Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for determining the shoe size corresponding to a foot, the apparatus is of the type including a foot rest adapted to recieve the foot to be measured and a measuring tape extending transverse to the foot rest, which is fixed at a first end relative to the foot rest, forms a loop over the latter, and is movable relative to the foot rest at its second end to tighten the loop about the circumference of the foot to be measured, and a reading point which is fixed relative to said first end of the measuring tape and is arranged opposite markings which are movable together with the second end of the measuring tape. The device is improved by providing additional reading points fixedly associated with the one reading point and a movable chart carrier which is coupled with the second end of said measuring tape and arranged adjacent to all reading points to receive the markings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining shoe size by examination of a foot, which device is portable, consumes relatively little energy and is entirely free of mechanical components. The apparatus is of the type in which radiant energy emitters and radiant energy sensors are provided in opposed, spaced relationship and measurement is achieved by interposing the foot therebetween. Discrete emitters and sensors are provided along the length and width of the foot in dedicated emitter/sensor pairs which are spaced from other such pairs by a distance not exceeding the dimensional difference between consecutive shoe sizes. In various embodiments, correlation is maintained between emitter/sensor pairs through spatial arrangement, time division, multiplexing and combinations thereof, as well as through diverse modulation. At the same time, correlation between adjacent pairs is kept low to avoid cross-interference effects.

Abstract: A shoe, more particularly for toddlers, comprises at the back, from bottom to top, successive zones of decreasing rigidity and increasing flexibility, namely a first zone comprising, from inside to outside, a soft lining, a foam filling, an inner reinforcement, a flexible body and an upward extension of the outer sole; a second zone comprising, from inside to outside, the soft lining, the foam filling, the inner reinforcement and the flexible body; a third zone comprising, from inside to outside, the soft lining, the foam filling and the flexible body; and a fourth zone comprising a foam cushion surrounded by the soft lining. The sole preferably also comprises an upward extension at the front. The foot is perfectly protected and supported, very comfortably and softly.