Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements include a plurality of impact-attenuating members and a means for releasably securing the impact-attenuating element to at least one of the upper member or the sole member of a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device. The impact-attenuating elements may be included in the footwear or other foot-receiving devices in a selectively removable manner so that a user, retailer, or another can customize and freely select an appropriate element, e.g., depending on user preferences, characteristics of the user, characteristics of the intended use, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole. The sliding element includes an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged below the upper sliding surface so as to be slideable in at least two directions. The upper sliding surface can form a lower side of an upper heel cup and the lower sliding surface can form an upper side of a lower heel cup, wherein the upper heel cup and the lower heel cup have corresponding substantially spherical shapes. Complex multi-dimensional sliding and cushioning movements between the upper sliding surface and the lower sliding surface are made possible by the corresponding three-dimensional shapes of the two substantially spherical surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wedge type article of footwear having a concealed storage cavity for storing personal items, including but not limited to, small wallets, coin purses, keys, money, credit cards, makeup, pepper spray, small cellular telephones, tampons, etc., for increased personal safety and increased convenience.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber and at least one illuminable element. The chamber is formed from an at least partially transparent polymer material that encloses a fluid, and a portion of an exterior surface of the chamber is exposed to form a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear. The illuminable element is located within the sole structure and adjacent to the exterior surface the chamber. Light from the illuminable element may pass out of the sole structure by passing through the chamber, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled chamber.

Abstract: Traction enhancing devices for footwear assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that has one or more embedded traction enhancing devices. Each traction enhancing device can be a stud that is at least partially embedded in the carrier portion of the outsole and that partially projects from the carrier portion. Each stud can be configured to reduce or eliminate relative movement between the stud and the carrier portion to prevent the stud from loosening or falling out. For example, each stud can include a shaft having an engaging surface, such as a threaded, ribbed, or textured surface, that engages the carrier portion. Each stud can also include a portion having an enlarged surface area, such as an anchor or head, embedded in the carrier portion to improve retention of the stud in the carrier portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved sole for footwear with a convex or rounded shape, provided with a stabilizer, with a damping system and with an internal system for the rotation of air, which modifies the phase of contact of the foot with the ground in a roller, such that it transforms the process of reception of the ground (with the heel of the foot) and forward translation of the propelling forces (by means of the area of the metatarsus and toes) in a roller effect, obtaining the damping/stability/impulse effects, and the actuation of the airing system by means of a pad/wedge, the outsole thus configured allowing a rotation on the ground such that the inertia of the body and the vertical forces applied from the heel of the foot are more easily converted into horizontal propelling forces.

Abstract: Wellness footwear that promotes proper gait and strong feet is provided. The footwear can include a sole. The footwear can also include a securing upper arranged with the sole and configured to securely hold a foot of a user on a footbed so as to substantially prevent lateral movement of the foot with respect to the footbed and allow one or more of a big toe and remaining toes of the user to be at least partially uncovered and exposed. A toe aligner structure can be arranged between the securing upper and the sole and configured to extend between the big toe and remaining toes of the user so as to direct a force against the big toe in a direction away from the remaining toes during standing, walking, running, swimming, and other movements when muscles of the foot are in use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is footwear for three-beat rhythm walking. The footwear includes an outsole (S) having a first landing part (100) for landing a heel, a second landing part (200) for landing a center of a foot, and a third landing part (300) for landing a toe. The first landing part (100) includes a landing guide groove (110) which is curved inwards from a junction (C) of the first landing part and the second landing part (200) in such a way as to extend widthwise and forms a first beat of the heel landing on a ground. A rolling landing surface (120) is connected to the landing guide groove (110) to form a continuous curve, thus guiding rolling and landing of the heel. An air cushion (130) is provided in the first landing part, and absorbs shocks of the heel, which rolls and lands using the rolling landing surface (120).

Abstract: A shoe for driving a car according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a heel part 5 on a foot sole 4 and an inclined face 5B increasing gradually toward a rear side in a side view. This inclined face 5B comprises a first face part 5a which is formed outside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing an accelerator pedal and a second face part 5b unlike the face condition of the above-mentioned first face part, which is formed inside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing a brake pedal.

Abstract: A sole for footwear that is suited for sandy or non-rigid environments, as well as various footwear that includes the sole, are disclosed. The sole includes a first arc structure extending along a forefoot portion of the sole, and a second arc structure extending along a rear foot portion of the sole. The second arc structure has an open end that faces an open end of the first arc structure, and the second arc structure is separated from the first arc structure by a gap. The stability and traction structure further includes a linear structure extending from within the first arc structure to within the second arc structure.

Abstract: Footwear including a flexible sole having a series of flexure zones positioned to correspond to primary joint axes of the human foot approximating the characteristics of a bare foot in motion.

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 sole (10) for foldable footwear has a plurality of defined fold lines (34-40) arranged such that the sole can be folded so as to have a folded length that is less than its unfolded length. A pair of foldable shoes provided with the foldable sole (10) can conveniently be packaged for sale from a vending machine.

Abstract: A shoe construction comprising an outsole constructed from a slip resistant material and a wedge shaped cushion member having a rounded and beveled shaped lower surface bonded to the outsole. A midsole body member is bonded to the cushion member having a torsion spring member secured to the midsole body member. The torsion member assists in stabilizing the shoe construction by directing an outer surface of the outsole to a preferred position, while the lower surface is constructed and arranged to provide a curved rocker-like surface whereby the outsole remains in contact with the ground, and requires muscle control, throughout a walking step.

Abstract: A slippers structure comprises: a sole, a toe post and a vamp. The sole is defined with a concave, and close to a middle of both lateral edges of the sole is formed a protruding portion, respectively, a bottom of the sole is an arc-shaped surface. The toe post has one end integrally formed with the concave, and a head portion at the other end of the toe post has a larger diameter than the post portion. The vamp has two ends integral with the protruding portions of the sole and is located around an outer periphery of a rear half of the sole, an engaging portion extends from the inner edge to near a center of the vamp, the vamp can be folded upward over the sole from its two ends connected to the two protruding portions so as to make the toe post engage in the engaging portion.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: Sole (1) for shoes, comprising a container (9) housing a compressed gas including an active ingredient and provided with: an output (12) for dispensing the gas and actuating means (10) connected to said output (12) adapted to close and open said output so as to allow gas delivery. The sole is characterised in that said actuating means comprises an electro-magnet (15a, 15b) adapted to produce a magnetic field from an electrical current and a moving element configured to assume different positions under the control of said magnetic field. The electro-magnet is mechanically coupled to said output (12) so as to correspondingly close and open the output.

Abstract: The invention relates to footwear comprising a sole and an upper, which sole is attached to spring means supported on a ground surface, which spring means comprise at least one U-shaped spring element, which is connected to the sole with a first leg and which is supported on the ground surface with the other leg. A drawback of such footwear is that the spring means are constructed with a certain overmeasure in relation to the footwear so as to generate a certain useful spring effect. Adjusting the spring means of said known footwear is complex and cannot be done efficiently. The object of the invention is to provide improved footwear as referred to in the introduction, as well as improved spring means according to the invention, with on the one hand small constructional dimensions whilst retaining an advantageous spring effect, which is furthermore easier to adjust.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a system for interlocking a pair of shoes for storage. The system comprises a right shoe having a sole and a first cavity within the sole of the right shoe; a left shoe having a sole and a second cavity within the sole of the left shoe; a male fastener rotatably mounted within one of either the first cavity or the second cavity; and a female fastener rotatably mounted within the other of either the first cavity or the second cavity; wherein the male fastener and the female fastener may be releasably fastened to each other when rotated in a position which is substantially perpendicular to the soles of the right shoe and the left shoe so as to couple the right shoe and left shoe together.

Abstract: The present application refers to a conductive, resistive and anti-triboelectric footwear comprising a footwear body or cut, a semiconductor sole, a resistive conductive insole, a common insole, a bottom of sole having contacting the floor made of the same material as the unloading devices and the semiconductor insole and unloading devices, with the purpose of contacting the human body with the ground and achieve the release of the stored static electricity on which the footwear body is fixed, characterized in that the unloading devices pass through the common insole and the footwear bottom making contact between the resistive conductive insole and the ground at least through the portion or the whole sole when it is resistive conductive; and its manufacturing method.

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 with an undulating sole provides cushioning and support to an article of footwear. The sole has an undulating shape that may be substantially similar to a sine wave with a series of alternating peaks and troughs.

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: Footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to a lower portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within to the upper and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper

Abstract: Footwear includes a support member having an upper surface attachable to a foot, and two bulbous protuberances, a forward bulbous protuberance and rearward bulbous protuberance. Each of the protuberances has a curved outer contour, and protrudes from a lower surface of the support member on opposite sides of a latitudinal midline thereof, the latitudinal midline being halfway between a calcaneus support portion and a phalanges support portion of the support member. The forward bulbous protuberance is positioned medially offset with respect to a longitudinal centerline.

Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe has a backing member of thermoplastic rubber and on an area of the exterior surface of that backing member an intermediate layer of thermoplastic polyurethane and an outermost layer of fabric, the area comprising at least 51 percent of the contact surface of the outsole. In producing the outsole, a sheet of fabric is overlain with a sheet of thermo plastic urethane, the sheet is heated to about the melting point of the TPU to permit the TPU to adhere to the fabric, and the fabric is cooled. The TPU-covered fabric is cut to the size and shape required to fit a backing member, and position in a mold on a bottom surface of a mold, and a quantity of TPR is injected at a temperature lower than the melting point of the TPU but high enough to render the TPU tacky, to insure the inherence of the TPU-covered fabric to the backing, including the resultant outsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a multi-directional sole structure including a flex groove system is disclosed. The flex groove system includes a plurality of longitudinal flex grooves and lateral flex grooves that divide the sole structure into a plurality of segments. The flex groove system also includes a plurality of diagonal flex grooves that intersect the corners of the plurality of segments. The flex grooves system can provide enhanced flexibility for the sole structure and can enhance multi-directional flexing.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least a main body portion, a heel portion hinged to the main body portion, and a toe portion in sliding engagement with the main body portion, which collectively forms a ski boot attachment by steps for assembling a ski boot attachment is disclosed. The ski boot attachment preferably assembled by steps that include at least installing a spring mount within a component cavity of a main chassis, positioning a release spring within the component cavity, placing an extension control member within the component cavity in abutting contact with the release spring, compressing the release spring with the extension control member, sliding a slide member into the component cavity into sliding contact with the extension control member, attaching a main spring to the spring mount and the slide member, and securing a chassis cover to the main chassis.

Abstract: Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts includes a sole having an elastomeric mid-sole with elastomeric pads combined in a heel recess thereof such that the pads act in series with each other and in parallel with the mid-sole during conjoint compression thereof. At least one of the pads includes a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient. In another embodiment, the heel of the mid-sole is replaced by a toroidal gas cushion and an elastomeric pad including a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient disposed in a central recess of the cushion such that the pad is recessed a selected distance below the upper surface of the cushion. The resilient pads may advantageously incorporate a plurality of gas-filled cells, and a solid gel pad may also be disposed in the mid-sole of the footwear below the ball of the wearer's foot for increased protection.

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: A foldable sandal includes a forefoot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a front portion of a wearer's foot, a rear-foot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a rear portion of the wearer's foot, and a folding member outsole that functions as the folding member and the bottom layer of the sandal. The folding member is operatively coupled to both the forefoot portion and the rear-foot portion wherein the folding member is adapted to enable the foldable sandal to be selectively moved between an open configuration suitable for wearing and a folded configuration suitable for storage. The sandal may also have a retaining member fastened to the folding member outsole or the forefoot portion and/or the rear-foot portion to hold the sandal on the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing a shoe sole profile shape for an individual who has a prescribed ankle angular motion for at least a partial heel-to-toe foot motion of the individual. A shoe sole geometry is determined that provides a substantially invariant roll-over shape for level ground walking that accommodates the prescribed ankle angular motion of the individual. The shoe sole geometry then is imparted to a shoe sole by machining, molding or other shaping operation.

Abstract: A shoe suspension system and device are provided. In a first version of the Present Invention a device attached to an undersole of a shoe directs a spring force toward the ground in one direction and toward a heel section of the undersole of the shoe, whereby the heel section receives the spring force in an axis substantially normal to the undersole. In another version, a ground plate extends from a hinge, the hinge is attached to the shoe undersole, and a spring element is coupled at one end to the ground plane and at another end to the undersole, whereby a substantially planar orientation of undersole is supported by the device. In yet another version, a linkage including a plurality of hinges and arms is attached to a shoe undersole and directs a force toward a heel plane of the undersole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a forefoot portion and a heel portion movable relative to the forefoot portion from a first articulated configuration to a second articulated configuration is provided. An articulation assembly having a forefoot articulation member and a heel articulation member is also provided. The articulation assembly couples the forefoot portion to the heel portion and includes a hinge mechanism and a cam mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a pin located within a socket. The cam mechanism may include a cam surface and a protrusion configured to ride on the cam surface. The article of footwear may include a locking mechanism having a first locking element that engages a second locking element in the first articulated configuration. The first locking element may be a first concavity formed in a surface and the second locking element may be a protrusion configured to extend into the first concavity in the first articulated configuration.

Abstract: The therapeutic cushioned sole has a base that carries a cushioning material capable of simulating the feeling of walking on grass. The cushioning material may attach to the bottom of the footwear, such as a sandal or an over-shoe, or may affix to an after-market insole designed to replace or complement a stock insole. The cushioning material includes an artificial grass-like material such as field turf, Astroturf, or another like material and may be formed in different densities and lengths depending on the comfort level specific to a particular use or wearer.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided comprising the combination of an article of footwear and a self-propelled toy vehicle whose operation may be rudimentarily controlled by the actuation of one or more sensors mounted to the outsole or upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of multi-functional footwear. In one example, an article of footwear includes a climbing arch configured to receive at least a portion of a climbing surface. The climbing arch also includes a plurality of engagement members extending from the arch and configured to engage a climbing surface. The article of footwear may also include a protective plate, a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions that form a receiving area configured to receive a portion of a second body, a drainage system configured to drain liquid from within the article of footwear, and/or an anti-rope burn upper. The described, multi-functional footwear may be designed with significantly less mass than known footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a heel cushioning system is disclosed. The heel cushioning system includes a sole, a curved plate and tread members. The tread members may lift a heel portion of a sole above a ground surface. The curved plate may deflect when a force is applied to the sole.

Abstract: A shoe with a permanent magnet including a basic body having a magnetic North Pole and a magnetic South Pole and being elastically deformable solves the problem of realizing a shoe which is able to provide its wearer with information about the material properties and the condition of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes an outsole, including an outsole groove that extends generally in a thickness direction through the outsole to separate the outsole into first and second outsole elements. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes a midsole, including a midsole groove that extends generally in a thickness direction through the midsole to separate the midsole into first and second midsole elements. The first midsole element is operably secured to the first outsole element to define a first element assembly, and the second midsole element is operably secured to the second outsole element to define a second element assembly. Furthermore, the outsole groove and the midsole groove are substantially aligned with each other, and the first and second element assemblies interlock with each other.

Abstract: A sole (12) for an item of footwear such as a shoe (10) includes a heel part (18) and a forefoot part (16), the forefoot part (16) including a rocker region (20). The rocker region (20) has a length extending transversely across the sole (12) and a width extending along the sole (12). The sole (12) is arranged so that in use during a gait cycle in which the sole (12) contacts a substantially planar support surface (38), a region of contact between the sole (12) and the support surface (38) moves across the width of the rocker region (20).

Abstract: A sports shoe is disclosed for playing golf, having a sole fitted with a rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism being provided with a rotary element rotatable against a biasing force provided to the rotary element by a biasing mechanism coupled to the rotary element. Further, a ground plate device is provided, in particular for use in playing golf, the ground plate device comprising a rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism being configured to receive a section of a sole of a sports shoe, especially a golf shoe, and being provided with a rotary element rotatable against a biasing force provided to the rotary element by a biasing mechanism coupled to the rotary element. In a preferred embodiment, the ground plate device further comprises fastening means for detachably or not-detachably fastening the sports shoe.

Abstract: A sole (1) for a pedestrian's shoe or a slipover device (18) for such a shoe has a base consisting of a non-woven microfibre material made of thermoplastic polyester PVC knobs or polyamide. The microfibre material is exposed in an arcuate section (5) in the front foot portion (2), in the mid-foot portion (3) and in a wheel-shaped section (6) in the heel portion (4) of the sole. An elastomer material is deposited as rounded knobs onto the microfibre material in a fore portion (7) of the front foot portion (2) and in a ring (8) and sectors (9) in the heel portion (4) of the sole (1). A PVC material is deposited, also in the form of rounded knobs, in a transverse band (10) in the front foot portion (2) and in a larger part (11) of the heel portion (4) so as to surround the ring (8). The use of the microfibre material as a means of enhancing friction on an icy surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear configured for use as a dance shoe is provided. The article of footwear can include an upper and a two-piece sole connected to the upper. The article can also include a cage support that surrounds a portion of the upper and aids in flexibility of the shoe. The article can also include a single piece liner with an integrated toe box. In addition, the shoe can include an offset lacing system. In another arrangement, the shoe can include an elastic wrap, connected to the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the upper. The wrap can act as a tongue to minimize contact between the offset lacing system and the dancer's foot. In yet another arrangement, the shoe can include different types of outsole supports.

Abstract: The sand shoe includes a frame enclosing a large-gauge, interwoven tread portion. The frame is fabricated from a lightweight metal. A clog is attached to the upper surface of the interwoven tread. The clog is fabricated from lightweight material and is designed with an open back for easy access and a plurality of openings for air circulation.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole wherein an upper layer of the midsole has a bottom surface that has a longitudinal convexity and a longitudinal concavity, the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a substantial portion of the toe region or a substantial portion of the toe region and middle region, and the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region, the longitudinal convexity and the longitudinal concavity collectively contributing to simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of walking on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a height adjustable heel. A heel assembly is coupled to a toe assembly. A sole assembly is disposed over the heel assembly. A hinge assembly joins the sole assembly and heel assembly at a junction with the toe assembly. The hinge assembly has a locking mechanism, which allows the sole assembly to pivot with respect to the heel assembly to adjust a height of the sole assembly over the heel assembly when the locking mechanism is disengaged. The height of the sole assembly over the heel assembly is fixed when the locking mechanism is engaged. The heel assembly has a first inner support and the sole assembly has a second inner support. A pin coupled to a sprocket engages and disengages the first inner support and the second inner support to adjust a height of the sole assembly with respect to the heel assembly.

Abstract: A transformable shoe described wherein can transform into different heel heights. It is a shoe wherein the heel is detached or attached that transforms the shoe into heels of varying heights. The frame of the shoe contains two independent soles that are pivotally connected via a hinge. The two independent shoe soles will vary angles via the hinge upon attaching or detaching of the heel. Heels of varying heights can be attached to the bottom of the sole. The hinge connecting the two independent soles will rotate according to the height of the heels attached to the sole. The heel upon detachment from the shoe can be stowed by the person separately.