Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: Interior members for foot-receiving devices, such as bootie elements for articles of footwear, include a material element at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber. This material element may include, in some examples, a heel-surrounding portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a seamless plantar portion in a continuous, one-piece arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the material element may include a heel-surrounding portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a plantar surface, and a double layer of the material element at least along an Achilles area portion. Additional aspects relate to material blanks for forming such interior members as well as to foot-receiving devices, such as athletic footwear, including such interior members.

Abstract: A shoe with a breathable and waterproof sole and upper, including a breathable and waterproof sole, an assembly associated with the sole in an upward region, an external breathable upper, an internal lining and, between them, a breathable and waterproof membrane, and an at least partially perforated or breathable insole, which is joined at least to the upper and to the breathable and waterproof membrane. The shoe thereby has a sole that is joined hermetically and peripherally to the assembly at the connecting region between the upper and the breathable and waterproof membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (1) comprising a leg (2) in rubber combined with a textile lining (4), the lining (4) comprising a first textile layer (6) able to evacuate moisture (10) and a second textile layer (7) intended to be in contact with the foot (5) of a user, forming a layer to protect the foot against moisture. The first textile layer (6) is made by using a resilient fabric with a thickness greater than 3 mm, and the second textile layer (7) is bamboo viscose based.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention generally relates to shoe and boot systems. More particularly the invention relates to a shoe or boot system and method for using the shoe or boot system that has one or more interchangeable components. The system includes a shoe that has utility alone. In addition, each of the components may be optionally reversible. The inside of the shoe or boot may also have an optional lining which may be removable. These components may also have hidden or exposed pockets for securing some articles.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: A footwear shoe structure for sports and general outdoor activity, having excellent benefits with respect to hallux vulgas, has an internal half-size tabi (Japanese sock) structure that uses a stretchable cloth and separates the big toe from the other four toes, the internal structure being interposed between an instep covering material and an upper toe part of a sole. The stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming an upper part and the stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming a lower part of the internal structure are differentiated from one another so as to be smaller in the latter than in the former. A partition member 4 formed of a soft elastic material is fitted into a crotch part between a big toe part and a part of the internal structure for the other four toes. In one embodiment, the upper part of the internal structure is formed of two sheets comprising stretchable cloth of nylon or polyester fiber, and a urethane foam 1c is interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A composite element includes a base layer, a thermoplastic polymer material, a thread, and a cover layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The polymer material is separate from the base layer, extends into the base layer, and is at least partially located at the first surface. The thread has a section lying adjacent to the first surface layer and substantially parallel to the first surface throughout a distance of at least five centimeters, and the thread is bonded to the base layer with the polymer material. The cover layer is located adjacent to the first surface and bonded to the base layer with the polymer material, and the section of the thread is located between the cover layer and the base layer.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable and waterproof sole for shoes, including a tread including a plurality of through holes, a multilayer pack, arranged superimposed on the region where the through holes are provided and including a membrane, permeable to water vapor and impermeable to liquids, and a protective layer, arranged directly below the membrane. The tread is overmolded onto the pack and further surrounds the edges, the lower perimetric portion, and the upper perimetric portion of the pack to form a perimetric seal adapted to avoid rise of liquids. The pack includes a vapor-permeable or perforated layer element, arranged directly below the protective layer, superimposed on the through holes region. The layer-like element avoids contact of the molding polymeric material with the protective layer during tread molding, and is further associated with the protective layer.

Abstract: An impact absorbing material for a footwear article includes a first sheet having a plurality of projections for dispersing the force of an impact and a second sheet, having a lower durometer than the first sheet, that is bonded to the first sheet for absorbing the force from the projections. The projections are arranged on the first sheet such that nonlinear gaps are formed between adjacent pairs of projections. The impact absorbing material may be positioned between an upper and an inner liner of the footwear article and may be selectively positioned on the footwear article to protect an area on the wearer that is vulnerable to impact, such as the wearer's feet, ankles, heels or calves.

Abstract: A garment or footwear based on a synthetic thermoplastic polymer material containing (a) an antibacterial agent selected from phenolic antimicrobial compounds of the formula (I) wherein n is 0 or preferably 1, R1 and R2 are hydrogen or chloro, R3 is hydroxyl or preferably hydrogen, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen or chloro, R7 is hydroxyl, and X is a direct bond, —NHCONH—, —CH2— or preferably —O—; and (b) an antifungal agent selected from benzimidazole fungicides, triazoles, 2,4-bis(alkylamino)pyrimidines, isothiazolinon fungicides, 10,10?-oxy-bis-phenoxyarsen, zinc pyrithione has good antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: A breathable shoe, including: an upper assembly having a breathable upper; a membrane made of a material which is waterproof and breathable, and a sole made of perforated elastomer, which are all mutually attached such that the membrane is arranged between the upper assembly and the sole, and the sole is sealed perimetrically to the membrane, in a manner to prevent moisture to enter into the upper assembly from the sole through the membrane, and to permit moisture to leave the inside of the upper assembly through the membrane and through the sole. In one preferred embodiment, the membrane is first attached to the upper assembly so that the upper assembly is a unitary upper assembly including the membrane, and such unitary upper assembly is subsequently attached to the sole.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable insole includes a shoe lining with two bottom side edges respectively curved inwards, an insole, which is peripherally stitched to the border area of the shoe lining and has two projections longitudinally arranged at two sides respectively attached to the bottom side of the bottom side edges of the shoe lining and defining with the bottom side edges of the shoe lining a plurality of gaps for ventilation, and a pad, which has a layer of waterproof and breathable material and is bonded to the whole area of the outside wall of the insole and a part of the shoe lining with a layer of non-waterproof and breathable glue.

Abstract: A boot for reducing injury from a close range explosion includes a sole unit, an upper, and a shin guard. The sole unit includes at least an outer sole, a shank sheet composite, a shank filler and an insole. At least the shank sheet composite includes a plurality of layers having a pyramid shape and is formed of a strong composite fiber. The upper is attached to the sole unit and is formed of a laminated canvas. The shin guard is connectable to the upper and protects an ankle and leg of a user. The shin guard is formed of a strong composite fiber.

Abstract: Footwear and related methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacture of footwear is provided. The method includes providing a upper, the upper defining a lower perimeter. An outsole is provided, the outsole including a lip extending along the upper perimeter of the outsole. A thread is stitched through the lower perimeter of the upper and at least a portion of the lip of the outsole whereby a foot receiving space is defined between the upper and the outsole. A last is inserted into the foot receiving space defined by the upper and the outsole to set the shape of the upper.

Abstract: A waterproof safety article of footwear and preferably, but not exclusively, constructed with an outer shell formed from EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) material, is described. It is comprised of an outer boot shell formed of waterproof material capable of being injection molded and an inner protective boot liner which is positioned inside the boot shell. The protective liner has a puncture proof insert, preferably a toe cap and sole plate secured thereto. The outer shell can also be molded from TPR (thermoplastic rubber) material. In order to achieve a maximum light weight safety article of footwear, the protective liner has a toe cap and a sole plate formed from composite materials and the outer shell is molded from EVA material. The method of constructing the waterproof safety article of footwear is also described.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a self-locking sock for stopping the slippage of a user's foot inside the shoe while walking or running. The footwear with a self-locking sock comprises: a footwear with two male portions of hook and loop fasteners with one attached to the inner side of the tongue and the other attached to the insole, and a sock with two female portions of hook and loop fastener with one attached to the instep and the other attached to the sole.

Abstract: A waterproof and water vapor-permeable shoe, including a bottom shoe part with a sole perforated through from the tread toward a foot resting region, a top part surrounding the foot and including a vapor-permeable or perforated lining, a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane surrounding the foot, and a vapor-permeable or perforated upper. The outer bottom portion of the top shoe part, which is superimposed on the perforated area of the sole, is constituted by a portion of the membrane. A vapor-permeable or perforated protective element for the portion of the membrane is provided below the portion of the membrane and above the tread of the sole. A water sealing region provided between the portion of the membrane and the sole, around the perforated area of the sole, separates flaps of the upper from the perforated area of the sole.

Abstract: An insulating liner for an article of clothing includes a first layer, a second layer attached to the first layer, and an insulating layer sealed between the first and second layers, wherein the insulating layer is composed of an aerogel material. The first and second layers can be a PVC foam hermetically sealed about the aerogel material by welding. In a preferred embodiment, the insulating liner is a shoe liner that includes a polyester wearing material adhered to the top layer of PVC foam. A method of forming the insulating liner is also provided.

Abstract: Boots with an integrated scent carrying system are provided. The boots include a vented scented material holder that can leave a scent trail during hunting and/or to mask one's own scent during hunting. The boots are configured to effectively deliver the scent to the hunter's environment.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: A boot, such as a snowboard boot, having an outer shell including a flexible upper and a harness assembly disposed in the outer shell. The harness assembly wraps about a user's ankle, includes a plurality of cord keepers. A cord—for example, a lace or a stainless steel cable—slidably engages the cord keepers, for tightening the harness about the user's ankle. A tensioning mechanism such as a spool mechanism or a lace keeper is attached to the flexible upper and engages the cord, such that the user can releasably tension the cord. The cord extends through an aperture in the outer shell whereby the user can tighten or loosen the harness without removing the boot. In an embodiment, the tensioning mechanism is a lace locker fixedly attached to the shell tongue, wherein the tongue includes apertures disposed near the bottom of the lace locker to slidably accommodate the cord.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a liner defining an interior area configured to removably receive a wearer's foot, an upper stitched to an upper portion of the liner, a lower foot portion adjacent to the upper; and an attachment skirt stitched to the upper. The attachment skirt is laminated between the lower foot portion and the liner to securely interconnect the liner to the upper and lower foot portion without perforating the liner below the upper portion of the liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reduced abrasion shoe. The reduced abrasion shoe comprises strategically removing seams from the interior cavity of the shoe. In particular, the tongue traversing the throat is attached to the exterior surface of the upper about the toe box. A full liner between the upper and the interior cavity is coupled to the upper about the shoe mid-point. Finally, exterior surface patches are coupled to the exterior surface using a fusion bond instead of a stitch to remove the corresponding interior seam.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable lining structure includes a sheet-like waterproof and breathable foaming cushion layer made of a composition of a predetermined amount of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a predetermined amount of foaming agent such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), and a fabric lining layer integrally adhered to one side of the cushion layer to form the lining structure. The cushion layer is made by a process including the steps of: (a) palletizing raw materials including the low density polyethylene and the foaming agent such as Azodicarbonamide (ADCA); (b) extruding the palletized raw material to make a solid sheet; (c) cross-linking the solid sheet by an E-beam to form an irradiated matrix; (d) foaming the irradiated matrix into the sheet-like foaming cushion layer.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable insole includes a shoe lining with two bottom side edges respectively curved inwards, an insole, which is peripherally stitched to the border area of the shoe lining and has two projections longitudinally arranged at two sides respectively attached to the bottom side of the bottom side edges of the shoe lining and defining with the bottom side edges of the shoe lining a plurality of gaps for ventilation, and a pad, which has a layer of waterproof and breathable material and is bonded to the whole area of the outside wall of the insole and a part of the shoe lining with a layer of non-waterproof and breathable glue.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper having a heel portion that has a rear wall adapted to extend around the heel of a foot. At least one adjustment pad is attached loosely to the rear wall within the heel portion. The adjustment pad includes an intermediate part, first and second ends on two opposite sides of the intermediate part, a first surface confronting the rear wall, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A strap passage unit is provided on the rear wall. A strap is attached to the adjustment pad, and passes movably through the strap passage unit. When the strap is pulled to move through the strap passage unit, the strap is tensed, and the adjustment pad is moved inward so as to abut against the foot in the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a snowboard boot liner, made of deformable material has a rear tensioning system for reducing the volume of the footwear in the heel region. The footwear has a front tensioning system, such as a front lace, for closing an opening in the front of the footwear. A channeling element is positioned over the heel and a control element is secured to the footwear a distance away from the channeling element, for example, over the ankle or instep. A draw, such as a rear lace, winds through both the channeling element and the control element. Tightening the draw urges the control element toward the channeling element thereby reducing the volume of the footwear in the heel region. The draw may be tightened and locked independently or may have an eyelet through which a loop of the front lace may pass in order to transfer tensile forces from the front lace to the draw and maintain tension in the draw.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper made of a waterproof breathable laminate which is composed of at least one outer layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane laminated to the inner surface of the outer layer; and an inner sole which includes a bottom plate and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom plate. The inner sidewall is connected to a bottom end of the upper. The bottom end of the upper ends at a level not lower than the bottom plate.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A shoe upper, having an upper outer material (13) with a lower outer material end region (19) located in a lower upper end region, an upper lining material, which is arranged on the inner side of the upper outer material (13), incorporates a waterproof functional layer and has a lower lining material end region (21), the lining material end region (21) having a lining edge that is not covered by the upper outer material (13), and a connecting band (17), which extends in the peripheral direction of the upper end region and is joined on a first longitudinal side (23) to the outer material end region (19) but not to the end region (21) of the lining material, and is joined on a second longitudinal side to the end region (21) of the lining material but not to the end region (19) of the outer material, wherein at points of curvature of the lower periphery of the upper end region the connecting band (17) extends in an arc corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with the two longitudinal sides of the connect

Abstract: A footwear construction that includes an improved footwear upper liner is provided. The liquid impermeable footwear upper liner is constructed of air permeable, waterproof and moisture vapor transmissive materials as well as air impermeable, waterproof and moisture vapor impermeable materials. A process for constructing a footwear component utilizing the improved footwear upper liner is also provided. The process comprises providing a sole; providing an upper that together with the sole define a volume for receiving and protecting a wearer's foot against external elements and securing the improved liquid impermeable footwear upper liner within the footwear so that the footwear upper liner is located underneath the upper. In an alternative embodiment, the improved footwear upper liner is attached to a sole to form a bootie for use in footwear construction.

Abstract: A lightweight cold and wet weather pack boot comprising an outer boot including an upper boot with an exterior material layer constructed of waterproofing coated polyester, an interior layer of oxford nylon with insulation batting between the exterior and interior layers, further including a molded rubber bottom with cleats, and an inner bootie with outer and inner layers of oxford nylon with insulations between said outer and inner layers.

Abstract: A footwear liner includes two sides connected at a front seam and a back seam by stitching, an inner bottom piece connected to the two sides along a bottom seam by stitching, and an outer bottom piece adhered to the inner bottom piece. Each side includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer that is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor. The outer bottom piece includes an outer layer and an inner layer that is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor. The two sides and the inner bottom piece cooperate to form a partial enclosure with a toe portion, a heel portion, and an open top portion. In the preferred embodiment, the front and back seams are covered by a sealing tape to waterproof the seams, and the outer bottom piece overlaps and is adhered to portions of the sides adjacent the bottom seam to form a waterproof seal between the outer bottom piece and the sides.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe structure having an exterior upper (1), an interior upper including a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer (2a) arranged adjacent to the exterior upper (1) and a lining (2) facing the shoe interior, an insole (4, 4a, 4c) and an outsole (6), wherein the interior upper has a lower end region (2b) that extends at least for the most part beyond the lower end of the exterior upper, and which is joined on the one hand to the exterior upper (1) and on the other hand to the insole (4, 4a, 4c). The lower end region of the interior upper that extends beyond the exterior upper (1) is folded outwards in such a way that the functional layer in the entire end region (2b) is turned back on itself, and the interior upper has a lower edge arising from this folding, that the free end of the outwardly folded interior upper is joined to the exterior upper (1), and that the lower edge of the interior upper is joined to the insole (4, 4a, 4c).

Abstract: An article of waterproof footwear is provided which contains a sole (1) joined to an insole (2) and to a welt (3) which encloses the lower edge of an upper (4), the inner surface of which is lined by a preferably semi-permeable membrane (6). The lower edge of the membrane is glued to a waterproof tape (7) joined to the insole (2). The welt (3) is preferably made in a single piece of plastic or rubber material with the sole (1). A process of manufacturing the waterproof footwear is also provided.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: A lining has a vamp member, a sole member and an inner sole. The vamp member is stitched to the body portion of the sole member directly. The vamp member further has a periphery portion bent inwards under and attached on a bottom side of the sole member at where a portion of the sole member is adapt to bear a heel portion of the foot thereon. The inner sole has a portion attached on a bottom side of the sole member and a periphery portion attached on the vamp member via a glue layer. The inner sole has a waterproof and ventilation layer and two non-weave fabrics attached on the opposite sides respectively.

Abstract: Waterproof footwear and methods for making the same. The footwear includes a laminate liner material including at least a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer. The method includes two lasting steps to produce waterproof footwear that is durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A footbed for sport footwear made of a shell, which defines the general shape of the footwear. The footbed has a sole portion and a padding wall for partially separating the sides and back of a wearer's foot from the shell. The padding wall partially cups the wearer's heel and extending from the back of the wearer's foot along each side of the heel, along each side of the midfoot and along each side of the forefoot. The footbed is adapted for determining the size of the footwear in terms of width. The footbed may further comprise a toe wall portion for determining the size of the footwear in terms of length.

Abstract: A sock combined with an insole comprises an insole; at least one surface of the insole is formed with elastic hooks; the hooks being deformed due to an external force, but restoring as the force disappears; and a sock having a sock body and an opening; the sock body having a sock sole; whole or part of the lower bottom of the sock sole being formed with curl wires for grasping the hooks so that the sock is tightly secured to the insole to avoid the relative motion between the sock and the insole.

Abstract: A laminate of a thermally pointbonded nonwoven base fabric and a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride on at least one surface of the base fabric, and a footwear upper made from the laminate and wherein the upper functions additionally as a lining for the footwear.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a disposable inner footwear adapted for receiving a foot. The inner footwear is made from a plastic material and having a front portion, a heel portion, and an upper foot covering portion. The upper foot covering portion is adapted to be wrapped over the foot.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a vamp, a sole and a foot wrapper that is inside the vamp and located on the upper part of the sole. The foot wrapper is assembled by stitching the upper lining with the bottom part. A waterproof band is provided over every seam line of the foot wrapper. The waterproof shoe can withstand water when soaked in 3-4 cm deep water for over eight hours. They are suitable for being worn in rains and snows.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a waterproof breathable lining sleeve which is mounted inside an upper and which is made of an air-permeable waterproof material, and a cup member attached to a bottom end of the lining sleeve. The cup member is made of an air-impermeable waterproof material and includes a cup bottom which has a toe region and a heel region, and a cup wall which projects laterally and upwardly from said cup bottom and extends around the toe and heel regions. Preferably, the cup member is a molded body formed by a molding process, and the bottom end of the upper is lasted over the cup bottom.

Abstract: A boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having an outer envelope whose base is fixed to the sole, in the area of the periphery of the sole. The upper of the boot has an inner envelope fixed, only by its base, to the base of the outer envelope and/or to the sole, in the area of the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: A liner for an article of footwear, particularly a ski-boot, comprises a thermally formable material which can be selectively heated by means of an insert comprising electrical resistance heating elements. The latter in turn are sandwiched between heat spreading material.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable shoe comprising the following combination of elements: a vapor-permeable upper (11) associated with a vapor-permeable or perforated lining (12); a tread sole (13) made of perforated elastomer; a mid-sole, comprising at least one membrane (15) made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material associated with a lower protective layer (16) made of a material resistant of hydrolysis, the layer being water-repellent, vapor-permeable and/or perforated; a vapor-permeable or perforated insole (17); a vapor-permeable or perforated filler (19) layer arranged between said insole and said membrane. The membrane is associated and sealed, at its edge regions, to a pre-molded insert (14) which is suitable to form a perimetric support for the membrane both during assembly and during use.