Abstract: An outsole assembly is provided that includes an outsole having an inner surface including an opening, and a footbed positioned over the inner surface of the outsole, the footbed having an outer surface including a plug configured to be inserted into the opening. The outsole assembly enhances comfort by providing greater support and cushion in the heel area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a apparatus and method for providing a shoe with an upper and a sole having a top surface, where the upper is integrally formed with the sole and where the top surface has a plurality of notches. The invention further includes a footbed having a bottom surface and being removably placed on the top surface, the bottom surface having a plurality of channels. The plurality of channels are placed in communication with the plurality of notches for ventilating the shoe.

Abstract: An outsole assembly is provided that includes an outsole having an inner surface including an opening, and a footbed positioned over the inner surface of the outsole, the footbed having an outer surface including a plug configured to be inserted into the opening. The outsole assembly enhances comfort by providing greater support and cushion in the heel area.

Abstract: A method for making footwear using a finished platform. The method includes providing a finished platform having a peripheral side region; providing an outsole unit; and providing an upper attached to the peripheral side region of the finished platform. The finished platform includes an insole, a sock lining unit, having a peripheral portion for seaming and stitching, which is attached to an upper surface of the insole, and a wrapper covering the peripheral side region of the finished platform, the wrapper seamed to the peripheral portion of the sock lining unit. The present method provides the advantage of having a finished platform which can readily receive an upper. This allows a simple and economical attachment of the upper to a finished platform, efficiently streamlining manufacturing and production of completed shoes, making a simple and cost-favorable shoe production possible.

Abstract: A method for making footwear includes providing a moccasin including a plug attaching to a vamp; providing a sole having an upper surface with a cavity formed within the forward portion of the sole; and, providing a cushioning layer within the cavity of the sole. The present method offers cushioning for the sole of the foot re-creating the “almost barefoot” feeling characteristic of traditional, authentic moccasins. The present method and comfort moccasin provides shock absorption to the sole of the foot in a simple and economical attachment of the moccasin to a sole having a cushioning layer, creating the comfortable and supple barefoot feel of traditional moccasins.

Abstract: An adjustable width shoe system includes an upper, a sock liner adhesively attached to an insole, the insole attached to the upper and a removable footbed configured to be inserted into an interior volume of the upper and over a foot support surface of the sock liner. The removable footbed has a second periphery substantially commensurate with the first periphery of the sock liner and a second foot support surface smaller than the first support surface of the sock liner. The sock liner and upper together define an interior volume for receiving a wearer's foot.