Abstract: Reversible footwear includes a flexible sole, flexible vamp and flexible quarter combined with stretchable inserts in the upper located at approximately the arch position of the footwear. A removable insole may be added to the footwear. The insole is removed prior to reversing the footwear and then reinserted after the reversal is completed.

Abstract: Support structures for footwear are described including, in one embodiment, one structure in the heel portion of the footwear and another structure in the forefoot portion. One or both of the support structures may be hollow and may include internal support elements such as ridges or posts to support the foot. Additionally, air may be included in the structures with a passageway between the internal support structures permitting the transfer of air back and forth as the wearer treads. Thus, energy is absorbed as the foot strikes the treading surface and is either stored to be returned as the foot rolls forward or, when air is included in the design, is transferred from the heel to forefoot portions and then back again as the foot pressure moves from the heel portion to the forefoot portion.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a footwear sole has multiple vertically directed columns. One column is located on a medial side and another is located on a lateral side, and are adjacent and spaced apart from each other. The medial column has the relatively larger volumetric property relative to the volumetric property of the lateral column. In another sense at least one of the columns has different elastomeric and/or compression properties relative to other columns. The device is located between an upper support plate and a lower support plate, and the support plates have more rigid characteristics than the cushioning device. Each column includes an upper larger area and a lower smaller area, and downwardly directed walls taper inwardly towards a lower location. The lower portion is where the bases of the columns are spaced apart.

Abstract: Footwear such as a shoe has a closure which includes a strap. The strap is releasably and removably secured at the toe of the upper and extends across an access opening down the access of the shoe and can be releasably and removably fastened to the upper adjacent to the ankle end by VELCRO™ secured between the strap and the upper. Other engagement devices can be used in place of VELCRO.