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: Provided are a smart shoe, a smart device and a method for switching functional area. The smart shoe includes a shoe body and a smart device provided on a surface of the shoe body. The smart device includes a processing unit, a locating unit, a communication unit, a solar energy receiving unit and a power supply unit. The locating unit is configured to acquire current position information of the smart shoe and send it to the processing unit. The processing unit sends the received position information to a user terminal or a remote server via the communication unit. The solar energy receiving unit is configured to receive solar energy and converting it into electrical energy which is transferred to the power supply unit. The power supply unit is connected with individual functional units of the smart device to supply the electrical energy to the smart device.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole that provides friction between the playing surface and the player's foot. In some embodiments, the article footwear includes a sole having a plurality of elongated studs in the heel region in addition to a back lateral stud having a rounded or circular shape located in the back lateral area of the heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a sole structure including an auxetic sole assembly are described. The auxetic sole assembly includes an auxetic layer and a base layer. The auxetic layer is made of an auxetic material and includes a plurality of apertures. Portions of the base layer are disposed within the apertures of the auxetic layer. Upon the application of force, portions of the base layer extend upwards through the apertures of the auxetic layer to form a plurality of protuberances. The plurality of protuberances can be used for proprioception.

Abstract: Provided is an ankle supporter capable of returning the wearer's ankle to a normal position by moving the connective tissue and muscles below the skin following sprain or Achilles tendonitis. The ankle supporter includes a first elastic panel knitted in a belt-like shape on the medial side of the wearer's foot extending from the sole to an area corresponding to the Achilles tendon and having a stretch resistance greater than that of the base fabric and a second elastic panel knitted in a belt-like shape on the medial side of the wearer's foot extending from the heel to the base of the foot top of the wearer to intersect the first elastic panel below the center of the medial ankle and having a stretch resistance greater than that of the base fabric.

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure formed by including a column member, a ring member that is provided by being fitted onto the column member and has elasticity, a first pressure receiving portion that is connected to an upper end of the column member, and a second pressure receiving portion that is connected to a lower end of the column member, wherein the column member tilts with respect to at least one of the first and second pressure receiving portions with pressure reception, and is restored with decompression, and the ring member is caused to undergo bulging deformation to an outer circumferential side direction from an inner circumferential side by tilting of the column member.

Abstract: A running shoe includes an upper coupled to a sole structure. The sole structure includes a compressible midsole and an outsole. The midsole possesses a first compression value. A compression plate or insert possessing a second compression value is positioned between the midsole and the outsole. Specifically, the insert is softer, or has a smaller compression value, than the midsole. The outsole wraps around a sole structure such that it contacts the midsole and the insert. The outer surface of the outsole includes a series of treads or traction elements extending along the bottom and sides of the outsole. With this configuration, when the sole structure contacts an uneven topography, the outsole conforms around the topography, stabilizing the footwear during use.

Abstract: A packaged particulate composition having a carrier and a shading dye.

Abstract: A method of printing a three-dimensional structure onto a base having irregularities on the surface is disclosed. A sensing device determines the depth of the irregularity on the surface. A computing system receives an image file including a predetermined thickness of a layer to be printed onto the base. The predetermined thickness is adjusted based on the depth of the irregularity. A printing device prints a layer onto the base having the adjusted predetermined thickness print on the irregularity to make the surface substantially smooth.

Abstract: A slipper sock is formed from an outer pouch and an inner pouch shaped to receive and encapsulate a person's foot. A border around an opening in the inner pouch is placed over a border around an opening in the outer pouch. The inner pouch and outer pouch are affixed together at the interface of the overlapping borders surrounding the openings of the pouches. The inner pouch which can be made of pile material is then inserted through the opening of and into the outer pouch and spread to conform to the shape of the outer pouch. The border of the inner pouch can form a collar surrounding the opening of the outer pouch.

Abstract: A method for making a cleated plate member for an article of footwear is described. The method includes a number of steps where various molds are used to form different components of the cleated plate member. A collar receptacle is formed using a first molding process. A cleat member is formed from a non-compatible material with a fastener of the cleat member associated with the collar receptacle using another molding process to form a combined cleat assembly. The combined cleat assembly is placed into corresponding receptacles in a mold used to form the cleated plate member. The cleated plate member is formed using another molding process that embeds the collar receptacle into the body of the cleated plate member. The completed cleated plate member includes releasably attached cleat members.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper with a heel region that extends posteriorly about the heel, a medial side, and a lateral side. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure. Moreover, the article includes a longitudinal strand that extends along at least one of the medial side and the lateral side. Also, the article includes an underfoot strand that is coupled to the longitudinal strand and that extends across the sole structure to extend between the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. Furthermore, the article includes a closure strand that is coupled to the longitudinal strand. The closure strand is configured to couple to the closure element such that tensioning of the closure element tensions the longitudinal strand, the underfoot strand, and the closure strand to selectively secure the article of footwear to the foot.

Abstract: An improved article of footwear includes a midsole, an upper, and a support member. The midsole of the footwear contains a forefoot region, a heel region, a middle region. The midsole contains a medial recess and a lateral recess in the sidewall, and a central opening in the bottom surface, where the recesses and the central opening are in fluid communication with one another. The upper of the footwear is disposed on the midsole, but the bottom surface of the upper that is proximate to the central opening, the medial recess, and the lateral recess of the midsole is exposed. A support member is disposed on the bottom surface of the upper proximate to the central opening of the midsole. The support member is configured to extend from the bottom surface of the upper through the central opening of the midsole.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a carrier and a frame. The frame may include walls that define cells. The carrier may cover the frame. The frame may be joined to and located on a top side of the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to sole elements for articles of footwear, and systems and methods for manufacturing same. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear including the steps of forming a sole element preform, inserting the sole element preform into a press mold cavity, and press-forming the sole element preform within the press mold cavity to form a unitary finished sole element comprising a first region having a first density and hardness and a second region having a second density and hardness different from the first density and hardness.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: A shoe sole including: an outsole 1 and a mid sole 2, wherein: the outsole 1 includes: a plurality of cleats C1 arranged while being spaced apart from one another in a first direction D1; and a plurality of cleats C1 arranged while being spaced apart from one another in a second direction D2; ones of the cleats C1 that are adjacent to each other in a third direction D3 are continuous with each other in the third direction D3 via a first connecting portion 12 of the outsole; ones of the cleats C1 that are adjacent to each other in a fourth direction D4 are continuous with each other in the fourth direction D4 via a second connecting portion 13 of the outsole; a plurality of through holes H are provided, each through hole H being defined in an area surrounded by three or more of the cleats C1; and the lower surface 20 of the mid sole 2 includes: an attachment surface 22 attached to the upper surface 11 of the outsole 1, and an exposed surface 23 of the foamed material exposed through the through holes H.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided.

Abstract: An upper comprising a flexible layer configured to receive a foot, a bladder coupled to an outer surface of the flexible layer, and an inflation mechanism operatively coupled to the bladder for inflating the bladder such that the flexible layer is drawn toward the foot. The bladder extends from a lateral side in a heel region across a throat region to a medial side in the heel region. The bladder comprises a plurality of fluidly connected segments, each segment forming an angle with an adjacent segment.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole system with a carrier member and a plurality of sensory node elements. The sensory node elements are received in recesses of the carrier member and can protrude through to the upper and/or an insole. The sensory node elements push against the foot to increase sensory perception of the surface underlying the sole system.

Abstract: Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.

Abstract: A new design of shoe sole that includes both a base portion and a base support portion, wherein the base support portion is a base support portion attached underneath to the center area of the base portion. The current design further includes an expansion portion that extends downwardly from the outside rim of the base portion, wherein the expansion portion is elastic, and the bottom surface of the base support portion is higher than the bottom surface of the expansion portion. Footwear made of this type of sole first touch a support surface (ground) with the expansion portion, which forms a first contact region. Further because the expansion portion is located at the outward rim of the base portion, it is easier for the expansion portion to extend to all directions when pressed.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction with varying stitch configurations. The upper may also incorporate non-textile elements, including non-textile elements on the lateral side and in the heel region. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction with varying stitch configurations. The upper may also incorporate non-textile elements, including non-textile elements on the lateral side and in the heel region. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear comprises one or more tactile-feedback members. The tactile-feedback members include a first ridge and a second ridge formed in one or more textile elements of the upper. The first ridge and the second ridge protrude from an outward-facing surface of the textile elements and away from the inward-facing surface of the textile elements and extend toward a midfoot region of the upper from a rear-foot region. The first ridge and the second ridge further comprise an arch shape, and the first ridge is superior to the second ridge. The upper may further include other tactile-feedback members, including a finger pad on the heel side of the upper, the finger pad comprising a non-textile material, and a forefoot grip extending over at least a portion of the superior surface of the upper in the forefoot region.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. A set of tensioning members extend over the upper and into channels formed in the sole structure. The tensioning members travel through the channels and exit a rear opening of the sole structure where they may be tensioned using a manual or automatic tensioning device.

Abstract: A method for making a cleated plate member for an article of footwear is described. The method includes a number of steps where various molds are used to form different components of the cleated plate member. A collar receptacle is formed using a first molding process. A cleat member is formed from a non-compatible material with a fastener of the cleat member associated with the collar receptacle using another molding process to form a combined cleat assembly. The combined cleat assembly is placed into corresponding receptacles in a mold used to form the cleated plate member. The cleated plate member is formed using another molding process that embeds the collar receptacle into the body of the cleated plate member. The completed cleated plate member includes releasably attached cleat members.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a cinching apparatus that is configured to move the upper between an open position and a closed position. The cinching apparatus includes a spring pad with a first, second, and third portion. The third portion is elastic and configured to deform elastically from a first position toward a second position. The third portion is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion generally in the longitudinal direction as the third portion deforms between the first position and the second position. Also, the cinching apparatus is configured to move the upper from the open position toward the closed position as the third portion of the spring pad moves from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A portable exercise device allowing a user to perform Pilates type exercises without using traditional, cumbersome equipment. The device uses a pair of wheel assemblies respectively attached to opposing ends of a central shaft. A shaft height can be adjusted from a center of each wheel to a lower point closer to a ground surface. Adjustable cam lockable hand/foot plates are attached to the shaft allowing the user to attach his or her feet to the shaft. Each hand/foot plate includes a rotational plate that allows the hand/foot plate to be positioned at various angles in relation to the shaft. Resistance bands are attached on one side to the shaft and on the opposite side to a resistance source. The resistance source can be the user's own hands or feet, or a retaining strap attached to a lower portion of a door or wall.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a base shell having ankle and foot receiving portions. The base shell forms an opening over a dorsal aspect of the base shell. A dorsal shell is contoured to generally correspond to the opening in the base shell. At least one tightening member is connectable to the base shell and extendable over the dorsal shell to secure the base and dorsal shells together about a user's lower leg and foot. At least one inflatable bladder is provided in the ankle receiving portion of the base shell. A pump assembly is arranged to inflate the at least one inflatable bladder. The pump assembly is situated on the at least one tightening member such that the position of the pump assembly is substantially fixed relative to the base shell as a user walks in the orthopedic device.

Abstract: A shoe insert liner or no-show sock configured to detachably adhere to an interior cavity of a shoe is provided. In one embodiment, the shoe insert liner includes a liner having an exterior surface and an adhesive bonded to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the liner. The liner includes a longitudinal portion, opposing first and second lateral portions extending in a first direction from opposite sides of the longitudinal portion, and opposing front and rear portions extending in the first direction from opposite ends of the longitudinal portion. Together, the longitudinal, lateral, front, and rear portions of the liner define an interior cavity and an opening configured to receive a user's foot.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an upper. The upper includes a textile component. The textile component of the upper includes a textile element and a tensile element. The tensile element defines a first segment disposed on a first side of the upper. The first segment of the tensile element is configured to attach the securement device to the textile element on the first side of the upper. The tensile element further includes a second segment that is disposed proximate the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The second segment is fixed relative to the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The tensile element further includes an intermediate segment that extends continuously from the first segment, across the heel region, to the second segment.

Abstract: Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.

Abstract: A foamed article is made by infusing the article of thermoplastic elastomer with a supercritical fluid, then removing the article from the supercritical fluid and either (i) immersing the article in a heated fluid or (ii) irradiating the article with infrared or microwave radiation.

Abstract: Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.

Abstract: A sole structure for a running shoe is presented having an outsole and a midsole. The sole structure includes a plurality of hollow elements, which are closed off in each case by front flanks and rear flanks, and have spaced-apart upper inner surfaces and lower inner surfaces, that forces to which the hollow elements are subjected when the runner is running are absorbed by these hollow elements in each case with deformation, with the spacing between their inner surfaces decreasing in the process. The upper inner surfaces of the hollow elements are formed on the underside of the midsole, that the lower inner surfaces of the hollow elements are formed on the upper side of the outsole, which is fastened on the underside of the midsole in each case in front of, and behind, the hollow elements, the front flanks and the rear flanks likewise forming part of the outsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a cushioning sole system that provides customized cushioning characteristics to different regions of a sole member. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that are formed along various surfaces of the sole member.

Abstract: Track-and-field athletic shoes and sole structures for such track shoes are provided. The sole structures may include one or more spike assemblies with movable spikes that enhance the grip of the track shoe over an entire course, including when banking on a turn, and that positions a runners foot in a more natural position relative to the runner's center or mass while banking.

Abstract: A retention system for footwear can include opposed closure elements and a tensioner configured to urge the opposed closure elements toward each other in response to a tensile force applied to the tensioner. Opposed first and second anchors can be spaced from the tensioner. A retainer can have opposed first and second retainer couplers. The first retainer coupler can operatively engage the first anchor and the second retainer coupler can operatively engage the second anchor such that a tensile load applied to one or both of the first and second retainer couplers urges the retainer toward one or both of the first and second anchors. Each of the retainer couplers can be operatively engaged with the tensioner such that a tensile load applied to the tensioner urges the first retainer coupler and the second retainer coupler into tension and thereby urges the retainer toward one or both of the anchors.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper with multiple components. The upper includes a fastening system, a shield, and a tongue. The shield and the tongue are each attached to the upper. The shield and the tongue may be readily moved to facilitate entry of a foot into the article of footwear, or exit of a foot from the article of footwear.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to shoes with ankle support elements, typically including a foot support element and a leg support element which are joined together via a joint to allow the leg support element to pivot with respect to the foot support element. The joint is typically located behind the ankle bone and at a height at least as great as the ankle bone. Straps are typically used to tighten the support elements for a good fit. Embodiments typically are formed so that neither the support elements nor the straps contact the ankle bone. And typically the foot and leg support elements work together to limit supination and adduction, while allowing fairly free extension.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a fluid-filled chamber component having a central portion, a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central portion, and a plurality of channels formed between the plurality of lobes. The structure also includes a midsole component inter-fitted with the plurality of lobes of the fluid-filled chamber and having a plurality of projections extending through the plurality of channels of the fluid-filled chamber component. The midsole component forms a portion of a peripheral side surface of the sole structure. At least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes has an exposed distal end wall and includes a projecting portion that extends further outward from the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber component than the portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure formed by the midsole component. The exposed distal end wall also includes a faceted surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a sole and an upper. The upper includes an inner layer configured to receive a foot and an outer layer with a first portion more stretchable than a second portion. A strobel board is disposed above the sole and attached to the inner layer. An inflatable bladder is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and attached to both a medial side and a lateral side of the strobel board. The inflatable bladder extends across a throat region of the upper and is operatively coupled with an inflation mechanism and release mechanism configured to inflate and deflate the inflatable bladder. A saddle is disposed between the inflatable bladder and the outer layer in lateral and medial quarter regions of the upper, but not extending into the throat region. The first portion of the outer layer covers the inflatable bladder at the throat region.

Abstract: A system and method for easily and frequently checking the gas bladder pressure levels in a sports player's helmet and refilling them to maintain optimum head protection for the player. The system and method involve an electronic hand-held gas pump that wirelessly communicates with an adjacent wireless device that comprises a software application for controlling pump operation. The software application allows a user to build a player helmet profile that automatically displays current gas pressure in the gas bladder to which the pump is currently connected. The system and method establish a preferred gas pressure level for every bladder in the helmet when the helmet is being worn and when the helmet is not being worn. Spreadsheets for an entire team can be generated, not only depicting the preferred gas pressure levels but time/date data for periodic checks in order to maintain every bladder to its preferred gas pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear and in particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, relates to footwear for those with diabetes and, in particular, with ulcers of the sole. The present invention seeks to address some of the problems encountered by prior art limb compression devices and methods. In particular the present invention seeks to provide a boot which can stimulate blood flow. A further object to the invention is to provide a boot with a sole which is adaptable to conform with various shapes and conditions of human feet. The present invention also seeks to provide a new type of footwear that has a therapeutic benefit for diabetic patients with circulatory problems in their foot, and also enables the technique of “off loading” the foot to assist in the healing of any wounds present.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods and systems for monitoring and detection of pressure on a part of a body of a user. In an embodiment, a device includes a substrate having a contact surface for contacting a user, one or more sacs associated with the contact surface of the substrate, and one or more sensors in communication with the one or more sacs, the one or more sensors adapted to measure changes in pressure in the one or more sacs. The sacs contain a fluidic material configured to transmit pressure. The fluidic material is further configured to be shock-absorbing and pressure-relieving such that the fluidic material is displaceable by an action of the user contacting the contact surface causing the pressure in the fluidic material to be redistributed.

Abstract: An antiskid-style sole includes a sole body (1) and a number of projections (2) disposed on the sole body (1). The projections (2) are elastic columnar parts. A cavity (22) is disposed in the middle of end surface (23) of the projection (2), and the wall of the cavity (22) is in the shape of cambered surface or inclined surface.