Abstract: An insert for footwear which has improved durability and pliability and satisfies a thumb test of pliability when exposed along the sides of the footwear. The insert comprises a compressible core at least partially surrounded by a flexible casing. The flexible casing has an open window of a size which is sufficient for insertion of the compressible core into the flexible casing but leaving sufficient material to hold the compressible core. The peripheral portion of the flexible casing is spaced from at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the compressible core, while not interfering with the foot applying pressure to the compressible core. A method for making the insert is also provided.

Abstract: An element forming at least part of a midsole for footwear includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least two strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. The top, bottom and struts may be formed of different materials. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction when the midsole resting its top or bottom portion is viewed from the side. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilizing device that helps to prevent over-pronation or over-supination and a shoe which includes such a stabilizing device. The stabilizing device is provided along a side of the midsole and preferably extends laterally between about 20% and about 35% of a width of the sole towards the opposite side thereof. The stabilizing device includes an elongated portion and a sidewall portion that extends transversely from the elongated portion. The sidewall portion forms part of an outer peripheral wall of the shoe. The sidewall portion has a stiffness which varies along the length of the stabilizing device to provide a predetermined support profile along the side of the sole. The elongated portion can also vary in stiffness along its length. The stabilizing device can be formed of a resilient material using an injection molding procedure or similar technique.

Abstract: An element forming at least part of a midsole for footwear includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least two strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. The top, bottom and struts may be formed of different materials. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction when the midsole resting its top or bottom portion is viewed from the side. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion (20) for use in a shoe sole. The cushion (20) includes a medial chamber (26) for cushioning a medial portion of a wearer's foot, an internal chamber (40) disposed within the medial chamber (26) to increase a stiffness of the medial chamber, and at least one lateral chamber (24) for cushioning a lateral portion of the wearer's foot. The medial chamber (26) and lateral chamber (24) may be of unitary construction.

Abstract: A midsole for footwear comprising a midsole element, which comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, and a plurality of strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.

Abstract: A midsole for footwear comprising a midsole element, which comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, and a plurality of strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion (20) for use in a shoe sole. The cushion (20) includes a medial chamber (26) for cushioning a medial portion of a wearer's foot, an internal chamber (40) disposed within the medial chamber (26) to increase a stiffness of the medial chamber, and at least one lateral chamber (24) for cushioning a lateral portion of the wearer's foot. The medial chamber (26) and lateral chamber (24) may be of unitary construction.