Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article comprises an insole (3) and a sole element (9) secured to the lower surface (11) of the insole (3). The sole element (9) is formed from a material capable of absorbing impact energy. The article is constructed so that the sole element (9) extends through an opening (15) in the insole (3) and projects to or above the upper surface (7) of the insole (3) and forms a load transfer region for transferring load between a foot of a wearer of the footwear and the sole element (9).

Abstract: A shock absorbing cushioning device suitable for products, objects and footwear which is comprised of a compressible insert encapsulated within an elastomeric barrier member. The elastomeric barrier member is secured to the compressible insert by a plurality of tensile members having a first portion embedded in the elastomeric material and a second portion embedded in the compressible insert. The elastomeric member is also filled with a fluid, preferably a compressible gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components. The invented shoe component includes an upper layer of 1,4-polybutadiene and, optionally, a rubber such as natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber or polyisoprene. The first layer is attached to a resilient layer which extends substantially the length of the shoe. Optionally, a third layer or a coating may be attached to the resilient layer. The invented shoe components may be formed as shoe inserts, insoles, midsoles or shoe soles.

Abstract: A dynamic dual density heel bag for use in shoe construction and typically employed in athletic and walking type shoes. The dynamic dual density heel bag includes a construction including a lower flexible sealed enclosure containing a high density material where the lower enclosure has a V-shaped top surface. Also included is an upper flexible sealed enclosure containing a low density material. The upper enclosure has a V-shaped bottom surface for being vertically cradled by and affixed to the V-shaped top surface of the lower enclosure for forming a heel bag. The heel bag is then affixed within an outsole of a shoe typically with an adhesive. The high density material of the lower enclosure is isolated from the low density material of the upper enclosure. Thus, the low density material of the upper enclosure provides cushioning and shock absorption and the high density material of the lower enclosure provides support, security and stability to a foot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with an articulating heel which incorporates a plurality of linkage mechanisms that control heel dynamics. The linkage mechanisms couple a lower heel plate to a spaced apart upper heel plate. A resilient element is located between the upper heel plate and lower heel plate to dampen impact forces and resiliently maintain spacing between the upper and lower heel plates. The linkage mechanisms may be suitably configured alloy bars coupled to the upper and lower plates that constrain the upper and lower plates against motion along a heel transverse axis. Other embodiments of the linkage mechanisms include unitarily constructed panels having flexure joints. During running, the lower heel plate, or an outsole attached to the lower heel plate, will contact and frictionally engage the ground surface while the upper heel plate and footwear will continue forward as the heel articulates about the linkage mechanisms.

Abstract: A high polymer resin material is configured into a shoe sole component having a plurality of inwardly extending indentations in one or both of the top and bottom members of the component. The indentations extend into the interval between the members and adjacent to the opposite member to provide support members for the sole component. The sole component can be constructed by molding upper and lower sole component halves wherein the molds are configured to provide indentations in the top and bottom members. The upper and lower sole component halves are then joined to complete the sole component.

Abstract: A shoe sole having an outer sole with a heel section and a ball section and providing buttons in the peripheral area of the ball and heel sections and pods in the interior area of the ball section. The peripheral area of the sole is stiffer than the interior portions of the sole.

Abstract: A sole for footwear comprises an outer sole (12; 22; 31) housing a plurality of pressure-stimulation elements (15; 24; 33) movable perpendicularly, relative to the bearing surface of the outer sole, through the thickness of the outer sole and, in the absence of stresses, extending below the bearing surface of the outer sole by a predetermined distance in order, when the sole is pressed against a bearing surface, to exert, through a resilient intermediate element (17; 27; 35) comprising a soft inner sole of the footwear, a pressure localized at predetermined nerve centers in the sole of a foot on which the therapeutic footwear is worn.

Abstract: A shock absorbent shoe includes an outsole having a toe, a heel, and a cavity in the heel. An elastomeric shock absorbing plug is disposed within the heel cavity and includes a planar lower surface and an upper surface. The upper surface of the plug includes a raised central portion, an outer boundary, and an annular depression separating the raised central portions from the outer boundary. The shoe is divided into a number of shock absorbing zones, with each of zones including one or more shock absorbing layers or components.

Abstract: A shoe having a flexible member positioned below a foot support region and above a sole portion. The flexible member having rods extending from the interior portion toward the peripheral portion of the flexible member. The peripheral portion of the flexible member having the periphery thereof restrained from movement so that the flexible member deflects when used.

Abstract: A weight-training method uses a shoe insert to elevate the user's heel while performing weight-training exercises, such as squats. The method entails placing a wedge-shaped shoe insert into the user's shoe at the start of a weight-training exercise to raise the user's heel. The wedge-shaped insert is made of a relatively hard rubber or thermoplastic material and is shaped to fit into the heel portion of the user's shoe.

Abstract: A cushion for use in a shoe sole with resilient, arcuate, load-bearing first and second and central walls. The first and second walls are tubular and are configured for supporting and cushioning edges of a foot. They respectively form first and second tubular portions of the cushion extending generally along a lateral and medial sides of a foot shape. The central wall is configured for supporting and cushioning a laterally central part of the foot and forms a hollow central portion. The central portion is disposed between and joined with the first and second tubular portions. The central wall and first tubular wall are coupled at a coupled section such that vertical deformation of one of the central and first walls is transmitted to the other. The coupling portion has vertically spaced walls that join vertically spaced sections of the central and tubular walls. A recessed portion of the cushion isolates vertical deformation of adjacent sections of the central and tubular walls.

Abstract: Molded boot and shoe heels are made by injecting a foamable plastics molding material into a heel mold and thereafter injecting a pressurized gaseous fluid into the heel body after it has formed an outer skin against the mold inner surfaces but before it has fully set in order to displace and compress the foaming material and form within the heel at the point of injection at least one enclosed hollow chamber which provides a different degree of resilience to heel strike forces at the location of the chamber. A plurality of closely adjacent chambers may be provided to obtain the same effect, particularly when the heel is shallow. A preformed member may be molded into the heel to form the heel outer surface and ensure a minimum heel wall thickness at this location. The heel may be molded integrally with a sole part. The enclosed chamber may be vented to the ambient atmosphere or it may be sealed.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A footwear heel stabilizing construction comprising an upper portion, a midsole fitted to said upper and having a heel cushion portion in said midsole, said heel cushion embraced in a frame in which the frame has a series of cushion retaining finger elements surrounding said cushion to retain said cushion in a configuration presented to the bottom of said footwear upper portion, and an outsole secured to said midsole to provide a walking surface for the footwear.

Abstract: A midsole construction includes a midsole sheet with toe and heel portions. An elastomeric resilient shock-absorbing block is embedded in the heel portion, and has a density higher than and is more rigid than the midsole sheet. The block includes an upright resilient surrounding wall, a plurality of cavities formed within the surrounding wall, and a plurality of upright resilient interior walls which are connected to the surrounding wall to confine the cavities. Preferably, the surrounding wall is substantially cylindrical. The interior walls include interior circular walls formed within the surrounding wall, and radial walls extending between the interior circular walls and the surrounding wall for enhanced provide great resilient and shock-absorbing effects.

Abstract: A shoe includes a heel/rear sole support receiving a rotatable and replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. A flexible region positioned between the heel and the rear sole reduces midsole compression and provides additional spring. The flexible region is preferably curved or convex in shape and may be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A resilient sandal wedge usable with a sandal formed from a sole and a vamp such as retaining straps and the like and the sandal formed therewith, the wedge having a wedge-shaped body portion, a substantially flat bottom portion, a recess defining the junction of the body and bottom portions, and a plurality of recesses extending from the bottom portion lower surface through the bottom portion and partially through the body portion to provide a cushioning resiliency to the wedge when the sandal user applies pressure on the wedge while walking or running.

Abstract: An article of footwear for being worn on a wearer's foot as the wearer steps on a support surface. The article of footwear comprises a sole member having an upper surface for supporting the sole of the wearer's foot, a lower surface, a heel end, and a toe end; and a heel mechanism attached to the heel end of the sole member; the heel mechanism including a first plate for attachment to the lower surface of the sole member adjacent the heel end thereof, the first plate having a first end and a second end; the heel mechanism including a second plate having a first end attached to the first end of the first plate and a second end normally urged away from the second end of the first plate; the heel mechanism including lever structure associated with the second plate for urging the second end of the second plate toward the second end of the first plate when the wearer of the article of footwear takes a step.

Abstract: A sole pad with shock-absorbing and massaging effects is provided with, on the underside thereof, a mounting recess including a first and second receiving cavities that are connected to each other by a connection groove. A pressure transmitter has a first massaging ball and a second massaging ball filled with liquid and in communication with each other by way of a tubular portion. The pressure transmitter is securely housed in the mounting recess. The first and second receiving cavities have respectively a through hole so as to permit the massaging balls of the pressure transmitter to outextend the surface of the sole pad for contact with a wearer's foot. Liquid filled in the pressure transmitter can move between the first and second massaging balls by way of the tubular portion when the wearer's foot exerts unbalanced pressure on the sole pad in walking so as to effect shock absorbing and massaging purpose at the same time.

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 structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A rubber pad construction is adapted for use in making a shoe sole, a shoe pad, a face layer of a table-tennis paddle, a shell of a ball, etc. The rubber pad construction includes a substrate, and a plurality of first and second protrusions which extend outwardly from one side of the substrate at intervals. The first protrusions are thinner and higher than the second protrusions to provide more flexibility. The second protrusions have more bearing ability than the first protrusions. The rubber pad construction provides desirable shock-absorbing and rebounding qualities.

Abstract: A method of making a shoe having a midsole, an upper, and an outsole. The method comprises providing a shoe midsole having a cavity in an underside thereof. The cavity is filled with a fluid which is curable to an elastomeric solid condition, and the fluid is allowed to cure to such solid condition. An outsole is secured to the underside of the midsole so that the outsole underlies the cavity, and an upper is secured to the midsole.

Abstract: A footwear shock-absorbing device comprises a lower receiving member, an upper receiving member, a plurality of fastening members, and a plurality of coil springs. The lower receiving member has a flat bottom provided with a plurality of columnar projections. The upper receiving member is located on the lower receiving member and provided with a flat top in contact with a footwear pad. The fastening members are fastened respectively at one end thereof with the flat top of the upper receiving member and at another end thereof with said columnar projections. The coil springs are fitted respectively over the fastening members such that both ends of the coil springs urge the flat top of the upper receiving member and the flat bottom of the lower receiving member, so as to enable the fastening members to locate at an upper dead point at such time when the fastening members are not exerted on by an external force.

Abstract: A step shock-absorbing raised shoe heel assembly, fashionably raised for ladies' and gentlemen's footwear, of a high-heeled shape or having a wedge shape, which consists of an inelastic, nonpliable rigid inner core body (1) and a springy elastic, rubber-flexible soft outer envelope (6), manufactured in one piece structure. The outer envelope (6) surrounds the core body (1) at least on three sides, namely around the circumferential side (102d) and the bottom (102b) or walking side (33). The core body (1) can also be enveloped on all sides, namely as well as on its upper side (102). The rigid inner core body (1) of the shoe heel assembly represents the stabilizing unit and the elastic outer envelope (6) represents the step shock absorbing unit.

Abstract: A footwear sole construction has a cavity. The footwear sole construction includes pods disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the sole. The pods may be formed independent from the sole or integral with the sole. In addition, the pods may be disposed on the forefoot region of the sole, as well as, around the entire periphery. The placement of the cavities directly control the degree of shock absorption. The pods may be disposed such that at least one of the cavities may be disposed to have an open end on one of the medial and lateral sides of the sole and another open end on the lower surface of the sole. The cavities also may be formed directly in the sole material. In such case, a support piece can be disposed in the cavities or a reinforcement piece can be disposed on the bottom of the sole. The cavities also may be formed in a support element disposed in the sole.

Abstract: A footwear shock-absorbing device comprises a main body, at least one shock-absorbing body having a plurality of cavities, and a pliable base equal in number to the shock-absorbing body for sealing off the bottom openings of the cavities such that the pliable base and the cavities form jointly a plurality of the closed air cells capable of alleviating the shock.

Abstract: A high-heel shoe design applicable to varying heel heights, having a heel seat having a substantially neutral or slightly downwardly inclined angle (relative to the shank plane), and an arch support extending forward from the heel seat and having a first portion which supports the head of the navicular of the wearer in approximately the same plane (relative to the shank plane) as the wearer's heel bones. The shoe also includes a shank extending downwardly and forwardly from the first portion of the arch support, and a toe support region which extends at an inclination upwardly and forwardly from the shank whereupon the first metatarsal of the wearer is buttressed by the phalanges of the wearer to prevent forward sliding of the foot of the wearer relative to the shoe, thereby preventing jamming of the human digits into the toe portion of the shoe, while an increase of about 16% or more of the wearer's weight is borne by the heel seat, as compared to standard high heel dress shoes.

Abstract: A stabilizing support, particularly for controlling pronation in sports shoes, including a first bridge-like component, to be included in the sole of the shoe at the outer and/or inner part of the heel and accommodating at least one second detachable stiffening component, which is adapted to vary the flexing condition of the first component.

Abstract: A one-piece sports sole-heel unit of increased stability comprising a unit body of natural or synthetic rubber, the sole-heel unit being formed in one piece and including in at least one region of that surface by which it rests on the ground at least one downwardly projecting element connected by yieldable elastic portions within the unit body, into which it can at least partly retract when resting and applying load to the sole-heel unit. Several projecting elements can be provided, positioned both on the sole and on the heel of the sole-heel unit, these projecting elements being generally connected to the unit body by small-thickness vertical bellows portions.

Abstract: A shoe sole for use in training for improving the muscular strength of the lower extremities when jogging, running or just walking casually, has at least one contractible cavity formed in a heel portion thereof for supporting the heel, and small holes in left and right side walls for communicating with the cavity. The shoe sole promotes walking or running with the wearer's weight positioned forward, and thus, is effective for strengthening the muscles of the lower extremities. Shoes adopting such a shoe sole can be worn safely, since the impact from the ground is alleviated by a cushioning effect according to the contraction of the cavity when the wearer's weight is loaded onto the heel.

Abstract: Components for the manufacture of a shoe include a shoemaker's last, a padded sole member, an insole assembly, an antiskid damping sole and a heel assembly. These components may be used together or combinations thereof may be used in the manufacture of shoes for women, men or children.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioned shoe sole having an outer sole layer for contacting the ground surface and a midsole layer disposed above the outer sole layer including an opening formed vertically through at least the top surface thereof. An inflatable bladder element having an unobstructed interior cavity is inflatable with a fluid medium and removably positioned in the opening in the midsole layer. When inflated and snapped into position in the opening, the bladder is therefore visible through at least the top surface of the midsole.The present invention also provides a method of making a cushioned shoe sole by forming an inflatable bladder with a hollow interior cavity defined within the perimeter of the bladder forming a foam midsole having an opening generally extending in the vertical plane and a peripheral cavity around at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a resilient return portion comprising a plurality of elastic strips running at an angle across the shoe from one side of the sole to the opposite side of the shoe. Such strips would be supported at a distance above the bottom surface of the shoe by a gap or well located in the shoe and running from the bottom surface of the shoe to the upper surface where the bottom of the foot rests. There may be provided a series of apertures extending through the thickness of the bottom of the shoe in order to relieve air pressure that may build up between the sole and the return portion.

Abstract: The footwear sole construction has a sole element disposed in the heel region of the sole. The sole element includes a first pod disposed on the medial side of the sole and a second pod disposed on the lateral side of the sole. The first pod is connected to the second pod by a web. A lower side of the sole element defines a concavity such that a lower surface of the first and second pods are disposed for contacting a ground surface. The first and second pods each include cavities extending therethrough such that a first open end of a cavity is disposed on one of the medial and lateral sides of the pod and a second open end of that cavity is disposed on the lower surface of such pod. The placement of the cavities and the orientation of the pods allow for tailoring and control of shock absorption.

Abstract: A footwear sole construction has a cavity. The footwear sole construction includes pods disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the sole. The pods may be formed independent from the sole or integral with the sole. In addition, the pods may be disposed on the forefoot region of the sole, as well as, around the entire periphery. The placement of the cavities directly control the degree of shock absorption. The pods may be disposed such that at least one of the cavities may be disposed to have an open end on one of the medial and lateral sides of the sole and another open end on the lower surface of the sole. The cavities also may be formed directly in the sole material. In such case, a support piece can be disposed in the cavities or a reinforcement piece can be disposed on the bottom of the sole. The cavities also may be formed in a support element disposed in the sole.

Abstract: A replaceable shoe heel spring assembly allows the wearer of a shoe to selectively change the energy absorption and return characteristics of the heel portion of the shoe by changing shoe heel spring cartridges. The wearer activates a release mechanism located on an exterior surface of the shoe and a cartridge containing a shoe heel spring is ejected from a location in the mid-sole of the shoe. Another shoe heel spring cartridge having different energy absorption and return characteristics can then be inserted into the mid-sole. The cartridge is securely held in the mid-sole by a locking mechanism connected to the release mechanism. The shoe heel spring is provided with a cover which matches the material of the mid-sole. The cover assists in preventing debris from entering the mid-sole. The selectable range of energy absorption and return characteristics is limited only by the number of cartridges available.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a force responsive sole includes a first sole portion (110) having a multiplicity of projecting cleats (20), a second sole portion (12) with corresponding apertures (22) to receive the cleats (20). In one embodiment, a resilient membrane (14) is positioned between the sole portions and normally covers the apertures (22) so as to hold the cleats (20) separated from the apertures (22) in a rest position. A correspondingly apertured guide plate (15) is provided between the first sole portion (10) and the membrane (14) in the apertures (26) of which the cleats (20) are positioned to restrict transverse relative movement of the two sole portions (10, 12) and to maintain the cleats (20) in alignment with the apertures (22).

Abstract: A stabilizing system providing motion control and cushioning. The stabilizing system is locating in the heel assembly and has at least one grid assembly extending laterally over at least a portion of the shoe construction from the medial to the lateral side in the heel region, and a cushioning wedge supporting the grid assembly. The cushioning wedge is thicker along the lateral portion than the medial portion and has greater compressibility than the other components in vertical alignment therewith whereby the medial portion is less compressible than the lateral portion thereby mitigating the likelihood of overpronation.

Abstract: An outsole of a shoe including a plurality of throughout hole formed at its heel portion, its middle portion and its toe portion, thereby achieving lightness of the shoe and improvement in cushion effect. A pressing protrusion which is formed at the middle portion of the outsole by the throughout hole provided at the middle portion of the outsole contacts frictionally the concave portion of the wearer's foot, thereby providing the foot-pressing effect for health. The throughout hole provided at the middle portion of the outsole generates an effect of softly massaging the concave portion of the wearer's foot being pressed by the pressing protrusion, by virtue of its air cushion. An inclined surface which is provided at the upper surface of the toe portion of the outsole serves to prevent the feet of the wearer from outwardly diverging in the inverted-V form during walking.

Abstract: A shoe includes a heel support for receiving a rotatable and replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a graphite insert supported by the heel support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. The replaceable rear sole and the graphite insert allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: The instant invention is an improved sport shoe having a spring biased heel with operator insertable foam inserts for varying the biasing ability of the heel. The foam inserts are colored allowing instant determination of the type of activity the shoe is suitable for. The inserts allowing the wearer of the shoe to customize the shoe for a particular activity. High deceit foam inserts provide support for basketball or the like jumping sports. Medium deceit foam inserts provide support for aerobic or the like activities. Low deceit foam inserts provide support for low impact activities such as jogging and no foam inserts provide unlimited spring range suitable for cushioned walking.

Abstract: An insole for a sport shoe including a foam footbed having disposed on the underside thereof a first resilient pad at the forward portion of the insole and a second resilient pad at the heel portion of the insole and including frusto-conical primary nubs formed integrally on each of the pads and a secondary nub formed on each of the primary nubs.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an outsole with a cavity in the heel region in which a cushioning insert is installed to cushion impacts and provide added lift to the wearer. The heel region of the outsole projects outwardly beyond the periphery of the heel region of the shoe upper to form a projecting peripheral rim. The cavity has an upper wall and a lower wall and a plurality of springs extend between the upper and lower walls at spaced intervals around the peripheral rim. Opposing magnets are mounted in the upper and lower walls in a central region of the cavity with their like poles facing one another to provide a magnetic biassing force which augments the spring load.

Abstract: A conversion device for ladies shoes which permits heels and straps to be changed. A heel (2) which is screwed into a heel chamber (8) is secured by a stretch strap (6). Stretch strap (6) is snapped into position at the intersection of a receptor (10) and a connector (15). A screw top (5) is housed in a rubber filler (4). Rubber filler (4) is topped by a protective strip (3) and a leather sole (9).

Abstract: An outsole for an item of footwear. The outsole is provided with a lower surface having a central portion and a peripheral portion. Also provided is one or more resilient shock absorbing strike plates which extend from, and are disposed about, the peripheral portion to define a cavity disposed below the central or peripheral portions. Each strike plate has an inwardly sloped wall adjacent the cavity. This sloped wall is disposed at an obtuse angle to the cavity. Also provided is an elastic membrane extending through the cavity. The membrane has a stiffness less than that of one of the strike plates to which it is connected.

Abstract: An adjustable shoe heel spring and stabilizer device provides the wearer of a shoe the ability to adjust the energy absorption and return characteristics of the shoe to suit their particular needs. An operable adjustment device is located on an exterior surface of the shoe. The wearer operates the adjustment device to selectively position a fulcrum at a desired location relative to upper and lower members of a spring mechanism disposed within the mid-sole of the shoe. The position of the fulcrum defines the energy absorption and return characteristics for the shoe. An indicator is provided for displaying to the wearer the relative position of the fulcrum, and hence the energy absorption and return setting for the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an upper formed with a toe cap at one end and a heel receiving surface at the opposite end, a molded outsole and shank attached to the upper with a heel connecting the shank into the upper at the heel receiving surface, a single attachment means securing the connection, an aperture in the heel receiving surface and matching aperture in the shank so that a cushion carried internally of the upper is located in the matching apertures to be visible from the exterior of the upper at the heel as an identification of the shoe construction.