Abstract: The present invention relates to a forefoot/midfoot compression member for a footwear device. The compression member comprises an instep counter and an arm mechanism for rigidly supporting the instep counter. The arm mechanism is disposed along only one of the medial or lateral aspects of the footwear device. The arm mechanism is adjustable to move the instep counter to a desired position and a retention mechanism is provided to retain the arm mechanism in the desired position. In another aspect, the invention relates to a retention member for a liner for a footwear device. The retention member includes a plate that mounts to the liner. A post extends from the plate through a bore defined in a wall for the footwear device where it is secured with a fastener. In another aspect, the invention relates to a retention member for an article of footwear within a footwear device.

Abstract: A footwear device (2000) comprises a rigid base (2100) for supporting the foot (2001) of a user thereon, a heel counter (2300) on the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a first area of the foot posterior to the posterior aspect of the heel of the foot, a medial forefoot counter (2201) associated with the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a second area of the foot medial to the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a third area of the foot located on the dorsum of the foot for exerting a downwardly and rearwardly directed force on the dorsum of the foot. The footwear device (2000) further includes a sports implement interface member (2101) on the rigid base (2100) for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, or an ice skate blade or an in-line skate wheel system.

Abstract: A footwear device suitable for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, ice skate blade or in-line skate wheel system, is provided. It comprises a rigid base (2100), a heel counter (2300), a medial forefoot counter (2201) and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400). In one embodiment, the medial forefoot counter (2201) is adjustable in a direction medially/laterally with respect to the foot of a user into different positions relative to the rigid base. In another embodiment, the heel counter (2300) is adjustable in a direction anteriorly/posteriorly with respect to the foot into different positions relative to the rigid base. In a further embodiment, the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) comprises an instep counter (2420) and a support member (2410) for the instep counter.

Abstract: A footwear device (2000) comprises a rigid base (2100) for supporting the foot (2001) of a user thereon, a medial forefoot counter (2201) associated with the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user medial to the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal, a heel counter (2300) on the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) posterior to the posterior aspect of the heel and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) for exerting a downwardly and rearwardly directed force on the dorsum of the foot (2001). The medial forefoot counter (2201), the heel counter (2300) and the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) cooperate with each other to be in substantially continuous contact with the user's foot (2001) in the above-mentioned areas, while the remainder of the foot is substantially unconstrained to accommodate the changing architecture of the foot (2001) when moving between bipedal and monopedal stances.

Abstract: A fit and support system for sports footwear, particularly for ski boots, comprises up to three separate supports. A lower support is shaped and dimensioned to bear evenly against the dorsal or upper surface of the foot, including the medial and lateral aspects thereof, forwardly of the ankle joint to permit unrestricted dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle joint within the normal range. The support is sufficiently firm to transmit pressure from the footwear to the wearer's foot to reduce articulation of the bones of the mid-foot during use. An upper support may also be present. This is shaped and dimensioned to bear evenly against the front of the lower leg above the ankle joint. A complementary support may also bear against the lower leg at the rear and sides above the ankle joint. The support system allows proper flexion of the ankle joint while providing firm support for the bones of the mid-foot.