Abstract: A sports shoe has a sole assembly with cylindrical recesses which grip longitudinally slit generally cylindrical shells of slightly larger initial diameter. The projecting ends of these shells can serve as attachments for gripping elements such as studs, attached thereto for example in the same manner. Alternatively, these projecting ends can be so shaped as to constitute integral gripping elements.

Abstract: A running or jogging shoe having an improved outer sole equipped with replaceable synthetic insert elements having a uniquely contoured shape adapted to be threadedly secured in overlapping relationship to raised projections on the sole exterior. In a first embodiment, the insert elements are adapted to receive and retain conventional spikes. In a second embodiment, the insert elements include integrally formed gripping projections. By replacing worn insert elements, the useful life of the outer sole, and thus the shoe as well, can be extended significantly.