Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard, and an interface for use in such a system. The system comprises a snowboard boot, a snowboard binding and an interface having at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding. The interface further includes at least one strap adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot. The outer sole of the snowboard boot includes a recess rearward of the arch area that is adapted to receive the interface so that the interface does not protrude below the outer sole when the interface is mounted to the snowboard boot. In another embodiment, the interface includes a base that is adapted to pass under the sole of the snowboard boot, the base having a non-planar contoured upper surface that is adapted to fit within a recess in a sole of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: A snowboarding boot with an improved sole construction comprises an upper that engages a two-piece sole. The sole includes a outer sole formed from a resilient rubber-like material that can include treads along the bottom. A midsole constructed from a lightweight, semi-rigid materials, such as ethyl vinyl acetate is joined to the outer sole. The outer sole includes side walls that typically wrap around the toe section of the boot and that taper away toward the heel section. The midsole includes sidewalls that extend upwardly along the upper at the heel section and that join with the sidewalls of the outer sole along a sloped seam line. The midsole sidewalls provide good lateral support to the heel section of the boot, while maintaining a lightweight construction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an athletic shoe including a heel strap for securing the foot in the shoe. The shoe includes an upper and a sole. The upper includes a quarter and a relatively stiff counter disposed at the periphery of the shoe. The quarter includes a lacing eyestay having a plurality of lacing eyelets. The counter has an opening formed through each side thereof and located such that when the shoe is worn on a foot, the openings are disposed below the malleolus. The upper also includes a relatively thin, flexible inner sleeve disposed interiorly of the quarter and counter. The shoe includes a heel strap having a heel tab fixed to the rear of the inner sleeve, and side straps extending laterally forwardly on both sides of the shoe. Side tabs including one or more eyelets are disposed on the forward end of each of the side straps.