Abstract: A shoe sole construction includes a sole member formed from a synthetic plastic material having a first durometer value of hardness and including toe, ball, arch, and heel portions. Relatively rigid toe and heel plates are secured to bottom surface of the sole member on opposite sides of a relatively soft flex bar member that extends transversely across the ball portion of the sole member. A plurality of toe cushion members are mounted for independent movement within openings contained in the toe plate, and a stabilizing arch cushion member is mounted in the recess defined in the heel plate. These cushion members have an intermediate durometer value that, during use, permits compression of these cushion members in a footprint pattern.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole's sidewall.

Abstract: A flexible anti-nail protective footwear, which prevents injuries caused by pointed objects penetrating from below, comprises an upper part which is closed at its lower portion; a flexible outsole attached to the upper part; and a flexible anti-nail protective layer comprising a felted layer of polymer fibers, in which felted layer the polymer fibers are present in a non-woven condition. The flexible anti-nail protective layer is arranged in between the upper part and the flexible outsole or within the flexible outsole.

Abstract: A sole structure 1 for a shoe comprises an upper plate 2 that is disposed on the upper side of the structure 1 and that has upraised portions 20 projecting upwardly form opposite side edge portions of the upper plate 2, a lower plate 3 disposed below the upper plate 2, and a plurality of longitudinally separated connecting portions 4, 5 and 6 that are disposed between the upper plate 2 and the lower plates 3 to form voids 10 therebetween and that elastically connect the upper plate 2 with the lower plate 3. The upper end of the connecting portion 5 extends upwardly to the side surface of the upraised portion 20 of the upper plate 2 and a projecting portion 5b that projects in the longitudinal direction is provided at the extension 5a. The extension 5a and the projecting portion 5b are fixedly attached to the side surface of the upraised portion 20.

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: Disclosed herein is footwear. The footwear includes a midsole, a shock absorbing means, and an outsole. The midsole has on an upper surface thereof an air passage. At least one insertion recess is provided in a lower surface of the midsole and communicates with the air passage. The shock absorbing means is made of an elastic material and movable up and down by flow of air present in the shock absorbing means. The upper end of the shock absorbing means is opened and secured to the insertion recess of the midsole, and the lower end of the shock absorbing means is closed and protrudes downwards. The outsole functions to secure the shock absorbing means to the midsole. The present invention provides footwear having a shock absorbing means having a simple structure and a superior shock absorbing function, thus having high durability.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has an upper plate and a lower plate in a forefoot portion of the sole assembly, and a plurality of lower plate arms curving downwardly from the upper plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear which has improved shock absorbency due to cushioning within a two-plate system. The orthotic or upper plate and bottom plate are separated by cushioning. The orthotic plate preferably provides rigid support between heel and metatarsal region. The bottom plate may utilize multiple rigid segments whereby the toe region is flexible. The bottom plate may also have gripping elements which are permanently or removeably attachable to the plate to compensate for wear, or for a change in activities. The cushioning between the upper and bottom plates distributes force produced at individual points on the bottom plate over the entire upper plate, thereby eliminating pressure points on the foot.

Abstract: A sole structure for a sports shoe that is lighter in weight and that can secure stability and improve resilience at the time of heel strike onto the ground. A sole structure 1 has a wavy corrugated plate 3 disposed at a heel region of the sole structure 1 and having corrugations around the heel circumferential portion. Amplitudes of the corrugations are gradually greater toward the heel circumferential edges. The sole structure 1 also has a pillar member unit 5 composed of a plurality of pillar members 51-57 formed of rubber. The pillar members 51-57 are disposed around the heel circumferential portion on the bottom surface of the wavy corrugated plate 3. The top surfaces of the pillar members 51-57 are fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the wavy corrugated plate 3. The top surfaces of the pillar members 51-57 have inclined surfaces whose heights h from the bottom surfaces are gradually lowered from the heel central portion toward the heel circumferential portion.

Abstract: An article of protective footwear in the form of a boot (10) protects a foot (12) of a user against effects of a landmine explosion. A composite sole volume (16) between an outer sole (18) and an inner sole (20) incorporates shock wave guide elements (28) of a material having a high acoustic speed, in the form of glass strips which extend spatially from the outer sole (18) obliquely laterally outwardly to a side of the sole volume. The strips (28) are surrounded by liquid. Above the strips (28) and below the inner sole (20), there is provided a barrier of material having a low acoustic speed, e.g. vermiculite. Surrounding the foot (12), opposed to the sole of the foot, there is provided a fluid having a high acoustic speed, e.g. glycerin to ensure effective transfer of any shock wave component entering the foot, away from the foot.

Abstract: A cushioned insole includes a top cushion, a Texon brand or similar insole support layer, and a cushion insert that establishes a cushioned insole forepart through its entire thickness. The cushioning is established with the cushion insert positioned through an open forepart of the Texon. The cushion insert may either be positioned against the top cushion overlaying the open Texon forepart, or extending through an open forepart of the top cushion.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first part wore by wearers and a second part which includes a C-shaped resilient plate which is fixed to an underside of the first part by its top. A first pin and a second pin are respectively connected to the front end and the rear end of the resilient plate. A base includes a front end which is pivotably connected to the first pin on the resilient plate and two lugs extend from the top of the rear end of the base. Each lug has an elongate slot and the second pin is movably engaged with the two elongate slots of the two lugs. The resilient plate is moved up and down when the second pin is moved within the elongate slots of the base.

Abstract: An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert 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 insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well 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. The insert preferably also extends vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic shoe which comprises a sole assembly having a tread surface (6) having a curved profile in a sagittal plane of the shoe and an upper surface (17) which comprises a location for the toes and a location for the heel. The sole assembly of the therapeutic shoe according to the invention is longitudinally flexible in the sagittal plane and is shaped so that the curved profile of the tread surface (6) extends opposite the location for the heel and the location for the toes. Furthermore, the therapeutic shoe according to the invention comprises at least one removable rigid reinforcement component (15) which acts counter to the longitudinal flexion of the sole assembly in a sagittal plane.

Abstract: A shoe construction employs a midsole molded of flexible, resilient material around a rigid plate, where the midsole and encapsulated plate are insertable into a separately constructed outsole and shoe upper.

Abstract: A support structure for footwear includes a longitudinally extending member to which a plurality of laterally extending supports members are secured at spaced apart locations along a length of the longitudinal member. The support structure may extend along the entire length of a footwear or may be specifically designed for the forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot areas of a footwear. The support structure may be combined with plate-like structures or may include a plurality of longitudinally extending members. The lateral supports may extend in a generally horizontal plane or may extend in an upward or downward direction out of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral members may be made of different materials, or each may be made of a plurality of different materials to provide the desired characteristics of the support structure at a given location in the footwear. Different portions of the longitudinal member may be more or less flexible than the lateral supports.

Abstract: A sole construction for use in the manufacture of a shoe has an outer sole made of a soft and pliable natural or synthetic elastomeric material having a substantially uniform thickness over its entire area. The outer sole has a substantially planar external surface (when relaxed) for contacting the ground, with cuts formed therein to enhance grip. A puncture-resistant inner sheet of woven synthetic fibers is bonded to the internal surface of the outer sole and an inner lining is bonded to the puncture-resistant inner sheet. A removable soft insole may be provided on the inner lining. The sole construction is lightweight and highly flexible such that a foot of a wearer may flex in the same manner as if the wearer was barefoot with the puncture-resistant inner sheet protecting the wearer's foot from accidental injury from sharp objects on which the wearer may tread.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sprint shoe, including a plate arranged in a sole area of the shoe. The plate extends essentially over the complete length of the sole area and is substantially planar in a forefoot part and is constructed of a material and configured to allow for elastic bending of the plate in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to three-dimensionally encompasses a rearfoot part of the foot. Optionally, the plate includes a heel cup in the rearfoot part to cradle the foot. Further, a wedge- or rib-like raised part may be arranged below the heel cup.

Abstract: A plate support for supporting a wearer's foot. The heel support includes a flexible central plate joined at its periphery to one or more tubular portions. The heel support provides cushioning without the need for an air-tight enclosure in the rear sole of a shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear item that is designed for racket sports. The inventive item includes a sole that includes a dynamic element that stores and releases energy when the sole is subjected to lateral stresses. The dynamic element includes at least two pair of elastically deformable support parts which are located longitudinally on either side of the metatarsus support area of the sole and which extend opposite to one another such that a first pair extend on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the sole and toward an arch portion of the sole and the second pair extend on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the sole and toward a front part of the sole.

Abstract: The wrestling shoe according to the present invention comprises outer soles 1F and 1B separated forward and rearward on the side of a grounding surface of the shoe. The fore and rear outer soles 1F and 1B essentially protrude downward further than an outer skin 3, thereby to support the foot in a fore foot part and a rear foot part, respectively, when landing on the ground. The fore and rear outer soles 1F and 1B are made of an outer sole material of rubber and/or resin. The outer skin 3 is formed of a laminated body where an outer surface layer 30 and a cushion layer 31 are laminated. The outer surface layer 30 is exposed in a mid foot part M and made of substantially flexible sheet-like material, and the cushion layer 31 is laminated on the inner side of the outer surface layer 30 and made of substantially flexible rubber foam or resin foam.

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 includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A sole plate is positioned between the upper and the sole assembly. The sole plate includes a midfoot member comprising a medial member having a base plate and at least one medial pillar extending upwardly from a medial edge of the base plate; with the base plate having a substantially planar finger extending forwardly and configured to extend under a foot of a user; and a lateral member having at least one lateral pillar extending upwardly from a lateral edge thereof. A forefoot member has at least one finger extending upwardly along an exterior surface of the upper.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of footwear having a stabilizing element incorporated into a sole structure. The stabilizing element is located primarily in the midfoot region of the footwear but extends into both the forefoot and heel regions. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes five stabilizing members that extend from a connecting member. The function of the stabilizing members is to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in the midfoot and heel regions; permit the forefoot to axially flex in relation to the heel; and permit forefoot flexion.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a bottom assembly, the bottom assembling including at least a wear sole and an element for reinforcing the bottom assembly, and an upper including a reinforcement element coupled to the reinforcement element of the bottom assembly. The coupling of the element for reinforcing the bottom assembly and of the element for reinforcing the upper is flexible at least in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A grind rail apparatus coupleable to an underside of a footwear for grinding is provided. The grind rail apparatus includes a body having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side of the body coupled to the underside of the footwear. The grind rail apparatus also includes a plurality of rails extending from the lower side of the body.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a flexible insole having a ball portion arranged below the ball of the user's foot, the bottom surface of the ball portion containing a plurality of transversely-arranged longitudinally-spaced flex grooves that define therebetween a plurality of flex bars which impart a desired degree of flexibility to the insole. A longitudinally-extending shank slot is provided beneath the arch portion of the insole member for receiving a bowed semi-rigid shank member that supports the arch portion of the user's foot. An annular sealing gasket may be provided in a sealing channel that extends around the flex grooves, flex bars and shank slot, thereby to prevent moisture from entering the depressions in the bottom of the insole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole with a chassis constructed to provide, in a pre-selected manner, comfort, flexibility, support, and power transfer by varying the configuration, thickness, and/or material of the chassis in various areas of the chassis, thereby providing for varying degrees of stiffness in the footwear.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A preferably three layer protective orthotic insert for footwear is provided. According to one embodiment, a bottom layer is a single stainless steel sheet. A middle layer is a polyurethane layer, shaped to the contour of the bottom of a foot and including orthotic supports, disposed over the single stainless steel sheet. And a top layer is a membrane secured to the molded polyurethane layer. A method for making the protective orthotic insert is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear that includes a sole structure having a plate assembly that includes a separator plate and a split plate. The split plate is located in a midfoot portion of the sole structure and includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated by a split. The separator plate is located within the split and is attached to the split plate. When compressed against a surface, the longitudinal portion and the medial portion separate further, thereby increasing the width of the split and dissipating energy.

Abstract: An article of footwear of the type that includes upper, an outer sole, and the following elements, listed below from the inside toward the outside of the article of footwear:

Abstract: A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe and an arch bridge integral with the plate. The arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe and has a portion that is approximately planar with the lower surface of the plate for at least a substantial portion of the full extension of the arch bridge as measured along an axis that is parallel with the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate and a substantially air-tight enclosure having at least two portions that converge toward each other relative to a vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure to form an apex.

Abstract: A shoe including a midsole with at least one inflated cushion and a midsole material external thereto having at least one opening through which at least a portion of the inflated cushion is exposed to and visible from outside the shoe. The external midsole material is made of a material different from that of a ground engaging portion of the outsole. The shoe includes a plate extending under a majority of the area occupied by the heel region of the upper and an arch bridge having a lower surface that is in substantial part non-ground-engaging and visible from the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear construction comprising a flexible and resilient outsole having a front portion with a plurality of depending moguls on the bottom surface thereof. A midsole is positioned over the outsole and has a front portion with a plurality of spaced holes therethrough which are substantially vertically aligned with some or all of the moguls to enable air flow through the midsole when the moguls are deformed by the weight and walking action of the wearer. A footbed is positioned over the midsole and comprises a soft flexible and resilient body member having a plurality of spaced, raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof. The footbed has a front portion with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough which are substantially vertically aligned with some or all of the holes in the midsole to enable air flow through the body member. An upper extends over the footbed and midsole, and is secured to the outsole.

Abstract: The sports boot has, on the one hand a first part (1) in a first material and a second part (17) superposed on said first part and in a second material, and, on the other hand, reinforcement means (10, 11, 12, 13). The reinforcement means are at least partly formed by at least one frame (13) in synthetic material reinforced with mineral or synthetic fibers and positioned at least partially between said parts.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole having a supporting surface for supporting a foot and an upper connected with the sole for locking a foot onto the supporting surface. The sole comprises an elongated torsion stiffener enhancing resistance to torsion about the longitudinal axis of the sole. The torsion stiffener extends in outward direction diagonally across the sole, such that as the sole is made to roll along the longitudinal axis by the foot, the resistance to outward torsion increases. The invention also relates to a sole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe sole comprising an outer sole 1F, 1B, a midsole 2 and a reinforcement device 4 made of a resin plate. The reinforcement device 4 is firmly secured to the underside of an arch portion 2M of the midsole 2. At a medial side 11 and a lateral side 10 of the foot, the reinforcement device 4 is shaped like an arch between separated outer sole parts 1F and 1B. A medial foot portion 43 of the reinforcement device 4 is formed to have a higher hardness than a lateral foot portion 40 of the reinforcement device 4. This allows the reinforcement device 4 to have a greater flexural rigidity in its medial foot portion 43 than in its lateral foot portion 40.

Abstract: There are provided a shoe midsole which is light in weight, long life, excellently abrasion resistant, sufficiently air-permeable and well-workable, and shoes using same. The shoe midsole in the form of footprint plate comprising a light metallic skeleton in the form of footprint plate and RB ceramics or CRB ceramics molded around the skeleton.

Abstract: Footwear (1) to protect a wearer from landmines including a substantialy non-deformable metal sheet (5) below the foot of the wearer shaped and positioned to effect a redirection of any up-welling result of an exploding landmine to a side of the footwear (1) when being worn. The footwear (1) also including an outer hard shell (2) to deflect and direct any initial shock and pressure waves past the body elements of the wearer, the footwear (1) being pivotally connected to an upper protective surround (13).

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 invention concerns a sole, used as a throughsole, inner sole or insole for a shoe, e.g, a football boot with a flexible outsole. The sole ensures that when shooting on the volley in football or with similar loadings, the entire force can be transmitted to the ball or similar sports equipment by means of a special stiffening of the sole by tension elements attached to raised walls of the edge area of the sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe including an upper section, a flexible sole having first and second opposing surfaces and an opening, wherein at least a portion of a base periphery of the upper section is attached to the flexible sole, and at least one rigid member removably positioned in the opening of the flexible sole. The present invention also relates to a method of making the shoe and a method of treating a foot using the shoe.

Abstract: A structural chassis includes a structural chassis and a foam chassis or sock liner sandwiched together to form an assembly that can be inserted into and substantially occupy a footbed of a shoe upper. Discrete sole elements are attached to a bottom side of the upper so as to expose certain portions of the bottom side therebetween. This absence of outsole material in those areas makes the upper collapsible about those areas since the outsole provides no support in those areas. Instead, the structure is provided by the chassis of the chassis, which is customized to the user's foot by placing one or more notches in strategic locations along the chassis where the foot naturally flexes. One such notch is located on the chassis in a position that allows the chassis to flex about a forward push-off axis of the foot that runs through the first and second MTP joints.

Abstract: Footwear and its method of construction are provided. An insole forepart is attached to the bottom of the sock liner. An upper having a vamp lining with a toe part is provided where toe part is stitched to the sock liner such that the vamp lining and the sock liner together define a volume for receiving a wearer's foot. A steel toe is positioned substantially around the toe part of the vamp lining. An outsole having a forward portion formed of a material having a first resiliency characteristic is provided. A stiffener is positioned between the forward portion of the outsole and the insole forepart where the stiffener is formed of a material having a second resiliency characteristic less than the first resiliency characteristic.

Abstract: An embodiment of a snowboard boot with removable upper support includes a sole portion that cooperatively with an upwardly extending boot upper provides a volume for receiving a user's foot. The boot upper has a high back portion that includes an interior pocket adapted to receive a generally Y-shaped stiffening insert. The pocket is provided at the back of the upper, by attaching a back panel to the upper, the back panel having a front panel attached to the front side, thereby forming a pocket. Slots are provided at the top corners of the back panel that can slidably engage the upper tabs of the insert, thereby locking the insert in place.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a boot, in particular a sports boot, more particularly a cross-country ski boot. The boot reinforcement makes it possible to improve the torsional stiffness, efficiency, durability, lightness, cost, foot protection, and industrial workability. To achieve this goal, the boot reinforcement according to the invention includes a front zone A from the front end up to the beginning of the plantar arch, a median zone B corresponding to the plantar arch, a rear zone C. The reinforcement includes, at least in the zones B and C, at least one “sandwich” structure constituted by at least one core inserted between at least two layers, and, in the zone A, it is flexible in a substantially longitudinal direction and torsionally stiff. The layers of the sandwich structure are made of composite, carbon fibers/polymeric resin, whereas the core of this sandwich structure is made of synthetic foam, wood or honeycomb.

Abstract: A spacemesh structure for shoe making includes an upper mesh-texture layer, a lower mesh-texture layer and a reinforced structure in between. The reinforced structure comprises a plurality of supporting lumps arranged as a two dimensional array with gaps between two supporting lumps. A plurality of girders are disposed in the gaps in one direction leaving some gaps between every two adjacent lumps located between two adjacent girders.

Abstract: The sole comprises three layers, including (a) an outer or ground contact sole (7) having flexibility, ground-gripping, and abrasion-resistance properties, (b) an upper or comfort layer (8) positioned directly beneath the foot and having elastic shock-absorption properties, and (c) an intermediate layer or rib (9) positioned directly between the upper portion of the contact layer (7) and the lower portion of the comfort layer (8) and having torsional rigidity properties which provide both for the distribution of shocks sensed by the contact layer (7) and for their diffusion over the comfort layer (8) before they come into contact with the foot (4).