Abstract: A heel clamp, or posterior component, for an article of footwear is provided. The heel clamp may comprise a posterior component height value measuring a height value from a lowest point under the heel of the foot on an upper facing surface to a top of the posterior component. A lateral component and a medial component of the heel clamp may include a predetermined height value or an extension height value. The lateral component may be extending into or through an area in-between a lateral malleolus bone of the foot and an Achilles tendon of the foot, the medial component may be extending into or through an area in-between a medial malleolus bone of the foot and the Achilles tendon of the foot, and the intermediate component may be extending to an area of an end of a top of a calcaneus bone of the foot.

Abstract: A tension-retaining system for retaining tension in a tensioning cord of a wearable article may include a retainer including an anchor and a wedge. The anchor may define a notch, and the wedge may have a tensioning cord coupling feature. The wedge may have an engagement portion that fits within the notch with the engagement portion disposed further in the notch than the tensioning cord coupling feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upper for a shoe, including an inner layer; an outer layer overlapping the inner layer at least partially; wherein the outer layer includes a plurality of cuts; wherein the inner layer includes a plurality of protrusions; wherein each cut at least partially overlaps at least one protrusion; wherein each protrusion causes an extension in width of its corresponding cut when the shoe is worn.

Abstract: An easy removal prevention footwear apparatus includes a footwear, a medial opening, a lateral opening, a first elastic band, a second elastic band, and a fastener. The footwear delineates a general configuration of a shoe. A first proximal end of the first elastic band is internally connected to the footwear. A second proximal end of the second elastic band is internally connected to the footwear, opposite of the first proximal end. The medial opening and the lateral opening traverse into a counter section of the footwear. A first distal end of the first elastic band slidably traverses through the lateral opening. A second distal end of the second elastic band slidably traverses through the medial opening. The first distal end and the second distal end are tensionably attached to each other by the fastener thus configuring two different securing loops between the footwear and the user's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper defining a throat configured to receive a foot. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure coupled to the upper. The article of footwear further includes a panel having a first side coupled to the upper for movement between an open position and a closed position. The panel exposes a portion of the throat in the open position and covers the portion of the throat in the closed position. The article of footwear also includes a strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end are disposed on a first side of the upper with a body portion of the strap disposed between the first end and the second end surrounding the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The upper includes a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region disposed between. The upper defines a throat opening sized to receive a foot. The upper includes a main upper body and a strap coupled to the main upper body, wherein the strap extends from the midfoot region of the upper at the throat opening, down toward the heel region of the upper, wherein the strap is configured to provide stability, and the strap is configured to keep a wearer's heel contained down and back in the article of footwear.

Abstract: A foot movement damper for damping a foot movement via the ankle joint, comprising a support arrangement for bearing on a lower leg and a holder arrangement for holding a foot, wherein a damping arrangement with at least one damping element is provided for damping a relative movement between the support arrangement and the holder arrangement, wherein the damping arrangement has a support binding for binding to the support arrangement and a holder binding for binding to the holder arrangement; and wherein the support arrangement has at least one bearing region and at least one bearing fixture, wherein the support arrangement can bear with the at least one bearing region over the malleolus of the ankle joint, and wherein the at least one bearing fixture is designed to fix the position of the at least one bearing region in a state when applied to the lower leg.

Abstract: A shoe capable of maintaining shapes of an upper leather and a tongue so that a user can easily wear the shoe without bowing a waist of the user when the user wears the shoe is provided. The shoe includes a sole, an upper leather which is provided above the sole and includes a tip line forming a region into which a foot of a wearer is inserted and a first wearing guide portion which causes a rear region of the tip line to move rearward when the foot of the wearer is inserted into the shoe through the tip line. The first wearing guide portion includes a rear support portion which is elongated in a heel tab direction from a back counter, and an insertion guide portion which is provided to have a curve rearward from an upper portion of the rear support portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole structure and an upper. The upper may include a first section and a second section and may define a foot-receiving cavity over the sole structure. The first section may be fixed to the sole structure, and the second section may articulate relative to the first section between an access position and a use position, the foot-receiving cavity being more exposed when the second section is in the access position. A magnetic coupling includes a first coupling member that may be operatively secured to the second section of the upper and a second coupling member may be operatively secured to the sole structure and positioned so that the first coupling member couples with the second coupling member by magnetic force when the second section is in the access position.

Abstract: The adhesive composition comprising emulsion polymers and microspheres and articles made therefrom are provided. The adhesive is particularly suitable for packages for consumer products that provide sufficient strength and thermal insulation while reducing the overall basis weight of the substrates.

Abstract: A knitted component may form at least a portion of an article of footwear. For example, a first knit layer may be located on an inner side of an article of footwear such that the first layer is adjacent to a void, and a second layer may at least partially surround the first layer and form an outer surface of the article of footwear. An interstitial space may be formed between the first layer and the second layer. At least one pocket may be located within the interstitial space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) infused mesh material that is molded to form at least a portion of a shoe. The TPU infused mesh may be formed as an upper, a portion of sole or other components of a shoe. The TPU infused mesh is formed, in an exemplary embodiment, through the application of liquid TPU to a surface of a spacer mesh. The liquid TPU infused spacer mesh is then cured, cut to a pattern, and heat molded to form a desired portion of the shoe. The heat molded TPU mesh is coupled to other portions of the shoe (e.g., sole) to form an article footwear in an exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot includes a housing configured to encompass at least a user's foot, a mechanically adjustable ramp insert including a ramp surface and disposed in the housing, and an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust an elevation angle of the ramp surface. The mechanically adjustable ramp insert includes a base, a threaded shaft secured to the adjusting mechanism at a first end and configured to rotate with the adjusting mechanism, a first slider nut including internal threads, a bracket in physical contact with the ramp surface, a first support coupled to the first slider nut at a first end and to the bracket at a second end, and a second support coupled to the base at a first end and to the bracket at a second end.

Abstract: Articles of footwear for protecting injured, at-risk, or post-surgical feet and ankles include upper and/or sole structures that offload the feet and ankles when standing and/or walking.

Abstract: A foot positioning device is described. The device includes a strap, which can be utilized to place the foot in a desired position. The device can further include an article of footwear, such as a sock, which can assist with placement of the strap. The strap can include a first portion that is laterally offset from other portions of the strap adjacent to opposing sides of the first portion.

Abstract: An ankle bracing apparatus has a curved support plate shaped to fit on the medial aspect of a user's lower leg above the ankle, with a first end at the front of the user's leg and a second end at the back, a strut extending downward having a pivotal fastener near the lowermost end, a first strap wrapped around the user's leg, a second strap having a width, a first end and a second end, the second strap attached at the first end to the first end of the curved support plate and at the second end to the second end of the curved support plate, and lateral strut having a buckle or opening to accommodate the second strap, and a pivotal fastener enabling fastening of the lateral strut to the shoe or foot plate, such that adjusting the length of the second strap shortens separation of the lateral strut and the curved support plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper, a midsole, a lateral stabilizing rail, and a medial stabilizing rail. The lateral stabilizing rail may be coupled to the upper and the midsole and extend from a forefoot portion of the article of footwear to a heel portion of the article of footwear. The medial stabilizing rail may be coupled to the upper and the midsole and extend from the forefoot portion of the article of footwear to the heel portion of the article of footwear. The lateral stabilizing rail and the medial stabilizing rail may be separate pieces capable deforming independently of each other.

Abstract: A heel pad for placement within a shoe and a method of use. The heel pad includes a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body. In use, the heel pad is positioned in a heel section of the shoe. A longitudinal end of the heel pad is folded along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe. The folded longitudinal end of the heel pad is affixed to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.

Abstract: A ski boot assembly may include an outer shell having a relatively hard portion and a relatively soft portion. A cuff may be attached to the hard portion for pivot action relative to the outer shell. The cuff may extend around the outer shell, leaving an instep cover of the soft portion exposed. The cuff may include overlapping portions that are hinge coupled to the cuff. A flex bar may be inserted into a shaft of the hard portion. A bootboard may be situated above the sole plate, and be provided with ridges. A shoe can be inserted into the outer shell. The sole of the shoe may be provided with grooves that receive the ridges of the bootboard. A locking mechanism can be mounted on the hard portion of the outer shell to selectively engage with the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include one or more harnesses to restrain a wearer foot from transverse movement within an upper during a rapid sideways maneuver. One harness may be located in a lateral forefoot region. Another harness may be located in medial region and may include a midfoot and/or a hindfoot region.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

Abstract: Bodywear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user and attachable to footwear of the human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. In another aspect, footwear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. Such bodywear apparatus and footwear apparatus are configured to reduce the effort a user must exert and improve the user's performance during walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other activities. In an aspect, bodywear apparatus further comprises a supplemental power device configured to further augment the user's abilities by activating during portions of the user's gait cycle.

Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed. The second sleeve member is open at a forefoot portion and at a heel portion. The outer assembly includes an aperture on a sidewall of an outer sole portion, where the midsole inserted within the outer assembly is visible through the aperture.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis constructed of composite material to assist a person with a foot infirmity in walking comprising an upper arcuate convex shell to engage the anterior of the lower leg and a lower foot support member to engage and support the foot coupled together by an inverted substantially wishbone or Y-shaped intermediate interconnecting member including an upper elongated substantially vertical interconnecting member integrally formed with the upper arcuate convex shell and a lower arcuate convex lateral interconnecting member extending from the lower end portion of the upper elongated substantially vertical interconnecting member to each side of the lower foot support member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle and lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion. One structural element of such footwear may comprise a top collar yoke having anterior and posterior gussets forming a channel and a shoe comprising a rotation zone supporting the channel and an elastomeric zone forming a tension spring via an elastomeric overlay or otherwise providing a spring-like member approximately parallel to and to assist the Achilles tendon during locomotion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: The invention related to a shoe comprising: a sole assembly; an upper comprising a first envelope comprising: a lower portion designed to surround the foot of a user; and an upper portion designed to surround the ankle or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg of the user; and an information transmission band comprising: a first portion affixed to the sole assembly and/or the lower portion of the first envelope by a connection device, such as stitches; and a second portion designed to wrap around the upper portion of the first envelope, extending the first portion and comprising a first fastening device that cooperates with a second fastening device affixed to the upper portion of the first envelope.

Abstract: A system for providing a secure fit between feet and/or ankles of an individual and boot sections of wader pants may include wader pants including boot sections, and wader support pants configured to be positioned underneath or over the wader pants. The wader support pants may include inflatable membranes configured to be disposed within or on the boot sections of the wader pants, and a pump in fluid communication with the inflatable membranes. The pump is operable to inflate the membranes to provide a secure fit between the boot sections of the wader pants and the feet and/or ankles of the individual.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

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. The insert system can include a lateral insert configured to be inserted into an upper and associated with an inner surface of the lateral side portion. The system can also include a medial insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with an inner surface of the medial side portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to therapeutic footwear such as sandals, conventional shoes, and corrective inserts that may be inserted into conventional shoes. Specifically, the therapeutic footwear may be used for maintaining, correcting, or repositioning the great toe to decrease pressure on the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint or bunion. Additional therapeutic features may include spreading of the wearer's toes, supporting the wearer's arch to control excessive pronation, and providing sustained heel cord stretch at rest, during ambulation, pedicure, and before, during, or after medical treatment.

Abstract: An Ankle-Foot Orthosis, or AFO, has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion joined together. The horizontal portion is fixed to a shoe, which is selected by a user, by separating at least part of the sole such that the horizontal portion can be adhered near or between a midsole of the sole of a shoe. The horizontal portion provides the necessary structure needed to connect a shoe to the vertical portion of the AFO such that a user suffering with a weakness or deformity can walk with a more normal gait. In an alternate embodiment, the AFO is removable from a shoe such that it can be replaced onto the same or a different shoe.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: The ankle flexi system consisted of a specific flexible construction that integrates the lower and upper part of the shoe using an innovative area of free movement. This allows the user a full range movement capacity of the foot (ankle area) without limiting mobility and performance on the practice of sports. On the upper area, the system is formed by a material base form that provides protection to both sides of the ankle join against impacts and is connected to the lower part using a flexible membrane or material, which works as a pivot point for the range of movement of the foot. The system innovative construction provides a solution to a foreseeing problem of the injuries cause by impact forces, objects or kicks, directly impacting the ankle area, during practice of contact sports and respecting the flexibility of movement necessary to keep high performance of players.

Abstract: An assembly includes a shoe and a device connected with the shoe to support the ankle, wherein the device includes a shaped piece which surrounds the ankle at least at the rear and is formed corresponding to the malleoli of the ankle. A shaped piece and a shoe suitable for use in the assembly and a set of the shaped piece and a fixing element for attachment to a shoe are also described.

Abstract: A pneumatic inflation device disposed within the sole of a shoe and comprising a pump with integral air release valve and which is entirely within the sole, a pump actuator which is entirely within the sole when not in use, and an inflatable bladder which is entirely within the sole and is operatively connected to the pump. Such a device can include a mechanism to lock the pump actuator within the sole such that the mechanism's cap is flush with the outer wall of the sole and finger-operable to allow the shoe-wearer to easily operate the inflation device and release air therefrom.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes stabilization mechanisms designed to inhibit ankle sprains while also providing comfort for a wearer. Such mechanisms include inner and outer straps that overlie the instep of the athletic shoe and wrap around the wearer's ankle to provide ankle support and inhibit inversion of the ankle during athletic activity. The athletic shoe also includes an inner boot liner that stabilizes the wearer's foot within the athletic shoe, provides a comfortable buffer between the wearer's foot and the inner and outer straps, and wicks perspiration away from the wearer's foot during athletic activity.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a size-adjustable system capable of adjusting the size of the artifice of footwear is provided. The size-adjustable system comprises three sets of removable inserts. The inserts engage the article of footwear in the heel region of the upper to provide both space-filling in the heel region as well as stabilization of the foot. When each set of sizing inserts are disposed within the article of footwear, the size of the foot the article of footwear is capable of receiving is different. By providing a size-adjustable system, the article of footwear is capable of receiving multiple foot sizes, such as that of a growing child.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person and which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

Abstract: A stability and comfort system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The stability and comfort system includes a bootie and a sock liner. The sock liner may include a heel counter that is contoured to fit a heel. The sole of the article may include an outrigger portion. The outrigger portion can be separated from a central portion of the sole to allow the outrigger portion to move substantially independently of the central portion of the sole.

Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.