Abstract: A footwear adhesion system including a thermoplastic film, a sole component, and a footwear component. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic film is a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) film. The film is sandwiched between the sole component and the footwear component. The film may be activated, for example, by high frequency welding, to form a bond between the sole component and the footwear component without releasing the amount of volatile organic compound emissions typical with conventional adhesives. Use of the film reduces or eliminates the need for conventional environmentally unfriendly cement in footwear construction.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a midsole joined with an upper and an outsole secured to a bottom surface of the midsole. The midsole is direct attached to the upper with a process that forms flashing along the length of the shoe substantially only on the bottom surface of the midsole, but not the sidewalls of the midsole. This flashing is trimmed to form trim lines, which are concealed simply by securing an outsole to the bottom surface of the midsole.

Abstract: A slip-on footwear system including an upper that defines an elasticized gore in the heel portion of the footwear. In the heel portion of the footwear, one or more upper panels cooperate to define a recess, also referred to as a gore, which is bounded by a perimeter. An elastic panel is secured along the perimeter and cooperates with the one or more upper panels to further define an opening through which a foot is inserted into the upper. The elastic panel is stretchable and resilient so that when a user inserts their foot into the footwear, the gore opens-up, which in turn enlarges the opening. A heel flap may be secured to the upper panels in the heel region below the gore to conceal the gore and elastic panel, without inhibiting the stretch of the elastic panel. The heel flap may also add structural rigidity to the footwear.