Footwear

Abstract

An item of footwear comprising a sole, retention means adapted to assist in retaining the item of footwear on a foot, and conversion means adapted to allow conversion of the item of footwear between two or more styles of footwear.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to footwear which may be readily converted between several different styles of footwear.

BACKGROUND ART

There are many situations in which a particular style of footwear may not be suitable for use in another situation. For instance, while thongs (alternatively referred to as flip-flops) may be of great benefit for keeping a wearer's feet cool during hot weather, a sudden or unexpected change in weather conditions may result in the wearer getting cold feet. In addition, while footwear such as thongs may be considered acceptable at the beach or in other casual surroundings, some restaurants, bars, nightclubs and the like may not allow entry to patrons who do not comply with certain dress codes, such as wearing closed-in shoes.

In order to avoid these situations, it would be necessary to carry a spare pair of shoes. However, this is generally not a practical solution. In addition, there are times when a person may not expect that they will require a change of footwear, and will therefore be caught unawares if any sudden change of activities occurs.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a type of footwear that could be easily and simply converted between more casual and more formal forms of footwear in order to allow the wearer to fit in to a variety of situations without needing to change their footwear.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide footwear which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an item of footwear comprising a sole, retention means adapted to assist in retaining the item of footwear on a foot, and conversion means adapted to allow conversion of the item of footwear between two or more styles of footwear.

In this manner, the item of footwear can be readily converted between styles of footwear as a particular situation dictates without the need for changing pairs of footwear.

The sole may be of any suitable form and constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, leather or any combination thereof. The sole may have a lower surface which, in use, may be in contact with the ground, and an upper surface which, in use, may be in contact with the user's foot.

The form of the retention means is not critical. However, the retention means may suitably comprise any means for assisting in retaining the item of footwear on a foot, such as, but not limited to, one or more laces, buckles, ties, adhesives or any combination thereof. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, however, the retention means comprises at least one strap. The at least one strap may be of any suitable form, although in some embodiments of the present invention, a single strap may pass over the toes or front portion of the wearer's foot. The strap may be adapted to connect to any suitable point on the sole of the item of footwear, such as the upper surface of the sole or a side of the sole. The strap may be of any suitable shape, and may be constructed from any suitable material, for instance rubber, plastic, leather, cloth or webbing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one strap may further comprise at least one post. The at least one post may be located such that, when in use, the at least one post is held between two of the wearer's toes. The at least one post may be connected to the strap at one end and, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, may be connected to the upper surface of the sole at the opposed end.

The conversion means may comprise any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conversion means comprises one or more panels that may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position in order to convert the item of footwear from one style of footwear to another. Preferably, the one or more panels may be formed from a flexible material.

In the retracted position, the one or more panels may be folded, tucked, rolled or otherwise stored so that they do not form an active part of the item of footwear. The one or more panels may be stored in any suitable location, such as wrapped around the retention means, laying flat on the upper surface of the sole under the wearer's foot or folded down the sides of the sole. Preferably, the one or more panels are retained in the retracted position on the item of footwear using suitable attachment means. The attachment means may comprise any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, one or more press-studs, hook and loop (Velcro) patches or strips, hooks, catches, straps, zips, buckles, buttons, ties or the like or any combination thereof.

To move the one or more panels from the retracted position to the extended position, the attachment means may be released, and the one or more panels may be moved into position. The one or more panels may be retained in position by any suitable means. However, in some preferred embodiments of the invention, the same type of attachment means to those used to retain the one or more panels in the retracted position may also be used to retain the one or more panels in the extended position.

Any suitable arrangement and number of panels may be used. However, in some embodiments of the invention, there may be provided one panel for each side of the item of footwear, one or more panels for the front of the item of footwear and one panel for the heel of the item of footwear. The panels may all function independently of one another, meaning that any combination of panels may be moved to the extended position without the need for all of the panels to be extended at the same time.

The panels may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, leather, fabric, webbing, canvas, rubber, plastic or any combination thereof.

By moving a combination of panels to the extended position it may be possible to convert the item of footwear into a large number of different styles of footwear. For instance, when all panels are in the retracted position, the item of footwear may be in the form of a thong or sandal. When only the panels at the front of the item of footwear are in the extended position, the item of footwear may be in the form of a slipper. Alternatively, when all the panels are in the extended position, the item of footwear may be in the form of a closed-in shoe.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in an item of footwear, the item of footwear comprising a sole portion and an upper portion, the upper portion and the sole portion adapted for at least temporary connection to one another, the upper portion consisting of a support element having at least a first surface and a second surface and wherein at least one of said first and second surfaces includes an upper of at least one style of footwear.

The upper may be for any suitable style of footwear. For instance, the upper may be for a thong, slide, scuff, slipper, sandal, closed-in shoe (such as a lace-up shoe, slip-on shoe, deck shoe etc.) or the like.

The sole portion may be of any suitable form. However, it is preferred that the sole portion comprises a lower surface and an upper surface. In use, the lower surface may be adapted to be in contact with the ground. In some embodiments of the invention, the lower surface of the sole portion may be provided with a tread, spikes, cleats or the like for improving the wearer's grip on the ground.

The upper surface of the sole portion may comprise connection means for connecting the upper portion of the item of footwear. Any suitable connection means may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more press-studs, hook and loop (Velcro) patches or strips, hooks, catches, straps, zips, buckles, buttons, ties or the like or any combination thereof. A skilled addressee will understand that the connection means may be located at any suitable point on the upper surface of the sole, including at or adjacent an outer periphery of the upper surface. In some embodiments of the invention, the connection means may be provided on an outer edge of the sole portion.

Alternatively, the upper surface of the sole portion may be provided with one or more connection members in the form of, for example, seals (such as rubber or plastic seals) adapted to connect to and retain at least a portion of the upper portion during use. Preferably, the one or more connection members extend at least partially along the outer periphery of the sole portion.

In some embodiments of the invention, the upper portion may be adapted for connection two or more sole portions. Thus, the upper portion may be disconnected from a first sole portion and reconnected to a second sole portion. In this way, if the sole portion is, for instance, worn or damaged, the working life of the upper portion may be extended by connecting it to a new or undamaged sole portion.

Alternatively, different sole portions may be provided with different features. For instance, different sole portions may be provided with different tread patterns, sole thickness or the like. Thus, a user may be able to disconnect the upper portion from a first sole portion and connect the upper portion to a second sole portion having a tread pattern that provides the user with improved grip in wet weather. In another embodiment of the invention (for instance, wherein the item of footwear is adapted to be used as ladies' footwear), a first sole portion may be provided with a flat heel, while a second sole portion may be provided with a high heel, thereby allowing the user to connect the same upper portion to two or more styles of sole portion.

In some embodiments of the invention, the upper portion may lock into place, for instance with an audible snap or click to inform the user to when the upper portion and the sole portion are fully connected.

In other embodiments of the invention, the item of footwear may be provided with a release mechanism (for instance, one or more levers, buttons or the like, or a combination thereof) to allow the user to quickly and simply disconnect the upper portion and the sole portion.

In some embodiments of the invention, the connection means or connection members located on the upper surface of the sole portion connect with complimentary connection means or connection members located on the upper portion of the item of footwear to ensure that the connection between the upper portion and the sole portion of the item of footwear is sufficient to prevent the two portions of the item of footwear from becoming disconnected during use. Alternatively, the connection means or connection members located on the sole portion of the item of footwear may be adapted to connect the support element of the upper portion, thereby retaining the upper portion on the sole portion during use.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the sole portion may be provided at a different height to at least a portion the upper surface of the sole portion. In this way, the upper surface of the sole portion may be provided with one or more recesses. The one or more recesses may be used to house the upper provided on one surface of the support element when the item of footwear is in use.

The support element of the upper portion of the item of footwear may be of any suitable form, and formed from any suitable material. While the support element could conceivably be formed from a rigid material, it is envisaged that the support element may be formed from a material that is at least semi-flexible. Preferably, the first and second surfaces of the support element are provided on opposite sides of the support element and are separated from one another by the thickness of the support element.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second surfaces of the support element may be of sufficient size and configuration to accommodate a user's foot thereon. In particular, it is envisaged that the sole of the user's foot will, during use of the item of footwear, be at least partially in contact with either the first or second surface.

The upper may be of any suitable form. For instance, the upper may be in the form of the upper portion of a boot, closed-in shoe (e.g. lace-up shoe, slip-on shoe or the like), slipper, thong, scuff, slide or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both of the first and second surfaces of the support element are provided with uppers. In this embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the upper provided on the first surface is different to that provided on the second surface of the support element.

In this embodiment of the invention, the upper portion of the item of footwear may be connected to the sole portion such that the first surface of the support element is facing upwards. A user may disconnect the upper portion from the sole portion and turn or invert the upper portion such that the second surface of the support element is facing upwards while the first surface is facing downwards. Once in this position, the upper portion may be re-connected with the sole portion such that the user may now make use of the upper provided on the second surface of the support element.

In some embodiments of the invention, the upper may be provided with means for assisting in folding the upper prior to the upper being placed in the recess in the sole portion. The means may be of any suitable type, although it is envisaged that the means may consist of one or more press-studs, hook and loop (Velcro) patches or strips, hooks, catches, straps, zips, buckles, buttons, ties or the like or any combination thereof. The aim of these means is to ensure that the upper folds neatly and flatly for storage so that the user does not feel any bumps or lumps under their foot from the non-active upper.

While the upper may be constructed to be for a single type of footwear only, it is envisaged that the upper may be provided with conversion means to allow the upper to be converted between two or more types of footwear.

The conversion means may comprise any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conversion means comprises one or more panels that may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position in order to convert the item of footwear from one style of footwear to another. Preferably, the one or more panels may be formed from a flexible material.

In the retracted position, the one or more panels may be folded, tucked, rolled or otherwise stored so that they do not form an active part of the item of footwear. The one or more panels may be stored in any suitable location, such as wrapped around the strap of a thong, lying flat on the surface of the support element under the wearer's foot or folded down the sides of the sole portion. Preferably, the one or more panels are retained in the retracted position using suitable attachment means. The attachment means may comprise any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, one or more press-studs, hook and loop (Velcro) patches or strips, hooks, catches, straps, zips, buckles, buttons, ties or the like or any combination thereof.

To move the one or more panels from the retracted position to the extended position, the attachment means may be released, and the one or more panels may be moved into position. The one or more panels may be trained in position by any suitable means. However, in some preferred embodiments of the invention, the same type of attachment means to those used to retain the one or more panels in the retracted position may also be used to retain the one or more panels in the extended position.

Any suitable arrangement and number of panels may be used. However, in some embodiments of the invention, there may be provided one panel for each side of the item of footwear, one or more panels for the front of the item of footwear and one panel for the heel of the item of footwear. The panels may all function independently of one another, meaning that any combination of panels may be moved to the extended position without the need for all of the panels to be extended at the same time.

The panels may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, leather, fabric, webbing, canvas, rubber, plastic or any combination thereof.

By moving a combination of panels to the extended position it may be possible to convert the item of footwear into a large number of different styles of footwear. For instance, when all panels are in the retracted position, the item of footwear may be in the form of a thong or sandal. When only the panels at the front of the item of footwear are in the extended position, the item of footwear may be in the form of a slipper. Alternatively, when all the panels are in the extended position, the item of footwear may be in the form of a closed-in shoe

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention when arranged in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention which arranged in a first configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention when arranged in a second configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of the item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention when arranged in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention when arranged in a third configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention when arranged in a third configuration;

FIG. 7 illustrates an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a heel region of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sole portion of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an upper portion of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an upper portion of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a heel region of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an item of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings there is illustrated an item of footwear 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention in which the item of footwear 10 is in the form of a thong. The item of footwear 10 comprises a sole 11 and retention means 12 in the form of a strap 13 passing over a front portion of the wearer's foot 14. The retention means 12 further comprises a post 15 interconnecting the strap 13 and the sole 11. When in use, the post 15 is located between the wearer's toes 16. This assists in ensuring that the item of footwear 10 is retained on the foot 14 during use.

Conversion means in the form of panels 17 of fabric are wrapped around the strap 13 when the panels 17 are in the retracted position. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the panels 17 are retained on the strap 13 in the retracted position by use of press-studs 18.

Turning now to FIG. 2 there is shown an item of footwear 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The item of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 is in the form of a thong. The item of footwear 10 comprises a sole 11 and retention means in the form of a strap 13, with a post 15 interconnecting the strap 13 and the sole 11.

The item of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a heel panel 19, a pair of side panels 20 and a pair of front panels 21, all of which are in the retracted position. In this position the heel panel 19 and pair of side panels 20 lie flat on the sole 11 of the item of footwear 10 and are retained in place by a plurality of press-studs 22. The front panels 21 are wrapped around the strap 13 in the retracted position.

The item of footwear 10 comprises a further series of press-studs 23 located on the side of the sole 11 which are used to retain the front panels 21 in place when the front panels 21 are in the extended position.

In FIG. 3 there is illustrated in item of footwear 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the item of footwear 10 is in the form of a slipper. In this form of the invention, the pair of front panels 21 have been disconnected from the strap (not shown) by disconnecting press-studs 24 that held the front panels 21 in place on the strap (not shown) in the retracted position. To retain the front panels 21 in the extended position illustrated in FIG. 3, the press-studs (not shown) on the front panels 21 are connected to a series of press-studs (not shown) located on the side of the sole 11.

In FIG. 4 there is illustrated in item of footwear 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the item of footwear 10 is in the form of a slipper. In this Figure, the front panels 21 have been disconnected from the strap 13 and moved to the extended position. The press-studs (not shown) provided on the front panels 21 are connected to the series of press-studs 23 located on the side of the sole 11 in order to retain the front panels 21 in place in the extended position. When the item of footwear 10 is in the form of a slipper as illustrated in FIG. 4, the heel panel 19 and the pair of side panels 20 are maintained in the retracted position lying flat against the upper surface of the sole 11.

In FIG. 5 there is illustrated an item of footwear 10 according to one embodiment of the invention in which the item of footwear 10 is in the form of a closed-in item of footwear. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the front panels 21, side panels 20 and heel panel 19 have all been moved to the extended position to form an item of footwear 10 that entirely encloses the wearer's foot 14.

The front panels 21 are retained in the extended position by connecting press-studs (not shown) provided on the front panels 21 with press-studs (not shown) located on the side of the sole 11. Similarly, the side panels 20 are retained in the extended position by connecting press-studs (not shown) located on the side panels 20 with press-studs (not shown) located either on the strap (not shown) or on the front panels 21. The heel panel 19 is retained in the extended position by connecting press-studs (not shown) provided on the heel panel 19 with press-studs (not shown) located on each of the side panels 20.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown an item of footwear 10 according to an embodiment of the invention in which the item of footwear 10 is in the form of a closed-in item of footwear. In this embodiment of the invention the front panels 21, side panels 20 and heel panel 19 have all been moved from the retracted position to the extended position. As previously discussed, the front panels 21 have been disconnected from the strap 13 and have been brought into connection with a series of press-studs 23 located on the side of the sole 11 in order to retain the front panels 21 in place in the extended position. The side panels 20 have been disconnected from the press-studs 22 located on the upper surface of the sole 11. The side panels 20 and the front panels 21 are connected together using press-studs 25 and are retained in place during use.

Similarly, the heel panel 19 is connected to the side panels 20 using press-studs 26 to retain the heel panel 19 and side panels 20 in place during use.

In FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. In this Figure, the item of footwear 30 comprises an upper portion 31 and a sole portion 32. The upper portion 31 comprises a support element (obscured) which includes an upper 33 in the form of a closed-in shoe are associated. In this Figure, the sole portion 32 and the upper portion 31 are shown in connection with one another. The connection between the sole portion 32 and the upper portion 31 is a removable connection and is achieved by providing the sole portion 32 with an connection member 34 which extends along a length of the outer periphery of the sole portion 32. The connection member 34 is adapted to connect to the support element (obscured) of the upper portion 31, thereby retaining the upper portion 31 in connection with the sole portion 32.

The connection between the sole portion 32 and the upper portion 31 will generally be sufficiently strong to prevent the sole portion 32 and the upper portion 31 from become disconnected during use. Typically, a user will be required to manually apply a force (for instance, by pulling, pushing, twisting or the like) the sole portion 32 and the upper portion 31 relative to one another in order to be able to disconnect the sole portion 32 and the upper portion 31. Such a situation is illustrated in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 8, the heel region of the item of footwear 30 may be seen. In this Figure, a user has partially disconnected the upper portion 31 from the sole portion 32. It may be seen in this Figure that the sole portion 32 is provided with an connection member 34 extending partially along an outer periphery 35 of the sole portion 32. The connection member 34 is adapted to connect with the support element 36 such that the upper portion 31 is retained in connection with the sole portion 32 during use.

The sole portion 31 is further provided with a recess 37 such that the upper 38 located on a lower surface (obscured) of the support element 36 may be housed within the sole portion 31 when not in use.

In FIG. 9, the item of footwear 30 may be seen when the upper portion 31 is entirely disconnected from the sole portion 32.

FIG. 10 illustrates a closer view of the sole portion 32 in which the recess 37 provided in the sole portion 31 for housing the non-active upper (not shown) may be clearly seen. In this embodiment of the invention the outer periphery 35 of the sole portion 31 is located at a different height to the recess 37.

Turning now to FIG. 11, there is shown the upper portion 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the support element 36 may be clearly seen. A first surface 39 of the support element 36 is provided with an upper 38 in the form of a thong, while the second surface (obscured) is provided with an upper 33 in the style of a closed-in shoe. Thus, by removing the upper portion 31 from the sole portion (not shown) and reversing the orientation of the support element 36, the item of footwear can be converted between different types of footwear.

In FIG. 12, the upper 33 is shown being folded away in readiness for being housed within the recess (not shown) of the sole portion (not shown). It is important to ensure that the upper 33 is folded away neatly and flatly so that the user does not feel any lumps or bumps under their foot from the non-active upper. Thus, to assist the user in ensuring that the upper 33 is neatly folded away, the upper 33 is provided with Velcro patches 40 adapted to ensure that the upper 33 folds flat and does not move around when stored within the recess (not shown) of the sole portion (not shown).

FIG. 13 illustrates the item of footwear 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention as the upper portion 31 is connected with the sole portion 32. In this Figure, the upper 33 in the style of a closed-in shoe has been folded away and the support element 36 is oriented such that the upper 33 is facing downwards for storage in the recess 37 of the sole portion 32.

In this Figure, the first surface 39 and the upper 38 in the form of a thong are now oriented facing upwards meaning that, once the upper portion 31 is fully connected with the sole portion 32, the item of footwear 30 will be in the form of a thong.

In FIG. 14, the item of footwear 30 is shown with the upper portion 31 once again connected with the sole portion 32. In this Figure, the item of footwear 30 is now in readiness to be worn by the user as a thong.

It may be seen that the item of footwear of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over the prior art in that it allows the wearer to quickly and easily convert their item of footwear from a casual style item of footwear to a more formal style item of footwear, and vice versa, depending on what is required for a given social situation or under particular weather conditions. By providing an item of footwear that may easily convert between different styles of footwear, the same pair of footwear may be used in a wide variety of applications.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. An item of footwear comprising a sole portion and an upper portion, the upper portion and the sole portion adapted for at least temporary connection to one another, the upper portion comprising a support element having at least a first surface and a second surface and wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces includes an upper of at least one style of footwear.

2. The item of footwear according to claim 1 wherein both first and second surfaces are provided with uppers.

3. The item of footwear according to claim 2 wherein the upper provided on the first surface is different to the upper provided on the second surface.

4. The item of footwear according to claim 1 wherein the first and second surfaces are located on opposite sides of the support element and are separated from one another by the thickness of the support element.

5. The item of footwear according to claim 1 wherein the sole portion is provided with connection means adapted to connect and retain the upper portion during use.

6. The item of footwear according to claim 5 wherein the sole portion is provided with one or more connection members extending at least partially along an outer periphery of the sole portion.

7. The item of footwear according to claim 6 wherein the one or more connection members comprise seals.

8. The item of footwear according to claim 2 wherein when one surface of the support element is facing upwards, the upper of the outer surface of the support element is housed within a recess in the sole portion.

9. The item of footwear according to claim 2 wherein the uppers are provided with conversion means adapted to allow conversion of the upper between two or more styles of footwear.

10. The item of footwear according to claim 1 wherein the upper portion is adapted for connection to two or more sole portions.

11. An item of footwear comprising a sole, retention means adapted to assist in retaining the item of footwear on a foot, and conversion means adapted to allow conversion of the item of footwear between two or more styles of footwear.

12. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the conversion means are adapted for movement between a retracted position and an extended position.

13. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the conversion means comprises one or more panels.

14. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the conversion means comprises a plurality of panels.

15. The item of footwear according to claim 14 wherein the panels are formed from flexible material.

16. The item of footwear according to claim 13 wherein at least one of the panels may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position independently of the remaining panels.

17. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein when the conversion means are in the retracted position, the conversion means are stored in abutment with one or more of the retention means, an upper surface of the item of footwear or one or more sides of the item of footwear.

18. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the retention means are retained in place in an extended position and/or retracted position using attachment means.

19. The item of footwear according to claim 18 wherein the attachment means comprises one or more press-studs. hook and loop patches or strips, zips, ties or any combination thereof.

20. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the retention means is adapted to be located on a wearer's toes or a front portion of a wearer's foot.

21. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the retention means comprises one or more laces, buckles, ties, adhesives, straps or any combination thereof.

22. The item of footwear according to claim 21 wherein the retention means further comprises at least one post adapted for location between the wearer's toes.

23. The item of footwear according to claim 11 wherein the styles of footwear between which the item of footwear may be converted include a thong, a slipper, a sandal and a closed-in shoe.