Abstract: A method of making a shoe and the resulting novel shoe involve forming a sole member with at least one flange member that extends upwardly from the top side of the sole member. An upper member is positioned on the top side of the sole member with the flange member disposed inside of a flange attachment portion. The upper is then attached to the upwardly extending flange member.

Abstract: A shell for a boot or other footwear includes a first section of molded of a first thermoplastic material and a second section molded of a second thermoplastic material and integrally bonded with the first section. The first and second thermoplastic materials preferably have different material properties, such as color, hardness, or density, to enhance the aesthetic and/or functional design of the footwear. Methods of making molded multi-material shells and footwear including such shells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible sandal comprises a vamp extending over a forefoot portion of the wearer's foot and first and second connectors located along respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp adjacent a rear margin of the vamp. A strap is secured to the connectors and movable selectively between a first position, in which the strap extends behind a heel of the wearer's foot, and a second position, in which the strap extends over the wearer's forefoot. The connectors may include elongated eyelets through which first and second end sections of the strap are threaded and then folded back against the strap for securing the strap to the connectors. In some embodiments a holder is provided for securing the straps across the forefoot or for connecting the sandal to a second sandal or another item using the strap.

Abstract: A shoe upper and a shoe shell are attached to one another by molding. The upper is placed on a mold core, which includes a portion resembling a foot and a portion on which the upper fits. A flap provided on the upper extends along at least a portion of a bottom rim of the upper and has opposing interior and exterior sides. A mold is provided around the mold core and the flap so as to define a cavity between the mold and the mold core. The flap extends into the cavity so that both the interior and exterior sides of the flap are exposed within the cavity. A shell material is introduced into the cavity so as to mold the shell material directly around the mold core portion resembling a foot and to cohere the shell material to both the interior and exterior sides of the flap.

Abstract: A convertible sandal comprises first and second connectors provided in or on a vamp of the sandal along respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp adjacent a rear margin of the vamp. The sandal may further include first and second holders located along the respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp. A removable strap may be selectively connected in a first position, in which end sections thereof are detachably connected to the connectors and the strap extends around a heel of the wearer's foot, or in a second position, in which the end sections are detached from the connectors and connected to the holders so that the strap extends over the wearer's forefoot.