Abstract: A sandal comprising an upper and a heel strap made of at least five members, including three firm members and two elastic members. The heel strap is allowed to pivot relative to the upper, wherein a rear part of the heel strap is allowed to further pivot relative to the anterior heel strap members. The sandal includes elastic members that are stretched while the heel strap pivots downward under a downward force on the heel strap while a foot slides into the sandal. The elastic members force the heel strap to pivot upward when the downward force is released.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole, and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including an opening and a vamp, the shoe upper also including an inner layer and an outer layer, where the bottom part of the outer layer is attached to the sole, where the inner layer is attached to the outer layer at a front part of the opening, and where the attachment of the inner layer to the outer layer at the front part of the opening is operative to prevent a front part of the inner layer from bending when an object is inserted into the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper, the upper including a shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part and a front part, where the top portion of the rear part is curved backward and diagonally upward relative to the bottom portion of the rear part, to facilitate forward sliding of a user’s foot into the shoe when the foot enters the s

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, the rear part including a top portion, reinforced by a firm material, an optional bottom portion reinforced by a firm material, a center portion, located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a spring element. The top part of the spring element being attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the spring element being attached to either the bottom portion of the rear part, or to the sole.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, the rear part including a top portion, reinforced by a firm material, an optional bottom portion reinforced by a firm material, a center portion, located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a spring element. The top part of the spring element being attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the spring element being attached to either the bottom portion of the rear part, or to the sole.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper, the upper including a shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part and a front part, where the top portion of the rear part is curved backward and diagonally upward relative to the bottom portion of the rear part, to facilitate forward sliding of a user's foot into the shoe when the foot enters the s

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an insole for a foot including defining a flexible insole housing in which is disposed a deformable material impregnated with an uncured resin, activating the resin for initiating curing thereof, locating the foot on the insole housing and allowing the resin to harden and thus, to preserve the configuration defined by the bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an insole for a foot including defining a flexible insole housing in which is disposed a deformable material impregnated with an uncured resin, activating the resin for initiating curing thereof, locating the foot on the insole housing and allowing the resin to harden and thus, to preserve the configuration defined by the bottom of the foot.