Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: Compressible footwear and an associated compression pack are provided. In one implementation, for example the compressible footwear includes a flexible upper, a draw cord and a sole coupled to the flexible upper. The flexible upper defines a shaft for receiving a foot of a wearer and further includes a plurality of openings. The draw cord is threaded through the openings of the flexible upper, and the sole is coupled to the flexible upper. The draw cord is adapted to be drawn through the plurality of openings of the flexible upper to compress the flexible upper against a foot of a wearer. A system and method including the compressible footwear and the associated compression pack are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (10) comprising a sole (13), the flexibility of which is selected such that said sole allows the foot of a user to roll with the bending of the sole (13); a shaft (12) which covers the ankle of the user and which is made of a substantially stiff upper material (26) at least in regions (14b, 14c) that laterally adjoin a tongue gap (14); and a lacing (18) which spans the tongue gap (14) and which is deflected by hook and/or eyelet elements (20), said elements being made of a rigid material. At least one tab (28) is provided on each side of the tongue gap (14) in the front foot region (12c) of the shoe (10) for arranging at least one hook and/or eyelet element (20), said tab being made of a material that is more flexible than the upper material (26).

Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a sole that includes a plurality of vertical grooves is disclosed. The plurality of vertical grooves may be disposed on a sidewall and a lower portion of the sole. The vertical grooves can facilitate twisting of the sole.

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 positionable such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures.

Abstract: One embodiment of footwear, in the category of a sandal, which may include a sport sandal, thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal for protecting feet while working or taking part in leisure activities such as walking, hiking, or running. In particular, a sports sandal (FIG. 1-3) comprising a sole (1) fabricated from a material such that during the break in period conforms to the shape and contours of the wearer's foot, in which three circular holes (2, 4, and 5) are cut through the sole (1). Provides an anti-slip heel cushion (10) for the Achilles tendon threaded on a single continuous attachment cord (3) which snugly secures the foot to the shoe sole (1) by sliding a cord lock (8) along the attachment cord (3) and through lateral hole (4) and medial hole (5) in sole (1) by which the comfort of the shoe is adjusted. An antiskid coating (9) attached to the bottom reduces sole (1) wear. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: An energy return shoe system has a shoe portion, a flexible lower sole portion and a toe mechanism. The toe mechanism has an upper toe plate, a lower toe plate, and at least two toe arms. The upper toe plate is affixed to the shoe portion, the lower toe plate is affixed to the lower sole, and the toe arms are pivotally affixed at ends to the upper toe plate and the lower toe plate and are substantially parallel to each other. The lower sole is made of a flexible material and there is at least one spring mechanism that urges the shoe portion away from the lower sole. As the wearer steps down, energy of the wearer's mass is stored in one or more spring devices and as the wearer begins to lift their foot, the stored energy is returned to help push that foot off the ground.

Abstract: Articles of footwear having both interior and exterior midsole components may include: (a) an upper that at least in part defines an interior chamber; (b) an interior midsole component within the interior chamber, wherein, at a forefoot region, the interior midsole component includes a longitudinal flexion line and a plurality of transverse flexion lines; and (c) an exterior sole structure engaged with the upper. This exterior sole structure may include: (a) an exterior midsole component in a heel region of the article of footwear that does not extend under the forefoot region of the article of footwear and (b) an outsole component that extends under the forefoot region. If desired, the outsole component may extend under the exterior midsole component in the rearfoot region. The interior midsole component may include a plurality of pod elements separated from one another by the flexion lines.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: Cycling footwear structure including a composite sole formed by at least one base sole and by at least one substantially annular shaped stiffening element, equipped with a front part, and with a back part and that extends progressively upwards until it wraps around at least one portion of the heel of a user and a method for making it.

Abstract: A split-sole dance shoe, comprising: a thin flexible shoe upper defining an opening to receive a foot; an outsole region to underlie a sole of the foot and in combination with the upper defining a heel section, an arch section and a forefoot section; and thin flexible reinforcing structure coupled to the shoe upper and the outsole region and extending from adjacent the opening in an upper part of the heel section around a lower part of the heel section and through the arch section along a longitudinal direction of the shoe, the reinforcing structure broadening from adjacent the opening to substantially cup a lower posterior portion of the calcaneus and then narrowing toward the arch section, the reinforcing structure in the arch section being arranged to closely match flexion of the arch in pointe position without the appearance of bunching of the shoe upper in the arch section.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure extends longitudinally from a back edge to a front edge of the article of footwear and transversely from a medial side to a lateral side of the article of footwear. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-contacting layer. A first rib projects upward from the ground-contacting layer. The rib has side walls and an end wall. A channel is defined by the side walls and end wall. The channel opens downward through the ground-contacting layer and has a depth extending above the ground-contacting layer. The rib may have a multi-stage vertical stiffness profile. The sole structure may include a midsole attached to the outsole. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

Abstract: A sole structure can include one or more ridge tractions elements. The ridge traction elements can be separated by one or more flexure zones. The sole structure can also include other types of traction elements.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, the outer bottom assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, width-wise between a lateral side and a medial side, and height-wise between a surface of contact with the ground and a surface for connecting to the remainder of the shoe, the outer sole assembly having, from the rear end to the front end, a rear zone, a central zone, a metatarsal zone, and a front zone, the article of footwear including a counter which reinforces the upper at least above the rear zone. The counter includes a lateral flange and a medial flange, the medial flange being lengthier than the lateral flange.

Abstract: A bowling shoe according to the present invention comprises an upper (40), an insole (30) joined to a lower edge of the upper (40) by stitching, and an outsole (10) attached to a lower surface of the insole (30), further comprising: an outsole body that forms a part of the outsole (10) and is provided on a front part of a lower surface thereof with a plurality of grooves (11a) for allowing the outsole body to bend easily; and a front pad that is attached to the front part of the lower surface of the outsole body (11) and is formed as an integrated body without being divided into several parts, and is provided with a plurality of weak portions for allowing the front pad to bend easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a cushioning system comprising a lower sole element and an upper sole element. The cushioning system further comprises at least one lever having at least two arms where an angle ? between the arms lies within the range 0°<?<180°. The first arm is connected to a deformation element and the second arm is connected to one of the two sole elements, wherein the lever is pivotably arranged at the other sole element.

Abstract: Footwear sole assemblies including a midsole plate and a heel insert and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a sole assembly includes an outsole coupled to a midsole plate. The midsole plate can include a first plate portion and a second plate portion spaced apart from one another to define a cavity at a heel portion of the midsole plate. The cavity can be configured to receive an insert. The second plate portion can be proximate to the outsole, and the first plate portion can be spaced apart from the outsole. The first plate portion can include an opening extending through the heel portion. The sole assembly can further include a midsole pad coupled to the midsole plate and configured to contact the insert via the opening.

Abstract: A shock absorbing shoe with improved assembly and operational performance is disclosed. The shock absorbing shoe includes: an outsole; an upper sole arranged on the outsole and having a guide portion; a support unit including: a first support body connected to the outsole; and a second support body connected to the upper sole and having a guide part corresponding to the guide portion; an elastic member arranged between the first and second support bodies of the support unit; and a supporting member connected to the first and second support bodies of the support unit, the supporting member being movable upward and downward along the guide portion and the guide part of the second support body.

Abstract: An article of footwear promotes complimentary movement and proprioceptive feedback of a user's foot (e.g., to help an infant learn to walk or an adult balance on an uneven surface) while wearing the article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an outsole having a forefoot region, a heel region, and a mid region substantially in between the forefoot and heel regions. The three regions are configured to provide complimentary movement with respect to the user's foot. The forefoot region of the outsole includes a base portion interconnecting ground contact pads configured to move relative to one another, each ground contact pad moving substantially independently of the other relative to the base portion.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a sports shoe (10) having an upper part (12) configured to receive the foot (14) of a wearer and a sole arrangement (16) which is inclined so as to reduce in height in a forwards direction, wherein the sole arrangement (16) includes a rigid portion (40) and a compressible portion (28) where the rigid portion (40) is thinner than the compressible portion (28) and, in use, is provided between the compressible portion (28) and the foot (14) of the wearer, wherein further the rigid portion (40), in use, is provided beneath the heel (22), lateral aspect of the mid foot, the fifth metatarsal bone (52) and the fifth metatarsal joint (34) of the foot (14) of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a footwear article with arch support and cushioning. The footwear article maybe in the form of a sandal including but not limited to a thong sandal, such as a flip flop.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe further comprises a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion. Heel and toe outsole patches are respectively stitched onto the midsole. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. A spacing between the heel and toe outsole patches extends from the inner to the outer side and occupies a position intermediate the toe and heel ends thereby permitting the shoe to fold about an axis running through the spacing. The shoe folds between an extended state, in which the shoe is worn, and a folded state in which a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity.

Abstract: A shoe is provided including a sole, an upper with a transverse aperture, and a cover piece, wherein the cover piece covers the transverse aperture and is affixed to the shoe at medial and lateral ends of the cover piece, and wherein the transverse aperture compresses without compression of the cover piece when the sole bends along a hinged metatarsophalangeal portion when transitioning from a stance phase to a swing phase.

Abstract: An articulating footwear sole is provided. The articulating footwear sole includes a midsole having a recess a first plate having a first end interlocking with a second end of a second plate, the first and second plates positioned within the plate recess and held in place free of adhesive. In another embodiment, the sole includes a midsole having a recess, a first plate including a first end, and a second plate including a second end, the first end configured to moveably overlap with the second end, the first and second plates positioned in the recess. Still other examples are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed in a spring shoe for a balance correction which comprises a shoe rear side bottom plate which is made from a rigid synthetic resin material and is engaged to a rear side of a lower surface of a shoe outer leather and has an engaging groove which is downwardly open at a rear, lower surface; a shoe front side bottom plate which is engaged to a front side of a lower surface of the shoe outer leather in a shape that the rear side covers the front side of the shoe rear side bottom plate; and a coil spring which is formed with its width being gradually reduced from a lower side to an upper side.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure includes a reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate includes a first flange portion corresponding to a big toe of a foot and a second flange portion corresponding to a ball region of a foot. The first flange portion and the second flange portion each include a cleat member.

Abstract: A low rigidity region being more stretchable and bendable than a high rigidity region, includes a main portion, and a medial first flexible portion and a lateral first flexible portion extending from the main portion in the medial and lateral directions. The main portion covers a portion of the area from the shaft of the first proximal phalanx to the shaft of the second proximal phalanx, the medial first flexible portion covers a portion of the area from the shaft of the first proximal phalanx to the head of the first metatarsal bone, and the lateral first flexible portion extends to the lateral side of the foot from the main portion. When pushing off the foot onto the medial/lateral side in a diagonally forward direction, the upper bends along the diagonal bend lines. Therefore, the diagonal portions and the main portion serve as the bend lines.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of an upper and a segmented sole structure. The sole structure may include an insole portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements disposed within an outsole unit. The insole is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of flexible regions.

Abstract: Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.

Abstract: Footwear includes an arcuate, resilient, panel-shaped tongue concealed in the heel to absorb impact forces and facilitate the natural rolling contact of an individuals foot when the individual is walking or running.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe allows the shoe to be rapidly entered and readied for wearing by the user. The shoe may be any of a wide variety of shoe types, including shoes of a wide variety of styles and functions. The rapid entry features of the shoes utilize various movable elements that are attached to a sole portion or other portion of the shoe and allow movement of a portion of the shoe under pressure to allow rapid entry of the user's foot into the shoe.

Abstract: A footbed promotes complimentary movement and proprioceptive feedback of a user's foot (e.g., to help an adult balance on an uneven surface) while wearing the article of footwear. The footbed includes a base and a plurality of pads. The base has a first side opposite a second side, each extending from a forefoot region to a heel region. A first portion of each pad extends away from the first side of the base and a second portion of each pad extends away from the second side of the base. The second side of the base is positionable adjacent to an outsole of an article of footwear such that the first side of the base is adjacent a user's foot during use of the article of footwear. Each pad is movable substantially independently of the each of the other pads, relative to the base.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a pivot portion including a plurality of flex grooves is disclosed. The plurality of flex grooves provides increased flexibility in different portions of a sole of the article. In addition, a periphery of the sole includes sole pods to increase the traction on the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: An insertable shoe insole or shoe integrally formed therewith having electrostatic protection and a method of categorizing and selecting same which provides individual solutions to workplace fatigue and stress by determining the specific support needed for each individual. Specifically, the present invention defines and utilizes an ergonomic interaction factor to enable selection of a proper fitting shoe. Such selection occurs in one embodiment by dividing a person's weight by the contact area of the bottom of their feet. The insole includes an electrically conductive material for the purpose of eliminating the buildup of static charge by conducting static charges from the user's feet to conductive shoes which then transfer the charge to the floor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least nine models of slippers, with at least three different sizes and at least three levels of firmness. Each of the slippers comprises a sole portion, an upper portion attached to the sole portion and configured for retaining the slipper on a wearer's foot, and a support portion located within the sole portion, wherein said models of slippers within the product line differ only in size and the cushioning properties of the support portion. In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least two different models of slippers, with at least two levels of firmness.

Abstract: A shoe 1 of the present invention includes an upper 2 made of a stretchable fabric. The stretchable fabric is integrated with a sole 3 in a state of being stretched. Further, a method of manufacturing the shoe 1 of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a shoe using a stretchable fabric for the upper 2. The method includes steps of: producing an upper pattern using a last having a size smaller than that of the sole 3 as a base; producing the upper 2 with the stretchable fabric being stretched by stretching the upper pattern and fitting the upper pattern onto a last having a size that matches the sole 3; and integrating the upper 2 with the stretchable fabric being stretched with the sole 3.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe includes a main body, a sole located at one side of the main body, a vibration layer, and a power generating module. The vibration layer is located between the main body and the sole. The power generating module includes a power generating unit, a rectifying circuit and a vibration device, which are electrically connected in series. The power generating unit generates and induces induced current. The rectifying circuit receives, rectifies, amplifies and processes the induced current from the power generating unit. The vibration device is located at the vibration layer and receives the processed induced current from the rectifying circuit to vibrate according to a predetermined vibration frequency in the vibration layer.

Abstract: Footwear with energy accumulation is presented. In a first version, the footwear comprises a sole, back, associated therewith, and fixation means coupled with the sole and back for securing a user's foot on the sole. The sole and back are disposed at an initial angle exceeding 90° therebetween, and form a leaf spring, while being arms of the spring. Alternatively, the leaf spring is made separate from the sole and back, having two arms respectively coupled with them. In a second version, the footwear comprises a sole including a frontal portion and a rear portion, the frontal portion is formed as a console spring downwardly bent out and cantileveredly secured to the rear portion, and fixation means for securing the user's foot on the sole, coupled therewith and depressing the front part of the foot against the spring. The portions are disposed at an initial angle therebetween less than 180°.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable and waterproof sole for shoes, including at least one first load-bearing component, including at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion, including a vapor-permeable or perforated filler, at least one second component, predominantly arranged below the first component with a tread provided thereon. The second component includes through perforations at the vapor-permeable or perforated portion of the first component. Below the vapor-permeable or perforated portion and above the tread a membrane water impermeable and of water vapor permeable material is provided. The first component is constituted by a plastic midsole. The midsole is rigidly coupled to the membrane and to the filler by molding before providing the tread. A single peripheral seal is provided on the membrane formed by the molding of the midsole; the midsole surrounds peripherally the membrane.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of an upper and a segmented sole structure. The sole structure may include an insole portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements disposed within an outsole unit. The insole is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of flexible regions.

Abstract: A charm is received in a hole of an object to provide a decorative appearance. The charm includes a decorative portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portion includes a stem, a base located at one end of the stem and a stop located at an opposing end of the stem. The stop has an oval shape. When the charm is attached to the object, the stem is received in the hole, the stop is positioned inside the object, and the decorative portion is outside the object.

Abstract: An infant shoe includes a shoe outsole defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The outsole defines a substantially arcuate shape along both the longitudinal and transverse axes. A shoe upper is secured to the shoe outsole. The shoe upper and the shoe outsole together define curved side surfaces.