Abstract: A shoe upper is reversible in its entirety to change the appearance of a shoe. The shoe upper is comprised of one or more straps each having end regions connected by swivel fasteners to the shoe.

Abstract: A pair of flexible shoes have an outer sole, a foam mid-sole, and an inner sole as well as an upper portion. Each of the shoes may be rolled or folded into a compact configuration and have a sandal configuration. The folded shoes may be stored in a container such as a pouch or case for convenient carrying, such as in the wearer's purse or handbag, for use upon need. For example, a wearer may want to change to more stylish and/or more comfortable shoes after work or to change to a pair of sandals after receiving a pedicure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shoes that include a cavity that is configured to store a variety of different types of items. For example, in one embodiment, the cavity is configured to accept the removable insertion of a storage module that may contain a variety of items, for example children books and/or toys. In other embodiments, items may be stored inside the cavity without the use of the storage module. The storage module may also be secured within the cavity of the shoe through the use of a variety of fasteners. The storage module may be an integral part of the shoe, or may be separate part of the shoe. Further, the storage module may be connected to the shoe through the use of a strap.

Abstract: A panel shoe is provided. The shoe has a blank having a heel and an insole; a shoe upper assembly comprising a first panel, a second panel and a foot base, the first and second panels extend upwardly from a periphery of said foot base and have an upper edge disposed on a side opposite said foot base, the foot base being disposed over the blank, the shoe upper assembly having a geometric dimension smaller than a peripheral edge of the blank; and center panel having a peripheral edge, the center panel being positioned over the upper edges of the first and second panels such that the upper edges of the first and second panels align with the peripheral edge of the center panel.

Abstract: An article of footwear for receiving a foot of a wearer. The footwear includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The footwear also includes a heel strap having a U-shaped configuration with a pair of end areas and a central area. The end areas are secured to at least one of the upper and the sole structure, and the central area is unsecured to the upper and the sole structure. At least one of the upper and the sole structure defme a foot-supporting surface with a raised periphery in at least a heel region of the footwear, and the central area of the heel strap is a contoured area that lays adjacent the raised periphery in the heel region. The strap may be separated from the foot-supporting surface and placed around a heel of the foot.

Abstract: A sandal including a molded rubber outsole configured to support a lower surface of a foot including a heel, midfoot, and a forefoot; a toe cap extending from the outsole and configured to cover a top of at least a portion of the forefoot, the toe cap molded integrally with the outsole; and a plurality of sandal straps fixed to the outsole to retain the sandal on the foot, at least one of the sandal straps fixed to the toe.

Abstract: A convertible article of footwear has a primary article of footwear and a sandal that is removably inserted into the primary article of footwear. The primary article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper attached to the outsole. The sandal includes at least one strap. When the sandal is inserted into the primary article of footwear, it is disposed above the outsole, and forms a midsole of the primary article of footwear. When the sandal is removed from the primary article of footwear, the sandal can be worn independently of the primary article of footwear.

Abstract: A resilient anti-fatigue layer shaped to fit under the sole and heel of a shoe of a wearer includes a mat of fibers heat bonded together with a tight surface against the sole and a loose surface against the floor. The mat of fibers includes a generally flat portion shaped to match the bottom of the shoe and a plurality of tabs formed of the mat at the edges of the bottom portion and projecting beyond the edges of the bottom portion with at least one tab at the front, two tabs at the rear and at least one tab at each side, with each tab having attached thereto a respective strap. The straps provide a on each side a single strap which extends from the front side connection tab, through slots provided in a toe connection member to the rear side tabs, to the heel tabs and over the foot.

Abstract: The sandal with interchangeable upper includes a sole portion and an instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is attached to the sole portion using at least one pair of side hooks. These side hooks are sized and shaped to removably engage a pair of hook engagers located in the sole portion. The hook engagers are moved from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position by at least one engager actuator. The side hooks and hook engagers may be vertically or horizontally oriented. An alternative instep enclosing has a toe-separating portion secured to the sides and front of the sole portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment mechanism and system used to accessorize, ustomize and/or personalize footwear with interchangeable uppers or straps, especially open shoes and sandals. More particularly, this invention presents a safe, secure and easy system for the attachment and detachment of shoe uppers and straps to shoes and sandals. This invention allows both the manufacturer and wearer to promote and display fashion and theme material of their own choosing, with the freedom to change the material or message without having to change footwear. The invention comprises a releasable fastener that connects a retainer, secured with the sole of the footwear, to an upper or strap. The releasable fastener is comprised of an upper and lower bar or metal loop, each loop carried on a barrel, the barrels interlocking with each other in a sliding engagement and held in the closed or engaged position by a magnet or by a biasing member.

Abstract: Footwear having a sole, a retaining strap, and at least one decorative piece is provided. The retaining strap is attached to the sole, and the decorative pieces are releasably attached to the retaining strap, thereby allowing a wearer to remove and replace the decorative pieces in an interchangeable manner. The interchangeability of the decorative pieces allows the wearer to easily modify the visual appearance of the footwear.

Abstract: Footwear systems include: (a) a holding device having an opening; (b) an article of footwear having a sole with a projection that extends through the opening; and (c) another article of footwear having a sole with a cavity into which the projection extends (thereby sandwiching the holding device between the soles). In other systems, the sole of one article of footwear includes two raised areas that fit through two openings provided in a holding device. The two raised areas fit into recessed areas provided adjacent a raised area of another footwear sole (thereby sandwiching the holding device between the soles). The projection(s) and/or raised area(s) on one sole may be sized and constructed so as to tightly fit (e.g., a friction fit) into corresponding cavity(ies) and/or recessed area(s) provided on the other sole, to thereby detachably hold the soles together and/or detachably engage with the holding device.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved footwear that overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. A shoe according to the present invention, includes a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. The sole member has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are spaced apart and extend between the upper and lower surfaces. The sole member also has a slot defined therethrough, with the slot extending between the first and second sidewalls. A strap has a pair of opposed ends and a midportion therebetween. The midportion is designed to be received in and retained by the slot. The slot also has a closure member for joining the opposed ends. When the midportion of the strap is received in the slot and the closure member joins the opposed ends, the strap and the sole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an article of footwear (15). In the preferred embodiment, article of footwear comprises a sole portion (16) having a top surface (24), an opposed bottom surface (25) and a perimeter edge (32) between the top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of loops (21a–f) secured to the sole portion, and an upper portion (18) adapted to enwrap a foot (17) and having a plurality of loop attachments (20a–f) adapted to detachably engage the loops, wherein the upper portion maybe detachably secured to the sole portion and a foot. The sole portion may comprise an upper layer (28–30) and a lower layer (31) and the loops may be secured to the sole portion between the upper layer and the lower layer. The loop attachments may be hooks (20, 44), clasps (42), ties (43) or clips (45).

Abstract: The present invention provides improved footwear that overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. A shoe according to the present invention, includes a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. The sole member has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are spaced apart and extend between the upper and lower surfaces. The sole member also has a slot defined therethrough, with the slot extending between the first and second sidewalls. A strap has a pair of opposed ends and a midportion therebetween. The midportion is designed to be received in and retained by the slot. The slot also has a closure member for joining the opposed ends. When the midportion of the strap is received in the slot and the closure member joins the opposed ends, the strap and the sole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole for triple-time stepping that includes: a front portion having a front end gently inclined upward, and a bottom portion in even contact with the ground; a rear portion having a second cutout inclined upward at an angle of about 15 to 17° from a rear end of the front portion, and a first cutout inclined upward at an angle of about 15 to 25° from a rear end of the second cutout; a first recess formed upward in a predetermined depth on a boundary portion between the front portion and the second cutout; and a second recess formed upward in a predetermined depth on a boundary portion between the second cutout and the first cutout.

Abstract: The present invention provides footwear pieces having a sole and an upperportion extending from the sole. The upper portion is adapted to cover the top of the user's foot and includes a rear opening of receiving the user's foot. An adjustable strap is provided across the rear opening to engage the back of the user's foot.

Abstract: An orthotic insert assembly having a stationary heel post with a guide slot and an unattached rigid plate member with a depending peg that is received in the slot. The peg cooperates with the guide slot to control and direct a medial-to-lateral rocking movement of the plate member as the wearer's foot progresses through the gait cycle. The slot may be angled to impose a predetermined direction on the rocking movement.

Abstract: A footwear system comprises an essentially oblong platform formed of an elastomeric material having a first aperture offset from a long axis of the platform adjacent to a forward end. A U-shaped cut through a rearward end of the platform forms a first strap disposed toward the forward end with a second aperture through a midpoint of the first strap and aligned with the first aperture. A fastening member passes through the first and second apertures coupling the first strap and the platform and thereby forming two separate passageways. A second strap formed of an elastic material has a first attachment means coupling a forward end of the second strap and the platform adjacent to the fastening member. A second attachment means couples a rearward end of the second strap and the platform adjacent to a lateral edge of the platform.

Abstract: A sandal for receiving a foot of a wearer, the foot having a heel and a forefoot including toes. The sandal includes an upper, a midsole assembly and an outsole component. The midsole assembly includes a main body and a support component that may include a slightly curved forefoot plate positioned at least partially adjacent to a bottom surface of the main body. When fitted with the curved forefoot plate, the sandal is capable of facilitating a rolling action in the direction of a stride of the wearer. The upper may form a sandal strap system, with an inner or fixed strap layer and an outer or adjustment strap layer. The outer or adjustment strap layer can be used to adjust the sandal upper so the foot of the wearer can be secured to the sandal.

Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.

Abstract: A shoe includes a reversible upper portion. Each shoe in the pair includes a sole and a reversible upper. An attachment system enables the uppers to be removably attachable to the soles in different exposure orientations. The coupling system may include a mating elements on the upper and the sole. The mating elements may be keyed such that one or more mating elements on the upper may only mate with selected respective elements on the sole. This system enables the reversal of the uppers to expose different aesthetic appearances if the uppers have different aesthetics on the top and bottom. As the uppers are preferably designed to be asymmetrical, reversing the uppers is accomplished by detaching and moving the upper from one sole to the other sole, inverting it to expose the other side, and attaching it to the other sole. This is particularly useful for a pair of sandals.

Abstract: A sandal having a sole and at least one heel post attached to the sole is provided, with a continuous strap attached to the heel post and the sole. The strap has an instep portion located forward of the heel post and a heel portion located rearward of the heel post. The length of the continuous strap is adjusted with an adjustable fastener, and the lengths of the instep portion and the heel portion are independently and selectively adjusted with at least one cleat.

Abstract: An inner sole structure includes an insole integrally woven to form a plurality of resilient areas with supporting hoops and buffer areas without the supporting hoops thereof defining the upper surface thereon wherein the resilient and the buffer areas thereof can be made in any shapes like rectangles, triangles, or tilted stripes and be alternatively interrelated in regular or irregular arrangement thereof. The supporting hoops thereof are stood upright with vents defined therein and dividing passages formed at the adjacent sides thereof, and a coupling facet is disposed at the bottom side of the insole thereon to be integrally combined with a loading pad via thermal pressure operation to generate heat welding thereby. Thus, the resilient areas with the supporting hoops of a proper hardness can flexibly sustain the sole of a human foot stepped downwards thereon, stimulating blood circulation and providing a better massage effect.

Abstract: A sandal system for athletic activities. The sandal system may include a sandal with a midsole having a cavity contoured to receive an activity-specific insole and a plurality of interchangeable insoles. Each insole of the plurality of interchangeable insoles may be configured for a specific activity, such as running, hiking, walking, water activities, etc. A sandal upper coupled to the insole has one or more straps configured for securing the foot of the wearer in the sandal during athletic activities. The sandal may also include an outsole for providing traction and wearability and a support component for providing support and stability. The outsole, the midsole, and the support component may be configured to include a fluid drainage system including at least one drainage channel and at least one outlet aperture. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus directed to a multi-layer honeycomb sole. A footwear item in accordance with the invention includes a sole that includes a top layer attached to a bottom layer such that their edges are fused together. The top layer includes a first honeycomb core having an exposed surface that includes contours configured to accommodate contours of a foot. The first honeycomb core includes unsealed cells that have walls with perforations. The bottom layer includes a second honeycomb core that includes sealed cells.

Abstract: A footwear assembly structured to be collapsible comprising a sole including a front portion and a rear portion movably interconnected by an intermediate segment. An upper extends along at least a portion of the length of the sole, depending upon the style of the footwear, wherein the upper and the sole are preferably structured to define the sandal configuration which may vary in style. The intermediate portion includes sufficient flexibility to significantly reduce the size of the sandal by folding the sole into a stored orientation defined by the front and rear portions disposed in at least partially overlying relation to one another. A pouch-like container is dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain at least a pair of the sandals on the interior thereof, when in the stored orientation.

Abstract: A shoe, sandal, beach shoe, or other form of footwear, integrates a slot within its sole structure, as this footwear is assembled, and within the slot is a continuous band, that may form part of the shoe vamp, strapping, or related structure, and which vamp or band may be turned, for displaying different coloration or designs, texture, or means for providing support, massaging, or stimulation, of the foot, as through interiorly protruding tips, or to form and dispose apertures that furnish ventilation and aeration to the foot thereunder, all in order to change the aesthetics of the footwear at the desire of the user. In addition, to add to the structural integrity of the constructed shoes, a part of the vamp or its strapping, may extend upwardly, and have a loop formed therein, or even loop back on itself, and which may embrace the upper part of the changeable vamp, to facilitate its retention, and structural configuration, when the vamp is turned, to vary its appearance.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, a sole structure, and a leash secured to the upper. The leash is formed of a flexible material and includes a connector strap that extends from a heel portion of the upper. A pair of straps extend from the connector strap and are configured to extend around opposite sides of an ankle. A fastener is secured to opposite sides of the straps and is utilized to secure the leash to the ankle. The leash secures the footwear to the individual, thereby limiting inadvertent removal of the footwear from the foot.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides various footwear pieces, and methods for manufacturing such pieces. In various cases, the footwear pieces are molded from a lofting material. Further, in various cases, the footwear pieces include one or more ventilators formed in the footwear piece that are surrounded by liquid conductors capable of channeling liquid spilled on the surface of the footwear pieces away from a foot within the footwear pieces.

Abstract: Three point footwear articles having a sole itself having an integrally-molded toe protector with said toe protector affixed to the post point are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a sandal or shoe having an outsole with a socklining on top of and in direct contact with the outsole for directly contacting a user's foot and a cushion having a thickness between approximately ? and 1½ inches, where the cushion is placed between said outsole and said socklining. The sandal or shoe also includes at least one material partially covering a user's foot extending across the socklining for holding the sandal onto a user's foot and a securing mechanism extending from the at least one material through the socklining to the outsole for securing the socklining directly to the outsole.

Abstract: A foot retention device (20, 100) includes a rigid vertical strut (40) and a springy band (30) disposed adjacent to an exterior side of the strut (40) and configured to flex over the strut (40) to form a non-drooping asymmetric arc that conforms to the profile of a human foot. A releasable securing mechanism (50) allows the band (30) to be easily secured and released. The foot retention device (20, 100) provides a fixed right angle (A) between a base plate (12, 180) and the vertical strut (40) allowing the user's foot to be inserted straight in. The foot retention device (20, 100) includes a non-sloping design for athletic applications, and a sloping design for footwear (200). Methods of assembling and manufacturing the foot retention device (20, 100) are also provided.

Abstract: A resilient anti-fatigue layer shaped to fit under the sole and heel of a shoe of a wearer includes a mat of fibers heat bonded together with a tight surface against the sole and a loose surface against the floor. The mat of fibers includes a generally flat portion shaped to match the bottom of the shoe and a plurality of tabs formed of the mat at the edges of the bottom portion and projecting beyond the edges of the bottom portion with at least one tab at the front, two tabs at the rear and at least one tab at each side, with each tab having attached thereto a respective strap. The straps provide a on each side a single strap which extends from the front side connection tab, through slots provided in a toe connection member to the rear side tabs, to the heel tabs and over the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable straps connection to a shoe bottom, which involves making recesses in the side areas in the platform or bottom (2) that is made of any given material in such a way that two of said recesses may or may not face another two recesses. Each recess (6) has a centered bottom blind bore, a tubular part or bar (7) being placed in the inner area of said bore. A closing section (8) is mounted and/or fixed to an inner end part of said bar, said closing section defining the male part (9) of the push-in coupling element to the female area (10) of the end rivet. Each of the straps (11) of the cut-off are placed in said female area. The tubular parts (7) extend at different lengths transversally, longitudinally or slanted.

Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.

Abstract: A shoe include an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a reinforcement member. The insole is attached to the outsole along an upper surface thereof and is provided with at least one aperture extending through the insole to the upper surface of the outsole. The upper includes an elongate element extending into the aperture. The reinforcement member is attached to the insole at least along an upper side of the aperture for protecting material of the insole from stresses arising from movement of the elongate element of the upper.

Abstract: A shoe having a rubberized sole, a heel section having a heel support, an at least partially covered toe section, and a generally open midsection extending from approximately the wearer's toe/instep joint to the front of the wearer's ankle. In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise waterproof materials or water resistant materials. The midsection may comprise a side rail that rises above the sole between the toe section and the heel section. The shoe may further comprise a strap anchored to one side of the shoe and adapted to wrap around the wearer's foot to a securing member on the other side of the shoe to secure the wearer's foot in the shoe.

Abstract: Provided is thong-type shoe that has a heel and a layered sole, with a shape-retaining member sandwiched between the layers. In one example, the shoe according to the present invention has a top layer, a bottom layer and a shape-retaining member sandwiched between the two, with a heel mounted to the shape-retaining member through the bottom layer. A provided upper has plural elongated insert elements, each having a stopper on its bottom end. Each of the plural elongated insert elements extends through a hole in the top layer and a hole in the bottom layer such that the stopper engages the hole in the bottom layer.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: A footwear, such as a sandal, a clog, a slipper, or the like, comprising a sole assembly (1) and upper strap (2) of flexable material extending from one side to other of the sole and connected to the sole by means of quick-release reversible connection (3, 4).

Abstract: A sandal sock including a first covering shaped to fit on a second covering, with the first covering attachable to the second covering in such a manner that the first covering is removable, and with the second covering attachable to the sandal in a manner more secure than the first covering is attachable to the second covering. When a person wears the sandal with the first covering and the second covering attached, at least a portion of the first covering is disposed between the sandal and the person's foot.

Abstract: Yoga Sandal with a sole portion, an elastic foot covering portion and a rear strap portion. The sole portion is flexible, thin and has a non slip surface that makes contact with the floor., The sole portion covers the arch and ball area of the user's foot, but not the toe and heal area The elastic foot covering portion is attached to the sole portion at each side edge of the sole so that the foot covering portion fits snuggly on the top central portion of the user's foot. The strap portion is attached to the rear edge of each side of the elastic foot covering so that the strap can retain the user's foot within the sandal. The sandal can removably retain an orthotic device to provide arch support, and or metatarsal support.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides various footwear pieces, and methods for manufacturing such pieces. In various cases, the footwear pieces are molded from a lofting material. Further, in various cases, the footwear pieces include a pivoting strap that can be moved into contact with and fixed in relation to the sole of the footwear piece, or moved into contact with and fixed in relation to the upper of the footwear piece.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides various footwear pieces, and methods for manufacturing such pieces. In various cases, the footwear pieces are molded from a lofting material. Further, in various cases, the footwear pieces include one or more ventilators formed in the footwear piece that are surrounded by liquid conductors capable of channeling liquid spilled on the surface of the footwear pieces away from a foot within the footwear pieces.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for manufacturing footwear pieces. In various cases, the apparatus include a footwear form that includes a location mark corresponding to a location of a strap rivet. The footwear form is an inner portion of a footwear mold, and the footwear mold is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion that substantially encompass the footwear form.

Abstract: A footwear is constructed to include a sole provided with a breathable body at the top and an upper fastened to the sole for securing a foot. The breathable body is made of a plurality of intertwined elastic filaments having a compacted portion in an area in the breathable body and a design impressed on a surface of the compacted portion.

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

Abstract: One Piece Sandal with a flat die cut sheet of thin resilient material having a foot shaped portion and including an integral left wing extension and a right wing extension, and a hook type fastener strip fixedly adhered to the top side of the the left wing extension and a loop type fastener strip fixedly adhered at a ninety degree angle to the hook fastener on the bottom surface of the right wing extension. A preferred embodiment includes the flat die cut sheet is made of eighth inch thick mini cell foam plastic.

Abstract: A water-resistant and floatable footwear including an outsole and insole, and an upper member affixed to the sole, wherein the footwear is floatable in water. In particular, the insole of the footwear is constructed of the material “marine buoy;” that is, the insole has an inner structure and an outer coating, the inner structure being constructed of a thermoplastic resin and the outer coating being constructed of a vinyl polymer. The footwear is advantageously water-proof and provides buoyancy in water.