Abstract: A stability layer for footwear may receive and readily conform to a variety of heel and foot shapes to redirect, contain, and effectively thicken soft tissues of the sole of the foot in a biomechanically optimal manner. The stability layer includes a support and a ledge extending laterally from the support around at least part of an outer periphery of the support. Methods for stabilizing an individual's foot and effectively thickening the soft tissues of the individual's foot as the individual stands, walks, or runs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stability layer for footwear may receive and readily conform to a variety of heel and foot shapes to redirect, contain, and effectively thicken soft tissues of the sole of the foot in a biomechanically optimal manner. The stability layer includes a support and a wall extending from a lower surface of the support. The wall may suspend the support in a manner that enables the support to cup, center, and/or move and contain soft tissues of the sole of the foot that are located over the support. A shape of the wall may enable the wall to relieve pain (e.g., pain from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, etc.). Methods for stabilizing an individual's foot and effectively thickening soft tissues of the sole of the individual's foot as the individual stands, walks, or runs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stability layer for footwear may receive and readily conform to a variety of heel and foot shapes to redirect, contain, and effectively thicken soft tissues of the sole of the foot in a biomechanically optimal manner. The stability layer includes a support with an opening therethrough. The opening may have an elongated shape and may be superimposed with one or more expected loading paths of an individual's foot. The opening may include notches or slots and flaps that enable it to urge one or more soft tissues of the sole of the individual's foot beneath one or more of the loading paths. Methods for supporting and cushioning an individual's foot as the individual stands, walks, or runs are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole for supporting a foot, a forefoot cover, and a rear heel support. The sole has a top surface, a toe side, a heel portion, and a sidewall. The sidewall of the sole has an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The convertible sandal further includes a forefoot cover, which is securely attached to the sole and extends over the toe side of the top surface of the sole. The forefoot cover is preferably in the form of a thong, but alternatively may be in the form of a slide, a vamp, a foot strap, a sock, or a clog. The convertible sandal also includes a rear heel support member securely attached to the sole. The rear heel support is capable of being set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole, a forefoot cover, and heel strap. The forefoot cover is securely attached to the sole and extends over the forefoot portion of the sole. The heel strap is linked to the sole and extends over the heel portion of the sole. Further, the sole includes a sidewall having an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The heel strap is adapted to be set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole. As such, a user has the option of using the heel strap to secure his heel to the heel portion of the sandal, or alternatively setting the heel strap within the interlocking section of the sidewall and thereafter using the sandal in a “flip-flop” style.

Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole, a forefoot cover, and heel strap. The forefoot cover is securely attached to the sole and extends over the forefoot portion of the sole. The heel strap is linked to the sole and extends over the heel portion of the sole. Further, the sole includes a sidewall having an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The heel strap is adapted to be set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole. As such, a user has the option of using the heel strap to secure his heel to the heel portion of the sandal, or alternatively setting the heel strap within the interlocking section of the sidewall and thereafter using the sandal in a “flip-flop” style.