EXTERIOR SHOE ATTACHEMENT AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

A footwear system including a first footwear article configured to accept a user's foot, the first footwear article having a body and a sole attached to the body, the sole having a flange member extending past the body forming a wing, and a second footwear article, the second footwear article comprising a sole having a raised ridge portion and a raised heel portion, the raised ridge portion and the raised heal portion forming a cavity configured to accept the wing of the first footwear article, wherein the second footwear article is configured to be detachably attached to the first footwear article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/586,804 filed Nov. 15, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a footwear system including removable shoe attachment and the application thereof. The shoe attachment allows for but is not limited to added traction, support, protection, shock absorption, variability in color, shape and style of the primary shoe, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current shoes on the market are designed for a very specific purpose. For instance, a hiking sneaker has deep ridges and a heel break to provide extra traction on rough terrane preventing slipping and injuring one's self, but this shoe is limited to this use and would aesthetically look strange if one wore hiking sneakers to other events and activities. Another example of current shoes are soccer cleats having studs coming out of the sole to give the wearer support and leverage in their attempts on the field, but similarly this shoe is limited to its designated activity, namely soccer and sports activities on a grass or artificial grass surface.

This trend is very limiting on consumers. A consumer may see a particular pair of shoes that they find is their preferred style and comfort, however is limited to a use they don't partake in very often, causing them to shy away from utilizing their preferred footwear. Furthermore, from a minimalist standpoint, a consumer may find that accumulating a large number of footwear is not only non-economical but also takes up more space than they can reasonably allot for footwear, preventing them from pursuing such activities associated with the footwear.

Yet further, a person lounging at home tends to wear more comfortable shoes such as slippers and may feel the need to go outside, whether to take out the trash or join a basketball game. This person would need to go find their outdoor shoes or basketball shoes, remove their slippers, painstakingly put on their alternate shoes, lace or secure the shoes in their respective manner and then finally be able to go out and do what they set out to do.

These solutions have failed the public, taking up space and wasting time the public can use for other more important aspects of life. It is desired to provide a dynamic system and method that solves the disadvantages in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method of and for a shoe and a corresponding attachable outsole or insert, where the shoe's sole fits into a supplemental exterior sole, the supplemental exterior sole having an internal cavity that fits and corresponds to the exterior shape of the shoe's sole's dimensions.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a shoe attachment that provides for selective attributes useful in varying situations alleviating the need for multiple pairs of shoes having different purposes and base styles.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a base shoe that can attach to a corresponding attachment as well as additional attachments varying in form and function.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a system for altering characteristics of a shoe by using an attachable sole.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a footwear system having a removable insert to attach to existing shoes.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing: a footwear system, comprising: a first footwear article configured to accept a user's foot, the first footwear article having a body and a sole attached to the body, the sole having a flange member extending past the body forming a wing; and a second footwear article, the second footwear article comprising a sole having a raised ridge portion and a raised heel portion, the raised ridge portion and the raised heal portion forming a cavity configured to accept the wing of the first footwear article, wherein the second footwear article is configured to be detachably attached to the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article and the second footwear article form an interlocking engagement for use by a user.

In certain embodiments, the wing compresses and interacts with the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion to form the interlocking engagement between the first footwear article and the second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the wing is comprised of material that compresses when force is applied to the wing, and expands when the force is removed.

In certain embodiments, the wing includes a flange that is proportional to the cavity in the second footwear article. In certain embodiments, the wing is continuous and is configured to match various cavities for various second footwear articles.

In certain embodiments, the wing extends around the entire edge of the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the sole of the first footwear article is flexible. In certain embodiments, the wing is flexible, and is configured to flex to interlock with the cavity of the second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the interlocking portion includes interlocking approximately 180 degrees of the first footwear article to the second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge portion of the second footwear article is comprised of a material that expands to accept the wing, and contracts to support an interlocking engagement between the first footwear article and the second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form a continuous singular pocket beginning on sides of the second footwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion, wherein the continuous singular pocket is designed to accept the emergence of a proportional counterpart comprising the wing of the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form a continuous singular pocket beginning on sides of the second footwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion, and further extending toward a medial wall, wherein the continuous singular pocket is designed to accept the emergence of a proportional counterpart comprising the wing of the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, wherein following contact between the first footwear article and second footwear article, the first footwear wing slightly contracts while entering the cavity of the second footwear article, and then expands filling a pocket along the raised ridge and the cavity.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article and the second footwear article are resistant against accidental disengagement.

In certain embodiments, the attachment and detachment of the first footwear article to or from the second footwear article is pressure activated.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article includes an outer member, the outer member configured to hide the raised ridge and raised heel portion. In certain embodiments, the outer member is designed with an aesthetic embellishment.

In certain embodiments, detaching the second footwear article from the first footwear article is accomplished by applying pressure to the heel with a user's opposing foot and unlocking the attachment between the articles.

In certain embodiments, the wing extends around the sole's lateral edge and heel.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article is selected from a group consisting of a shoe, slipper, sandal, boot, trainer, cleat, golf shoe, soccer shoe, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article includes an outsole. In certain embodiments, the outsole is rigid. In certain embodiments, the remainder of the second footwear article is flexible.

In certain embodiments, the body of the first footwear article is made of a flexible material. In certain embodiments, the body of the first footwear article is a slipper material.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article includes an inner liner or material that provides comfort and warmth to the foot of a user.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article expands and contracts to accept the wing of the first footwear article to assist with attaching the second footwear article to the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article provides a layer of protection over the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article further comprises a toe cap.

In certain embodiments, the toe cap provides additional toe injury protection for the wearer.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article further comprises a strap substantially along a throat line to provide an additional support in securing the second footwear article to the first footwear article. in certain embodiments, the strap has locking members to provide an upper support for the first footwear article to lock into the second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article acts as a shock absorber.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article provides superior traction compared to the sole of the first footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article is selected from a group consisting of a slip on, laced, straps with buckles, zippers, elastic, buttons, snaps, hook and loop connector, straps that interlock eyelets onto indentations, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the first footwear article and second footwear article have textures or finishes selected from a group consisting of light sandblast, medium sandblast, grain texture, smooth, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, second footwear article material is selected from a group consisting of leather, plastic, foam, fabric, textile, metal, rubber, synthetic, polyurethane, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polymer, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the footwear system includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). In certain embodiments, the footwear system includes poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA). In certain embodiments, the footwear system includes rubber and other copolymer materials.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article is made of EVA. In certain embodiments, the first footwear article is made of EVA.

In certain embodiments, the outsole material is selected from a group consisting of wear-resistant, water-resistant, oil-resistant, heat-resistant, pressure resistant, impact resistant, elastic, not easily deformed after shaping, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article outsole design is selected from a group consisting of a herringbone pattern, lugs, a heel break, cleats, studs, or a combination thereof.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a method for attaching the first footwear article to the second footwear article, comprising: inserting a toe portion of the first footwear article into a toe cap of the second footwear article; and exerting downward force using at most a user's bodyweight to apply pressure near the heel of the first footwear article to insert the wing into the second footwear article.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a method for removing the second footwear article from the first footwear article, comprising: applying pressure near the heel with a user's opposite foot; and unlocking the attachment and releasing the second footwear article.

Other objects of the invention are directed to providing a modular footwear system whereby a first footwear article is configured to attach to a second footwear article.

In certain embodiments, the second footwear article is configured to attach to the first footwear article and a user can configure the second footwear article to the task being performed.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article.

FIG. 2 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article with visual representation of an internal cavity.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe entering an attachable second footwear article.

FIG. 4 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a second footwear article with visual representations of the internal cavity.

FIG. 5 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a second footwear article.

FIG. 6A is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article with a strap for additional support in securing the articles together or for varying fashion or design.

FIG. 6B is an alternate side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article with a strap receiver.

FIG. 7 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a second footwear article having a strap.

FIG. 8A is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoe being inserted into an attachable second footwear article.

FIG. 8B is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoe being inserted into an attachable second footwear article having a strap.

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic cutout diagram view of the back of a first footwear article.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cutout view of the back of a second footwear article showing a cavity formed by the raised ridge portion and raised heel portion.

FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear article sole.

FIG. 12 is a bottom schematic view an isolated first footwear article sole.

FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear article sole having additional but shallow traction.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary back view of a second footwear article.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of a second footwear article having additional traction.

FIG. 16 is a bottom schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a second footwear article.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a lateral side view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a lateral side view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C is a top view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A is a front view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a front view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a back view of the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 20B. is a back view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a lateral cross section view of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a heel section.

FIG. 21C is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through an arch section.

FIG. 21D is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a ball section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details.

The invention is directed to a footwear system having a first footwear article and a second footwear article, whereby the first footwear article is configured to be attached to the second footwear article.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article. Sole attachment 100 includes a sole 102 having ridges 108 that can be incorporated into the sole attachment for design purposes as well as added functionality such as traction, as well as shock absorption, as well as a buffer to protect the internal shoe. It shall be noted that other designs may be incorporated without departing from the purpose of the present invention. Sole attachment 100 further includes a toe cap 104 and a heel portion 106.

FIG. 2 is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article with visual representation of an internal cavity. Sole attachment 200 is depicted to show an outline of the interior of the sole attachment 200. Sole attachment 200 has an internal cavity 212 that spans from the toe area to the heal and along the edges of the sole (not shown). A front end pocket 210 provides space for a toe section of a shoe to enter so as to be secured in place by the toe cap as will be seen in later figures. The toe cap 104 includes the front end space 210 and a toe ridge 211. The heel portion 106 includes a heel ridge 214 and a heel pocket 216 for receiving a shoe heel wing having corresponding dimensions. It should be noted that along the lateral and medial edges of the sole there can be incorporated additional or connected and continuous pockets for lateral and/or medial sole wings as will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe entering an attachable second footwear article. System 300 includes shoe 301 having a toe section 302 and an inner sole 303 and a heel section 305. The inner sole 303 has a protruding section referred to as a wing 306 having specific dimensions. The shoe 301 enters the sole attachment 307 to fill the sole's cavity 309 by first entering the toe cap 308 and then placing pressure generally in the heel section 305 toward the sole attachment 307 causing the inner sole 303 to enter the cavity 309 and the heel wing 306 to enter the heel pocket 310. Ridge 312 assists in forming the heel pocket and the combination of the heel pocket 310 and the ridge 312 form a space corresponding to the dimensions of the wing 306. It should be noted that although it is not shown there are additional or continuous pockets running along the edges of the lateral and/medial edges of the sole attachment to receive lateral and medial wing protrusions of the inner sole should the system be designed to incorporate such additional or continuous wing/pocket attachment points for added secure connection between the components of the system.

FIG. 4 is a side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a second footwear article with visual representations of the internal cavity. System 400 shows a shoe 301 occupying the cavity 309 of the sole attachment 307. Wherein the toe section 302 occupied the toe cap 308 as depicted by 402, and heel wing 306 occupies pocket 310 as depicted by 406. It is noted that lateral and medial wings (not shown) can occupy lateral and medial pocket(s) (not shown) in a similar fashion.

It is noted that the inner sole and/or the sole attachment can be designed to expand and/or contract to accommodate assembling the components of the system and for disassembling the system. For instance, the inner sole may contract to accommodate passage into the cavity as to pass the ridges that would later support the connection between the components and then the inner sole expands to its original shape and size to fill the cavity and pockets so as to provide a secure fit. Alternatively, the sole attachment may expand to allow for the inner sole to enter its cavity and then contract back to its original shape and size to provide a secure fit. It should be noted that a combination of both can be utilized depending on the design of the system.

FIG. 5 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a second footwear article. System 500 shows an external view of the preceding figures. As can be seen by the FIG. 5 the shoe 508 is combined with the sole attachment 307. Sole attachment 307 covers, protects, provides style variation, provides varying functionality or a combination thereof to shoe 508. Sole attachment 307 is securely attached to the shoe 508 by the toe cap 502, side pockets 504 and heel pockets 506 fitting to the dimensions of its corresponding components.

FIG. 6A is a side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article with a strap for additional support in securing the articles together or for varying fashion or design. Sole attachment 600A shows an example of how the sole attachment can be varied to not only provide a stylistic alternative but also add a level of security to the system. Sole attachment 600A additionally incorporates a strap 604 substantially along but not limited to a throat line. In this exemplary embodiment strap 604 includes eyelets, holes, protrusions, buttons, hook and loop connectors or the like 602 for securing the strap to the opposing side of the sole attachment. Strap 604 adds additional support between a shoe and the sole attachment. Additionally the strap 604 can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing wherein users or consumers may choose to incorporate such a strap for fashion purposes. It should be noted that this figure is merely an example and many if not limitless variation can be designed into the sole attachment with or without a strap, without departing from the intent of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an alternate side schematic diagram view of an attachable second footwear article with a strap receiver. 600B shows an opposing view to 600A where the other side of the sole attachment can be seen. 600B shows strap receiver 608 having holes, indents, protrusions, hook and loop, or the like connectors 610 to correspond and connect to connectors 602.

FIG. 7 is an external side schematic diagram view of a shoe attached to a second footwear article having a strap. System 700 shows a combination as described where a shoe 704 is connected to a sole attachment 706 having a strap 702 substantially across its throat line.

FIG. 8A is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoe being inserted into an attachable second footwear article. System 800A shows shoe 802 toe area 808 being inserted into the toe cap 810 of sole attachment 812. The heel wing 804 is applied with some pressure to the heel section 806 of the sole attachment 812. Of note is the difference between the inner sole 813 and the sole attachment 812. While inner sole 813 has a substantially flat surface, the sole attachment 812 has deep ridges 814 adding specific traction as preferred for a selected activity.

FIG. 8B is an external perspective schematic diagram view of a shoe being inserted into an attachable second footwear article having a strap. 800B similarly shows a shoe entering a sole attachment 812 but with a strap 815 incorporated therein. In this embodiment strap 815 has protrusions 816 that fit into corresponding eyelets 814 for added support in combining the components of the system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic cutout diagram view of the back of a first footwear article. A close up view of heel section 900 shows that a flap 904 can be incorporated into the system for more easily fitting a foot, along with a pull tab 908 to assist with getting the heel portion of the shoe over a heel of a user, avoiding the need for a shoe horn. In this embodiment heel wing 902 is continuous with lateral wing 906. It is noted that any or all of the sole edges can have a wing protruding without departing with the purpose of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cutout view of the back of a second footwear article showing a heel wing pocket. Sole attachment heel section 1000 substantially corresponds to the heel section 900. Heel pocket 1004 is continuous with lateral pocket 1006. Heel pocket 1004 and lateral pocket 1006 substantially correspond to heel wing 902 and lateral wing 906 respectively. Similarly but not shown a wing and pocket can be incorporated around the circumference of the sole attachment. It should be noted that it is not necessary for the wing and corresponding pockets to have exactly the same dimensions. Variation in the dimensions can be incorporated without departing from the present invention and may be preferred depending on the design of the system.

FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear article sole. Inner sole 1100 depicts a heel wing 1102 and lateral wing 1104 which protrudes past the perimeter of its base shoe. Note the flat surface 1106 as a user may prefer the base shoe to have a smooth surface as is seen in many contemporary show styles.

FIG. 12 is a bottom schematic view an isolated first footwear article sole. Textured inner sole 1200 can alternatively have a treading, grooves, traction, or pattern as depicted or the like as to have some traction but not to the extent that would be found in hiking boots or other like shoes with large grooves.

FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of an isolated first footwear article sole having additional but shallow traction. Textured inner sole 1300 shows a side view of textured inner sole 1200 so as to depict the shallow ridges forming a minimal amount of traction. Note that more traction is possible on the inner sole and that this figure is for exemplary purposes only. Deep grooves and alternate sole designs can be incorporated without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary back view of a second footwear article. Heel section 1400 is an example of a back view of a heel section of a sole attachment 1402.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of a second footwear article having additional traction. Sole attachment 1500 depicts a sole having varying grooves and ridges 1502 designed for added traction, the design of which can be varied for functional or aesthetic purposes.

FIG. 16 is a bottom schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a second footwear article. Sole attachment underside 1600 depicts an example for a sole attachment design. Cross hatching 1606 and 1608 may add stability in maneuvering in different directions as utilized in basketball sneakers where a player can turn in place and move quickly in varying directions. Straight troughs 1604 and 1610 can assist in running in a specific direction. As can be seen, the addition of the sole attachment can be very useful and adds many dimensions to a more standard base shoe in look and functionality relative to such a combination.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an alternate embodiment. System 1700 includes a slipper 1701 incorporated into a sole attachment 1706 to make the system function substantially like a basketball sneaker, running shoe, or the like. The sole attachment in the toe area 1708 is thinner than the rest of the sole attachment for functional purposes as will be discussed more thoroughly below. The heel portion 1704 of the sole attachment 1706 is thicker and extends substantially beyond the edge of the slipper 1701 providing more material for a secure attachment in the heel portion which in this embodiment is a pivotal connection point holding the sole attachment to the slipper.

FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment. Underside of sole attachment 1750 shows varying ridges and grooves that function to make the system operate substantially like a basketball sneaker, running shoe, or the like. Heel section 1752, arch section 1754, ball section 1756, and toe section 1758, can have varying designs, thicknesses, materials, traction, stretch, flexibility.

FIG. 18A is a lateral side view of the alternate embodiment. System 1800 includes a slipper 1802 having a large opening for ease of access, and a pull tab 1806 on the back end of the slipper 1802 for grip to pull the slipper 1802 over a user's heel. Toe cap 1808 has a narrow profile allowing flexibility in the toe area for various purposes such as jumping and running.

FIG. 18B is a lateral side view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 18A. Sole attachment in areas 1812, 1814, and 1816 have separate and varying design and heights to enhance the connection between the sole attachment and design purposes. As can be seen design of the sole attachment can have other functions such as connectivity and functionality. In this embodiment the material of the sole attachment is thinner at 1813, 1815, and 1817 to allow more flexibility between the sections 1812, 1814, and 1816. This allows for the connection between the slipper or shoe and the sole attachment to operate in separate parts so as to avoid accidental disengagement. If one section disengages during use, the sole attachment does not completely disengage, only the individual portion disengages, however since the other portions are still engaged continued use re-engages the disengaged portion.

FIG. 18C is a top view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 18A. The sole attachment can include its own size indicator to ensure that the correct sole attachment is used for a slipper or shoe counterpart.

FIG. 19A is a front view of the alternate embodiment and FIG. 19B is a front view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 19A. This embodiment shows how the sole attachment can add a thin and flexible frontal curved sole for assistance in running, jumping, and other movements.

FIG. 20A is a back view of the alternate embodiment and FIG. 20B. is a back view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 20A. Slipper 2000 has a gradual increase in size toward the lower end of the slipper 2002 and then the sole attachment 2006 is substantially larger adding stability.

FIG. 21A is a lateral cross section view of an alternate embodiment. System 2100 shows the slipper sole 2106 having a corresponding fit with the sole attachment 2120. The toe section 2110 in this embodiment is relatively thin and the sole attachment increases in thickness as it spans across the slipper toward the heel. In this embodiment the heel section 2125, arch section 2150, ball section 2175, and toe section 2110 vary accordingly.

FIG. 21B is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a heel section. In this embodiment Heel section 2125 bottom 2127 is thicker than the bottoms of the arch or ball section so as to provide for additional shock absorption. The side walls 2129 has a middling height providing for the ability to disengage the sole attachment on demand but still avoiding accidental disengagement.

FIG. 21C is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through an arch section. In this embodiment Arch section 2150 side walls 2154 are higher than the heel section side walls 2129 as the connection in the arch section may require a stronger connection to facilitate reduced disengagement. In this embodiment initiating disengagement of the sole attachment is not done in the arch section but the heel section exclusively. Bottom 2152 or the arch section 2150 is thinner than the heel section bottom 2127 as the arch section does not require as much shock absorption.

FIG. 21D is a cross section view of an isolated sole attachment of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 21A substantially through a ball section. In this embodiment Ball section 2175 bottom 2178 and side walls 2180 are the shortest and thinnest among the sections, however ball section 2175 is the widest. The added width of the ball section 2175 adds traction which is useful in basketball, running, and the like. In this embodiment side walls 2180 are not required to be as tall as the rest of the side walls as there is additional connection support provided by the toe section 2110, preventing accidental disengagement.

Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, its advantages and objectives can be easily understood. Variations from the description above may and can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, this invention is not to be limited by the embodiments as described, which are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

Claims

1. A footwear system, comprising:

a first footwear article configured to accept a user's foot, the first footwear article having a body and a sole attached to the body, the sole having a flange member extending past the body forming a wing; and

a second footwear article, the second footwear article comprising a sole having a raised ridge portion and a raised heel portion, the raised ridge portion and the raised heal portion forming a cavity configured to accept the wing of the first footwear article,

wherein the second footwear article is configured to be detachably attached to the first footwear article.

2. The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the first footwear article and the second footwear article form an interlocking engagement for use by a user.

3. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the wing compresses and interacts with the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion to form the interlocking engagement between the first footwear article and the second footwear article.

4. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the wing is comprised of material that compresses when force is applied to the wing, and expands when the force is removed.

5. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the raised ridge portion of the second footwear article is comprised of a material that expands to accept the wing, and contracts to support an interlocking engagement between the first footwear article and the second footwear article.

6. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form a continuous singular pocket beginning on sides of the second footwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion, wherein the continuous singular pocket is designed to accept the emergence of a proportional counterpart comprising the wing of the first footwear article.

7. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the raised ridge portion and the raised heel portion form a continuous singular pocket beginning on sides of the second footwear article and extending toward the raised heel portion, and further extending toward a medial wall, wherein the continuous singular pocket is designed to accept the emergence of a proportional counterpart comprising the wing of the first footwear article

8. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein following contact between the first footwear article and second footwear article, the first footwear wing slightly contracts while entering the cavity of the second footwear article, and then expands filling a pocket along the raised ridge and the cavity.

9. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the first footwear article and the second footwear article are resistant against accidental disengagement.

10. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the attachment and detachment of the first footwear article to or from the second footwear article is pressure activated.

11. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein detaching the second footwear article from the first footwear article is accomplished by applying pressure to the heel with a user's opposing foot and unlocking the attachment between the articles.

12. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the wing extends around the sole's lateral edge and heel.

13. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the first footwear article is selected from a group consisting of a shoe, slipper, sandal, boot, trainer, cleat, golf shoe, soccer shoe, or a combination thereof.

14. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the second footwear article expands and contracts to accept the wing of the first footwear article to assist with attaching the second footwear article to the first footwear article.

15. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the second footwear article further comprises a toe cap.

16. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the toe cap provides additional toe injury protection for the wearer.

17. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the second footwear article further comprises a strap substantially along a throat line to provide an additional support in securing the second footwear article to the first footwear article.

18. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the second footwear article acts as a shock absorber and provides superior traction compared to the sole of the first footwear article.

19. A method for attaching a first footwear article to a second footwear article, the method comprising:

providing the first footwear article and the second footwear article of claim 1;

inserting a toe portion of the first footwear article into a toe cap of the second footwear article; and

exerting downward force using at most a user's bodyweight to apply pressure near the heel of the first footwear article to insert the heel into the cavity of the second footwear article.

20. A method for removing a first footwear article from a second footwear article, the method comprising:

providing the first footwear article and the second footwear article of claim 1;

applying pressure near the heel of the first footwear article with a user's opposite foot; and

unlocking the attachment and releasing the second footwear article from the first footwear article.