Abstract: A laminated foam sockliner for use in combination with footwear to cushion a foot inserted in the footwear. The sockliner comprises a compressibly resilient closed cell foam lower layer having top and bottom surfaces sized and shaped for insertion into the footwear and for supporting at least a portion of the foot. The lower layer has a compressibility sufficient to permit the layer to resiliently compress under the foot in response to pressure applied to the layer by the foot during periods of a gait cycle when the footwear impacts the ground thereby absorbing shock and cushioning the foot during impact. The sockliner further comprises an open cell foam upper layer having top and bottom surfaces sized and shaped for insertion in the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe sole has cushioning in ball and heel regions of the sole. The sole includes an insole which has openings in the ball and heel regions which increase the flexibility of the insole. The insole openings are filled in by a soft insole pad so that the insole does not form a barrier to cushioning the ball and heel of the foot. The outsole also has openings in ball and heel regions which are closed by clear covers. The openings provide for good flexibility of the outsole. A soft cushion is held in the cover for further cushioning of the ball and heel of the foot.

Abstract: A cushion for use inside footwear having an interior for receiving a foot of a wearer. The cushion includes a liner made of cushioning material. The liner is sized and shaped for reception on an interior surface of the footwear in a position for engaging the foot when the foot is inserted into the interior of the footwear for cushioning an interface between the foot and the interior surface of the footwear with which the liner is engaged. The liner includes a visual cushioning indicator for visually indicating the operability of the cushion to perform a cushioning function during an immediately prior use by the wearer and for subsequent use.

Abstract: An indoor exercise shoe which is lightweight and has an improved traction feature. The outsole of the shoe includes a primary midfoot element positioned to underlie the arch of the foot. Traction inserts of high traction material are mounted in openings in the primary midfoot element. The traction inserts project outwardly from the midfoot element for engaging and gripping a surface, such as the pedal of a stationary bicycle, under conditions when the midfoot region of the outsole is relied upon for traction.

Abstract: An exercise shoe is capable of adapting its fit while being worn. The shoe has a quarter which is split into an upper portion and a side portion on each side of the shoe. In the gap between the upper portion and each respective side portion is an elastic gore which will stretch to permit the upper portion and side portions to move apart from each other as the foot moves during exercise or should the foot swell while being worn. A comfortable fit may be maintained without manipulating the shoelaces. The elastic gore has a substantial resiliency to pull the upper and side portions of the quarter back together as the foot contracts to maintain a secure fit.

Abstract: A conforming sole construction for a walking shoe is characterized by a flexible PVC outsole containing in its upper surface a low density polyurethane insert for shock absorption. Mounted on the upper surface of the outsole and insert is a combined footbed and multilayered socklining. The footbed is formed of EVA and includes integral heel and arch support portions. The socklining has a lower layer of shock absorbing closed cell foam material, a layer of latex material containing humidity and odor absorbing carbon particles, an upper layer of open cell ergonomic foam material, and a cover layer of woven water absorbing and polyester fiber materials for wicking moisture from the foot of the wearer. The sole construction provides increased support for the heel and arch of the wearer's foot and improved cushioning over the length of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe having an improved unitary dual hardness dowel-lift with superior wear and non-slip characteristics. The dual hardness dowel-lift includes a hard polyurethane top portion and a soft polyurethane bottom portion. The bottom portion is cast onto the top portion. The bottom portion is a softer material which possesses a hardness lower than the top portion as measured by the Shore A Hardness test, and preferably is a thermoset polyurethane elastomer.