Abstract: For ensuring longer wear or utilization times without damage to the walking block, the sole portion (11) of the forefoot relieving shoe, more particularly for the postoperative treatment, with a different sole portion elasticity and with a sole portion (11) which is substantially triangular in a side view or in a vertical longitudinal cross-section and possessing a thickness which diminishes toward the rear and which terminates before the metatarsal region of the wearer, of a homogeneous foamed plastic (19), wherein a spring (20, 21) is embedded which can be tensioned against the pressure exerted by a foot on the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forefoot relief shoe (10) possessing a sole portion (11) that is substantially triangular in a side view or in a vertical longitudinal section having a thickness which decreases in the rearward direction and which terminates anteriorly before the the metatarsal region of the wearer. In order to increase the service life and to enhance the wearing comfort it is provided that the sole portion (11) is constructed in the form of a hollow section fitted with substantially vertical supports for connecting the base constructed so as to cover the area to its full extent and the upper body (12) constructed so as to cover the area to its full extent and adjacent to the foot bed (13), in which case the supports, at least within the central area, in the longitudinal axial direction toward the base, possess an increasing diameter or an increasing horizontal cross-section (FIG.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a shoe body including a shoe upper, a heel portion, a toe portion, and a sole member mounted to the shoe body extending from the heel to the toe of the shoe body. The bottom of the sole member is covered with ground contacting sole to provide proper traction, and includes a first angle portion below the heel of the shoe body, a second angle portion below the toe of the shoe body, and a platform section therebetween.

Abstract: A shoe for use on a post-operative, traumatized, diabetic or insensitive foot includes a shock absorbing sole material, with an insole of shock absorbing foam that contours to and supports the sole of the foot, and being regulated in flexibility by a metatarsal shank that limits the amount of flexibility under the metatarsophalangeal joint to provide controlled support to that area. This sole is of a special rocker design that allows the wearer to roll through the gait cycle without placing undue pressure on the heel and forefoot. The upper material consists of an outer wall of breathable, nylon mesh material lined with a soft, conforming material, reinforced at the heel by a heel cup that provides lateral stability. The heel cup is lined from the top by a full-length heel collar that conforms to the Achilles Triangle of the user, providing padding to the achilles tendon and under the malleoli, while at the same time making it impossible for the heel to slip out of the shoe during ambulation.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn on a foot cast for providing a more normal gait as the wearer of the cast walks, the shoe has a molded sole formed of a foam material, a shoe upper connected to the molded sole and adapted to extend around the foot cast, and straps connected to the shoe upper for securing the shoe upper and the molded sole on the foot cast. The molded sole is formed of integrally molded foam material wherein an upper portion thereof defines an innersole and a lower portion thereof defines an outersole. The innersole has a concave recess extending throughout major portions thereof and with the depth thereof being such as to receive lower portions of the foot cast and to permit the wearer thereof to have a gait corresponding substantially to that of a normal shoe. The outersole has a roughened outer surface for providing increased frictional resistance with the surface upon which the outersole contacts.

Abstract: Footgear is provided with an inner sole having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements to provide relief to ulcerated or otherwise injured areas of the foot. An air bladder may underlie the inner sole, preferably with additional cushioning material within the air bladder. A walker with a soft goods type support may be provided with the foregoing type of inner sole within the support.

Abstract: A universal protective shield includes a central portion with three or more ingers integral with the central portion; openings located between adjacent fingers and above the sole of the foot covering to which the shield is attached, the openings permitting the fingers and the central portion to be adapted to conform to a foot covering: and screws for fastening the protective shield to a foot covering via bores located in the fingers. Flaps, attached to the fingers, diminish the size of the openings. The present invention may be adapted from a flat template or reformed to fit different shaped foot coverings.

Abstract: A shoe bandage adapted to be worn over foot bandages, foot injuries or foot wounds. The shoe bandage includes a sole part provided with hook and loop fastening surrounding an outer peripheral edge of the sole part. A one-piece unwindable upper material piece forming an upper shoe part is provided along a lower edge with hook and loop fastening material for enabling an fastening between the lower edge of the upper shoe part and the sole part.

Abstract: A wedge undersole of triangular shaped configuration as viewed from a side thereof is integrated to a mid-sole of a sole assembly formed of an impact-absorbing material and having a thickness which varies over the length of the shoe, having flat top and bottom surfaces, and having its greatest thickness at the heel of the shoe and tapering in the direction of the open toe region formed by a upper assembly secured to the sole assembly. The upper assembly is adapted to surround the heel sides and dorsal portion of the foot. Preferably, the upper assembly has a heel region extending upwardly from the sole assembly and forward portions divided into left and right flaps adapted to cover the dorsal region of the foot and strap interconnecting outer face portions of the left an right flaps.

Abstract: An improved exercise shoe including a generally semi-circular base for engaging a support surface on which the exercise shoe rocks with a range of rocking motion, the improvement providing the exercise shoe with a more limited range, particularly a variable more limited range of rocking motion. The more limited range of rocking motion includes a more limited range of forward rocking motion and a more limited range of rearward rocking motion, and particularly a variable more limited rearward range of rocking motion.

Abstract: A cross-countery ski boot comprising, at least in the area of the instep, an internal tightening device (17,18) for clamping the foot of the user, and a covering and closing upper (10) which envelops the entire foot and covers the internal tightening device. The internal tightening device (17, 18) is so conceived that is presses the uer's foot against the inner side (10a) of the boot, this inner side (10a) being preferably fitted with a reinforcing piece (11) at least in the area of the internal tightening device (17, 18) against which the foot is pressed.

Abstract: A light weight material boot specifically designed to fit a light weight fiberglass cast about the ankle and foot of a patient, has an outer sole constructed with a double rocker bottom including a first pivot point located approximately 30% over the length of the boot measured from the heel to the toe defined by an upwardly and rearwardly oblique, flat bottom surface portion and a central flat bottom surface portion on the bottom of the sole roughly below the front of the ankle and a second pivot point located approximately 70% over the length of the boot measuring from heel to toe where the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot is located defined by an upwardly oblique, flat bottom surface portion from the metatarsal phalangeal joint towards the toe of the boot thereby ensuring that there is a lack of stress on the case or the lower leg and foot of the patient wearing the boot during the gait cycle.

Abstract: A decorative cast cover apparatus has a plurality of materials shaped to fit over a rigid cast on a patient and shaped in a three dimensional decorative shape and formed to hide the cast. The decorative cast cover is fastened to the cast with fastening members such as VELCRO fasteners. A foam polystyrene is used to form a predetermined decorative shape, such as a shoe and sock, and a fabric material can be formed onto the polystyrene to provide a cast cover which looks like a shoe and sock covered foot and may have shoelaces passing through grommets in the fabric covering of the cast cover.

Abstract: The padded boot means of this invention includes a padded boot having a first base portion, and having rearward and forward ends, and upper and lower surfaces. A secondary base portion is secured to the lower surface of the first base portion and is secured to the forward and rearward ends thereof to create a pocket there between. A supporting element such as the foot rest of a wheel chair, or a pad element, is adapted to be inserted into the pocket to support the patient's foot. The boot has lateral side portions which overlap on the upper portion of the patient's foot. Attachement means are provided for securing the side portions together. Similarly, the boot has a pair of heel flaps which extend from the rearward end of the boot, with the heel flaps being adapted to extend around a patient's heel. Attachment means serve to secure the heel flaps together. The boot has an outer surface comprised of a canvas-like material, and an inner surface comprised of a fleece-like material.

Abstract: A slipper or article of footwear for use subsequent to surgical procedures on the foot in which immobilization is not required. The slipper includes a sole constructed of a semi-rigid material but with sufficient flexibility that a person can still walk in a normal manner. The slipper includes forward flaps which extend upwardly and over the mid-tarsal area with the toes exposed with a rear counter attached to the sole with the area covering the heel and the flaps covering the forefoot being of one-piece construction and provided with a downwardly curved juncture area with straps with hook and loop connections being crossed and connected to the flaps and opposite portions of the counter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic support construction that is attachable to the undersurface of the front portion of the sole of the shoe for treating a disorder of the foot by supporting a selected region of the foot when the shoe is worn. The support construction comprises an elongated planar sheet, preferably of rectangular form, adapted to be mounted on the shoe sole with one of its major surfaces against the undersurface of the shoe sole. The sheet is preferably formed from a flexible, resilient, shearable, and essentially inelastic material that is trimmed to the outline of the front portion of the shoe sole and cemented in place. The sheet has an elevated portion of increased thickness projecting from the other of its major surfaces so as to underlie and thereby, to support the selected region by exerting pressure through the shoe sole against the selected region.

Abstract: An improved sole for a cast shoe is disclosed herein, which sole includes three regions designed to combine together to form a sole enabling the user of the shoe thereof to walk with a more natural gait than is possible through the use of prior art designs. The three regions of the sole consist of an anterior portion, a weight bearing portion and a posterior portion. The posterior portion is radiused to facilitate the transition from heel strike to the stance phase of the gait. The weight bearing portion is substantially flat while the anterior portion is curved in both the anteroposterior radius and the mediolateral radius.

Abstract: A walking adapter connectable onto the ground-engaging surface or sole of a surgical sandal. The adapter comprises a rigid, configured support having a generally flat upper surface with adhesive means thereon for attachment transversely onto to the central portion of the sandal sole and a contoured lower surface which downwardly extends to its mid-portion. The mid-portion, relatively narrow and extending along the length of the adapter, is generally parallel to and spaced furthest from the upper surface and having ground-engaging surface texture. Various cross-section configurations and rib patterns are provided and the invention may also be releasably attachable for proper fore and aft adjustment and made lockably rotatable to modify the pivotal axis of the sandal during walking.

Abstract: A cushioned heel inset for an orthopedic, postoperative shoe. The shoe has a lightweight, rigid orthopedic sole with a skid proof outer sole and a cushioned inner sole, the heel of the rigid sole having a recess for inset of a cushioning pad which interfaces the inner sole.

Abstract: A shoe for rehabilitation purposes, particularly for wear in connection with foot injuries and/or after foot surgery is designed such that patients with foot injuries or after foot surgery can remove rigid supports like plaster casts, orthotics, or the like, in a short time, enabling them to walk again as soon as possible without fear of additional damage or subsequent injuries. To this end, a shoe is provided with an outsole 6 with a front part 8 that extends from the shoe tip 7, which it upwardly embraces, to approximately the toe base joint. The front part 8 consists of an unprofiled material with a low coefficient of friction and is followed by a profiled outsole part 10 comprised of an abrasion-resistant flexible material. The separation line 11 between the two profiled sections 8, 10 extends diagonally rearward from the medial side of the shoe in front of the big toe ball area to the lateral side of the shoe in front of the small toe ball area.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe, particularly for post-surgery or post-trauma use, intended to be worn by a patient whose ball of the foot is suffering from an injury or from any sort of damage which may be painful, this shoe comprising an upper (1) which is integral with a block sole (2) of which the posterior part is constituted of a heel (3) which is substantially thicker at the front than at the back.In the invention, the block sole (2) comprises a thin anterior part (4) which extends the top part of the heel forward with the same inclination as the latter and which presents larger crosswise and lengthwise dimensions than those of the foot (P). This thin anterior part (4) is practically indeformable lengthwise and crosswise, but can flex in its height in an area (A) situated essentially at the point of the Lisfranc division of the foot, without coming into contact with the ground.

Abstract: A shoe of use on a post-operative or otherwise traumatized foot includes a sole assembly having a outer sole, a shock absorbing midsole and an inner sole conforming generally to the contour of the sole of the foot, the sole assembly having a limited degree of flexibility, and an upper assembly including an outer wall of a flexible mesh material and a lining of a soft, conformable material, adjustable straps connecting the opposite sides of the forward portion of the upper assembly. Preferably, the sole assembly is tapered, being of greatest thickness in the heel region; the heel portion of the upper is angled forwardly and upwardly; and one of the forward portions of the upper is of greater length than the other to protectively cover the dorsal aspect of the foot.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe (88,116) and postoperative shoe (10) are disclosed. The postoperative shoe (10) maintains the foot of the wearer supported on a planar inner sole (12) without flexure of the foot while permitting the shoe (10) to roll, imitating the natural motion of the foot during walking. This permits the wearer to walk in a normal manner while controlling the flexure of the foot to permit the foot to recover from surgery or prevent aggravation of a medical condition. Straps (66,68 and 72-78) are provided to adjustably position the foot on the inner sole (12) so that the metatarsal point (20) of the foot is positioned forward of the fulcrum (16). When the wearer is standing, the weight is distributed between the heel (18) and metatarsal point (20) so that the planar portion (46) of the shoe (10) contacts the walking surface. When weight shifts toward the metatarsal point (20) as in walking, the shoe (10) rolls on the curved portion (48).

Abstract: A toe protector has two guard rails (12) that are to be incorporated into opposite sides of a foot cast or mounted to the sides of an orthopedic shoe. The toe protector also has a pair of front rails (14) whose ends are configured to be releasibly mounted by press fits to adjacent ends (21, 22) of the guard rails that jutt forward of the toes of a foot located within the cast or shoe.

Abstract: A shoe, more especially for patients having undergone a surgical operation on the fore-foot.It comprises an upper (1) open at the front, this upper being formed from two quarters (2) for wrapping round the rear part of the patient's foot and an inner sole (3) resting on a thick sole (4), substantially higher at the front than at the back.

Abstract: A walking sole to be used under an immobilizing bandage on the lower leg whereby all foot joints are rigid, includes a running surface having three essentially flat parts which are spaced longitudinally and merge into one another with rounded transitions. A forward or toe part is curved upwards from a flat central part at an angle ranging between 25.degree. and 35.degree.. A hindmost or rear heel part slopes upwardly from the central part at an angle ranging between 15.degree. and 25.degree.. The vertical distance between the bottom of the central part and the highest point of the forward part is (11.+-.1)% of a length factor, which factor equals 1.5 times the length of the sole in mm--15 mm. The vertical distance between said bottom and the highest point of the heel part is (3.+-.1)% of said length factor.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe (88,116) and postoperative shoe (10) are disclosed. The postoperative shoe (10) maintains the foot of the wearer supported on a planar inner sole (12) without flexure of the foot while permitting the shoe (10) to roll, imitating the natural motion of the foot during walking. This permits the wearer to walk in a normal manner while controlling the flexure of the foot to permit the foot to recover from surgery or prevent aggravation of a medical condition. Straps (66, 68 and 72-78) are provided to adjustably position the foot on the inner sole (12) so that the metatarsal point (20) of the foot is positioned forward of the fulcrum (16). When the wearer is standing, the weight is distributed between the heel (18) and metatarsal point (20) so that the planar portion (46) of the shoe (10) contacts the walking surface. When weight shifts toward the metatarsal point (20) as in walking, the shoe (10) rolls on the curved portion (48).

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided with an open-toe to facilitate cooling of the wearers' foot during running. The tongue of the shoe is attached to one side edge of the shoe.

Abstract: A tongueless shoe includes a deep U-shaped opening forward of a foot-receiving opening for permitting the insertion therein of a heavily bandaged or protected foot. A removable tongue is attachable to bridge the U-shaped opening. A cushioning insert portion may be employed similar to the sock for protecting the foot when the sock-enclosed foot is worn inside the shoe portion. When the cushioning insert portion is employed, the tongue is removed. The insert portion is secured in place in the shoe portion by fastening means on a collar surrounding the foot-receiving openings of the insert portion and the shoe portion. Closure means such as straps or laces close the U-shaped opening over the foot.

Abstract: A light weight flexible boot to be worn over a foot in a surgical cast and protect the cast from moisture. The boot has a walking sole of tough rubber type material with a cushion sole and an upper body composed entirely of flexible and elastic foam material, with an inner fabric layer and an outer covering of water impervious fabric. The boot can be stretched over various sizes and shapes of casts and all joints in the boot are completely sealed and waterproof.

Abstract: A removable shoe to be worn over a cast that extends over the foot of a person, which shoe provides protection to the cast and by use of a heel wedge preferably inserted in the shoe, and with an area below the main face of the wedge to accommodate the bottom of the cast, provides an improved walking action for the user.

Abstract: A boot for a walking cast which includes a foot enclosure portion that is weathertight for the foot part of the cast, and which is integrally connected with an upwardly extended leg portion for covering the lower portion of the leg part of a walking cast. The foot enclosure portion is provided with an inner sole made from a resilient material such as foam rubber. The foot enclosure portion of the boot is provided with an outer top leather sole which is attached to a lower rubber sole that has a lower ground engaging serrated surface. The leg portion of the boot is provided with front and rear longitudinally extended zippers for dividing the leg portion of the boot into two parts which can be spread into an open position for quick and easy insertion of a walking cast into the boot. The two leg portion parts are each further provided with an expansion gusset for adjusting the snugness of the boot on the leg portion of the walking cast.

Abstract: A removable shoe to be worn over a cast that extends over the foot of a person, which shoe provides protection to the cast and by use of a heel wedge internal or external to the shoe provides an improved walking action.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe with a domical forefoot protective guard to provide a safety zone for the distal portion of the foot. The shoe includes a generally rigid sole, to which the protective guard is attached and which extends about and overlies the dorsum of the toes. Spacer means may be utilized to provide additional forward clearances as may be required in certain deformity corrective surgical procedures.