Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile element. The outer barrier may have a first portion, an opposite second portion, and an interior surface defining an interior void. The tensile element may be secured to the first portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of first bond areas and may be secured to the second portion of the outer barrier in a plurality of second bond areas. Each of the bond areas may be connected to portions of the tensile element spaced from the interior surface.

Abstract: An air-cushioned heel with the breathing function has an airbag inside the shoe outsole and recess. The airbag has a panel with a profile compliant with the recess. The bottom of the panel extends downward a plurality of wrinkled sacs. The sacs are connected with intake ducts to extend into the intake passage, and at least one exhaust duct to extend into a vent. In practice, the airbag is compressed/expanded repeatedly to produce a breathing effect, so that air inside the shoe exchanges with the ambient environment. Moreover, the wrinkled sacs can effectively enhance the elastic restoring force of the airbag, to increase the efficiency of the air exchange. It also avoids the drawbacks of elastic fatigue and collapse due to prolonged use of the airbag.

Abstract: A foot support system includes two or more pairs of insoles where each pair of insoles has physical properties different from the next pair of insoles, such as camber (side-to-side tilt). The user wears one pair of insoles for a set period of time before replacing it with the next consecutive insole in a serial order. Each pair of insoles has medial arches that are the same in height, that height varying from one pair of insoles to the next. Each insole comprises a base, a medial arch support, and a cover. Additional embodiments may include a heel cup for more secure fit.

Abstract: Footwear, insoles, inserts, kits and methods effective for acclimating a user's foot to a different heel-toe ramp and/or foot strike pattern are provided. Footwear, insoles, inserts and kits of the present disclosure have a region of adjustable thickness which allows the user to gradually change the heel-toe ramp of the user's foot, and/or gradually adapt to a new foot-strike pattern. Regions of adjustable thickness may include a layered pad, inserts of varying thicknesses which may be used with the footwear or insert, or a material having a thickness which changes with the rate of applied force.

Abstract: A foamed article is made by infusing the article of thermoplastic elastomer including a nonpolar component with a supercritical fluid, then removing the article from the supercritical fluid and either (i) immersing the article in a heated fluid or (ii) irradiating the article with infrared or microwave radiation.

Abstract: A ball-of-foot type shoe insert has two regions with different compressibility characteristics, illustratively created by using polyurethane foam of difference densities, in a front region which, when the insert is positioned in a shoe, will underlie the toes of a wearer, and a rear region which, when positioned in a shoe, will underlie the ball of the foot. The front region is less compressible so that the toes in combination with the insert fill-up the toe box, thereby preventing the foot from sliding forward so that the anatomical heel of the wearer fits naturally in the heel of a shoe that is too big for the wearer.

Abstract: An arch support insole includes a basic body made from soft flexible material having a top surface, a palm support portion and an arch support portion, wherein the palm support portion has a rear part, a front part with a width gradually increased from said rear part, an arched lateral side conforming to an arch of human foot, a topmost planar surface and a curved side surface gradually descending from the topmost planar surface. The topmost planar area is spaced apart from the top surface of the basic body at 7 mm˜9 mm. The arch support portion surrounds the rear part and the curved side surface of the palm support portion, has an upwardly curved top surface with a topmost point which is spaced from the top surface of the basic body at 1 mm˜4 mm.

Abstract: A multi-function ventilated insole is provided with an elastic airbag disposed within a heel and including upper and bottom layer sections; a check valve on the rear of the elastic airbag; two spaced channels each extending from the elastic airbag to a plantar arch portion, each channel including vent holes disposed from a front end to an intermediate portion, and a rear concealed tunnel extending to communicate with one outlet; a flexible main support in the top layer section; two spaced flexible auxiliary supports in the top layer section and contacting both sides of the main support; recesses on top of a front portion of the insole, each recess having a knob; a curve protrusion on the insole; a protuberance on the insole between the front ends of the channels; and a cavity on the insole between the protrusion and the protuberance.

Abstract: An arch support insole includes a basic body made from soft flexible material having a top surface, a heel support portion in form of crescent moon shape and projecting upward from the top surface and a palm support portion in front of the heel support portion. The heel support portion has two distal ends that gradually increase in thickness toward a center area thereof thereby forming a curved surface with an apex at the center area which is spaced from the top surface of the basic body at 5 mm˜9 mm and wherein the palm support portion has an upwardly curved top surface with a topmost point which is spaced from the top surface of the basic body at 1 mm˜6 mm.

Abstract: A insole with a seahorse reinforcing element is a combination of a soft insole and harder reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is integrally formed with a transverse arch support having the shape similar to the seahorse mouth and crown, an medial longitudinal arch support having the shape of the seahorse vertical body, and a heel support having the shape of the seahorse hooked tail. By strengthening the support of the insole, the invention can prevent discomfort in the transverse arch and the medial longitudinal arch due to sinking. At the same time, the invention reinforces the support for the starting position of walking, thereby saving user's efforts.

Abstract: An insole advantageous for arthritic or diabetic patients comprises three layers and provides an arch support and an integral heel receiving area. The insole has a generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom layer's bottom surface preferably comprises one to three indentations formed integrally therein and is preferably made of an EVA foam. Insert layers are secured to each of said indentations. A middle layer having a first and second side is secured to the bottom layer's top surface adjacent the middle layer's second side and is preferably made of a synthetic rubber layer. The middle layer takes the shape of the bottom layer. A top layer is coextensive with and secured to the middle layer's first side. The top layer composition is selected according to the intended use.

Abstract: A composite shell for an upper may include a base layer and a fiber-reinforced layer. The base layer may comprise a mesh or other type of textile material and may extend at least over sides of a generally foot-shaped interior region of the upper. The fiber-reinforced layer may be at least partially bonded to the base layer. The fiber-reinforced layer may extend at least from a lower portion of the base layer generally corresponding to a footbed perimeter to at least a top portion of the base layer generally corresponding to part of an instep region. The fiber-reinforced layer may include a plurality of strips extending from the lower portion to the top portion, the strips separated by inter-strip gaps in the fiber-reinforced layer.

Abstract: A lacing system for footwear of a type having a pair of spaced-apart flaps that are pulled together by tightening a lace includes a plurality of lace-receiving elements which are attachable to the flaps at multiple locations which allows the user to tailor the location of the lace-receiving elements to obtain a comfortable fit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of custom-fitting footwear, the method including receiving a fillable bag insert into footwear and receiving solidifying material into the fillable bag insert. The method further includes continuing to receive the solidifying material until a space between an interior portion of the footwear and a user's footspace is substantially filled.

Abstract: A securing strap for a shoe is provided that may comprise a band comprising an elastic material, the band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe; an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising, an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap.

Abstract: A shoe cleat for installation on a non-cleated shoe provides a disk shaped base having opposing surfaces with a ground surface engaging protuberance on one base surface, and a threaded sole engaging screw on the opposing base surface. A cleat wrench releasably engages with outer peripheral configuration of the surface engage protuberance and allows the cleat to be threadably engaged in a shoe sole by a user.

Abstract: An article of footwear for a prosthesis is provided and may include an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The article of footwear may also include a cavity having a first portion defined between the upper and the midsole that receives the prosthesis when the prosthesis is inserted into the article of footwear and a second portion having a constant dimension between the upper and the midsole along the length of the second portion. The second portion may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the midsole and may receive a distal end of the prosthesis when the prosthesis is fully inserted into the article of footwear.

Abstract: An improved article of footwear of the invention includes an upper, an adjustable closure system affixed to the upper, the closure system having a guide member having a first groove portion and a second groove portion, a fastening member positioned opposite the guide member and having at least two tensioning members, and removable cable assembly connecting the guide member and the fastening member, wherein the cable assembly extends sequentially through the first groove portion of the guide member, a first tensioning member of the fastening member, the second groove portion of the guide member, and a second tensioning member of the fastening member, a bottom secured to the upper, a stabilizing member positioned between the upper and the bottom, wherein the stabilizing member has a base portion and at least one of a lateral support portion and a medial support portion extending upwardly from opposing sides of the base portion.

Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear system is disclosed, which includes a shell having an inner cavity and at least one recessed area offset from an inner surface of the shell, and a chassis having one or more components adapted to protect a user's foot from injury. In one embodiment, the chassis is insertable into the inner cavity of the shell, such that the one or more components of the chassis are securely retained (e.g., permanently affixed) within the at least one recessed area of the shell. Methods of forming the aforementioned footwear system using expandable materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to shoes including sole elements having a cambered profile. An example sole element includes a midsole having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, the midfoot portion including a longitudinal arch including a medial longitudinal arch portion and a lateral longitudinal arch portion, wherein the longitudinal arch is at least partially elevated above a ground surface in an unloaded condition and deforms towards a ground surface and elongates longitudinally in a loaded condition.

Abstract: A heel stabilizer for use with human footwear that reduces or eliminates upward movement of the heel within footwear is disclosed herein. The heel stabilizer preferably includes two gripping portions or parts that grip the heel on the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot, preferably above the widest part of the heel. The heel stabilizer may be integrated directly into footwear. Alternatively, the heel stabilizer may be a separate insert that can be inserted into footwear.

Abstract: A heel stabilizer for use with human footwear that reduces or eliminates upward movement of the heel within footwear is disclosed herein. The heel stabilizer preferably includes two gripping portions or parts that grip the heel on the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot, preferably above the widest part of the heel. The heel stabilizer may be integrated directly into footwear. Alternatively, the heel stabilizer may be a separate insert that can be inserted into footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use before and after a pedicure including a toe separator, strap securing mechanisms and an offset toe stem adapter end for connecting straps of footwear to the foot without compromising or damaging pedicured toenails.

Abstract: The shoe cover of the present invention provides protection from hot materials falling onto a shoe during work activities. Welding, and other industrial activities, can lead to molten material or sparks damaging the shoe and may lead to workplace injury. The shoe cover of the present invention provides convenient, attractive and comfortable protection from this workplace hazard. The present invention comprises a heat resistant sheet of material that is easily attached and removed from the shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes a hook that attaches to a lace at the toe end of the shoe and clips to the shoe at the heel end. The shoe cover of the present invention can be molded to conform to the shape of the shoe, thereby providing additional protective coverage and limiting the possibility of snagging or shifting during work activities.

Abstract: A ballet technique shoe has a forefoot piece and a heel piece connected by an elastic gusset, and has an elastic drawstring sleeve around the opening of the shoe which contains an elastic drawstring. An opening in the elastic drawstring sleeve is located on the side of the shoe near the ankle so that the drawstring is tied at the side area of the foot. The shoe includes an outsole and a shock absorbing insole.

Abstract: An automatically girth-adjustable shoe construction wherein the effective girth of the shoe is controlled by longitudinally elastic fabric tape means that adjust to the girth of the wearers foot while holding it relatively centered transversely in the shoe at all girth adjustments thereof.

Abstract: The utility “Irradiant projective optical footwear” comprises a footwear containing state of prior art per se known elements, such elements: A) with conmixed irradiant, projective, imager and screen display capabilities, said elements having the characteristic of being removable attachable-detachable, said elements located: i) in the sole (10), ii) on the rear part (14), iii) on the heel, iv) on the front tip (15), and; B) the rechargeable energizer (7, 8), with built in irradiant projective imager display (9) with screen capabilities (21), and also transmitter-receiver audio-phonic capabilities as per se known elements.

Abstract: Shoes with interchangeable heels. The assembly includes a sole having a toe end and a heel end. At the heel end, a heel attachment slide capture feature is provided. The heel attachment slide capture feature includes opposing first and second wedge portions forming a partial V-shaped passageway therebetween. The partial V-shaped passageway may decrease in width from the heel end toward the toe end. First and second heels are provided, each having a heel body, an upper end, and a lower end, and a locking slide portion sized and shaped complementary to the slide capture feature, for secure engagement therewith. The locking slide portion may further includes a nose portion having a detent, configured for use with a quick disconnect latch to provide releasable locking engagement between the sole and a heel of selected height, such as a high heel, low heel, or medium height heel.

Abstract: Footwear includes a base member including a outsole and at least of a portion of an upper rigidly secured to the outsole, a first footbed including an insole securable to the base member with at least a portion of the first footbed located within the portion of the upper, and a second footbed including an insole securable to the base member with at least a portion of the second footbed located within the portion of the upper rigidly secured to the outsole. The first and second footbeds are interchangeably secured to the base member by a snap lock connection formed by a plurality protrusions that resiliently snap into a plurality of cooperating recesses to form an interlock to selectively form different configurations of the footwear. The first and second footbeds can each include another portion of the upper.

Abstract: Modular shoe systems include an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and several midsole inserts. Each midsole insert is positionable in overlying relationship with the outsole and can operatively engage the outsole to form an assembled shoe. The outsole can include a receptacle, such as a depression or opening, configured to receive a protrusion in the midsole insert. Multiple midsole pieces can be cooperatively engaged to form the midsole insert. The midsole pieces are selected based on their properties and the needs of the user. Methods for customizing a shoe include selecting a midsole insert based on a property and positioning the midsole insert in overlying relationship with the outsole to operatively engage the midsole insert and outsole. The midsole insert can be removed and a different midsole insert can be selected and positioned based on another property. The midsole insert(s) can be assembled using several midsole pieces.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell with a heel portion for receiving the heel of the foot; an ankle portion for receiving the ankle, the ankle portion comprising a rear portion for facing at least partially the lower part of the Achilles tendon; and medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively. The skate boot also comprises a tendon guard extending upwardly from the ankle portion of the outer shell for facing at least partially the upper part of the Achilles tendon, the tendon guard comprising a recess for receiving an insert. The tendon guard has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the recess and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the recess. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper attached to the outsole. The upper has a heel portion, a vamp portion, and two quarter portions, and defines a foot opening. A resilient heel support member is retained within a first channel that extends through the upper and lines a part of the foot opening in the heel portion of the upper. The heel support member is configured to support the upper such that the article of footwear retains its shape.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides footwear construction that includes a foot securing mechanism that provides improved fit without resulting in footwear that is substantially more difficult or time consuming to put on and take off. In one embodiment the footwear is a slip-on boot having both an instep hold down system and a heel retaining system. In the depicted embodiment both systems can be activated by a single mechanism exposed on the outside of the boot. Related methods and additional embodiment are also provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure having an outer periphery and one or more pontoons flexibly and resiliently joined to the sole structure. The pontoons are configured to spread laterally when the footwear is loaded to thereby increase the surface area of the sole structure and elastically retract back to an original position when the footwear is unloaded. The increased surface area of the sole reduces sinking of the footwear in soft, loose or saturated ground. Optionally, the sole structure includes paddle blades.

Abstract: A energy sole including a base structure extending a length of a shoe sole, a flexion extending from the base structure, a toe arm extending forward from the flexion, and a heel arm extend rearward from the flexion.

Abstract: A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion.

Abstract: A shoe is configured to be worn on a user's foot and includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The midsole includes a platform and a lattice integrally formed with the platform. The platform has a toe portion, a heel portion, a medial portion, and a lateral portion arranged to align with the user's foot. The lattice extends from the platform and includes a plurality of crisscrossing laths. Each lath has a longitudinal structure with a longitudinal axis and two ends. The laths are positioned in at least a first zone and a second zone in the lattice, and each lath in the first zone has a girth that is substantially different from a girth of each lath in the second zone.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a body configured to receive a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear. A temperature regulation system is supported by the body. The temperature regulation system includes a reservoir containing a temperature regulating fluid configured to receive heat from the foot of the wearer. The reservoir is configured to be compressed between the foot of the wearer and the body to discharge the temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir. The temperature regulation system further includes a heat-dissipating portion receiving the temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir. The heat-dissipating portion is configured to permit the temperature regulating fluid to dissipate heat received from the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper component and an outersole including a heel portion and a ball portion. The heel portion and the ball portion include a recess configured to receive a ladder rung therein.

Abstract: a skate boot for receiving a wearer's foot comprising: a monocoque skate boot body comprising a heel portion; a toe box portion; a sole portion; an ankle portion; a lower Achilles tendon portion located directly above the heel portion; an upper Achilles tendon portion for receiving a tendon guard; an eyelet cuff portion, the eyelet cuff portion houses the eyelet holes, through which eyelets are installed, through which a lace is utilized to tighten the skate boot to the wearer's foot. Also included, a liner portion, integrated into the monocoque skate boot body, comprised of foam for cushioning the wearer's foot, bonded to a material layer for providing comfort against the wearer's skin, an outer shell bonded and stitched to the outer surface of the monocoque skate boot body, a tendon guard secured to the upper Achilles tendon portion with freedom to adjust the position, and a tongue attached to the toe box portion with freedom to adjust the position.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell including medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Each of the medial and lateral side portions has an upper edge. The skate boot also comprises a lace member mounted to either of the upper edges of the medial and lateral side portions. The lace member has at least one opening for receiving an insert. The lace member has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the at least one opening and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the at least one opening. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: A skate boot having an outer shell and a toe cap. The outer shell has medial and lateral side portions having front medial and lateral end portions. The toe cap has rear medial and lateral extensions defining medial and lateral hollow spaces. The front medial and lateral side end portions of the outer shell are at least partially received in the medial and lateral hollow spaces of the toe cap for affixing the toe cap to the outer shell.

Abstract: A snowshoe having a binding for a downhill ski boot on a binding platform which can pitch, i.e., rotate about a transverse axis of the snowshoe. The binding platform is supported on a front strap which is attached to the sides of the framework for the snowshoe, which is of sufficient flexibility to pitch and, preferably, roll, i.e., rotate about the longitudinal axis of the framework. Decking between the binding platform and the framework has a front aperture to permit the binding platform to pitch and roll; is of such length as to permit extension of the framework, which is made possible by having the framework be a tubes separated on its first and second sides and containing an insertable tube in the areas of the separations; and has such flexibility as to enable the decking to fold underneath the binding platform when the tube of the framework is unextended.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper, an outsole defining an opening, a midsole attached to said outsole and defining an opening and a support plate defining a recessed area having a pair of elongated openings, where the support plate is attached to the midsole and the pair of elongated openings are aligned with the openings in the midsole and the outsole. A fastening plate is seated in the support plate and includes non-threaded openings aligned with the elongated openings of the support plate and the openings of the midsole and the outsole. A cleat assembly is removably connected to a designated position on the outsole by inserting threaded ends of a pair of fasteners through the non-threaded openings of the fastening plate, the elongated openings of the support plate, the openings of the midsole and the outsole and into threaded engagement with the cleat assembly.

Abstract: A shoe hook that attaches to a shoe for unloading a hand truck is provided. The shoe hook includes a body portions having a front end, a rear end, a first side, and a second side. The front end may include a curved hook curving towards the rear end. The shoe hook is attached to a shoe. While unloading the hand truck, the shoe hook may be placed around the hand truck axle, and a user may pull the hand truck backwards using their foot.

Abstract: A load support device includes a first link coupled to a load. A second link is configured to couple to footwear. The second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. The first and second link comprise a link assembly. A first compliant member is disposed between the load and the second link. The first compliant member includes a tension spring or a compression spring. The link assembly further includes a tension cable coupled to the first compliant member. A first actuator is coupled to the first compliant member to control a stiffness of the first compliant member. A sensor is configured to couple to a user to measure a physical state of the user. A control system controls the first actuator based on a gait activity. The first actuator is actuated based on the physical state of the user. The load support device is tuned based on the load.