Abstract: An over-the-shoe tap plate carrying accessory slipper for tap dancers is a unitary molded slipper made of a stretchable elastic material having a top strap held relative to a sole by upright straps, and being stretchable to fit over a street shoe. The accessory slipper carries heel and toe tap plates that are removably affixed to the bottom of the sole of the accessory slipper, and which are attached with screws that are threaded into embedded nuts in the sole.

Abstract: A tap dance shoe system and method involving a tap shoe (1), including a sole (10), having at least one sole layer (6) and a toe portion (4), and a heel (5), having at least one heel layer (6) and a heel portion (7); a toe insert (8) disposed at the toe portion (4); a heel insert (9) disposed at the heel portion (7); a toe tap (10) disposed at the toe portion (4); a heel tap (11) disposed at the heel portion (7); a structure (12) for mounting together the inserts (8, 9) and the corresponding portions (4, 7); and a structure (13) for adjustably coupling the taps (10, 11) and the corresponding inserts (8, 9).

Abstract: A ballet pointe shoe for supporting a dancer. The shoe has a shank with fibers of various orientation to provide a stiffness characteristics desired by the dancer. The stiffness of the shank is varied to meet the performance needs of the dancer. In one embodiment the stiffness of the shoe at the arch is greater than the stiffness of the shoe at the ball of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe (100) provides a sole (105) under the ball of the foot (110) but none below the arch (112) or heel (113). An upper (104) encircles the metatarsal bones and the distal end of the tarsals. An inelastic ankle band (102) shaped as “C” holds the shoe on the foot. Support is mainly longitudinal, includes over the arch, may be adjustable, and is provided without causing foot distortion. Sensation from exposed parts of the foot promotes kinaesthetic procedure for teaching and learning dance. Variations enclose the dorsal part of the foot, some enclose the toes, and one optio is a toe box for en pointe.

Abstract: The tap shoe with an adjustable tap assembly facilitates changing taps and can be used to alter the sound of the tap. The tap shoe with an adjustable tap assembly is a tap shoe having a toe portion and a heel, two taps, two metal spacer plates, machine screws, and nuts. The nuts are embedded in the heel and toe portion of a tap dancing shoe. The spacer plates are attached to the heel and toe portions, respectively, with adhesive and nails. Machine screws then secure the taps to the nuts in the toe portion and heel of a tap dancing shoe, being inserted through holes in the spacer plates. Self-locking nuts are used to eliminate the possibility of the machine screws vibrating loose.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved design and construction for Ballet Pointe Shoes using a box and shank that interlock in an over-under fashion, where the shank is designed with a cavity that allows varying rigidities along its length.

Abstract: A tap shoe assembly is disclosed wherein both relatable elastic strap retaining means and alternative lace means are provided, so that the shoe can provide the look and feel of a laced tap shoe and elastically retained tap shoe.

Abstract: A protective foot cover for use in dance, exercise, or athletic applications using strategically placed protective pieces in ball and heel areas of the foot in connection with an elastic material in the sole structure to allow the foot to move freely and provide less of a barrier between the foot and floor such that a dancer can better sense the floor upon which they dance. The foot cover incorporates strategically placed protective patches that provide support, protection, and comfort to the ball and heel portions of the foot. The patches are spaced from one another so that the footwear is able to move more naturally with the expansion of the foot as pressure is applied to the foot. An elastic band extends in a figure eight configuration from the front of the cover, beneath the arch of the foot where the band overlaps, and around the heel to provide arch support and to hold the cover on the foot.

Abstract: A foot covering, including a thin, flexible compartment for receiving a foot, the compartment having a forefoot section, a mid-section, and a heel section. The compartment has a top surface for securing the foot and a ground-facing surface having at least a forefoot outsole portion in the forefoot section. The forefoot outsole portion is disposed mainly in the forefoot section, and has a shape that is wider than it is long; corresponding approximately to the width of a foot and covering approximately the first to the fifth metatarsal heads. The mid-section of the compartment is mainly free of outsole material. The inventive subject matter is further directed towards a method for manufacturing such a foot covering.

Abstract: A shoe for dancing, comprising a forefoot portion, wherein the forefoot portion comprises a forefoot sole and a front upper; a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot sole including a high heel; a midfoot portion comprising a midfoot sole; and a rigidified section that extends at least partway from the rearfoot portion to partway into the midfoot portion, leaving a gap between the rear edge of the forefoot portion and the front end of the rigidified section so that there are at least two zones of flexibility in the midfoot portion, the first zone being relatively rigid for supporting a weight bearing midfoot, and the second zone being relatively flexible, the overall midfoot portion allowing the wearer to perform both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot over a full range of movement.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe upper made of flexible material, the shoe upper including a toe region, a heel region, a foot opening at the heel region, and an arch region extending between the toe region and the heel region. A split sole is secured to a bottom of the shoe upper, the split sole including a front sole under the toe region of the shoe upper and a rear sole under the heel region of the shoe upper, the front and rear soles being spaced from one another for defining a gap between the front and rear soles that extends along the bottom of the shoe upper.

Abstract: What my top notch invention is, is a new and highly advanced: “ballet”: “pointe shoes”, worn by almost every dancer studying the fine and highly excelled “art” of “ballet”, whereby my invention to enhance upon ballet dancer's training within achieving “pointe” will far engage a possibly more: “re-fined” dance and very, very possible end the severe pain and hurting upon their “feet” or: “tool's”. My invention of: “the ultra pointe”, was not only designed with a more easier facet to achieve from: “demi-pointe” to: “full pointe” more gracefully, but indeed the main factor of my new “pointe shoe” design is the severe pain dancer's go through along with: “deformation's” of their feet with every “point shoes” manufactured today for “ballet” inwhich my “pointe shoe”, design will very, very possible stop or greatly lesson the pain and severe displacement's of all of the: “ballet-pointe shoes” worn today by almost every dancer studying the fine love of “ballet”.

Abstract: An article of footwear configured for use as a dance shoe is provided. The article of footwear can include an upper and a two-piece sole connected to the upper. The article can also include a cage support that surrounds a portion of the upper and aids in flexibility of the shoe. The article can also include a single piece liner with an integrated toe box. In addition, the shoe can include an offset lacing system. In another arrangement, the shoe can include an elastic wrap, connected to the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the upper. The wrap can act as a tongue to minimize contact between the offset lacing system and the dancer's foot. In yet another arrangement, the shoe can include different types of outsole supports.

Abstract: An article of footwear intended for use as a dance shoe is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper. The upper includes an opening with a periphery configured to expose the top of the instep of a foot, while covering the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In addition, the article of footwear includes a fastening system, comprising a first and second strap, configured to expand during insertion of the foot into the article of footwear and fasten the article of footwear to the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a street shoe configuration and a dance shoe configuration is provided. The shoe includes a sole and an upper having a lacing system, lace and a tongue. The tongue is removably attached to the upper. The tongue may be removed to convert the shoe from a street shoe configuration to a dance shoe configuration. The tongue may also be secured via a lace strung through an apertures formed in the tongue. This configuration provides for easier conversion from street shoe to dance shoe.

Abstract: A dance shoe comprising a foot compartment or portion thereof that is malleable at a temperature above a temperature of intended use, and when malleable, the shoe is hand moldable to a conformation desired by a user. The invention particularly relates to en pointe shoes for ballet and other forms of dance.

Abstract: A toe shoe capable of providing support to a ballet dancer's foot while dancing en pointe. The toe shoe preferably includes a toe box in the toe of the toe shoe, an upper, and an outer sole. Support structure within the toe shoe includes a longitudinal support member, a foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and/or a toe ridge. In a first preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member, foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and toe ridge. In a second preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member and foot encirculating tubular sleeve. In a third preferred embodiment, the support structure is the longitudinal support member and toe ridge.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have a flexible leather area at least in a forward portion thereof above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: A formfitting protective footwear apparatus comprising, generally, a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward. In all embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.

Abstract: The invention is a Pointe shoe for ballet. It has a rigid mid-foot section and a rigid toe loop connected by a transverse axis joint located at the metatarsal-phalange joint (M-P). With the foot in Pointe position, the weight of the dancer is supported by the rigid mid-foot section. The downward force is passed through the M-P joint to the front of the toe loop. None of the weight of the dancer needs to be supported by the toes. In contrast, prior art Pointe shoes have a rigid shank and toe cup to assist the toes in supporting the weight of the dancer. The toes have small bones, muscles, and ligaments. This often results in pain and injury to the toes. The shoe of the invention has a mid-foot section that is shaped with support surfaces for the sole of the heel bone and the dorsal side of the cuneiform and metatarsal bones. These bones are larger and stronger than the bones of the toes. This shoe provides a larger area of bone and tissue to support the weight of the dancer on Pointe.

Abstract: A toe shoe capable of providing support to a ballet dancer's foot while dancing en pointe. The toe shoe preferably includes a toe box in the toe of the toe shoe, an upper, and an outer sole. Support structure within the toe shoe includes a longitudinal support member, a foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and/or a toe ridge. In a first preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member, foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and toe ridge. In a second preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member and foot encirculating tubular sleeve. In a third preferred embodiment, the support structure is the longitudinal support member and toe ridge.

Abstract: The pointe show has an upper, a toe box and a split sole. The split sole has a front sole and a rear sole. The front sole may be located below the ball of the dancer's foot and the rear sole may be located below the heel of the dancer's foot. The split sole provides more flexibility to the pointe shoe and eliminates or reduces the “break in” of the shoe. Furthermore, the split sole shoe is lighter and easier for the dancer to rise up on her toes.

Abstract: A substantially pleatless ballet slipper has a non-elastic upper, and an elastic or stretchy toe piece affixed to the forward edge of the upper. The toe piece has a small amount of bunched material at its underside. An outsole is affixed to the toe piece and covers substantially all bunched material or pleats of the toe piece. One or more cushioning pads located on the interior of the slipper make the small amount of bunched material imperceptible to the dancer.

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

Abstract: A tap dancing shoe has a shock absorbing cushion to minimize the potential for injury caused by the repetitive stresses placed upon the feet and knees during tap dancing. The tap dancing shoe includes a shoe upper that can be fabricated from a variety of materials. The shoe upper is attached to a rigid sole such that the shoe upper and the top surface of the sole create a shoe cavity to encase the foot. The width of the shoe cavity may be adjusted by an adjustable portion of the shoe upper to insure that the tap dancing shoe fits securely on the foot of the dancer. A rigid heel is attached to the sole of the tap dancing shoe. Tap plates are then secured to the sole of the tap dancing shoes. Generally, a front tap plate is attached at the front, or ball portion, of the shoe, and a heel tap plate is attached to the heel of the tap dancing shoe. A shock absorbing cushion is permanently affixed to the sole of the tap dancing shoe within the shoe cavity.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have a flexible leather area at least in a forward portion thereof above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: A reversible toe pad used by dancers comprising a pad material and a bonded seamless fabric material. A fabric is bonded to the surface of a padding material on one side so as to form a reversible toe pad. The toe pad may be reversed so that the padding material is placed adjacent the dancer's toes or the fabric material is placed adjacent the dancer's toes, depending upon the dancer's preference. The padding material may be a gel or foam. A molding process utilizing a female mold and a male mold may be used.

Abstract: Removable tap covers for dancing shoes which can quickly and easily be placed on the taps to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime in the taps, yet which can quickly and easily be removed. An improved tap dancing shoe including a dancing shoe having taps on the toe and heel of said shoe, tap covers removably mounted on said taps, optional spacers mounted between said taps and said shoe, where said tap covers are formed with attachment means to releasably attach said tap covers to said taps.

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have an elastic insert above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: A toe shoe capable of providing support to a ballet dancer's foot while dancing en pointe. The toe shoe preferably includes a toe box in the toe of the toe shoe, an upper, and an outer sole. Support structure within the toe shoe includes a longitudinal support member, a foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and/or a toe ridge. In a first preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member, foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and toe ridge. In a second preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member and foot encirculating tubular sleeve. In a third preferred embodiment, the support structure is the longitudinal support member and toe ridge.

Abstract: A clogging shoe tap device having a first plate for attachment to a shoe, and a second plate pivotally attached to the first plate along a transverse line of attachment, the second plate also having a transverse balance axis, wherein the transverse line of attachment is offset from the transverse balance axis, causing the tapping edge to hang downwardly when in the rest position.

Abstract: A clogging shoe tap device having a first plate for attachment to a shoe, and a second plate pivotally attached to the first plate along a transverse line of attachment, the second plate also having a transverse balance axis, wherein the transverse line of attachment is offset from the transverse balance axis, causing the tapping edge to hang downwardly when in the rest position.

Abstract: A tap shoe assembly is disclosed wherein screws pass through the tap and an intermediate resilient composition material and into conically-shaped nuts embedded in the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A dance shoe is provided that includes a flexible upper and a toe box configured to surround at least a portion of a dancer's foot. The dance shoe further includes a viscoelastic padding layer that is provided between the toe box and the dancer's foot to shield the foot from the rigidity of the toe box. The viscoelastic padding layer dissipates the pressure and friction exerted upon the dancer's foot, particularly when the dancer is executing a “sur le pointe” dance step, without decreasing the dancer's ability to “feel” the floor. The viscoelastic padding layer is also capable of lubricating, softening and medicating the dancer's foot. The viscoelastic padding layer may also be used in other areas of the shoe to provide additional comfort for the dancer.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have an elastic insert above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the appearance of a dancer's feet. By attaching a pad that has a curved top surface to the top of a dancer's foot, the shape of the top of the dancer's foot is more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the arch on the bottom of the foot appears more marked. The present invention can be employed with a wide variety of dance shoes and outfits to improve the appearance of a dancer's feet. The pad is formed from a resilient and deformable material and is sized to substantially cover the top of the foot. The pad has an edge portion sized to be concealed under the border and ribbons of a dance shoe so that the existence of the pad cannot easily be detected. When worn, the shape and thickness of the pad augments the appearance of the top and bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole provided with at least one part (1; 5, 6) for supporting at least partially the forefoot, said part being divided into at least two elements (3,4; 3A, 3B, 4B; 15A, 16) distinct and separated with each other, so as to increase the flexibility of the sole in correspondence with said forefoot, said two distinct elements (3, 4; 3A, 3B, 4B; 15A, 16) being connected to an upper face (7) of the shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic device which provides functional support for the foot. It comprises a substantially rigid moulded sheet of resiliently deformable plastics material which provides continuous contact with the arch of the foot whether the foot is flat or pointed. The plastics material is preferably embedded between a shock absorbent layer and a covering layer.

Abstract: Removable tap covers for dancing shoes which can quickly and easily be placed on the taps to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime in the taps, yet which can quickly and easily be removed to allow the full effect of the taps for dancing.

Abstract: A ballet shoe that includes a front shoe upper which defines a front portion of the shoe, a rear shoe upper which defines a rear portion of the shoe, and a gusset located at the underfoot and between the front portion of the shoe and the rear portion of the shoe to define a central portion of the underfoot of the shoe. The gusset has a generally diamond shape with an apex toward the front portion and an apex toward the rear portion. The front and rear portions of the shoe are complementary shaped to the shape of the gusset. The gusset extends completely across the central underside portion of the shoe, so that there is no seam extending longitudinally under the central portion of the shoe.

Abstract: The pointe show has an upper, a toe box and a split sole. The split sole has a front sole and a rear sole. The front sole may be located below the ball of the dancer's foot and the rear sole may be located below the heel of the dancer's foot. The split sole provides more flexibility to the pointe shoe and eliminates or reduces the “break in” of the shoe. Furthermore, the split sole shoe is lighter and easier for the dancer to rise up on her toes.

Abstract: A substantially pleatless ballet slipper has a non-elastic upper, and an elastic or stretchy toe piece affixed to the forward edge of the upper. The toe piece has a small amount of bunched material at its underside. An outsole is affixed to the toe piece and covers substantially all bunched material or pleats of the toe piece. One or more cushioning pads located on the interior of the slipper make the small amount of bunched material imperceptible to the dancer.

Abstract: A rotary foot device and shoe arrangement includes a mounting structure formed integral with the sole of a shoe, and a rotary foot device fastened to the mounting structure for enabling the shoe to be rotated with the mounting structure relative to a part of the rotary foot device on the floor by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the appearance of a dancer's feet. By attaching a pad that has a curved top surface to the top of a dancer's foot, the shape of the top of the dancer's foot is more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the arch on the bottom of the foot appears more marked. The present invention can be employed with a wide variety of dance shoes and outfits to improve the appearance of a dancer's feet. The pad is formed from a resilient and deformable material and is sized to substantially cover the top of the foot. The pad has an edge portion sized to be concealed under the border and ribbons of a dance shoe so that the existence of the pad cannot easily be detected. When worn, the shape and thickness of the pad augments the appearance of the top and bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A ballet shoe that includes a front shoe upper which defines a front portion of the shoe, a rear shoe upper which defines a rear portion of the shoe, and a gusset located at the underfoot and between the front portion of the shoe and the rear portion of the shoe to define a central portion of the underfoot of the shoe. The gusset has a generally diamond shape with an apex toward the front portion and an apex toward the rear portion. The front and rear portions of the shoe are complementary shaped to the shape of the gusset. The gusset extends completely across the central underside portion of the shoe, so that there is no seam extending longitudinally under the central portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe for dance or athletics. The shoe includes a shoe upper having a respective toe portion, a ball portion and a heel portion. A split sole beneath the shoe upper. The split sole includes a front sole under the toe portion of the shoe upper, a middle sole under the ball portion of the shoe upper and a rear sole under the heel portion of the shoe upper. A mid-flex portion between the middle sole and the rear sole and a front-flex portion between the front sole and the middle sole enables the shoe to bend easily at the flex portions.

Abstract: The shoe has a sole which has a ball section and a heel, the heel having an open middle section under the heel of the foot which is bridged by a bridging element. The bridging element is rigid. The open middle section of the heel can reach as far as the front edge of the heel so that this is U- or C-shaped. The edge section of the bridging element can overlap with the inner edge of the heel. The ball section of the sole can be separated from the heel so that both are connected to the upper part of the shoe without being directly connected to each other, or the bridging element can reach as far as the ball section and overlaps with approximately one third of this.