Abstract: A cushioned insole (10) has an upper layer (12) and a lower layer (14). The layers have a toe area, a heel area, an upper surface and a lower surface. The insole has a cushion (28) disposed between the lower surface of the upper layer and the upper surface of the lower layer in the toe area of the layers. In the heel area of the layers, a tack board (30) is disposed between the upper and lower layers. A rib (40) is attached to the upper surface of the upper layer and to the lower layer by stitching, capturing the cushion therebetween and forming a peripheral margin exteriorly of the stitching. A lip (32) is formed from the upturned peripheral margin of the upper layer and is attached to the rib to add strength and reinforcement to the overall structure.

Abstract: A shoe or boot manufactured with the Goodyear welt system and a method for manufacturing same which increases the comfort and flexibility of such shoe or boot to levels which were previously unattainable in a shoe or boot manufactured according to the Goodyear welt system. The shoe or boot comprises a rigid innersole board which is pre-cut to incorporate two detachable pieces at the two key impact areas, the heel and forepart, of the shoe or boot, and maintains its structural rigidity while the Goodyear welt stitch is being applied. Once the two detachable pieces of the innersole board are detached, two cushioning pads are attached to provide maximum cushioning and comfort for the user at the key impact areas.

Abstract: A rubber footwear product and method of making such products is provided. The rubber footwear product includes a molded rubber midsole having an integrally formed raised rubber welt portion around its periphery. By molding in a compression mold, injection mold, or the like, the midsole and welt may be formed in a variety of designs and will be accurately formed in the desired size and shape. The molded midsole is made of substantially cured rubber, and is secured to an uncured rubber upper by applying an uncured rubber coating onto the midsole and then vulcanizing to form a unitary rubber footwear subassembly. To this subassembly may separately be secured a variety of compositionally different outsoles made of various materials, and having various colors, designs, and specific utilities. The outsole may be attached to the subassembly by vulcanization, by conventional shoemaking cementing processes using adhesive compositions, or by injection molding directly onto the molded midsole.

Abstract: Method for waterproofing a welted footwear construction. The footwear includes an insole rib joined to an insole. The method includes applying a sealant gel to the outer surface of the insole rib and attaching a welt and an upper to the rib by stitching with a needle. The needle carries the sealing gel into and through the needle holes formed thereby forming a water impermeable seal between the welt, the upper and the rib.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a flexible top portion of the upper, and a flexible under portion of the upper. The top portion and under portion are joined at their overlapped perimeters by handsewing or by machine stitching to form a forepart of the article of footwear and to form a seam therebetween. The seam is located closely adjacent and substantially parallel to the edge of a sole portion joined to the under portion of the forepart. In the case of handsewing, the perimeters of the top portion and the under portion are provided with apertures therethrough.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a flexible elongated vamp or front upper member having a plurality of apertures along its ends, a flexible elongated quarter or rear upper member having a plurality of apertures along its ends, a notched innersole, a flexible socklining having an expanded shape, slits along both sides of the front and rear portions thereof, and a plurality of apertures along both sides of each of the slits. The front and rear upper members are inserted into the slits in the socklining and joined therewith to form a one-piece unit by passing a thread or the like through the apertures to form a seam at each point of insertion. The peripheral portion of the expanded socklining then is wrapped around and attached to an innersole which is notched to receive the raised handsewn seams at the proper locations. Each seam is located closely adjacent and substantially parallel to the "feather line" of the shoe, i.e., the line at which a sole portion is joined to the innersole.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to forward and rearward portions of the upper on the uppers medial and lateral sides. A sole is provided having recesses adjacent the medial and lateral sides. The footwear is assembled by movement of the connecting strips in a direction perpendicular to their length and into the sole recesses. The connecting strips may alternatively contain recesses so that the connection between the upper and the strips renders the components flush.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip. In a further alternative arrangement, two separate connecting strips are used on opposite ends of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip. In a further alternative arrangement, two separate connecting strips are used on opposite ends of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an article of footwear in which an upper and a sole meet at a juncture which is covered by a foxing tape applied to the upper and sole. The foxing tape is constituted of a curable elastomeric material and is applied to the upper and sole in partially cured condition. Stitches of material are formed in the foxing tape along the length thereof when the foxing tape is partially cured and thereafter the foxing tape is fully cured with the stitches in place.