Abstract: The modified oxford shoe (10) providing vertical and horizontal heel pressure diminishment including an optional means of adjusting pronation is an inventive device which diminishes pressures to the heel with a floating collar and supple counter assembly with adjusting strap, with spacing studs attached strategically to the sides of the midsole (15) to prevent exterior pressure to the heel and with a multi functioning cushion assembly coupled with adjustable underlying steel springs and resilient midsole (15) and wearing surface (17) to diminish pressure to the bottom of the heel and provide pronation adjustment if needed.

Abstract: A shoe incorporates reflexology and acupressure as applied to a foot when wearing the shoe. The shoe has a sole with a battery powered vibration unit that mechanically vibrates a spiked gel insole located near the underside of a foot. The rounded spikes of the insole stimulate the acupressure points of the foot for its relaxation and pleasant feelings in a person. The sole of the shoe has a port for battery charging, a switch to control the vibration, and a charge indicator light at the sole's edge. The sole has a latch to remove the battery from a compartment in the heel area. The vibrating shoe operates while bearing the weight of a person or not. A transmitter remotely activates the vibration unit as a person is standing.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe that improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot and whose bottom side edge portion 31a is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom side edge portion 31a of the outside upper member 31 is located at the rear of the load centerline C of the calcaneus and the rear side edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 at the rear of the talus T of the foot. The instep side edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30 is provided a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A customization system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The customization system comprises an insert system. The insert system includes an insert and a heel member. Both the insert and the heel member may be interchangeable, allowing the user to modify the article of footwear to provide a customized fit or performance optimization.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A sole plate is positioned between the upper and the sole assembly. The sole plate includes a midfoot member comprising a medial member having a base plate and at least one medial pillar extending upwardly from a medial edge of the base plate; with the base plate having a substantially planar finger extending forwardly and configured to extend under a foot of a user; and a lateral member having at least one lateral pillar extending upwardly from a lateral edge thereof. A forefoot member has at least one finger extending upwardly along an exterior surface of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly, an upper secured to the sole assembly, a heel counter secured to the upper, and a heel pad removably attached to an inner surface of the heel counter.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a bottom assembly, the bottom assembling including at least a wear sole and an element for reinforcing the bottom assembly, and an upper including a reinforcement element coupled to the reinforcement element of the bottom assembly. The coupling of the element for reinforcing the bottom assembly and of the element for reinforcing the upper is flexible at least in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A comfortable heel counter for a dress shoe is provided. The dress shoe includes an upper that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion to define a heel counter pocket. A heel counter insert is disposed between the first portion and the second portion in the heel counter pocket. The heel counter insert is disposed in spaced relation to a calcaneus bone of a wearer. The heel counter insert provides comfort to the wearer and an improved fitting of the dress shoe.

Abstract: A boot that includes a sole and an outer upper having an impervious portion, with at least one outer reinforcing element assembled to the upper by cementing at least in the impervious portion thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing element includes a heel reinforcement and lateral tightening flaps.

Abstract: A combination cap and shoe set is provided wherein each of the cap and shoe include illuminated regions. For example, the brim of the hat may be illuminated in its entirety in a particular color and the sole of the shoe may be illuminated in a complementary color such that a person wearing the cap and shoe of the invention in low light situations may be readily visible. The sole of the shoe may also be substantially uniformly illuminated and the illumination may be controlled independent of any walking motion by the wearer by a manual push-button switch.

Abstract: An improved shoe, promoting a heel-to-toe motion of a foot, comprising an outsole and an upper part. The outsole has a contraction extending to a first area where a back of the foot is located. The upper part has a heel guide, including one of a heelplate and a flexible heel brace, which are arranged in a second area where the heel of the foot is located, such that an Achilles tendon of the foot is free.

Abstract: An article of footwear, in particular for climbing, having a flexible upper provided with a tightening arrangement and an outer sole, with the upper having a molded heel stiffener.

Abstract: A comfortable heel counter for a dress shoe is provided. The dress shoe includes an upper that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion to define a heel counter pocket. A heel counter insert is disposed between the first portion and the second portion in the heel counter pocket. The heel counter insert is disposed in spaced relation to a calcaneus bone of a wearer. The heel counter insert provides comfort to the wearer and an improved fitting of the dress shoe.

Abstract: Buttress for shoes able to be inserted in the heel area of a shoe comprising a locking portion and a yielding portion, less rigid than said locking portion. The locking portion has an upper profile provided, at least in correspondence with an area of first coupling, with a plurality of appendages projecting substantially upwards. The yielding portion has a lower profile having at least an area of second coupling that is substantially counter-shaped and coupled to the area of first coupling. The locking portion further comprises a rear area and two lateral areas (7), the rear area (6) being laterally integral with each of the lateral areas.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole, an upper and a counter portion. The upper is securely connected to the sole and has a rear end defined with an opening. The counter portion is detachably connected to the rear end of the upper to close the opening in the upper. A fastener and a connecting device are respectively mounted on two opposite sides of the upper and the counter portion to connect the counter portion to the rear end of the upper. Accordingly, a wearer's foot in the shoe can be vented. Also, for a pair of tied shoes with the counter portions can be put on or taken off without tying or untying the laces. The use of the shoe is versatile and convenient.

Abstract: A climbing shoe with a hooking teeth heel that wraps around the heel part of the climbing shoe and is connected to the upper portion. The hooking teeth are made of multiple lateral ridges that will improve the grip of the foot during heel maneuvers.

Abstract: The modified oxford shoe providing vertical and horizontal heel pressure diminishment including an optional means of adjusting pronation is an inventive device which diminishes pressures to the heel with a floating collar and supple counter assembly with adjusting strap, with spacing studs attached strategically to the sides of the midsole to prevent exterior pressure to the heel and with a multi functioning cushion assembly coupled with adjustable underlying steel springs and resilient midsole and wearing surface to diminish pressure to the bottom of the heel and provide pronation adjustment if needed.

Abstract: A cushioning insert (1) to be inserted in the heel zone of a shoe is provided with a honey-comb structure (2) which is improved in such a manner that it provides good cushioning properties and sufficiently supports the heel even if the outsoles or soles (16) of the shoe are relatively thin. To this end, the cushioning insert (1) is made of a structural unit that includes heel shell (3) and a gas-tight honey-comb structure that is provided on the upper side (7.1) or the lower side (10) of the shell bottom (7) of the heel shell (3).

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: A shoe upper has at least one part thereof made of a waterproof laminate which includes an inner foamed layer made of a pliable semi-flexible foam material, an intermediate layer of woven fabric material bonded to the inner foamed layer, an outer film layer made of a material which is waterproof and which has high wear-resistance, and a layer of adhesive applied to the intermediate layer to bond the intermediate layer to the inner foamed layer and the outer film layer. The adhesive is flexible and penetrates through the intermediate layer to render the latter water-impervious. The laminate is light-weight and possesses excellent wear-resistance and tear strength. The margins of the laminate are provided with stitch seams.

Abstract: A sports boot having an upper, a wear sole and an intermediate sole that has a heel zone with a lateral side, a medial side and a rear side surrounding a central padding. The boot also has a heel bracket with a lateral belt applied against the lateral side, a medial belt applied against the medial side, a rear belt applied against the rear side, a lateral anchoring, a medial anchoring, and retaining arrangement connecting the lateral and medial anchoring at a substantially constant distance one from the other. Furthermore, with the plane of the wear sole as a plane of reference, the elevation of the rear belt is substantially the same as the elevation of the lateral belt and of the medial belt. The retaining arrangement connecting the lateral and medial anchoring can be a strap made from the same material as the heel bracket and integrally formed therewith, or even horizontal tongues that are sandwiched between the intermediate sole and the wear sole at the moment of assembly.

Abstract: A driving shoe that is also comfortable for walking includes extensive cushioning in the shoe's heel regions and sides and a line of substantially constant curvature in the heel region extending to the rear of the shoe that allows for rapid pivoting between the accelerator and brake without having to lift the foot during driving and for a more natural gait during walking.

Abstract: The modified oxford shoe providing vertical and horizontal heel pressure diminishment including an optional means of adjusting pronation is an inventive device which diminishes pressures to the heel with a floating collar and supple counter assembly with adjusting strap, with spacing studs attached strategically to the sides of the midsole to prevent exterior pressure to the heel and with a multi functioning cushion assembly coupled with adjustable underlying steel springs and resilient midsole and wearing surface to diminish pressure to the bottom of the heel and provide pronation adjustment if needed.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed, in particular a sports shoe with a sole ensemble and a stability element constructed of a material and configured for the selective support of single parts of the sole ensemble. The stability element includes a base element extending from a rearfoot portion to a forefoot portion of a shoe along the medial or the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the shoe and includes at least one support element. The at least one support element encompasses the sole ensemble upwardly or downwardly or both. Further, the stability element may include a heel support connected to the base element and a second base element for additional lateral support of the shoe.

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 foot heel massaging device is located in the heel of a shoe to massage the foot heel of a person wearing the shoe. The device consists essentially of a fixed member located fixedly in the shoe heel, a movable member located movably on the fixed member and provided with a plurality of massaging knobs, a confining member for confining the fixed member and the movable member, and two magnets located respectively in the fixed member and the movable member such that the like magnetic poles of the two magnets are opposite to each other to bring about a repulsion force to cause the movable member to move away from the fixed member at the time when the movable member is relieved of an external force exerting thereon.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe, ankle orthosis and method for protecting the ankle against injury, limit subtalar joint motion of the ankle by controlling the motions of segments of the subtalar joint fore and aft of the subtalar joint while permitting motion of the foot about the ankle joint. A supporting structure a part of or connected to the shoe or orthosis is preferably in the form of a heel-sole counter provided about the heel and at least a portion of the foot forward of the subtalar joint. The supporting structure has a semi-rigid shape retaining character which is not collapsible vertically and which together with the shoe or orthosis limits torsional movement of the foot about the longitudinal axis of the subtalar joint as seen in a top plan view thereof by an upwardly extending portion thereof which acts as a torsion bar that is, in turn, secured to the lower leg.

Abstract: A skate boot is described in which a one-piece plastic ankle and heel counter insert is employed, positioned between the various layers which make up the skate boot. In sequence from outside to inside, the boot includes a conventional outer, the one-piece plastic insert, suitable cushioning, and a lining. The insert has a heel counter portion which is generally U-shaped and which cups around the heel area from along the lateral side, across the heel, and along the medial side, and an integral ankle portion which extends upwardly from the heel area of the heel counter portion and which includes forwardly projecting wing portions which cup around the ankle area from over the area of the lateral malleolus, across the rear and over the area of the medial malleolus. Preferably, the plastic insert extends up most of the height of the back of the boot, and includes lateral and medial cuff portions which extend partially forward along the sides of the skater's upper ankle.

Abstract: Footwear including a sole having a front and a back for supporting a bottom of a foot. A heel cup at the back of the sole receives and supports a heel of the foot. The heel cup has a bottom for further supporting the bottom of the foot and a side wall extending up from the bottom. The side wall has a generally concave rear section for receiving and supporting the back of the heel and opposite side sections extending forward from the rear section. The recess in the rear section of the side wall of the heel cup is offset laterally from a longitudinal central vertical plane of the heel cup. The recess is sized for accommodating the rearwardly protruding lateral posterior portion of the calcaneus of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe construction is described in which a molded cup is provided with a flange extending outwardly from a top edge of the molded cup. A lasting margin of the upper of the shoe is wrapped around the outwardly extending flange and terminates on an exterior surface of the molded cup. The shoe is constructed such that the wearer's foot rests on an upper surface of a base of the molded cup. The outwardly extending flange is located some vertical distance above the bottom of the wearer's foot. The outwardly extending flange improves lateral stability by resisting the torque created by the horizontal component of the wearer's weight acting against a friction or other force acting at the bottom of the shoe. The variable location of the outwardly extending flange also provides a variety of aesthetic designs for the shoe.

Abstract: A boot including, on the one hand, a bottom assembly made of at least two layers, or one wearable layer and a core layer, and, on the other hand, a reinforcement element which is coupled to the core layer of the bottom assembly, wherein the reinforcement element is coupled to the core layer in a region located between the heel and the fore end of the bottom assembly, and it extends freely along at least one side of the upper into the rear region, and wherein a comfort layer is inserted between the user's foot and the core layer. The boot provides excellent lateral foot retention without there being any interference with shock absorption on the comfort layer, and this is achieved while allowing the heel of the bottom assembly free to bend.

Abstract: An insole construction for an athletic shoe has a shell portion that is positioned under the heel and midfoot of the foot, and is covered with an insole and having low friction material on the upper sides in selected regions. The low friction material may be a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene material, the low friction material extends across the heel region, and/or across the metatarsal area, and these areas may be joined by a lateral side strip. The shell is cupped to form a wall along the lateral side of the foot and about three quarters of the way behind the heel or calcaneus region of the foot. This cup wall is joined to a base wall with a generously radiused rounded portion that mirrors the concave/convex contour anatomy of the foot in this region for comfort and for distributing impact forces received during running, across a substantially increased contact area of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boot especially adapted to sports that require movement of the foot, or to gliding sports, including an upper provided with a rear stiffener surrounding the heel and an external sole. According to the invention, the stiffener is rigid and substantially non-flexible, and extends along at least one side of the boot, up to the so-called metatarsophalangeal bending zone. According to a second aspect of the invention, the stiffener is rigid and substantially non-flexible, and surrounds the heel and essentially the rear portion of the base of the foot, in the manner of a shell. This construction also allows for a better transmission of the forces, while maintaining a flexibility of the boot in the metatarsophalangeal zone, due to the reinforcement of the rear portion of the boot. These constructions permit a better control of the ski through the heel retention and, at the same time, a general gain of energy by eliminating the parasitic deformations of the sole and of the boot.

Abstract: A boot and a process for assembling the boot, the boot including a flexible upper and a rigid sole. The process includes the assembling of the flexible upper and the rigid sole with the use of an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion obtained by shaping a flexible material. At least two steps of the process includes at least the following: covering a portion of the sole with the intermediate portion to form a junction surface and applying a pressure on the outside of the boot to tighten the intermediate portion against the sole at the level of the junction surface.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with anti-inversion protection includes an upper attached along its lower extent to a sole portion. The sole portion includes an integrally formed wing member projecting outwardly from the lateral side of the sole portion. The wing member is spaced upwardly from the bottom of the sole portion and is located between the ankle and the ball of the user's foot. When the ankle begins to overturn, the tip of the wing member engages the ground to resist overturning.

Abstract: A shoe of the present invention comprises a sole, an upper secured to the sole, and a lateral support member. The sole includes an outsole and a midsole. At least a portion of the midsole overlies at least a portion of the outsole. The lateral support member is positioned generally between the midsole and outsole. The lateral support member includes a transverse portion and an upstanding portion. The transverse portion comprises an inner section spaced laterally from the upstanding portion and a ramped section between the inner section and the upstanding portion. The transverse portion extends laterally relative to the midsole from an area generally adjacent a first side of the midsole toward an opposite second side of the midsole. The ramped section inclines upwardly from a bottom section of the upstanding portion toward the inner section of the transverse portion. The upstanding portion is connected to and extends upwardly from the ramped portion adjacent the first side of the midsole.

Abstract: A reversible shoe is comprised of a rubber, double-sided, grooved base with reversible uppers attached between sections of the base. The rear unzips and a midsole insert can be taken from the pegholes in the aforementioned base. The base is turned over and the insert from both shoes are then put on what was the bottom of it's mate. They're then rezipped and relaced to show a different color or design on the uppers, and a fresh tread on the base.

Abstract: A shoe with an integral ankle support preferably for, but not limited to, an athletic shoe, has a plurality of adjustable straps and brace members attached to a shoe upper. The brace members provide semi-rigid support and are attached medially and laterally to the upper inner surface with a rivet in each brace member, thereby allowing movement of the brace members in an anterior and posterior direction about an axis defined by the rivets. An improvement of the integral ankle support includes the use of a combination heel and ankle support incorporated into the construction of a shoe.

Abstract: A sports shoe has an improved heel-holding capability to stabilize the heel of the foot. In a sports shoe comprising an upper member of any suitable materials and a sole of any suitable materials, a bouncing putty-containing pad is positioned on the inner surface of a reinforcing element of harder material. The reinforcing element is a cup-like stabilizer or a heel counter. The pad may comprise a foam impregnated with the bouncing putty.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.The energy return system also includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the heel area. A net of fibers is secured under tension in the area defined by the heel annular walls. The open areas can have inserted within them a variety of inserts to view the components of the energy return system from outside the shoe.

Abstract: A skate boot is described, having a plastic overlay sewn or otherwise secured to the boot of the skate, wrapping around the heel of the boot from the medial to the lateral side of the ankle. The overlay increases the rigidity of the rear of the skate, to restrict pronation and supination, while adding impact resistance. Preferably, in order to permit dorsal and plantar flexion, the plastic overlay has several cut-out areas which allow for a controlled amount of flexion about a lateral axis, namely a heel flex cut-out area and side flex cut-out areas on either side in the instep area. Flexible inserts are preferably installed in the cut-out areas, to maintain extra impact protection while permitting flexion.

Abstract: A footwear device suitable for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, ice skate blade or in-line skate wheel system, is provided. It comprises a rigid base (2100), a heel counter (2300), a medial forefoot counter (2201) and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400). In one embodiment, the medial forefoot counter (2201) is adjustable in a direction medially/laterally with respect to the foot of a user into different positions relative to the rigid base. In another embodiment, the heel counter (2300) is adjustable in a direction anteriorly/posteriorly with respect to the foot into different positions relative to the rigid base. In a further embodiment, the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) comprises an instep counter (2420) and a support member (2410) for the instep counter.

Abstract: Supporting device, particularly usable for motorcycling boots including a semirigid body which is formed monolithically and can be associated with the boot upper. The body is provided with a band which surrounds the lateral and rear regions of the foot. The body also has a pair of wings which embrace the malleolar region. A device is thus obtained which has optimum support characteristics for the upper and protective characteristics for the ankle region of the user.

Abstract: A sport shoe is disclosed which provides a highly flexible, yet supportive shoe which enhances both wearer comfort and shoe performance, and virtually eliminates shoe break-in time. The shoe includes a two piece sole system, each sole having a plurality of flex areas which provide optimum flexibility in the metatarsal and phalanges regions of the wearer's foot during walking or running activities. The shoe further includes a three-point support system about (i) an adjustable heel counter, (ii) the arch region of the wearer's foot, and (iii) the lace region of the shoe, providing balanced support about the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An ankle-supporting shoe comprising a sole member having a mid-sole attached to the top surface thereof. Attached to the upper surface of the mid-sole and a toe portion of the top surface of the sole member is a brace member including a base portion formed to suit the shape of the wearer's foot and lateral and medial struts extending upwardly from the base portion. A boot upper is attached to the sole member in a manner wherein the lateral strut extends upwardly within a lateral side panel portion of the boot upper, with the medial strut extending upwardly within a medial side panel portion of the boot upper. An inflatable bladder member is selectively insertable into vamp and ankle portions of the boot upper which is sized and configured to extend about the midfoot ankle and heel of the wearer's foot when the foot is inserted into the boot upper.

Abstract: An ankle supporting shoe comprising a sole member. Attached to the top surface of the sole member is a midsole including a planar portion having a continuous flange formed partially about and extending upwardly from the planar portion. Attached to the upper surface of the midsole and a toe portion of the top surface of the sole member is a structural member including a base portion formed to suit the shape of the wearer's foot and lateral and medial struts extending upwardly from the base portion. A boot is attached to the sole member in a manner wherein the lateral strut extends between the outer surface of a lateral side portion of the boot and the inner surface of the flange, with the medial strut extending between the outer surface of a medial side portion of the boot and the inner surface of the flange.

Abstract: An ankle supporting shoe comprising a sole member. Attached to the top surface of the sole member is a midsole including a planar portion having a continuous flange formed partially about and extending upwardly from the planar portion. Attached to the upper surface of the midsole and a toe portion of the top surface of the sole member is a structural member including a base portion formed to suit the shape of the wearer's foot and lateral and medial struts extending upwardly from the base portion. A boot is attached to the sole member in a manner wherein the lateral strut extends between the outer surface of a lateral side portion of the boot and the inner surface of the flange, with the medial strut extending between the outer surface of a medial side portion of the boot and the inner surface of the flange.

Abstract: A footwear device (2000) comprises a rigid base (2100) for supporting the foot (2001) of a user thereon, a medial forefoot counter (2201) associated with the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user medial to the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal, a heel counter (2300) on the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) posterior to the posterior aspect of the heel and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) for exerting a downwardly and rearwardly directed force on the dorsum of the foot (2001). The medial forefoot counter (2201), the heel counter (2300) and the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) cooperate with each other to be in substantially continuous contact with the user's foot (2001) in the above-mentioned areas, while the remainder of the foot is substantially unconstrained to accommodate the changing architecture of the foot (2001) when moving between bipedal and monopedal stances.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a torsional stabilizer incorporated therein comprises a substantially flat horizontal base member extending rearward across the width of the shoe, parallel to the sole of the shoe, from a transverse line located adjacent to and behind the phalangeal/metatarsal joints, at least to a line adjacent to, and forward of the heel portion of the shoe. Except for transverse edges forward of the heel-end, the base member is provided with a substantially vertical flange portion attached to the edges thereof, which serves to stabilize the base member relative to torsional forces acting thereon.

Abstract: A foot cushioning device to absorb shock primarily shock due to heel strike which device is insertable in or may be incorporated in footwear. The exterior of the body of the device carries primary shock absorbers extending at least from the portion of the device in the heel area. The primary shock absorber deforms to protect the foot by absorbing initial shock loads. Secondary shock absorbers are also provided which with increased deformation will provide resistance to higher shock load so that a non-linear force displacement behavior similar to that occurring in the natural heel pad occurs. In the preferred embodiment, the body of the device is a heel cup and the primary and secondary shock absorbing members are defined by longer and shorter ribs extending longitudinally and transversely along the outer surface of the heel cup in a grid-like pattern.