Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 32) for heeled shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10), a peripheral heel member (26) and a peripheral midsole member (32). The peripheral heel member (26) is joined to a portion of the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (14) and peripheral midsole member (32) is joined to the remaining portion of upper surface (20) of outsole (14) and to an upper leveling surface (30) of heel member (26) to form a stepped orifice (38). A reinforcing layer (40) substantially less thick than the peripheral members (26 and 32) is joined to the outsole upper surface (20) within the orifice (38). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (46, 48 and 50) depend from a base member (44) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the stepped orifice (38).

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14) to form a receptable (28). A reinforcing layer (31) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18) within the receptable (28). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). A reinforcing member (31) is preferably joined to the outsole upper surface (18) for torsional stability. The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (12 and 24) for an activewear shoe (10) comprises a removable insert (12) and a peripheral member (24). The peripheral member (24) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (16). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (12), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (24). A window (14) is formed through the peripheral member (24) and/or the outsole (16) to allow observation of the insert (12) from exterior the shoe (10). To reinforce the peripheral member (24) proximate the window (14), a row of stiffened cushioning elements (62) is formed on the insert (12). The stiffened elements (62) have a higher durometer reading than the remaining elements (40) and are formed during an injection molding process. A transverse reinforcing segment (31) may be provided to inhibit movement of the insert (12) within the shoe (10).

Abstract: A novel sole construction (16) comprises an outsole (20) and a cleat layer (34) disposed above the outsole and having a plurality of cleats (22) depending therefrom. A plurality of perforations (38) are formed in the outside (20) each perforation (38) receiving a respective cleat (22) for insertion therethrough. Thus, the exterior bottom surface (18) of the sole construction (16) comprises a flexible, light weight outsole (20) with more durable cleats (22) disposed at strategic points therein.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A laced shoe (10) having a left quarter (20) and a right quarter (18) has first and second sets of eyelet pairs (38) and (42) mounted respectively on said left and right quarters (20) and (18). The sets (38) and (42) include a set of large eyelets (62) and a set of small eyelets (68). A pair of large eyelets (62) are interposed between pairs of small eyelets (68).

Abstract: A midsole (18) is formed from a first, interior member (26) and a second, exterior member (28) molded around the top and sides of the first member (26). The first and second members (26) and (28) are formed of cushionable material and the second member (28) has a higher hardness and resiliency than the first member (26).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe (10) includes joining a toe bottom sock portion (54) on a join line (56) to a toe portion (46) of an upper (12) to form a shoe sock (57). The join line (56) is near toe portion bottom margin (60) and the front perimeter of sock portion (54), and extends from a first side (50) of shoe (10) around the front (51) to a second side (52). A sole (30) is joined to the shoe sock (57) to complete the shoe (10).

Abstract: A pad (30) for the protection and support of the Achilles tendon of the foot is provided for an over-the-ankle shoe (10). The pad (30) is formed of resiliently yieldable material and is disposed between the exterior upper (26) of the shoe and an interior linear (28). The pad (30) extends vertically from the top (38) of the shoe downward sufficiently to cover the most exteriorly prominent section of the Achilles tendon, and extends horizontally at least far enough to protect the Achilles tendon from strain or injury, while allowing for flexure of same.