Abstract: A dancer's shoe, slipper or the like having a stiff sole comprised of split front and rear soles separated at the arch. To enable the dancer to stand on pointe, the front sole is "cup" shaped with a generally "C" shaped cross-section. The upstanding wall of the front sole is attached to the sides and may extend up the front of the shoe box. This enables the front sole to bend upward around an axis across the foot when the foot bends but prevents the front sole from bending downward around such an axis which enables the dancer to stand on pointe on the tip of the shoe. The wall may be notched to facilitate bending at a particular location. There may be a rear sole spaced from the front sole behind the arch. To stiffen the shoe body, a toe box is provided in the front portion of the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe includes a spike plate with spikes thereon, removably attached to a sole portion of the shoe to permit selective removal of the spike plate. The shoe includes a rib extending around the peripheral side wall of the sole, and the spike plate includes an upright wall extending around a peripheral edge of a base plate, the spike plate wall having a groove formed on an interior surface thereof cooperable with the rib to selectively connect the spike plate to the shoe. The spike plate includes a forward section pivotally connected to a rearward section along a transverse axis, to permit the forward section to pivot downwardly generally orthogonal to the rearward section of the spike plate.

Abstract: A highly flexible item of sports footwear in which the bottom of the toe portion of the upper and the toe portion of the sole member define a free space in the form of a wedge-shaped gap which is sealed by a bellows extending around the periphery of the toe portion of the upper. The toe portion of the sole member has a unidirectional articulation enabling displacement of the toe portion of the sole member upwardly out of coplanarity with the plantar articulation portion of the sole member.

Abstract: A sand soccer boot with a soft foam elastomer layer having an inner layer, an outer layer, a lower portion, an upper portion, and an ankle portion. The ankle portion and the upper portion integrally form an open recess for insertion of a foot. The open recess has an elastic foam forming ankle support thereattached. The ankle support serves to conform to a user's ankle to prevent sand from entering. A leather outer layer has an inner surface, an outer surface, a lower portion, an upper portion, and an ankle portion. The inner surface is secured to the outer layer of the soft foam elastomer layer. An elastomer sole has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is secured to the outer surface of the lower portion of the leather outer layer.

Abstract: A high heel shoe designed such that the bottom of the foot of a wearer will contact the sole of the shoe along the same points that said foot would contact a smooth, level floor if standing with feet flat on said floor, providing the foot of a wearer with the same support surface in a high heel shoe that would be present in a flat shoe. The shoe sole structure hinges a forward sole section to a rigid rear sole section with a planar upper surface such that the straight hinge line passes below the lowest points of the first and fifth metatarsal heads of the foot of the wearer. The sole of the invention does not apply pressure in the sensitive arch area of the foot due to the planar nature of the upper surface of the rear sole section and it supports the ball and heel of the foot in the same manner as if the foot were standing on a flat surface. The rigid coupling between the forward and rear sole sections permits balancing forces from the toes to immediately counteract instability in the heel area.

Abstract: A sport shoe is disclosed which provides a highly flexible, yet supportive shoe which enhances both wearer comfort and shoe performance, and virtually eliminates shoe break-in time. The shoe includes a two piece sole system, each sole having a plurality of flex areas which provide optimum flexibility in the metatarsal and phalanges regions of the wearer's foot during walking or running activities. The shoe further includes a three-point support system about (i) an adjustable heel counter, (ii) the arch region of the wearer's foot, and (iii) the lace region of the shoe, providing balanced support about the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A sole having an articulated forefoot includes a flex joint extending generally longitudinally between the hallux and the second toe and at least one additional flex joint extending transversely across the sole. The flex joints can intersect with each other to form substantially separated sections in the sole by for facilitating relatively independent movement of selected toes.

Abstract: Footwear having a pair of slipper or footwear/shoe members joined together. Each member is formed of a flexible upper body and a sole secured thereto about the perimeter. The two slipper or footwear/shoe members are further joined with their soles abutting each other.

Abstract: The footgear structure includes a first component, made of a single piece of synthetic material, having a rear upper portion which extends from an insole, and a second component having a front upper portion and a lining. The first and second components are mutually united, with the lining accommodated inside the rear upper portion.

Abstract: A shoe employing negative toe rocker is disclosed which enhances athletic performance in sports which are foot-muscle intensive. The negative toe rocker in the shoe is induced by a structurally resilient inner sole preformed to place the sole of the shoe in a preloaded condition arcuately downward from the heel to the toe. An upper having staggered instep lacing and cutouts containing elastic web to evenly distribute and maintain the closure tension of the shoe, and heel engaging pads located on the inner surface of the medial and lateral portions of the heel of the upper constrain the foot of the wearer in the shoe. The downwardly preloaded sole provides mechanical advantage to the wearer in sports requiring significant muscle strength in the foot. Conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy by flattening of the preloaded sole and structural rigidity of the sole in static conditions transferring load from foot muscles to the stronger calf muscles enhances athletic performance.

Abstract: A spring shoe device for aiding the user in such activities as jogging or walking, comprising a heel socket for retaining the heel and sole of the user's foot pivotally mounted to a shin brace for bracing the user's shin within the spring shoe device and a spring strap connected therebetween for storing and releasing energy as a result of the user's activity. A toe pad, hingedly connected to the heel socket, provides support for the ball of the user's foot. The user's foot is inserted in the spring shoe device, the heel user's fitting into the heel socket and the lower portion of the user's shin being strapped into the shin brace. As the user does such activities as walking or jogging, the spring strap absorbs energy caused by the impact of the foot with the ground and releases that energy as the foot is extended at the end of each stride.

Abstract: A light weight material boot specifically designed to fit a light weight fiberglass cast about the ankle and foot of a patient, has an outer sole constructed with a double rocker bottom including a first pivot point located approximately 30% over the length of the boot measured from the heel to the toe defined by an upwardly and rearwardly oblique, flat bottom surface portion and a central flat bottom surface portion on the bottom of the sole roughly below the front of the ankle and a second pivot point located approximately 70% over the length of the boot measuring from heel to toe where the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot is located defined by an upwardly oblique, flat bottom surface portion from the metatarsal phalangeal joint towards the toe of the boot thereby ensuring that there is a lack of stress on the case or the lower leg and foot of the patient wearing the boot during the gait cycle.

Abstract: A kicking shoe maintains the proper foot geometry for punting and soccer-style kicking by ensuring proper toe depression during kicking, thereby increasing the accuracy, distance, and repeatability of punts and soccer kicks.

Abstract: An improved shoe outsole having an elastic shank (12) and suitable for outdoor wear, outsole portions (14,16) comprised of semi-rigid material for forming same, and a shoe (10) incorporating the improved outsole are disclosed. The front outsole portion (14) has a ledge (22) extending widthwise across the back end thereof and the rear outsole portion (16) has a ledge (24) extending widthwise across the front end thereof, such that the elastic shank (12) is joinable to the outsole portions (14,16) by means extending through the shank (12) and the ledges (22,24).

Abstract: A styled shoe construction designed for comfort including a flexible, durable, synthetic outsole member having a narrow heel or tongue portion received in the recess of a styled leather heel. The shoe construction further includes a synthetic fiberboard insole member in which its backpart area is substantially rigid while its forepart area is substantially flexible, is lightweight, breathable, and water-absorptive, and is cement-lasted between the inturned marginal edges of a styled leather upper and the top surfaces of the marginal edges of the outsole member and heel. A highly resilient elongated urethane foam bottom filler is received within the cavity between the insole member and the outsole member, and a heel cushion member preferably of the same material as the bottom filler is secured to the top backpart surface of the insole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a unitary shell enveloping the foot, having a heel collar and an incision therein adapted to accommodate an inserted foot and including an intrinsic pattern of elastic interconnections between predetermined points on the shell corresponding to locations analogous to the natural foot physiology.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shoe having a mechanism in its sole to transmit the mechanical energy of heel impact to the front of the foot, where it is stored and then released during thrust. The mechanical energy of the impact on the rest of the foot (in front of the heel) is also stored and then released during thrust. The shoe is energy-efficient in that it returns as much of the energy of impact as possible to the runner during thrust. This means that the leg and foot muscles do not have to do as much work to lift the body weight against gravity. In addition to this resiliency feature, there is a compliance feature which reduces the impact shock on the runner's skeleton, muscles, and tendons. This compliance is achieved because the foot impact force is transmitted to the upper skeleton through a spring, which softens the shock transmitted to this upper skeleton.

Abstract: A split sole shoe has a front outer sole with an outwardly facing recessed section and a heel member with an inwardly facing recessed section, the outwardly facing recessed section being connected to the inwardly facing recessed section in an overlapping configuration so as to form an interior relief groove exposing a portion of the inwardly facing recessed section and an exterior relief groove exposing a portion of the outwardly facing recessed section, thereby increasing the flexibility of the shoe in the region which flexes while taking a heel-to-toe step. A toe cap portion is formed together with the front outer sole so as to provide a smooth and continuous transition from the top of the toe cap to the bottom of the front outer sole, thereby enabling an infant or child to drag the toe portion of the shole without stumbling or tripping on a protuberance in the transition region.

Abstract: The shank of a shoe bottom is stiffened by a stiffening member against bending in both directions about first and second axes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shoe while permitting relative twisting movement of the front and rear sole portions.

Abstract: A sport shoe is provided having a circular cleat array disposed about but not directly beneath the metatarsal joint of the great toe. The shoe sole also includes a flex area in the region of the metatarsal joints. This combination permits flexure of and cradles the metatarsal joints on impact. Furthermore, the sport shoe preferably includes a toe drag element defined forwardly and upwardly of the metatarsal cradle and on the interior edge as a lip extending onto and over a portion of the shoe upper. The toe drag element protects the material of the shoe from the effects of toe drag while minimizing any reduction in flexibility of the shoe.

Abstract: This heel device is designed to cause a heel portion of a shoe to rebound when a person walks or jogs. Primarily, it consists of a base plate secured to the bottom of the heel portion of the shoe, and a leaf hinge is secured to the base plate and pivots. Projections are secured to the leaves of the hinge and include a pair of shafts that retain and support an endless rubber belt that provides the tension for the shoe to rebound.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe sole is provided which includes a strip made of an elastic material disposed between an outer sole portion and an upper sole portion of the sole of a shoe. The strip extends from the outer heel area of the shoe to the border of the large toe area of the shoe. The strip forms a rocker bottom which cradles the first metatarsal head of the foot of the wearer. The roll point of the rocker bottom is disposed in a range of from the toe break of the wearer to approximately 2.5 centimeters behind the toe break of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe having a uniquely shaped platform along the rear peripheral edge of the insole, which is constructed of a rigid backpart material. By combining it with a construction of a specially molded outflange counter and using a sturdy stitched lasting construction fastening securely the outward flange of the counter with the specially lasted molded leather upper together with the outward extension of the specially shaped insole platform, a stable support system is formed to control the lateral and longitudinal orientation of the foot when walking. The forepart of the shoe may be of moccasin. Strobel modified welt-type or other construction which provides varying degrees of flexbility.

Abstract: A walking shoe having a sole provided with a toe section and a heel equipped with an outwardly directed U-shaped flange. The toe section has a longitudinal center pad located between transverse pads. Ground engaging cleats are located on the bottom of the flange and heel section located between the flange. A counter having a reinforcing cup provided with an outwardly directed lip is secured to the flange to laterally stabilize the heel of the shoe and ensure control of the foot during walking.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe provides for limiting the flex of the shoe. The sole includes a flexible portion positioned in the flexing area of the shoe corresponding to the ball of the wearers foot, a generally rigid front plate extending forward from the flexible portion, and a generally rigid rear plate extending rearward from the flexible portion. Further, a flexible banding or strapping layer is provided for underlying the flexible portion and at least part of the front and rear plates. The flexible strapping layer is fixed to the flexible portion and to the plates to maintain the positional relationship therebetween. Further, the flexible portion includes a plurality of generally laterally extending rigid slats. In a cross-sectional view, each of the generally laterally extending rigid slats has a top, a bottom, and opposing side shoulders. The bottom is affixed directly to the strapping layer.

Abstract: A walking shoe having a uniquely shaped platform along the rear peripheral edge of the insole, which is constructed of a rigid backpart material and flexible forepart material. By combining it with a construction of a specially molded outflange counter and using a sturdy stitched lasting construction fastening securely the outward flange of the counter with the specially lasted molded leather upper together with the outward extension of the specially shaped insole platform, a stable support system is formed to control the lateral and longitudinal orientation of the foot when walking.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a midsole subassembly formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, the lower layer having a rear higher density portion terminating short of the front end and integrally bonded with a lower density toe off pad portion into which the toes can sink during toe off. The upper layer extends beneath the heel and forwardly, terminating short of the toe area. This upper layer and the toe off pad have cooperative transverse grooves which are located relative to each other and to vertical flex grooves in the medial and lateral sides of the shoe upper, to enable the shoe to flex in a smooth curve with the foot. This upper layer has overlapping, laterally tapered wedge portions of different density and an integral, upstanding heel stabilizing cup, one portion from each wedge. The outsole has portions of different densities, the heel and ball portions of greater density for wear durability.

Abstract: A shoe of use on a post-operative or otherwise traumatized foot includes a sole assembly having a outer sole, a shock absorbing midsole and an inner sole conforming generally to the contour of the sole of the foot, the sole assembly having a limited degree of flexibility, and an upper assembly including an outer wall of a flexible mesh material and a lining of a soft, conformable material, adjustable straps connecting the opposite sides of the forward portion of the upper assembly. Preferably, the sole assembly is tapered, being of greatest thickness in the heel region; the heel portion of the upper is angled forwardly and upwardly; and one of the forward portions of the upper is of greater length than the other to protectively cover the dorsal aspect of the foot.

Abstract: A midsole (18) is formed from a first, interior member (26) and a second, exterior member (28) molded around the top and sides of the first member (26). The first and second members (26) and (28) are formed of cushionable material and the second member (28) has a higher hardness and resiliency than the first member (26).

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a unitary shell enveloping the foot, having a heel collar and an incision therein adapted to accommodate an inserted foot and including an intrinsic pattern of elastic interconnections between predetermined points on the shell corresponding to locations analogous to the natural foot physiology.

Abstract: Improved footwear for physical exercise, such as running or jogging, in which a segment of the shoe extending beneath the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal-phalangeal joints on the lateral side of the shoe is comprised of a crepe or spongy rubber material, which is substantially more flexible than the material which comprises the remainder of the solepiece. This configuration reduces the resistance of the solepieces to the flexure of the foot along the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal-phalangeal joints, thereby reducing the stress on the corresponding foot muscles and allowing the stronger foot muscles which operate the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints on the medial side of the foot to do most of the work in flexing the foot during the running motion. As a result, the weaker muscles in the lateral side of the foot are not overly stressed and the direction of motion of the foot at the toe lift-off is substantially in the desired direction of running.

Abstract: The shoe consists of a shell (1) made of synthetic plastics material and has a bellows-like corrugation on the surface of the shell (1) in the area (2) of the roots of the toes. Ridges (3) and furrows (4) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction are provided, which, when viewed from above, are seen to be arranged asymmetrically and run backward towards the outside (10) of the foot. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: An improved sole for use with footwear is disclosed. The sole includes at least one layer of material which is adapted to be attached to an upper of the footwear. A distal flex groove is formed in the sole and is coextensive with a medial metatarsal-phalanges line which extends between the first and second metatarsal-phalanges joints. A proximal flex groove is also formed in the sole and extends substantially parallel to a lateral metatarsal-phalanges line which extends along the second through fifth metatarsal-phalanges joints. The proximal and distal grooves join on another at the medial edge of the sole adjacent the first metatarsal-phalanges joint.

Abstract: The invention provides a sports shoe comprising a sole, and an upper having flaps with opposed edges adapted to be drawn together over the instep of the wearer with a shoelace, said opposed edges substantially meeting in a region extending from the leg opening of the shoe towards the toe to a point where they part to define an aperture extending across the shoe to impart increased flexibility to the toe region.

Abstract: A slipper including an upper defining a cover for substantially encompassing a foot which is formed at least partially of elastomeric material, and a sole divided into discrete, spaced fore and aft sections secured to a base portion of the cover.

Abstract: An athletic shoe, particularly a soccer shoe, with extreme flexibility in the ball area and, preferably, in the mid-foot joint area as well, is achieved by the provision or ribs in these areas on the contact side of the sole as well as on the insole side. The ribs form a continuous undulating band consisting of wave crests and valleys, and may be formed as a unitary part of the sole or may be a separate component made integral with the sole during manufacture thereof, such as by the sole material being injected or case around them.

Abstract: A sole for an athletic shoe, such as a cleated soccer or football shoe, comprises a thin, unitary member formed of flexible material. The member has a contour or configuration which renders the flexible material substantially rigid at the arch and heel portions of the sole. This provides substantial support to the arch of the foot. Cleats may extend from the toe and heel portions of the lower surface of the sole member.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing midsole component in footwear is disclosed and is made up of spaced upper and lower flexible coextensive layers having a closure strip extending therearound and sealing the layers to form a sealed air space therebetween. A plurality of support ribs extend in spaced relation to each other between the layers and through the interior air space. A one-piece molding process is employed in forming the layers, ribs and common diaphragm of the interior air space. The closure strip is a one-piece element united into an outer peripheral groove formed in surrounding relation to the ribs and diaphragm between the layers.

Abstract: An outer sole for an athletic shoe is disclosed. The outer sole includes a base formed of a relatively thin resilient material and having a heel section, an arch section, a forefoot section, a toe section, an upper major surface and a lower major surface. A plurality of discrete traction elements extend downward from the lower major surface of the base at spaced transverse and longitudinal locations, and include a plurality of discrete heel and arch traction elements located about longitudinally spaced locations in the perimeter of base in the heel and arch sections respectively. A rear shock attenuating area extends generally along the central longitudinal portion of the heel and arch sections. The rear shock attenuating area is substantially devoid of traction elements so that the relatively thin resilient material of the base in the rear shock attenuating area depresses downwardly during foot strike to attenuate the force of foot strike.

Abstract: A shoe having segmented upper sections, each section including a closure in combination with at least one adjustable and flexible closure assembly including an anchor means, fastener strap and multi-position flexible separable fastening means which permit the wearer, using only one hand, to independently control and maintain a precise tautness of the shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for running and having a bar tread configuration providing improved traction with the running surface while cushioning the foot and providing improved flexibility so as not to limit the bending of the foot.

Abstract: A straight last athletic training shoe is described employing a foam core sole layer and an apertured sole layer between a harder outer sole layer and the shoe upper. The apertured sole layer provides lightweight cushioning and is preferably a heel lift layer positioned below an intermediate sole layer having a soft resilient foam core surrounded by a border portion of harder resilient material for stability. The foam core is provided within an elongated opening extending longitudingly beneath the heel, arch and metatarsal bones of the wearer's foot for greater cushioning and support. The apertures in the heel lift layer are arranged in three longitudinal rows with at least some apertures being in alignment with the foam core of the intermediate sole layer and the middle row having apertures which are staggered out of alignment with the apertures of the outer two rows.

Abstract: A slipper including an upper defining a cover for substantially encompassing a foot which is formed at least partially of elastomeric material, and a sole divided into discrete, spaced fore and aft sections secured to a base portion of the cover.