Abstract: A size adjustable athletic boot of a molded plastic or composite construction which is adjustable in length, width and height allowing three dimensional fit (3-D fit) for a variety of foot sizes. The boot has a base section and a tongue section which extends from a toe end of the base section. The tongue and base sections combine to define a variable volume foot space between them. A heel section telescopes over a rear end of the base section. The heel section has a heel surface which in combination with an upper surface of the base section defines a foot support surface. A cuff extends upward from a heel wall of the heel section. The cuff and a free end of the tongue section confront one another and define a foot entry opening between them. An adjustment mechanism is adapted to selectively position the heel section on the rear end of the base section to vary the length of the foot support surface relative to the length of a user's foot.

Abstract: A strapping assembly for ice-gripping sandal or other device which is arranged readily adjust the tightness of its connection, while enabling its rapid and easy disconnection and reconnection. The strapping assembly includes a first end strap, a bridging strap member, and a second end strap. The first end strap is secured to one side of the sole of the sandal and has a free end portion to which a ring is secured. The second end strap is fixedly secured to the other side of the sole of the sandal and has a free end portion on which a VELCRO.RTM. strip is mounted. The bridging strap includes a VELCRO.RTM. strip on one end for releasable securement to the VELCRO.RTM. strip on the second end strap to secure the bridging strap thereto. The other end of the bridging strap then becomes it free end and is arranged to be extended through the ring and secured in place by other VELCRO.RTM. strips. The connection between the first end strap and bridging strap can be readily disconnected and can be readily reconnected.

Abstract: A custom-made shoe of a sandal-type having a sole, an orthotic unit prescribed specially for the foot of the wearer adhered to the sole a vamp unit secured forwardly to the sole, and a counter secured to and projecting upwardly from the rear periphery of the sole.

Abstract: A snowboarding boot with an improved sole construction comprises an upper that engages a two-piece sole. The sole includes a outer sole formed from a resilient rubber-like material that can include treads along the bottom. A midsole constructed from a lightweight, semi-rigid materials, such as ethyl vinyl acetate is joined to the outer sole. The outer sole includes side walls that typically wrap around the toe section of the boot and that taper away toward the heel section. The midsole includes sidewalls that extend upwardly along the upper at the heel section and that join with the sidewalls of the outer sole along a sloped seam line. The midsole sidewalls provide good lateral support to the heel section of the boot, while maintaining a lightweight construction.

Abstract: A skate with in-line wheels, including a shoe that is associated with a frame supporting a plurality of aligned wheels connected to the frame by means of pivot members. A pair of brackets are rigidly coupled to respective lateral sides of the shoe and are associated with front and rear pivot members.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for freestyle riding includes a soft boot-shaped inside portion and a boot-shaped outside portion that is provided with a soft shaft. To transmit the force for backside turns with legs bent to the side, a rigid insert is provided between the inside portion and the outside portion that extends about the heel area. At the height of the ankle a rigid back portion embracing the calf is pivoted on the insert about an axis extending in the longitudinal boot plane.

Abstract: At least one walking member is adaptively coupled to an in-line skate to enable the walking member to be extended and retracted to and from the skate, thereby enabling the in-line skate to be converted from a rolling skate to a walking shoe. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. The walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for skates, includes a rigid shell, and a soft innerboot; separate straps for connecting the innerboot to the rigid shell are laterally rigidly coupled to the innerboot and at least partially surround the shell. First and second flaps of the innerboot are fastened to the straps which advantageously do not affect the metatarsal and/or foot instep regions.

Abstract: A counter mounting within a snowboard boot having a sole and an upper having a rear side, an inner side and an outer side attached to the sole. The counter includes a lower counter portion for fixing to the boot in close proximity to the sole and an upper counter portion for fixing to the lower counter portion. The upper counter portion includes an inner side upper counter portion for extending along the inner side of the upper and an outer side upper counter portion for extending along the outer side of the upper. A length of the outer side upper counter portion which extends along the outer side of the upper is greater than a length of the inner side upper counter portion which extends along the inner side of the upper.

Abstract: A slipper having an upper sheet 4 and a lower sheet 5, which are adhered together to form a sole. To the upper sheet 4 are attached two band parts 6L and 6R which can be folded parallely against upper sheet 4. Attachment slots 7, into which the lateral edges of band parts 6L and 6R can be inserted, are also provided on upper sheet 4. Furthermore, an auxiliary sheet 8 is provided between upper sheet 4 and lower sheet 5 so as to be in contact with the lower faces of band parts 6L and 6R, which have been inserted into attachment slot 7, and the lower face of upper sheet 4. The auxiliary sheet 8 and the lateral edges of band parts 6L and 6R are sewn together along attachment slot 7 by means of stitch 9.

Abstract: A roller skate boot device comprises a base seat, a first plate mount disposed on the base seat, a second plate mount disposed on the base seat, a third plate mount disposed on the base seat, a plurality of positioning plates disposed on the base seat, a boot casing, four connecting plates, and a positioning block. The boot casing has four boot plates. The first plate mount has a first rail, a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of round holes. The second plate mount has two second rails, a plurality of second grooves, a center hole and a spacing. The third plate mount has a third rail, a plurality of third grooves and a plurality of circular holes. Each positioning plate has a rectangular hole, a recess and two C-shaped notches. Each boot plate has a boot wall and a plurality of slots formed on the boot wall. Each connecting plate has a retaining ring, an inserted hole and two C-shaped grooves. The positioning block has four protruded flanges.

Abstract: A boot having a shoe shaped shell member and a cuff member having a section overlapping the shell member. The cuff and shell members are pivotally connected together for pivoting movement in response to pivoting of the individual's leg relative to the individual's foot. An elastomeric material is disposed between said shell member to pivotally connect the two members together.

Abstract: A shoe sole which is convertible into a shoe. More particularly, a shoe sole is constituted of a flexible material wherein predetermined notch-like cut-outs and incisions may be provided in the shoe sole, with the latter being in a generally planar condition while not in use or when adapted to be stored and/or carried, and whereby the shoe sole may then be bent along the predetermined incision lines so as to cause deformed or bent portions thereof to engage into respective of the cut-outs or notches so as to form a foot-receiving shoe structure; for example, in the nature of a beach shoe, thong, sandal or the like.

Abstract: A shoe for use in snowboarding includes an upper section having a bottom and opposed sides which enclose a wearer's foot and lower leg, and a sole that is secured to the bottom of the upper section. The upper section is made from a thermoformed plastic material which is more flexible than the material forming the sole. The sole includes a plurality of pairs of lateral extensions extending upwardly along each of the opposed sides for engaging with corresponding hollowed sections provided in the upper section of the shoe to allow securement thereof. Preferably, the lateral extensions further include hooks or the like at their ends for allowing the passage of laces or straps to tighten the shoe to the lower leg and foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A fastener for a snowboard boot includes first, second and third loops with corresponding first, second and third connectors. The first connector is connected to a first side of the boot, and the second connector is attached to a second side of the boot. A strap is connected to the third connector. The strap extends from the third connector to the first loop and passes through the first loop. The strap then extends toward the second loop and passes through the second loop. Thereafter, the strap extends toward the third loop, passes through the third loop and extends toward the second loop. The strap may include a hook and loop or other type fastener for securing the free end of the strap in place.

Abstract: A supporting device, particularly for sports shoes, which is constituted by a plurality of elements that are axially and elastically connected to each other. The elements are associated longitudinally with respect to the rear region of the shoe and have a curved shape at their mutual joining region. This device allows to control the articulation of the ankle, and particularly to control the longitudinal and lateral flexibility of the shoe.

Abstract: A sole for a snowboard boot includes a depression defined in the sole for attachment of a fastener and a recessed groove for providing a space which opens to the front of the boot for creating a through-passage between the space and the depression. The open space allows the boot to be easily attached to the snowboard while preventing direct contact between the fastener and the ground. A portion of the sole which includes the toe and recessed groove is more resilient than a remaining portion of the boot to further facilitate walking by allowing the sole to flex during walking.

Abstract: The snowboard boot having a flexible shaft that consists of a soft, padded material. Originating from the sole-proximal center or toe region, a strap which has low flexibility in the longitudinal direction extends around the rear side of the shaft within its upper, sole-distant region and back to the sole-proximal center or toe region of the other side. Similarly, a second strap extends from the sole-proximal heel region over the instep of the boot. The length of both straps can be adjusted.

Abstract: Sports shoe with improved safety, including closure levers (13), arranged centrally with respect to either one of the upper metatarsal region (7) and the foot instep region (8) and the front tibial region. The levers are arranged transversely and centrally and any portion protruding from the gear is arranged only at the central region of the shoe.

Abstract: A turntable is provided for an article of footwear having a sole with a recess therein. The recess of the sole has a central hub, an arcuate lug and two locating lugs. A spring module is located in the recess and has a large aperture through which passes the hub. The turntable is located in the recess and has an arcuate recess in which the arcuate lug locates, a central opening in which the central hub locates, and an enlarged recess in which the spring module locates.

Abstract: A sandal comprises a sole and a strap connected to the sole for securing the sandal to the foot The sole includes a cleat attachment hole for fixing a cleat on a bottom surface thereof. The sole includes a middle sole and a covering sole disposed on a lower surface of the middle sole. The coveting sole includes a window for exposing a portion of the middle sole, and at least two cleat attachment holes are disposed in the window for fixing a cleat to a bottom surface of the sole so that the cleat does not extend below the lowermost surface of the sole.

Abstract: A footwear item includes an elongated sole member, fastening device, and a plurality of spring-loaded massage rods. The sole member includes an upper sole formed with a plurality of upright holes, a lower sole, and a midsole sandwiched between the upper and lower soles. The midsole has a plurality of corresponding chambers that communicate with the upright holes respectively. The fastening device fastens the sole member to a wearer's foot after the wearer has stepped onto the upper sole of the sole member. Each of the massage rods has a lower end retained in the corresponding chamber, and an upper end which extends through the corresponding upright hole and outwardly of the upper sole. The upper end of the spring-loaded rod is depressed downwards against biasing action by the wearer's foot so as to provide massage effects thereto. The magnitude of massage force resulting from the massage rods can be selectively adjusted so as to suit any individual needs.

Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate is disclosed having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: A clog type shoe which includes a sole and an upper auached to the sole. The upper includes an opening through which a foot is placed. A drawstring tunnel is formed to encircle the opening and a drawstring is threaded through the drawstring tunnel. The drawstring can be tightened so that the opening of the upper is secured to a wearer's foot. Such footwear may also include a locking unit for locking a desired tension on the drawstring. A padded flap may also be attached to an underside of a forefoot portion of the opening and the upper may also include a lip portion formed at a heel of the sole.

Abstract: Innerboot particularly usable for skates including a first half-shell and a second separate half-shell that can be mutually coupled. The first and the second half-shells have flaps that partially surround the other half-shell, so as to allow to obtain an innerboot usable both for front-entry shoe and for rear-entry shoe, with an increase in thickness in the areas subjected to a more intense pressure.

Abstract: In a sandal, lateral parts are produced without a separate cementing process in a hollow mold in a single operation as a show sole is made by foaming. To this end the hollow mold has lateral pockets in which the strap parts are fixed by a holding frame reaching partially over the bottom end of each strap part before plastic is placed in the hollow mold and the mold is closed for foaming.

Abstract: An ice-gripping sandal for releasable mounting on the foot of a person or on the sole of a boot or other primary footwear worn by the person. The sandal comprises a sole, a toe strapping assembly and a heel strapping assembly for mounting the sandal on the boot. The sandal's sole has a bottom surface having plural groups of cleats projecting therefrom. Some of the cleats are located within a forefoot and toe portion of the sole and extend at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the sole. These cleats include end portions having respective ice-gripping screws mounted therein. Grooves are provided between the cleats in the forefoot and toe portions of the sole, with the width and depth of the grooves increasing from the medial side of the sole to the lateral side of the sole. The grooves enable material which may tend to adhere to the sole within the grooves to be forced out of the grooves when the wearer walks.

Abstract: A sports sandal includes sole and a partial upper. The partial upper includes a plurality apertures that accommodate a lace therethrough. The lace tension is selectively adjustable and the partial upper is flexible and contoured to fit snugly about the wearer's foot. The use of flexible fabrics enable the sports sandal to be used in a wider variety of athletic activities, while the adjustable lacing system adds to wearer's comfort.

Abstract: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A wedge slipper includes an all fabric construction with a flat rubber outsole. A wedge cover is stitched to the outsole with a bottom peripheral edge of the wedge cover turned inwardly to avoid presenting exposed stitching. The insole and the wedge cover are stitched together with both the insole and wedge cover turned inwardly at the line of stitching. Into a toe portion of the outsole with a ribbon covering raw edges of the vamp and the insole. A cushion filler of increased thickness is placed within a cavity defined between the outsole and the insole with an enlarged thickness portion of the filler received in the heel cavity.

Abstract: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: Roller skate with improved fit which includes a first front body for supporting and securing the front part of the foot and a second rear body for supporting and securing at least the heel. These bodies are rotatably associated with each other, and each body is provided with a supporting frame for at least one wheel. The articulation between the first body and the second body allows easier skating in improved comfort conditions.

Abstract: A slip-on shoe is shaped so that it can be worn on either foot of a user, and it includes a pumice stone which is attached to a top surface of the shoe. A wearer can wear the shoe on one foot and then rub the other bare foot over the pumice stone to remove callouses.

Abstract: The instant invention is a one piece thong constructed from a flexible base. A cut line along the front of the base provides an upwardly extending tab for insertion between the first and second toe. The tab is shaped to conform to the toes and uses an enlarged upper portion for securing the base to the foot. A second cut disposed along the back of the base provides a flexible strap for securement around the heel of the foot. In the preferred use, the heel strap couples directly to the toe tab providing a slip-on thong by forming a strap that fits over the bridge of the foot.

Abstract: A boot having a shoe shaped shell member and a cuff member having a section overlapping the shell member. The cuff and shell members are pivotally connected together for pivoting movement in response to pivoting of the individual's leg relative to the individual's foot. An elastomeric material is disposed between said shell member to pivotally connect the two members together.

Abstract: A snowboarding boot having a flexible upper portion has one or more somewhat vertical elongate pockets on the surface of the upper portion to receive therein elongate, semi-rigid stiffening stays. Each pocket is formed of flexible material to define a medial channel having an open top and cross-sectional area similar to that of the stiffening stay to be carried therein to allow variable vertical positioning and positional maintenance of the stiffening stays by reason of frictional engagement with the pocket. Stiffening stays are formed of elongate strips of semi-rigid material, normally having some resiliency but being more rigid than the flexible upper portion of a boot, and the stiffening stays optionally carry a loop of flexible material in their upper end portions to aid insertion and removal and releasable fasteners for positional maintenance within a carrying pocket. The pockets extend downwardly from the top of a boot or to the ankle area in vertical or angulated orientation.

Abstract: A disposable shower thong including a sole member formed of a flat planar paper material that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The paper material of the sole member has a top layer and a bottom layer with a common sheeting therebetween. Each layer is comprised of a corrugated paper sheet. The corrugated sheet of each layer has an alternating sequence of protruding crests and recessed troughs defining a wave-like filler. The sole member has a front foot section, a heel section and an end step section. Lastly, an elongated strap is positioned around the sole member and attached by an adhesive to the bottom surface of the sole. The strap, when attached to the bottom surface, forms a semi-spherical loop about the top surface of the sole.

Abstract: A shell, particularly for sports shoes such as ice skates or roller skates or trekking boots. The shell includes a single body that has a first flap and a second flap, at least one of which is arranged transversely to the foot instep. A single fastening device can be arranged between the first and second flaps. The first and second flaps are connected along two directrices that are oblique with respect to the toe and heel regions. This configuration allows to reduce the number of shell closure levers, nonetheless ensuring optimum securing of the foot inside the shell.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear or legwear comprises a flexible interior member manipulable to receive at least a portion of a wearer's foot and a first pair of disk members coupled to opposed exterior surface portions of the flexible interior member and positionable over the lateral and medial sides of the ankle joint. Each disk member defines a substantially convex, outwardly facing exterior surface portion.The article, which may be an athletic shoe, ski boot, skate, or the like, further comprises an exterior assembly defining an interior cavity dimensioned and arranged to receive the flexible interior member while the interior member is worn on the foot of the wearer. A second pair of disk members are coupled to opposite interior surface portions of the exterior assembly within the cavity.

Abstract: An in-line skate has a fastening system which includes a strap having a first end and a second end each secured to a same side of the skate. A buckle is provided for releasably securing one of the first and second ends to the side. A first fastening member is secured to the strap at a point between the first and second ends. A second fastening member is secured to the boot on a side opposite the side on which the strap ends are fastened. The first and second fastening members may be releasably joined and tensioned.

Abstract: A sandal having a sole formed of a lower layer, an intermediate layer having openings formed therein, and a microporous upper layer with the layers sealed together to form air pockets. The sole is fastened upon a user's foot by three, separate, independently adjustable straps. One strap extends over the forward portion of the user's foot, and the other two straps loosely cross each other to extend over the front and rear of the user's ankles for securely holding the sandal in position upon the foot while allowing flexible and comfortable freedom of movement of the foot.

Abstract: An innerboot particularly for sports shoes which includes a first flap and a second flap in which the tips that are adjacent to the toe region are free and/or cannot mutually overlap. The first and second flaps can therefore mutually overlap in any direction so as to improve user fit.

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

Abstract: A sandal includes a pair of heel posts on a sole, a heel strap between the heel posts, a toe post on the sole, an adjustable toe strap, and an adjustable cinch strap attached to the toe post. The cinch strap has a longitudinal portion which extends longitudinally through a heel cinch on one of the heel posts, and a transverse instep portion which thereupon extends transversely through a heel cinch on another heel post. The adjustable toe and cinch straps ensures a secure, custom fit.

Abstract: A ventilated sports shoe, particularly usable for skates which are constituted by a frame for supporting two or more wheels and the shoe. The shoe has a plurality of through seats and a plurality of soft pads can be arranged within the seats and protrude inside the shoe, so as to constitute a soft protective region for the user's foot and leg as well as a channel for the air inside the shoe.

Abstract: A convertible roller footwear comprises: a sole; an elongate bushing embedded in the sole and extending in a transverse direction of the sole to terminate at opposite open ends, the bushing having an inner circumferential surface and generally hemispherical recesses disposed on the inner circumferential surface in the vicinity of the opposite ends of the bushing; a plurality of roller assemblies, each including a hollow nipple removably fitted into the bushing, the nipple having a radial through-hole formed adjacent to an internal end of the nipple to receive a ball therein, a pushpin slidably inserted through the nipple, the pushpin having an annular groove for selective communication with the radial through-hole, the pushpin movable between a pushed-in position for allowing the ball to move radially inwardly into engagement with the annular groove and a pulled-out position for causing the ball to move radially outwardly into engagement with the recesses, and a roller rotatably mounted on an external end of

Abstract: A roller skate is provided with a gripping apparatus comprising two buckles to which a holding strap is fastened in such a manner that the holding strap is attached in its entirety to the outer surface of the boot of the roller skate, and that the holding strap can be pulled out from a relaxed position to facilitate the carrying of the roller skate by hand.

Abstract: A skate boot is described, having a plastic overlay sewn or otherwise secured to the boot of the skate, wrapping around the heel of the boot from the medial to the lateral side of the ankle. The overlay increases the rigidity of the rear of the skate, to restrict pronation and supination, while adding impact resistance. Preferably, in order to permit dorsal and plantar flexion, the plastic overlay has several cut-out areas which allow for a controlled amount of flexion about a lateral axis, namely a heel flex cut-out area and side flex cut-out areas on either side in the instep area. Flexible inserts are preferably installed in the cut-out areas, to maintain extra impact protection while permitting flexion.

Abstract: An engagement device, particularly usable for toothed bands of sports shoes, such as for example ski boots, roller skates or ice skates, including a single body that can be associated with the shoe and has at least one first slot for the sliding insertion of the toothed band. First teeth for the temporary engagement with traction of the band are provided at the first slot. There is also a curved surface suitable to force the interaction of the set of teeth of the band with the first teeth.

Abstract: A novel sport sandal construction capable of immediate tightening or loosening adjustment of all strap portions relative to the foot, with one quick adjustment. A control strap is anchored to a ring on one side of the sole at the ankle region, extends forwardly with a slip fit through a centrally located ring on the forefoot strap at the metatarsal region, then rearwardly to an anchor strap ring on a second anchor strap at the outside of the sole, and then through this ring with a slip fit to double back forwardly and overlap the rearwardly extending portion, where it is adjustably fastened with hook and loop fastener strips. A heel strap also extends between the two anchor strap rings. A simple length adjustment of this control strap simultaneously adjusts not only the length and position of both strap portions on both sides of the foot, but also adjusts the distance between the heel strap and the center of the forefoot strap.