporting a wearer's foot within the volume.

Abstract: Footwear having an upper and a bottom, the bottom having an inwardly curved mid region, a protuberance is formed at the mid region which extends medially from the mid region beyond an imaginary line drawn from the widest part of the toe section of the footwear to the widest section of the heel of the footwear. In its preferred embodiments, the protuberance is convex in top plan view and convex in transverse sections starting from the widest area at the bottom of the protuberance and narrowing towards the top and in top plan view starting from a narrow front end of the protuberance being widest at midlength and then narrowing again at the end of the protuberance. Preferably, the protuberance is a medial extension of the longitudinal medial arch support of the footwear and has its vertical center line slightly rearward of the vertical center line of the longitudinal medial arch support.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with anti-inversion protection includes an upper attached along its lower extent to a sole portion. The sole portion includes an integrally formed wing member projecting outwardly from the lateral side of the sole portion. The wing member is spaced upwardly from the bottom of the sole portion and is located between the ankle and the ball of the user's foot. When the ankle begins to overturn, the tip of the wing member engages the ground to resist overturning.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for a human foot containing an elongated sole piece having a front, middle and rear section and having a ground engaging bottom surface and an upper surface in which the wearer's foot is received and, an upper piece secured to said sole piece, said upper piece providing an enclosed embracing foot enclosure having a counter section at the rear of the foot, a mid-body section, and a toe box section at the front, wherein said sole piece has a curved sole at the rear section of the sole to permit the user's foot to be tilted forward to enhance the power of the push when the user's foot makes contact with ground when the user strikes at the user's heel. In addition, the shoe can have an improved tread design and a removable and replaceable shock absorbing insert. The shoe preferably employs the principle of energy conversion.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe is discosed which is constructed with a relatively rigid top layer or insole and a relatively rigid bottom layer or outsole which are mounted for relative rotation about an axis perpendicular to and extending through the center of the sole. Between the insole and outsole, there is provided a relatively yieldable elastomer layer, which permits relative rotation between the insole and the outsole upon rotation of the foot during walking, but will resiliently restore the insole and outsole to an aligned position when the torsional force of the foot is removed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shoe sole formed by moulding an elastomeric-like material and provided with an insert of a material having different consistence and stiffness. The insert consists of an X-shaped frame (5) buried in the sole (2) transversally with respect to the lengthwise axis of the shoe at the zone under the arch of the foot. The branch portions (8, 9) forming the X-shaped frame have their ends (7) on either side of the shoe connected therebetween by integrally formed reverse-U-shaped portions (10, 11).

Abstract: A cycling shoe having the characteristics of stiffness, low weight, foot stability and walking comfort has as its primary element a unit body of monocoque construction in the form of a contoured sheet, for example of fiber and resin composite, that replaces the sole and part of the upper of a traditional shoe. The unit body includes a sole portion and a perimeter region. A downwardly-extending ridge structure defines a substantial portion of the perimeter region. An upwardly-extending sidewall terminates the perimeter region, and forms a portion of the shoe upper. Shoe upper components include a stiffened and contoured tongue piece and adjustable straps for pressing the tongue piece down against the forefoot of the cyclist.

Abstract: Odor absorbing pads for shoes are provided including a shoe having a sole with a top surface and a lower surface. The shoe further includes an upper portion coupled to the sole for encompassing a foot of a user. At least one unitary flexible housing has a top face and a bottom face with a periphery formed therebetween defining an interior space. The top face has a plurality of breathing apertures formed therein. The bottom face of each flexible housing has a layer of adhesive formed thereon. Each flexible housing has a generally disk-shaped configuration. A predetermined amount of charcoal particulates are situated within the interior space of the housing for absorbing odor from the foot of the user. Further, a predetermined amount of medicated powder is situated within the interior space of the housing for preventing the growth of odor producing organisms within the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe sole which enables the Aori movement of a foot to be readily performed is obtained. According to the invention, the shoe sole is formed of a toe portion 10 and a main portion 20. Toe portion 10 has one upper surface F (first upper surface) and one bottom surface portion (first bottom surface portion). Main portion 20 has one upper plane E (second upper plane), and three bottom surface portions B, C and D (second, third and fourth bottom surface portion). The thickness (t2) of a portion on the lateral side of bottom surface portion C of main portion 20 is formed smaller than the thickness (t1) of a portion on the medial side. Bottom plane C (third bottom surface portion) permits a foot to supinate in a natural manner in dorsiflexial position when the third bottom surface portion touches the plane of walking.

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: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe having an outersole with a removable protective covering, including the steps of applying a sheet of protective covering to a sheet of outersole material with adhesive to form a composite sheet; applying printed indicia on the protective covering at predetermined locations; stamping out the composite sheet to form a plurality of outersoles, each having the protective covering and the printed indicia to form finished outersoles; and attaching each of the finished outersoles to a shoe upper to form a shoe so that the protective covering is removable.

Abstract: A training shoe can apply a larger-than-normal load to leg muscles to strengthen them while maintaining good flexibility, cushioning properties and other necessary properties required for shoes. Regularly arranged weight chambers are formed in a resilient outsole. Weights formed of a mixture of metallic grains and an adhesive are embedded in the weight chambers. A rubber layer is provided between the outsole and a middle sole, and a thick cup-shaped insole is laid on the middle sole to absorb shocks. Also, a fairly thick tongue is provided to protect the instep of a foot.

Abstract: A shoe member is formed of a polymer composition comprising (A) a composite material having a low molecular weight material retained in a medium material and (B) a polymer material. The low molecular weight material has a viscosity of up to 5.times.10.sup.5 centipoise at 100.degree. C. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the medium material is up to 3.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/medium material is at least 1.0. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the polymer material is up to 4.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/polymer material is at least 0.5. The polymer composition is enclosed in a rubbery or elastomeric cover particularly when it is used in the outsole.

Abstract: New application of biomechanical principles of elastic stretch and braking force are combined in an athletic shoe. The new design implements the concepts by placing the heel of the shoe inner sole significantly lower than the ball of the foot and toes. Tests show that an inner sole reverse slope of about 31/2.degree. provides an optimum significant improvement in jumping in particular. The reverse slope is substantially flat from the center of pressure beneath the heel to the five centers of pressure beneath the ball of the foot. The flat slope provides more assurance that the weight of the user will be applied to the shoe through the centers of pressure in preference to locations under the arch. The invention is applicable to "explosive" movement sports such as basketball, track and field, volleyball, tennis and soccer. Preferably the shoes are constructed with formed or curved heels to retain the feet properly positioned in the shoes by preventing the feet from sliding too far back within the shoes.

Abstract: Elastomers exhibiting decreased demold times and improved green strength are prepared by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a monodisperse polyoxypropylene diol having ultra-low unsaturation, and preferably prepared by the double metal cyanide.t-butyl alcohol catalyzed polymerization of propylene oxide. Further improved demold times and elevated elastomer physical properties are made possible bythe use of multidisperse polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol blends having an overall unsaturation of less than 0.010 meq/g and a polydispersity of about 1.4 or greater.

Abstract: Footware is made such that a thickness of a heel region from a sole upper surface to the ground is thinner at a backward portion than at a forward portion, whereby a line connecting a position on a lower surface of the sole under the head of the second metatarsus to a front end on a lower surface of the heel region of the sole is lifted at an angle with a horizontal line connecting a grounded rear end on the lower surface of the heel region to a front end thereof in a state where a weight is loaded to the human heel, and the backward portion of the heel region comprises an impact absorbing mechanism, whereby a level of the human heel which is in contact with a foot is depressed when loaded. Thus, the footwear protects a knee joint of a patient suffering from the osteoarthritis of the knee and enables them to easily walk.

Abstract: This invention relates to phosphorescent, polymer-containing compositions for use in Glow In The Dark shoe soles, and other molded or extruded shoe parts made from such compositions. One aspect of this invention is directed to a polymeric composition comprising between about 40-50% by weight rubber; 5-10% by weight processing oil; 0-5% by weight stabilizer; and 3-8% by weight phosphorescent material. A sole made according to the present invention for a children's athletic shoe comprises a mass of sole-forming phosphorescent material having peripheral edges and a cushioning element. The `Glow In The Dark` portion of the shoe being visible on both the peripheral edges and underneath surface.

Abstract: A sole for footwear is formed from upper and lower textile base sheets that are joined by a binder. Each of the base sheets is formed from a weft that is interweaved with a warp. The weft and the binder are made of a vegetable fiber and the warp is made of a high tensile strength fiber.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper and multiple part sole. An inner sole engages the plantar surface of a foot. A shock absorbing midsole underlies the inner sole from a location underlying the toes to a location at the base of a heel of the foot. An outer sole includes a first portion under the forefoot to provide a second shock absorbing layer and to define a landing surface. A thin, relatively rigid portion underlies the heel and corresponding portion of the inner sole to support the heel. This portion is elevated above the landing surface to inhibit heel landings and strikes.

Abstract: A pair of improved golf shoes has an inner flange extending longitudinally along the inner side of the shoes and an outer flange extending longitudinally along the outer side of the shoes. The inner flanges and the outer flanges extend outwardly beyond the exterior surfaces of the uppers of the shoes. On one of the improved shoes the outer flange extends outwardly farther than the inner flange. On the other shoe, the inner and outer flanges extend substantially the same distance beyond the exterior surface of the upper. Heels having outwardly extending flanges are provided. One of the heels extends outwardly over substantially its entire outer edge. The flange of the other heel extends outwardly beyond the upper for only a portion of its inner edge and is flush with the upper for the remaining portion of its outer edge. A portion of the shoe disposed below the ball of the foot of the user is thicker than the region disposed below the heel of the user in order to balance the user.