Abstract: The present invention is directed to a footwear system that is customizable and offers a plurality of interchangeable base portions, upper portions, and connector elements in various styles, colors and designs, thus allowing an assortment of easily interchangeable and distinct styles of footwear in a single system. The footwear system specifically comprises an interchangeable base portion having a plurality of spaced openings and hollow receptacles formed in the base portion, an interchangeable upper portion adapted for removable attachment to the base portion where the upper portion has a plurality of spaced openings on each side end, and a plurality of interchangeable connector elements for connecting the upper portion to the base portion, where the connector elements may have decorative elements.

Abstract: This invention relates, for example, to interchangeable items of design on footwear, and particularly sneakers, which are securely fastened to the sneaker with interlocking tongue-and-groove mechanisms or other fasteners, utilizing a positive snap-on placement or similar fixation. The present invention further comprises, for example, an online availability of selection and ordering of selectable ornamentation from a menu of colors, configurations and the like.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure and at least two elements that join to form the upper and the sole structure. The elements each form a portion of the upper and a portion of the sole structure. With regard to the upper, the elements each form a strap portion that, in combination, secures a foot to the footwear. With regard to the sole structure, the elements each form a portion of the foot-supporting surface and the ground-engaging surface. The elements may be joined through a snap-fit system involving protrusions and apertures, or adhesives may be used.

Abstract: Shoes having replaceable decorative cover members whereby the style of the shoe can be changed as desired by the user. The shoe and top, side and rear covers have corresponding fasteners for releasably fixing the top cover applique to the shoe whereby the removable top can be swapped with different colors and textures to create interesting new looks using the same base shoe. Integral interior magnets also apply magnetic therapy to the foot within each shoe.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a shoe assembly having at least an outsole portion and a midsole portion, the midsole portion is removably engaged with the outsole to allow replacement of the midsole with another midsole having different structural features, and at least one projection extends from the midsole through an aperture of the outsole, the projection configured to engage with a corresponding aperture of the outsole to align and secure the midsole to the outsole.

Abstract: A changeable stripe for footwear, that can be applied to any segment of the shoe, or other clothing, or even a purse or backpack, and includes a changeable stripe that is held by means of a base, or through slots provided within the shoe, so that a pull tab connecting to the ends of the stripe can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, to change or vary the coloration or design of the shown stripe. The changeable stripe may be applied directly and integrally into the structure of the shoe component, or it may be held by an independent base structure and applied by stitching or adhesive to the shoe. Each stripe may have pivotal segments that allows for turning of a portion of a stripe, so as to display other coloration. Such changeable stripes can be applied to the surface of the shoe, can be applied over the vamp of a sandal, the vamp of a beach shoe, or to other clothing or items, as desired.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a strap and a fastener is disclosed. The article of footwear is reversible by configuring the article in two different positions.

Abstract: An article of footwear an outer sole that houses a removable inner sole. The interchangeable nature allows different uses, appearances, and configurations. The outer sole can be used as a shoe itself (e.g. a sandal) or as the sole for other transformations. Various types of footwear elements can be inserted into/over the outer sole, allowing conversion of the footwear into a sports, formal, sandal, water, slipper, dress, ornamented shoe or other footwear.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system to enable shoes with a removable swappable toe-piece which also provides for a plurality of toe-covers that matingly engage an existing shoe toe cover that may change the contour of the existing toe cover in addition to coloration changes.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a removable heel, removable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removable straps. The removable shoe provides for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeability of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

Abstract: A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Abstract: A convertible shoe includes a shoe base having shoe base surfaces; fastener structures; at least two interchangeable shoe parts removably attachable with the fastener structures to at least one of the base surfaces to selectively produce a desired shoe configuration. The shoe base preferably includes an elongate panel having substantially the shape and size of a shoe sole for a given user, and the base surfaces to which the fastener structures are secured include longitudinal panel side surfaces, panel front and rear surfaces and panel top and bottom surfaces. The shoe parts preferably include a number of shoe top structures of various configurations and a number of shoe bottom structures of various configurations.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.

Abstract: An interchangeable glove-like covering for the toe end of a woman's high heel shoe that is used to change the visual appearance of the shoe. The covering has an upper portion and a lower portion that are mated to each other so as to form a closed end and an open end in the shape of the front end of the shoe. The upper portion is used to cover the top part of the toe end of the shoe and the lower portion is used to cover the sole of the shoe at the toe end. The lower portion has a slit extending from the open end and ending before the closed end to facilitate pulling the covering over the toe end of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hygiene shoe for martial arts. The hygiene shoe is formed of a form-fitting stretchable material such as neoprene, covered by a flexible fabric on the outside and inside. An outer portion of the hygiene shoe can be formed of a first color selected to match a first belt level of martial arts and an inner portion of the hygiene shoe can be formed of a second color to match a second belt level of martial arts. The hygiene shoe is reversible for preference of the color to be worn and for extending the life of the shoe. A traction portion on the sole of the hygiene shoe comprising a first circular portion beneath the ball of the foot and a second circular portion beneath the heel of the foot connected by connecting portion beneath the outside edge of the foot provides forward movement, pivoting on the ball and heel of the foot and lateral stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear which has improved shock absorbency due to a cushioning and has superior support due to a rigid or semi-rigid orthotic plate. The orthotic plate may be removably or securably attachable to the upper, and the padding may be removably or securably attachable to the orthotic plate. The cushioning may further may have supporting blades incorporated therein to counteract any undesired deforming characteristics of the cushioning and/or a bottom plate may be securably or removably attachable to the bottom side of the cushioning. The bottom plate may also have gripping elements which are permanently or removably attachable to the plate to compensate for wear, or for a change in activities. Further, the upper may be removably and attachable and interchanged with other types of removably attachable uppers.

Abstract: Sandals, particularly sandals known as thongs or flip-flops that have removable and interchangeable uppers that allow the wearer to have a single pair of soles and multiple uppers so that they can have multiple colors and styles of sandals without having to buy and store multiple complete sandals. The sandal has a sole and an upper where the upper is comprised generally of straps forming a Y shape. The portion of the upper at the top of the Y can vary in size and design as long as the upper has at least three distinct strap ends which are used as attachment points to the sole. The front attachment point, which is at the bottom of the Y, attaches to the front of the sole using a first opening that runs from the top surface to the bottom surface in the front portion of the sole. The back attachment points are located on the top strap ends of the Y. These can be a single point on each side, or for aesthetic reasons, these points can branch out into two or more strap ends.

Abstract: The non-constrictive footwear has interchangeable foot dressings. The footwear includes sandals having soles fabricated from a soft, flexible material. The foot dressings include wraps or straps that are fabricated from materials that are stretchable, soft and breathable such as fabric used in swimsuits, bras and/or sportswear and the like. The foot dressings can be easily detached from the sole and replaced with a dressing of another color or pattern if desired. The dressings also may be accessorized with jewelry so as to stylize the dressing.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A footwear accessory system is presented. The system includes a shoe including an exterior surface upon which an individual may desire to customize. An interchangeable article is provided having an appearance that the individual desires to place on the exterior surface of the shoe. The article further includes a contour to match a contour of the exterior surface of the shoe. A means for attaching the interchangeable article to the shoe is provided. When attached to the shoe, the article remains in place during normal use of the shoe by the individual. The individual, for replacement by another interchangeable article, can easily remove the article.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements.

Abstract: A sole plate assembly comprising a sole plate with at least two or more engageable elements disposed along a peripheral portion of the sole plate, the engageable elements each being adapted to engage a complementary engageable element associated with a sole to form a male-female pair of elements that provide an interference fit that helps secure the sole plate to the sole; and a sole adapted to receive the sole plate.

Abstract: A sandal comprised of layered footwear components includes a lower base, a middle member replaceable platform which secures the straps, and an upper member replaceable insole. A hollowed out center area creates a perimeter side wall on the top of the base into which the platform is stored. A frontal (toe area) and rear (heel area) ledge crosses the toe and heel areas of the superior base horizontally. The straps are attached to a platform and secured by a present choice of a hook and loop fastener. The front and rear of the platform is eased under the front and rear ledges on the base. A midpoint lock on the platform further secures the platform to the base. A final top layer insole is secured on top of the platform and under the overlapped straps and placed into the remaining hollow area of the base hiding the shoes components. The straps and insole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot. Platforms and insoles are interchangeable to heel, flat or wedge style bases.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first part wore by wearers and a second part which includes a C-shaped resilient plate which is fixed to an underside of the first part by its top. A first pin and a second pin are respectively connected to the front end and the rear end of the resilient plate. A base includes a front end which is pivotably connected to the first pin on the resilient plate and two lugs extend from the top of the rear end of the base. Each lug has an elongate slot and the second pin is movably engaged with the two elongate slots of the two lugs. The resilient plate is moved up and down when the second pin is moved within the elongate slots of the base.

Abstract: The invention included footwear such as a shoe with at least one interior interface surface on the shoe interior, at least one exterior interface surface on the shoe exterior and a removable design strip attached to the interior interface surface and the exterior surface to provide a looped design strip. The invention also includes a kit with a shoe and a removable design strip attachable to the shoe.

Abstract: Shoes with customized side panels including hand gesture elements are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shoe can include a sole assembly and an upper coupled to the sole assembly and including a first side panel and a second side panel generally opposite the first side panel. The shoe also includes a hand gesture element on at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The hand gesture element can include any type of hand gesture that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims (37 C.F.R. 1.72(b)).

Abstract: A ladies thong sandal that has interchangeable parts so that the appearance and style of the sandal can be changed quickly and easily. When a sandal of a different color is desired, the strips can than be changed and a clip on accessory can be added to give a new look entirely to the sandal.

Abstract: A method for displaying content in a shoe system that includes a shoe having an upper includes the steps of: selecting a first region on the upper to display content and defining a first display area within the first region of the upper that permits an interior of the shoe to be visible therethrough and identifying a first area on an innerliner that is constructed to be worn on a foot inside the upper of the shoe; the first area being an area that is specifically selected in view of the location of the first display area such that when the innerliner is worn with the shoe, the first area is in registration with the first display area. The method also includes placing first content on the inner liner in the first area such that the first content is displayed area when the innerliner is worn with the shoe, thereby allowing the shoe to have different, customizable appearances depending upon the content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe for providing enhanced comfort and protection to a user's foot having a sole with a top surface, an upper placed above the top surface, an optional arch made of a single unit of malleable material and placed between the top surface and upper, and an optional metatarsal guard made of a single unit of malleable material and placed between the top surface and upper. A bootie having a bottom is removably attached to the top surface by a securing mechanism placed between the top surface and bottom of bootie. The invention also includes a method for making the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: A footwear system (S) and corresponding methods (M1) and (M2) for providing a plethora of footwear fashion options via a plurality of interchangeable components, the interchangeability of which being facilitated by structurally stable quick-coupling and quick-decoupling techniques. The system (S) includes a plurality of interchangeable uppers (100), a plurality of interchangeable heels (200), and a quick-release device (300) for easily and selectively engaging a heel (200) of the plurality of interchangeable heels (200) with an upper (100) of the plurality of interchangeable uppers (100). The quick-release device (300) has a safety feature for providing structural stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is separate from the upper and the outsole. The midsole is also positionable within the upper such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. The lower surface is at a second elevation, the first elevation being less than the second elevation.

Abstract: A clean room shoe article, e.g., shoe, boot, safety shoe, safety boot. The article has a sole region. The article has an upper particle free polymer material having a toe region and an ankle region. The upper particle free polymer material is coupled to the sole region. The upper particle free polymer material is capable of enclosing a foot of a human user. The toe region houses an entirety of toes of the human user. The article has a steel toe housing member enclosing and protecting the entirety of the toes of the human user. The article has an enclosure provided in the toe region of the upper particle free polymer material. The enclosure is adapted to house the steel toe housing member. A sealing region is provided within a vicinity of the enclosure. The sealing region is adapted to maintain the steel toe housing member within the enclosure and is also adapted to open and remove the steel toe housing member from the enclosure provided in the toe region of the upper particle free polymer member.

Abstract: A footwear system. There is: a foot covering including a sole and an upper portion permanently coupled together; a decorative member covering the upper portion; a first securing system, securing the decorative member to the upper portion, that includes a first securing member coupled to the upper portion and a second securing member coupled to the decorative member; a securing slide coupled to the decorative member to the upper portion; and a flap coupled to the decorative member, configured to conceal the securing slide. The foot covering and the decorative member include a plurality of shoe lace holes. There is also a plurality of snaps configured to couple the decorative member to the upper portion around a set of shoe lace holes; and a fastening system including an adjustable strap coupled to the underside of the decorative member and configured to constrict the decorative member against the upper portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a ladies shoe to be constructed of a heel comprising multiple heel columns each attached as desired by the user to attain the preferred heel length.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures disclose, describe and claim replaceable heel system for footwear that includes a plurality of heel bodies. The heel bodies are interchangeably and demountably connectable to footwear. A rigid orthotic plate that is positionably insertable in the footwear for distributing forces longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear. In one aspect, a compressible spring is positionable in the plurality of heel bodies to relieve pain during use of the footwear. In another embodiment opposing pressure connectable and detachable members are provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear. In an alternative aspect a flared plug and hollow receptacle are provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel includes a first fixed heel disposed on a heel bottom portion of the shoe. The fixed heel includes a first fastener disposed therein. A second removable and interchangeable heel has a cooperating second fastener disposed therein that is engageable with the first fastener to secure the removable heel to the fixed heel, thereby increasing the effective height of the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear has a sole for supporting a foot of a wearer, a first pair of wheels projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the heel, and a second pair of wheels spaced in front of the first pair and projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the arch portion of the sole. The footwear is convertible from a wheeled configuration to a non-wheeled configuration by opening a cover plate normally covering a downwardly facing, recessed region of the heel, removing the wheel axles from wheel axle mounting grooves in the recessed region, then re-closing the cover plate over the heel region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe and an interchangeable shoe cover system. The system includes a shoe having an upper with a bottom surface, a sole having an upper surface. One or more slots are defined between the bottom surface of the upper and the upper surface of the sole. The system also includes a shoe cover having at least one rigidly flexible frame member configured to engage with the one or more slots. The shoe cover also includes a cover material portion securely attached to the frame member and that is configured to be extendible into the upper portion of the shoe to secure the cover, as well as pull it taught or tension it over the outer surface of the shoe.

Abstract: In one embodiment a gaitor interface may be used to connect a gaitor to many different types of footwear. The gaitor interface provides a removable attachment between the gaitor and the shoe. One part of the gaitor interface comprises a track that can be mounted along the exterior of the shoe. The track includes a pair of elongated arms that define an interior flex track. Another part of the gaitor interface comprises a connector for attaching to the track. The connector has a bead portion that can be slid into the flex track. The interlock between the bead portion and the flex track provides a releasably secure connection between the gaitor and the shoe. In another embodiment, a convertible shoe having a removable shoe collar is provided. The removable collar may be reversible and may have different linings or covering for the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A decorative women's shoe cover made of an elastic fabric and using elastic hem strips is used to cover a shoe to change its fashion content. Elastic hem strips form an elastic foot opening to match the foot opening of the shoe. Elastic hem strips also form an elastic shank and heel opening extending from the back of the sole member to the heel of the shoe cover. Because of the elastic shank and heel opening, when the shoe is bent by normal walking use, the elastic foot opening will not separate from the shoe foot opening. Also, the shoe cover can be adhered to the shoe in selected places.

Abstract: An article of footwear an outer sole that houses a removable inner sole. The interchangeable nature allows different uses, appearances, and configurations. The outer sole can be used as a shoe itself (e.g. a sandal) or as the sole for other transformations. Various types of footwear elements can be inserted into/over the outer sole, allowing conversion of the footwear into a sports, formal, sandal, water, slipper, dress, ornamented shoe or other footwear.

Abstract: A shoe provided with an interchangeable sole includes an elevated flange (5) arranged on the longitudinal edge between the front (1?) and rear (1?) ends thereof and the interchangeable sole (4) is also provided with a longitudinal elevated flange (6) extending between the front (4?) and rear (4?) ends of the interchangeable sole (4) on the opposite side in an operating position with respect to the longitudinal flange of the shoe. The longitudinal flange (5) of the shoe and the longitudinal elevated flange (6) of the interchangeable sole (4) interact by shape with the corresponding edge of the interchangeable sole (4) of the shoe in the operating position which is maintained by quick-operating fixing devices (7). The invention is particularly usable for shoe articles, in particular for sports shoes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a footwear system that is comprised of a pair of footwear with at least one transparent, semi-transparent or translucent special display area(s) (SDA) and system of innerliners. The system of innerliners can be comprised of either at least two user interchangeable pairs of innerliners or a single pair of innerliners that can provide multiple combined appearances from the footwear, when the innerliners are switched from one foot to the other, reversed or rotated on the foot. The innerliners are specifically designed and engineered to be displayed through the footwear, and the footwear is specifically designed and engineered to display the innerliners providing an emanating effect. The present invention provides a large number of user desirable combinations of footwear with SDA and innerliners that can be created by using a footwear system comprised of footwear with at least one SDA and a system of specifically designed innerliners.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.

Abstract: A decorative vamp system for shoes. The decorative vamp system allows the appearance of the vamp of a shoe to be changed to match the clothing of the wearer. The decorative vamp system includes the shoe with a fixed vamp, a removable vamp insert, a tongue flap and a receiving lip. The removable vamp insert is held in place by the receiving lip and the tongue flap. The removable vamp insert is removable from the shoe to allow changing of the appearance of the vamp of the shoe. Additional materials can be used between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to provide a frictional force between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to further hold the removable vamp insert in place.

Abstract: Footwear incorporating a shoe tongue, or gusset, and opposite rear tab, various overlays, one or more of structure, attached to the upper end of the tongue, and may be folded over, individually, so as to disclose different coloration, appearance, or designs, upon the upper surface of the shoe tongue, to add to its aesthetics. In addition, fasteners may be used for holding the overlays onto the upper surface of the tongue, and additional fasteners, such as a strap, or pouch, may be employed adjacent the underside of the tongue, to hold the unused overlays into storage, as when not in usage.