Abstract: The present disclosure provides a knitted component, the knitted component with a knit element that forms at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear and defines an interior void for receiving a foot. A lower perimeter edge of the knit element may extend between a lateral side and a medial side of the upper. At least one strand of the knitted component may extend through the lower perimeter edge on opposite sides of the knitted component so as to extend between the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. The knitted component may be formed on a knitting machine, and the at least one strand may be configured to be tensioned to tighten the upper around a last.

Abstract: This is a patent application for an X stitching method, specifically intended for the assembly of uppers by the system known as tied string—stringlaster, with particular application in the footwear segment. The invention includes application to an upper (1), for full assembly of shoes, using string traction (2) as the responsible element for closing the edges of this upper (1), against the mold (3); with the overlock type stitching hereby used as an example of realization.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber reinforced plate for an article of footwear is described. The method includes embroidering a reinforcing strand to a substrate layer with a thread according to a strand configuration. One or more substrate layers with strand configurations are arranged relative to a base plate. The one or more substrate layers are bonded to the base plate to form the fiber reinforced plate. The reinforcing strands may be formed of a heat fusible material so that adjacent segments of the strands bond to one another and/or the substrate layer. Various strand configurations of reinforcing strands embroidered to substrate layers are described. Multiple substrate layers with different strand configurations can be bonded together with a base plate to form a fiber reinforced plate with reinforcement at selected locations based on the strand configurations.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber reinforced plate for an article of footwear is described. The method includes embroidering a reinforcing strand to a substrate layer with a thread according to a strand configuration. One or more substrate layers with strand configurations are arranged relative to a base plate. The one or more substrate layers are bonded to the base plate to form the fiber reinforced plate. The reinforcing strands may be formed of a heat fusible material so that adjacent segments of the strands bond to one another and/or the substrate layer. Various strand configurations of reinforcing strands embroidered to substrate layers are described. Multiple substrate layers with different strand configurations can be bonded together with a base plate to form a fiber reinforced plate with reinforcement at selected locations based on the strand configurations.

Abstract: A knitted component for an upper of an article of footwear, a method for making the knitted component, and a method of making the article of footwear is described. The knitted component includes a first portion formed by a first yarn having durable water repellent properties and a second portion formed by a second yarn different from the first yarn. The second yarn is disposed along an edge portion of the knitted component configured to be attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction.

Abstract: A knitted component for an upper of an article of footwear, a method for making the knitted component, and a method of making the article of footwear is described. The knitted component includes a first portion formed by a first yarn having durable water repellent properties and a second portion formed by a second yarn different from the first yarn. The second yarn is disposed along an edge portion of the knitted component configured to be attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure and configured to receive a foot. The sole structure includes a lasting board and sole plate construction. One of the lasting board and sole plate may have an opening along the center such that there is little to no overlap, or lamination, between the lasting board and the sole plate along the center of the article of footwear. Such a construction may eliminate weight while maintaining the support provided by the layers of the sole. Additionally, such a construction may enhance flexibility. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include an insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure of the article of footwear may consist of an insole, a lasting board, and a sole plate.

Abstract: A conditionally visible bite line may be demarcated on a shoe upper using one of a fluorescent material and an Infrared (IR) material. Such a conditionally visible bite line may be observable only under particular conditions, such as when illuminated by an ultraviolet light source or an IR light source, as appropriate. A light may be projected to intersect the conditionally visible bite line under conditions rendering the conditionally visible bite line detectable. The intersection(s) of the projected light and the conditionally visible bite line may be used to create a virtual bite line for use in generating a tool path to process the surface of a shoe upper bounded by the conditionally visible bite line.

Abstract: A shoe last and a method of using the shoe last to manufacture shoes that minimize the tendency of a wearer's foot to create increased pressure at the area of the ball of a wearer's foot are disclosed herein. The improved heel rest design relieves this pressure at the ball area of the foot by allowing the body weight to be more concentrated at the heel portion of the wearer's foot by redistributing the user's weight toward the heel portion and away from the ball of the foot.

Abstract: A method of making injection molded footwear includes placing a last into the internal cavity of a mold with the last and cavity being configured such that there is a space between them which is greater than the desired thickness of the footwear skin. An elastically deformable scrim is placed over the last before the last is paced in the mold. The scrim has a first thickness when not compressed and a second thickness when compressed. The difference between the first and second thickness is approximately equal to the desired thickness of the footwear skin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A knitted component forming a portion of the upper includes at least one strand formed with the knitted component. The strand passes through opposite sides of the upper along the lower perimeter edge. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.

Abstract: A last assembly includes a plurality of retractable pins and a plurality of vacuum holes, both acting to hold footwear segments to the last assembly to facilitate manufacturing of, or modification to, an article of footwear. A method of making or modifying an article of footwear includes placing footwear segments on the last assembly by associating an extension portion of at least one footwear segment with the retractable pins, modifying the footwear segments and then removing the extension portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A knitted component forming a portion of the upper includes at least one strand formed with the knitted component. The strand passes through opposite sides of the upper along the lower perimeter edge. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.

Abstract: In a high-heeled shoe, the outsole is characterized by an outsole angle between a line that connects a tread point on the bottom surface of the outsole with a rearmost point of meeting between the heel and the bottom surface and a coplanar horizontal line. A forepart of an insole of the shoe is thicker than a rear part of the insole, the insole being characterized by an insole angle between the horizontal and a line that connects a point of an upper surface of the insole that is vertically above the tread point with a rearmost point of the upper surface. The insole angle is smaller than the outsole angle. A forepart of an upper of the shoe is sufficiently high to accommodate the thicker forepart of the insole and a front of a foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an article of footwear is provided. The apparatus may include a last shaped to resemble a human foot and being formed at least in part from a susceptor material that is thermally reactive to an electromagnetic field. The apparatus may also include an induction coil disposed proximate to the last and configured to produce an electromagnetic field that causes the susceptor material in the last to increase in temperature by induction heating.

Abstract: A woman's shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a vamp, portions of which include a three layer structure of an outer layer, an interior layer and an intermediate layer. The interior layer and the outer layer are formed of leather, and each leather layer includes opening structures selected from the group consisting of holes, slits and goring. The intermediate layer is formed of a stretch fabric between the outer leather layer and the interior leather layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper. The lasting element includes (a) a first strip joined to a lateral side of the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge, (b) a second strip joined to a medial side of the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge, and (c) at least one strand extending through the first strip and the second strip. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.

Abstract: A method of producing a foamed footwear includes the steps of wearing around a footwear last with an inner covering housing, coating a first partition layer made of mixed rubber material on an outer surface of the inner covering housing, covering on a foaming raw material and an outer decorating fabric, attaching to the bottom side of the footwear last with a footwear sole, attaching to an outer surface of the outer decorating fabric with necessary reinforcing elements and necessary decorating elements, and heating in a vulcanization reactor. The foaming raw material undergoes a foaming reaction process, so that the footwear sole, the necessary reinforcing elements, and the necessary decorating element undergo a vulcanizing reaction process to enhance rubber properties thereof. Both of the inner surface and outer surface of the footwear has an aesthetic appearance. The production efficiency is increased and unnecessary waste of raw material is avoid.

Abstract: Provided are a last for making an article of footwear, an article of footwear that is made from the last and a method for manufacturing the last. The last has dimensions defined by a last length, a joint girth, an instep girth and a heel breadth. In the last, a ratio of the last length to the joint girth is between 0.920 and 0.976, a ratio of the last length to the instep girth is between 0.945 and 1.006, and a ratio of the last length to the heel breadth is between 0.255 and 0.259. The last can provide a shape suitable for comfortably accommodating the elderly foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the last for manufacturing a shoe, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a comfortable shoe having a nice sensation when worn by manufacturing shoe using a last having the same shape as that of a human foot during walking has been examined in the present invention by using biomechanical data of the foot, and more particularly, by a last comprising: a first protruding portion which is forwardly and upwardly rounded at one side at front end of a forefoot portion of the last, corresponding to a human big toe; a convex-concave portion at the front end of the forefoot of the last, corresponding to the shapes of each of a human being's second to fifth toe.

Abstract: A last for manufacturing footwear and a method for manufacturing footwear with the last, where the last includes a last body, at least one insert, and at least one fastener. The last body has an outer surface corresponding to an inner surface of an article of footwear to be manufactured. The last body includes at least one aperture. The at least one insert is configured to be inserted into the at least one aperture. The at least one faster is configured to removably fasten the at least one insert into the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A method for providing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, including: constructing an upper shoe assembly, including at least one vapor-permeable lining, a vapor-permeable upper, and a waterproof and vapor-permeable upper membrane that is between them; fixing to a vapor-permeable assembly insole a first gasket made of waterproof material, which has at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion; lasting, to obtain an upper assembly of the shoe; sealing the lasting margins to the first gasket by a second gasket, including adhesion of the second gasket; and assembling, including connection of a sole to the upper assembly at least by the adhesion of material that composes the sole to the second gasket.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper. The lasting element includes (a) a first strip joined to a lateral side of the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge, (b) a second strip joined to a medial side of the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge, and (c) at least one strand extending through the first strip and the second strip. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.

Abstract: An inflatable member includes at least one adjustable portion. The inflatable member may be inserted into an article. The position of the adjustable portion can be changed according to the size of the article. The inflatable member can also be filled with fluid according to the size of the article. The inflatable member may be to adjust the size of an article.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to the use of soluble thread in the preparation of footwear, in particular athletic footwear. After preparing aspects of the footwear, the soluble thread is dissolved.

Abstract: A stock fit assembly fixture is provided for aligning and holding into place various portions of a shoe, such as an upper portion, an outsole, and a midsole, while the shoe portions are being assembled. The upper portion of a shoe may be secured to a shoe last, which in turn, may be secured to a top portion of the stock fit assembly fixture. The top portion may be movable such that the upper portion of the shoe can be moved toward the outsole and midsole portions, thus allowing for a securement of the upper portion to the outsole and midsole portions. The movement of the top portion may be by way of a compression mechanism allowing the top portion to be forced to be moved toward a bottom portion of the stock fit assembly fixture.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: A method of making a shoe, said shoe having an interior sole (10) and an outsole (8) being integrally moulded onto an upper (1) with an insole (4), comprising the following steps: providing of a last (30) having a wedge-shaped recess (32) is its heel area, said recess being defined by a projecting rib (33), providing an upper (1) with an insole (4) on the last (30), said insole (4) being provided with a hole (7) in the heel area, arranging the lower part of the last provided with the upper (1) and the insole (4) in a mould (34), injecting a plastic material into a closed mould cavity formed by the last and the mould, allowing the injected material to harden, whereby the rib (32) of the last (30) forms a corresponding groove (12) between the interior sole (10) and the inner face of the upper (1), removing the upper (1) with the moulded-on soles (8, 10) from the last (30), providing a separately formed insert (13) of a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the groove (12) and placing the insert in t

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to the use of soluble thread in the preparation of footwear, in particular athletic footwear. After preparing aspects of the footwear, the soluble thread is dissolved.

Abstract: A method for making a component of boot body for a skating shoe includes a cutting step, a mold-making step, a coating step and a shaping step. The cutting step cuts a flexible sheet to form a base sheet with at least one predetermined coating area. The mold-making step forms a coating mold with at least one coating slot. The coating step applies epoxy resin to the base sheet to form a layer of epoxy resin coating and applies the epoxy resin to the at least one predetermined coating area through the at least one coating slot to integrally form at least one reinforcement on the base sheet. The shaping step heats and pressurizes the base sheet to form a component of a boot body. The at least one reinforcement provides an improved hardness and impact strength to the boot body and keeps a user's foot from injury.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a shoe which comprises at least an upper, an insole and an outsole. The lower edge of the upper is formed with a plurality of teeth-like extensions, and the insole has a plurality of slits for allowing the teeth-like extensions passing downward therethrough and to be glued and bonded with the outsole. The shoe structure may further include a peripheral shielding band stitched around the lower portion to avoid the rain, liquid or water running along the teeth-like extensions and penetrate through the slits.

Abstract: Footwear and related methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacture of footwear is provided. The method includes providing a upper, the upper defining a lower perimeter. An outsole is provided, the outsole including a lip extending along the upper perimeter of the outsole. A thread is stitched through the lower perimeter of the upper and at least a portion of the lip of the outsole whereby a foot receiving space is defined between the upper and the outsole. A last is inserted into the foot receiving space defined by the upper and the outsole to set the shape of the upper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of three-dimensional cross-linked foam for uppers of shoes, comprises preparing a plurality of foaming materials in a planar or three-dimensional shape with a cross-linked foaming suppressed; forming at least one interfacing pattern on at least one foaming material to prevent physical and chemical interactions between the foaming materials, the interfacing pattern formed of at least one interfacing material; cross-linked foaming of the foaming material having the interfacing pattern thereon to obtain a cross-linked foam in a planar shape, the cross-linked foam having at least one inner cavity structure therein; putting the planar cross-linked foam into close contact with the last and disposing the cross-linked foam and the last in a molding die having a cavity; and compression molding the cross-linked foam, inner and outer surfaces of the molded cross-linked foam having shapes corresponding to an outer surface of the last and a surface of the cavity of the

Abstract: A method of making an expandable shoe is disclosed. An intermediate footwear structure is provided having an expandable upper portion. A stabilizing material is provided to the intermediate structure to resist expansion of the upper portion, and a last is inserted into the intermediate structure. A subsequent manufacturing operation is performed to the intermediate structure, and the stabilizing material is acted upon to permit longitudinal movement of the upper portion. The size of the last is selected from among the sizes within the intended range of shoe sizes for the expandable shoe, depending on the characteristics of the upper portion of the shoe, and the desired shoe size range.

Abstract: A method of making a lasted skate boot having an upper for enclosing and supporting a human foot having an ankle, a plantar surface, a lateral side, a medial side, and toes. The method comprises (a) forming lateral and medial quarter panels by thermoforming a sheet of foam material such that at least one of the quarter panels comprises an inner surface shaped to substantially conform to one of the lateral and medial sides of the foot; (b) assembling to the quarter panels a toe box for enclosing the toes of the foot, an inner lining having an inner surface adapted to contact the foot in use, and a tongue extending upwardly and rearwardly from the toe box to form the upper; and (c) affixing to the upper an insole for facing the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of positioning of the last (1) in first fastening means (11a, 11b) at the machining center (10), piercing and identification marking of it, positioning of the last (1) in second fastening means (19, 20) of the center, and removal of the surpluses (4, 5) of a process previous to the rough-hewn.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.

Abstract: A method for making a shoe includes the steps of forming a midsole in an outsole in a first mold, transferring the assembly of the midsole and the outsole into a second mold, and forming an insole between the midsole and an upper in the second mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of footwear and the footwear comprising the steps of providing a last with an upper thereon, providing a mold insert on the bottom of the last, providing a mold having a mold cavity for a tread sole, disposing the last and upper against the mold with the mold insert disposed within the mold cavity, forming a sole in the mold cavity having a depression therein in the shape of the mold insert, providing an insole with a first portion in the shape of the depression and a second portion substantially in the shape of the sole and securing the first portion of the insole in the depression. The tread sole and insole are formed of materials preferably having different physical properties. The tread sole can include one of tongues and grooves and the insole would then have the other of tongues and grooves, said tongues and grooves mating with each other.

Abstract: A footwear liner includes two sides connected at a front seam and a back seam by stitching, an inner bottom piece connected to the two sides along a bottom seam by stitching, and an outer bottom piece adhered to the inner bottom piece. Each side includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer that is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor. The outer bottom piece includes an outer layer and an inner layer that is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor. The two sides and the inner bottom piece cooperate to form a partial enclosure with a toe portion, a heel portion, and an open top portion. In the preferred embodiment, the front and back seams are covered by a sealing tape to waterproof the seams, and the outer bottom piece overlaps and is adhered to portions of the sides adjacent the bottom seam to form a waterproof seal between the outer bottom piece and the sides.

Abstract: A metatarsal guard inserted in the upper of a safety shoe is made of plastic and defines an arch extending from the sole of the shoe on one side of the wearer's instep to the sole on the other side of the wearer's instep. A rear portion of the metatarsal guard includes at least one longitudinal tongue extending away from the toe portion of the guard, preferably three tongues. An appropriately sized metatarsal guard is used for each size of footwear. The guard is shaped and size by the last used to make the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe last and method for forming a shoe which is particularly constructed to be worn with and matingly interface with a wearer's custom-shaped sock. The shoe last includes a body having a backpart and a forepart connected to the backpart and extending forwardly therefrom. The last has a last bottom portion for abuttingly contacting and interfacing with a sole of a shoe. The last bottom portion has a bottom shape corresponding to the bottom shape of a custom-shaped sock when positioned on the foot of a wearer. The sole of a shoe formed from the last has a custom-contoured shape corresponding to and substantially mating with an overlying custom-shaped sock when positioned therein.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to a method of constructing a lasting board with contiguous attachment points. A flexible shoe lasting board is formed with extensions beyond the feather edge of the last. The extensions are coextensively formed with the lasting board since they are cut as a single unit from one sheet of material. This method of construction provides greater integrity of the joint between board and extensions than would be present if attachment was required, such as by stitching or cementing. The extensions of the lasting board are useful for securing the shoe to the foot and for securing components to the lasting board.

Abstract: A method of lasting an article of footwear includes forming a pattern for a shoe upper from a first material, forming a pattern for a lasting sock from a second material, and stitching a perimeter of the lasting sock to a bottom edge of the shoe upper. The stitching extends from a first location rearward of an arch area of the shoe upper, around a heel area of the shoe upper, along a lateral side of the shoe upper, around a toe area of the shoe upper, and terminates at a second location forward of the arch area of the shoe upper such that the arch area remains unstitched. An adhesive is applied to the arch area of the shoe upper and it is thereafter adhered to the lasting sock.

Abstract: A machine for lasting the toe and side and heel of an upper to an insole mounted to a last includes a toe and ball wiper assembly and a heel and shank wiper assembly in combination with a pincer assembly mechanism for stretching the upper tightly about the last and a toe clamping mechanism for clamping the stretched upper against the last. Following stretching and clamping, the toe wipers are actuated to press the upper margins against the insole bottom against the counter force of an overhead toe hold-down acting against the top of the upper. A brake mechanism fixes the overhead hold-down to maintain the toe wiping plane in a constant position. The heel wiper assembly is elevated within the machine to locate the heel wiper plane at a proper height relative to the insole bottom, the proper height being determined with a sensor mounted for movement with the heel wiper assembly. A heel clamping pad assembly connected to the heel wiper assembly then clamps the heel prior to stretching of the upper.

Abstract: A method for construction of waterproof footwear includes providing an upper defining an internal volume for receiving and protecting a wearer's foot against external elements, lasting and securing an inner liner having a waterproofing layer within the internal volume of the upper, securing the inner liner at a lasting edge portion of the liner to an insole having an external surface, securing a gasket element over the lasting edge portion of the liner and external surface of the insole, lasting the upper over the inner liner, and securing an outsole to the lasted upper. Performing two independent lasting operations ensures that during use, even if water somehow penetrates the upper, the lasted inner lining provides independent protection to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe having a seamless exterior upper in contact with a seamless interior liner each fashioned from a single piece of material affixed to a sole and having a heel attached to the sole, the shoe being fashioned that, if an oxford type shoe is desired, the tongue and eyelet sections of the shoe being integrally formed from the single piece of material.

Abstract: A method and injection mold assembly for making open-heeled shoes as disclosed. A lasting string is wrap-stitched around the lower peripheral border of an upper having an open heel, and the wrap-stitching is reinforced. The upper is aligned upon a last and the lasting string is tightened such that the upper fits tightly on the last. Preferably, a teflon edge projects out from the last in a location corresponding to the superior edge of the sole in the open heeled area to protect against leakage during injection molding.

Abstract: The pulling over assembly (2, 39) and lasting assembly (13, 40) of a pulling over and lasting machine are capable of being moved apart to enable a pulling over operation to be effected on one shoe at a first station (I) while a lasting operation is being completed on a further shoe at a second station (II). In one embodiment the pulling over assembly (2) moves bodily to the second station (II) at which the lasting assembly (13) is arranged; in a second embodiment the lasting assembly (40) moves to the first station (I) at which the pulling over assembly (39) is arranged. Each assembly (2, 13; 39, 40) has a heel rest (5, 19; 41, 50), the heel rests being so arranged as to carry out without collision the function of holding the shoe against lengthwise displacement.

Abstract: In a footwear side-lasting machine, the setting movement of pressure members is automated which are operative to upturn and press onto a margin of a footwear blank insole coated with an adhesive a flap of its respective upper, while monitoring the curvature of the footwear blank insole and driving, based on such monitoring, motive members for the setting movement of the pressure members.