Abstract: An improved running shoe includes several means for stabilizing pronation and for promoting and maintaining favorable positioning of the foot while running or jogging. The bottom of the sole has cleats which resist inward rotation of the shoe during certain phases of weight bearing. The sole provides basic support through a wide shank, rigid longitudinal shank reinforcement and relative incompressibility in the medial arch region. The central part of the foot is contained and directly supported by a strong lateral counter and an insert which cooperates with the foregoing elements. A primary purpose of the invention is to provide stable support for the rear half of the first metatarsal bone in a practical and novel manner.

Abstract: A flexible shoe, preferably of the sport shoe variety, includes a resilient sole which incorporates one or two transverse hinge joints. The principal hinge joint extends across the ball of the foot and preferably passes under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint. An optional second hinge joint extends across the anterior heel region of the foot. Both hinge joints function to keep the effective sole levers short and thereby permit the foot to function in a natural and comfortable manner. The shank of the sole may be longitudinally stiffened for additional stability.