Abstract: A skate boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter and defining a first pair of parallel fastening rows around the front edge of each quarter, at least in the vamp area of the boot. The median axis of the rows extends between the third and the fourth metatarsal bones of the foot.

Abstract: A slip-on, moccasin-style golfing shoe has a shoe sole having a bottom surface with contours for gripping a golfing surface during striking of a golf ball; an upper, with the shoe sole, defining a volume for receiving a wearer's foot and defining an opening for insertion of a wearer's foot into the volume, the upper including resilient closure assembly fixedly extending across a forward portion of the opening; and, disposed within the volume, a heel cup of extended length, reduced width, and increased stiffness, for resisting lateral movement of a heel region of the wearer's foot during striking of a golf ball. The shoe sole defines a depressed footbed surface for a lower center of gravity and increased stability during golfing play.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.

Abstract: A skate upper (120) of the type having an elongate vamp (122) with lace keepers (123) and a tongue (130) disposed generally in the vamp is provided with an attached lace locker. The lace locker (150) fixedly attached near the top of the upper, preferably to an upper portion of the tongue. A lace (124) is retained by the lace keepers and releasably engaged by the lace locker. A strap assembly (126) is provided below the lace locker. A lace guide (140) is attached to the tongue, below the lace locker and below the strap assembly. The invention positions the lace locker more conveniently above the strap assembly, and permits the user to tighten and loosen the lace with one hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe offering an easily adjustable support for the wearer's ankle, a means for the wearer to quickly put on and remove the shoe, protection to the wearer's toes and forefoot from impacts to the upper surface of the shoe, and a unique and attractive appearance. The shoe may be constructed from four basic components: a resilient sole, an ankle surrounding section, an instep enclosing section, and a toe section. The ankle surrounding section begins at the after end of the sole portion and extends forward to a point between the forward end and the after end defining an opening through which a wearer's foot is passed. The toe section extends from the forward end of the sole portion backward and runs from the inner edge to the outer edge of the sole portion. The wearer's toes are inserted into the cavity defined by the toe section. The instep enclosing section extends from the toe section to the ankle surrounding section.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper with a first notched edge, an inner lining disposed inside the upper and having a second notched edge in alignment with the first notched edge, and a sock-like waterproof lining made of a waterproof breathable membrane and disposed between the upper and the inner lining. The waterproof lining has a third notched edge in alignment with the first notched edge. An elastic part spans the first, second and third notched edges, and has an outer layer and an inner layer both of which are elastic. The inner layer has a peripheral edge attached to the second notched edge to form an inner seam. The outer layer has a peripheral edge attached to the first notched edge to form an outer seam. The third notched edge is attached to one of the first and second notched edges along one of the inner and outer seams.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper which has a substantially U-shaped first notched edge, a first cutout confined by the first notched edge, and a connection seam spaced apart from and extending around the first notched edge, an inner lining which is disposed inside the upper and has a second notched edge corresponding in position to the first notched edge; and a tongue which is waterproof and which has a marginal end. The marginal end of the tongue is attached to the upper along the connection seam and is attached to the inner lining along the second notched edge.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue including an inner tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Fastening structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the fastening structure and the engagement structure.

Abstract: A Soccer Boot/Training Shoe with an external tongue that has upon it rubberized ball agitators for applying spin to a soccer ball. The agitators are furrowed, curved and increase in size from front to back. The external tongue is secured to the boot by lace and loops. These loops are placed on the tongue and the boot. Laces are passed through these loops alternately to secure the tongue in place.

Abstract: A skate upper (120) of the type having an elongate vamp (122) with lace keepers (123) and a tongue (130) disposed generally in the vamp is provided with an attached lace locker. The lace locker (150) fixedly attached near the top of the upper, preferably to an upper portion of the tongue. A lace (124) is retained by the lace keepers and releasably engaged by the lace locker. A strap assembly (126) is provided below the lace locker. A lace guide (140) is attached to the tongue, below the lace locker and below the strap assembly. The invention positions the lace locker more conveniently above the strap assembly, and permits the user to tighten and loosen the lace with one hand.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: A lace device for tightening or closing an article such as a boot upper, garment, or backpack including a lace and at least two series of at least one guide for said lace, the sub-assembly constituted by the guides and the lace(s) defining a lacing zone, in the vicinity of which a blocking zone is located, in the area where the lace(s) extends from the lacing zone, the device further including a blocking element, a pocket adapted to receive the blocking element, the pocket being located in the blocking zone, and the pocket including passage(s) for the lace enabling the penetration of the lace between its exit from the lacing zone and its entry into the blocking element.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole, an upper affixed to the sole and extending upwardly therefrom, a tongue fixedly and nonreleasably secured to the upper, an air pump affixed to the toe portion of the upper, a bladder in valved communication with an exhaust of the air pump and affixed to a surface of the tongue, and a deflator affixed to a heel portion of the upper. The deflator is connected in valved relationship to the bladder. A tubing extends along a surface of the upper from the bladder to the deflator. The bladder is inflatable by an action of the air pump. The deflator includes a valve having a pin extending upwardly therefrom and a flexible flap overlying the top of the pin. A downward pressure on the flexible flap will cause air pressure within the bladder to be released.

Abstract: A boot provided with a tongue, the tongue having a lower portion and an upper portion joined by an intermediary portion. The tongue has a main flexible panel to which a semi-rigid reinforcement is affixed, the reinforcement having an elongated body that extends substantially along a longitudinal median line and over the length of the panel, the reinforcement having at least one lateral extension, each extension originating from the elongated body in the area of the lower and/or upper portion, and extending at least partially up to the area of the intermediary portion.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole, an upper affixed to the sole and extending upwardly therefrom, a tongue fixedly and nonreleasably secured to the upper, an air pump affixed to the toe portion of the upper, a bladder in valved communication with an exhaust of the air pump and affixed to a surface of the tongue, and a deflator affixed to a heel portion of the upper. The deflator is connected in valved relationship to the bladder. A tubing extends along a surface of the upper from the bladder to the deflator. The bladder is inflatable by an action of the air pump. The deflator includes a valve having a pin extending upwardly therefrom and a flexible flap overlying the top of the pin. A downward pressure on the flexible flap will cause air pressure within the bladder to be released.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: A sports boot having an outer sole on which an upper is mounted, which has a zone for introducing the foot and a rear upper zone having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter connected to one another by a tightening system constituted by a flexible linkage connecting to one another, along a predetermined alternative path, a series of return elements arranged fixedly on both sides of the quarters, in the vicinity of their edges to define a lacing zone. The return elements associated with the flexible linkage generally constituting the tightening system are arranged on the surfaces of the medial and lateral quarters, directed toward the foot, to constitute a tightening system of the upper, acting from within the latter.

Abstract: A boot, particularly a sport boot, having an external sole on which an upper, demarcating a central introduction zone for the foot, is mounted, and having a lacing zone constituted of a lace or cable forming two strands that connect return elements of the lacing zone together through a predetermined course, and which are linked near their free ends to an immobilizing device or a clamp, wherein it has, near the introduction zone for the foot, at the end of the lacing zone, a storing pocket capable of receiving the free ends of the lace strands extending beyond the clamp after the quarters are tightened, as well as the clamp itself.

Abstract: A watch-containing shoe for allowing the user to know the time without having to carry or wear a watch. The watch-containing shoe includes a shoe having a top portion and side portions and including a tongue member having a top, a first end and a second end which is securely attached to the top portion; and also includes a watch being securely attached to the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: A high boot having, on its bottom part that surrounds the foot, a lace-tightening device whose strands are alternatively crossed by means of returns, from one edge to the other of the upper to be adjusted on the foot. The strands of the lace are directed so as to converge from the instep zone up to the top portion of a tongue provided with a guiding double tunnel, via two semi-flexible sheaths. The tightening device of the boot leaves the flexion fold zone free and can be controlled in tightening from the edge of the top portion of the upper.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: A walking boot with a high upper, of the type having a tongue made of two lower and upper portions corresponding to the instep and to the lower leg, respectively, of a user wearing the boot. The tongue includes a structure that fastens a tongue reinforcement that extends along at least a part of the two portions of the tongue to increase the rigidity thereof.

Abstract: A supplemental tongue for an athletic or casual high top or low top lace up or loafer type shoe and referred to herein as a Phat tongue. The inventive Phat tongue includes a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the shoe. The Phat tongue is designed for insertion into and removal from the shoe beneath a conventional tongue thereof. Consequently, the Phat tongue rests between the conventional tongue and a foot of a wearer. In the illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue includes a shell made of cloth on which a decorative pattern is disposed on one side thereof. The cushioned pad is substantially planar and contoured to facilitate insertion into the shoe. In a first illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is hexagonal ball and a second illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is oval in shape. A loop is provided to facilitate insertion and removal and a hook and loop type fastener is provided to secure the Phat tongue in place against sock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device composed of a cover (1) and of an insert in the form of a shaft (5) inserted in the thickness of the front portion of the sole (9) and constituting a journalled system, adapted to ensure control of the flexural rigidity of a shoe, in particular a snowboard boot, or adapted to ensure the protection of the front surface of the shoe, partially or in its entirety.

Abstract: A sports shoe with an integral tongue and acing system. The shoe includes an upper which is formed of a lateral portion and a medial portion. The medial portion extends across into the lateral side of the shoe and is configured to be placed beneath a longitudinal edge of the lateral portion. A plurality of eyelets or apertures are formed in the shoe and arranged in three rows. Two of the rows are located in the medial portion of the shoe and one row is located in the lateral portion of the shoe. A lining is placed on the interior surface of the medial portion such that the first and second rows of apertures are not exposed to the interior of the shoe. Respective pathways are defined between corresponding apertures of the two rows of the medial portion and between the medial portion and the adjacent lining for the accommodation of a lace therethrough.

Abstract: A sports shoe with an integral tongue and lacing system. The shoe includes an upper which is formed of a lateral portion and a medial portion. The medial portion extends across into the lateral side of the shoe and is configured to be placed beneath a longitudinal edge of the lateral portion. A plurality of eyelets or apertures are formed in the shoe and arranged in three rows. Two of the rows are located in the medial portion of the shoe and one row is located in the lateral portion of the shoe. A lining is placed on the interior surface of the medial portion such that the first and second rows of apertures are not exposed to the interior of the shoe. Respective pathways are defined between corresponding apertures of the two rows of the medial portion and between the medial portion and the adjacent lining for the accommodation of a lace therethrough.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe tongue accessory that is designed for releasable attachment to the tongue of footwear to display a multitude of indicia or designs to alter the appearance of the footwear. The shoe tongue accessory consists of a first fragment and a second fragment that coact to form a pouch which is designed to receive the tongue of the footwear. The pouch is secured to the tongue through the combination of a strap affixed on the first fragment and at least two strap fasteners affixed on the second fragment. This combination permits the strap fasteners to engage the straps and secure the tongue within the pouch. The first fragment and the second fragment each display different indicia or designs and the pouch is further designed to permit the wearer to reverse the indicia or designs as desired.

Abstract: An upper reinforcing element adapted to equip a boot having a flexible or semi-rigid upper. The upper reinforcing element includes a support zone on which the tongue is supported, and in that it extends from the support zone down to the sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe and preferably according to the preferred embodiments to a self-closing mechanism within the shoe. The shoe optionally has an inbuilt mechanical fastening system which operates via insertion of the foot into the shoe which depresses an embedded releasing mechanism in the shoe which pulls closed the fastening-cords of the shoe top tightly around the wearer's foot. Subsequently a lever operated by the companion shoe situated on the back of the shoe body acts as a loosening mechanism enabling removal of the shoe from the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe of the type that includes an upper, an external sole, and a lining at least partially elastic arranged inside of the shoe. The elastic lining defines, at rest, a volume that corresponds at least to that of the largest foot adapted to be received in the shoe, and includes an arrangement for adjusting its volume to adapt it to the real volume of the foot placed inside the shoe. Advantageously, the volume adjustment arrangement is constituted by a double row of guides facing one another in a limited area of the elastic lining and spaced apart by a value corresponding substantially to the maximum difference in the volume of the foot, and by a lace passing through the guides and associated with a traction and blocking device for the lace.

Abstract: A tongue construction for footwear is configured with a tongue and a stiffener that is able to move relative to the tongue, thereby resisting pinching of the rider's foot as the boot is flexed. As a result, footwear having desired stiffness while substantially reducing discomfort, especially during flexing of the footwear is provided. By allowing the stiffener to slide rather than bend, or at least to reduce the extent of bending of the stiffener, pinching of the dorsal area near the ankle may be minimized as may be digging of the stiffener into the dorsal area near the toe. Consequently, a soft or hybrid snowboard boot is provided that provides both enhanced power transmission as well as improved wearer comfort.

Abstract: The present invention is a detachable tongue for a shoe. The shoe has an upper covering, disposed on a sole, which defines an instep opening and an ankle opening communicating therewith. The instep opening has a fore end and an aft end. The detachable tongue is an elongated strip of material having fore and aft ends which is disposed in the instep opening. The shoe with the detachable tongue includes means for removably fastening the strip to the upper covering at the instep opening. The fastening means includes fasteners such as a fabric fastener defining a hook and loop fastening system, one or more buttons, a snap system, a hook and eye system, a zipper, and a string system. In one embodiment the detachable tongue is removably disposed on the upper covering of the shoe at the fore end of the instep opening such that the fastener is hidden from view.

Abstract: A Soccer Boot/Training Shoe with an external tongue that has upon it rubberized ball agitators for applying spin to a soccer ball. The agitators are furrowed, curved and increase in size from front to back. The external tongue is secured to the boot by lace and loops. These loops are placed on the tongue and the boot. Laces are passed through these loops alternately to secure the tongue in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe offering an easily adjustable support for the wearer's ankle, a means for the wearer to quickly put on and remove the shoe, protection to the wearer's toes and forefoot from impacts to the upper surface of the shoe, and a unique and attractive appearance. The shoe may be constructed from four basic components: a resilient sole, an ankle surrounding section, an instep enclosing section, and a toe section. The ankle surrounding section begins at the after end of the sole portion and extends forward to a point between the forward end and the after end defining an opening through which a wearer's foot is passed. The toe section extends from the forward end of the sole portion backward and runs from the inner edge to the outer edge of the sole portion. The wearer's toes are inserted into the cavity defined by the toe section. The instep enclosing section extends from the toe section to the ankle surrounding section.

Abstract: Ski boot comprising a sole and a shell of plastic material designed to house the wearer's foot and including a flexible portion in correspondence with the metatarsus area, a leg piece hinged to the shell substantially at the ankle and designed to wrap the lower part of the leg of the wearer at the back and at the sides, a front closure tongue, fastening devices and releasable securing means between the tongue and the shell; the tongue comprises a lateral portion which extends on an internal lateral wall of the shell, and the lateral portion projects on the internal side of the shell beyond the profile of the flexible portion.

Abstract: A scuffing protector for shielding a standard snowboard boot from the edge of a snowboard during the ride up a chairlift is disclosed. Snowboard riders traditionally remove one of their boots from its binding for the ride up the chairlift. The free boot allows the rider to maneuver through the chairlift lines and onto the chairlift itself. The snowboard boot protector is removably attached to the dorsal surface of the free boot of a snowboarder, so when riding the chairlift, the snowboard can rest upon the boot protector without causing any damage to the free boot. The boot protector is composed of a tough plastic or rubber material that has both flexibility and durability. Additionally, the boot protector is strong enough to support the weight of the snowboard, so as to equalize the load between both legs.

Abstract: A footwear that opens at the front and has a tongue for protecting the top of the foot, which is adjustable in position by way of a fixing system. The fixing system is constituted of a flexible band which, provided with woven strips on one surface, is folded over itself at one free end to form a loop that winds on a device that attaches the tongue. The invention allows the removability of the tongue, as well as its continuous adjustment longitudinally to the footwear, while guaranteeing the solid retention thereof on the front end of the latter.

Abstract: A flexible skate boot having lower and upper portions made of leather, synthetic leather or similar material is provided with a flexible ankle encircling cuff made of synthetic moldable plastic material capable flexing designed in amounts in the forward and aft and lateral directions to act as an energy storage and release device and without wrinkling so as to minimize discomfort and abrasion on the user's ankle and extend the useful life of the boot. The tongue portion of the boot has a similar molded synthetic flexible panel separating the upper and lower sections of the tongue, the tongue panel being aligned with the flexible ankle encircling cuff which separates the upper and lower parts of the boot from each other. The parts are designed to essentially lock the tongue in the desired frontal position to prevent tongue migration from the desired frontal position during skating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to athletic shoes used in sports that require asymmetric movement of the feet, such as fencing. The asymmetric shoes of the present invention include a trailing shoe and a leading shoe that are each specially adapted to the particular asymmetric movement of the trailing and leading foot, respectively, allowing each foot to perform optimally. The leading and trailing shoes each include an upper and a sole. The trailing shoe sole includes front, rear, lateral, and medial portions, the lateral sole portion having a greater thickness than the medial portion.

Abstract: An inner liner for a boot having a sole and an upper provided with a foot entry opening in its front upper part. The upper is made of several pieces, the several pieces being connected by a mode of assembly that define connecting lines. A sealing element extends continuously from the sole, where it is welded/glued, to the foot entry opening by completely housing the liner toe. The liner contributes to reinforcing and ensuring the impermeability of the boot.

Abstract: A boot, particularly a sport boot, having an external sole on which an upper, demarcating a central introduction zone for the foot, is mounted, and having a lacing zone constituted of a lace or cable forming two strands that connect return elements of the lacing zone together through a predetermined course, and which are linked near their free ends to an immobilizing device or a clamp, wherein it has, near the introduction zone for the foot, at the end of the lacing zone, a storing pocket capable of receiving the free ends of the lace strands extending beyond the clamp after the quarters are tightened, as well as the clamp itself.

Abstract: A high boot having, on its bottom part that surrounds the foot, a lace-tightening device whose strands are alternatively crossed by means of returns, from one edge to the other of the upper to be adjusted on the foot. The strands of the lace are directed so as to converge from the instep zone up to the top portion of a tongue provided with a guiding double tunnels via two semi-flexible sheaths. The tightening device of the boot leaves the flexion fold zone free and can be controlled in tightening from the edge of the top portion of the upper.

Abstract: A shoe with optionally a high upper such as a moutaineering boot or a sports shoe, comprises an upper and a tongue connected with said upper and having a foot-inside edge, a foot-outside edge and an edge close to a shin, said edge close to the shin connecting the foot-inside edge and the foot-outside edge. The tongue extends over a forefoot-instep portion of the shoe to at least an ankle-flexure portion of the shoe. For adapting to an instep-ankle-flexure contour of a foot it is approximatively formed in a saddle shape. In the ankle-flexure portion of the shoe the tongue comprises at least one, compared to adjacent tongue portions, flexurally softer, preferably flat flexing zone. The flexing zone reduces the tendency of the tongue to slip towards the side after wearing the shoe for some time, which prevents pressure sores or skin abrasions. This increases the wearing comfort of the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear having a removable spat-type feature. This feature allows the wearer to remove and replace the spat. The advantage is that it allows the use of different color, design or material spats to color coordinate the footwear with different colored clothes. This feature is of particular benefit when traveling since one pair of shoes with different colored saddles can accommodate a varied holiday wardrobe. In addition, other types of symbols or trademarks may be placed on the spat. The spat my depict indicia indicating membership to a club or other association. The spat and/or the upper may be provided with eyelets for securing the footwear on the wearer. The footwear has a first attachment media sewn into an upper at a level such that when the spat is placed on the upper, upper surfaces of the spat and the upper are substantially flush.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole having a downwardly opening recess removably mounting a low friction grind plate for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and including an accessible storage compartment for temporarily storing keys and the like.