Abstract: In some aspects, the present concepts include a flexible cover for engaging and sealing an open-ended container, the flexible cover including a silicone rubber substrate and a plurality of slats disposed within the silicone rubber substrate, the plurality of slats being spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes an outsole, a midsole, an insole, a bootie, a cage surrounding the upper front of the bootie, a tongue, a quarter, a heel counter and wings. The bootie can have one, two, three, four or five individual toe sections which allow the toes of the foot to move independently. The bootie may be removable or adhesively attached to the midsole and the innersole. Both the midsole and the innersole can have slots cut between the toe portions which further allows for independent movement of the toes. The cage and outsole surround the front toe portions of the bootie, insole and midsole. The cage and outsole prevent all large particles from falling between the toes. The individual toe sections in the inventive shoe increase natural foot movement, haptic response and improve stability/balance, footstrike biomechanics and foot strength.