Abstract: Articles of footwear may include an upper formed from one or more upper parts, wherein at least one upper part defines an ankle-containing portion of the upper and at least one upper part (the same upper part or a different upper part) defines an instep-containing portion of the upper. The foot-insertion opening of the upper (which may include a closure system) may extend: (i) from a first side of an ankle-containing portion of the upper, (ii) around a rear heel or ankle area of the upper, (iii) along a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the upper, and (iv) to an instep-containing portion of the upper. One or more additional straps (e.g., an ankle strap, one or more interior bootie straps, etc.), fasteners, and/or locks may be provided to engage the upper/footwear with the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle, lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion and limiting range of motion that conduce towards ankle inversion and eversion. Such footwear may comprise a yoke connected to footwear at a pivot region in parallel to the axis of rotation of the ankle and a tension spring region suspended between the yoke and the heel counter.

Abstract: A boot form for a hockey skate is made of multiple plastic materials having different hardness properties, or different flexural moduli, and is formed via an injection-molding process or another similar process. One or more of the plastic materials may be reinforced with fibers of glass, carbon, aramid, or another stiffening material to strengthen one or more regions of the boot form. For example, pellets of a first plastic material having a flexural modulus of approximately 190 MPa (e.g., a polyamide elastomer block amide) may be injected into a mold to form a softer upper region of the boot form. And pellets of a second plastic having a flexural modulus of approximately 20,000 MPa (e.g., a Nylon 12 with long glass fibers) may be injected into the mold to form a stiffer lower region of the boot form. Additional skate components may then be attached to the boot form.

Abstract: In some implementations, a boot includes an outer shell having a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. The boot may include a retention strap. The boot may include a first one-way tensioning device coupled to the first side of the outer shell, where the first one-way tensioning device is configured to allow movement of the retention strap in a first direction and to restrain movement of the retention strap opposite the first direction. The boot may include a second one-way tensioning device coupled to the second side of the outer shell, where the second one-way tensioning device is configured to allow movement of the retention strap in a second direction and to restrain movement of the retention strap opposite the second direction.

Abstract: A ski boot, comprising: a rigid ski boot shell; and a sole of the ski boot which comprises a free upper side, which protrudes forwards in the longitudinal direction of the boot and/or laterally beyond the ski boot shell, and a lower side, wherein the ski boot comprises a front attaching region which co-operates with a front part of a ski binding in order to secure the ski boot, and a front region of the ski boot stands upright on a planar base via the front attaching region, wherein the upper side of the sole exhibits a distance, orthogonally with respect to the base, of at least 25 mm at a front end of the sole of the ski boot, and the upper side of the sole has a distance from the lower side of the sole, measured perpendicular to the base, of 19 mm±2 mm at a distance from the front end of the sole, measured in the longitudinal direction, of at least 28 mm, and wherein, with the ski boot standing upright on the base, the lower side of the sole has a distance from the base of at least 5 mm throughout, up to a

Abstract: The inventive subject matter shown and described is directed to an item of footwear with a tensioning system, comprising: a shell for enclosing a foot and at least a portion of a lower leg; a pair of opposing edges generally aligned along the top of foot portion of the shell and/or a front lower leg portion, the edges generally aligning with a longitudinal axis of the foot and/or lower leg, the opposing edges defining opposite sides of the shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle, lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion and limiting range of motion that conduce towards ankle inversion and eversion. Such footwear may comprise a yoke connected to footwear at a pivot approximately in parallel to the axis of rotation of the ankle and a tension spring suspended approximately parallel to the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements.

Abstract: A boot including an outer sole assembly, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a free surface and a connection surface, the outer sole assembly having a longitudinal groove that opens out in the area of the free surface. The longitudinal groove opens out in the area of the free surface, the groove having a length ranging between 30 and 100% of the length of the outer sole assembly, a width ranging between 25 and 45 mm, and a depth greater than or equal to 4 mm, the groove being compatible with one or more guiding ribs.

Abstract: A ski boot with an element in shell form at least partially contains a plastic compound material. The compound material contains a mixture of caprolactam polyamide and ionomers, such that cations and anions of the ionomers form ion bonds. Elastic components of the compound material form a physical network that is soluble between 60° C. and 100° C., and therefore the element in shell form of the ski boot at least partially containing the compound material can undergo thermoforming below 100° C.

Abstract: A comfortable, flexible Nordic ski boot with embodiments for classic, skate, combi, and roller skiing enables full ski control while remaining comfortable and allowing movement to help avoid overuse injuries including compartment syndrome. The boot provides precise fit at the heel and ball of the foot while allowing flexible movement. In embodiments, a strap attaches the ball of the foot. A custom heel fit and/or a strap can attach the heel. A removable, adjustable cuff can limit eversion and inversion. Some embodiments are made on multiple lasts, provide toe box room, provide partial or full movement about the ball of the foot, and/or allow twisting between the heel and ball of the foot. Embodiments are configured to elastically return to a flat configuration after flexing, while remaining in alignment with a ski. The sole can include carbon fibers and/or elastic cords, spring cables, and/or such like to enhance elasticity.

Abstract: A boot including a sole assembly and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise from the sole assembly to an upper end, the boot including a flexible envelope adapted to surround the ankle of a user, the envelope demarcating the upper end of the boot, the boot further including a gripping member affixed to the envelope in the area of the upper end of the boot, on the side of the rear end. An inextensible reinforcement connects the rear end to the gripping member.

Abstract: A flexible sole for a cross-country ski boot and a cross-country ski boot having such sole. The sole includes at least two members for connecting the boot to a binding device, the connecting members including portions anchored in the sole, the connecting members being fixed to a common anchoring element, the anchoring element being affixed to a predetermined section of the sole, the anchoring element including two anchoring zones, each connecting member being fixed to one of the anchoring zones, and the anchoring element including a central zone extending between the two anchoring zones, such central zone of the anchoring element being sufficiently flexible to enable, during the use of the boot, the bending of the predetermined section of the sole to which the anchoring element is affixed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: A ski boot for ski mountaineering or telemark skiing including a shell of plastic material and a sole. A first longitudinal cut in the shell defines two sides which allow the entry of the foot of the skier. A second cut in the shell, transverse to, and opening into the first cut, is formed in the front section of the shell. The first and second cuts form a longitudinal slot in the shell; stops are located at opposite ends of the slot. In the preferred embodiment, a peg with an enlarged head is slit within the slot to adjust the flexibility of the boot in the longitudinal direction. In the alternative embodiment, a gaiter and a profiled element are located in the area of the first cut and the second cut in the shell. A peg with an enlarged head is slid with aligned slots in the shell, gaiter, and profiled element, to adjust the flexibility of the shell in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski boot system configured to enable efficient releasable rotatable coupling to a ski binding at a pivot location corresponding to the metatarsal region. One embodiment of the present invention related to a telemark ski boot system including a shell, a sole, and a binding interface system. The sole is coupled anatomically below the shell and includes a bottom sole surface defining the bottom most portion of the boot. The binding interface system is contained between the shell and bottom of the bottom sole surface and horizontally below the metatarsal region of the boot. In addition, the binding interface system is contained within the two dimensional footprint of the boot. Alternatively or in addition, the binding interface system is contained within the three dimensional space of the shell and sole. The binding interface system may be a rigid cleat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports boot (1) for walking or cross-country skiing, with a flexible shaft (2) receiving the foot, and a reinforcement (5) surrounding the shaft (2) on its external side by sections and being connected with the outsole (3). The shaft (2) is formed in this connection by a cushioned inner boot (6), and a coat (8) of fabric o some other material compatible with the skin. The reinforcement (5) is formed by a latticed or net-like support structure (12) for the inner boot (6), and composed of flexible ribbon elements (13) having, however, the highest possible tensile strength, and being made of plastic or textiles, said ribbon elements resting against external part sections of the inner boot (6), or surrounding the inner boot (6) on its external side within part sections. In this connection, the latticed or net-like support structure (12) is variable with respect to its delimiting or receiving volume as required by means of a lacing system (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to an outsole for a cross-country ski boot or telemark boot, consisting of a rear portion 11, which comprises a shoe heel 13, and a front portion 12, which is of slightly dish-shaped configuration, the outsole 10 being produced so as to be continuously of relatively hard material, especially plastics, and being provided on the tread side, in the region of the front portion 12 and/or in the region of the rear portion 11, with a tread layer 14 of relatively soft, especially rubber-like, material.

Abstract: A boot assembly comprising a rigid upper, of the ski-boot type, provided with an incomplete sole of the upper (1; 21; 21?; 21?) and comprising at the front and/or rear end, in its lower part, a front and/or rear means for cooperation with a removable sole assembly (11; 31; 31?; 31?), which comprises: a first removable sole assembly comprising at least one curb part and a bearing plate and a cooperation means (14; 34; 34?; 34?) that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole, capable of completing the incomplete sole of the upper in order to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds to standard ISO 5355 for Alpine ski-boots; a second removable sole assembly comprising at least one curb part and a sole cooperation means (14; 34; 34?; 34?) that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole, capable of completing the incomplete sole of the upper in order to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds substantially to standard I

Abstract: A sports boot, in particular a ski boot, which is capable of being connected to a sports tool, e.g. a ski, movable along the ground, wherein the center of the pad axis is located between the longitudinal axis of the sports ski and the inner edge of the ski. The axis of symmetry (S1) of the shell is rotated by an angle (?) relative to the axis of symmetry (S2) of the sole plate (2) so that the center of the heel is located between the axis of symmetry (SX) of the ski and the inner edge (Ki) of the ski.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a boot, in particular a sports boot, more particularly a cross-country ski boot. The boot reinforcement makes it possible to improve the torsional stiffness, efficiency, durability, lightness, cost, foot protection, and industrial workability. To achieve this goal, the boot reinforcement according to the invention includes a front zone A from the front end up to the beginning of the plantar arch, a median zone B corresponding to the plantar arch, a rear zone C. The reinforcement includes, at least in the zones B and C, at least one “sandwich” structure constituted by at least one core inserted between at least two layers, and, in the zone A, it is flexible in a substantially longitudinal direction and torsionally stiff. The layers of the sandwich structure are made of composite, carbon fibers/polymeric resin, whereas the core of this sandwich structure is made of synthetic foam, wood or honeycomb.

Abstract: A ski boot, in particular a ski-mountaineering or telemark boot, having a shell made of plastic material; a shank hinged to the shell; and a control mechanism, located at the rear portion of the boot, for controlling the tilt of the shank and having a lever hinged to a projection of the shank and movable between a work position in which one end cooperates with a rear projection of the shell to prevent rearward rotation of the shank, and a release position. The control mechanism has a ring hinged to the lever and engaging a recess formed in the rear projection of the shell to also prevent forward rotation of the shank with respect to the shell.

Abstract: A ski boot, in particular a telemark boot, having a shell made of plastic material and in turn having a bottom wall, two lateral walls, a toe portion, and a flexible portion extending crosswise with respect to the shell, from one side to the other of the bottom wall at the metatarsus; and a frame embedded in the shell and having, integrally, two longitudinal elements extending along respective lateral walls from a rear portion of the shell to an intermediate portion of the bottom wall adjacent to respective lateral ends of the flexible portion, and a transverse structure connected integrally to respective front ends of the longitudinal elements and defined by a flat bottom portion embedded in the bottom wall, and by a top portion extending along the connecting portion between the toe portion and the flexible portion.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a boot, in particular a sports boot, more particularly a cross-country ski boot. The boot reinforcement makes it possible to improve the torsional stiffness, efficiency, durability, lightness, cost, foot protection, and industrial workability. To achieve this goal, the boot reinforcement according to the invention includes a front zone A from the front end up to the beginning of the plantar arch, a median zone B corresponding to the plantar arch, a rear zone C. The reinforcement includes, at least in the zones B and C, at least one “sandwich” structure constituted by at least one core inserted between at least two layers, and, in the zone A, it is flexible in a substantially longitudinal direction and torsionally stiff. The layers of the sandwich structure are made of composite, carbon fibers/polymeric resin, whereas the core of this sandwich structure is made of synthetic foam, wood or honeycomb.

Abstract: A cross-country ski boot having a collar that is pivotally mounted by journals on an upper, and a device for retaining the collar that is active from a angular position and only in the front-to-rear direction by means of a fixed abutment located on the upper. The retaining device, located in the rear portion of the boot, includes a support mechanism that can be adjusted between two different positions with respect to the fixed abutment, one of the positions placing the support mechanism in cooperation with the latter and the other retracting it from the latter. The invention makes it possible to adapt a single type of cross-country ski boot for two different techniques such as the alternating step and the skating step.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot has a flexible upper and a sole permitting the flexing of the foot during walking. The boot comprises essentially a flexible upper (1), an intermediate sole (2) having rigid extremities (7, 8) extending beyond the upper at the front and at the rear and of a form which enables holding by holding elements of a standard ski binding, and a flexible sole (3) preferably of rubber. The intermediate sole is, preferably, made of a semi-rigid plastic, providing a flexible zone or a joint.

Abstract: A sole for a sports boot, such as for cross-country skiing, and, more particularly, a sole for a sports boot which makes it possible to improve the torsional stiffness, flexional flexibility, efficiency of the boot, durability, lesser weight, protection of the foot, cost savings, industrial workability. To this end, the sole has a front portion, a rear portion more rigid in longitudinal bending than the front portion, and a reinforcement. The front portion has a front half-sole affixed to the reinforcement, the rear portion has a rear half-sole affixed to the reinforcement, and the front and rear half-soles are assembled to one another in a junction zone, preferably by cementing and/or riveting and/or welding. In practice, the reinforcement is made of a composite material. The front half-sole is first fixed on the front portion of the reinforcement. The rear half-sole is then fixed by cementing on the rear portion of the reinforcement, such that its front portion overlaps the rear of the front half-sole.

Abstract: A boot and binding assembly is arranged for use with a ski. The boot has a toe portion, a flexible sole and a heel portion. A rigid interconnect member is mounted to the toe portion underneath the sole of the boot. The binding includes a toe piece, a latch assembly, raised portions and a release mechanism. During use, the toe portion mates with the toe piece on the ski while one end of the interconnect member releasably mates with a latch assembly on the ski. When the interconnect member is secured to the ski by the latch, a skier can lift the heel portion away from the ski by flexing the sole. This enables a skier to execute cross-country and telemark style skiing manoeuvres. The latch assembly may include a pivoting member which holds the rearward end of the interconnect member. The toe portion preferably has lateral edges for facilitating securement beneath the toe piece. Preferably, a cord and handle assembly is provided as the release mechanism to facilitate disengagement of the boot from the binding.

Abstract: A sport boot sole of the type having on its lower surface two connecting members, offset one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the boot, and arranged substantially transversely, wherein the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion, and the second connecting member is arranged behind the first connecting member, and substantially in front of the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone (&Dgr;). Advantageously, the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion of the toes or right in front of this end portion.

Abstract: A boot for a ski or an in-line roller skate has a flexible upper and a sole allowing the foot to flex during walking. Its sole has a rigid part in the rear region of the boot, over about one half of the length of the sole, this rigid part being designed so as to form an interface between the heel and a binding of the ski or in-line roller skate. The interface may be standard, that is to say independent of the boot size.

Abstract: A sport boot sole having at least one arrangement for connecting the boot to a sport article along an axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boot, this connecting arrangement having an anchoring device in the sole, wherein the anchoring device is arranged along a plane essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole and is independent. Advantageously, each connecting arrangement is constituted by a substantially U-shaped buckle having a transverse arm defining the articulation axle and two lateral arms, and each lateral arm is anchored along a substantially vertical direction inside the sole.

Abstract: A one-piece quarter for a lasted skate boot. The quarter comprises a quarter medial portion and a quarter lateral portion. The quarter medial and quarter lateral portions each comprise, respectively, foxing medial and lateral portions. A tendon guard is disposed in the upper portion of the quarter. This tendon guard is preferably sewn to the quarter. Therefore, the guard is attached to the quarter along the junction line. According to the invention, with a quarter consisting of only one piece, there is no sewing line along the symmetry line. The skate boot provided with such a quarter features a stronger heel portion, without any risk of a broken sewing line. The skate boot is less expensive to manufacture, with at least one sewing step eliminated.

Abstract: A telemark ski boot including a shell of plastic material and a sole is provided. The shell is provided with a pair of lateral walls and a flexible portion extending transversely to the shell in the metatarsus area from one side to the other of the sole. The shell includes a pair of stiffening elements which extend along respective lateral walls between an intermediate portion of the sole in proximity with the flexible portion and a rear portion of the shell.

Abstract: A sole, especially for a sport boot, adapted to sports that require a foot movement or to gliding sports. The sole, especially an external sole, is constituted by a front part and a rear part. The rear part covers at least the base of the heel zone and is rigid and substantially non-flexible. Preferably, the rear part extends substantially up to the so-called metatarsophalangeal bending zone. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sole, especially a sole such as described hereinabove. In addition, it relates to a boot having a sole such as described hereinabove.

Abstract: Sole for a cross-country, touring or Telemark ski shoe the front section of which comprises, for the purpose of binding a shoe of this type onto a cross-country, touring or Telemark binding between ball area and rear end, in particular at its rear end, means for engaging a clamping element so that the front sole section can be clamped between its front definition and the aforementioned engaging means. Into the front section of the sole is embedded a reinforcing element. The latter extends between the front definition of the sole and the engaging means for the clamping element in such a manner that the resulting tensional load vector lies above the zero line of the reinforcing element, which extends approximately parallel thereto.