Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 32) for heeled shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10), a peripheral heel member (26) and a peripheral midsole member (32). The peripheral heel member (26) is joined to a portion of the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (14) and peripheral midsole member (32) is joined to the remaining portion of upper surface (20) of outsole (14) and to an upper leveling surface (30) of heel member (26) to form a stepped orifice (38). A reinforcing layer (40) substantially less thick than the peripheral members (26 and 32) is joined to the outsole upper surface (20) within the orifice (38). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (46, 48 and 50) depend from a base member (44) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the stepped orifice (38).

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14) to form a receptable (28). A reinforcing layer (31) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18) within the receptable (28). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). A reinforcing member (31) is preferably joined to the outsole upper surface (18) for torsional stability. The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (12 and 24) for an activewear shoe (10) comprises a removable insert (12) and a peripheral member (24). The peripheral member (24) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (16). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (12), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (24). A window (14) is formed through the peripheral member (24) and/or the outsole (16) to allow observation of the insert (12) from exterior the shoe (10). To reinforce the peripheral member (24) proximate the window (14), a row of stiffened cushioning elements (62) is formed on the insert (12). The stiffened elements (62) have a higher durometer reading than the remaining elements (40) and are formed during an injection molding process. A transverse reinforcing segment (31) may be provided to inhibit movement of the insert (12) within the shoe (10).

Abstract: A novel sole construction (16) comprises an outsole (20) and a cleat layer (34) disposed above the outsole and having a plurality of cleats (22) depending therefrom. A plurality of perforations (38) are formed in the outside (20) each perforation (38) receiving a respective cleat (22) for insertion therethrough. Thus, the exterior bottom surface (18) of the sole construction (16) comprises a flexible, light weight outsole (20) with more durable cleats (22) disposed at strategic points therein.

Abstract: The specification discloses a shoe counter having a first leather counter portion (12) hingedly connected to a second leather counter portion (14) by a hinge (20). Hinge (20) is formed of synthetic plastic and is stitched to counter portions (12) and (14) in order to conform to the shape of the wearer's heel while providing support and flexibility.