Abstract: A binding for the heel of a ski boot or shoe used with a cross-country or touring ski. The binding arrangment includes an axial rib on the ski which engages in a longitudinal groove in the bottom of the heel of the ski boot. The heel of the ski shoe has a transverse recess above the groove and a fastening element connected to the ski behind the region of the heel of the boot has a projection which can enter the transverse recess of the heel of the shoe to thus hold the heel against both vertical and transverse movement with respect to the ski. The front of the boot can be fastened to the ski in any desired manner and the shoe, when the heel binding is released, is then free to flex so that the skis can be used for "walking".

Abstract: A competition swimsuit for permitting air or water to escape from the region of the middle of the back of the swimmer. An upper portion of the back of the suit merely overlaps a lower portion of the back of the suit to provide a space through which air or water can escape.

Abstract: A sole for footwear, especially sports footwear, has a lower layer provided with transverse ribs and an upper shock-absorbing layer. The lower layer may be of natural rubber of Shore hardness from 55 to 60 and the upper layer of lower-density natural or synthetic rubber of Shore hardness about 40.

Abstract: Ski binding for cross-country skis comprises an archplate attached to the ski which receives an extension from the front of the sole of the foot, and a pin passing through the archplate and extension to fasten them together.

Abstract: Sole for athletic shoe comprises inner sole of relatively hard plastic embedded in an outer sole of softer plastic. Cleats integral with the inner sole project through one surface of the outer sole.