ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

Abstract

Embodiments of an article of footwear may include a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to the foot of the user; and a first spring and a second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, each of the first spring and the second spring including a top portion coupled to the semi-rigid base; a torsion spring; and a bottom portion configured to interface with the ground, wherein the torsion spring couples the top portion to the bottom portion, and wherein each of the first spring and second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that the torsion spring is disposed proximate a center portion of the semi-rigid base and the top portion and bottom portion of each of the first spring and second spring extend towards a respective front portion and rear portion of the semi-rigid base.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

Conventional footwear typically provides a user with various means of support and comfort via various components of the footwear (e.g., sole, upper, insole, outsole, etc.). However, the inventor has discovered that conventional footwear lacks the appropriate mechanisms to provide an efficient use of energy created by a user during movement (e.g., running stride), thus limiting a user's stride length, vertical leap, and may expose a user to leg and/or foot injuries, particularly during athletic activities. For example, cushioning in conventional footwear may not provide sufficient shock absorption or energy return to prevent leg and/or foot injuries.

Accordingly, the inventor has provided improved articles of footwear.

SUMMARY

Articles of footwear are provided herein. The footwear may be embodied in shoes or may be attachments for shoes. In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to the foot of the user; and a first spring and a second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, each of the first spring and the second spring including a top portion coupled to the semi-rigid base; a torsion spring; and a bottom portion configured to interface with the ground, wherein the torsion spring couples the top portion to the bottom portion, and wherein each of the first spring and second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that the torsion spring is disposed proximate a center portion of the semi-rigid base and the top portion and bottom portion of each of the first spring and second spring extend towards a respective front portion and rear portion of the semi-rigid base.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to a foot of a user; and a substantially c-shaped first spring and a substantially c-shaped second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, each having a top portion configured to be coupled to the semi-rigid base and a bottom portion configured to interface with a surface disposed beneath the bottom portion, wherein each of the substantially c-shaped first spring and the substantially c-shaped second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that respective open ends of the first and second springs face away from each other.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to a foot of a user; and a first spring and a second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring has a linear shape, and wherein each of the first spring and the second spring includes a top portion configured to be coupled to the semi-rigid base; a bottom portion configured to interface with the ground; and a curved portion coupling the top portion to the bottom portion such that the bottom portion is spaced apart from the semi-rigid base, wherein each of the first spring and second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that the top portion of each of the first spring and second spring are disposed toward a center portion of the semi-rigid base and the bottom portion of each of the first spring and second spring extend away from the center portion and toward a respective front portion and rear portion of the semi-rigid base.

Other and further embodiments of the present invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above and discussed in greater detail below, can be understood by reference to the illustrative embodiments of the invention depicted in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts an article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an exploded view of an article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4-5 respectively depict side and top views of a spring for use in the article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-B respectively depict schematic top and side views of a portion of an article of footwear detailing the coupling of a spring to a base of the article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-B depict portions of a base for use in the article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of an article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of an article of footwear are provided herein. The footwear may be embodied in shoes or may be attachments for shoes. In at least some embodiments, the inventive footwear may advantageously provide an efficient transfer of energy during the stride of a user, thereby providing an increased stride length and/or vertical leap. Embodiments of the inventive footwear may alternatively or in combination facilitate reducing injury or may aid in the rehabilitation of foot and/or leg injuries. The inventive apparatus may further advantageously provide an increased shock absorption as compared to conventional footwear, thereby reducing stress induced in known problem areas of the user's body (e.g., in the back, knees, hips, ankles, or the like). This reduction of stress may allow a user having a previous injury in one or more of the known problem areas to return to athletic activities.

FIG. 1 depicts an article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the article of footwear 100 may generally comprise a first spring 110 and a second spring 112 coupled to a base 108. The base 108 may be a thin plate having a shape that substantially corresponds to a foot of a user, and is configured to be coupled to a foot 104 of a user. For example, the base 108 may be part of a shoe. In such embodiments, the article of footwear 100 may further comprise an upper portion 106 configured to receive the foot 104 and the base 108 may be coupled to a bottom 120 of the upper portion 106. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the base 108 may be part of an attachment that is configured to be coupled to a shoe such that the article of footwear may be selectively coupled to shoes of the user when desired and removed when not in use. The base 108 may be a unitary component (e.g., having a length sufficient to support both the first and second springs 110, 112) or may be comprised of two or more pieces. For example, the base 108 may comprise two halves, as indicated by the dashed line 201 depicted in FIG. 2, wherein a first half may support the first spring 110 and a second half may support the second spring 112.

Returning to FIG. 1, the upper portion 106 may be any type of footwear, for example, a shoe. As used herein, a shoe may be any type of footwear suitable to withstand the forces applied during use of the present invention. For example, a shoe may include traditional shoes, such as formal shoes, sneakers, sandals, or the like, or specialized shoes, such as used for athletics (running shoes/sneakers, ski boots, or the like) or for rehabilitation (casts, orthopedic boots, or the like). In some embodiments, the upper portion 106 may comprise a sole 107 coupled to the bottom 120 of the upper portion 106. In such embodiments, the base 108 may be coupled to the sole 107.

The base 108 may comprise any size and shape suitable to accommodate the first spring 110 and second spring 112 and be coupled to the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106. In some embodiments, the base 108 may have a suitable size and shape to correspond with the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106. In some embodiments, the base 108 may be fabricated from a semi-rigid material. As used herein, a semi-rigid base is a base fabricated from a material such that the semi-rigid base provides support for the springs while allowing the base to flex consistent with the movement of the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106 during use. For example, the base 108 (e.g., a semi-rigid base) should possess sufficient rigidity to allow the first spring 110 and the second spring 112 to remain positioned with respect to the shoe and/or the foot of the user during use. In some embodiments, the base 108 may have flexibility sufficient to allow the base 108 to flex about 3 to about 20 degrees, or in some embodiments about 3 to about 10 degrees, during use of the article of footwear 100 as described herein.

The base 108 may be fabricated using any suitable technique, for example such as molding (e.g., compression molding, injection molding, vacuum forming, or the like). In some embodiments, the base 108 may be fabricated from a polymer, for example such as a polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or the like. In some embodiments, the base 108 may have a thickness 122 of about 0.125 to about 0.25 inches, or in some embodiments, about 0.25 inches. In addition to the above, in some embodiments, some or all of the characteristics of the base 108 (e.g., a density of the material used to fabricate the base 108, the thickness of the base 108, of the like) may be determined based on an estimated weight range or average weight of a user having a particular shoe size, or in some embodiments, may be determined based on a specific user's weight.

The base 108 may be coupled to the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106 via any mechanism suitable to facilitate a secure coupling. For example, in embodiments where the base 108 is separate from the shoe, the base 108 may comprise one or more straps (two straps 102, 103 shown) coupled to the base and configured to wrap around the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106. In such embodiments, the one or more straps 102, 103 may be positioned in any manner suitable to provide a static coupling of the base 108 and the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106. For example, in some embodiments, a first strap (e.g., strap 103) may be coupled to the base 108 proximate the front 114 of the base 108 and configured such that the first strap wraps around a front portion 118 of the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106. In such embodiments, a second strap (e.g., strap 102) may be coupled to the base 108 proximate the rear 114 of the base 108 and configured such that the second strap wraps around a middle portion 122 of the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106. In some embodiments, the one or more straps 102, 103 may be adjustable, for example via buckles, fasteners, d-rings, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.

Although only two straps 102, 103 are shown in FIG. 1, any number of straps may be utilized, for example, such as one strap, or three or more straps. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiments, the base 106 may further comprise a heel cap 124 (shown in phantom) or toe cap 126 (shown in phantom) to facilitate coupling the base 108 to the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106.

In some embodiments, for example where the base 108 is coupled to the upper portion 106 (e.g., an integral part of a shoe), the base may be coupled to the bottom 120 or sole 107 (when present) of the upper portion 106 via an adhesive, such as by gluing, heat sealing, welding, riveting, sewing or the like. For example, the base may be incorporated into a conventional manufacturing process for fabricating the shoe such that the base 108 is securely coupled to the upper portion 106.

The first spring 110 and a second spring 112 may be coupled to the base 108 via any mechanism suitable to facilitate maintaining an alignment of the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 with respect to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the first spring 110 and the second spring 112 may be coupled to the base 108 via a plurality of fasteners 206, for example such as screws, bolts, rivets, or the like, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. In some embodiments, the base 108 may comprise a plurality of through holes 202 configured to allow the fastener 206 to pass through the base 108. In such embodiments, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may comprise a plurality of corresponding holes 204 disposed in a top portion (i.e., first section 214) of the spring (i.e., first spring 110 and second spring 112) and configured to receive the fastener 206. In some embodiments, the holes 204 may be threaded to receive a threaded fastener, such as a bolt. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiment the holes 204 may be through holes configured to allow the fastener to pass through first section 214 and be secured via a nut, a pin, or the like. In some embodiments, the base may comprise a plurality of through holes 202 disposed at different positions along the base 108 to allow the position of the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 to be adjusted relative to the foot 104 and/or upper portion 106.

Each of the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 may comprise any size and shape suitable to accommodate a particular application of the article of footwear 100. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first spring 110 and the second spring 112 may have a substantially c-shape, such as shown in the exploded view of the article of footwear 100 of FIG. 2. In such embodiments, the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 may generally comprise a top portion (first section 214), a bottom portion (second section 210) and a flexible section 208 disposed between the first section 214 and the second section 210.

Although described as a singular first spring 110 and second spring 112, the article of footwear may comprise any amount of first springs and second springs. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may comprise a plurality of parallel first and second springs arranged together to form the first or second spring (shown in phantom at 128).

In some embodiments, the first section 214 may have a substantially flat shape having a first end 216 and second end 218 suitable to rest flat against the base 108. The first section 214 may be configured to be coupled to the base 108, for example, via a plurality of holes 204 as described below. The flexible section 208 is disposed adjacent to the second end 218 of the first section 214. In some embodiments, the flexible section 208 has a curved shape and a sufficient flexibility to allow the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 to compress and expand to an original shape, thereby allowing the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 to store and transfer energy under stress applied by a user.

The second section 210 is coupled to the flexible section 208 opposite the first section 214 and is configured to interface with a surface (e.g., running surface, ground, or the like) disposed beneath the second section 210. In some embodiments, the second section 210 has a substantially flat shape and is disposed substantially parallel to the first section 214. In some embodiments, the second section 210 includes a straight portion 212 extending outwardly from the first section 214. The straight portion 212 may extend outwardly from the first section 214 at any angle suitable to provide sufficient spacing 234 between the first section 214 and second section 210 during use of the article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the second section 210 may comprise a curved terminal end 220 extending towards the first section 214 to provide a sufficient surface area for initial contact of the second section 210 with the surface beneath the second section 210 to accommodate for a stride of a user.

The first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be positioned relative to one another in any configuration suitable for any desired use of the article of footwear 100. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be positioned such that a closed end (i.e., the flexible section 208) of each of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 is facing towards a middle portion 238 of the article of footwear 100 and an open end 213 of each of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 is facing towards a respective front 215 and rear 217 of the base 108, as shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, each of the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 may be disposed in any position suitable for any desired use of the article of footwear 100. For example, in some embodiments, the first spring 112 may be positioned such that a central axis 228 perpendicular to the second section 210 of the first spring 112 is aligned with a central axis 232 of the metatarsal section 226 of the upper portion 106 and/or foot 104 of the user. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiments, the second spring 110 may be positioned such that a central axis 230 perpendicular to the second section 210 of the second spring 110 is aligned with a central axis 236 of the heel section 224 of the upper portion 106 and/or foot 104 of the user.

The first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated from any material having sufficient elasticity to compress and expand during use without permanent deformation. For example, in some embodiments, the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 may comprise a metal such as a hardened steel, or the like, or a polymer such as a polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or the like, or a reinforced polymer, such as a carbon fiber reinforced polymer or a graphite reinforce polymer. In some embodiments, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated from the same material as the base, or in some embodiments, a different material. In some embodiments, the components of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 (i.e., the first section 214, flexible section 208, second section 210) may be fabricated from the same, or in some embodiments, different materials. In some embodiments, the material used to fabricate the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may have a thickness 232 corresponding to the weight of the individual using the device. For example, in some embodiments the material used to fabricate the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may have a thickness 232 of about 0.0625 to about 0.375 inches, or in some embodiments, about 0.25 inches.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may comprise a wire frame 304 fabricated from a metal wire. The metal wire may be any type of suitable metal, for example, such as a high tension metal wire such as a hardened steel or stainless steel wire. In such embodiments, the flexible section 208 may comprise a torsion spring 308 having one or more windings 308 to provide a desired flexibility of the first spring 110 and second spring 112.

The metal wire may comprise any thickness or gauge suitable to allow the first spring 110 and second spring 112 to compress and expand during use without permanent deformation. In some embodiments, the gauge of the metal wire may be determined based on an estimated weight range or average weight of a user having a particular shoe size, or in some embodiments, may be determined based on a specific user's weight. For example, in some embodiments, the metal wire may have a diameter of about 1/16 to about 1/4 inch.

Referring to FIG. 4, the windings 308 of the torsion spring 308 may have any diameter suitable to provide a desired flexibility under the forces applied during use. For example, in some embodiments, the torsion spring 308 may comprise an outer diameter of about 1/4 to about 2 inches.

Referring to FIG. 5, the torsion spring 308 may have any number of windings 308 suitable to provide a desired flexibility under the forces applied during use. For example, in some embodiments, the torsion spring 308 may have about 2 to about 20 windings 308. In such embodiments, the torsion spring 308 may have a width 506 of about 1/4 to about 6 inches.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the wire frame 304 may be coupled to the base 108 via any mechanism suitable to facilitate maintaining an alignment of the first spring 110 and a second spring 112 with respect to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the base 108 may comprise a plurality of tabs 302 coupled to a bottom surface 310 of the base 108 configured to couple the wire frame 304 to the base 108. In some embodiments, the tabs 302 may be configured such that wire frame 304 may be easily de-coupled from the base 108 to allow a user to swap a first set of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 for another set of the first spring 110 and second spring 112.

The tabs 302 may be positioned in any manner suitable to provide a secure coupling of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 to the base 108. In some embodiments, the tabs 302 may be fabricated separately from the base 108, or in some embodiments, the base 108 and tabs 302 may be fabricated as one unitary piece.

For example, FIGS. 6A-B respectively depict schematic top and side views of a portion of an article of footwear detailing the coupling of a spring 600 to the base 108 of the article of footwear in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The spring 600 may be the first spring 110 and/or the second spring 112 as discussed above. FIG. 6A is a top view of a portion of the spring 600 with the base 108 removed for visual clarity, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the spring 600 coupled to the base 108. In some embodiments, the tabs 302 may include a protrusion 602 that may trap or secure the spring 600 to the base 108 when the spring is inserted in the tabs 302. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the spring 600 may be inserted into the front/back tab and one of the side tabs 302, and the other side of the spring 600 may be inserted into the tab 302 by squeezing the spring 600 together to clear the protrusion 602 and releasing the spring 600 to secure the spring in place by all three tabs 302. The relative ease of inserting/removing the spring 600 facilitates selecting a correct spring for the weight of a particular user, or replacing a spring should it become damaged.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, a base 702 may be coupled to the second section 210 of the first spring and/or second spring (first spring 110 shown). When present, the base 702 may provide additional stability and/or provide improved traction with a ground surface, thereby reducing slippage while in use. The base 702 may be fabricated from any material suitable to provide the aforementioned traction while withstanding the forces applied during use. For example, in some embodiments, the base 702 may be fabricated from a durable plastic, rubber, high density rubber, or like material suitable to provide the desired traction and withstand wear due to use of the device. In some embodiments, a bottom surface 704 of the base 702 may have one or more features, for example, an embossed design, a grid, treads, cleats, or like, to further improve traction. The traction-enhancing features may also be provided in embodiments where the springs are formed from flat pieces of material (such as shown in FIGS. 1-2) with or without the presence of the base 702.

The base 702 may be coupled to the first spring and/or second spring in any manner suitable to provide secure coupling while in use. For example, in some embodiments, the base 702 may comprise a first portion 706 and a second portion 708 configured to be coupled to one another, wherein the second section 210 is disposed between the first portion 706 and the second portion 708. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the base 702 may include an opening in a first side 705 of the base 702 to allow the second section 210 of the spring to be inserted into the opening.

In some embodiments, the first portion 706 and the second portion 708 may be coupled to one another via a fastener 710, for example, such as a bolt, a screw, a rivet, or the like. In such embodiments, each of the first portion 706 and the second portion 708 may comprise a through hole 714, 720 configured to accommodate the fastener 710 to allow coupling of the first portion 706 and the second portion 708, such as shown in FIG. 7B.

In some embodiments, one or both of the through holes 714, 720 may comprise threads configured to interface with threads 724 of the fastener 710. Alternatively, in some embodiments, neither through hole 714, 720 is threaded and a nut 712 may be utilized in conjunction with the fastener 710 to couple the first portion 706 and the second portion 708. In some embodiments, one or both of the first portion 706 or the second portion 708 may have a recess (recess 716 in the first portion 706 shown) disposed about the through hole 714 to allow the fastener 710 and/or nut 712 to be recessed into the first portion 706 or the second portion 708.

In some embodiments, one or both of the first section 706 and the second section 708 may comprise one or more features to facilitate securing the second section 210 between the first section 706 and the second section 708 in a static position. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the first section 706 or the second section 708 may comprise a channel 718, 722 configured to allow a portion of the second section (e.g., portions of the wire frame 304 described above) to be disposed within the channel 718, 722.

Although the first spring 110 and second spring 112 are described in the above embodiments as having a c-shaped configuration, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be configured in any shape suitable for any desired use of the article of footwear 100. For example, in some embodiments, the first section 214 and second section 210 may comprise a linear shape having terminal ends 802, 804 extending in a direction opposite one another, such as shown in FIG. 8. In such embodiments, the first spring 110 and the second spring 112 may be coupled to the base 108 such that the second section 210 of each of the first spring 110 and the second spring 112 extend towards a respective front 215 and rear 217 of the base 108.

In some embodiments, each of the first section 214 and second section 210 may be substantially parallel with respect to one another when the spring (first spring 110 or second spring 112) is in an uncompressed state. In some embodiments, each of the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated as separate springs (for example, such as shown at 808). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated as a single unitary piece (for example, such as shown at 806). For example, in some embodiments, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated from a single piece of material.

In operation of the article of footwear 100 as described in any of the embodiments above, as the second section 210 of the first spring 112 and/or second spring 110 contacts a surface disposed beneath the second section 210 during a stride of a user, the first spring 112 and/or second spring 110 compresses via the flexible section 208, thereby storing energy. As the user's foot (and the article of footwear 100) lifts from the surface, the stored energy is released from the first spring 112 and/or second spring 110, thereby providing a force in a direction upwards from the surface.

In any of the above embodiments, although described as separate parts, two or more of the base 108, first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated as a single unitary piece. For example, in some embodiments, the first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated from a single piece of material. Alternatively, or in combination, in some embodiments, the base 108, first spring 110 and second spring 112 may be fabricated from a single piece of material.

In any of the above embodiments, although the article of footwear 100 is described as being coupled to a foot 104 of a user, the article of footwear 100 may be configured to be utilized in conjunction with an orthopedic, orthotic, or prosthetic device. In such embodiments, the article of footwear 100 may be utilized to aid in rehabilitation, or assist in providing mobility to an injured or disabled user. When utilized in conjunction with a medical device, in some embodiments, the article of footwear 100 may be configured to be coupled to the medical device. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the article of footwear 100 and the medical device may be an integral device.

Thus, an article of footwear has been provided herein. The inventive apparatus advantageously provides an efficient transfer of energy during the stride of a user via a plurality of springs, thereby providing an increased stride length, vertical leap, and may reduce injury or aid in the rehabilitation of foot and/or leg injuries. The inventive apparatus may further advantageously provide an increased shock absorption as compared to conventional footwear, thereby reducing stress induced in known problem areas of the user's body (e.g., in the back, knees, hips, ankles, or the like). This reduction of stress may allow a user having a previous injury in one or more of the known problem areas to return to athletic activities.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to the foot of the user; and

a first spring and a second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, each of the first spring and the second spring comprising: a top portion coupled to the semi-rigid base; a torsion spring; and a bottom portion configured to interface with the ground, wherein the torsion spring couples the top portion to the bottom portion, and wherein each of the first spring and second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that the torsion spring is disposed proximate a center portion of the semi-rigid base and the top portion and bottom portion of each of the first spring and second spring extend towards a respective front portion and rear portion of the semi-rigid base.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first spring and second spring each comprise a wire frame.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of tabs coupled to a bottom surface of the semi-rigid base to couple the first spring and the second spring to the semi-rigid base, wherein each of the plurality of tabs comprise: an upper portion coupled to the bottom surface of the semi-rigid base; and a ledge coupled to and extending away from the upper portion, the ledge having a semi-rigid base facing surface to interface with the top portion of the first or second spring to secure the top portion between the ledge and the bottom surface of the semi-rigid base.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid base is configured to be coupled to a bottom of an upper portion, the upper portion configured to receive the foot of the user.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the semi-rigid base is removably coupled to the upper portion via one or more adjustable straps coupled to the semi-rigid base.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a curved terminal end that curves toward the semi-rigid base.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that a central axis perpendicular to the bottom portion of the first spring is substantially aligned with a central axis of a heel portion of the article of footwear and wherein the second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that a central axis perpendicular to the bottom portion of the second spring is substantially aligned with a central axis of a metatarsal section of the article of footwear.

8. An article of footwear, comprising:

a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to a foot of a user; and

a substantially c-shaped first spring and a substantially c-shaped second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, each having a top portion configured to be coupled to the semi-rigid base and a bottom portion configured to interface with a surface disposed beneath the bottom portion, wherein each of the substantially c-shaped first spring and the substantially c-shaped second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that respective open ends of the first and second springs face away from each other.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the semi-rigid base is configured to be coupled to a bottom of an upper portion, the upper portion configured to receive the foot of the user.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the semi-rigid base is removably coupled to the upper portion via one or more adjustable straps coupled to the semi-rigid base.

11. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the substantially c-shaped first spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that a central axis perpendicular to the bottom portion of the substantially c-shaped first spring is substantially aligned with a central axis of a heel portion of the article of footwear and wherein the substantially c-shaped second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that a central axis perpendicular to the bottom portion of the substantially c-shaped second spring is substantially aligned with a central axis of a metatarsal section of the article of footwear.

12. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein at least one of the semi-rigid base or the substantially c-shaped first spring and the substantially c-shaped second spring are fabricated from one of steel, polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate (PC), or a carbon fiber reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

13. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the bottom portion comprises a curved terminal end that curves toward the semi-rigid base.

14. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein at least two of the semi-rigid base, the substantially c-shaped first spring, or the substantially c-shaped second spring are fabricated from a single piece of material.

15. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein at least one of the substantially c-shaped first spring or the substantially c-shaped second spring is movably coupled to the semi-rigid base to allow a position of the substantially c-shaped first spring or the substantially c-shaped second spring to be adjusted with respect to the semi-rigid base.

16. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the substantially c-shaped first spring and the substantially c-shaped second spring are removably coupled to the semi-rigid base via a plurality of fasteners.

17. An article of footwear comprising:

a semi-rigid base having a size and shape corresponding to a foot of a user and configured to be coupled to a foot of a user; and

a first spring and a second spring coupled to the semi-rigid base, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring has a linear shape, and wherein each of the first spring and the second spring comprises: a top portion configured to be coupled to the semi-rigid base; a bottom portion configured to interface with the ground; and a curved portion coupling the top portion to the bottom portion such that the bottom portion is spaced apart from the semi-rigid base, wherein each of the first spring and second spring is coupled to the semi-rigid base such that the top portion of each of the first spring and second spring are disposed toward a center portion of the semi-rigid base and the bottom portion of each of the first spring and second spring extend away from the center portion and toward a respective front portion and rear portion of the semi-rigid base.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the semi-rigid base is configured to be coupled to a bottom of an upper portion, the upper portion configured to receive the foot of the user.

19. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the semi-rigid base is removably coupled to the upper portion via one or more adjustable straps coupled to the semi-rigid base.

20. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the top portions of the first spring and the second spring are each removably coupled to the semi-rigid base by a plurality of fasteners.