Abstract: A golf shoe having a saddle portion for providing lateral support to the foot for increased support during the golf swing. The saddle comprising a base and overlay inserts, each comprising of a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) material of different hardness than the other. The non-stretchable nature of TPU provides an increased level of stability to an area of the foot where lateral strength is crucial. The base having a hardness of less than about 75 Shore A, while the overlay inserts have a hardness of at least about 75 Shore A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid filled apparatus that reacts with the stimulus of outside forces, furnished at the instep area of a shoe upper and the forefoot area of the shoe sole. The apparatus provides cushioning and a custom fit to the shoe in an area surrounding the forward portion of the shoe wearer's foot. In particular, the present invention pertains to a reactive energy apparatus comprised of anatomically shaped fluid filled bladders or pads that are furnished at the instep area of the shoe upper and the forefoot area of the shoe sole. The bladders engage and assume a complimentary custom fitting configuration around the instep and ball of the shoe wearer's foot by displacement of fluid contained in the bladders, and thereby provide cushioning and a custom fit around the shoe wearer's foot.