Abstract: An article of footwear having a water massage midsole and a shock absorption system characterized by assembling the midsole with a sock lining in the upper for directing a fluid in the midsole to flow forwardly and reversely in the footwear to massage the foot during walking. The footwear includes a shock absorbing plug in the heel area for absorbing the shock on the foot each time the heel strikes the walking surface. Further, the outsole for the footwear is formed on opposite sides of the outsole with major break indentations for rendering the forepart of the outsole and its associated portion of the upper torsionally flexible relative to the heel portion. Finally, the invention includes a method of capturing water in the water massage midsole for the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe is efficiently ventilated by forcing a low volume of primary air through a plurality of throttle orifices at high velocity downstream of a passage formed in a sole. A low pressure area is created within the passage. A high volume of stale secondary air from the shoe interior is accelerated into the low pressure area. The secondary air is entrained by the primary air and together form a combined jet-like air stream that is forcefully ejected from the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe is provided comprising a sole, a sock attached to the sole, and a form-retaining shell attached to the sole, at least partially enclosing the sock, and not attached to the sock above the region of the sole, such that the sole may flex in use. The shell, an ankle restraint fastener and a heelband provide ankle support.

Abstract: A shoe includes an outsole having an elastic jacket formed on the outsole for exerting an elastic property of the shoe, a midsole made of or impregnated with medical compositions for diffusing medicine vapors onto a wearer's foot for treating the wearer's disease, an insole formed with beehive polygonal protrusions for massaging a wearer's foot, an illuminator and a musical or alarm device formed in the outsole for optical decorative and musical entertaining or emergency warning purposes.

Abstract: A footwear sole has a waterproof ventilation part secured in the midsole or the outsole, and a horseshoe-shaped shock-absorbing heel member secured in the heel portion of the sole part in which the waterproof and ventilation part is secured. The waterproof and ventilation part includes a buoyancy plate that blocks penetration of water into the sole during bad weather. The shock-absorbing heel member has opposite flanges with an empty space therebetween that insure very good shock-absorbing properties of the shock absorbing heel member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sole for a shoe and in particular to one including a resilient pad provided with a plurality of arrow-shaped recesses and diamond-shaped recesses on the bottom and an elongated slot on the top, a blast device adapted to be received in the elongated slot of the resilient pad and having a first air bag at one end, a second air bag at the other, and an air pipe connecting the first air bag and the second air bag, and a piece of cloth covering the top of the resilient pad, whereby air convection may take place in the shoe thus providing fresh air to the foot wearing the shoe.

Abstract: An insole includes a heel portion defining a recess. A replaceable pneumatic buffer defining a first and a second tubular elements is received in the recess of the insole. A central tunnel communicating with the first tubular element defines a hole. A plurality of tunnels communicate the first tubular element with the second tubular element. When load is exerted on the buffer, the second tubular element abuts a surface of the shoe, thereby defining a chamber filled with air. When the load increases excessively, air is ventable through the hole of the central tunnel and further off the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved in-line roller skate that cools and drys a skater's foot, provides increased performance, and increased comfort. The skate of the present invention includes a boot having a plurality of venting apertures selectively located therein so as to achieve an interchange of air between the inside of the boot and the external environment thereby providing a cooling and drying circulation of air with in the boot of the in-line roller skate. A skate according to the present invention further includes a cuff pivoting on a pair of guide rails attached to the boot.

Abstract: A shoe having a structure to supply fresh air to the interior of the shoe. The structure to supply fresh air comprising a resilient bulging pad in the heel portion of the shoe and including one-way valves to direct the air flow.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe for use in the sport of cycling including a unitary sole portion having a bottom panel which has interior and exterior facing surfaces; a stretchable envelope made integral with the interior facing surface of the bottom panel and which encloses the athlete's foot; a harness made integral with the interior facing surface of the bottom panel and which is disposed in a position exterior to the envelope, the harness operable to secure the shoe on the athlete's foot; a rigid insole received in the envelope and disposed in rested receipt in the interior facing of the bottom panel and a cushioned insole received in the envelope and disposed in rested receipt on the rigid insole and wherein the athlete's foot rests on the cushioned insole.

Abstract: A shoe ventilation system which includes an upper having an air inlet and an air outlet disposed in the upper portion thereof, respectively, and a one-way air flowing member disposed in the lower portion thereof, an inner sole having a plurality holes in the sole portion thereof and a plurality of channels and an arch extended portion disposed in the bottom surface thereof for communicating with the air flowing member, whereby the interior of the shoe can be continuously ventilated.

Abstract: A self-ventilating device for a shoe insole, which includes a heel chamber body having a spring disposed therein, an inlet valve having a plurality of sole aperture for communicating with a plurality of channels in the sole portion of the shoe insole, and a pair of outlet valves disposed in both side walls thereof for communicating to the atmosphere, whereby when each step is taken by the shoe user, a moisture and odor waste quantity of air is forced from the channels in the sole portion through the inlet valve to the heel chamber body when the pair of outlet valves are closed and expelled through the pair of outlet valves to the atmosphere automatically when the inlet valve is closed.

Abstract: The sole structure comprises a lower part with a tread, preferably made of rubber or other synthetic material, and having holes formed therein which traverse its thickness. The lower part is covered by a membrane made of microporous, waterproof material which permits transpiration. The structure is completed by an upper part adapted for having a foot rested thereon and being made of rubber or other synthetic material. Holes which traverse the thickness of the upper part are provided at the portion thereof affected by the membrane.

Abstract: There is provided a removable insole for insertion into a shoe, including a substantially impervious flexible base having an overall anatomical shape and an outer periphery. The base further includes a plurality of upwardly extending compressible support columns each having a central axis and being attached at its lower end to the base. The upper ends of the compressible support columns remain substantially free and unattached. An anatomical pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, and substantially conforming to the peripheral shape of the base is attached by its bottom surfacae to the outer periphery of the base. The pad is, thereby, effectively spaced from the base by the support columns to form a compressible chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A unidirectional airflow ventilating shoe having a ordinary upper and sole. A unidirectional airflow ventilating layer (1) is provided on the sole inside the shoe. The ventilating layer has an compressible cavity (2), air inlet (3), main airflow passage (4), branches (5) and air outlets (6). Fresh air outside the shoe is forcedly unidirectionally sucked into the ventilating layer and blown out to fore part inside the shoe.To convenience sake, a unidirectional airflow ventilating insole can be made for any kind of shoes. The insole comprise a upper portion (7) and lower portion (8). The structure and shape of the upper portion is the same that of the ventilating layer (1). Lower portion (8) can either form an entirety with upper portion (7), or be an elastic substrate athered to the bottom surface of the upper portion with adhesines. The insole can be used in any kind of shoes and attain the same result as unidirectional airflow ventilating shoes of the present invention.

Abstract: A shoe sole made of a flexible, resilient material and having a central longitudinal passageway therein. A fresh air intake is located at the heel region of the sole and provides ventilation air to the passageway. With each stride, the wearer pumps air from the heel through the longitudinal passageway and then out upwardly extending vents to the interior of the shoe.

Abstract: An inner sole for a shoe which has upper and lower foot form sheets bonded through an elastic porous material to the heel of the rear portion thereof and through spaces to the front portion thereof, a suction valve provided in a portion to be bonded to the elastic porous material of the lower foot form sheet, an air feed valve provided at the front of the elastic porous material, and an air discharge hole formed at the front portion of the upper foot form sheet in such a manner that the discharge hole is communicated through an air feed passage, obtained between the spacer, with the valve hole of the suction valve. Thus, a foot is hardly moistened even if the shoe is worn for a long time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boat shoe that includes a sole constructed to allow for the flow of water from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe. The sole includes an innersole which is a removable orthotic with a series of openings through which water can pass. A rubber lasting board, which also has a series of openings to allow to pass through, is positioned between the innersole and a polyurethane midsole. The midsole includes a series of passageways molded into the upper surface of the midsole that direct the water towards the exterior of the shoe. In particular, these passageways lead to the exterior side portions of the shoe so that the water running through these passageways will flow from the interior of the shoe and out through the exterior side portions of the shoe.

Abstract: A boating shoe, comprises an upper unit, a midsole and a high traction outsole attached to the bottom of said midsole. The upper unit includes a padded tongue made of a substantially nonabsorbent material and an inner lining having at least two plies. The outer ply adjacent the wearer's foot is made of a hydrophobic material and the inner ply is made of a hydrophilic material with good wicking characteristics. A bottom sock made of a fabric material through which water can flow freely is sewn to the bottom of the upper unit. The midsole is molded from a plastic material and includes forward and rear drainage cavities, each having a plurality of upstanding projections for supporting the wearer's foot. Drainage channels extend from each of the cavities through the midsole to its outer surface so that water flowing into the cavities of the midsole will be drained from the shoe.

Abstract: An air-permeable shoe including a shoe constructed of an open-cell rubber foam. A base cloth is attached to the sole or insert therein. The sole of the shoe is exposed on a side surface of the sole of the shoe wherein a top side surface of the sole is in communication with the inside of the shoe and the ambient atmosphere. The open-cell rubber foam may be a rubber latex foam having a microstructure with a compression permanent set of less than 20%.

Abstract: A suction-ventilated shoe system, which has air-exit ports located on the outer surface of said shoe, preferably in the midsole region, is provided. Said suction-ventilated shoe system contains a novel, multivented, suction-operated insole that enables the entire surface of said insole to be uniformly ventilated. Each air vent of said multivented, suction-operated insole contains its own independent, foot-operated, air-suction pump means, whose exhaust air is directed to exit the shoe via special air ducts that are connected between said insole's air-suction pump means and said shoe's air-exit ports. Each air-suction pump in said suction-operated insole has its own associated, one-way, air-valve means. A multiplicity of air vents may now be located anywhere over the entire surface of said insole and still maintain equal, air-suction, operating efficiency for each and every air vent.

Abstract: A footwear includes a sole having a rear socket, a middle transverse ventilation channel, and a plurality of front longitudinal ventilation channels fluidically communicated with a wearer's toe portions, an elastic pad having a plurality of longitudinal holes or elastic tubes formed in the rear socket of the sole, an upper cover covering the sole having a filter formed on a front toe portion of the upper cover, and an inner sole having a plurality of perforations in the front toe portion, so that the elastic pad may serve as a pump for sucking air from the wearer's toe portions, through the perforations of inner sole, the filter of upper cover and the longitudinal channels in the sole and for discharging the air through the transverse channel towards an environment, and the elastic pad may also serve as a shock absorber during sporting or jogging uses.

Abstract: An article of foorwear comprising an improved insole, a vent frame member established in the openings provided on the both sides of the footwear, respectively, including a groove defined along the inward edge of a boundary protrusion thereof, a plurality of vent holes and blind parts in intermittently spaced relationship with each other within the boundary protrusion having a shutter member slidably inserted in the groove so that the vent holes of the frame member can be easily and convienently opened and closed by means of the shutter for circulating outside air into the footwear via the vent holes, a space portion formed between the inner layer of the footwear and a stepped portion formed along the outer periphery of the insole, lateral passages and upper apertures of the insole, whereby allowing exchange of humidity, temperature between the inside and outside of the footwear to provide a better and more comfortable environment for the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Shoe construction is set forth effecting ventilation of the sole portion of the shoe. Air external to the shoe is provided access interiorly thereof by means of a conduit directing such air to a sole portion including a plurality of flexible vane elements formed with openings therein. Normal weight distribution about the weight supportive sole portion of the shoe effects a pumping action by means of the vane elements to enable air to circulate therethrough and ultimately to a user's foot through a porous cushioning layer overlying said sole.

Abstract: An athletic shoe adapted to maintain a foot housed therein in a relatively cool and dry state despite heat and moisture developed within the shoe interior in the course of activity. The shoe upper is provided with a metallized coating to reflect incident solar radiation. The shoe includes a ground-engaging outer sole, an inner sole and a contoured compressible inner liner which engages the plantar area of the foot. Interposed between the inner and outer soles is a thin insulating insert acting as a thermal barrier minimizing the conduction of ground heat to the shoe interior. Embedded in the inner sole is an array of tubes each extending along a diagonal axis and terminating at its leading end in an air scoop that projects from the outer side of the inner sole to intercept relatively cool ambient air.

Abstract: A sport boot such as ski boot which is both water-proof and air permeable and which is comprised of an outer sheath formed of thick impermeable material, frames provided integrally in suitable portions of the side, upper or sole part of the outer sheath and having hollow axial through-holes, air permeable members fitted into the through-holes and having ventilation through-holes providing ventilation between the inside and outside of the outer sheath, and water-proof air permeable sheets made of porous synthetic fabrics provided in position to cover the top ends of the air permeable members.

Abstract: An article of footwear, especially a clog has a basic structure including an upper, a sole portion and a heel molded as a unitary article, for example, by high pressure injection molding; in this way a lightweight article can be produced without the need for separate manufacturing steps to attach the three basic components; conveniently the article of footwear includes a separately formed insole member having a cavity to receive a replaceable arch support member which can be shaped and formed to meet the specific needs of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilated shoe device utilizing air passageways and spring loaded valves to promote positive airflow resulting from compression of the sole elements, thereby providing increased hygiene and comfort, and further providing case of cleaning of the shoes through access covers.

Abstract: A motorcycle boot is described with a positive air circulating system which distributes air over the wearer's foot in a continuously replenished flow. Air enters the boot through air scoops on the upper sides, travels down an intake duct at the rear, is distributed along the sole through a network of open channels, and flows against the underside of the wearer's foot through perforations in the inner sole. An exhaust path is provided through vent ports above the sole, exhaust ducts which run up the rear of the boot on either side of the intake duct, and vent openings which exhaust the air to the outside. Openings may be provided in the scoops immediately above the vent openings to produce a venturi action that stimulates the flow of air through the boot.

Abstract: The shoe (1) includes a flexible sole (2) containing a cavity (3) which has nearly the same size as the sole. The walls of the cavity are airtight and flexible in such a manner that the portion of the cavity receiving the foot pressure squashes. The top wall, for example of the front portion of the sole, is provided with at least one opening (4) allowing the air to go into the cavity. The side wall, for example of the rear portion of the sole, is provided with at least one opening (5) allowing only the air to go out from the cavity.The shoe ventilated as described is used in sport.

Abstract: A height-controlling insole for footwear which comprises:an insole;a plurality of non-slip profiles connected to the insole;at least a portion of the profiles having an adjustable height thereof, whereby the profiles can be adjusted to conform to the curvature of the bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A vented motorcycle boot in which air scoops are provided at the upper side and the front of the boot, with air ducts running down along the sides of the boot from the scoops to the ankle area. A cooling flow of air is established through the scoops and ducts to the most sensitive portion of the foot, while the location of the scoops toward the top of the boot minimizes the amount of dirt or water than can enter the ventilation system. The side scoop faces forward and collects relatively large quantities of air, while the front scoop faces toward the side and promotes circulation by either collecting outside air or venting inside air, depending upon the particular construction of the scoop and the riding conditions. Plugs are provided to close off the scoops in case of particularly muddy conditions.

Abstract: A boot, particularly for sports use, consisting of a boot to which a legging is coupled by an articulation and houses an internal element. The boot includes a vamp which is provided with a legging which holds, at the height of the malleolus of the wearer's foot, articulated elements which hinge to the legging of the vamp pairs of perforated appendices in the lower part of two semi-leggings movably secured to each other by securing devices.

Abstract: Described is a sports boot such as ice skate boot or ski boot which is both water-proof and air permeable and which is comprised of a boot-shaped substrate formed of natural or synthetic leather or other similar pliant material, an outer sheath formed of synthetic material and applied integrally to the outer side of the substrate, air permeable members or units provided in suitable portions in the sole part of the sheath and having ventilation holes providing for communication between the inside and outside of the sheath, and porous films or sheets made water-proof air permeable layers or sheets of porous synthetic resin material provided between side substrate and the sheath in portions where at least the ventilation holes are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article of footwear such as a shoe having an inner sole and outer sole which delimit a vacant space of a predetermined height between them, the inner sole having a plurality of ventilating holes for communicating the vacant space with the interior of the shoe. A cushion member made of a light-weight, resilient material is disposed within the vacant space at the forward part of the shoe and has a plurality of elongated ribs spaced apart by a predetermined distance and extending to the rear portion of the vacant space. Each elongated rib has at least one recessed portion passing through the rib substantially laterally thereof to communicate with the spaces on either side of the rib. Compression and relaxation of the cushion member with the application and removal of the wearer's weight during walking creates a circulatory air flow to ventilate the interior of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe which comprises an upper and a sole having a plurality of elongated chambers disposed therein and have fluid communication between the top face of the sole and the ambient surrounding the shoe.

Abstract: A system for supplying air to the interior of a shoe, particularly of a skiing boot for Alpine skiing is disclosed. The shoe or skiing boot comprises a shell and a gaiter, which is pivoted to the shell and pivotally movable in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. An air-handling device is mounted on the shell of the shoe and is connected to actuating means. The latter is also connected to the gaiter and during a forward and rearward pivotal movement of the gaiter move up and down to impart a pumping motion to the air-handling device so that air is pumped into the interior of the shoe. The air inlet is preferably disposed near the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear such as a shoe includes a deformable inner sole, an outer sole, as well as a resilient pumping member and resilient supporting member disposed in a hollow portion defined between the inner and outer soles. The pumping member, comprising a hollow body, is penetrated by a plurality of air-intake holes for communicating the pump interior with the hollow portion, and is provided with a tube communicating with the rear of the shoe, and the inner sole has ventilating holes for communicating the hollow portion with the interior of the shoe. The application and removal of the wearer's weight with each step repeatedly deforms the inner sole which in turn causes an exchange of air between the hollow portion and the shoe interior through the ventilating holes, as well as the compression and relaxation of the pump member to expel air, drawn into the pump member from the hollow portion through the air-intake holes, toward the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: A boot for motorcyclists with means for removing the air from the inside is described.A boot is described for motorcyclists equipped with means for removing air from the inside thereof, comprising one shoe section made of a flexible synthetic material, one leg section made of a stiff synthetic material, the leg section having a vertical lateral slit-shaped overlapping opening, provided with hook-like closing and tensioning elements, and a small inner shoe characterized in that a first circuit for a moving air stream is formed provided with at least one air inlet opening and with at least one discharge opening for moving air, a second circuit for conducted air abutting at one end an air tap and terminating at the other end into the first circuit, said second circuit comprising a portion of the inner chamber of the small shoe, means for hermetically sealing the small shoe with the leg section, and means for discharging water from the boot.

Abstract: An expandable article of footwear having a sole with an upper formed over at least a portion of the sole. At least a part of the upper has formed therein an array of elongated slits. The slits are colinearly arranged into substantially parallel columns with the slits spaced part in the columnar direction. The slits of adjacent columns are in staggered relationship with each other. In this manner, when the article of footwear is worn, the openings defined by the slits expand into a generally oval shape.

Abstract: A ski boot comprises, between the shell and the inshoe, a bladder (1) connected to a resilient chamber (2) incorporated in the ski boot and connected by an air delivery conduit (5) to the bladder (1), in such a way as to cause the position of the resilient chamber to be independent from the position and configuration of the bladder.

Abstract: A method of cushioning and ventilating a foot surface by providing footwear made from a cushioning and ventilating member which constitutes a new use for a known material sometimes called bubble wrap commonly used in shipping rooms for packaging. This material is of laminated construction, consisting of two very thin sheets of non-rubberlike, non-elastic plastics material such as polyethylene heat-sealed together, one of the sheets being formed with a plurality of separate and independent, spaced-apart pockets providing a plurality of independent, closed, individually sealed air cells at atmospheric pressure. Two embodiments of footwear for practicing the invention are disclosed, one being a complete slipper, the other being a separable insole or bottom liner for an existing slipper or shoe.