Abstract: A lightweight footwear article (100) providing improved traction has a sole (101) having a ground contact surface that has an area somewhat oversized in contrast to the foot of a wearer and constructed of a pliable, breathable, machine-washable fibrous material which provides good traction on slippery surfaces. The footwear article (100) may also have a removable, contoured, cushioned insole (102). Moreover, the footwear article (100) may have an upper (104) made of a lightweight, breathable, machine-washable material.

Abstract: A footwear article for winter weather conditions, worn as a boot, overboot or overshoe, having a flat, unitary sole piece constructed of Papermaker's Wet Felt which provides good traction over ice and snow surfaces. The footwear article may also have an insole having layers of closed-cell foam insulation and which is oversized compared to the foot of the wearer. The article may further have an upper. The sole piece, upper and other external surfaces are of breathable, light-weight materials.