Abstract: A football/soccer shoe (1) is disclosed. The shoe (1) includes a shoe body (3) having a heel (5) at one end and a toe (7) at the other, with sides (9) extending therebetween. The toe (7) includes a concave portion (11) for engaging a football/soccer ball during kicking of the ball. The concave portion (11) has a radius of around 11 cm, which substantially corresponds to that of a standard football/soccer ball.

Abstract: An article of footwear with flexing portions disposed in an arch portion of a sole system is disclosed. The flexing portions in the sole system increase the curling toe flexibility of the article of footwear. In addition, the sole system includes trapping portions that enhance the ability of a wearer to stop and capture a ball. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes an asymmetric fastening system biased toward a medial side of the article.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole includes receptacles for specifically-oriented studs. The outsole also includes traction elements formed integrally with the outsole. The studs and traction elements being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball.

Abstract: An article of footwear with heel traction elements is disclosed. The heel traction elements enhance traction and stability when backpedaling or moving laterally. The heel traction elements may be disposed on a heel wrap. The heel traction elements may be disposed so they are in line with each other.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus for teaching a user the proper technique to stop a soccer ball. The training apparatus includes a contact patch assembly having a contact region, and a strap mechanism configured to removably mount around a foot and shoe of the user in a manner orienting the contact region generally at an instep portion of the user's foot. The contact region, in one example, includes one of a hook or loop material. The training apparatus further includes a soccer ball having an exterior surface containing the other of a loop or hook material that is adapted to cooperate with the contact region of the contact patch assembly to promote attachment of the soccer ball to the contact region. Such contact and adherence indicates precision locational contact of the foot or shoe with the soccer ball at the instep portion thereof.

Abstract: A shoe upper (11) including one or more resiliently deformable protrusions (17, 19) extending from an outer surface of the shoe upper and positioned for contact with a ball, each said protrusion (17, 19) forming at least an inner contoured shape portion and an outer contoured shape portion, said outer contoured shape portion being deformable to promote engagement of said protrusion with said ball.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a different performing lateral and medial regions. Ground engaging members, such as cleats, provide traction and one of the regions, preferably the lateral region, includes a stability member extending from the sole and spanning between a pair of adjacent ground engaging members in a heel to toe direction. The ground engaging members may have a body and a tip portion. Each tip portion may be integrally formed with all or a portion of its respective body. The medial and lateral regions include buttressing member having different characteristics and dimensions for strengthening the ground engaging members with providing enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided, particularly a soccer shoe, having one or more sensors mounted in the shoe upper which, when impacted by a ball, are effective to send a signal to a controller representative of the magnitude of the force with which the ball was struck by the shoe. A liquid crystal display, mounted within a housing which also carries the controller, provides a visual indication of the force of the ball strike which can be readily observed by the wearer of the shoe.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of soccer training shoes and soccer training aids or devices attachable to soccer shoes. In various embodiments, a training aid or device may include a plurality of visual targets configured to be attached to a soccer shoe such that contact between a particular target and a soccer ball brings about a desired action of the soccer ball. One or more of the targets may include directional indicators that indicate the proper direction of foot follow-through after contacting the soccer ball with the corresponding target.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a sole, and at least one cleat assembly pivotally connected to the sole such that a medial portion and a lateral portion of the cleat assembly can move upwardly and downwardly with respect to the sole. An upper may be secured to the sole structure to form an article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for holding a foot of a wearer and a sole having an outsole plate. Several ground engaging members extends downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction. The outsole plate includes a flex control member composed of a superelastic shape memory material or a nickel-titanium alloy. The flex control member can be coupled to an inside surface, or bottom surface of the outsole plate. The outsole plate may include a rearfoot region, a midfoot region, and a first metatarsal head region, in which the regions generally correspond to the skeletal structure of a human foot. The flex control member extends from a medial side of the rearfoot region through the midfoot region and into the first metatarsal head region of the outsole plate. The ground engaging members may be positioned to extend from the location of the flex control member.

Abstract: A soccer shoe includes an upper and a cleat assembly coupled to the upper. The cleat assembly further includes a medial support bar located on the medial side and a lateral support bar located on the lateral side. A portion of the cleat assembly located near a midfoot section of the medial support bar is stiffer than a portion of the cleat assembly located near a midfoot section of the lateral support bar. The medial support bar extends approximately from a region corresponding to the rear of the calcaneous of a properly fitted wearer to approximately the head of the first metatarsal of the wearer. The lateral support bar extends approximately from a region corresponding to the rear of the calcaneous of the wearer to approximately the head of the fifth metatarsal of the wearer. The cleat assembly is bonded to a cushioning midsole formed from heated and compressed ethylene vinyl acetate foam. The upper lacks a full-length lasting board and is bonded directly to the cushioning midsole.

Abstract: A shoe stud and receptacle combination for specifically oriented studs, the shoe stud (1) including a ground-engaging part (4). The stud (1) and receptacle (2) are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot (5) on one of the components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component. A locking means (7) of the components is arranged to become interengaged at least when the spigot (5) is fully inserted into the socket (22) to resist unscrewing of the components. The locking means (7) comprises at least one locking assembly (8), the arrangement is such that the relative number and/or position of the threads of the threaded connection and the locking assemblies (8) determine the initial and final positions of the stud (1) relative to the receptacle (2).

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: This application is directed towards an article of footwear for deeply and quickly penetrating a turf surface, such as a soccer, rugby or football shoe. The article of footwear includes a cleat having fluted sides, which creates a channel for moving turf materials in a direction different from the direction of penetration for faster and deeper cleat penetration and better traction. The application also is directed towards an individual cleat for a shoe, wherein the cleat has fluted sides.

Abstract: An article of footwear for sand sports includes an outsole and an upper secured to the outsole. The upper has a first toe pocket configured to receive a big toe of a user and a second toe pocket configured to receive at least some of the remaining toes of the user. A wrap extends around a midfoot portion of the outsole and the upper, and around a heel portion of the upper. A plurality of cleats may be secured to a lower surface of the outsole.

Abstract: A soccer shoe includes an upper and a cleat assembly coupled to the upper. The cleat assembly further includes a medial support bar located on the medial side and a lateral support bar located on the lateral side. A portion of the cleat assembly located near a midfoot section of the medial support bar is stiffer than a portion of the cleat assembly located near a midfoot section of the lateral support bar. The medial support bar extends approximately from a region corresponding to the rear of the calcaneous of a properly fitted wearer to approximately the head of the first metatarsal of the wearer. The lateral support bar extends approximately from a region corresponding to the rear of the calcaneous of the wearer to approximately the head of the fifth metatarsal of the wearer. The cleat assembly is bonded to a cushioning midsole formed from heated and compressed ethylene vinyl acetate foam. The upper lacks a full-length lasting board and is bonded directly to the cushioning midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a different performing lateral and medial regions. Ground engaging members, such as cleats, provide traction and one of the regions, preferably the lateral region, includes a stability member extending from the sole and spanning between a pair of adjacent ground engaging members in a heel to toe direction. The ground engaging members may have a body and a tip portion. Each tip portion may be integrally formed with all or a portion of its respective body. The medial and lateral regions include buttressing member having different characteristics and dimensions for strengthening the ground engaging members with providing enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: A football kicking aid for attachment to an athletic shoe. The aid has a toe piece having a cup which receives the toe of the shoe and preferably includes an aperture through which the front shoe cleat is inserted. A pair of straps extend from the sides of the toe piece and extend around the heel and attach to the opposite strap at the opposite side for quick and snug placement and easy removal. The toe piece has a flat kicking surface and the interior of the toe cup may include suitable padding to provide cushioning and for better fit.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a rotatable pivot assembly to allow easy pivoting of a ball region of a shoe. The shoe sole includes a pivot cavity defined by an upper plate support surface and a lower plate support surface having an aperture therein. A rotatable pivot assembly includes a pivot plate and a sole element attached thereto. The pivot plate is pivotally constrained within the pivot cavity and the sole element extends through the aperture in the pivot cavity to define an exterior contact surface. Preferably contacting surfaces of the pivot plate and upper plate support surface are formed of a low coefficient of friction material to allow easy rotation of the pivot plate within the cavity. Because the assembly can be made thin with minimal parts, it results in a structure that substantially retains the look, feel and balance of a normal shoe while being able to achieve improved pivot action.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outsole (1) for sports shoes (2) comprising nock-type elements arranged in the front sole area (3) and heel area (4), said nock-type elements extending in a conically tapered manner fro the base (6) thereof to the contact surface (7). The aim of the invention is to improve said outsole, in order to enable improved contact of the feet when they are placed on the ground, even when the ground is moderately hard. This is achieved by reducing the height (hred) of at least one nock-type element (5′) in the sole edge area (12) of the heel area (4) in relation to the average height (hnorm) of the other nock-type elements (5″) in said area.

Abstract: A sports shoe, in particular a soccer boot, comprises a sole (1) which is made of plastic and has on its underside (2) at least one carrier surface (3 to 5) which is configured raised. In each of these surfaces there are embedded at least two threaded inserts (6) that serve for receiving traction elements (7 to 10) capable of being screwed in. The shoe is characterized in that the at least one carrier surface (3 to 5) has such a geometric shape and the threaded inserts (6) in the at least one carrier surface (3 to 5) are positioned such that several interchangeable sets of different traction elements (7 to 10) are able to be screwed into the threaded inserts (6).

Abstract: Disclosed is a soccer shoe having a structure, which allows a user to kick a ball farther, lessens the pain in a kicker's feet, and allows the shoe to maintain its shape after kicking a ball or even after being used for relatively long time. The soccer shoe has a sole member and an upper fixed to the sole member. The upper has: an inner coat fitly surrounding and being in contact with the heel, the inside foot, the outside foot, the toe, and the instep portions of the user, when the user puts on the soccer shoe, the inner coat being made from cloth; a sponge layer being adhered to an outer surface of the inner coat, the sponge layer being made from compressed sponge; a rubber layer being adhered to an outer surface of the sponge layer, the rubber layer being made from natural rubber, the rubber layer having a thickness between 0.38 mm and 0.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in playing soccer or other activities that require kicking and/or handling of a ball by a player's feet. The article of footwear has a ball control region comprised of a series of raised geometric protrusions which give the player grip and purchase on the ball. The ball control region is formed of three interrelated layers. Each layer is formed of a separate material with a distinct function. The outer layer is comprised of a material which deforms easily and acts to attract and slow the ball during handling by the player. The inner middle layer is comprised of a material that deforms but is harder and more resilient than the outer layer to enhance or over-emphasize a particular effect a player is trying to achieve with the ball. The core layer is comprised of a high tensile metal or plastic to provide a player with extra power and energy during power kicks.

Abstract: A soccer shoe improving the spin of a ball is provided. The soccer shoe comprises a sole and a shoe upper, and includes thereon a plurality of protrusions formed on an inner side area of a toe portion and an outer side area of the toe portion, each protrusion embedding therein an elastic wedge-shaped object, to thereby increase a spinning power of a soccer ball.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sole, used as a throughsole, inner sole or insole for a shoe, e.g, a football boot with a flexible outsole. The sole ensures that when shooting on the volley in football or with similar loadings, the entire force can be transmitted to the ball or similar sports equipment by means of a special stiffening of the sole by tension elements attached to raised walls of the edge area of the sole.

Abstract: A rotatable traction pad for a shoe can be mounted in a circular cavity in the shoe sole bottom surface, with the cavity being relatively shallow in relation to the shoe sole thickness. The pad mounting mechanism can include an annular bearing housing adhesively bonded to the circular side surface of the cavity, and an anti-friction bearing carried within the annular housing. The traction pad includes a rigid central post that extends upwardly through the bearing.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a different performing lateral and medial regions. Ground engaging members, such as cleats, provide traction and one of the regions, preferably the lateral region, includes a stability member extending from the sole and spanning between a pair of adjacent ground engaging members in a heel to toe direction. The ground engaging members may have a body and a tip portion. Each tip portion may be integrally formed with all or a portion of its respective body. The medial and lateral regions include buttressing member having different characteristics and dimensions for strengthening the ground engaging members with providing enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or in addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole (1) includes receptacles (2) for specifically-oriented studs (5). The outsole (1) also includes traction elements (7) formed integrally with the outsole (1). The studs (5) and traction elements (7) being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements (7) are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud (5).

Abstract: A football boot (1) has a ball controlling surface which comprises an elasticated frictional surface. Conveniently the elasticated frictional surface may be provided in the form of a plurality of pieces of frictional material (11a, 11b, 11c, . . . ) fixed to an elasticated surface (12). Alternatively the elastic material may be provided between adjacent pieces of frictional material. The surface may equally be provided in the form of a material which inherently has both elasticated and frictional properties. Optionally the ball controlling surface is provided with an additional layer (13) of confined fluid substance located beneath the elasticated surface (12).

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with a ground engaging unit. The ground-engaging unit according to the present invention extends outwardly from a sole of the article of footwear, and has at least a portion that can be adjusted to present a varying height profile (i.e., a distance that the ground-engaging unit extends from the sole). The ground-engaging unit is preferably a single unit attached or otherwise fixed to the sole. It preferably includes a tip movably mounted on a base. The tip is selectively extendible or retractable with respect to the base. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip and the base are threadedly engaged, such that the height of the tip is adjustable by rotating the tip relative to the base between predetermined positions. A locking mechanism may also be provided to fix the tip and base in a particular relative relationship.

Abstract: A sports shoe, in particular a soccer boot, comprises a sole (1) which is made of plastic and has on its underside (2) at least one carrier surface (3 to 5) which is configured raised. In each of these surfaces there are embedded at least two threaded inserts (6) that serve for receiving traction elements (7 to 10) capable of being screwed in. The shoe is characterized in that the at least one carrier surface (3 to 5) has such a geometric shape and the threaded inserts (6) in the at least one carrier surface (3 to 5) are positioned such that several interchangeable sets of different traction elements (7 to 10) are able to be screwed into the threaded inserts (6).

Abstract: A sports shoe with an integral tongue and acing system. The shoe includes an upper which is formed of a lateral portion and a medial portion. The medial portion extends across into the lateral side of the shoe and is configured to be placed beneath a longitudinal edge of the lateral portion. A plurality of eyelets or apertures are formed in the shoe and arranged in three rows. Two of the rows are located in the medial portion of the shoe and one row is located in the lateral portion of the shoe. A lining is placed on the interior surface of the medial portion such that the first and second rows of apertures are not exposed to the interior of the shoe. Respective pathways are defined between corresponding apertures of the two rows of the medial portion and between the medial portion and the adjacent lining for the accommodation of a lace therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sole (1) embodied as a throughsole, inner sole or insole for a shoe, in particular football boot, with a flexible outsole. The purpose of the invention is to ensure that for example when shooting on the volley in football or with similar loadings, the entire force can be transmitted to the ball or similar sports equipment. This is achieved by means of a special stiffening of the sole (1) through tension elements (11, 12) attached to raised walls (3.9, 3.10; 7.9, 7.10) of the edge area of the sole (1).

Abstract: A foot position training apparatus for teaching proper foot position for batting a baseball includes a foot support member formed in the shape of the sole of a shoe. A toe portion is attached to a front edge of the support member and extends upwardly and rearwardly therefrom and defines a space for receiving the toes of a batter's foot and, more particularly, for receiving the toe portion of a batter's shoe. The toe portion restricts vertical movement of a batter's foot when batting a baseball. The apparatus further includes an upstanding wall extending along an outer edge of the support surface between the toe portion and a rear edge for restricting outward lateral movement of a batter's foot when batting a baseball. A plurality of cleats are threadably coupled to a lower surface of the foot support member for selectively engaging a ground surface.

Abstract: Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: Sports footwear having a sole studded with a plurality of directional studs, said directional studs being shaped to present a higher resistance to movement through a flowable ground surface in one radial direction of the stud than in the opposite radial direction of the stud, by means of stud conformation including an abrupt drive face, providing a drive side of the stud directed in one direction along a drive line corresponding to the stud's direction of maximum resistance to movement through a flowable medium, and flank regions diverging from the drive line towards respective shoulder regions bordering the drive side, thereby providing a compliant side of the stud directed in the opposite direction along the drive line.

Abstract: A Soccer Boot/Training Shoe with an external tongue that has upon it rubberized ball agitators for applying spin to a soccer ball. The agitators are furrowed, curved and increase in size from front to back. The external tongue is secured to the boot by lace and loops. These loops are placed on the tongue and the boot. Laces are passed through these loops alternately to secure the tongue in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soccer shoe having a structure, which allows a user to kick a ball farther, lessens the pain in a kicker's feet, and allows the shoe to maintain its shape after kicking a ball or even after being used for relatively long time. The soccer shoe has a sole member and an upper fixed to the sole member. The upper has; an inner coat fitly surrounding and being in contact with the heel, the inside foot, the outside foot, the toe, and the instep portions of the user, when the user puts on the soccer shoe, the inner coat being made from cloth; a sponge layer being adhered to an outer surface of the inner coat, the sponge layer being made from compressed sponge; a rubber layer being adhered to an outer surface of the sponge layer, the rubber layer being made from natural rubber, the rubber layer having a thickness between 0.38 mm and 0.

Abstract: An article of footwear, in particular a sports shoe or walking boot, that has an outersole and at least one stud which is releasably connected thereto and interacts with the ground. According to the invention, the at least one stud comprises a stud-fastening mechanism, and the outersole has at least one locking recess. Furthermore, the stud-fastening mechanism can be moved into a position in which it engages behind the locking recess in order to produce the releasable connection between stud and sole. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises at least one locking arm which is arranged in an essentially pivotable or displaceable manner in a cavity in the interior of the stud.

Abstract: A method of producing studs for sports footwear, in particular for use in football, is described; each stud comprises a body and a tip portion which can be fixed to the body, the tip portion of the stud being produced from a semi-finished tip formed by blanking from sheet metal.

Abstract: A sports shoe, in particular a soccer shoe, with an upper (1) comprising an instep region (8), with a sole (2) connected to the upper and with tension strips (3, 4, 5) for stiffening. The sole is stiffened by a front tension strip (3) connecting the front end (6) of the sole to the upper (1) and by two rear tension strips (4, 5) connecting the heel area (7) of the sole (2) to the upper (1) in such a manner that although it is still possible to bend the sole up completely, it is impossible to bend it down.

Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe (18) incorporating a cleat frame (22) having cleat supports (52) which extend down through openings formed in a sole (20). The cleat supports (52) carry cleats (26-36) having portions which extend below the bottom surface of the sole (20) for providing traction on a player surface. The cleated supports (52) are coupled to the cleat frame (22) in a manner which transfers upward forces from the cleat (26-36) into the cleat frame (22) when the shoe is weighted.

Abstract: A plant shoe and a method of use thereof to be worn on the plant foot of a placekicker wearing a kicking shoe having a total sole thickness s on his kicking foot, wherein the plant shoe includes a main sole, a filler sole adjacent said main sole, wherein the main sole and the filler sole together have a thickness greater than s, and a plurality of cleats positioned on an underside of either the main sole or the filler sole for engaging the playing surface. In one embodiment the cleats are positioned on the underside of the main sole and in an alternate embodiment, the main sole is positioned between a shoe upper and the filler sole and the cleats are positioned on the underside of the filler sole.

Abstract: A football boot has a plurality of studs disposed in a pattern which includes a part of at least one ring. The studs are asymmetric in that they provide grip along a first axis and permit sliding along another axis in a manner to encourage self cleaning. The studs are arranged with their respective first axes aligned along the locus of the ring and their respective second axes aligned transversely of the ring.