Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole for supporting a foot, a forefoot cover, and a rear heel support. The sole has a top surface, a toe side, a heel portion, and a sidewall. The sidewall of the sole has an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The convertible sandal further includes a forefoot cover, which is securely attached to the sole and extends over the toe side of the top surface of the sole. The forefoot cover is preferably in the form of a thong, but alternatively may be in the form of a slide, a vamp, a foot strap, a sock, or a clog. The convertible sandal also includes a rear heel support member securely attached to the sole. The rear heel support is capable of being set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole.

Abstract: A shoe (10) which has a sole (12) with a toe portion (14), a heel portion (16) and an arch portion (18) located between them. A two part heel (20) which has a low heel block (22) attached to the heel portion of the sole and includes a slot (42) formed therein. A high heel extension piece (24) is attached to the low heel block through a support beam (38) having a substantially rectangular cross-section. The support beam (38) is capable of limited axial and pivotal movement within slot. The dimensions of the support beam (38) and the slot (42) prevent rotational movement of the high heel extension piece (24) about its central axis. The high heel extension piece (24) can be pivoted relative to the sole (12) between a first position wherein it underlies and is in alignment with the low heel block (22) and a second position wherein it lies substantially beneath the arch portion (18) of said sole.

Abstract: This invention discloses an interchangeable midsole for use in the manufacture of shoes. The embodiments of the invention allow for greater rigidity, durability, and comfort for shoes to be used in every day life and in extreme sports as well as impact and abrasion protection for the wearer's feet, no matter what the wearer is doing. One or more embodiments of the invention are adapted to provide skateboard riders with increased durability and comfort in their riding shoes. Furthermore, because the novel midsole design is interchangeable among various shoe soles and uppers, the manufacturer is able to adapt various shoe designs and configurations around the common midsole.

Abstract: A multiple dimensional sandal having a multi-positional strap includes a sole having a heel portion, a forefoot portion, a lateral side and a medial side. A sandal includes a first strap portion having a fixed position with respect to the sole, and a pair of convertible strap portions having moveable positions with respect to one another and to the sole. The convertible strap portions are selectively positionable to define at least three sandal strap configurations. In a first configuration, the convertible strap portions coextend along the first strap portion to define a thong type sandal. In a second configuration, the convertible strap portions extend over the instep of the user's forefoot to define a thong sandal with an instep strap. In a third configuration, the convertible strap portions extend around the back of the heel to define a thong sandal having a heel strap.

Abstract: A modular footwear construction includes an upper with a removable outsole. The upper and the outsole both include bottoms having tread surfaces. A removable footbed fits inside the upper, and includes both a cushioning midsole and a structural plate. The outsole is removably secured to the upper without adhesives. In one embodiment, the midsole and the plate each have structure that enables a mechanical interlock therebetween. In another embodiment, a heel strap extends from the outsole and fits over a protrusion on the upper to removably secure the outsole to the upper.

Abstract: An article of clothing for example a shoe (10) has a plurality of decorative appliqués (12) secured thereon via hook and loop fasteners (20, 22).

Abstract: A convertible shoe includes a sole assembly having a forward end and a rearward end and including an outer sole receivable upon a walking surface, an inner sole to receive a foot of a wearer thereon, a toe section proximate the forward end, and a heel section proximate the rearward end. A convertible section is attached to the sole assembly, which moves between a retracted position revealing one of the toe and heel sections, and a deployed position opposing the one of the toe and heel sections. A recess formed into the sole assembly is provided to receive the convertible section in the deployed position.

Abstract: A modular shoe is provided by a two part shoe design. A first part is an internal support structure that includes a midsole portion and a heel counter. A second part is a removable cover that is configured to accept a specific size internal support structure to provide internal support to the soft material and outsole which comprise the cover. Various cover designs are configured to accept a single size internal support structure thereby providing for interchangeable cover and a plurality of shoe designs all sharing a single internal support structure. The removable cover takes substantially less packing space that supported shoe, thereby requiring reduced storage for a traveler packing several shoe designs all sharing a single internal support.

Abstract: Footwear having removable straps is disclosed herein. More specifically, the footwear disclosed herein includes a removable strap assembly having concealed releasable connection means for attaching to the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removable and/or replaceable liners for use in a wide variety of footwear. Liners may be permanently connected to the collar of the shoe, or may be semi-permanently attached for easy removal from the collar. The liners can be quickly removed from the interior of the shoe using any number of disengagement devices. Removing the liner from within the shoe permits rapid drying of the liner when it becomes wet due to moisture generated by the foot within the shoe or from external environmental conditions. Semi-permanently attached liners can be detached for cleaning or for replacement by another liner depending on the needs of the wearer. Disengagement means can be provided in conjunction with the liner, which enable the wearer to easily pull the liner out of the shoe.

Abstract: An open shoe, such as a slipper, sandal and the like, comprising a sole with which an insole and an upper are associated. The insole has part of its edges engaged in a corresponding recess, which is provided as an undercut on the upper perimetric side wall of the sole and is formed by an inward rim, which is perimetric and has, for each side of the sole, a discontinuity for guiding insertion of the edges of the insole in the inward lip. The discontinuities are located at at least part of the regions of the side wall where the upper connects.

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 novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe that can be easily, but significantly, changed. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with an upper ankle portion that has an elongate length that extends upwardly from the shoe sole. The length of the ankle portion allows a top part of the ankle portion to be folded downwardly over a bottom part of the ankle portion to produce a first appearance of the shoe. The top part of the ankle portion can be unfolded to extend upwardly from the bottom part of the ankle portion to produce the second appearance of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a first sole including a lip having a plurality of bores from top to bottom of the first sole, the plurality of bores of the lip are spaced apart and disposed around its perimeter, wherein the plurality of bores receive a lace that extends through the plurality of bores for receiving a wearer's foot, and a second sole, wherein the first sole and the second sole are dimensioned and shaped so that the second sole is removably engaged with the first sole.

Abstract: A shoe includes a toe section fabricated of a plurality of ribs which are pivotally movable relative the sole and support a flexible panel. The toe section is movable between an extended position to enclose the toes of the foot of a wearer and wherein the several ribs are circumferentially spaced and a retracted position in which the toes of the foot are exposed and the ribs reside mutually adjacent. Also provided is a heel section including a plurality of ribs supporting a flexible panel and movable between an extended position in which the heel of the foot is at least partially enclosed and a retracted position in which the heel is exposed.

Abstract: A footwear item takes the form of a flip-flop or a slipper style of footwear. It is configured to be rolled or folded into a packaged configuration and later unrolled or unfolded into a wearing or unpackaged configuration. In one embodiment, the footwear item may serve as temporary footwear to obtain relief from uncomfortable shoes. The footwear item includes a sole member and an attachment member for coupling or attaching the footwear item to a person's foot. The attachment member may be mechanically coupled to, integrally formed with, or otherwise connected to the sole member. During use, the footwear item helps to keep a bottom of a person's foot clean and substantially protected from the ground or other foot contact surface. The small footprint of the footwear item in the packaged configuration permits it to be easily stored and readily usable in a variety of environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially a sports shoe, comprising a sole (2) and a shoe upper part (3) linked therewith, the sole (2) having a receptacle (4) in which a damping element (5) is detachably arranged. The aim of the invention is to improve the cushioning and damping behavior of the shoe. According to the Invention, the receptacle (4) substantially or completely extends through the sole (2) at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the shoe (1) and the detachably mounted damping element (5) is constituted of a plate-type base (6) that comprises a plurality of recesses (7) in which damping parts (8) can be disposed. The recesses (7) in the damping element (5) extend across the entire height (H) of the damping element (5) in the vertical direction (V).

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an ankle support, and a sole structure. The upper receives a foot of an individual and includes a tab that is convertible from a folded first position to an extended second position. The ankle support is configured to extend around an ankle of the individual, and the ankle support is positioned proximal the tab. The sole structure is secured to the upper. The footwear is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The tab is in the folded first position and separate from the ankle support in the first configuration, and the tab is in the extended second position and joined with the ankle support in the second configuration.

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: A shoe has a thin cavity in the bottom surface of its sole which releasably receives a thin sole plate. The sidewall of the cavity includes flaps which extend into the cavity. The sole plate has depressions which receive the flaps when the sole plate is placed in the cavity and pushed past the flaps.

Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole, a forefoot cover, and heel strap. The forefoot cover is securely attached to the sole and extends over the forefoot portion of the sole. The heel strap is linked to the sole and extends over the heel portion of the sole. Further, the sole includes a sidewall having an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The heel strap is adapted to be set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole. As such, a user has the option of using the heel strap to secure his heel to the heel portion of the sandal, or alternatively setting the heel strap within the interlocking section of the sidewall and thereafter using the sandal in a “flip-flop” style.

Abstract: The shoe strap changing system of the present invention consists of a base shoe, which includes an upper and a sole. The sole includes a slot, which has a height, a width extending from near the heel portion of the sole across the middle portion of the sole toward the toe portion of the sole, and a depth extending from the medial side of the sole to the lateral side of the sole. The position and size of the slot enables various size straps to encircle the upper of the base shoe, thereby providing stability for the user's foot and versatility of the appearance of the base shoe. Since the slot accommodates various size straps, the base shoe may form the basis for a shoe strap changing system. A user can remove a first strap from the base shoe, and place a second strap through the slot. The second strap may have the same or different characteristics of the first strap.

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: The present invention relates to a message-bearing apparatus or method of communicating a message for footwear and, in particular, to a color/pattern/picture coordinated message bearing method for wear inside footwear that carries a preprinted inspirational message on one side of the apparatus as well as a picture relating to the message in the background of the same side with the text.

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: A modular shoe system comprises a basic shoe with first snap-on devices mounted on its outer surface, and add-on parts with second snap-on devices mounted thereon. The second snap-on devices have a shape complementary to that of the first snap-on devices so that, when pressed against each other, the first and second snap-on devices attach to each other. A modular shoe system comprising a basic shoe with first snap-on devices mounted on its outer surface, functional add-on parts with first and second snap-on devices mounted thereon for attaching the add-on parts to the basic shoe or to other add-on parts, and decorative add-on parts with second snap-on devices for attaching to the basic shoe or to functional add-on parts.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to interchangeable decorative straps and strips for usage in combination with a footwear. The decorative straps and strips are secured to the exterior surface of the footwear by a loop and hook [VELCRO] fastener. This allows a user to wear a single pair of footwear with a variety of outfits by changing the overall physical appearance of the footwear with an assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips. The assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips consists of various trimming-type decorations, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers and colored fabrics or ribbons. Each of the assorted straps or strips is designed to coordinate with, i.e., to be aesthetically pleasing with, a variety of outfits so that the footwear may be used in conjunction with a number of different outfits.

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: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: A sandal comprising a sole having a plurality of lace holes, grooves, and rings used for arranging at least one lace in a variety of styles when securing the sandal to the foot of the wearer. In other embodiments, the lace can be illuminated and the sole can have multiple layers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sole for bowling shoes in which a slip plate is detachably attached at the front portion of a bottom face thereof and a heel part is detachably attached at the back portion of the bottom face thereof, the sole for bowling shoes comprising: a fixing plate having a protecting rim formed integrally therewith along the outside edge of each of the front and back portions of the bottom face, the fixing plate having a coupling groove formed at the inside of the protecting rim; and a separating plate fixedly attached at the slip plate and the heel part, respectively, the separating plate having a coupling protrusion formed correspondingly to the coupling groove of the fixing plate.

Abstract: A set of shoes for use by members of a team. The shoes allow for a uniform appearance in a team environment by way of substantially similar uppers, while providing individualized performance specifications, with respect to support and breathability, for each upper. The substantially similar appearance of the upper may be due to material overlays, stitch patterns, color scheme and/or perforations and may be based on team criteria. The uppers are materially different from each other due to internal or external supports, material types and/or breathability. The substantially similar upper provides a uniform appearance for the team. The individualized performance specifications of each upper provide the comfort, performance and/or safety preferences desired by each player.

Abstract: A medical shoe for use in supporting a patient's foot and a method of using same, the medical shoe comprising an out sole, an upper assembly secured to and partially surrounded by the out sole and an insole assembly substantially enclosed by the outsole and the upper assembly. The outsole having a base portion generally corresponding with the plantar aspect of a human foot and of varying thickness and having a substantially rectangular opening in a top surface of the base portion thereof adapted for accommodating a metatarsal shank. The out sole having a circumferential counter portion extending upward circumferentially from the top surface of the base portion thereof around the base portion of the outsole thereby providing a cavity in the outsole. The upper assembly adapted to surround at least the heel, sides and dorsal portions of the human foot.

Abstract: A convertible article of footwear has a primary article of footwear and a sandal that is removably inserted into the primary article of footwear. The primary article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper attached to the outsole. The sandal includes at least one strap. When the sandal is inserted into the primary article of footwear, it is disposed above the outsole, and forms a midsole of the primary article of footwear. When the sandal is removed from the primary article of footwear, the sandal can be worn independently of the primary article of footwear.

Abstract: The sandal with interchangeable upper includes a sole portion and an instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is attached to the sole portion using at least one pair of side hooks. These side hooks are sized and shaped to removably engage a pair of hook engagers located in the sole portion. The hook engagers are moved from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position by at least one engager actuator. The side hooks and hook engagers may be vertically or horizontally oriented. An alternative instep enclosing has a toe-separating portion secured to the sides and front of the sole portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment mechanism and system used to accessorize, ustomize and/or personalize footwear with interchangeable uppers or straps, especially open shoes and sandals. More particularly, this invention presents a safe, secure and easy system for the attachment and detachment of shoe uppers and straps to shoes and sandals. This invention allows both the manufacturer and wearer to promote and display fashion and theme material of their own choosing, with the freedom to change the material or message without having to change footwear. The invention comprises a releasable fastener that connects a retainer, secured with the sole of the footwear, to an upper or strap. The releasable fastener is comprised of an upper and lower bar or metal loop, each loop carried on a barrel, the barrels interlocking with each other in a sliding engagement and held in the closed or engaged position by a magnet or by a biasing member.

Abstract: The shoe with interchangeable covers is a modified pair of women's shoes consisting of a base, a sole with a removable heel, and a cover which is attached to the base and the sole with two sets of straps joining under the sole and fastened together with hook and loop type fasteners. The base of the shoe features a layer of padding for extra comfort and low rising vertical sides for supporting the interchangeable cover. The sole of the shoe is formed with a pair of notches on the bottom, one in the toe area and one in the arch area. These notches serve as guides into which the straps are placed and secured to one another. The cover can be made in various styles from dressy and elegant to casual and sporty by adding decorative items, such as zippers, buttons, bows, and the like and by varying the heel height and width. The interchangeable covers and heels allow the owner to have numerous pairs of shoes for the price of one.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole member, at least one heel member, a front securing member, and optionally a forward tread member. Each heel member includes a column portion having a predetermined height and a blade portion having a predetermined slope. Each blade portion's slope corresponds to the respective column portion's height for providing a proper amount of arch support for a user's foot. The sole member has an arch region made of a flexible material that defines a sleeve for selectively receiving each respective blade portion. Each blade portion includes a flange extending longitudinally therealong, and the sleeve defines a complementary groove. When the sleeve receives a respective blade portion, the blade portion provides shape and structural support for the sole member. Means for releasably attaching the respective column portion to the sole member are utilized, and the front securing member may secure the sole member to the user's foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for removably placing a pad on a shoe, including a bottom surface of the shoe, a pad secured to the bottom surface, an extension extending from the pad, the extension being secured to the bottom surface, and wherein the extension facilitates removal or application of the pad to the bottom surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a flexible cover shaped to envelope at least a portion of a wearer's foot. The cover has a sole region with inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface positioned to face the sole of the wearer's foot and the outer surface positioned to face in an opposite direction. The cover also has a plurality of apertures formed in the sole region. The article further includes a removable outsole nested within the cover. The outsole has an upper surface positioned to face the sole of the wearer's foot, a lower surface facing the inner surface of the cover sole region, and a plurality of lugs on the lower surface which protrude into the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.

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: There is provided an article of footwear having a thematical a toe box cover. The toe box cover may be removably coupleable to a primary shoe element in which the toe box cover has an ornamental sculptured work simulating the appearance of another and different article. A covering system for an article of footwear, includes a themed cover adapted to cover at least a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer. The themed cover may include a flange provided for removably coupling the themed cover to the article of footwear and the flange is disposed on bottom periphery of the themed cover. Further, a plurality of interchangeable footcovers bears different three-dimensional ornamental simulations within a common theme relating to another article of manufacture. There is also provided a method of marketing an article of manufacture with an article of footwear, in which the article of manufacture is different from the article of footwear.

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 height adjustable flexible shoe including a shoe upper portion having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a body portion therebetween. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving a foot therein. The closed lower end has a toe portion and a back portion. The back portion has a first heel portion extending downwardly therefrom. The body portion is comprised of an adjustable elastomeric material. A second heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the first heel portion of the shoe upper portion. A third heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the second heel portion. The first, second, and third heel portions are of substantially equal heights to provide significant control over the inclination of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe, sandal, beach shoe, or other form of footwear, integrates a slot within its sole structure, as this footwear is assembled, and within the slot is a continuous band, that may form part of the shoe vamp, strapping, or related structure, and which vamp or band may be turned, for displaying different coloration or designs, texture, or means for providing support, massaging, or stimulation, of the foot, as through interiorly protruding tips, or to form and dispose apertures that furnish ventilation and aeration to the foot thereunder, all in order to change the aesthetics of the footwear at the desire of the user. In addition, to add to the structural integrity of the constructed shoes, a part of the vamp or its strapping, may extend upwardly, and have a loop formed therein, or even loop back on itself, and which may embrace the upper part of the changeable vamp, to facilitate its retention, and structural configuration, when the vamp is turned, to vary its appearance.

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: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably 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 insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic 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 insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: A removable outersole covering for the treaded bottom of an athletic footcovering is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the outersole includes an elastically deformable band defining a continuous loop, the band having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge of the band forming the shape of the border of the treaded bottom of the athletic footcovering, a sole surface coupled to the bottom edge of the band, the sole surface configured in the shape of the treaded bottom of the athletic footcovering; and a plurality of sport cleats protruding from the bottom side of the sole surface.