Abstract: A gaiter of flexible, substantially water-proof material, attached to the vamp portion and heel collar of a shoe upper. Preferably, the gaiter is a permanent, integral part of the shoe, due to a continuous stitching of the gaiter to the heel collar and eyelet stay along the vamp region of the upper. In a particular implementation, the gaiter has an elongated tongue portion extending along and underlying the tongue slot in the vamp region, and attached to the eyelet stays of the slot. A substantially tubular riser portion of the gaiter is integral with the tongue portion and is attached to and extends upwardly from the heel collar, to an open end. Conventional means, such as shoe laces, engage the eyelet stays directly or indirectly, for tightening the vamp over the wearer's instep. With the invention, however, the tongue of the shoe is constituted by the extension of the gaiter and therefore no water or debris can enter the forepart of the shoe through the vamp region.

Abstract: A three dimensional shoe vamp air cushion having an upper sheet and a lower sheet, with all peripheral edges sealed to form a hollow interior. An upper area of the air cushion is larger than the interior area, permitting the air cushion body to have three dimensions instead of two dimensions. The three dimensional shoe vamp air cushion has one or more air chambers and a similar curvature as the upper surface of a foot, so as to have excellent adaptability and shock absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: A shoe pocket, formed within the sole of footware such as a shoe, for storing objects such as keys, credit cards, matches, cigarettes, money clips, change, or specialized inserts. The shoe pocket comprises one or more recesses formed anywhere on the sole of the shoe, but preferably under the arch of the shoe, and with an opening to one side of the sole of the shoe. In one embodiment the object to be stored is placed directly in the recess in the sole of the shoe. In another embodiment, a housing is permanently affixed within the recess to receive the objects desired to be stored. In further embodiment, the housing is configured to receive an insert. The insert may itself be an object desired to be stored, such as a pedometer, a small computer, a calculator or other similar device, or the insert may be used to hold smaller objects such as keys, credit cards, etc., before being placed in the housing. In another embodiment, the housing is formed of a rigid material and provides arch support for the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear with single or double vamp sections comprising a split tongue including a rearward tongue portion which is firmly attached along one side thereof to a medial vamp section of the shoe. While the rearward tongue portion is firmly connected to a medial vamp section, the connection may be permanent or replaceable. A forward tongue portion may be integrally formed with the forward upper, or be an extension of the forward upper, or be secured to the forward upper along a transverse edge and/or to one or both of the vamp sections, or be secured to one of the vamp sections only. One or both tongue portions may be formed to have pockets for receiving cushioning members and/or saddle members to reduce pressure on the instep. The forward edge of the rearward tongue portion overlies the rearward edge of the forward tongue portion in the working position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shoe having an ergometric shoe lace design. The laces pass through tubes on the tongue portion of the shoe and extend down to the sole of the shoe on either side of the shoe where they pass through tubes on or near the perimeter of the sole. The laces criss cross the foot in this manner to secure the foot from up and down motion in the shoe. Optionally the lace may continue to be wrapped around the heel of the foot through ankle tubes and heel tubes to secure the foot from toe to heel movement in the shoe. This is particularly of advantage for shoes used in sporting activities. In this manner the upper of the shoe is not pulled together on either side of the tongue as in conventional shoes, thus avoiding stresses in the upper that tend to put pressure on and rub against the user's foot. Thus the shoe is comfortably and securely held to the users foot.

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: The sport boot has a relatively rigid collar surmounting an upper and whose rearward pivoting motion is restricted. A damping support zone matches up with the rear part of the wearer's lower leg and has gradually-increasing flexibility by virtue of the combined use of a flexible vertical tongue and elastic padding on a portion of the rear upper edge of the collar.

Abstract: A sports boot including an upper and a shell base having a rear portion that encircles the ankle and a frontal portion closed by transverse flaps that surround the front foot area. The flaps are equipped with instep tongues that extend in the longitudinal direction of the boot. These tongues are each connected by a sliding connecting element to the contiguous flank of the rear portion of shell base. The connecting element guarantees the constant maintenance of the tongue with respect to the contiguous flank while still allowing substantial freedom of clearance from the instep zone.

Abstract: A shoe or boot includes an ankle support collar attached to an inside surface of an upper (e.g., via stitching along a lower portion of the ankle support collar) and is formed of a resilient and flexible material to allow engagement to ankle portions of the wearer. A collar band surrounds a posterior portion of the ankle support collar and has end regions extending over the instep region of the upper. The shoe or boot is of the type having an upper attached to the sole which together define a volume for receiving the wearer's foot. The upper further defines an open instep region including at least two lacing attachments (e.g., loops such as "D"-rings) disposed along the instep portion of the upper. The shoe or boot also includes lacing which passes through the two lacing attachments and end regions of the collar band to allow tightening of the upper around the wearer's foot and the ankle support collar around the ankle portions of the wearer.

Abstract: The athletic shoe of the present invention is comprised of a resilient sole portion and an upper portion having an ankle enclosing section and a toe enclosing section. The ankle enclosing section arises from and is secured to the after end of the sole portion and includes a top portion defining an opening through which the wearer's foot may be introduced. The ankle enclosing section further includes an outer side an inner side. A flexible tongue member is attached to the inner side and extends laterally to the outer side. The ankle enclosing section includes a forward area having an opening through which the wearer's forefoot and toes will extend when the shoe is worn. The toe enclosing section is hingedly attached at is inner side to the inner edge of the resilient sole and may be swung upwardly to permit introduction or removal of the wearer's foot. The toe enclosing section is detachably secured to the outer edge of the sole portion at its outer side.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a sole, a heel, an upper, and a tongue. The tongue includes front and rear layers which define a pocket therebetween. A zipper secures the front and rear layers together to seal the pocket and permit access to the pocket as desired. A drawer is slidably received within a compartment in the heel for storing articles within the heel. A closure strap includes a first end joined to the heel and a second free end which can be secured to a second location on the heel across from the compartment to prevent removal of the drawer from the compartment.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes (10) having a left shoe (12L) and a right shoe (12R) which are mirror images of each other. The left shoe (12L) has an upper attached to a left shoe sole (14L) which has securely attached to a left shoe welt (16L) which has a left shoe welt cleat aperture (16LA) functioning to provide opening for the passage of a left shoe cleat assembly (38L). A left shoe longitudinal wedge (30L) has a left shoe longitudinal wedge ridge edge (30LA) which has a thickness of approximately one eighth inch. The left shoe longitudinal wedge (30L) tapers in thickness from the left shoe longitudinal wedge ridge edge (30LA) toward the a left shoe longitudinal wedge feather edge (30LC). The left shoe longitudinal wedge (30L) farther tapers from one distal end to the opposite distal end at the left shoe longitudinal wedge feather end (30LB). A left shoe cleat mounting plate (36L) is securely attached to the left shoe welt (16L).

Abstract: Sport shoe incorporating a shell (1) joined to a sole (7) and surmounted by an upper (2) and a support plate (8) which is angularly adjustable using a fastening arrangement (9), the plate being designed to support the wearer's lower leg. The plate (8) comprises two areas (18, 19) of differing flexibilities, and the fastening arrangement (9) incorporates at least two tenon-like elements (10) with which hollow elements (1) cooperate. The fastening arrangement (9) makes it possible to adjust the plate (8) in relation to the upper (2) in at least two angular positions, in which one and/or the other of the flexible areas (18, 19) is used, and to immobilize this plate against rotation after adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates a decorative shoe shield suitable for detachable positioning on an article of footwear and for securing thereto by shoelaces. The top surface of the shoe shield is adapted for receiving decorative indicia imprinted thereon. A plurality of openings formed in the body of the shoe shield or in fastener strips securely connected to the flexible body allow securing of the shoe shield to the shoe by shoelaces. The fastener elements can be formed as separate L-shaped or hook-shaped members securely attached to the shield body, or as unitary strips secured along side edges of the body, or formed directly in the body of the decorative attachment.

Abstract: A boot is shown having a tongue with oppositely disposed side margins, an upper extending above the ankle with oppositely disposed upper portions overlying the tongue margins, and with laces for selectively adjusting the fit of the upper portions over the tongue. Two sets of hook and loop fasteners are provided to interconnect the tongue and upper portions for holding the tongue in place during fitting of the boot. One set of hook and loop fasteners is attached to each side margin of the tongue and to the overlying upper portion of the boot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sport boot including an upper and a shell base, which boot closes and opens on the top of the foot by means of transverse flaps that partially overlap one another. The slits separate the flaps from the lateral vertical extensions coming from the shell base in the ankle zone by determining two tongues and the edges of a U-shaped scallop in the front portion of the shell base.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe including an elastic top portion conformable to an irregularly shaped foot is disclosed. The orthopedic shoe conforms to the irregularly shaped foot to provide a comfortable fit, retains an attractive appearance, and fits a number of different shaped feet without further customization of the shoe.

Abstract: A comfortable and breathable foot gear in the form of a sneaker/boot comprises a flexible sole constituting a lower portion of said garment, and a stretch fabric material constituting an upper portion of the foot garment that is securely attached to the flexible sole. The stretch fabric material is a weave of spun yarn material and an elastomeric material adapted to form fit about a foot placed within foot gear and capable of being stretched to form fit about the wearer's calf.

Abstract: Orthopaedic or post-operative footgear is provided with a removable toe piece. The toe piece is secured to the sole of the footgear to protect the toes of a user against cold, dampness, dirt and possible impact, and it is removed from the sole to allow for visual inspection of the user's toes. The toe piece can include an arcuate upper section and a substantially planar lower section, which can be secured to the sole by hook and loop material. The upper of one embodiment of the footgear is open at the toe and has overlapping flaps extending from opposite sides of the sole.

Abstract: A shoe with a central closure attached to an instep cover, to which a wire-like tightening element is coupled and from which the tightening element runs back and forth between guide elements on side parts of the shoe upper and guide elements on the instep cover along the throat area of the shoe, where the guide elements on both sides of the shoe are connected, via a tensioning strip, with at least a pair of instep supporting straps which run over the side parts of the shoe upper from at least an edge area of the sole is improved by combining the instep supporting straps and the tensioning strips into a structural unit for each side of the shoe.

Abstract: A foot protector is disclosed herein. The foot protector comprises an upper shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the metatarsal or middle portion of the foot; an anterior shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the phalanges or toe portion of the foot; and a flexible joint which connects the two shields and allows for substantially normal foot motion. The foot protector may be used on cleated athletic footwear, such as those worn by football players, to prevent foot injuries without hindering athletic performance. The foot protector may be equipped with eyelets on the upper shield and a strap or laces on the anterior shield as a means of securing the device to the underlying shoe.

Abstract: A shoelace cover having a translucent window is detachably secured to the upper of a shoe to display and protect the lacings. The shoelace cover comprises a generally triangular edge element, a translucent window composed of tubular elements and connected to the edge element, and fasteners attached beneath the edge element to detachably secure the cover over the throat area of a shoe upper. The translucent window permits the shoelaces to be seen therethrough, may be of different colors and may house a decorative emblem or feature.

Abstract: An item of footwear of the type having a body of the footwear and at least one decorative element, the item of footwear including a decorative element removably attached to the body of the footwear. The removable decorative element may be attached to a removable portion of the tongue of the item of footwear. The decorative element may include a light emissive element.

Abstract: In a pair of laced footwear, each item of footwear includes a sole and an upper which are formed from a transparent material. The footwear includes a tongue and insole which are removably assembled to the footwear and which are provided with non-transparent indicia consisting of a solid color or a suitable design or pattern which will be clearly visible through the footwear when the insole and tongue are assembled thereto. The indicia on opposite surfaces of the tongue may be different from each other, yet may be the same as the indicia on opposite surfaces of the insole. A shoelace for tightening the footwear around the foot of a wearer includes indicia which may or may not be the same as the indicia on at least one of the surfaces of the tongue or insole. Convenient packages consisting of two tongues, two insoles and two shoelaces having coordinating indicia may be made available for changing the appearance of the footwear to achieve a desired look.

Abstract: A shoe (1) with a central turn-lock fastener (5) and deflecting elements (9) for the tensioning element (7) is designed in such a way that mounting, and if required dismounting, of the tensioning elements (7) are made substantially easier. For that purpose, the deflecting elements (9) are provided at their front faces (13) with a groove (15) for the tensioning element (7). The groove is deeper than the thickness of the tensioning element (7). A locking member (18) with a rising flank (19) is provided on at least one side (17) of the groove. The highest point (20) of the rising flank (19) is in the vicinity of the opposite side (21) of the groove, so that the remaining gap is smaller than the thickness (23) of the tensioning element (7).

Abstract: A sneaker adapted to simulate the sight and sound of a snake is disclosed. Such sneaker comprises a sole and an upper surface, the sole having a periphery therearound with a front toe section and a rear heel end section. Further provided is an upper having a lower periphery coupled with respect to the periphery of the sole and having upwardly extending portions to generally encompass the foot and lower ankle of a wearer. An elongated tongue is coupled with respect to the upper. It also has a free upper end extending upwardly beyond the upper, the free upper end being formed in the shape of a face. An electrical system including a pair of lamps is positioned adjacent to the upper end of the tongue to simulate the eyes of a face and a battery is positioned within the sole at the toe section.

Abstract: A padding (14), which is covered internally with a lining (18) and externally with a rigid layer (16), is provided in a tongue for the internal shoes of ski boots. The padding (14) is divided into a lower portion (14a) which is integral with the rigid layer (16) and an upper portion (14b) which is integral with a sliding insert (20) interposed between the upper portion itself and the rigid external layer (16). The position of the sliding insert (20) and thus of the upper padding (14b) varies between a lower limit position in which the sliding insert (20) is completely lowered and un upper limit position in which the sliding insert (16) is completely raised.

Abstract: A ski boot which can improve the insertion and removal of a skier's foot, provide an excellent fastening feeling by fastening members, enhance the durability of a connecting portion between a cover member and a shell main body, and eliminate the possibility of water leakage. A slit is formed in the upper portion of separated & overlapping portions of a shell main body separated right and left and extending from an upper opening to an instep area of the shell main body. The slit and separated & overlapping portions are covered with a cover member from the toe portion of the shell main body to the upper opening thereof. A plurality of fastening members are used to fasten a trunk portion to be inclinably mounted to the shell main body as well as fasten the separated & overlapping portions.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (20) having an inflatable air bladder (52) integrated into the design and construction of the shoe, and apparatus (50) for inflating the air bladder, as well as apparatus (82) for sensing and indicating the pressure in the bladder, all incorporated into the design of the shoe.

Abstract: The part of a boot in question, in particular an inner-boot tongue of a ski boot, is essentially constituted by an outer part (1) made of impermeable semi-rigid plastic having an alveolate structure (6), covered directly by a foam-type padding (4) and by a woven or knitted liner (5). The air contained in the alveoles of the alveolate structure forms a particularly effective damper cushion in dynamic compression.

Abstract: A shoelace cover incorporating an interchangeable fashion panel for covering the shoelaces of a gym shoe. The shoelace cover is secured to the shoe by a number of straps threaded through slots in the shoelace cover. A strap secured to each side of the gym shoe includes a loop and hook material such that the straps can be disengaged and the shoelace cover can be drawn back to expose the shoelaces of the shoe. The fashion panel is attached to the shoelace cover by a loop and hook material such that at the whim of the shoe wearer, the fashion panel can be replaced by other fashion panels to convey a fashion statement.

Abstract: In a ski-boot comprising a rigid shell (22), a boot leg (24) hinged to the shell (22) and an inner shoe (122). There is a padding (26) connected to the inside rear part of the boot leg (24) which allows the padding (26) to move between two limit positions, a lowered and a pulled up position. There is also a longitudinally slidable tongue (132) interposed between the shell (22) and the inner shoe (122) to cover a front opening (128) in the shell.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: A shoe with an upper made of resiliently flexible materials has a central rotary closure on an instep cover in an instep area of the upper, and a tightening element that is connected to the central rotary closure and which is guided from the instep cover laterally in the form of loops at each side of the upper. At each side of the upper, each of the loops is guided over a deflecting element of a respective guide element, so that the central rotary closure is able to shorten the tightening element, by rotating the central rotary closure, to close the shoe and to lengthen the tightening element to open the shoe.

Abstract: An article of sport footwear in particular a ski boot, with a boot shell in which a boot entrance is defined for receiving the skier's leg, and with a plate-like lug associated with the shell at the location of the entrance to provide predetermined conditions of support for the skier's leg, wherein the lug is pivotable relative to the shell into at least two working positions where it presents different portions to the entrance, thereby varying the support conditions provided for the skier's leg accordingly.

Abstract: A healing sandal includes a sole having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, an upper surface, and a bottom surface for contacting the ground. An upper is attached at a bottom side thereof to the sole and extends upwardly therefrom. The upper has two side panels adjustably attached to one another and has an opening above the heel portion. A toe cover and tongue section can be removably attached to the upper. An insole insert is removably inserted within the sandal on the upper surface of the sole. The bottom surface of the sole includes a forward convexly curved surface and a rearward convexly curved surface which converge at an apex such that a rocking motion is achieved during walking for pressure reduction on the foot.

Abstract: A shoe with an upper made of resiliently flexible materials, a central rotary closure, an instep cover in an instep area of the upper, at least one tightening element connected to the central rotary closure, and guide elements at side parts of the upper. The at least one tightening element is guided from the instep cover laterally in the form of loops which are guided over a deflecting element of a respective one of the guide elements. The central rotary closure enables the tightening element to be shortened by rotating the central rotary closure to close the shoe and increasing of the free length of the tightening element to open the shoe.

Abstract: A decorative attachment for a lace-up type shoe which simulates a fold-down shoe tongue. A tongue simulating portion, having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top end and a bottom end, substantially covers a lace and knot portion of the shoe. The tongue simulating portion is preferably tapered to be narrower at the bottom end than at the top end. A decorative indicia is silkscreened to the top surface of the tongue simulating portion, and preferably represents a foot of a mascot for an athletic team. A strap extends from the end of the tongue simulating portion and is folded under the laces of the shoe. The strap has an upper surface which lies adjacent the lower surface of the tongue simulating portion when the strap is folded under the laces of the shoe and sandwiches the laces between the bottom surface of the tongue simulating portion and the upper surface of the strap. The tongue simulating portion and the strap are cut from a single sheet of leather, canvas or plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid filled apparatus that reacts with the stimulus of outside forces, furnished at the instep area of a shoe upper and the forefoot area of the shoe sole. The apparatus provides cushioning and a custom fit to the shoe in an area surrounding the forward portion of the shoe wearer's foot. In particular, the present invention pertains to a reactive energy apparatus comprised of anatomically shaped fluid filled bladders or pads that are furnished at the instep area of the shoe upper and the forefoot area of the shoe sole. The bladders engage and assume a complimentary custom fitting configuration around the instep and ball of the shoe wearer's foot by displacement of fluid contained in the bladders, and thereby provide cushioning and a custom fit around the shoe wearer's foot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe which has a sole, an upper body disposed on the sole and having a throat opening for insertion of a foot, a vamp having a U-shaped forward opening elongated from the throat opening, and a shoe tongue means disposed to cover the U-shaped forward opening of the vamp. The vamp constitutes a part of the upper body. The shoe tongue means has a first shoe tongue piece and a second shoe tongue piece. The first shoe tongue piece is disposed along one of a pair of opposed side rims defining the U-shaped forward opening formed in the vamp and covers a part of the U-shaped forward opening along the side rim. The second shoe tongue piece is disposed along the other of the pair of opposed side rims defining the U-shaped forward opening formed in the vamp and covers the other part of the U-shaped forward opening.

Abstract: The rigidity of a high performance ski boot is increased by forming interlocking connections between a front tongue, a footbed and a rear ankle portion of the boot. Such connections are particularly effective in reducing or eliminating transverse spreading or sideward flaring of the front tongue as a skier leans forwardly against the tongue during aggressive ski maneuvers. By eliminating such transverse flaring and distortion, the foot support and overall performance of the boot is increased.

Abstract: A removeable shoestring cover for athletic shoes which provides an upwardly facing wiping surface of suede or other suitable material and which cover is attached to the shoestrings at the upper and lower edge of the cover by flaps which fold around portions of the shoestrings and which flaps are held in the retaining position by a hook and loop type fastener or other suitable fastener.

Abstract: A speed closure (100) for footwear (10) comprises an elastic instep strap (110) having ends (111, 112) on opposite sides of the wearer's foot. The ends of the strap terminate in pulleys (114, 115) interleaved between the tongue (28) and respective ones of the flaps of the shoe for independent, sliding movement therebetween. A foldable fastening tab (120) is moveably attached to the tongue of the shoe. A tensioning line (140) having ends joined to form a continuous loop is threaded in an ordered sequence through eyelets (34) in the flaps, eyelets (127) in the tab, and the line pulleys, such that the line does not pass through any pulley more than once, and through any eyelet more than twice, and such that the line does not cross over itself. A cowl (150) is disposed over the instep of the shoe to cover portions of the instep opening of the shoe, the tongue, and the tab. The cowl has a top edge (151) and sides that lap past the flaps and attach to respective sides of the shoe.

Abstract: A sport shoe such as a ski boot having a shell with a notch extended to near the toe region thereof and a strip bridging the notch and being adapted to be tightened onto the shell to close it, is provided with a toe piece adapted to overlie the shell at the toe region; the toe piece has a lug which intervenes, in use, between the strip and the shell to tighten the toe piece onto the shell through said strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a shoelace coupleable to the tongue of a shoe having a first upper portion and a second upper portion includes a spacer mounted on the upper surface of the shoe tongue. A first fixed jaw is mounted on the spacer and the spacer provides a space between the first fixed jaw and the tongue adapted to receive the first upper portion and the second upper portion adjacent thereto. A second movable jaw member cooperates with the first jaw member to form a jaw opening within which an intermediate portion of the shoelace is retained. The apparatus is preferably in the shape of a theme. The shoe is provided with panels which also exhibit a theme in common with the shape of the shoelace securing apparatus. The shoelace securing apparatus is preferable fixed to the shoe tongue.

Abstract: A shoe upper is provided having a tongue strapping system. A tongue is provided having two or more straps which extend through apertures formed in the sides of the shoe upper. When the tongue strapping system is implemented, the straps serve to create pressure between different portions of the shoe upper, resulting in a secure and enhanced fit.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instamp portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: Shoe members having spaced parallel support flanges, wherein the flanges include a row of rotatably mounted wheels therebelow which are fashioned as a roller blade structure, having a pneumatic chamber within the side wall of the shoe structure of the roller blades employing a pneumatic pump bladder mounted relative to the tongue structure of the shoe to permit selective filling of the pneumatic side wall chamber.

Abstract: A shoe has a tongue and a fastener assembly which are moveable out of the way of the wearer's foot to leave a large opening in the shoe upper, and to stay out of the way until moved back.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad is used in footwear which has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The footwear includes a pair of compartments which substantially surround the foot cavity for receiving the therapeutic pad.