Abstract: A stabilizing strap (80) for external use with a shoe (98) includes a plantar strap (82), a first dorsal strap (84), a second dorsal strap (86) and an Achilles strap (94). Dorsal strap (84) is attached at one end to the medial end of plantar strap (82) and at one end thereof dorsal strap (86) is attached to the lateral end of plantar strap (82). Achilles strap (94) is attached at one end thereof to the medial end of plantar strap (82). A ring clasp (96) is attached to the lateral end of plantar strap (82) for receiving the free end of Achilles strap (94) and for cooperating therewith to enable adjustable tensioning of the strap about shoe (98). Eyelets (88) are provided along the edges (90, 92) of dorsal straps (84, 86). A lace (106) is provided to extend between edges (90, 92) of dorsal straps (84, 86) and to be received in eyelets (88) to thus adjustably tension the dorsal straps about shoe (98).

Abstract: An orthotic shoe-foot interface includes a shock absorbing layer that is selectively disposed over the bony prominences of the foot and the tendon attachment areas of selected ones of tendons of the foot. An area of shock absorbing material (12) covers the calcaneal prominence, an area of shock absorbing material (14) covers the heads of the matatarsal bones and an area of shock absorbing material (16) covers the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. Areas of shock absorbing material (22) and (30) cover the posterior and anterior tibial tendon attachment points to cause compression thereof. The Achilles tendon is covered by an area of shock absorbing material (20) that also covers the attachment point of the Achilles tendon into the calcaneal bone. The tendons attached to the great toe on the medial side thereof are covered by an area of shock absorbing material (24) and the tendons attaching to the small toe on the lateral side thereof are covered by an area of shock absorbing material (26).

Abstract: A stabilizing strap (25) for exterior use with a shoe (28) including a dorsal strap (26), an Achilles strap (30) and a plantar strap (32). One end of the dorsal strap (26), the Achilles strap (30) and the plantar strap (32) are connected together at a point (34) on the medial side of the foot. The other end of the plantar strap (32) is attached to two connecting straps (36) and (38). Two ring clasps (42) and (44) are attached to the end of the connecting straps (36) and (38) for receiving the free ends of the dorsal strap (26) and the Achilles strap (30). A fibrous layer (52) and a hook-like layer (50) are disposed on the exterior of the Achilles strap (30) such that the free end thereof can be pulled through the ring clasp and attached thereto. A fibrous layer (48) and a hook-like layer (46) are disposed on the exterior of the dorsal strap (26) to provide a similar attachment.