Abstract: A shoe comprising a single molded sole having a lateral section, positioned at a front outer portion of the sole, the lateral section made of a first rubber material, a medial section, positioned at a front inner portion of the sole and positioned adjacent to the lateral section, the medial section made of a third rubber material, a heel section, positioned at a rear portion of the sole, the heel section made of the third rubber material, and an arch section, positioned between the lateral section or the medial section and the heel section, the arch section made of a second rubber material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: Multiple shoe types are made from a plurality of generic molded base frames including a midsole and at least one upper portion integrally molded together. A first set of upper components is provided for forming a first shoe type secured to a first portion of the base frames and a second set of upper components is provided for forming a second shoe type secured to a second portion of the base frames. The upper portion that is integrally molded with the midsole may be a forefoot panel or a quarter. The various types formed from the generic frame include sneakers, backless shoes, slip-ons, skate shoes and boots. The generic unitary molded frame construction substantially reduces the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A tongue for a skate boot and a skate boot having a tongue comprising at least one exposed structural molded foam body, and a plurality of apertures and/or grooves defined therein along a longitudinal axis. The tongue can also be releasably connected to the skate boot to allow a skate owner to change the tongue for another tongue more adapted to the skate owner's specific needs in different circumstances.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.

Abstract: A footbed for a skate boot having a quarter and a toe cap defining an internal space for receiving a human foot having a heel, an ankle, medial and lateral sides, a big toe, second, third and fourth toes, a little toe and a plantar surface, the footbed comprising: (a) a sole portion for facing the plantar surface of the foot, the sole portion having medial and lateral sides and front and rear ends; and (b) medial, front and lateral walls extending from the front end of the sole portion, the medial, front and lateral walls being movable from a first position, wherein the medial, front and lateral walls are generally in the same plane than that of the sole portion, to a second position, wherein each of the medial, front and lateral walls define an angle with respect to the sole portion such that, in use, the medial, front and lateral walls face the toes and are located between the toes and the toe cap of the skate boot.

Abstract: An integrated training system for articles of footwear is disclosed. Each article of footwear includes a set of physical characteristics associated with an athletic skill. A customized training program is provided with each article of footwear to provide custom tailored training for improving the particular athletic skill associated with the selected article of footwear.

Abstract: A protective cover device for a skate boot comprises a panel member including a central portion spanning part of the skate tongue and two side portions extending outwardly and downwardly from the central portion to span towards respective inner and outer sides of the skate. Anchor members at the outer side anchor the panel member to the skate boot using apertures which receive portions of the skate laces therethrough. The anchor members at the outer side also form hinges onto which the panel member is pivotally coupled for selectively providing access to the laces for fastening. An anchor member at the inner side comprises a strap which is selectively fastened to a mating fastener on a bottom side of the skate boot.

Abstract: A spinning shoe having an upper and sole member in which the sole member has a spinning assembly in the forefoot. The spinning assembly is placed within a recess in the forefoot region of the sole member. Thus, the user may walk about like wearing a normal shoe and then by simply placing their weight on the forefoot region, they may spin about on a vertical axis.

Abstract: A spinning shoe having an upper and sole member in which the sole member has a spinning assembly in the forefoot. The spinning assembly is placed within a recess in the forefoot region of the sole member. Thus, the user may walk about in the spinning shoe in a normal mode or spin about a vertical axis by placing the user's weight on the forefoot region and then spin about on the vertical axis.

Abstract: A tennis shoe comprising, at least one upper shoe, at least one tying mechanism, the tying mechanism, deposed on the upper shoe; and at least one shoe-sole. The shoe-sole is coupled to said upper shoe, and further defining at least one shoe-sole-cavity concavely indented into the at least one shoe-sole and further defining at least one rib; where the at least one shoe-sole creates friction against gravel surfaces with said at least one rib. The method of making the shoe-sole described herein includes the injection molding at least one shoe-sole; selectively depositing at least one bubble; selectively leaving dense parts of materials; selectively molding at least one shoe-sole-cavity; selectively deposing at least one high strength material; and selectively deposing at least one slippery material. The method of making may occurs almost simultaneously using a single machine.

Abstract: A skate shoe includes a shoe having a sole through which runs a horizontal bore. From both sides of the horizontal bore of the sole, a half-axle is inserted with a wheel fixed at an outer end of each half-axle. The two half-axles have at least one flattened portion on their respective inner ends, which is located within the horizontal bore. The two flattened portions overlap within the bore and, in a second half of each flattened portion that is closer to the respective wheel, there is a recess. The each recess is complementary formed to a detent lug in a first half of the respective flattened portion and with the detent being able to pivot into the recess of the other half-axle.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a pliable upper component and a molded unitary support structure formed of a plurality of wall stuctures and methods of manufacturing are disclosed. Some embodiments include a sole and first and second side wall structures extending therefrom and partitioned from one another. The sole and the first and second side wall structures may be in part or entirely constructed of multiple layers of fibers having different orientations from one another and disposed in a hardened resin matrix. The pliable upper component comprises outer and inner panels that overlap the inner and outer surfaces of one or more of the side wall structures and are conjoined thereto.

Abstract: A ski-boot assembly with a rigid upper, an incomplete sole of the upper, and a front and/or rear means for cooperation with a removable sole assembly. A first removable sole assembly includes at least one curb part and a bearing plat; and a cooperation means that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds to standard ISO 5355 for Alpine ski-boots. A second removable sole assembly has at least one curb part and a sole cooperation means that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds substantially to standard ISO 9523 for touring boots. A locking means locks the first or the second removable sole assembly under the incomplete sole of the upper and includes a manual actuating means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hockey foot shield for covering at least in part the laced foot portion of a player wearing a hockey skate, the hockey skate having a front portion including a tongue and laced portion. The hockey foot shield covering includes a first and second layer forming an envelope and the envelope including a shock absorbing polymeric gel, wherein the hockey foot shield is adapted to fit over the tongue portion of the skate.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: Graphical element laminate for use in forming a skate boot including: a base layer having inner and outer sides; a first thermoplastic layer laminated on the base layer outer side, the first thermoplastic layer having inner and outer sides; a graphical element printed on the inner side of the first thermoplastic layer, at least a portion of the first thermoplastic layer overlying the graphical element being transparent or translucent such that when the laminate forms part of the skate boot, the graphical element is visible through the first thermoplastic layer from an exterior of the skate boot. Optionally, the base layer includes a design element also visible from the exterior of the skate boot. Optionally, a second thermoplastic layer is interposed between the first thermoplastic layer and the base layer. In such cases, the graphical element may be, or may also be, printed on the second thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus adds support on sporting equipment, such as hockey skates, to protect the user from injury. The energy absorbing apparatus for hockey skates may protect the user's foot and ankle from injury. The energy absorbing apparatus may include a shock absorbing urethane foam member that may be formed integrally in a hockey skate. In an alternate embodiment, the energy absorbing material may be disposed in an adjunct adapted to be attached to a conventional hockey skate. The energy absorbing apparatus and the alternate embodiment are both light weight and flexible. The energy absorbing material may be used in helmets, baseball jerseys and other items where absorbing energy from external forces may protect the wearer.

Abstract: Footwear has a sole for supporting a foot of a wearer, a first pair of wheels projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the heel, and a second pair of wheels spaced in front of the first pair and projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the arch portion of the sole. The footwear is convertible from a wheeled configuration to a non-wheeled configuration by opening a cover plate normally covering a downwardly facing, recessed region of the heel, removing the wheel axles from wheel axle mounting grooves in the recessed region, then re-closing the cover plate over the heel region.

Abstract: A footwear (e.g., bike shoe, snow ski boot, snowboard boot, wakeboard boot, water ski boot, work boot) is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a person who has their foot placed within the footwear to attach or remove the footwear to or from a corresponding device (e.g., bike pedal, snow ski, snowboard, wakeboard, water ski, or work platform) which also incorporates correlated magnets.

Abstract: A boot for Alpine skiing has a shell and sole. The heel has a cavity, including a seat for the insertion of a removable metal insert for engagement by the heel fixing unit of a standardized “Dynafit” binding. However, when the boot is prepared for use with newer, different bindings, the metal insert is replaced by a plastic insert that fits over the cavity and forms a continuous, unbroken rim on the heel of the ski boot.

Abstract: An ice skate boot includes a blade in thermal communication with heat transfer plates that extend into the interior of the boot. The heat transfer plates pass heat from the foot of the skater, through the blade to the blade, thereby warming the blade and cooling the skater's foot. A thermally conductive sock and body suit provide additional heat to the blade and cooling of the skater when in use. A warming mat keeps the blade warm when the skater is off the ice.

Abstract: A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein, boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material. The second material is more rigid than the first material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ice skate for enclosing a human foot when in use, the foot having a heel, an ankle with a medial malleolus and a lateral malleolus, a plantar surface, medial and lateral sides and toes. The method comprises (a) providing a sheet of thermoformable material; (b) thermoforming the sheet of thermoformable material to form an outer shell comprising (i) a heel portion for receiving the heel of the foot; (ii) an ankle portion for receiving the ankle; (iii) medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively, the medial and lateral side portions extending forwardly from the heel portion and the ankle portion, one of the medial and lateral side portions comprising a skirt portion being integrally formed therewith; (c) folding the skirt portion to form a sole having an upper surface for facing the plantar surface of the foot and a bottom surface; and (d) mounting an ice skate blade holder to the bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: A removable innerboot of a sports boot, the wall of which innerboot comprises a rear part (3) which is stiffer than a front part (4), wherein the wall of the innerboot comprises at least one layer comprising in its stiffer rear part (3) a first element located alongside a more flexible second element of its front part (4), these two elements being fastened together by an edge-to-edge seam (5).

Abstract: A sport shoe comprises a sole and an upper portion attached to the sole and defining an inner space with the sole, and having an entrance opening for receiving a user's foot therethrough, into the inner space, and an attachment system to secure the user's foot therein, the sport shoe having, in longitudinal succession, a heel cage, a middle section, and a toe box, the middle section having at least four generally transversally-oriented strips in the upper portion, including tightening strips receiving the attachment system externally and having a heat-moldable layer internally, and flexibility strips, the tightening strips and flexibility strips being in longitudinally alternating succession, at least a section of the flexibility strips being heat moldable layer free.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller shoe having a roller mounted on the front and back portions of an outsole, the roller shoe including: a fixing body insertedly fixed on the outsole, the fixing body having an insertion hole opened downwardly therefrom and a plurality of guide protrusions formed axially on the inner lateral wall of the insertion hole; a roller-fixing member and an auxiliary outsole which are selectively fitted to the insertion hole of the fixing body, the roller-fixing member having the roller coupled to the lower portion thereof, and the roller-fixing member and the auxiliary outsole each having a plurality of guide grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof so as to allow the plurality of guide protrusions of the fixing body to be fitted thereinto; and fixing means adapted to fix the roller-fixing member and the auxiliary outsole selectively fixed insertedly to the fixing body.

Abstract: A skate boot includes a foot portion configured to receive and secure a foot of a wearer. The skate boot includes a first tendon guard positioned proximal an Achilles tendon of a wearer of the skate boot, the first tendon guard being connected to the foot portion at a first articulation point and adjacent the foot portion along a medial abutment line and a lateral abutment line. The skate boot may optionally include a second tendon guard connected to the foot portion at a second articulation point and to the first tendon guard, the second tendon guard covering the first articulation point. In at least one embodiment, an elastomeric band is connected to the foot portion and to the first tendon guard and configured to bias the first tendon guard to a closed position. In at least one embodiment, an electrical generator is provided to heat an ice skate interconnected to the boot.

Abstract: A hockey skate includes a system for adjusting the position of a blade holder on the sole of a hockey skate. The system allows for both toe in and toe out adjustment as well as movement relative to the centerline. The system allows a player to try various positions and determine which positions produce superior skating performance relative to his foot, ankle and leg alignment.

Abstract: A method for making a component of boot body for a skating shoe includes a cutting step, a mold-making step, a coating step and a shaping step. The cutting step cuts a flexible sheet to form a base sheet with at least one predetermined coating area. The mold-making step forms a coating mold with at least one coating slot. The coating step applies epoxy resin to the base sheet to form a layer of epoxy resin coating and applies the epoxy resin to the at least one predetermined coating area through the at least one coating slot to integrally form at least one reinforcement on the base sheet. The shaping step heats and pressurizes the base sheet to form a component of a boot body. The at least one reinforcement provides an improved hardness and impact strength to the boot body and keeps a user's foot from injury.

Abstract: This invention relates to a midsole structure having tunnels for Masai walking specialized shoes, wherein spring shank comprising front shank and rear shank coupled with more than one spring is built such that three steps of rolling movement occur actively during walking three steps of landing, center moving and leaving steps and arch styled finger pressure effect occurs because the front and rear shank are compressed.

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: A removable protective cover for a hockey skate boot, the cover having a hard but flexible protective shell with an open bottom and heel, and heel-cupping sidewall portions that flex apart diagonally to apply the cover to the boot and to grip portions of the boot heel under tension when released. The shell floats above the surface of the boot on spaced pads secured to the underside of the shell, the pads protecting side-foot, ankle, and instep portions of the foot, while still allowing the boot-laces to be adjusted while the protective cover is installed on the boot. The shell is preferably slotted on the instep to improve flexibility. The initial tensioned fit of the cover on the boot frees the user's hands from having to stabilize the cover while adjusting supplemental fasteners such as straps.

Abstract: A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending length-wise from a heel to a front end, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having an opening for foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion, as well as a tightening device, the tightening device including a first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections of the linkages to the upper. The first linkage runs from one portion to the other, in the area of the instep. The second linkage passes through an initial sliding connection located on one of the portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection located on the other portion, then extends along the upper by going around the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to arrive at a fixed end connection located on that of the portions which carries the initial connection.

Abstract: The sports boot has, on the one hand a first part (1) in a first material and a second part (17) superposed on said first part and in a second material, and, on the other hand, reinforcement means (10, 11, 12, 13). The reinforcement means are at least partly formed by at least one frame (13) in synthetic material reinforced with mineral or synthetic fibers and positioned at least partially between said parts.

Abstract: A sport boot that allows for a reduced resistance plantar extension coupled with a controlled, resistive plantar flexion motion. The preferred embodiments provide a one-piece boot made of a flexible material, such as leather. A triangular portion of the boot material, from a point just posterior to the ankle opening to a larger area anterior of the ankle on both sides of the boot, is cut out. One or more piston assemblies are attached to the boot material on both sides of the cut away portion of the boot. The piston assemblies provide resistance to compression during flexion of the boot but offer no resistance to extension during plantar extension.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a roller shoe having a pair of rollers connected together by a strap which may be converted to a walking or running shoe by removing the rollers and strap as a unit from the outsole of the shoe.

Abstract: An in-line skate frame assembly has a rigid frame and an elongate grinding insert releasably engaged with the frame. The frame and insert are secured together to the sole of a shoe or boot by frame bolts extending through upper portions of the frame and insert. The frame has spaced side walls with downwardly facing recessed regions in which the insert is mounted. The insert extends along a major portion of the length of the frame and has a downwardly facing, centrally located grinding surface which terminates short of the opposite ends of the insert. Different inserts with grinding surfaces of different shapes and lengths are releasably secured to the frame for performing alternative grinding maneuvers.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

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 sports shoe which comprises a rigid sole from which a shell protrudes, starting from a forefoot region and up to a heel region, a quarter being rotatably associated with the shell. An insole is slidingly associated within the shell, at a bottom thereof, is provided with a tip and interacts with elements for adjusting and guiding its axial position with respect to the shell.

Abstract: A roller skate including a frame provided to receive a plurality of wheels; a sole adapted to support the user's shod foot; a heel stiffener; a foot retaining arrangement, capable of being in an open state, which enables insertion of the user's foot and, in a closed state, enables adjustment of the foot retaining arrangement around the user's foot, the foot retaining arrangement including: a forefoot anchoring, an instep anchoring, the forefoot and instep anchorings each having a pivot zone about which the foot retaining arrangement pivots when it is moved between the open and closed states; a forefoot fastening device, an instep fastening device adapted to keep the retaining arrangement in the closed state; and an adjustment mechanism enabling adjustment of the retaining arrangement to the morphology of the user's foot.

Abstract: A shoe, such as a skate shoe, includes at least two rotatable wheels, which are arranged on at least one axle oriented substantially transversally to the longitudinal direction of the shoe or transversally to the direction of displacement. At least one axle carries at least one wheel and is either fully or partially embedded in the sole of the shoe. The axles are present in one-third of the sole of the shoe, which begins in the heel region, with the arrangement of the axles and the size of the wheels being measured so that the sole of the shoe ensures an, at least, partially flat tread in the region which is not provided with any axles or wheels. The wheels can be lowered into a skating position and lifted into a walking position very rapidly by a wearer using a rapid lifting device, so that the shoe can be used in the walking position for either walking or running.

Abstract: Footwear has a sole for supporting a foot of a wearer, a first pair of wheels projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the heel, and a second pair of wheels spaced in front of the first pair and projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the arch portion of the sole. The footwear is convertible from a wheeled configuration to a non-wheeled configuration by opening a cover plate normally covering a downwardly facing, recessed region of the heel, removing the wheel axles from wheel axle mounting grooves in the recessed region, then re-closing the cover plate over the heel region.

Abstract: A lasted skate boot for enclosing and supporting a human foot, the boot comprising: an outer shell comprising a heel portion for surrounding the heel, an ankle portion for surrounding the ankle, medial and lateral side portions for enclosing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively, the outer shell comprising cloth material laminated to a support made of a non-woven fabric, and wherein the outer shell further comprises plastic material fused with the non-woven fabric; an inner lining made of a soft material and mounted in the outer shell; a toe box for enclosing the toes, the toe box being affixed to the medial and lateral side portions; and a tongue for facing the upper frontal portion of the foot, the tongue extending upwardly and rearwardly from the toe box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single lace boot with multiple compression zones. In one embodiment, the present invention is a boot having a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The boot also has an upper zone located near a top portion of the first side and the second side, a middle zone located below the upper zone, and a lower zone located below the middle zone. Furthermore, the boot has a plurality of lacing mechanisms located on the first side and the second side and a single lace with a first end secured to one of the plurality of lacing mechanisms in the upper zone and a second end secured to one of the plurality of lacing mechanisms in the lower zone.

Abstract: A skate boot for enclosing a human foot when in use, the foot having a heel, an ankle with a medial malleolus and a lateral malleolus, an Achilles tendon having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel, a plantar surface, medial and lateral sides and toes. The skate boot comprises an outer shell and a tendon guard affixed to the outer shell. The tendon guard is more flexible than the outer shell such that it allows backwards flexion of the ankle when the foot moves towards full extension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 3-D insert to be disposed in a skate boot so as to eliminate or reduce the gap between the posterior section of the Achille's heel and the boot liner.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.