Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), in particular a sports shoe, with an upper (2). To obtain, in particular, a foldable shoe with sufficient rigidity during use, the invention proposes that the upper (2) should consist at least partially of a flexible material that makes it possible to push together the upper (2) in the longitudinal direction of the shoe (L). At least one section (3) of the upper (2), extending in a longitudinal direction of the shoe (L), has at least one reinforcing element (4), on or inside the upper (2), that maintains the form of the shoe (1) on a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shoe (L). The flexible material is arranged in the connecting area (5) between the front part of the shoe (6) and the rear part of the shoe (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe, with a damping element (3). To improve the spring constant of the damping element, the damping element (3) has an, upper group (4) of damping bodies (5) and a lower group (9) of damping bodies (10), each having a substantial U-shaped cross section. The upper damping bodies (5) have two legs (6, 7) which are connected with a connection section (8). The lower damping bodies (10) have two legs (11, 12) which are connected with a connection section (13). An intermediate carrier (14) is arranged between damping bodies (5; 10) and legs (6, 7; 11, 12). Adjacent legs (6, 7; 11, 12) of the respective damping bodies (5; 10) are connected at a location of conjunction (15, 16) and the locations of conjunction (15, 16) of the upper and of the lower damping bodies (5; 10) are offset in longitudinal direction (L).

Abstract: An athletic shoe and a method of attaching ornamental pieces thereto by covering a shoe upper with hook or loop material and a reverse side of the ornamental piece with mateable hook or loop material.

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: An exemplary wheeled footwear or skate is provided that may include footwear with an upper portion, a sole with a forefoot, an arch, a heel with an opening formed in the bottom surface of the heel with at least one wheel that rolls partially in the opening, at least one wheel adjacent the left side of the forefoot, and at least one wheel adjacent the right side of the forefoot. A user may roll on a surface using the wheels in the opening in the heel, and those positioned adjacent or near the left and right side of the forefoot. In other embodiments, the wheeled footwear may include removable wheels such that the wheeled footwear may be used in three configurations that may include: (i.) walking or running, (ii.) heel rolling, and (iii.) skating using wheels positioned adjacent the forefoot and the heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a midsole structure having an airbag in the rear portion or from the rear portion to the front portion for Masai walking specialized shoes, wherein a connecting panel shank comprising the front shank and rear shank coupled with a connecting panel is built such that rolling movement of three steps occurs actively during walking three steps of landing, center moving and leaving step and an arch styled finger pressure effect occurs because the front and rear shank are compressed.

Abstract: Support elements for footwear or other products include: (a) a base member having first and second major surfaces; and (b) an extending arm having a free end for engaging a portion of a footwear structure. The extending arm may engage and further support a heel-supporting portion or other structural portion of an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Such foot-receiving devices may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as a footwear upper); (b) a foot-supporting member (such as a footwear sole structure) engaged with the foot-covering member; and (c) a lateral-reinforcing member that includes an extending arm engaged with at least one of the foot-covering member or the foot-supporting member.

Abstract: An athletic shoe support structure may include a midsole constructed to resiliently support a foot and a cradle positioned underneath the midsole. The cradle has a bottom and a sidewall upwardly extending from the bottom, where the cradle is arranged to receive the midsole in nesting relation. The cradle sidewall has at least one aperture and the midsole has at least one protrusion, where the protrusion is sized and shaped to engage the at least one aperture in the sidewall. The cradle and/or the midsole may be made of a foamed material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved shoe sole for a running shoe conducive to a midfoot striking gait including a cushioning element positioned between the upper surface and the ground-contacting surface, at least a portion of which is positioned on a lateral side of the sole and contained within a region between 15% and 90% of the length of the shoe sole as measured from a rearfoot end of the sole. One or more high abrasion-resistant ground-contacting crash pads are positioned below the cushioning element, and include a lateral side portion contained within a region extending a distance of 20% the length of the shoe sole, as measured from a rearfoot end of the shoe sole. The shoe sole, preferably devoid of at least vertical arch sculpting, also includes a longitudinal flex groove positioned just medial of the crash pads.

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

Abstract: A sporting boot comprising a thermoformed outer shell having a heel portion for receiving the heel of a foot, an ankle portion for receiving the ankle and medial and lateral side portions for receiving the medial and lateral sides of the foot. At least one of the medial and lateral side portions comprises a skirt portion integrally formed with and extending therefrom, the skirt portion being folded inwardly to form a sole having an upper surface for facing the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a sports shoe (10) having an upper part (12) configured to receive the foot (14) of a wearer and a sole arrangement (16) which is inclined so as to reduce in height in a forwards direction, wherein the sole arrangement (16) includes a rigid portion (40) and a compressible portion (28) where the rigid portion (40) is thinner than the compressible portion (28) and, in use, is provided between the compressible portion (28) and the foot (14) of the wearer, wherein further the rigid portion (40), in use, is provided beneath the heel (22), lateral aspect of the mid foot, the fifth metatarsal bone (52) and the fifth metatarsal joint (34) of the foot (14) of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole having a ground engaging surface; an upper having a toe region, heel region and a vamp portion. The upper has a first layer which is water impermeable and a second layer which is vapor and air permeable. The first layer extends in an upward direction from the featherline of the sole to a height on the upper which is at least 1.5 inches above the ground engaging surface of the sole and is attached to the second layer at height. The height at which the first layer extends and is attached to the second layer can vary along the upper in a toe-to-heel direction.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball. Additionally, a water repelling member for the article of footwear is also disclosed. The water repelling member helps to repel water from the gripping system, especially horizontal water or water from splashing. The water repelling member is also breathable and helps to dissipate water vapor caused by heat evaporation of the foot.

Abstract: A shock absorber for sports (ballgames) 10, comprising a glove body 12 and hand insertion 50, having the first sheet-like member 30 covering the center region of the back of one's hand, the second sheet-like member 32 covering the back region of the fingers and the third sheet-like member 34 covering said hand insertion 50 region. Said first sheet-like member 30, the second sheet-like member 32 and the third sheet-like member 34 are made of near-polyurethane gel elastomer, which has high impact absorbency, so that the shock absorber 10 protects any regions of a human body from the impact of, for example, being hit by a pitch, without limiting the movements of a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of footwear, in particular a sports shoe, wherein the article of footwear comprises a ventilation system with at least one active ventilation element arranged in a midfoot area of the article of footwear. Furthermore, the article of footwear comprises at least one air channel with an inlet and an outlet which are arranged in the sole area in the interior of the article of footwear. The active ventilation element is arranged such that air is sucked from the interior of the article of footwear through the inlet and is blown into the interior of article of footwear shoe through the outlet.

Abstract: In a first broad form, the present invention provides an apparatus for use with a shoe having a sole, the apparatus including: at least one display adapted for mounting on a surface of the shoe; and a means of adjusting the at least one display between at least a first and a second colour state.

Abstract: An article of footwear with primary cleats and secondary cleats is disclosed. The primary and secondary cleats are preferably disposed on an outer peripheral zone of a forefoot portion of a sole and present a walled cleat system on a portion of the outer peripheral zone. The article of footwear also includes bladed toe cleats.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A shoe (100) provides a sole (105) under the ball of the foot (110) but none below the arch (112) or heel (113). An upper (104) encircles the metatarsal bones and the distal end of the tarsals. An inelastic ankle band (102) shaped as “C” holds the shoe on the foot. Support is mainly longitudinal, includes over the arch, may be adjustable, and is provided without causing foot distortion. Sensation from exposed parts of the foot promotes kinaesthetic procedure for teaching and learning dance. Variations enclose the dorsal part of the foot, some enclose the toes, and one optio is a toe box for en pointe.

Abstract: A cleat arrangement is configured for use with an article of footwear comprises a receptacle, a cleat, and a retaining ring. The receptacle is provided in the sole of the footwear. The cleat includes a projecting member and a retaining surface. The retaining surface is configured to fit within the receptacle with the projecting member extending from the receptacle. The retaining ring fits over the cleat and engages the retaining surface of the cleat positioned within the receptacle and the projecting member of the cleat extending through the retaining ring. The retaining ring releasably engages the receptacle such that the retaining ring holds the cleat within the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.

Abstract: An article of footwear for gymnasts includes an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a securing member. The outsole may extend beneath a forefoot region of the foot and may include one or more traction elements. The insole may be engaged with the outsole and may include one or more impact-attenuation zones. The insole may include a medial impact-attenuation zone and a lateral impact-attenuation zone. The upper may include one or more apertures through which a wearer's phalanges may be received and may extend over a top portion of the wearer's foot between the wearer's ankle and phalanges. The securing member may secure the article of footwear to the wearer's foot, and may extend from the lateral to the medial side of the upper. The securing member may extend around the heel or ankle area of the wearer's foot. The article of footwear may be a gymnastics shoe.

Abstract: A sole adapted to provide improved leverage during the toe-off stage of gait comprises elongate elements (2a-e) along the horizontal surface of the sole. The elongate elements (2a-e) are adapted to tauten in response to longitudinal forces on the sole, increasing the rigidity of the midsection of the sole and providing effective propulsive assistance to the athlete.

Abstract: A skateboard shoe comprising a plurality of fluid chambers able to move and flex independently from one another along the bottom portion of the midsole is shown and described. The midsole acts as both a stabilizing midsole and an impact cushioning midsole while improving the fit of the shoe so it moves with the foot.

Abstract: A padded shoe for use in mixed martial arts and similar activities. The padded shoe may have a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; an inner padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer padded tongue to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer padded tongue such that the outer padded tongue substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearers instep. A bladder containing air or a gel-like material can be included in at least one of the inner and outer padded tongues.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; a padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer protective flap attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer protective flap such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearer's instep.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, especially to a sports shoe, with a shoe upper (1) and a sole (2, 3) consisting of at least two parts, wherein at least one part of the sole (2) is arranged in the forefoot region and at least on part of the sole (3) is arranged in the rearfoot region, wherein the shoe upper (1) has at least two cutouts (4, 5) in the region facing the ground, wherein the size and the shape of the cutouts (4, 5) correspond to those of the parts of the sole (2, 3) in their contact region with the shoe upper (1), wherein the parts of the sole (2, 3) are inserted into or are placed at the cutouts (4, 5) and are connected with the shoe upper (1) permanently.

Abstract: Disclosed is footwear. The footwear according to the present invention comprises a main shoe body provided with a recess on a bottom thereof; an upper body fixed to the recess and having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a radial direction; a lower body having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a radial direction, and connected with the upper body to be rotatable relative to the upper body; and rollers mounted to the lower body The magnets of the upper body and the lower body are arranged so as to return the rollers always to a regular position by magnetism acting between the magnets of the upper body and the magnets of the lower body.

Abstract: A shoe (1) in which at least a portion of upper (1a) includes gripping areas (4, 5) resulting from the presence of a coating, the coating providing a dry coefficient of friction exceeding that of a standard athletic leather according to a modified IUP51 test (as defined).

Abstract: An article of footwear with a shock absorbing heel system is disclosed. The heel system includes a lower heel plate, a set of support members, and an upper heel plate. Also, the heel system includes a heel cover configured to hide the upper heel plate from view. The lower heel plate is associated with a cantilever portion that supports the upper heel plate laterally. As force is applied to the heel system, the support members may compress slightly and the cantilever portion may lower, absorbing energy and or shocks applied by the ground.

Abstract: An impact attenuating device includes both concave and convex side walls, e.g., in an interleaved arrangement, optionally at least partially surrounded by a restraining element that may help return the impact attenuating device back to its original orientation after attenuating an impact. Such impact attenuating devices may be included in pieces of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices. Additionally, such impact attenuating devices or portions thereof may be freely selected and/or interchanged in a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device, e.g., based on one or more characteristics of an intended user and/or an intended use, so as to allow users to obtain footwear (or other devices) customized and targeted for use under a predetermined set of conditions.

Abstract: A sole unit for a shoe having at least one decoupling track between regions of sole unit allowing for the decoupling of the regions in response to forces from foot-ground contact; a plurality of bridge elements connecting opposite sides of the track so that when forces from foot-ground contact are alleviated, there is a recouping of the decoupled regions. The bridge elements may extend from a tendon element disposed on one side of a decoupling track to the other side of the track.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure includes a midsole body that extends from the heel region to the forefoot region of a shoe and an outsole that is attached to the midsole body. The outsole includes a plurality of protrusions arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, while extending at least partially between the lateral edge and the medial edge of the shoe. One or more of the half tube structures can include grooves and/or projections to enhance traction on a contact surface.

Abstract: An item of wearware, such as a shoe, comprises a buffer configured for enabling to dynamically regulate an effect of a next impact on the item in operational use of the item, under control of the intensity of the previous impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modification of goat and caprine leathers to render them suitable for use in the manufacture of sports shoes, and certain other items of footwear and apparel. Goatskin, while possessing some desirable properties, has poor wear and tear resistance. The present invention discusses the attachment of specific types of bonding layers to the non-grain face side to alter the overall performance of caprine leathers so that they may be used in durable footwear. Treatments to, and coatings on, the caprine leather are also discussed.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper that is adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue and other components. The sole may be formed from a material having a shore durometer reading between about 40 and about 60 such that the shoe is lightweight yet provides appropriate support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole construction having a suspension system designed to resiliently support a foot and deflect downwardly upon foot imposed forces is provided. The athletic shoe includes a plurality of independent supports arrayed about the periphery of the suspension system. The supports, or pillars, may include a ground engaging section and a resilient section intermediate the ground engaging section and the suspension system. The suspension system may include a deflectable grid system, or it may include other resilient deflectable materials. The pillars may be constructed and arranged to deflect independently of an adjacent pillar.

Abstract: An article of footwear an outer sole that houses a removable inner sole. The interchangeable nature allows different uses, appearances, and configurations. The outer sole can be used as a shoe itself (e.g. a sandal) or as the sole for other transformations. Various types of footwear elements can be inserted into/over the outer sole, allowing conversion of the footwear into a sports, formal, sandal, water, slipper, dress, ornamented shoe or other footwear.

Abstract: A combination shock absorbing and ventilating apparatus for a foot bed of a shoe, comprises an air chamber having at least one flexible wall located in the foot bed of the shoe, an air intake to the air chamber, an air outlet from the air chamber, a one-way valve on at least one of the air intake or the outlet, at least one of the intake or outlet being connected to the foot bed of the shoe and operative to circulate air with the foot bed, at least one resilient member within the chamber operative to re-inflate the air chamber, and a turbine on a sidewall of the shoe, the turbine having a wheel, one of the air inlet or the air outlet being connected to the turbine for directing air flow to spin the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for improving the standing and walking properties in a shoe (1), in particular a hiking shoe, on a ground surface (9) inclined downwardly in the direction of the tip of the shoe, comprising a balancing member (2) for balancing the inclination of the ground surface (9), fastening means (4, 5, 6a, 6b, 6b?, 24-29) for the releasable fastening of the balancing member (2) on the shoe (1) comprising at least a belt or strap (6a, 6b, 13, 26) to be guided over the heel area of the shoe, wherein the balancing member only lies against the sole (3) in the forefoot area of the shoe (1) in the fastened state, wherein the surface of the balancing member (2) pointing towards the ground surface runs substantially parallel relative to the sole (3) of the shoe (1).

Abstract: A compressible substrate coated at least in part with a waterborne coating composition comprising at least one base neutralized active hydrogen containing film-forming resin and a water dispersible carbodiimide crosslinker capable of reacting with the film-forming resin to form a crosslinked film is disclosed. An article of manufacture having at least two different flexible substrates coated at least in part with such a coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning component for use in shoes including athletic shoes and, for example, running shoes includes a cushioning layer including a first zone and a second zone where the first zone comprises a progressive compression material. In one aspect, the first zone can comprise one or more areas defined within the second zone. For example, the first zone can comprise two areas, one area in a relative front portion of the shoe component and another area in a relative rear portion of the shoe component. Alternatively, in another aspect, the first zone and second zone can be arranged in a laminate-type relationship in the shoe component. In this regard, the first zone can be located either above or below the second zone. The shoe component can be employed as a traditional element of a shoe, such as a midsole or the outsole.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. A padded tongue is attached to the shoe upper and includes an inner padded tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Retaining structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion, with the engagement structure located at least partially under the outer padded tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure and/or the engagement structure.

Abstract: An article that includes a strap for retaining or tightening a foot or a boot, the strap including a section for covering the foot or the boot, the covering section including a frame and a comfort element. The comfort element includes a synthetic material molded over the frame. In a particular embodiment, the article is a retaining device for a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard binding for a snowboard.

Abstract: An exercise mitt is provided for a hand or foot, and which is particularly useful in an exercise form such as yoga in which a practitioner maintains a pose or shifts body position while his/her hand or foot is in contact with a support surface. The exercise mitt is specially configured to address the problem of slippage when the practitioner is practicing an exercise form such as yoga, where the practitioner exerts pressure on a support surface in both downward and outward directions as the practitioner is practicing the exercise form. The mitt comprises a sleeve configured to fit snugly about a portion of a human extremity while permitting portions of the human extremity to extend out of the sleeve.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe that improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot and whose bottom side edge portion 31a is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom side edge portion 31a of the outside upper member 31 is located at the rear of the load centerline C of the calcaneus and the rear side edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 at the rear of the talus T of the foot. The instep side edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30 is provided a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.

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