Abstract: A running shoe design focused on the heel section of running shoes used in, for example, T2 transition phase of the sport of triathlon. A heel counter portion of the shoe is a retractable flap. The flap retracts to an open position at a 45 to 90 degree angle awaiting the unhindered insertion of the runner's foot without any need for the runner to bend or sit. Immediately after the foot is inserted, the flap is closed with a pressing forward action by the athlete's other foot. The flap and the sides of the shoe are coated with adhesive, velcro-like materials. A variation of the foregoing uses a heel counter cut from the center top to the midsole area at the bottom, resulting in an acceptable size opening for uninhibited foot insertion when the flap (or strap) portion of the heel counter is set in the open position.

Abstract: A running shoe design focused on the heel section of running shoes used in, for example, T2 transition phase of the sport of triathlon. The heel reclines to facilitate the insertion of the foot without use of hands or need to bend in any way. Straps partially on the heel sides, kept at bay from premature contact with attachment pads on the forward portion of the running shoe, are kept away, and may also be kept later from premature contact by wire guides. Upon foot insertion, these straps, one on each side of the foot, are guided and securely affixed into place, for example, by a pressure movement of the opposite foot of the athlete.

Abstract: A running shoe design focused on the heel section of running shoes used in, for example, T2 transition phase of the sport of triathlon. The heel reclines to facilitate the insertion of the foot without use of hands or need to bend in any way. Straps partially on the heel sides, kept at bay from premature contact with attachment pads on the forward portion of the running shoe, are kept away, and may also be kept later from premature contact by wire guides. Upon foot insertion, these straps, one on each side of the foot, are guided and securely affixed into place, for example, by a pressure movement of the opposite foot of the athlete.

Abstract: A running shoe design focused on the heel section of running shoes used in, for example, T2 transition phase of the sport of triathlon. A heel counter portion of the shoe is a retractable flap. The flap retracts to an open position at a 45 to 90 degree angle awaiting the unhindered insertion of the runner's foot without any need for the runner to bend or sit. Immediately after the foot is inserted, the flap is closed with a pressing forward action by the athlete's other foot. The flap and the sides of the shoe are coated with adhesive, velcro-like materials. A variation of the foregoing uses a heel counter cut from the center top to the midsole area at the bottom, resulting in an acceptable size opening for uninhibited foot insertion when the flap (or strap) portion of the heel counter is set in the open position.