Abstract: A footwear exercising device for use by a wearer in improving various aspects of the wearer's physical condition, health and overall appearance. The footwear exercising device of the present invention includes a reverse wedge for wear below the sole of a wearer's foot, and may be worn with a wide variety of fashion. Prolonged use of the device of the present invention has been shown to improve the tone of the muscle groups of a wearer's body which have to do with the wearer's posture. Prolonged use of the instant invention has also been shown to improve the blood circulation in a wearer's legs and to strengthen significantly the muscles supporting a wearer's knees. The design of the device is such that prolonged wear of the invention is neither strenuous nor taxing.

Abstract: A device for active rolling walking (1) includes a conventional upper shoe (2) used for fixing the device to the foot, which upper shoe can be made from leather, textiles or other natural or synthetic materials, and a specially constructed sole to force active, rolling walking to take place and can be adapted to all possible circumstances. The structure of the sole and the choice of material gives the user, when rolling, the feeling of walking bare foot in the sand with a trampoline effect.

Abstract: A shoe having a fabric outsole and method for manufacturing are disclosed. In described embodiments, a shoe outsole with a bottom surface wherein an adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the shoe outsole and a plurality of fibers are embedded within the adhesive. In the described method embodiment, once the adhesive is applied to the outsole, fibers are sifted down through an electrostatic field onto the adhesive. Once sufficient fibers have been embedded, the adhesive is cured and then cooled.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an article of footwear having a heel, a midsection and a forefoot. The midsole includes a first member having a first hardness and forming a continuous heel support, shank, and forefoot plate. A second member having a second hardness forms a continuous heel cushion and forefoot cushion. The first member is positioned beneath the second member in the heel, and positioned above the second member in the forefoot.

Abstract: An improved footwear structure, which comprises an upper and a sole, associated to such upper. The footwear structure also comprises fitting means, which are associated to such upper and such sole for accommodating the internal volume of such footwear structure to the size of a user's foot by means of co-operating resilient deformations of such upper and such sole.

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 static electricity removing tool for a footwear bottom includes a basal plate having in its inner face an attaching layer for attaching to a ground contacting face of a footwear bottom, a static electricity removing sheet in which a corona discharge is made of an electricity removing material, and a concave portion deeper than a thickness of the static electricity removing sheet, formed in a ground contacting face of the basal plate. Furthermore, a step difference more concave than the ground contacting face of the basal plate is formed in an outer face of the static electricity removing sheet by attaching the static electricity removing sheet to a bottom face of the concave portion by bonding.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have an elastic insert above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sports shoe having a shell 26, an inner sole 10, a middle sole 16, and sponges 12 and 14 attached between the inner sole 10 and the middle sole 16, including: a space part 17 formed within the middle sole 16; a first metallic rod 18a and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe 20 constantly spaced apart each other and inserted into the space part 17; and a second metallic rod 18b being detachably inserted into the PVC pipe 20.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe and method includes a clear outsole to discourage concealment of contraband in an institutional setting, such as prisons or correctional facilities. The institutional shoe can include an upper shoe and an outsole joined together to form a cavity to receive a user's foot. The outsole can be light transparent in at least a translucent manner. In addition, a colored insert advantageously can be fixedly disposed in the cavity on an upper surface of the outsole. The colored insert can be visible through the outsole so that tampering with the outsole or attempts to conceal contraband can be viewed through the outsole. The colored insert can include a light color to better reflect light through the outsole. A plurality of layers of different material can be disposed in the cavity over the upper surface of the outsole. The plurality of layers is adhered to adjacent layers to resist tampering.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a cushion-action applying implement comprising a gutter-like receiver, a plate spring in which a flexing portion is inserted into the gutter-like portion, the flexing portion is provided in its both sides with embedded portions in series, and an angle formed by the embedded portions is V or nearly horizontal, a switching shaft provided with a cam for pushing the flexing portion of the plate spring to change the angle formed by the embedded portions and in which an engaging portion for rotation is provided on the end thereof, a bearing of the switching shaft fixedly mounted on both ends of the gutter-like receiver, and a drive means for rotating the switching shaft is embedded in the flexing portion of the footwear bottom body, whereby the switching shaft is rotated to simply switch to the state of presence or the state of absence of cushioning.

Abstract: The shoe is obtained by depositing wedge (2), with or without a midsole (1), under the last incorporating cut (5), sewn to a gridded insole (6) and so that the top surface of the closure ring (4.1), a single one per size, of semimould (4) of outsole or sole (3) to be injected meets the top edge of wedge (2), then injecting the plastic of outsole or sole (3), which is of the same family as that of wedge (2), so that they fuse together, to which resulting set may or may not be later added the lower skid.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a rotatable pivot assembly to allow easy pivoting of a ball region of a shoe. The shoe sole includes a pivot cavity defined by an upper plate support surface and a lower plate support surface having an aperture therein. A rotatable pivot assembly includes a pivot plate and a sole element attached thereto. The pivot plate is pivotally constrained within the pivot cavity and the sole element extends through the aperture in the pivot cavity to define an exterior contact surface. Preferably contacting surfaces of the pivot plate and upper plate support surface are formed of a low coefficient of friction material to allow easy rotation of the pivot plate within the cavity. Because the assembly can be made thin with minimal parts, it results in a structure that substantially retains the look, feel and balance of a normal shoe while being able to achieve improved pivot action.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include a flexible member disposed between two pieces, for example, of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe with a foot guiding mechanism which has the particularity that the sole comprises a sole body which has, on an outer face thereof, at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is flexible in order to produce a desired movement of the protrusion which is suitable to force a guided sequence for a foot, wearing the shoe sole, from when the heel section initially contacts a ground surface to when the front edge of the sole breaks contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: A shoe (and fabrication techniques therefor) on which is provided a bottom portion that includes a sole portion and a heel portion and that has a bottom surface and an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the shoe has areas of a fabric material (such as cotton, nylon, polyester, any other cloth or fabric), or any of a variety of other first materials, interspersed with areas of a durable material (such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic rubber, any other plastic, and/or any other natural or synthetic leather or rubber), or any of a variety of other second materials.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe and method includes a clear outsole to discourage concealment of contraband in an institutional setting, such as prisons or correctional facilities. The institutional shoe can include an upper shoe and an outsole joined together to form a cavity to receive a user's foot. The outsole can be light transparent in at least a translucent manner. In addition, a colored insert advantageously can be fixedly disposed in the cavity on an upper surface of the outsole. The colored insert can be visible through the outsole so that tampering with the outsole or attempts to conceal contraband can be viewed through the outsole. The colored insert can include a light color to better reflect light through the outsole. A plurality of layers of different material can be disposed in the cavity over the upper surface of the outsole. The plurality of layers is adhered to adjacent layers to resist tampering.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for holding a foot of a wearer and a sole having an outsole plate. Several ground engaging members extends downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction. The outsole plate includes a flex control member composed of a superelastic shape memory material or a nickel-titanium alloy. The flex control member can be coupled to an inside surface, or bottom surface of the outsole plate. The outsole plate may include a rearfoot region, a midfoot region, and a first metatarsal head region, in which the regions generally correspond to the skeletal structure of a human foot. The flex control member extends from a medial side of the rearfoot region through the midfoot region and into the first metatarsal head region of the outsole plate. The ground engaging members may be positioned to extend from the location of the flex control member.

Abstract: An appliance for protecting the bottom end of a human lower limb, and in particular the foot, from propagation of the blast wave and the heat generated by an explosive device of the mine type exploding. The invention provides an ammunition type boot whose sole is constituted by an assembly comprising a dispersion boat-shape, an antifire barrier, and support studs. The assembly provides simultaneously an optimum dispersion effect and satisfactory use for walking and running on any type of ground. It also withstands the explosion, and the heat, and it does not create puncturing projectiles because it constitutes a homogeneous assembly.

Abstract: A midsole structure for an athletic shoe includes an upper midsole (3) formed of a soft elastic material and disposed from a heel region to a forefoot region of the shoe, a lower midsole (4) formed of a soft elastic material and disposed at least at the heel region of the shoe under the upper midsole (3) and a corrugated sheet (5) sandwiched between the upper and lower midsoles (3, 4) and extending from a heel portion (H) of the upper midsole (3) to a midfoot portion (M). The corrugated sheet (5) has a laterally extending sheet portion (5a) and a medially extending sheet portion (5b). Edges (50e, 51e) of the laterally and medially extending sheet portions (5a, 5b) are overlapped in a band-shape and connected to each other. The edge (51e), or a boundary line between the laterally and medially extending sheet portions (5a, 5b) crosses a load transfer curve (TW) for a heel striker who strikes onto the ground from the heel region of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole provided with at least one part (1; 5, 6) for supporting at least partially the forefoot, said part being divided into at least two elements (3,4; 3A, 3B, 4B; 15A, 16) distinct and separated with each other, so as to increase the flexibility of the sole in correspondence with said forefoot, said two distinct elements (3, 4; 3A, 3B, 4B; 15A, 16) being connected to an upper face (7) of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include a flexible member disposed between two pieces, for example, of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole.

Abstract: A safety shoe includes an upper, a steel toe, an outsole and a partial insole tuck for preventing rearward movement of the steel toe.

Abstract: A shoe construction having a sole in which the upper surface of the sole when in normal use on a flat surface is lower at the heel bed than at the foresole portion of the shoe. Canting of the upper sole surface in a downward direction at the rear, coupled with upwardly extending sections of the heel at the rear counter, provides cradle-like surface. The peripheral edge of the sole extends upwardly over the upper surface around at least a substantial portion of its periphery and, in particular, at the rear counter where the upper periphery of the rear counter extends substantially higher than the lower most portion of the upper surface in the heel region of the sole.

Abstract: The invention advantageously provides enhanced support of the foot wearing a shoe according to the invention, while eliminating unnecessary manufacturing steps. According to the invention, an upper, an insole, and an outsole are provided to manufacture a shoe. The outsole comprises a heel, an arch, and a plantar region. A cavity is formed in one or more of the heel, arch and plantar regions of the outsole. A cushioning pad is permanently affixed in the cavity. The upper, insole and outsole are then assembled to make the shoe according to the invention. The pad functions integrally with the outsole in cushioning shock to a given area of the foot wearing the shoe. A midsole and the manufacturing process for making the same are no longer needed as a result.

Abstract: A climbing shoe includes an upper portion and an outer sole attached to the upper portion. The outer sole has an interior area, a raised exterior area, and a hooking rim. The hooking rim can hook on a rocky ledge. A climbing shoe also includes teeth attached to the hooking rim. The teeth can vary in shape. The teeth are often a saw-tooth shape or a rounded half-moon shape.

Abstract: A walking shoe. According to one aspect of the present invention, a walking shoe includes a segmented midsole with a thickness that changes from back to front. The midsole includes a back portion and an arcuate front portion. The arcuate front portion interfaces with the back portion and includes a plurality of forward sections. At least one of the forward sections differs in density relative to another of the forward sections. Relatively denser forward sections facilitate a rebound or spring effect as a walker pushes off during a walking stride. Relatively less dense forward sections add cushioning, making the walking stride more comfortable by lessening impact to the walker's foot.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an upper and a separate midsole having interlocking shank portions. The upper has an upward extending arc in the shank area which defines a shank interlock portion therein. The midsole has a corresponding arc which defines a shank interlock portion on a bottom surface thereof which mates with the arc in the upper for resisting motion of the midsole relative to the outsole in the case where the midsole is unsecured within the structure to allow for removal of the midsole. The structure may include an outsole having a shank interlock area that mates with the shank interlock of the midsole, with or without an upper disposed between the midsole and the outsole. The shank interlock areas may include a continuous arc or an abruptly changing arc, and the midsole may be removable or non-removable from the structure. A rigid shank insert may be provided between the midsole and outsole, and the midsole may include a variety of layers.

Abstract: A shoe having improved stability and cushioning by incorporating aspects similar to certain structures of the human foot. The shoe includes a shoe sole having a contour similar to that of the human foot, including a sole inner surface and a sole outer surface each having concavely rounded portions. The shoe sole further includes a compartment or compartments to provide cushioning similar to the fat pads of the human foot. The compartment or compartments include a pressure transmitting medium, such as a gas, gel or liquid. The shoe may also include a shoe upper enveloping at least a part of the shoe sole to provide stability similar to that provided by the outer surface of the human foot.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper, a lower attached to the upper, and an outsole attached to the lower is presented. In one embodiment, the outsole has a ground contacting surface which includes a first section and a second section, with the first section being formed of a first material and the second section having an outer later formed of a fabric material. The first section is free of the fabric material and is instead formed of other suitable materials, such as rubber, leather, etc.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper, an insole and an outsole. A mesh is integrated to the bottom of the outsole to form an integrated mesh/outsole. The mesh and the outsole may be molded in a single injection molding step or the mesh may be molded to the outsole. The mesh is typically made of fabric, polymer and/or metal and preferably nylon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting an ergonomically proper leg and foot posture while cycling are disclosed. A cycling shoe has a rigid outsole with a heel portion, a forefoot portion forward of the heel portion, a toe portion forward of the forefoot portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a pedal contact area underlying the forefoot portion. The pedal contact area defines a base plane, and the upper surface of the outsole is sloped laterally with respect to the base plane along substantially the entire width of the forefoot portion, at a predetermined varus-compensation angle.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to facilitate the aged to shift in particular the body weight of the forelimb when he or she walks by sloping the toe region and the heel region of the sole of the shoes.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe with a foot guiding mechanism which has the particularity that the sole comprises a sole body which has, on an outer face thereof, at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is flexible in order to produce a desired movement of the protrusion which is suitable to force a guided sequence for a foot, wearing the shoe sole, from when the heel section initially contacts a ground surface to when the front edge of the sole breaks contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: A shoe for use in training an infant to walk. The shoe includes an upper sized to receive an infant's foot and a sole that is attached to the upper. The sole extends a distance D1 beyond a front side of the upper adjacent to the toes of the infant's foot, with the distance D1 being from about 10% to about 30% of the length L of the infant's foot measured from heel to toe. Preferably, the sole also extends a distance D2 beyond a rear side of the upper adjacent to the heel of the infant's foot, with the distance D2 being from about 5% to about 15% of the length L. The present invention also provides a method of training an infant to walk. The method includes fitting a shoe according to the invention on each foot of the infant, encouraging the infant to walk while wearing the shoes, and removing a portion of the sole so as to proportionally decrease the extent to which the sole extends beyond the upper as the infant learns to walk.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a upper, a support member or “chassis” attached to the underside of the upper, and sole elements attached to the bottom of the support member. The support member provides support for the foot, and thereby permits use of spaced apart sole elements rather than a full midsole and a full outsole. In addition, the support member can be tailored to provide the optimum stiffness for a particular activity or user.

Abstract: A shock absorbing section (10) of a shoe sole (1) is provided with a shearing transformation element (11). This shearing transformation element (11, 11A) is supported at an upper position dislocated forward (F) with respect to a grounding surface (20) so that it performs a shearing transformation independently due to a load (W) applied from above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to athletic shoes used in sports that require asymmetric movement of the feet, such as fencing. The asymmetric shoes of the present invention include a trailing shoe and a leading shoe that are each specially adapted to the particular asymmetric movement of the trailing and leading foot, respectively, allowing each foot to perform optimally. The leading and trailing shoes each include an upper and a sole. The trailing shoe sole includes front, rear, lateral, and medial portions, the lateral sole portion having a greater thickness than the medial portion.

Abstract: A shoe designed for active wear is described having a distinctive outsole. The outsole has a peripheral wall delimiting a plantar region, a heel region and an arch region of the outsole. A cavity formed in the plantar region has a shape including a floor and an inner periphery defined by a plurality of ribs that form a structure with a series of combs articulating with the peripheral wall of the outsole. A cushioning pad is located within the cavity and molded-in-place to the inner periphery and the floor of the cavity to form an integral functional part of the outsole.

Abstract: A shoe for use in training an infant to walk. The shoe includes an upper sized to receive an infant's foot and a sole that is attached to the upper. The sole extends a distance D1 beyond a front side of the upper adjacent to the toes of the infant's foot, with the distance D1 being from about 10% to about 30% of the length L of the infant's foot measured from heel to toe. Preferably, the sole also extends a distance D2 beyond a rear side of the upper adjacent to the heel of the infant's foot, with the distance D2 being from about 5% to about 15% of the length L. The present invention also provides a method of training an infant to walk. The method according to the present invention includes fitting a shoe according to the invention on each foot of the infant, encouraging the infant to walk while wearing the shoes, and removing a portion of the sole so as to proportionally decrease the extent to which the sole extends beyond the upper as the infant learns to walk.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe comprising a midsole and a corrugated sheet. The midsole is formed of soft elastic material. The corrugated sheet is disposed in at least a heel portion of the midsole. Either or both amplitude and wavelength of wave configuration of said corrugated sheet are made different either or both between a front end portion and back end portion, and between an medial portion and lateral portion of said heel portion.

Abstract: Sports shoes for training physical strength which are divided into the uppers, middle layer of a shoe sole, and the bottom sole, including: a rubber seat inserted at both sides and the back of the uppers; a high-elastic sponge adhered at bottom surface of the middle layer thereof; and, a plurality of holes widely distributed at the upper surface of the bottom sole, springs engaged in each hole, a first space and a second space shaped to the fore and the back of the bottom sole, metal tubes engaged with given intervals in the first and second spaces, and polyurethane charged between the metal tubes.

Abstract: A shoe having a shoe sole with replaceable outsole portions. The shoe sole includes a main sole having a lower support wall with first and second cavities. An insole is disposed within the main sole. First and second lower outsoles are received in the first and second cavities, respectively, and have outer configurations corresponding to the configurations of the cavities thereby forming a snug fit therebetween. Fasteners are inserted through apertures disposed in the outsoles, the main sole, and the insole, releasably securing the outsoles to the main sole. Upon removing the fasteners, the outsoles can be removed and replaced with different outsoles for different conditions and applications or when worn out. The outsoles are formed of two layers, with the upper layer being more rigid than the lower layer to provide a firm surface against which the fastening screw heads can press.

Abstract: A shoe having an expandable shoe upper includes an outsole having a rear outsole and a front outsole and an expandable insole with a rear insole and a front insole. The front insole is movable relative to a length of the rear insole as the shoe upper expands from an unexpanded position to a fully expanded position. As the shoe upper expands, a gap is created between the heel and front outsole. At least one of the front insole and the rear insole covers the gap to protect a wearer's foot in an area of the gap when the shoe upper and expandable insole expand toward the fully expanded position.

Abstract: A shoe designed for active wear is described having a distinctive outsole. The outsole has a peripheral wall delimiting a plantar region, a heel region and an arch region of the outsole. A cavity formed in the plantar region has a shape including a floor and an inner periphery defined by a plurality of ribs that form a structure with a series of combs articulating with the peripheral wall of the outsole. A cushioning pad is located within the cavity and molded-in-place to the inner periphery and the floor of the cavity to form an integral functional part of the outsole.

Abstract: Grind shoe apparatus including a sole mounting a grind plate in the arch area. The grind plate is formed with a downwardly opening concave slide trough and is configured to form clearance spaces at the front and rear thereof. The plate may be formed on the lateral side with an upwardly and outwardly incline side slide surface.

Abstract: An improved exercise device including a sole with an upper surface on which a wearer's foot rests and a lower partially ground contacting surface. The sole has a heel, a midfoot, a forefoot and a toe region such that when the heel region lower surface and the forefoot region lower surface are in ground contact, the upper surface does not incline upwards from the forefoot to the heel region. The forefoot lower surface of the sole is generally radiused in a cylindrical curve about the line connecting the mid points of the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints of the wearer. When the wearer contracts their calf muscles, the heel section is lifted away from the ground, requiring work against gravity.

Abstract: An outsole 1 comprises a high hardness portion 7 and a hardness portion 9. A hardness Ha of the high hardness portion 7 which is measured by a durometer of a type A is 75 to 100. A hardness Hb of the low hardness portion 9 which is measured by the durometer of the type A is equal to or more than and is less than 75. A value of (Ha/Hb) is 1.07 to 2.00. An area ratio of the high hardness portion 7 occupying a bottom e of the outsole 1 is 10% to 90%. An area ratio of the low dness portion 9 occupying the bottom face of the outsole 1 10% to 90%. The sum of the area ratio of the high hardness portion 7 and that of the low hardness portion 9 is 80% or more.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole (2) that extends from a rear heel area (6) through a metatarsal area (7) to a front ball or toe area (8), the sole being composed of a sole body (10) and a sole covering (11) formed on the underside of the sole body (10) and a recess (13) extending approximately from metatarsal area (7) to heel area (6). The recess is provided between sole body (10) and sole covering (11), with the area of sole covering (11) associated with recess (13) forming a pivoting element (18) designed to pivot around a pivot axis (20) located in the end area of recess (13) facing metatarsal area (7). The end area of recess (13) facing metatarsal area (7) is defined by a tip (13a) of recess (13), and the pivot axis (20) is located in the area between a lengthwise center of shoe (1) and heel area (6), with heel area (6) extending over approximately one-third of the length of shoe (1).

Abstract: An inner sole containing weights includes a plurality of cables having first and second ends, a first metal member connected with the first ends of the cables, a second metal member connected with the second ends of the cables and having a distance from the first metal member, and a rubber enclosure completely enclosing the cables, the first and second metal members, whereby the conventional inner sole containing weights has the advantage of not being easily worn out or broken.