Abstract: A shoe is configured to be worn on a user's foot and includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The midsole includes a platform and a lattice integrally formed with the platform. The platform has a toe portion, a heel portion, a medial portion, and a lateral portion arranged to align with the user's foot. The lattice extends from the platform and includes a plurality of crisscrossing laths. Each lath has a longitudinal structure with a longitudinal axis and two ends. The laths are positioned in at least a first zone and a second zone in the lattice, and each lath in the first zone has a girth that is substantially different from a girth of each lath in the second zone.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).

Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a body configured to receive a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear. A temperature regulation system is supported by the body. The temperature regulation system includes a reservoir containing a temperature regulating fluid configured to receive heat from the foot of the wearer. The reservoir is configured to be compressed between the foot of the wearer and the body to discharge the temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir. The temperature regulation system further includes a heat-dissipating portion receiving the temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir. The heat-dissipating portion is configured to permit the temperature regulating fluid to dissipate heat received from the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper component and an outersole including a heel portion and a ball portion. The heel portion and the ball portion include a recess configured to receive a ladder rung therein.

Abstract: A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion.

Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) an upper; (b) a sole structure including a midsole and an outsole, the outsole having a plurality of polygonal lugs arranged about a base surface of the outsole. The outsole may include one or more regions wherein the characteristics of a portion of the lugs within a region differ from the characteristics of a portion of the lugs in another region. The lugs may differ, for example based on size, construction and/or spacing between the lugs. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides at least one shoe comprising an outsole with a bottom wear surface comprising an added fragrance provided in an insert or plug that is released when the shoe is at rest, or when there is friction applied to the bottom wear surface of the outsole.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper; an outer midsole having a base coupled to the upper, and a rim portion extending from the periphery of the base, wherein the rim portion defines a plurality of spaced apart gaps; and an inner midsole disposed interiorly to the rim portion, wherein a portion of the inner midsole is disposed in at least one gap.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe that includes: a bottom surface that is adjacent to the ground in normal use; a sole that forms at least a portion of the bottom surface; an upper portion extending above the sole; and individual particles bonded to the bottom surface of the shoe. The individual particles include at least one of corn husk, hemp or a natural plant material that has been ground into the individual particles.

Abstract: A full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly in an article of footwear is disclosed. The full length composite plate comprises a composite material that has a certain percent elongation. The full length composite plate can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction. The full length composite plate also can include two angled portions along an arch region that provide arch support, as well as two flattened edges along the arch region to minimize or eliminate buckling. The forefoot region can be relatively flatter than the arch and heel regions, and notches are preferably included along a portion of the forefoot to increase flexibility.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a textile upper and a split sole, the split sole having a forefoot portion and a heel portion separated by a gap under the instep portion of the article of footwear. An x-shaped bridge arches over the wearer's foot and connects the forefoot portion of the split sole to the heel portion of the split sole. The article of footwear is fabricated using injection molding to impregnate the fabric at the bottom of the textile upper and to form the split sole.

Abstract: An athletic positioning shoe includes an upper section, a sole, and an insole. The sole includes a heel section, an angled support platform, and a toe area section. The heel section has a first height along a rear edge of the sole from an inner edge to an outer edge and has a first slope from the rear edge to an abutment with the angled support platform. The angled support platform has a first angle along the outer edge from the heel section to a front edge of the sole, a second angle along a front edge to the toe section, and a third angle along the inner edge from the heel section to the toe section, wherein the first angle is less than the third angle. The toe area section has a surface for supporting an inner ball of foot and/or a big toe.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, footwear for receiving and supporting a foot of a wearer is provided. The footwear may have a front end, a rear end, a first side and a second side. The footwear may further have an upper and a sole. The upper is a portion that is atop the sole. The upper and the sole define a cavity that receives the foot. The sole may further have an outsole forming the outer side of the sole. In accordance with one embodiment, the outsole may be generally divided into three sections. The outsole may have a toe section, a medial section, and a heel section. The toe section may have a plurality of cleats or studs, or pods, or spikes, and the heel section is a platform.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper with a heel region that extends posteriorly about the heel, a medial side, and a lateral side. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure. Moreover, the article includes a longitudinal strand that extends along at least one of the medial side and the lateral side. Also, the article includes an underfoot strand that is coupled to the longitudinal strand and that extends across the sole structure to extend between the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. Furthermore, the article includes a closure strand that is coupled to the longitudinal strand. The closure strand is configured to couple to the closure element such that tensioning of the closure element tensions the longitudinal strand, the underfoot strand, and the closure strand to selectively secure the article of footwear to the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe sole device comprising two superposed chassis articulated relative to one another. For preference, movement-absorbing means, which notably absorb pivoting movements of the chassis relative to one another are provided. The invention also covers a shoe having such a shoe sole device and an assembly rig for manufacturing such a shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed below as having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a perimeter chamber, a central chamber, and an outsole. The perimeter chamber extends adjacent to at least a portion of a lateral sidewall and a medial sidewall of the sole structure. The central chamber is positioned within a central area of the sole structure, the central area being located between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall. The outsole defines at least a portion of a lower surface of the sole structure, and has a perimeter section secured below the perimeter chamber and a central section secured below the central chamber. Various features may be incorporated into the sole structure. For example, the perimeter chamber may be spaced from the central chamber and the perimeter section may be spaced from the central section to define a gap extending upward and into the sole structure from the lower surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are footwear soles comprising a propylene-based elastomer. The presence of the propylene-based elastomer provides the footwear sole with a well-balanced combination of desired properties, including low density, low compression set, and weldability.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved welted footwear and related method of manufacture. The welted footwear and related method of manufacturing is directed to a molded foot support platform that provides a number of advantageous features.

Abstract: An article of footwear which includes an outer bottom assembly, the bottom assembly including an outsole and a reinforcement layer. A damping layer is positioned between the outsole and the reinforcement layer, and at least one flange connects the outsole to the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for designing and manufacturing customized footwear, and components thereof. An example method includes a method of designing at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear customized for a user. The method includes the steps of determining at least one input parameter related to a user, analyzing the at least one input parameter to determine at least one performance metric of a foot of the user, and determining at least one customized structural characteristic of at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear for the user based on the performance metric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-emitting shoe, more particularly to a shoe with a built-in decorative light-emitting module. The light-emitting shoe comprises a sole and a light-emitting module disposed inside the sole, wherein the light-emitting module comprises a light-emitting controller and a plurality of light-emitting bodies electrically connected with the light-emitting controller, the light-emitting controller is disposed in the sole, the plurality of light-emitting bodies are disposed at the edge of the sole, a light-permeable cover is further arranged at the edge of the sole and is corresponding to the light-emitting ends of the light-emitting bodies, the light-permeable cover is a prism with at least one irregular side face, lights emitted by the light-emitting bodies are refracted by the prism and then scattered out, and the refracted lights form irregular light spots on an irradiation surface, thus improving the light efficiency of the light-emitting shoe of the present invention.

Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.

Abstract: A footwear device for releaseably receiving footwear that has an upper surface, a sole, and a heel. The footwear device includes a sole having an upper surface and a ground-engaging surface, a forefoot support member extending from the sole to form a first loop, a heel support member extending from at least one of the sole and the forefoot support member to form a second loop. When footwear is inserted into the footwear device, the forefoot support member overlaps at least a portion of the upper surface of the footwear, the heel support member overlaps at least a portion of the heel of the footwear, and the sole of the footwear device substantially covers the sole of the footwear to protect the same.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, including a lower layer, including at least one large through hole. Above the lower layer, a mesh is provided, arranged to overlap at least the large through hole. A membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor is associated in an upward region with respect to the mesh at least at the large hole. The membrane is joined hermetically at least perimetrically to at least one component of the sole so as to avoid liquid rise through the perimeter of the large hole. A perforated upper layer is arranged above the membrane. The lower layer is overmolded on the mesh and partially incorporates the mesh.

Abstract: A blast deflecting boot has a V like shaped sole, a layer to reduce and to stop high velocity fragments, a padded core that limits the blast forces transmitted to the lower leg of a soldier, and an upper of high velocity blast fragment reducing fabric. The invention provides the sole within a layer of non-slip urethane that contains energy absorbing foam, a layer of high velocity fragment reducing para-aramid or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMWPE fabric, and a core of closed cell single or multiple density high energy absorbing foam or silicone that absorbs impact forces. The insole has a high velocity fragment reducing layer system of multiple layers of UHMWPE, or para-aramid. The sole of the present invention may have a unitary form or be assembled from multiple sections.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear includes a sole assembly, optionally including an outsole and a midsole adjacent outsole. The sole assembly and/or its components can include a heel portion that defines a void. First and second inserts can be located in the void, adjacent one another. The first and second inserts are movable and/or slideable relative to one another. This construction can attenuate vibration and shock imparted to the outsole and subsequently transferred to a wearer of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and an outsole bonded to the upper. The outsole may include multiple discrete lugs distributed across a bottom exterior surface of the outsole. The article may further include a compressible foam midsole contained within the upper. The midsole may be non-destructively removable from the upper.

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 sandal including a sole having a front region and a back region and an interior side and an exterior side, that includes a first opening located in said front region, a second opening in or near said back region at said interior side and a third opening in or near said back region at said exterior side, and a strap, which includes a plurality of sections, having a first end and a second end and wherein said first end is threaded upwardly through said front opening, through said second opening and looped around said back region, and through said third opening, thereby defining a heel region between said second opening and said third opening.

Abstract: A sweat absorbing antiskid slipper includes a tread, a shoelace used to fasten the foot, and an antiskid layer made of a gasket and a linen pad. The linen pad is coupled with the surface of the gasket and the bottom surface of the gasket is stick to the surface of the tread. The tread surface includes the antiskid layer made of the gasket and the linen pad. When human feet are sweating, the linen pad of the antiskid layer absorbs sweat, and the linen pad surface is relatively rough, increasing the friction of the sole, thereby preventing the sole from slipping and falling down.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including a sole support, a midsole and an outsole, wherein the edge of the sole support has one or more bridges at the left and right toe area and heel, respectively.

Abstract: A footwear upper including a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer exteriorly of the first layer. The second layer defines grooves in a rhombille tiling pattern.

Abstract: In a high-heeled shoe, the outsole is characterized by an outsole angle between a line that connects a tread point on the bottom surface of the outsole with a rearmost point of meeting between the heel and the bottom surface and a coplanar horizontal line. A forepart of an insole of the shoe is thicker than a rear part of the insole, the insole being characterized by an insole angle between the horizontal and a line that connects a point of an upper surface of the insole that is vertically above the tread point with a rearmost point of the upper surface. The insole angle is smaller than the outsole angle. A forepart of an upper of the shoe is sufficiently high to accommodate the thicker forepart of the insole and a front of a foot.

Abstract: A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate composite structure and an outsole. The composite structure underlies at least a portion of the upper and overlies at least a portion of the outsole. The composite structure includes cushion members with one cushion member being positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer and another cushion member being positioned to underlie the ball of the foot. The cushion member underlying the ball may be perforated. The composite structure can also include a relatively rigid lower member which can be perforated in the area of the ball of the foot underlying the cushion member for the ball of the foot. The composite structure can provide a flexure discontinuity in the shoe forward of the midfoot zone of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn by a user may include a bottom portion of the shoe, an upper portion of the shoe, and a roller guide to movably connect the bottom portion of the shoe to the top portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A sole structure may include multiple macrolayers. Each of those macrolayers may include a spring plate and a layer of damping material. Macrolayers may be bonded or otherwise fixed relative to one another and provide constrained layer damping in response to impact forces occurring as a result of activity of a wearer of an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper; an outer midsole having a base coupled to the upper, and a rim portion extending from the periphery of the base, wherein the rim portion defines a plurality of spaced apart gaps; and an inner midsole disposed interiorly to the rim portion, wherein a portion of the inner midsole is disposed in at least one gap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shoe construction that includes an upper that has an interior surface and a corrugated exterior surface of rapid manufactured material. The upper interior surface and corrugated exterior surface form a lattice-interlace surface. The lattice-interlace surface includes the interior surface that has a plurality of horizontal laths, the corrugated exterior that has a plurality of vertical laths, and a plurality of lattice apertures that extend from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. The shoe construction further includes an interior sole portion of sintered material. The interior sole portion forms a tessellated framework. The tessellated framework includes a lattice of hollow cubes; each hollow cube has a top surface opening and a bottom surface opening, the openings extending from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe may include sole portions that are interchangeable with one another. That is, one of the sole portions may be removed from the shoe and replaced by another one of the sole portions. The interchangeable sole portions may include a common set of features (e.g., structure, design, color, etc.). Alternatively, each of the interchangeable sole portions may include a unique features, such that features of the shoe may be modified by exchanging sole portions.

Abstract: A stability and comfort system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The stability and comfort system includes a bootie and a sock liner. The sock liner may include a heel counter that is contoured to fit a heel. The sole of the article may include an outrigger portion. The outrigger portion can be separated from a central portion of the sole to allow the outrigger portion to move substantially independently of the central portion of the sole.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe that includes: a bottom surface that is adjacent to the ground in normal use; a sole that forms at least a portion of the bottom surface; an upper portion extending above the sole; and individual particles bonded to the bottom surface of the shoe. The individual particles include at least one of corn husk, hemp or a natural plant material that has been ground into the individual particles.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole having a lower surface. A forefoot region may include a first forefoot section and a second forefoot section separated by a first flex groove. The first flex groove may be formed by an upwardly extending elongate recess in the lower surface of the sole. In addition, the first forefoot section may include a first set of ground engaging members extending substantially downward, the first set of ground engaging members forming a substantially arcuate first arrangement. Also, the second forefoot section may include a second set of ground engaging members extending substantially downward, the second set of ground engaging members forming a substantially arcuate second arrangement. The first arrangement may be curved in a different direction than the second arrangement. Each ground engaging member of the first set of ground engaging members may have a length extending along an arc.

Abstract: The golf shoe outsole of the invention has a generally flexible forward section and a generally hard heel section, each section having a plurality of pod sections molded thereupon, each pod section having at least one cleat attached thereto. and an outer edge or perimeter that is flared quite significantly to provide a greater degree of flexibility and traction with turf, and therefore greater stability and balance to the user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment,, a utilitarian garment cover is provided. The utilitarian garment cover may have a first main section for covering at least part of neck, torso, shoulders, at least a part of arms, pelvis region and at least a part of legs of a human body. The first main section may have an access opening positioned at the front side of the first main section. The access opening may be at the upper part of the torso for allowing a user to slip in and out of the utilitarian garment cover.

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 article of footwear may have an outsole with multiple contact zones. Each of those contact zones may include perimeter regions formed from a harder elastomeric material and traction elements formed from a softer elastomeric material. The traction elements within a particular contact zone may be generally planar in shape and aligned in parallel along on orientation direction for that contact zone. When undeformed, the traction elements in a contact zone may extend outward from the outsole beyond the perimeter regions of that same contact zone. In response to a shear force resulting from activity of a shoe wearer, the traction elements may be deformable so as to rest within a volume formed by the perimeter regions.