Abstract: A post-operative shoe and method for construction thereof is provided. The post-operative shoe includes an outsole having a substantially flat surface with a heel segment, a midfoot segment, and a forefoot portion surrounded by an outer edge. Each bore includes an open end on the outer edge of the forefoot portion and extending partially towards the heel segment. One or more flex rods each configured to fit within the bores and comprising a front end with threading corresponding to the threading of the bore are provided.

Abstract: Systems for securing shoes to the feet utilizing a one pull fit adjustment set of straps. The embodiments each utilize a number of straps, some fixed and some variable in length, positioned at select points across and around the top and sides of the shoe. At least one strap in the system provides an adjustable length whereby all straps may be drawn together to create a fit that tightens the shoe, preferably in both a horizontal and a vertical direction across the profile of the shoe. The systems use a variety of strong, but lightweight, nylon buckles, strips, anchor loops, and combinations thereof to permit the attachment and motion of the adjustment straps over the top and sides of the shoe. Three-point, as well as two-point attachment embodiments, most with a one pull adjustment are described. The systems are preferably on the medial side of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shoe, in particular a sports shoe. The shoe includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area a plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free end not connected with the sole plate.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet having first and second shells and a single actuator comprising at least one tooth, the single actuator being moveable between: a first locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a first hollow space; a released position, wherein the at least one tooth no longer retains the first and second shells such that one of the first and second shells is moveable relative to the other of the first and second shells; and a second locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a second hollow space, the second hollow space being different than the first hollow space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shoe, in particular a sports shoe. The shoe includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area a plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free end not connected with the sole plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for fastening and adjusting a strap having a base body structured to allow insertion of part of the strap therein, and one ratchet constrained in a rotatable manner to the base body and provided with a coupling portion adapted to engage one corresponding portion of the strap. The device includes first elastic means interposed between the ratchet and the base body to reversibly retain the ratchet in one position of engagement with the strap, and one operating lever to rotate the ratchet from a position of engagement with the strap to a position of disengagement therefrom. The operating lever of the device is constrained on the ratchet in a rotatable manner for one given angular interval. The device also has second elastic means to regulate rotation of the operating lever relative to the ratchet in the angular interval of rotation.

Abstract: A shoe with interchangeable attachable heel that includes a connection seat disposed upon a sole of an extant shoe, said connection seat disposed between a shank and a counter of said extant shoe, wherein a top plate, disposed atop at least one attachable heel, is expediently connectable to the connection seat by sliding engagement therewith and superimposition thereupon, whereby a lozenge-shaped protrusion disposed atop the top plate is positional for engagement interior to a connection aperture centrally disposed upon the connection seat, and each of a pair of arcuate rails slidingly engages interior to each of a pair of arcuate channels disposed upon the connection seat, whereby a plurality of pegs are extendable interior to each of a plurality of holes disposed upon the connection seat and the attachable heel is expediently securable for custom wear upon the connection seat, as desired.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot system. In an embodiment, an outer shell has right and left side portions formed by a longitudinal split. A hinged connection is provided between the portions. The open configuration allows placement of an inner liner into the shell. The closed configuration restricts removal of the liner from the shell. A selectively fastenable connector extends between the right and left side portions. The selectively fastenable connector permits selective positioning of the shell between open and closed configurations. The liner of a ski boot includes a wall of material defining inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface defines an exterior having dimensions sized to compressively fit within the shell. The inner surface defines an interior having dimensions sized to receive a foot. A shape memory foam forms at least a portion of the wall of material and is configured to conform to the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outer sole assembly, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a free surface and a connection surface, the outer sole assembly including a core made of a first material. The core of the outer sole assembly includes a plate that demarcates the connection surface, as well as at least one boss that projects from the plate towards the free surface. The outer sole assembly includes an outer layer made of a second material, the outer layer at least partially demarcating the free surface, the outer layer at least partially covering the plate and at least partially covering a boss.

Abstract: A waterproof sole with high air and vapor permeability includes an upper layer made of breathable and waterproof material, a lower layer made of breathable and waterproof material, a shaped supporting layer made of rubber material between the upper layer and lower layer, and an outsole layer made of rubber material below the lower layer. A hollow space and a plurality of channels are connected to the bottom surface of the upper layer. A plurality of supporting projections are provided at a bottom surface of the supporting layer. A plurality of through-holes and inter-connected horizontal channels are provided in the outsole layer.

Abstract: A low rigidity region being more stretchable and bendable than a high rigidity region, includes a main portion, and a medial first flexible portion and a lateral first flexible portion extending from the main portion in the medial and lateral directions. The main portion covers a portion of the area from the shaft of the first proximal phalanx to the shaft of the second proximal phalanx, the medial first flexible portion covers a portion of the area from the shaft of the first proximal phalanx to the head of the first metatarsal bone, and the lateral first flexible portion extends to the lateral side of the foot from the main portion. When pushing off the foot onto the medial/lateral side in a diagonally forward direction, the upper bends along the diagonal bend lines. Therefore, the diagonal portions and the main portion serve as the bend lines.

Abstract: A universal, readily interchangeable, and non-gaiter cover for wrapping around and decorating only the shaft of an any sized and mundane boot. The universal, readily interchangeable, and non-gaiter cover includes a decorative substrate, and apparatus for universally and readily interchangeably maintaining the decorative substrate around only the shaft of the any sized and mundane boot. The decorative substrate is for universally and readily interchangeably wrapping around only the shaft of the any sized and mundane boot and not the foot of the any sized and mundane boot so as to at least eliminate potential damage to the universal, readily interchangeable, and non-gaiter cover caused by normal flexure of the foot of the any sized and mundane boot, and in so doing, decorates only the shaft of the any sized and mundane boot.

Abstract: A kit and a method which is used to convert a non-cycling shoe into a cycling shoe which is capable of attaching a cycling cleat. The kit includes a device, fasteners, a template and instructions. The device is a contoured plate which has the appropriate geometry and holes to attach an SPD type cycling cleat. The device may possess ground contact preventing members on the bottom surface to prevent the cycling cleat from contacting the ground while the shoe is used for walking. The template is used to confirm and mark the ideal location for the holes that must be cut thru the shoe sole to accommodate the cleat attachment area and fasteners for the device.

Abstract: A process for forming a protective hair covering includes the following steps. First, folding a fabric section into a triangle. Next, wrapping a first side of the triangle around the back of a user's head. Then, folding the triangle along two fold lines to create two tie segments in addition to a corner of the triangle forming a third tie segment. After that, tying the first tie segment and the second tie segment into a first knot in front of the third tie segment twice. Then, folding the first tie segment into a first bow. After that, folding the second tie segment into a second bow. Then, tucking and tacking the third tie segment into a third bow. The first bow, the second bow and the third bow give an appearance of a flower.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe with a replaceable screw-on heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes first and second midsole layers and first and second outsole layers. The second midsole layer defines a plurality of bores. A first outsole layer is translucent. A second outsole layer includes a plurality of non-contiguous abrasion-resistant members that correspond in shape and size to one or more of the bores in the second midsole layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a medial contact portion disposed on the medial side of the article is described. The medial contact portion includes a plurality of raised elements that extend outwards from the surface of the upper on the medial side. The raised elements are configured to contact a ball during passing or trapping to absorb and dampen forces associated with the impact of the ball with the article to provide cushioning. The sizing and spacing arrangement of the raised elements on the medial contact portion provide sufficient surface area to allow a portion of the surface of the upper to contact a ball. In one embodiment, the upper is made from a synthetic leather material that has substantially the same coefficient of friction under dry conditions and wet conditions.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole beneath the upper, and an outsole beneath the midsole. The midsole includes a substantially U-shaped outer member defining a pair of forwardly extending arms spaced from one another and formed of a first material. An inner member is positioned between the arms of the outer member and is formed of a second material that is more resilient than the first material.