Abstract: A toe engaging apparatus or shoe insert includes one or more layers. Each layer is removably held to a neighboring planar layer. Each of the layers have a thickness, a longitudinal length, and a height; the height being such that the layers fits against a front wall of a target shoe. The layers are sized and shaped such that when affixed to the front wall area of the target shoe, the layers reduce the internal length of the target shoe, thereby effectively decreasing the size of the target shoe. The toe engaging apparatus optionally includes a mechanism for holding the plurality of layers against the front wall of the target shoe.

Abstract: A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein, boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material. The second material is more rigid than the first material.