Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a tensioning element operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state. The tensioning element includes a first strand having (i) a first portion extending along a lateral side of an ankle opening of the upper to a first turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the first turn and along the lateral side of the ankle opening to a second end at an anterior end of the ankle opening. The tensioning element also includes a second strand having (i) a first portion extending along a medial side of the ankle opening to a second turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the second turn and along the medial side of the ankle opening to a fourth end at the anterior end of the ankle opening.

Abstract: A pair of shoes may be asymmetric between one another in various respects. For example, the left shoe may include a left-shoe wrapping panel non-releasably coupled to a left-shoe medial side and extending towards a left-shoe lateral side while the right shoe may include a wrapping panel non-releasably coupled to a right-shoe lateral side and extending towards a right-shoe medial side. The left-shoe wrapping panel may releasably couple to the left-shoe lateral side and the right-shoe wrapping panel may releasably couple to the right-shoe medial side. The left shoe and the right shoe may respectively include a left-shoe heel strap and a right-shoe heel strap. The left-shoe heel strap and a right-shoe heel strap each respectively wrap around, at least in part, a heel region of the left shoe and the right shoe.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of articles of footwear or foot-receiving devices having inner and outer tongues, such as double tongue snowboarding boots, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an article of footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes a housing member at least partially defining a chamber for receiving a foot. An inner tongue is coupled to the housing member. An outer tongue is coupled to at least one of the inner tongue and the housing member. Other aspects of the present disclosure relates to methods. An exemplary method of wearing an article of footwear (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes tucking a portion of a wearer's pants leg generally between inner and outer tongues of the snowboarding boot. Another example method includes inserting a foot through an opening of a housing member of a foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.), that also includes first and second tongues.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

Abstract: The shoes with socks of the present invention are a combination of two shoes and two socks. The shoes with socks of the present invention can generate unique style per se; optionally, they may match with a user's clothes to provide additional stylish appearances. A front lace section is provided on the front portion of the top portion and a rear lace section is provided on the rear portion of the top portion. The rear lace section passes the opening and goes through the back wall of the top portion. In use, the rear lace section is fixedly attached to the corresponding sock through the engagement of two engagement units. In addition, a fastening unit, which is stylish, is provided on both the front lace section and the rear lace section to allow a user to adjust the tightness of either lace sections and easily and quickly.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for protecting a foot of a user. The apparatus may be applied to an article of footwear having laces worn by the user or may be integral therewith. The apparatus comprises a first tongue guard portion engageable with a first portion of said laces so as to lie adjacent thereto and a second tongue guard portion pivotally supported from the first tongue guard portion and biased so as to lie adjacent to a second portion of the laces. The first and second tongue guard portions may comprise a rigid exterior shell and an interior cushioning layer disposed thereunder. The method comprises securing the first tongue plate to the article of footwear so as to lie adjacent to the first portion of the laces and biasing the second tongue so as to lie adjacent to a second portion of the laces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boot system having an outer boot including a securing system and a superior end that includes a cuff; an inner boot sized to fit between the outer boot and a foot area of a user inserted in the boot system; and a harness system having a flexible panel and a lace slidably engaged with the panel. The inner boot includes a tension capture element coupled adjacent to a superior end of the inner boot. The harness system is removably secured to the outer boot.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe, comprising: a sole portion, and an upper portion, wherein the sole portion and upper portion together form a plurality of compartments, wherein each compartment is configured to receive one or more toes of a foot of a user, and wherein one of the compartments is configured to receive at least both the fourth and fifth toes of the foot of the user.

Abstract: Improved foot-receiving apparatuses that may include: a housing somewhat defining an interior (16) for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery; and at least one Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) extends upward from a fixable lower portion (A1) joined to the housing to a free upper portion (D1) movable relative to the housing, where a pant leg (99) can be at least accommodated, secured, and utilized between the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover. The consumer may have the option to freely join or un-join the Pant-Leg-Cover with the housing to at least change the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus, e.g. depending on personal preference. This specification describes numerous embodiments that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is secured around a wearer's foot by adjustable fasteners such as lacing, and a second upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is separate from and overlaps the first upper on opposite sides of the shoe and at the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: A padded shoe for use in mixed martial arts and similar activities. The padded shoe may have a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; an inner padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer padded tongue to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer padded tongue such that the outer padded tongue substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearers instep. A bladder containing air or a gel-like material can be included in at least one of the inner and outer padded tongues.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper that is adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue and other components. The sole may be formed from a material having a shore durometer reading between about 40 and about 60 such that the shoe is lightweight yet provides appropriate support.

Abstract: Improved foot-receiving apparatuses that may include: a housing somewhat defining an interior (16) for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery; and at least one Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) extends upward from a fixable lower portion (A1) joined to the housing to a free upper portion (D1) movable relative to the housing, where a pant leg (99) can be at least accommodated, secured, and utilized between the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover. The consumer may have the option to freely join or un-join the Pant-Leg-Cover with the housing to at least change the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus, e.g. depending on personal preference. This specification describes numerous embodiments that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and shoe having a sole attached to an upper for defining an interior, the interior having a recess, and at least two footbeds, each having different physical properties and each being sized to be placed within the recess. The shoe also has an additive dispersed over the interior and at least one footbed, wherein each of the at least two footbeds is removably placed within the recess depending upon a desired physical property.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; a padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer protective flap attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer protective flap such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearer's instep.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first tongue that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and across the forefoot opening in the front of the shoe upper, and a second tongue that is separate from the first tongue and extends upwardly from the shoe sole beneath the first tongue.

Abstract: A padded shoe, comprising a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper, adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue; a means to retain the shoe on the foot of a wearer; an outer protective flap, the outer protective flap being located such that the outer protective flap covers at least a portion of the retaining structure; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure, whereby the wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure, the engagement structure, or the wearer's ankle.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of articles of footwear or foot-receiving devices having inner and outer tongues, such as double tongue snowboarding boots, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an article of footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes a housing member at least partially defining a chamber for receiving a foot. An inner tongue is coupled to the housing member. An outer tongue is coupled to at least one of the inner tongue and the housing member. Other aspects of the present disclosure relates to methods. An exemplary method of wearing an article of footwear (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes tucking a portion of a wearer's pants leg generally between inner and outer tongues of the snowboarding boot. Another example method includes inserting a foot through an opening of a housing member of a foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.), that also includes first and second tongues.

Abstract: A high heel for women is provided. The high heels according to the current invention have at least two tall heels fixed to rear end of the bottom of sole of the shoes. Each heel is fixed to the sole with a pin. Each heel is in a shape of concavely curved narrow vertical column whose upper end is flat and wider than the lower end. In case of two heeled shoes, two upper ends of the heels, met at the bottom of the sole, provide an ornament rear view of an arch. The multi heeled high heels according to current invention reduces dislocation of wearer's ankle though the heels are narrow and long.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A padded shoe for use in mixed martial arts and similar activities. The padded shoe may have a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; an inner padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer padded tongue to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer padded tongue such that the outer padded tongue substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearers instep. A bladder containing air or a gel-like material can be included in at least one of the inner and outer padded tongues.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; a padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer protective flap attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer protective flap such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearer's instep.

Abstract: Described is a shoe (10) including an upper member (12) attached to a bottom sole member (14), the upper member (12) has a opening (16) therein in which is located a foot securing member (18) and a decorative tongue member (24), which decorative tongue member is fixedly attached at a first end (26) to the opening in the upper member, and a distal end (25) of the decorative tongue member which is unattached to the upper member.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. A padded tongue is attached to the shoe upper and includes an inner padded tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Retaining structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion, with the engagement structure located at least partially under the outer padded tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure and/or the engagement structure.

Abstract: A sports boot including an upper extending above the ankle joint and at least one rigid collar extending around the wearer's lower leg, the boot including a device for adjusting the volume of the collar to better accommodate the shape of the user's calf. The adjustment device includes a wedge, or collar extension, positioned inside the collar, the wedge being fixed to the collar by means of at least one pivot and by means of a fastening mechanism enabling the relative displacement of the wedge with respect to the collar as well as a deformation of the wedge. The fastening mechanism includes a plate equipped with a cylindrical body having an axis Al and received in a first circular opening provided in the collar and a rivet received in a second circular opening provided in the wedge and received in a third circular opening having an axis A2 provided in the body, the axis A2 and the axis A1 being non-coaxial.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is secured around a wearer's foot by adjustable fasteners such as lacing, and a second upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is separate from and overlaps the first upper on opposite sides of the shoe and at the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first tongue that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and across the forefoot opening in the front of the shoe upper, and a second tongue that is separate from the first tongue and extends upwardly from the shoe sole beneath the first tongue.

Abstract: A high heel for women is provided. The high heels according to the current invention have at least two tall heels fixed to rear end of the bottom of sole of the shoes. Each heel is fixed to the sole with a pin. Each heel is in a shape of concavely curved narrow vertical column whose upper end is flat and wider than the lower end. In case of two heeled shoes, two upper ends of the heels, met at the bottom of the sole, provide an ornament rear view of an arch. The multi heeled high heels according to current invention reduces dislocation of wearer's ankle though the heels are narrow and long.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue including an inner tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Fastening structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the fastening structure and the engagement structure.

Abstract: A Soccer Boot/Training Shoe with an external tongue that has upon it rubberized ball agitators for applying spin to a soccer ball. The agitators are furrowed, curved and increase in size from front to back. The external tongue is secured to the boot by lace and loops. These loops are placed on the tongue and the boot. Laces are passed through these loops alternately to secure the tongue in place.

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

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: A Soccer Boot/Training Shoe with an external tongue that has upon it rubberized ball agitators for applying spin to a soccer ball. The agitators are furrowed, curved and increase in size from front to back. The external tongue is secured to the boot by lace and loops. These loops are placed on the tongue and the boot. Laces are passed through these loops alternately to secure the tongue in place.

Abstract: Footwear with single or double vamp sections comprising a split tongue including a rearward tongue portion which is firmly attached along one side thereof to a medial vamp section of the shoe. While the rearward tongue portion is firmly connected to a medial vamp section, the connection may be permanent or replaceable. A forward tongue portion may be integrally formed with the forward upper, or be an extension of the forward upper, or be secured to the forward upper along a transverse edge and/or to one or both of the vamp sections, or be secured to one of the vamp sections only. One or both tongue portions may be formed to have pockets for receiving cushioning members and/or saddle members to reduce pressure on the instep. The forward edge of the rearward tongue portion overlies the rearward edge of the forward tongue portion in the working position.

Abstract: Footwear is provided with a series of removable insoles, each being adapted to be detachably installed to the outsole. The insoles have a wearing surface which conforms to the shape of the user's foot, the wearing surface of each insole being configured to accommodate a progressively larger foot size, increasing the useful life of the footwear and optionally eliminating the sockliner. In the preferred embodiment the footwear comprises decorative lights of as many different colors as there are insoles in the series, and each insole is provided with an actuator positioned to activate a specific color of light. Each insole may be colored or color coded to match the color of the lights activated thereby, and can be identified by the color code applied to either the lights or the insoles. The insoles may alternatively be integrated into a single insole with tear-away layers.

Abstract: A shoe, e.g. for dance or athletics, having a split sole, with a front portion at the front of the foot, a rear portion beneath the rear of the foot and no sole beneath the mid-section of the shoe upper at the mid-section of the foot, beneath the arch. To help support the foot and prevent sag of the mid-section of the shoe upper, a band of flexible, but non-stretchable, fabric is stitched inside the shoe upper to extend from the bottom of the shoe upper, up the sides of the shoe upper, to the top of the shoe upper. The stitched in material supports the mid-section of the bottom of the shoe upper against sagging, while permitting the foot to be flexed. If the shoe has a split top side of the upper and is closed or laced, the closing of the top of the shoe upper pulls up on the band.

Abstract: Sport footwear assembly, especially an in-line roller skate boot, of the type including two elements, of which one, internal, is a boot, and the other, external, is a boot support coming from the skate. According to the invention, these distinct elements have closure and linkage mechanisms constituted by a single lace which carries out the simultaneous tightening of the two elements, in order to ensure their tightening on the foot.

Abstract: An inner boot has a part (1) which is intended to surround the foot and the heel and has an instep tongue (9). The inner boot has, at the rear, a vertical cut-out whose bottom lies substantially above the calcaneum, in the region of the Achilles tendon, at a height of 8 to 15 cm above the sole of the inner boot. The inner boot preferably has a tongue (8) extending over the cut-out. This inner boot provides good heel support while also making it easy to put a boot on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports boot, in particular a cross-country ski boot. The cross-country ski boot is provided with a high outer upper and a low inner upper. The inner upper has a tie fastening for holding the foot. The outer upper is closed by a covering flap. According to the invention, the tie fastening of the inner upper also grips the outer upper, preferably in its ankle bending zone.

Abstract: A boot includes a first upper having a vamp and a quarter, and a second upper having a vamp and a quarter. The first upper is adapted to encase a wearer's foot; the second upper encases the first upper, and extends upwardly to secure the base of the leg. The first and second uppers are secured to a sole of the boot.

Abstract: An upper assembly for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, comprising a vamp including a throat defined by laterally opposed throat edges, and inner and outer tongues respectively affixed to the vamp adjacent the forward tongue ends and extending rearwardly respectively interiorly and exteriorly of the throat edges. Complementary hook-and-loop fastening elements are mounted on the opposing surfaces of the tongues and throat edges for releasably and adjustably securing the shoe on a foot. Most preferably, the inner tongue is fastened as by stitching or adhesion to the throat side edge adjacent the shoe arch.