Abstract: A post-operative shoe and method for construction thereof is provided. The post-operative shoe includes an outsole having a substantially flat surface with a heel segment, a midfoot segment, and a forefoot portion surrounded by an outer edge. Each bore includes an open end on the outer edge of the forefoot portion and extending partially towards the heel segment. One or more flex rods each configured to fit within the bores and comprising a front end with threading corresponding to the threading of the bore are provided.

Abstract: A sandal strap repair device to repair a toe strap of a thong sandal including a repair disc having a centrally disposed aperture therethrough and a slot on each side of the aperture for receiving a toe strap of a thong sandal therethrough and securing the toe strap between the repair disc and a sole of the thong sandal.

Abstract: Heel strap (2) for swimming fins (1) with an open foot pocket (101), characterized in that it comprises a tubular element (3) made of elastomeric material with a hole (103) and end elements (4, 8) for coupling to the foot pocket (101) of the fin (1), each end element (4, 8) being provided with a seat (404, 408) in which at least one constriction (504, 508) is produced and through which, on one side, an end of the tubular element (3) is inserted, which is consequently elastically compressed at said constriction (504, 508) and expands after passing through the same, there being inserted on the other side of said seat (404, 408) and of said constriction (504, 508) an element (7) for locking the length of tubular element (3) that has passed through said constriction (504, 508) in the hole (103), so as to elastically expand it and to prevent, in combination with said constriction (504, 508), said tubular element (3) from being separated from said end coupling elements (4, 8) to which it is thereby permanently coup

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: A flip-flop or slipper which has a sole that has holes for receiving the knobs on a strap. The holes are heat-treated to reduce the resilience of the sole material at the sides of the holes. This prevents the knobs from squeezing through the holes and thus prevents the strap from disengaging the sole.

Abstract: A protective covering can be quickly and efficiently applied to the skin including, without limitation, the underside of a foot. A sheet of durable material has a first side surface coated with at least one adhesive, and a second (opposite) side surface which can include a traction promoting material or tread design. The durable material can be pre-cut using cross-hatched pattern(s) of intersecting elongate cuts that divide the durable sheet material into segments or pieces. The durable sheet material can be sandwiched between two opposing and removable release liner sheets.

Abstract: A multi-layer magnetic device comprising two or more layers containing magnets or ferromagnetic material to be applied to areas of the body of a mammal in which the first layer has one or more protrusions and the second layer has one or more receiving zones that are positioned to align with the protrusions of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer has a first magnetic pattern, and at least a portion of the second layer has a second magnetic pattern such that, when the protrusions are aligned with the receiving zones, at least one region of the first magnetic pattern faces at least one region of the second magnetic pattern of like polarity thereby repulsing one another.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface.

Abstract: A sandal comprising an EVA midsole, an outsole and an elastic strap, wherein the elastic strap has strap ends bonded to the bottom of the EVA midsole. The strap ends may be reinforced to the EVA midsole through various means, including stitching and gluing to a fabric. The EVA midsole may have a carved out section to accommodate the thickness of the elastic strap.

Abstract: An article of footwear an upper and a sole structure that defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed proximate the medial side of the footwear, and the second portion is disposed proximate the lateral side. The first portion and the second portion are configured to move relative to each other. The article of footwear also includes a flexible biasing member including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends across the first portion and the second portion. The first and second ends extend out from the outer surface of the footwear from either the medial or lateral side. The middle portion of the biasing member is configured to bias the first and second portions toward each other.

Abstract: A system for removably attaching a decorative element to a garment or other accessory, including a panel bearing a graphic design, and a pair of mounting pads to which the panel can be attached. First and second pin members are disposed at opposing edges of the panel, each pin member having a pin extending for a length parallel to that edge. The mounting pads are attachable to a garment or accessory item. Each mounting pad has a longitudinal tunnel suitable to accommodate one of the pins. The mounting pads may be attached on the outside of an article, or on the interior of an article so that only the tunnel is exposed at the exterior of the article, in a recessed manner. The system allows a decorative panel to be interchangeably facilitates their attachment to a wide range of apparel and accessory items.

Abstract: An orthopedic sandal comprises a sole and six mounted straps. Made of rubber that generates high friction, the straps pass through the edge of the sole to create 12 one to three centimeter-long extensions underneath the sole. The 12 extensions generate extra friction when the sandal contacts with the ground. The sole consists of an outer layer and an inner layer. Made of rubber mixed with nylon fibers, the outer layer has an empty inside divided sidewardly into 4 compartments. Each compartment is divided horizontally into two by a thin rubber layer. Made of soft rubber, the inner layer is a pouch divided into three compartments filled with special soft gel that has physical stability under the change of temperature and pressure. The inner layer is pre-shaped to ergonomically fit the wearer's sole and is also able to reshape to well fit the wearer's particular sole.

Abstract: A shoe having a hinge member incorporated between a footbed toe plate and footbed arch plate allowing the shoe to be configured as a flat or heeled shoe. The footbed toe plate and footbed arch plate are rotatably joined via one or more hinge pins inserted through interlaced teeth of each plate. A spring-biased hinge lock extending between the plates is controlled by a spring-biased pin having a notch for selectively receiving the hinge lock such that the hinge lock disengages the footbed arch plate allowing the footbed arch plate to rotate relative to the footbed toe plate. The heel block includes a spring-biased heel lock extending into a removable heel and is controlled by a spring-biased pin having a notch for selectively receiving the hinge lock such that the hinge lock disengages the heel allowing the heel to be removed from the heel block.

Abstract: A sandal comprising an EVA midsole, an outsole and an elastic strap, wherein the elastic strap is stitched at the strap ends and blued to the bottom of the EVA midsole. The EVA midsole having a carved out section to accommodate the thickness of the elastic strap and stitching of the strap ends such that the elastic strap and stitching will lay flush against the bottom of the EVA midsole.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole having an insert piece and a layer of material disposed on a top surface of the insert piece; and an upper extending above the sole. The insert piece extends from at least one of a front or middle portion of the shoe to a rear of the shoe, with the top surface of the insert piece inclined upwardly toward the rear of the shoe and then leveling off at a rear portion of the shoe. A top surface of the layer of material is inclined upwardly from the at least one of the front or middle portion of the shoe to the rear of the shoe, such that at the rear portion of the shoe an angle of inclination is significantly greater for the top surface of the layer of material than for the top surface of the insert piece.

Abstract: A footwear apparatus and method including a sole to which fasteners are attached. Straps are mounted to fasteners and extend across the user's foot when the footwear is worn. The invention permits enormous variety in constructing footwear for the user to change the straps to suit his or her interests. Preferred straps include woven rubber or silicon bands forming a strip that is attached using loops at the ends of the straps. The fasteners are preferably pins extending through apertures formed in the soles of the footwear, where the pins have enlarged heads that prevent the pins from pulling the apertures and hooks or loops in the ends of the pins. Clips can fasten the loops on the straps to the loops on the pins.

Abstract: A snap-in footbed system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a shoe, wherein the shoe includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an aperture formed in a molded portion of the shoe from the inner surface to the outer surface, a footbed, wherein a top surface of the footbed is configured to receive a user's foot, wherein the footbed comprises a snap-in element, wherein the snap-in element comprises a head portion having at least one dimension that is sized to be larger than the aperture, such that when the head portion is passed through the aperture from the inner surface to the outer surface, one or both of the head portion and the aperture undergo elastic deformation, and such that when the head portion has been passed through the aperture, the snap-in element secures the footbed to the shoe.

Abstract: A sock piece is provided. The sock piece may include a flat sole base, a reversible sock and cooperating footwear. The sole base may have a plurality of fasteners. The plurality of fasteners may removably attach to a plurality of straps to form a sandal; removably attach to the cooperating footwear to form padded footwear; and removably attach to the reversible sock to form a sock configured to cover substantially all of the wearer's foot. The reversible sock may receive at least one additional sole base to modify the air circulation, odor control and/or padding as the wearer so desires.

Abstract: Open styled footwear that includes a sole member, and a strap fixed relative to the sole member is disclosed. An interdigit toe piece is disposed between an upper portion of the strap and the sole member, whereby the footwear is retained to a foot, at least in part, by the upper portion of the strap extending over the foot and the interdigit toe piece is disposed between the first and second toes. In one form, the interdigit toe piece includes a body having opposing concave side surfaces configured, in use, to separate and cradle the first and second toes. An inlay for open styled footwear and foot cushion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flip-flop includes a sole and a strap unit. The strap unit includes a thong portion, and first and second strap portions, and is made by the steps of: providing superposed first and second layers of warp threads; inserting a first weft thread through sheds formed in the first layer of warp threads so as to weave the first strap portion; inserting a second weft thread through sheds formed in the second layer of warp threads so as to weave the second strap portion; and inserting the first and second weft threads through sheds which are cooperatively formed by the superposed first and second layers of warp threads so as to weave the thong portion.

Abstract: A shoe that includes a shoe sole having a medial side and a lateral side, a top insole surface for placement of the foot sole and toes thereon and a bottom outsole surface. The shoe sole has a plurality of toe extensions projecting below the toes. Each toe extension is configured to support and retain at least one toe. Preferably there are five toe extensions, one for each toe. A shoe upper overlays the arch region, is attached to the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe sole and extends toward the toes. The upper is joined to the insole of each toe extension to partially encircle the toe(s) supported and retained on such toe extension, and leaving at least the front region of all the toes exposed.

Abstract: A combination apparatus for footwear including a first apparatus into which an individual's foot can be inserted, and a second apparatus into which the individual's foot can be inserted. The second apparatus is adapted to be inserted into the first apparatus. The first apparatus includes a first attachment device, and the second apparatus includes a second attachment device. In at least one embodiment the second apparatus and the first apparatus can be attached, while the second apparatus is inserted into the first apparatus by attaching the first attachment device to the second attachment device. The first apparatus may be a flip-flop or a sandal and the second apparatus may be a slipper and may be made of water proof material.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for V-strap sandals wherein the device is engageable with the thong and strap for impeding movement between a wearer's foot and the sandal, and connection means for releasably connecting the stabilizing device to a V-strap sandal. The stabilizing device includes a member having an upper portion and a lower portion which are foldable together, and an opening in a front portion of the lower portion for receiving the thong of a V-strap sandal when the upper and lower portions are moved towards the thong, and connecting structure for connecting the upper portion and the lower portion on each side of the thong to hold the portions together, where the stabilizing device engages the upper part of a wearer's foot to impede movement of the V-strap sandal with respect to the wearer's foot. Also disclosed is a removable accessory for footwear for being folded over and under foot-holding structure on the footwear.

Abstract: This invention relates a cover for freshly pedicured toes that is designed for reusable, temporary attachment to and detachment from commercially available, open-toed shoes, sandals or slippers, and a system and method of use comprising such cover.

Abstract: An example interchangeable shoe in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a sole, at least three fastening points, wherein each fastening point comprises a coupling mechanism, and at least one upper, wherein the at least one upper is attached to the shoe at the at least three fastening points using the coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: Customized or personalized recessed designs can be cut into the bottom of the soles of flip flops, sandals, boots, and any other flat soled footwear using computerized numerical control machining. The customized recessed design can be created in reverse (i.e., in mirror image) to leave a specified design or message when the shoe is pressed into material capable or taking an impression such as sand or snow. Designs can also be created to appear forward (non-mirrored) on the sole so that that design or text is legible when looking at the sole of the shoe. The footwear can be custom produced at the request of a customer, who can specify the nature of the customization for one or more pairs of footwear. Each of a pair of the footwear may have a different design, message or message portion.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing a shoe sole, in which a shoe sole is preliminarily assembled by bonding together a plurality of layers with a temporary insert disposed between two adjacent layers. Then, an outer edge of the shoe sole is ground and, following that, the temporary insert is removed and a permanent insert is bonded in place of the temporary insert, such that the permanent insert forms a portion of a side wall of the shoe sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, a fabric upper and at least one connector including a first male member co-molded with the fabric upper and a second female member. The first member includes at least one rib and the second member includes at least one groove, where the at least one connector is secured to the outsole by inserting the second member in the outsole and engaging the at least one rib of the first member with the at least one groove of the second member.

Abstract: An asymmetrical footwear assembly comprising a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear, said first and second articles of footwear being adapted to be worn on a user's right and left feet, respectively, wherein a configuration of the first article of footwear is asymmetrical with respect to a configuration of said second article of footwear so that the first and second articles of footwear are not mirror images of one another, and wherein, when the first and second articles of footwear are adjacent to one another, the configurations of the first article of footwear and of the second article of footwear create a visual effect of continuity between the configurations of the first and second articles of footwear and form a predetermined design.

Abstract: A device for adorning a sandal strap provides an easy way for a user to adorn a sandal. The device comprises an adornment strap mechanically coupled to the sandal strap. The sandal strap is comprises with a first sandal strap hole, a second sandal strap hole and a groove. The adornment strap further comprises a first clamp bracket and a second clamp bracket. The first clamp bracket can fit through the first sandal strap hole. The second clamp bracket can fit through the second sandal strap hole. The adornment strap can rest in the groove. The adornment strap is mechanically coupled to a band attachment bracket. The band attachment bracket enables the user to hand a charm from the adornment strap. In this manner the user can easily adorn the sandal.

Abstract: A sandal that includes loops extending around the periphery of the base of the sandal and a strap configured to connect to the loops and form an upper portion of the sandal. The sandals can include a base; a continuous cord that extends along the periphery of the upper surface of the base from a point near the toe end on one side of the base, around the heel end, and continues to a point near the toe end on the opposite side of the base; connectors that connect the cord to the base at spaced locations along the cord to thereby form loops along the base; and a strap. Each loop of the sandal can also include an identifier for each loop. Methods of forming an upper portion of a sandal and methods of forming a sandal.

Abstract: Toe tethers for use with sandals and sandals with one or more integrated toe tethers are disclosed. A toe tether can include a toe retention region constructed to engage a toe of the human foot, an extension region integrated with the toe retention region, and a self anchoring region integrated with the extension region. In one embodiment, a toe tether may be secured to or integrated with a retention strap of a sandal. In another embodiment, a toe tether may be secured to a platform of a sandal.

Abstract: The sandal with pneumatic support includes an inflatable bladder in the sole, in the area immediately beneath the arch of the foot when the sandal is worn. A manual air pump is provided integrally with the sandal. In one embodiment, the pump is located atop the toe divider of a flip-flop type sandal. In another embodiment, the pump is located in the heel. A pressure relief valve is located along one of the upper straps of the sandal. The arch bladder, air pump, and relief valve communicate pneumatically with one another. The sandal may be devoid of structure extending between the toes when worn, but may include straps passing over and/or around the foot. The sandal provides greatly improved support and reduces or eliminates muscular problems resulting from the lack of arch support in sandals.

Abstract: The invention provides a strap fastener configured for use with thong or flip flop style sandals. Sandal Savers wrap around a wearer's heel and connects by a hook to existing side straps extending from the toe divider post, adding a secure heel strap that prevents a sandal from sliding off one's foot. Each Sandal Saver is one piece, comprised of an elongated piece of stretchy elastic or comparable banding. To facilitate a firm and secure hold during wear, a button adjuster knob is secured over the toe strap center, allowing a user to loosen or tighten the strap as necessary.

Abstract: The invention provides sandals having straps that can be reconfigured by the user into a variety of styles and arrangements, so as to obtain a desired appearance, fit, and/or degree of comfort. The straps can also be configured to hold the sandals to the calves, thighs, or arms, so that the sandals can be carried in a hands-free manner. In certain embodiments, the sandals have a sufficiently low density and a high enough volume to provide a useful amount of buoyancy when the wearer is floating or swimming.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in certain embodiments to protective footwear comprising a flexible strap that can be wrapped around a bare foot in order to provide protection and traction to the ball and heel of the foot. The footwear can provide protection from rough or hot surfaces, for example swimming pool decks or hot sand at the beach. The footwear can also provide traction for the user on wet or slippery surfaces. The footwear is designed to minimally cover the foot, giving the user a “barefoot” feeling, while still providing protection and traction to the pressure points (e.g., ball and heel) of the foot. The footwear can be securely fastened to the user's foot such that it does not fall off during routine physical activity (e.g., swimming, walking, etc.).

Abstract: A sandal comprising an EVA midsole, an outsole and an elastic strap, wherein the elastic strap is stitched at the strap ends and blued to the bottom of the EVA midsole. The EVA midsole having a carved out section to accommodate the thickness of the elastic strap and stitching of the strap ends such that the elastic strap and stitching will lay flush against the bottom of the EVA midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use before and after a pedicure including a toe separator, strap securing mechanisms and an offset toe stem adapter end for connecting straps of footwear to the foot without compromising or damaging pedicured toenails.

Abstract: A sandal comprising an EVA midsole, an outsole and an elastic strap, wherein the elastic strap has strap ends bonded to the bottom of the EVA midsole. The strap ends may be reinforced to the EVA midsole through various means, including stitching and gluing to a fabric. The EVA midsole may have a carved out section to accommodate the thickness of the elastic strap.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to therapeutic footwear such as sandals, conventional shoes, and corrective inserts that may be inserted into conventional shoes. Specifically, the therapeutic footwear may be used for maintaining, correcting, or repositioning the great toe to decrease pressure on the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint or bunion. Additional therapeutic features may include spreading of the wearer's toes, supporting the wearer's arch to control excessive pronation, and providing sustained heel cord stretch at rest, during ambulation, pedicure, and before, during, or after medical treatment.

Abstract: A sandal is described, which includes a sole, straps holding the sole to a user's foot, and a first a second plurality of orifices located at the sole, wherein the orifices of the first plurality are perpendicularly oriented to the orifices of the second plurality forming a “cross” and the straps, in order to be attached to the sole, are removable inserted into the cross formed by the first and second plurality of orifices.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for conditioning a foot surface by contacting a foot surface with an article designed to contact foot surfaces for the purpose of abrading, moisturizing and otherwise conditioning a foot surface.

Abstract: A fastening system for footwear that includes a strap that functions as a restraining element to more tightly secure the footwear to the wearer's foot when the strap is under tension. The strap could be a unitary strap made of a material with a negative Poisson's ratio. The strap can also have a composite structure, with an outer layer and an inner layer, where the inner layer is made of a material with a negative Poisson's ratio. As the strap is placed under tension in a lengthwise direction, the thickness and/or width of the strap may expand to increase support.

Abstract: A shoe, comprising a sole member having an upper surface configured to receive a user's foot and a lower surface configured to contact a support surface; the shoe being flexible so that that shoe can be folded up and stored in a container.

Abstract: A device that engages a stem of a sandal and, in turn, allows the position of toes and web space of a user around the device. The device is constructed to ease the frictional and compression forces on the user by the stem.

Abstract: A sandal can include a sole, one or more straps each having at least one end that is operationally connected to the sole, and a fastening member for releasably receiving an ornament comprising one or more protruding members. The fastening member can be coupled to at least one of the one or more straps and can include an inner cavity and a housing at least partially enclosing the inner cavity. An opening can be disposed in and through an upper portion of the housing in such a way that the opening leads to the inner cavity. One or more projections can be joined with the housing and can extend into the inner cavity. Each of the one or more projection can be situated at a position along a path of motion of at least one of the one or more protruding member from an unfastened position to a fastened position.

Abstract: A flip-flop includes a sole and a strap unit. The strap unit includes a thong portion, and first and second strap portions, and is made by the steps of: providing superposed first and second layers of warp threads; inserting a first weft thread through sheds formed in the first layer of warp threads so as to weave the first strap portion; inserting a second weft thread through sheds formed in the second layer of warp threads so as to weave the second strap portion; and inserting the first and second weft threads through sheds which are cooperatively formed by the superposed first and second layers of warp threads so as to weave the thong portion.

Abstract: Footwear is provided including an upper, a porous insole, a midsole, and a solid outsole. The insole has pores that permit sand to fall through the insole. The midsole includes a top surface with a plurality of grooves extending lengthwise between openings on the rear surface of the midsole and openings on the front surface of the midsole.

Abstract: The boot having skin-exfoliating means therein is a normal boot that when worn targets different regions of a foot and exfoliates dead skin from said regions of the foot, but in different exfoliating manners. The exfoliating means are designed to massage and exfoliate dead skin from the foot of an end user. The exfoliating means comprise massaging nodes aligned along a front, interior of the boot, which target skin between toes. Another exfoliating means is included along a middle region of the sole and includes an array of nodes that exfoliate skin along a bottom surface of the foot. Exfoliating ridges are located on two regions of the sole and are adapted to exfoliate skin at the rear of the foot and between the array of nodes and massaging nodes. Edge ridges adorn a periphery of the sole and provide additional exfoliating means.

Abstract: A foldable footwear comprising a sole fabricated using a single manufacturing casting, the sole comprising at least two portions, a front portion and a back portion and a groove in the ground side of the sole extending laterally from one side of the sole to the other side of the sole. The footwear can be folded in one direction only where the ground side of the sole is folded into itself.