Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various means including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.

Abstract: A sole having an articulated forefoot includes a flex joint extending generally longitudinally between the hallux and the second toe and at least one additional flex joint extending transversely across the sole. The flex joints can intersect with each other to form substantially separated sections in the sole by for facilitating relatively independent movement of selected toes.

Abstract: A conformable device (20) containing a conformable material (41) substantially comprising fluid matter which forms a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time is used in an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, comfort, fit, stability, cushioning and shock-absorption. The conformable material (41) is contained within a chamber (51) of suitable configurations. In addition, a foam material (66) of select shape generally conforming to a portion of the wearer's anatomy can be used in cooperation with the conformable material (41), as well as a void (40) containing a gas. The invention permits accommodation to a wide range of anatomical features and characteristics found amongst a large percentage of the general public and application within numerous types of footwear (44).

Abstract: A personalized insert (20) containing a resilient material (41) is employed within an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, control, stability, support and comfort. The resilient material (41) is contained within a casing (22) of suitable configurations. Removal of restraining pin(s) (24), and/or the rupture of membrane(s) (62) isolating the reagents (27) then permits fluid communication and proper mixing of the resilient material (41). The resilient material (41) then sets in conformance with the wearer's foot (28) when the insert (20) is secured within an article of footwear (44). The invention permits accommodation to the wide range of foot (28) and arch )34) characteristics found amongst the general public and application within numerous types of footwear.

Abstract: A midsole construction or insert 20 comprising a two-part composition 41 and entrapped air cushion 40 is employed within an article of footwear 44 in order to enhance conformance, stability and comfort. Said composition 41 and entrapped air 40 are contained within a bi-pac of suitable configurations. The removal of a restraining pin 24 permits the reagents to mix freely and set in conformance with the wearer's foot 28 after insertion into an article of footwear 44. The midsole construction or insert 20 is configured to underlie the area of the heel 30 and extend to just short of the metatarsal heads 32, thus achieving conformance and stabilizing the heel 30 and arch(es) of the foot 28. The entrapped air 40 is configured to underlie the apex of the arch(es) 34 so as to accomodate their dynamic movement.