Abstract: An attachment for converting a non-spiked dress or sport shoe to a spiked shoe for golfing or other walking or running activities includes two clam-shell like attachment halves which are pivotable so as to mountable against the sides and bottom of an underlying shoe. The attachment has a longitudinally-extending slitted upper and vertically-extending slitted heel both of which mount suitable fastener elements such as hoops and loops (Velcro.RTM.-type) elements or snap-on buttons or a lacing and eyelet fastener or a zipper fastener. After the attachment is pivotally opened up in the manner of a clam shell, the attachment is placed about the bottom and sides of the non-spiked dress or sports shoe on the user's foot and the fastener(s) cinched up to securely hold the attachment on the underlying shoe so that there is essentially no relative movement therebetween, when the user is walking or engaging in his or her golf swings.

Abstract: A unique shoe is provided to improve a walker's power, posture and speed, such shoe combining the advantages of a forwardly-inclined heel with the advantages of an arcuately tapered toe. The shoe includes an upper which carries the wearer's foot, and a sole which supports the foot from below. The sole is formed with two portions, a generally wedge-shaped rear portion which extends from an area beneath the wearer's heel to an area beneath the ball of the wearer's foot, and an arcuate forward portion which extends forwardly from the area beneath the ball of the wearer's foot to the forward terminus of the shoe. The rear portion increases linearly in thickness in the forward direction, the sole's overall thickness being correspondingly increased. The forward portion is of forwardly decreasing thickness, the sole tapering arcuately to forward termination of the shoe.

Abstract: A golf shoe stud comprises a molded plastics body enabling the stud to be mounted in the underside of the shoe, a steel stem which extends through the body and forms a frustoconical stump projecting below the body, a thin steel lamina which overlies the underside and edges of the plastics body, and a nose of tungsten carbide which is mounted on the stump. The nose is bonded to the stump by brazing, and an upper end portion of the steel stem is out-turned for securement of the body and the lamina between the out-turned portion and the nose. The stud may be of a replaceable kind in which the plastics body forms a threaded spigot and a sole-engaging flange, or it may be of a permanent kind in which the molded body is arranged to be incorporated in manufacture into a molded shoe sole.

Abstract: A sports training device particularly intended for use by golfers to teach the proper body rotation and weight shift during a golf swing. The device includes a pair of shoe inserts each having a tactile indicating member arranged in the heel area disposed toward the inner side of the insert. The insert may be covered or partially covered by a textured material. The tactile member may be a series of projections on a ring or disk or may be other shapes and forms such as integrally molded spikes or concentric rings. The golfer will be provided a positive sense or feeling as weight is applied to the inserts.

Abstract: New application of biomechanical principles of elastic stretch and braking force are combined in an athletic shoe. The new design implements the concepts by placing the heel significantly lower than the ball of the foot and toes. Tests show that an inner sole reverse slope of about 31/2.degree. provides an optimum significant improvement in jumping in particular. The reverse slope is substantially flat from the center of pressure beneath the heel to the five centers of pressure beneath the ball of the foot. The flat slope provides more assurance that the weight of the user will be applied to the shoe through the centers of pressure in preference to locations under the arch. The invention is applicable to "explosive" movement sports such as basketball, track and field, volleyball, tennis and soccer. Preferably the shoes are constructed with formed or curved heels to retain the feet properly positioned in the shoes by preventing the feet from sliding too far back within the shoes.

Abstract: A golf instruction aid and method of providing a tactile feedback to a golfer to remind the golfer to observe the proper weight shift during a backswing. The golf instruction aid includes a generally flat main body portion adapted to slip between the instep of the golfer and the golfer's shoe. A first flange extends underneath the foot of the golfer, while a second flange projects outward from the foot of the golfer above the rim of the shoe. The first flange exerts a slight pressure on the instep of the golfer's foot to remind the golfer to maintain his or her weight on the instep during the backswing. In one embodiment, the first flange is positioned generally underneath the second flange and is positioned to apply pressure to the arch of the foot. In the second embodiment, the first flange is positioned forward from the second flange and is positioned to apply pressure to the arch closer to the ball of the foot.

Abstract: An accessory for footwear including a thin, flexible, dish-shaped soleplate strapped to each sole of a pair of footwear. The soleplate contains metal spikes which extend from the lower surface of the soleplate. Each spike has a broad base embedded within the soleplate to firmly secure the spike to the soleplate. At least one pair of straps passes over the top of the footwear, and at least one strap passes around the heel of the footwear to secure the soleplate to the footwear using buckles, laces or other similar structure.

Abstract: A golf training device including a hemispherical body adapted to be secured to the shoe sole of the user. The body is positioned laterally intermediate the sides of the shoe generally in the region of the ball of the foot. The body tends to elevate the front of the foot thereby shifting weight somewhat to the heel of the foot. During the backswing and downswing, the body rolls over the ground and magnifies the feeling resulting from the shifting of weight during the backswing and downswing. The device is retained in place by straps which extend over the top of the shoe and which can be secured by Velcro strips.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a cleat. The cleat includes a spike member, having a tip and a base, the base being wider than the tip. The cleat also includes a washer member, having a perimeter portion and an inner portion, the perimeter and inner portions lying in separate planes. The inner portion has an aperture. The spike member is inserted through the aperture, so that spike member projects out from the lower face of the inner portion. Then material is molded around the washer member's perimeter portion, the upper face of the inner portion, and the base of the spike member, so as to hold the spike member in fixed relation to the washer member. In a preferred embodiment of the process, a barrier is placed around the lower face of the washer member's inner portion during molding, so as to prevent the material from coming into contact with the lower face of the washer member's inner portion and that portion of the spike member extending from the lower face.

Abstract: A replacement cleat or spike structure for attachment to the outer surface of a worn cleat or spike depending from the sole of a shoe, having a generally hollow, conical spike member attached at its base to a circular, dish-shaped flange. The hollow portion of the spike member is of a sufficient dimension to receive the nub of a worn spike attached to the sole of a golf shoe. The spike structure is placed onto the nub and flange of the worn spike and is held in place by epoxy or other suitable adhesive means.

Abstract: A new and improved cleat receiving shoe sole apparatus includes a flexible base member which includes a plurality of wells for receiving respective cleats of a cleated shoe, and which includes a shoe-bonding assembly for bonding the flexible base member to the cleated shoe. The shoe-bonding assembly may include a cleat-bonding assembly, located in the wells, for removably and replaceably bonding the wells to the respective cleats. The shoe-bonding assembly may include a layer of a tacky adhesive applied to a top surface of the flexible base member for adhering the flexible base member to the cleated shoe. Also, the cleat-bonding assembly may include respective layers of a tacky adhesive applied to respective inner walls of the wells, such that the flexible base member may be adhered to the cleats of the shoe.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes for aiding a golfer in establishing an optimal stance and improving the golfer's aim during driving and iron shots is disclosed. The golf shoes comprise an upper portion and a sole portion. The upper portion includes visual alignment guide lines thereon for aiding a golfer in establishing relative positioning of the golfer's feet with respect to each other, the golf ball and the target.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for adjustable correction of varus and valgus conditions includes an orthotic having at least one attachment device thereon together with a plurality of mating posts having varying degrees of correction for forefoot and rearfoot attachment. In some instances the orthotic is formed as part of a shoe.

Abstract: The footgear structure includes a first component, made of a single piece of synthetic material, having a rear upper portion which extends from an insole, and a second component having a front upper portion and a lining. The first and second components are mutually united, with the lining accommodated inside the rear upper portion.

Abstract: A tool is used to custom fit rubber slip-ons onto golf shoes for use in wet conditions to keep the feet of the golfer dry. The tool can be manually manipulated to cut openings into the sole of a slip-on of an appropriate size so that the openings are aligned with the spikes of the golf shoe. When openings have been cut for all of the spikes, the sole of the slip-on rests against a base of the spikes and the sole of the golf shoe. The tool has an elongated hollow body with two ends. One end has a circular cutting edge thereon and the other end has a handle thereon. After the slip-on is placed onto the golf shoe with the spikes separating the sole of the slip-on from the sole of the golf shoe, the tool is aligned with each spike in turn to cut an appropriate opening for that spike. Previously, slip-ons have been designed with pre-cut openings but these slip-ons can only be used with a specific model of golf shoe of a specific manufacturer having a specific size.

Abstract: A square-toe attachment for removable attachment to the front portion of the golf shoe farthest from the golfer's target. The attachment has a generally U-shaped configuration with sides which engage the inside and outside of the sole of the shoe and a rectangular front toe portion with a generally flat front wall disposed forward of the toe of the golf shoe and generally perpendicular to the bottom of the shoe which causes the golfer's foot farthest from the target to assume a generally vertical position with the heel up and toe down during the follow-through phase of a golf swing. The attachment is removably attached to the shoe by flexible straps with hook and loop fastener material which extend over the top of the shoe and is releasably secured to the bottom of the sole of the shoe by at least one of the shoe spikes.

Abstract: A sport shoe having a plurality of pneumatically actuated, rotatable spikes that are mounted in open ended chambers formed in the shoe sole, each spike having a narrow tip. Each spike is constrained for movement between extended and retracted position. A stop is provided in each chamber for holding the spikes in their extended positions, the spike tips project outwardly from the chambers when in their extended positions. A pneumatically actuated bladder in each chamber when inflated, drives the spikes to their extended positions against the stops. Each spike is rotated beyond a vertical axis or centerline that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of that spike. A spring operatively connected to each spike rotates the spikes to their retracted positions within the chambers when the bladders are deflated.

Abstract: A pair of improved golf shoes has an inner flange extending longitudinally along the inner side of the shoes and an outer flange extending longitudinally along the outer side of the shoes. The inner flanges and the outer flanges extend outwardly beyond the exterior surfaces of the uppers of the shoes. On one of the improved shoes the outer flange extends outwardly farther than the inner flange. On the other shoe, the inner and outer flanges extend substantially the same distance beyond the exterior surface of the upper. Heels having outwardly extending flanges are provided. One of the heels extends outwardly over substantially its entire outer edge. The flange of the other heel extends outwardly beyond the upper for only a portion of its inner edge and is flush with the upper for the remaining portion of its outer edge. A portion of the shoe disposed below the ball of the foot of the user is thicker than the region disposed below the heel of the user in order to balance the user.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: A golfer's shoe having a spike-supporting plate pivoted to the shoe sole for rotation about an axis. The plate is biased to a neutral position by yieldable springs which enable relative rotation in each of two opposite directions between the spikes and the shoe sole and return the spikes to the neutral position following completion of the golf stroke.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sports-shoe sole with metal bushes open toward the sole tread and comprising, at their inside walls, fastening elements (for instance inside threads) to mount grippers such as studs, spikes, golf cleats etc., each metal bush being concentrically enclosed at a radial distance from plastic fastening elements.A sports-shoe sole designed in such manner not only is suitable for all gripper types known heretofore but furthermore also for very special, novel grippers for which the fastening members are in the form of a plastic sleeve comprising fastening elements (for instance an outside thread) at their outer wall and which correspond to the sole-side plastic fastening elements (for instance an inside thread), the inside diameter of the plastic sleeve being at least as large as the outside diameter of the sole-side metal bush, in such manner that for the assembled state of the gripper, the plastic sleeve can be fitted over the sole-side metal bush.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that is inserted into a golfer's shoes as a front and rear insole in order to have each foot respond properly, yet differently during the golf swing to achieve the optimum golf swing. The front foot (relative to the ball direction) includes an insole insert having a centerline thickness longitudinally to encourage a rolling action of the front foot during the swing, while the rear foot includes a wedge-shaped insole to properly position the back foot during the swing.

Abstract: A golf shoe including an upper portion and a sole portion having one or more flexible grooves or channels formed laterally to bend or flex about the ball of a user's foot when walking to provide for flexibility. The sole also includes one or more slots laterally formed therethrough to receive corresponding slides, each of which have one or more golf spikes formed therein. The slides can be easily removed from the shoe to facilitate changing of spikes when the slide is inserted into the slot and a clamping engagement is formed so as to provide for lateral support when a golfer is swinging a golf club while providing great flexibility when walking.

Abstract: This invention comprises generally an integral insert for a golf shoe having several raised protuberances extending upwardly from a base shaped to fit on and cover the inner sole of the shoe. The protuberances are resilient and can be made from cellular plastic or elastomer, or can be molded integrally with the base. One protuberance tapers inwardly from the outer edge of the insert and extends from the heel to the end of the toes, and another protuberance tapers inwardly from the inner edge in the middle section.

Abstract: A training device for fastening to the bottom of the heel of a golf shoe with the device comprising an apertured plate which is secured to the bottom of the heel by removing the cleats in the heel, placing the plate against the bottom of the heel and reinserting the cleats in the heel after penetrating the apertures in the plate. The plate is provided with a tab extending laterally therefrom over a portion of the periphery of the heel of the shoe. A spike is secured to the tab to extend laterally of the bottom of the heel for penetrating the ground to hold the leading foot of a golfer in place during a practice stance.

Abstract: An accessory for attachment to a golf shoe provides for smoothing out depressions in golf course sand traps. The accessory comprises a small rake mounted transverse to the shoe and rearward of the heel. The mounting may include a pivot allowing adjustment of the rake from a lowered position in raking contact with the ground to a raised position clear of the ground. A manually adjustable lock for the pivot permits securing the rake selectively in lowered or raised position. The mounting is held to the shoe by one or more prongs drive-fitted into the heel or by a spur assembly encircling the heel and strapped to the shoe.

Abstract: An improved golf shoe cleat cover formed with at least one groove located on the underside of the cover and having a plurality of cleat gripping members slideably positionable within the groove to conform to the pattern and spacing of the cleats on a golf shoe to which the cover is to be attached and to releasably grip these cleats.

Abstract: It is known to provide studs having externally screw-threaded spigots which are screwed into sockets provided in the soles of articles of footwear. In use, lateral forces applied to the ground-engaging portion of such a stud tend to damage the associated socket, particularly if the socket is made of a plastics material. To resist radially outward expansion of the socket the invention provides retaining means spaced outwards from the spigot. The retaining means may consist of a retaining ring with a flared bearing surface. The presence of the retaining means may render a split socket usable; also it may assist in preventing an otherwise loose stud becoming inadvertently unscrewed.

Abstract: A walking sole for a sport shoe, and especially a golf shoe, comprising a main element made of a relatively rigid molded plastic material, having, in the front portion of at least one of its lateral edges (1a) extending along the front area of the sole on which the front part of the wearer's foot gains support, a succession of notches (2). This shoe has, associated with at least one of these notches (2), at least one opening (6) elongated substantially transversely and in alignment with this notch (2) in the lateral edge (1a) and at a distance from it, and an element made of an elastic material (8) which fills the elongated opening (6).

Abstract: A ceramics spike pin is provided with a pin body having a horizontal cross section of a substantially circular shape, which pin body is provided with a rounded free end portion having a predetermined radius of curvature and a connecting base portion having a predetermined radius of curvature, and a horizontally expanded base connected to the connecting base portion, wherein a diameter (d) of the connecting base portion in horizontal cross section, the radius of curvature(r) of the connecting base portion, and a maximum diagonal length (D) of the horizontally expanded base satisfy the relationship of 0<r<d<D and r.sup.2 .times.d/D.gtoreq.1.36. Accordingly, the stress concentration can be greatly relieved, and the impact resistance can be improved to thereby the durability.

Abstract: A shoe sole lamination and method of lamination in which shoe sole portions composed of selected materials and low melting plastic inserts are laminated and then heat embossed. The method includes use of insulating inserts placed strategically in the mold to protect the plastic inserts against the heat and temperatures of embossing.

Abstract: Shoe sole equipped with studs 2 comprising a base 4 and a head 2. The base 4 is inserted into the sole and held in a position such that its lower surface 5 is kept flush with the walking surface 6 of the sole by a means of insertion 11 which is recessed from said lower surface. The tip of the stud is connected to this lower surface by means of a curved surface 7 whose arched shape is tangent to said surface 5 and which rises toward the head cover at least the first third 8 of the functional height 9 of the stud.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes or inserts for golf shoes is provided in which, for a right handed golfer, the heel of the right foot is canted to the left, and the instep of the left foot is also canted to the left. The shoes or inserts are asymmetrically designed to optimize the different functions performed by a golfer's feet and to improve a golfer's balance and body position during a golf swing.

Abstract: In a pair of golf shoes for a right-handed golfer, the invention being equally adaptable for shoes of a left-handed golfer, the shoes having a sole including toe, heel and intermediate metatarsal portions and inner and outer edges; the shoe edges being substantially linear; the left shoe having an outer linear edge from the heel portion to the metatarsal portion and an inner linear edge from the metatarsal portion to the toe portion and including at least part of the area of the ball of the golfer's left foot; the linear edges of the left shoe being parallel for promoting a proper weight transfer and body-swing motion to the golfer during a golf swing.

Abstract: An assembly of a golf spike and receptacle assembly for mounting the spike are made to be joined in a nylon connection. This is provided by a receptacle assembly made of nylon and having a receptacle formed in a base portion and an arm extending radially from the base portion. Two forms of arms are provided, one having knobs and the other having an elongate aperture in which the knobs may be selectively received. The distance between receptacles may be varied by varying the position of the knobs in the aperture. A spike is provided having a metal spike member with a head, a flange and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is embedded in a nylon support member which forms a larger flange next to the metal flange and an engagement member having external threads for screwing into a receptacle. The anchor portion may have a circumferential groove, flattened edge, transverse or longitudinal grooves, a bore, or be partially hammered to produce an oval shape with outwardly diverging sides.

Abstract: This invention relates to shoesoles for the bottom of golf shoes and especially to shoesoles provided with, in addition to conventional spikes at the forepart and heel, ground-engaging protrusions distribution along the inner and outer marginal edges of the soles to enhance the stance of the golfer.

Abstract: A member having the general shape of a person's foot includes a thickened outer forward portion. The member is adapted to be inserted into the person's shoe for elevating the outer forward portion only of one foot of the person while swinging an object such as a golf club, ball bat or ax.

Abstract: A golf shoe having an instep support rigidly connected to the sole between the instep and the toe of the golf shoe, the instep support extending over the edge of the sole adjacent the shoe, and a heel restraint extending upwardly from the sole, both the instep support and the heel restraint extending upwardly on the lateral outside of the golf shoe to restrain outward rolling of the foot during a backswing and to promote a firm side to hit against during the power stroke.

Abstract: An inside boot sole, comprising separate support zones distributed under the surface of the foot, at least two support zones (3, 4) having different mechanical characteristics and each extending at most from the heel (5) to the front end (6) of the sole on both sides of the dividing line (10) located near the median longitudinal axis (7) of the sole.

Abstract: A sports shoe, provided with a heel counter comprising a heel side wall part having a curved shape, a folded wall part integrally formed along the edge of the heel side wall part as projected inside the curve, and a stationary plate part integrally formed on the side of the heel side wall part opposite to the edge, the heel side lateral wall having one of the lateral wall parts thereof formed as extended farther forward than the other lateral wall part of the heel side wall part on the arch side of foot and the folded wall part being nipped between the upper of the sports shoe and the sole thereof.

Abstract: A walking sole for sports shoes, particularly golf shoes, having, on at least one of its lateral edges, a series of substantially transverse grooves, filled with a material having a degree of elasticity superior to that of the material making up the sole. The grooves are provided in the front portion of at least one of the lateral edges (1a,1b) which extends the length of the frontal area of the sole (1) which provides support for the front part of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, and they mark the boundaries of at least one flexible tongue (7) transversally around an axis of flexion (X) joining the internal ends of the grooves (3). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A device to aid in the teaching of a good or correct golf swing. The device is a generally wedge shaped bar which, when attached to the bottom outer edge of the shoe, causes the foot to tilt inwardly and forwardly simultaneously. The golfer thereby achieves a correct golf stance which is vital to a good golf swing. Through use of the device in practice over a period of time, the leg and foot muscles become toned or conditioned to automatically assume the correct stance when the golfer addresses the ball.

Abstract: A flexible-type sport shoe, such as a golf or cross country ski shoe, comprising on the inside three flexible ties (16, 17, 18) to secure the user's foot. One (18) of the ties has two ends (19 and 20) connecting it to the sole (2) of the shoe (1) behind the level of the metatarsal and in front of the level of the calcaneum, respectively on both sides of the shoe, and comprises a section (29) to bypass the foot by the rear between the lower level of the lower attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneum and the lower level of the malleoli. The two other ties (16, 17) have an end connected to the sole of the shoe, respectively on both sides thereof, crossing above the instep, and are deviated by respective guides held by the first tie (18), to present complementary sections (45, 46) to bypass the instepby the frontwhentheyarefastened together, and thus ensure a securing of the foot to the sole (1) when the three ties (16, 17 18) are tightened.

Abstract: Shoe sole having a relatively inelastic portion, and at least one peripheral portion adapted to extend laterally beyond the insole of the shoe to which the sole is to be affixed. The lower surface of the sole has at least one edge which defines a pivot axis having a generally longitudinal orientation relative to the sole around which the foot of the wearer is adapted to pivot. The edge is positioned to be cushioned by a relatively elastic portion of the sole.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sole structure for golf shoes. It has a predetermined number of metal nails located at the front end corresponding to ball portion and the rear end corresponding to heel portion of the sole, and a plurality of soft cleats formed as integrated parts of the sole around the metal nails in order to stabilize attitude of player during striking and to provide good elasticity.

Abstract: Golf shoe (1), the sole (2) of which has two separate areas (3) and (4), one of which (4) is provided with a shock absorbing element (5) and a deformable structure (6) to allow the golfer's foot to roll on the outer edge of the sole.

Abstract: Golf shoes which provide for maximum traction and foot support during the rolling of the feet at the extremes of the golf swing. The golf shoes include a side heel with a second bottom which is inclined with respect to the first bottom. The second bottom in combination with pads on opposite sides of and slightly beneath and behind the ankle provide ankle support. The soles of the shoes are curved. The soles are thin and flat. Cleats are provided on the toes. The shoes conform closely with the foot, provide support when needed, especially during follow-through, and provide an added amount of traction.

Abstract: A golf shoe sole has a plurality of inserts for releasably mounting gripping elements therein. The inserts are arranged in the front part of the sole in a first line adjacent the outside edge of the sole and a second line adjacent the inside edge of the sole. Associated with those two lines of inserts, at least one further insert, or a further group of inserts, is arranged at a position towards the longitudinal center line of the sole, relative to each of the first and second lines of inserts. The further insert or group of inserts associated with the first line adjacent the outside edge of the sole is disposed in the region of the sole which extends from the outside ball area of the sole to the arch portion of the sole.

Abstract: A traction cleat for removable attachment to footwear includes a metal stud infrastructure with a vertical axis and two ends, the infrastructure further including a stem portion at the first end for attachment to a shoe, a head portion at the second end for tractive engagement with the ground, and a broad flange between the stem and head portions and extending radially outward from the vertical axis. A plastic skirt is molded directly upon the flange portion of the metal infrastructure, the resultant unitary skirt and flange forming the reinforced radial support member of the cleat.