Abstract: A sole having respective forefoot, midfoot and backfoot parts, which are contiguous in a longitudinal direction running from toe to heel, and including a stiffening shank extending in the longitudinal direction from toe to heel. The shank extends over a predominant portion of the longitudinal development from the backfoot part to the forefoot part, and has areas of different flexibility alternating along the longitudinal development, the flexibility of these areas being progressively variable in a substantially continuous manner between one area and the contiguous areas.

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear comprises a sole; and a cushioning member disposed in the sole, the cushioning member comprising: a substantially u-shaped heel chamber having an anterior wall, a curved posterior wall, and medial and lateral sidewalls disposed between the anterior wall and the posterior wall; a forefoot chamber; and a passage connecting the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber, wherein the sole is formed around the cushioning member such that at least a portion of the medial heel sidewall and the lateral heel sidewall are visible.

Abstract: A shoe with increased flexibility in a forefoot portion that includes an upper, an upper lining, an outsole, a footbed and a flexible insole. The flexible insole is located in the forefoot portion of the upper and is stitched directly to the upper lining along a perimeter of the flexible insole. The footbed includes a heel pad that is located in the heel portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear comprises a sole; and a cushioning member disposed in the sole, the cushioning member comprising: a substantially u-shaped heel chamber having an anterior wall, a curved posterior wall, and medial and lateral sidewalls disposed between the anterior wall and the posterior wall; a forefoot chamber; and a passage connecting the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber, wherein the sole is formed around the cushioning member such that at least a portion of the medial heel sidewall and the lateral heel sidewall are visible.

Abstract: A shoe with increased air circulating properties that includes an upper, a sole assembly, waterproof layer and a footbed. A shank that includes at least one vent is incorporated into the sole assembly. A plurality of air circulation channels are also provided in the sole assembly that are placed in fluid communication with at least one vent of the shank. Ventilation holes are further provided in the footbed and the footbed is located over the waterproof layer which is located on or in the shank to provide a liquid barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoe construction for providing increased cushioning effects. The shoe includes a sole, a footbed, and a layer of a plurality of deformable protrusions disposed between at least a portion of the sole and the footbed, particularly in the heel and the forefoot area of the shoe. Each of the protrusions includes a tip facing and freely movable with respect to a lower surface of the footbed. Each of the protrusions also includes a base fixedly attached to the sole so that the base does not move relative to said sole. The protrusions provide cushioning by bending when a foot presses down upon them. An alternate embodiment shows the cushioning sole adapted for use in a sandal.

Abstract: A susceptor-impregnated thermoplastic foam is molded by heating the susceptor-impregnated thermoplastic foam, preferably by induction; imprinting an object against the foam; and allowing the foam to cool into a hardened form conformed to the object.

Abstract: A moldable article that can be custom-fitted to a particular user. Such an article comprises a thermoplastic material such as ethylene vinyl acetate modified by an antistatic agent selected from the group consisting of polyol amines such as ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, phosphoric acid esters, quaternary ammonium salts, and amphoteric compounds such as betaine. The article is heated until the thermoplastic material softens, then pressed against a user's body part. The article is allowed to cool, resulting in a custom-fitted article. Such articles may be repeatedly re-heated and re-molded and may include, e.g., moldable footbeds, racquet handles, shin guards, helmets, and seats.