Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper connected to the sole, and an insole positioned within a foot cavity. The upper includes an outer shell extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, the outer shell including an outer heel wall defining an upper perimeter. A bootie is positioned within the outer shell and extends from the heel region to the forefoot region. The bootie is free floating relative to the outer shell within the heel region. The booting includes an inner heel cup configured to be moved between an upright position and a folded position. A posterior wall of the inner heel cup extends above the upper perimeter of the outer heel wall when the inner heel cup is in the upright position. The posterior wall of the inner heel cup is laid against the insole when the inner heel cup is in the folded position.

Abstract: A split-E mechanism is provided for use on a flute having a right-hand steel, a left-hand steel, a first hinge rotatably mounted on the right-hand steel, a first key coupled to the first hinge, a second hinge rotatably mounted on the left-hand steel, and a second key. The split-E mechanism includes an actuator for actuating the second key in response to rotation of the second hand relative to the left-hand steel. The mechanism also includes a bridge device for interconnecting the first and second hinges for rotating the second hinge in response to actuation of the first key to operate the actuator.