Abstract: Footwear articles for walking are provided. In one example, a footwear article may include a midsole with a lower surface of constant curvature extending from a heel of the midsole to a toe of the midsole, wherein the lower surface maintains the constant curvature throughout a stance phase of a walking gait. In this way, a smooth step-to-step transition and a smaller range of oscillation of the center of mass of the wearer is achieved, and energy expenditure during walking is reduced. In turn, a wearer of the footwear article may smoothly walk for extended periods of time with reduced fatigue.

Abstract: Sports boot including: an inner boot; an exogenous shell, the dimensions of which allow the inner boot to be inserted into or extracted from it, the exogenous shell strengthening the inner boot and allowing it to be attached to a piece of sports equipment. The exogenous shell includes a sole, a forward part of an upper able to pivot with respect to the sole about a first articulation, and a rear part of an upper which is able to pivot with respect to the sole about a second articulation. The sole includes a continuous inner relief pattern having longitudinally-extending ribs separated by longitudinally-extending grooves extending continuously along an entire length of the sole. The inner boot includes a sole with a corresponding relief pattern, so as to position laterally and vertically the inner boot in the exogenous shell.

Abstract: Sports boot comprising: an inner boot (3); an exogenous shell (1), the dimensions of which allow said inner boot (3) to be inserted into or extracted from it, said exogenous shell strengthening said inner boot and allowing it to be attached to a piece of sports equipment; wherein said exogenous shell comprises a sole (10), a forward part of an upper (11) able to pivot with respect to said sole (10) about a first articulation (110), and a rear part of an upper (12) which is able to pivot with respect to said sole (10) about a second articulation (120).

Abstract: A compressible footwear that may include a compressible sole and a compressible upper part that is mechanically coupled to the compressible sole. The compressible sole consisting essentially of multiple compressible cells that are made of a flexible material and have top openings and bottom openings. The multiple compressible cells span over at least a majority of the compressible sole and are configured to undergo a compression while substantially maintaining a thickness of the compressible sole.

Abstract: A footwear system is disclosed, which includes a shell having an inner cavity and at least one recessed area offset from an inner surface of the shell, and a chassis having one or more components adapted to protect a user's foot from injury. In one embodiment, the chassis is insertable into the inner cavity of the shell, such that the one or more components of the chassis are securely retained (e.g., permanently affixed) within the at least one recessed area of the shell. Methods of forming the aforementioned footwear system using expandable materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ski boot accessory includes a multi-piece body adaptable to mate with the sole of a range of sizes of ski boots via an adjustment mechanism, wherein the bottom surface of the multi-piece body provides a walking surface including a first sloping surface located at a heel portion of the walking surface and a second sloping surface located at a toe portion of the walking surface.

Abstract: A ski boot includes a base shell; a sole; an upper shell that has at least a fastening clip and that is articulated to the base shell with pins provided in the region of the malleoli; an inner boot, wherein the base shell defines a slot having two strips coupled one to the other with a gaiter and is provided with at least one fastening device; a first tongue joined to the base shell in the proximity of a tip thereof, the first tong being manufactured from a material of differentiated rigidities, the portion of the first tongue in the area of the free end having a lower rigidity that the portion joined to the base shell; and a removable second tongue configured to cover the first tongue and having a greater rigidity than the first tongue.

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: A combination that preferably includes at least a main body portion, a heel portion hinged to the main body portion, and a toe portion in sliding engagement with the main body portion, which collectively forms a ski boot attachment by steps for assembling a ski boot attachment is disclosed. The ski boot attachment preferably assembled by steps that include at least installing a spring mount within a component cavity of a main chassis, positioning a release spring within the component cavity, placing an extension control member within the component cavity in abutting contact with the release spring, compressing the release spring with the extension control member, sliding a slide member into the component cavity into sliding contact with the extension control member, attaching a main spring to the spring mount and the slide member, and securing a chassis cover to the main chassis.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ski boot for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and a latch assembly for securing the baffled support matrix adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a catch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a catch support interacting with the catch; a chassis attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said catch support and said chassis attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the catch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; and a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: a chassis portion overmolded with a tread portion; and a latch assembly for securing the chassis adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a latch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a latch support interacting with the latch; an attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said latch support and said attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the latch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (1,2,3,4) that is to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the sole of the ski boots. The preferred embodiment generally comprises sandal type soles (4) made of a resilient, elastic springy material which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots.

Abstract: A structural element for a sports shoe provided with a casing able to be selectively configured between a first rigid condition and a second flexible condition. The structural element comprises a tongue, shaped and provided at least with a first segment, or lower segment, attached to the casing, and a second segment, or upper segment, pivoted to the first segment, so as to be selectively taken to a first operating position in which the second segment is rigidly aligned with the first segment, and a second operating position in which the second segment is free to incline with respect to the first segment and substantially follows the movement of the tibial zone of the user's leg.

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 three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heel shim and lifter assembly adapted for use in ski mountaineering. In one embodiment, the heel shim and lifter assembly is adapted for use with a ski such as, for example, a telemark ski, and comprises: a mounting plate for attaching the heel shim and lifter assembly onto the ski; and a heel shim block or component that is pivotably connected to the mounting plate. In this embodiment, the heel shim block or component is pivotably connected to the mounting plate along an axis of rotation that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the top surface of the ski when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski, and wherein the heel shim block is pivotable between a heel shim skiing position and an elevated hiking position when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a boot having a forward lean system is provided that includes medial and lateral side cable members on the boot wherein the cable members are attached to a forward portion of the boot at only one general position. The forward lean system also includes a tension adjustment member connected to the cable members for altering the length of the cable member, thereby providing adjustable forward lean.

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 sporting shoe equipped with a device to control the flexion of the toe includes a localized low friction protection body, particularly for a technical boot designed for practicing the sport of motorcycling, removable, attached along one side of the shoe with the use of reciprocal holder and engaging at least part of the point and of the side. The protection body is hinged to a second element, placed at the back, fixed along the external side of the shoe or a part of it, with the cooperation of a third element ovelapping the first two, which, engaging the second, provides two opposite stops that limit the run of the protection body and of the toe part of the relative shoe, or of a part thereof with respect to the back part.

Abstract: A device for active rolling walking (1) includes a conventional upper shoe (2) used for fixing the device to the foot, which upper shoe can be made from leather, textiles or other natural or synthetic materials, and a specially constructed sole to force active, rolling walking to take place and can be adapted to all possible circumstances. The structure of the sole and the choice of material gives the user, when rolling, the feeling of walking bare foot in the sand with a trampoline effect.

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 shoe including an upper, a mid sole permanently attached thereto, and an outer sole releasably engaged with the mid sole. The outer sole and mid sole are secured together by a fastener and by a retaining lip. The fastener can be disposed in a capture position wherein the spaced apart lip precludes separation of the mid sole and outer sole. Upon disposing the fastener in a release position, the mid sole can be separated from the outer sole.

Abstract: An articulated ski boot for releasable attachment to a binding mounted on an alpine ski is presented. The ski boot has a sole which preferably is formed of first and second rigid portions with a hinge connecting the two portions such that the first portion is upwardly pivotable when the sole is free from the binding (walking mode). The boot has a substantially rigid boot upper adapted to receive a foot and which is attached to the sole. A truss member is pivotally connected to the boot upper and pivots between the walking mode and a locked skiing mode in which the sole portions are prevented from pivoting. The ski boot also includes means for securing the skier's forefoot and heel to the sole to substantially reduce toe and heel lift.

Abstract: An articulated ski boot for releasable attachment to a binding mounted on an alpine ski is presented. The ski boot has a sole which preferably is formed of first and second rigid portions with a hinge connecting the two portions such that the first portion is upwardly pivotable when the sole is free from the binding (walking mode). The boot has a substantially rigid boot upper adapted to receive a foot and which is attached to the sole. A truss member is pivotally connected to the boot upper and pivots between the walking mode and a locked skiing mode in which the sole portions are prevented from pivoting. The ski boot also includes means for securing the skier's forefoot and heel to the sole to substantially reduce toe and heel lift.

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 set of three wedge-shaped shims per ski carefully designed to integrate the fit of free heel Nordic Norm, Three Pin, or 75 Millimeter ski boots to their bindings and skis. The front wedge-shaped shim allows the binding toepiece to slope upward to meet the boot's rocker shaped toe. The middle wedge-shaped shim supports the binding mid-foot plate (if so fitted) or the ball-of-the-foot boot sole. The rear wedge-shaped shim allows the binding heel plate to slope upward to meet the boot's heel. These three wedge-shaped shims are mounted between the (1) toepiece, (2) mid-foot plate (if so fitted) or ball-of-the-foot boot sole, (3) heel plate and the ski top respectively. The binding components are therefore fitted to the ski boot's rocker shaped sole and ski top. This allows the ski boots a perfect fit when clipped into the binding/wedge-shaped shim/ski system.

Abstract: Sports footwear such as a boot comprising a rigid base (2) and an upper (3), and engageable with a ski or the like (6) on which the boot is to be supported and retained, while also enabling walking under favourable conditions. The boot is provided with a walking sole and comprises bearing surfaces (12, 13) recessed into the rigid base relative to the sole surface. The bearing surfaces (12, 13) are engageable, directly or via a cradle (7), with the top surfaces of projections (16, 17) on the ski, whereby the boot/ski and boot/ground interfaces are separate.

Abstract: A boot for a gliding sport, consisting of a bootie with a soft upper (1) and of an intermediate rigid sole (4) itself at least partially covered by a flexible walking sole (9), and provided with a transverse metal bar (6) for connection to a binding. The boot further has bearing surfaces on either side of the bar. At least in the foot sole region, the bearing surface is a projection (7) of the intermediate rigid sole.

Abstract: The boot is one wherein the rear part of its sole (13), between the heel and approximately the middle of the sole, and the lower rear part of the upper (12) are rigid, while the rest of the upper (11) and of the sole (16) are flexible. This boot makes it possible to walk with ease and can be fixed on a gliding board while perfectly fulfilling its function as an interface between the leg and the binding.