Abstract: A boot (200), such as a snowboard boot, having a harness assembly (240) disposed in an outer shell (210). The harness defines a vamp gap and includes a plurality of cord keepers (268) disposed on either side of the gap. A cord—for example, a stainless steel cable (266)—slidably engages the cord keepers, for tightening the harness about the user's ankle. A tensioning mechanism (190) having a knob (192) is attached to the harness assembly and engages the cable, whereby the user can releasably tension the cable. An aperture (126) in the outer shell is adapted to receive the knob, whereby the user can tighten or loosen the harness without removing the boot. The cable may slidably engage the tongue (215) of the boot, such that tensioning the cable will bias the tongue inwardly, towards the user.

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 boot (100), such as a sports boot, having a removable liner (160) that is adapted to be inserted into an outer shell (110). The liner includes a vamp gap (170) with a plurality of cable keepers (168) disposed on either side of the gap, and a cable (166) that slidably engages the cable keepers, for tightening the liner about the user's foot. A tightening mechanism (190) having a knob (192) is attached to the liner and engages the cable, whereby the user can releasably tension the cable. An aperture (126) including a grommet portion (130) in the outer shell is adapted to receive the knob whereby the user can tighten the liner without removing the boot outer shell.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: An inner tightening mechanism adapted to equip an article of footwear having a flexible or semi-rigid upper, and an article of footwear incorporating such tightening mechanism. The inner tightening mechanism includes a retention band that is connected to the inner surface of the upper by at least two anchoring points fixed on the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the flexion in the direction of the heel, and at least one anchoring point is positioned substantially above the sole.

Abstract: A stabilization device for an athletic shoe or sneaker having two elongate straps for wrapping around a foot within the shoe. The straps are attached to the inside sidewalls of the shoe and exit the shoe through lateral slits adjacent to the sole. Each strap then passes through a buckle, and the two straps are attached to each other with a VELCRO material. Two lateral support bumpers, integral with the shoe near the sole and which project outwardly on the lateral sidewall, provides further projection against foot injuries. The upper shoe component having a sufficiently stiff consistency to prevent acute angles that form during inversion stresses.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a boot with features that increase a securing of a user's heel. Embodiments include a heel hastening device that is between an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs are provided that maintain full support of the upper portion, and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heel securing device. Also provided is a heel fastening device that is actuated by a lace. Also provided is a heel fastening device can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

Abstract: A detachable skate having two sets of engagement members containing two female members and two male members which are correspondingly fitted to a sole at the bottom of the shoe and a mounting plate at the top of the skating device. The female members and the male members can be connected with each other by means of the engagement of a projecting pin into the bottom end of the vertical part of the L-shaped guide slot. Moreover, one male member is provided with a lever for turning this male member. Accordingly, the shoes are detachable from the skating devices so that it's convenient to assemble, stable and safe to use.

Abstract: A climbing shoe with a sling shot band that wraps around the heel part of the climbing shoe and is connected to the toe part. The sling shot band is set at an angle substantially the same as the sole to increase comfort and fitness of the climbing shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tightening system for footwear, especially in athletic shoe, and is directed to improve the fittability, supportability and stability of the shoe. The athletic shoe of the present invention includes a supporting portion (Fs) for supporting the lateral side of a foot of a shoe wearer, a first fastening element of a loop shape that surrounds the periphery of the calcaneus (f2) of the foot, and a second fastening element of a loop shape that is provided integrally with the supporting portion (Fs). The supporting portion(Fs) extends from the position in the vicinity of the head of the metatarsus on the lateral side of the foot over the rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot to the medial side.

Abstract: A strapping system for footwear comprises a strap (1) that has a first end (3) connected to a first side of a heel portion (12) of footwear, passes over the instep of a foot, through a channel (31) extending through the midfoot of the footwear sole and back over the foot instep to thereby forming an X shape over the wearer's foot. The strap (1) has a second end (11) which may be adjustably connected to the second side of a heel portion (12) of a sole. The channel (31) is resilient and rigid so as to allow the strap freedom of movement during use: thereby achieving a dynamic and self adjusting strap fit. A footwear sole comprises relatively soft forefoot and heel portions with a more rigid shank portion therebetween to provide the sole with stiffness and torsional rigidity.

Abstract: An injection molded article has at least a first portion with a first cross sectional thickness and an integral second portion having a second cross sectional thickness. A plurality of hollow projections extend into the second portion, thereby allowing the second portion to have an overall cross sectional thickness substantially greater than the first portion thickness.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: An internal lacing system wherein a plurality of lace guides having rotatable rollers are strategically positioned throughout a shoe to facilitate the securing of the foot within the shoe. First and second elongated laces are internally channeled through the respective lace guides so as to enable a user to tighten the shoe by pulling on exposed second ends of the first and second laces thereby allowing the laces to roll along each respective roller positioned within each lace guide. Because the first ends of the first and second laces are fixed, the pulling on the second ends of the first and second laces will result in a reciprocating force about each lace guide thus securely tightening the shoe around the user's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole and a footwear fit system. The sole has a first side and a second side. The footwear fit system has a pair of fitting members that include a first base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion extends upwardly from the first side to support a first foot-bearing portion that extends laterally from the first base portion to a first terminus. The first base portion and the first foot-bearing portion together forming at least one resilient elongate finger that independently biases the first foot-bearing portion towards the sole. The second base portion extends upwardly from the second side to support a second foot-bearing portion that extends laterally from the second base portion to a second terminus. The second base portion and the second foot-bearing portion together form at least one resilient elongate finger that independently biases the second foot-bearing portion towards the sole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strap assembly (150) for a sports boot (100), that includes a first strap (151) pivotally connected at one end to the boot heel portion (130), and a second strap (161) pivotally connected to the opposite side of the heel portion. A clasp (159) is provided that allows the first strap to be adjustably connected to the second strap. One or both of the straps are attached to the heel portion with a slider mechanism (180) that allows the proximal ends of the straps to be selectively adjusted. The slider mechanism includes a slider plate (181) attached to the boot upper (120) having a medial channel (184) with an elongate slot (186). A nut plate (200) is slidably disposed in the medial channel, and a screw (210) connects the strap to the nut plate.

Abstract: A boot comprises an upper, an outsole affixed to the upper, and an insole affixed within the boot. The upper includes a vamp, a counter, and a shaft. A flexible but substantially inelastic liner is affixed to the insole and to the upper, to and around an upper portion of the shaft, but is not affixed to the vamp, to the counter, or to a lower portion of the shaft. An ankle strap and an instep strap are affixed within the boot. The instep strap is affixed below the ankle strap. Being elastic, the ankle and instep straps are adapted to restrain a foot of a wearer so as to limit movement of the foot away from the counter, further into the vamp. In a modified form, the boot further comprises another elastic strap, which is adapted to draw the ball of the foot downwardly toward the insole.

Abstract: A boot comprises an upper, an outsole affixed to the upper, and an insole affixed within the boot. The upper includes a vamp, a counter, and a shaft. A flexible but substantially inelastic liner is affixed to the insole and to the upper, to and around an upper portion of the shaft, but is not affixed to the vamp, to the counter, or to a lower portion of the shaft. An ankle strap and an instep strap are affixed within the boot. The instep strap is affixed below the ankle strap. Being elastic, the ankle and instep straps are adapted to restrain a foot of a wearer so as to limit movement of the foot away from the counter, further into the vamp.

Abstract: An internal lacing system wherein a plurality of lace guides having rotatable rollers are strategically positioned throughout a shoe to facilitate the securing of the foot within the shoe. First and second elongated laces are internally channeled through the respective lace guides and then exit the internal of the shoe at the inner side of the shoe. One end of the first elongated lace is secured within the shoe proximal to the toe area, and the other end of the first elongated lace exits the internal of the shoe at lower inner side portion of the shoe proximal to the sole of the shoe. One end of the second elongated lace is secured within the shoe proximal to the exit location of the other end such that the second elongated lace wraps around the heel of the shoe and thus around the user's ankle. To tighten the shoe, a user simply pulls on the exposed second ends of the first and second laces thereby allowing the laces to roll along each respective roller positioned within each lace guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tightening system for footwear, especially in athletic shoe, and is directed to improve the fittability, supportability and stability of the shoe. The athletic shoe of the present invention includes a supporting portion (Fs) for supporting the lateral side of a foot of a shoe wearer, a first fastening element of a loop shape that surrounds the periphery of the calcaneus (f2) of the foot, and a second fastening element of a loop shape that is provided integrally with the supporting portion (Fs). The supporting portion(Fs) extends from the position in the vicinity of the head of the metatarsus on the lateral side of the foot over the rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot to the medial side.

Abstract: An article of footwear, e.g., a shoe for running, jogging, and walling, that is designed to provide a better and more anatomical fit to the wearer's foot to enhance performance and provide better arch support. The shoe includes an articulated arch that is independent from the main sole unit to provide better arch support, optimal comfort, and enhanced articulation. A heel notch is cut in the medial and lateral quarter panels to enable the shoe to move in a manner more like the human foot. A heel clip is provided, in lieu of a traditional heel counter, to provide a secure fit in the heel region without the inflexibility and discomfort of a traditional heel counter.

Abstract: A boot comprises an upper, an outsole affixed to the upper, and an insole affixed within the boot. The upper includes a vamp, a counter, and a shaft. A flexible but substantially inelastic liner is affixed to the insole and to the upper, to and around an upper portion of the shaft, but is not affixed to the vamp, to the counter, or to a lower portion of the shaft. An ankle strap and an instep strap are affixed within the boot. The instep strap is affixed below the ankle strap. Being elastic, the ankle and instep straps are adapted to restrain a foot of a wearer so as to limit movement of the foot away from the counter, further into the vamp. In a modified form, the boot further comprises another elastic strap, which is adapted to draw the ball of the foot downwardly toward the insole.

Abstract: Footwear having one or more reinforcement features is disclosed. Footwear having two independent components constructed from a woven material with the strands oriented at specified angles to the plane of the sole of the footwear is disclosed. The footwear may also incorporate a substantially rigid structural collar in the area of the ankle or lower leg. Heel and/or forefoot straps that wrap downwardly and laterally around the heel and/or forefoot may be provided to limit flexing of the ankle and the footwear in a forward or backward direction, respectively. An internal reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of support strips arranged transversely to one another in a criss-cross arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A boot comprises an upper, an outsole affixed to the upper, and an insole affixed within the boot. The upper includes a vamp, a counter, and a shaft. A flexible but substantially inelastic liner is affixed to the insole and to the upper, to and around an upper portion of the shaft, but is not affixed to the vamp, to the counter, or to a lower portion of the shaft. An ankle strap and an instep strap are affixed within the boot. The instep strap is affixed below the ankle strap. Being elastic, the ankle and instep straps are adapted to restrain a foot of a wearer so as to limit movement of the foot away from the counter, further into the vamp.

Abstract: A article of footwear is disclosed having a flexure member in the sole to facilitate abduction bending to provide footwear that is easy to don and doff. The footwear includes a split upper having a forefoot upper portion and a rear upper portion. A closure mechanism is provided to hold the upper closed while the footwear is worn by a user.

Abstract: Footwear having one or more reinforcement features is disclosed. Footwear having two independent components constructed from a woven material with the strands oriented at specified angles to the plane of the sole of the footwear is disclosed. The footwear may also incorporate a substantially rigid structural collar in the area of the ankle or lower leg. Heel and/or forefoot straps that wrap downwardly and laterally around the heel and/or forefoot may be provided to limit flexing of the ankle and the footwear in a forward or backward direction, respectively. An internal reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of support strips arranged transversely to one another in a criss-cross arrangement is also disclosed.