Abstract: A health care shoe, which can continuously provide adequate magnetic field arranged to penetrate through the wearer's foot for improving the wearer's blood circulation and metabolism, includes a sole having a plurality of magnet cavities specifically indented and distributed on an inner surface thereof, a shoe body which includes a vamp and sides rigidly attached on top of the sole to define a foot chamber between the shoe body and the sole; an insole placed on the sole inside the foot chamber; a plurality of base magnet elements fittingly received in the magnet cavities respectively; and a plurality of upper magnet elements embedded inside the shoe body with respect to the positions of the base magnet elements, wherein the upper magnet elements are arranged to enable magnetic fields flowing between the base magnet elements and the upper magnet elements.

Abstract: The subject invention is aimed at providing a sole pad unit with the effects of supporting the metatarsal bone and airing and massaging the center of the sole of foot, comprising mainly of a massage block, roughly in an "L" shape, located on the sole pad unit to correspond to the depressive part on the sole of foot, providing proper stimulation to the depressed part on the sole of foot, complying with ergonomic principles, at approximately the center of the massage block is a vent hole to produce airing effect and prevent bad smell, meanwhile there are slopes on the peripherals to prevent deformation of the massage block, the sole pad unit is applicable to slippers as well as all types of shoes, to achieve the effects of universal application and best comfort, and to achieve the purpose of better health with the massage block to support the metatarsal bone and massage the reflective area of acupoints on the depressed part of the sole of foot.

Abstract: A shoe sole which, in the heel and ball regions, comprises deformable cavities which are connected to one another and to the surrounding air by means of lines which can be closed by valves. Provided in the bending region of the sole is a transverse gap which is closed at the bottom and is filled by a further deformable and partially closable cavity which comprises at least one outlet line to the surrounding air and is connected to the cavity in the ball region via a line which can be closed by a valve. When stress is applied to the heel region, the line connecting the cavity in the region to the surrounding air is closed by the valve, the line leading to the cavity in the ball region is opened, the line leading to the cavity in the gap is closed, and the outlet lines in this cavity are open. When the sole is aligned straight as desired by opening the gap, the lines are closed again and the outer line is opened in order to re-establish the state in which the heel region can be stressed again.

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: Provided is a ventilated footwear including first, second and third air pressing rooms 3, 4 and 5 in a bottom formulation 2, 2' in an approximate triangle shape organically for enhancing comfort of a wearer of the footwear, in which a ball unit 24, having a donut-type void, formed on the center of each of the first, second and third air pressing rooms 3, 4 and 5, so dramatically decreasing impact exerted on a foot when the wearer of the footwear walks or runs as well as smoothly circulating outside air into the footwear 1, 1' for preventing eczema.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-ventilating insert for footwear with a wedge-shape pumping chamber located in the heel of the footwear. The pumping chamber can displace an air volume of at least about 44 cubic centimeters plus 3 times the U.S. men's footwear size. The pumping chamber has convex side and rear walls that fold together as the pumping chamber collapses. Maximum air circulation is achieved as the upper and lower surfaces of the pumping chamber come into full contact with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the pumping chamber is between 30% and 60% of the length of the sole. The internal air duct, in a preferred embodiment, has a thin, wide cross-section with a plurality of tubes that resist kinking and pinching action near the flex zone of the footwear.

Abstract: A forced-ventilation shoe includes a midsole or insole provided with a plurality of through-holes, resilient support means arranged between the outsole and the midsole or insole to form an air chamber between the elements, and devices for occluding the holes, apt to close off individually the holes themselves during pressing of the foot on the insole, where the occluding devices may include a plurality of reliefs projecting from the upper surface of the outsole and matching the holes.

Abstract: A unitary pumping chamber that removes excess heat and moisture from within the footwear to the footwear exterior. The pumping chamber displaces an approximate air volume of 100 cubic centimeters. The placement of the pumping chamber above the midsole but below the foot-enclosing upper allows tension forces generated from flexion of the foot to reinflate the pumping chamber without addition mechanical devices. In addition, the performance of the midsole is not affected because the pumping chamber is not embedded within the midsole.

Abstract: A battery powered climate-controlled shoe which controls the climate surrounding a user's foot in the shoe during a wide range of weather conditions. The shoe contains a plurality of switches, one of which is an interlock for inhibiting operating of the system until a pressure sensitive switch is activated by the insertion of a foot into the shoe. The shoe also contains a fan and a metallic heating plate. The fan aids in the circulation of air within the shoe, and the heating plate provides warm air for circulation within the shoe during cold weather.

Abstract: A structure for ventilating a toe region of a shoe includes a body including in its heel zone two major walls and a resilient element having a multitude of voids arranged in a pumping chamber to urge the two walls apart against the action of external forces tending to draw air into the chamber. The resilient element includes a plurality of substantially dome-shaped hollow protuberances bounding respective first and second voids within and outside of them, respectively, and connecting portions that interconnect the protuberances. Respective connecting channels are provided in the connecting portions and in respective adjacent regions of the protuberances to establish communication between the first voids. A corrugated insert within the body aids ventilation and shock absorption. An extension on the body optimizes air transfer.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for a shoe insole having multiple layers which form an air circulation system. A first layer is a fabric-like covering; a non-deformable second and deformable third layers forming together a layer with a cavity therein having offset apertures therein communicating by means of the cavity positioned underneath the fabric-like covering; a fourth layer made of foam rubber like material that deflates under the user's weight and re-expands when not under the user's weight; a bottom layer being a stiffer layer that forms a recess for receiving the other layers. A first and second exhaust conduit is formed in a side extension area for outward passage of stale air. The layers are joined to each other and the device is then inserted into the shoe of the user. The weight of the user is alternatively placed on and removed from the insole while walking or running. When the weight of the user is on the insole it compresses and stale air is forced out the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The composite material can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The composite may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the PCM composite also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics.

Abstract: An air cooled ventilated shoe (200) is provided for ventilating an area of the shoe (200) around a foot. The air-cooled shoe contains an outer sole (204). An intake tube (228) is disposed near the front of the outer sole (204). The intake tube (228) is connected to pump cell (210). An exhaust tube (234) is also connected to pump cell (210). An intake valve (242) is disposed along the intake tube (228) and an exhaust valve (244) is disposed along the exhaust tube (234). The intake valve (242) only allows air to flow through to the pump (210). The exhaust valve (244) only allows air to flow out of the pump cell (210). The pump cell (210) is filled with an open-celled foam (212) so that when no pressure is being applied to the pump cell (210), it draws air in through the intake tube (228). When pressure is applied to the pump cell (210), the open-celled foam (212) is compressed and the air is expelled through the exhaust tube (234).

Abstract: A vapor-permeable shoe which includes an upper, a tread made of elastomer, shaped so as to form a plurality of domes whose convexity is directed toward the ground, each dome having at least one minute through slit which is normally closed due to the elasticity of the material and allows the outflow of a mixture of air and water vapor formed inside the shoe when the compression applied by the sole of the foot of a user generates an overpressure at the chambers formed internally by said domes, a vapor-permeable or perforated insole, and a waterproof and vapor-permeable protective membrane. The lower part of the upper, the tread and the membrane are perimetrically sealed in the regions where they join.

Abstract: An air cushioned shoe is provided including a sole with an upper coupled thereto for containing a foot of a user. Also included is an air flow chamber situated within a heel portion of the sole. The air flow chamber further includes an aperture formed in a top face thereof which remains in communication with the shoe. The air flow chamber further has a plurality of bellows situated between a rear of the air flow chamber and a rear of the sole for directing a flow of air through the aperture of the air flow chamber when the user walks.

Abstract: A shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a novel and non-obvious sole having a rubber base and a fiber cushion. Patterned nodes are centered on the rubber base and a plurality of elongated rectangular nodes are arranged around the edge of the rubber base. An extra rim is disposed at the upper edge of the sole to attach the sole to the remaining portion of the shoe. There are ventilating holes along the outer edge of the sole. The heel is formed with a grid pattern defining chambers and is supported by internal reinforcing members. The fiber cushion of the sole's upper layer allows for ventilation between the interior of the shoe and the ventilating holes.

Abstract: This patent application concerns a molded plastic sole with pliable pumping cushion which, as the person wearing the same walks, forces air into the shoe and through an evacuation chamber with which the sole is fitted and which is connected to the exterior by one or more breather holes.

Abstract: A pumping assembly for use in ventilating footwear includes a supporting plate having a first protrusion which is formed in a center portion of an upper surface thereof; front and rear check valves which are respectively formed forwardly and rearwardly the first protrusion portion; an exhaust pipe which is connected to the front check valve; an intake pipe which is connected to the rear check valve; a spring which has a lower end inserted into the first protrusion on the supporting plate; a curve-shaped hard plate having a second protrusion portion which is formed in a center portion of a bottom surface thereof and is inserted into an upper end of the spring; and an elastic cover which has elasticity and tensibility and covers the hard plate. The cover is bonded to the hard plate, whereby the hard plate descends in such a manner that maximum volume variation within the elastic cover can occur; when the upper rear portion of a foot pressurizes the hard plate and the elastic cover is pressed down.

Abstract: A shoe with an outer layer and a ventilation layer positioned against the inside of the outer layer. The ventilation layer has a flat textile structure, at least on its side which is turned towards the inside of the shoe, which is held at a distance from the outer layer by spacers. The flat textile structure turned towards the inside of the shoe contains between 30 and 100 weight percent multifilament flat yarns made of synthetic polymers and between 0 and 70 weight percent other yarns. In particular, these flat yarns have a filament titre of at least 3 dtex. The flat textile structure which is turned towards the inside of the shoe is significantly more durable than those conventionally used.

Abstract: A fluid circulating cushioned insole for a shoe includes a base panel and a top panel. A series of three cavities are molded into the panels including a heel c, an arch cavity and a metatarsal c. Three channels connect the cavities for circulating flow from the heel cavity to the arch cavity to the metatarsal cavity and back to the heel c. Each channel is equipped with a one-way flow valve constraining the fluid within the cavities and channels to uni-directional circulating flow to massage the foot during each step. The foot is also ventilated during each step by providing an open-bottomed pump cavity in the bottom surface of the base panel, which cavity is connected by at least one open-bottomed channel extending forwardly into fluid communication with a series of vent holes through the base panel. A matrix of branched channels connect each of the vent holes to the longitudinal channels.

Abstract: A desiccant accessory for shoes and the like is provided for the removal of moisture therefrom. The accessory includes an external pouch having an internal chamber with an opening at one end, a transparent packet made of permeable material detachably connected with the pouch adjacent the open end, a reusable desiccant arranged in the packet for adsorbing moisture from surrounding air, and an indicator combined with the desiccant for alerting a user when the desiccant has adsorbed a maximum amount of moisture.

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 air ventilation outsole has a heel, a blind hole in the heel, a rear vent hole on the heel, and a ventilation pad disposed in the blind hole. The ventilation pad has a plurality of upper recesses, a plurality of lower recesses, a first breather hole, a second breather hole, a large number of reinforced ribs disposed in the ventilation pad defining a plurality of air chambers, a first rear aperture, a second rear aperture, a pair of first opposite lateral apertures, and a pair of second opposite lateral apertures. A U-shaped plug device has a first plug and a second plug. The first plug has a first main body, a first center hole, and a first annular flange. The second plug has a second main body, a second center hole, and a second annular flange. The first annular flange is inserted in the second rear aperture. The second annular flange is inserted in the first rear aperture.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing system for a shoe comprises an upper shell having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion; a sole unit having an insole, a midsole and an outsole, the midsole or outsole being formed with a depression; a cap member received in the depression formed in the sole unit while defining an inner space of a desired cross-section, the cap member having a plurality of cushioning arms which are spaced apart from each other and have a arch-shaped configuration; and a fluid-filled bladder member nested onto the plurality of cushioning arms of the cap member.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a portion of fragrance releasing material associated with the footwear is disclosed with the fragrance being capable of being released from the portion of the footwear. The footwear further comprises a second portion of fragrance releasing material associated with the footwear for releasing a second fragrance.

Abstract: A shoe with a replaceable hygienic cartridge in the heel portion thereof, forces a chemical agent through the shoe due to the intermittent compression or pumping action while a wearer of the shoe is walking, running, or using the shoe in a similar manner. The shoe includes a chemical cartridge chamber in the heel portion of the sole, into which a flexible and resilient cartridge is removably installed. The cartridge may contain any of a number of different materials or agents, such as deodorant, anti-bacterial, fungicidal, desiccant, etc., or various combinations thereof; as desired. The upper surface of the sole within the shoe contains a series of grooves or channels therein, which communicate with the cartridge chamber by a passage therebetween. A porous insole overlays the upper surface of the sole and its channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a product built into the sole of a shoe that will cool and dehumidify one's feet, providing superior comfort to the feet of the person wearing the shoe. The invention comprises two layers, one of which has a liquid-filled area with a liquid powered turbine and the other layer containing a built-in air fan or fans or other turbines which are powered by the liquid turbine responding to the liquid movement in the other layer. These two layers are molded or otherwise connected to a shoe sole.

Abstract: Shoes for use in demanding applications, primarily athletics, are made from a three-dimensional fiber network that is semi-rigid and resilient. The fiber network is made from a textile fabric that has an array of projections made from the same fabric rising from the plane of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of footwear including an upper, a sole and a pumping chamber for producing a continuous supply of fluid. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The pumping chamber is formed between the bottom surface of the midsole and the upper surface of the outsole and includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. Movement of the wearer's foot causes fluid to be drawn into and expelled from the pumping chamber. The fluid produced by the pumping chamber may be used to inflate an expandable bladder or to provide ventilation to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An energy-return pump chamber for footwear. A lateral cross-section of the chamber having rigid top and side portions with flexible top and side elbows between. A longitudinal cross-section of the chamber a flat bottom portion, a rear flat horizontal portion of the top and a downward-slanting front portion of the top down to the forward end of the flat bottom.

Abstract: A ventilation insole which includes a bottom air chamber layer and a smooth top cover layer covered over the bottom air chamber layer, the bottom air chamber layer having a plurality of intersected ribs, a plurality of recessed air chambers respectively separated from one another by the intersected ribs and closed by said top cover layer and a plurality of air vents at intersected points of the intersected ribs, the smooth top cover layer having a plurality of air vents respectively disposed in communication with the air vents of the bottom air chamber layer.

Abstract: A ventilated shoe for ventilating the foot contains an outer sole (204). A heel pad (206) is disposed at the rear end of the outer sole (204). An intake tube (228) is disposed near the front of the outer sole (204). The intake tube (228) is connected to pump cell (210). An exhaust tube (234) is also connected to pump cell (210). An intake valve (242) is disposed along the intake tube (228) and an exhaust valve (244) is disposed along the exhaust valve (244). The intake valve (242) only allows air to flow through to the pump (210). The exhaust valve (244) only allows air to flow out of the pump cell (210). The pump cell (210) is filled with an open-celled foam (212) so that when no pressure is being applied to the pump cell (210), it draws air in through the intake tube (228). When pressure is applied to the pump cell (210), the open-celled foam (212) is compressed and the air is expelled through the exhaust tube (234).

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 ventilated shoe system for providing fresh air to the user's feet to aid in the control of perspiration and odors includes a plurality of resilient encasements positioned within the sole of a shoe, a plurality of check valves connected between the resilient encasements, an air intake connected to the resilient encasements, and a plurality of apertures projecting into the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear sole insert with a plurality of downwardly extending pumping channels. The pumping channels extend transversely across the insert and include opposite longitudinal edges that simultaneously undulate toward and away from each other to provide the channels with alternating wide and narrow portions. The channels are positioned such that the narrow portions of one channel are generally aligned with the wide portions of the adjacent channels, and vice versa. Also, adjacent channels are separated from each other by an undulating, tapered recess that is narrowest at the bottom surface of the insert.

Abstract: A ventilated shoe is provided including an entry conduit having a first open end in communication with an exterior of the shoe. A bladder is positioned within a sole of the shoe adjacent a heel portion thereof. A rear extent of the bladder resides in communication with a second end of the entry conduit. The bladder is adapted to be compressed upon the shoe engaging the ground and further return to an original shape thereof upon the shoe disengaging the ground. At least one exit conduit is provided having a first end in communication with a front extent of the bladder and a second end positioned within the sole and in communication with at least one bore formed in the sole. Also included is a pair of one-way valves with a first valve positioned within the entry conduit in communication with the bladder and a second valve positioned between the bladder and the exit conduits. Lastly, the exit passage includes a central conduit having an end extended through the upper toe portion of the upper body of the shoe.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe is made of a resin having elasticity. The thickness of the insole increases gradually from the portion corresponding to the arch of the foot toward the heel portion to give a slope on the insole. In the bottom of the insole, corresponding to the slope, a recess is provided and ventilation holes are pierced between the recess and the upper surface of the insole. Other ventilation holes are provided through the insole in the area from a toetip to the arch of the foot portion and are connected to the recess through grooves provided in the bottom surface of the insole.

Abstract: An innersole for insertion into a shoe having a base of a flexible material with an upper and lower surface with a plurality of spaced rows of lugs extending upwardly from the upper surface. Each of the lugs has a base portion and a rounded top portion and an elongated axis. A cover is disposed over the upper surface of the base covering the lugs forming an undulating surface on the base and fixedly secured to the lugs and the upper surface of the base with no spacing between the cover, the lugs, and the upper surface of the base. A plurality of perforations are provided, each of the perforations extending through the cover, each of the lugs along generally the longitudinal axis thereof, and through the base. A plurality of spaced grooves may be provided on the underside of the base.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an inner-sole and a sole, a plurality of microholes being arranged at least through the central portion of both of them, and an inner liner of a material such as Gore-Tex, wherein, between said inner-sole and said sole, a layer is provided of a resilient material, such as corrugated felt.

Abstract: A deodorizer for masking foot and shoe odors through controlled release of fragrance is claimed.

Abstract: A conforming sole construction for a walking shoe is characterized by a flexible PVC outsole containing in its upper surface a low density polyurethane insert for shock absorption. Mounted on the upper surface of the outsole and insert is a combined footbed and multilayered socklining. The footbed is formed of EVA and includes integral heel and arch support portions. The socklining has a lower layer of shock absorbing closed cell foam material, a layer of latex material containing humidity and odor absorbing carbon particles, an upper layer of open cell ergonomic foam material, and a cover layer of woven water absorbing and polyester fiber materials for wicking moisture from the foot of the wearer. The sole construction provides increased support for the heel and arch of the wearer's foot and improved cushioning over the length of the foot.

Abstract: A sheet material which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer forming a laminate in which the non-woven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A shoe sole and heel structure is provided. The structure includes an outsole having interior and exterior surfaces and a bulge projecting from the exterior surface, the bulge defining a cavity opening at the interior surface, and a midsole overlying the outsole, the midsole having an outsole-facing surface and a foot-facing surface. The structure also includes a hermetic attachment between the interior surface of the outsole and the outsole-facing surface of the midsole to form a member having a sole portion and a heel portion, wherein the cavity cooperates with a portion of the midsole to define a pocket. The structure further includes an expandable bladder, a tube defining a passageway in the member providing fluid communication between the pocket and the bladder, and fluid permanently disposed in the space jointly defined by the pocket, the bladder and the passageway, whereby at rest a foot in a shoe incorporating the structure is cushioned comfortably on the fluid in the pocket and bladder.

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: An air heel configuration to be used in the construction of a shoe of any type, whether high-heel or flat heel, in which an inner heel portion is activated as the wearer steps downward to move a spring-loaded plunger upward, opening an outlet ball valve, forcing air into a pocket in the inner sole, the air being pushed through ventilation apertures in the toe air, thus cooling the feet. As the heel of the wearer is raised, the outlet ball closes and the intake ball opens, the spring-loaded plunger moves downward, the outlet all closes and the intake ball opens, creating enough force to draw air into the air chamber within the inner heel portion.

Abstract: A ventilated shoe for ventilating the foot is disclosed. The ventilated shoe contains an outer sole (14). A heel pad (16) is disposed at the rear end of the outer sole (14). An intake manifold (26) is disposed near the front of the outer sole (14). The intake manifold (26) is connected to pump cells (20), (22) and (24). An exhaust manifold (46) is also connected to pump cells (20), (22) and (24). The intake manifold (26) only allows air to flow through the manifold (26) into the pump cells (20), (22) and (24). The exhaust manifold (46) only allows air to flow out of the manifold (46) from the pump cells (20), (22) and (24). The pump cells (20), (22) and (24) are filled with an open-celled foam (70) so that when no pressure is being applied to the pump cells (20), (22) and (24), they draw air in through the intake manifold (26). When pressure is applied to the pump cells (20), (22) and (24), the open-celled foam (70) is compressed and the air is expelled through the exhaust manifold (46).

Abstract: A removable footbed is provided which circulates air and provides shock absorption. The footbed is constructed from a layer of moldable material molded with a concave bump in the heel area and a number of concave, intersecting channels in the remainder of the footbed. Both the concave bump and the channels have perforations which extend completely through the footbed and allow for the circulation of air in a shoe. The layer of moldable material is topped with a layer of anti-microbial foam for cushioning and bacteria prevention and which in turn is topped with a sock-contacting layer. The ventilation holes perforate the anti-microbial foam layer and the sock-contacting layer. A disc or cylindrically shaped open-celled foam sits within the concave bump to bias the bump in an upright position and a layer of shock absorbing material extends underneath the bump and the open-celled foam.

Abstract: A molded sole takes air in from the inside of the shoe and expels it through the heel, due to the pumping action carried out by a cushion, able to elastically deform once the foot pressure is applied. The cushion is housed within a chamber on the bottom of the sole and communicates through a longitudinal channel blocked by a single acting valve, with a ring on the heel which communicates with the interior through a vent area.