Abstract: Soccer training shoes are provided having ball contact elements that cause a soccer ball to more readily bounce away from the foot of the user. In one aspect of the invention, a training device is provided for temporary attachment to the shoe of a soccer player for providing hard inside and outside ball contact elements that cause a soccer ball to more readily bounce away from the foot of the user and thus promote the development of the "soft feel" that is desirable for catching, trapping and dribbling activities. The training device is essentially in the form of a web of straps that encompass the toe and instep portion of a soccer shoe and with forward, intermediate and rear transverse straps each being provided with a relatively hard ball contact element for location along the vamp of a soccer shoe in the immediate region of the inside and outside edges of the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for athletic shoes to reduce injuries to athletes. The cleat assembly includes a base assembly and a cleat which is releasably coupled to the base assembly in response to a predetermined force extending substantially lateral to the longitudinal axis of the cleat for reducing injuries. The cleat can be either a rotational cleat or a stationary cleat. The base assembly can be integrally formed with the sole of the athletic shoe or formed as a separate element.

Abstract: A shoe is equipped with a circular rotatable traction pad having cleats projecting downwardly a slight distance below the sole bottom surface. The pad is rotatably attached to the shoe sole so that when the wearer of the shoe turns his or her ankle to execute a pivot turn, the shoe turns with the person's ankle while the traction pad remains anchored to the ground surface. The rotatable traction pad facilitates pivot turning maneuvers, and minimizes ankle injuries associated with such maneuvers.

Abstract: A laceless athletic shoe is disclosed. The shoe presents a thin, uniform upper surface, permitting truer kicks when contacted by a soccer or other ball. An integral elastic area in the upper expands to receive the wearer's foot, while carbon fibers embedded in and grooves formed across the outsole provide greater torsional stability and flexibility of the shoe during turns.

Abstract: A sand soccer boot with a soft foam elastomer layer having an inner layer, an outer layer, a lower portion, an upper portion, and an ankle portion. The ankle portion and the upper portion integrally form an open recess for insertion of a foot. The open recess has an elastic foam forming ankle support thereattached. The ankle support serves to conform to a user's ankle to prevent sand from entering. A leather outer layer has an inner surface, an outer surface, a lower portion, an upper portion, and an ankle portion. The inner surface is secured to the outer layer of the soft foam elastomer layer. An elastomer sole has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is secured to the outer surface of the lower portion of the leather outer layer.

Abstract: The outsole comprises rigid plates in plastic material which plates are bonded to a sole body in an abrasion-resistant plastic material, projections such as studs being joined to the plates and dampening cushions traversing the sole body and extending between the plates.

Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe having a crisscross arch reinforcement extending between selected cleats on the sole of the shoe. An athletic shoe having a lacing arrangement in which the series of eyelets on the instep portion of the shoe are asymmetrical with the series of eyelets on the outstep portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A football boot (10) comprises an upper (12) formed with a ball contact surface (24) which is resilient. The ball contact surface may be generally flat and/or concave and provided with a plurality of formations formed of an elastomeric material, wherein the ball contact surface (24) and/or the formations are deformable upon contact with a ball. The boot allows a player to have greater ball control and execute more powerful and accurate kicks than with a conventional boot.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprising a sole portion (10) with a forward toe end (12) and a rear end (13), an inner medial side (15) and an outer lateral side (16). Blade-like projections (20) extend downwardly from the sole portion (10) and are angled relative to a generally longitudinal line (31) from the toe end (12) to the rear end (13) of the sole portion (10) so that an outer end (31) of each projection nearer to the medial side (15) is located nearer to the toe end. The angled projections provide increased grip for the outside foot of a wearer during turning movement. The heights of the projections (20) progressively reduce from the rear end (13) of the sole portion towards the toe end (12). At least the forwardmost one (21) of the medial projections has an outer corner (33) at the end of the lower extremity (30) which is displaced inwardly towards the lateral side (16).

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: There is disclosed an athletic shoe having grooves in a ground engaging surface of a sole formed concentrically about a pivot point in the ball portion and having traction projections in the form of bristles or columns embedded in the bottom of the grooves. Free ends of the traction projections protrude from the ground engaging surface whereby forces on the free ends of the traction projections perpendicular to the grooves, as when a player is accelerating, causes the projections to bend against the side walls of the grooves which thus support the projections against further bending with the free ends of the projections protruding from the outsole to provide traction. Forces on the free ends of the projections tangentially to the grooves, as when a player pivots, cause the projections to bend into or lay down in the grooves and thus offer little or no traction.

Abstract: A football shoe for use in preventing leg injuries is provided. This shoe includes a vertical portion preferably having eyelets for a shoelace, a sole having a lower surface and a heel portion, and a plurality of cleats. Each cleat having or using a break-away means for breaking the cleat away from the sole of the shoe such as by using either a break-away portion or an adhesive layer on the top portion of each cleat which is bonded to the sole's lower surface that is used to hold each cleat on the sole of the shoe. Both the adhesive layer and the break-away portion or piece have a preselected failure shear force the occurrence of which causes a separation of each cleat from the sole thereby avoiding leg injuries.

Abstract: A football kicking shoe is provided having a sole with the toe portion extending angularly downward with respect to the substantially flat instep and heel portion of the sole. The sole is sufficiently flexible so that when worn by a punter the sole will lie flat against the ground due to the pressure of the weight of the wearer and when the foot is raised, the toe portion of the sole will extend downwardly so as to present the upper surface of the shoe for contact with the football. The heel portion of the upper of the shoe has a convave cutout so as to permit the toes to be depressed without muscular effort on the part of the wearer of the shoe.

Abstract: The sole comprises two superposed layers made of different materials: a) a bottom layer (1) of a material which is firm and strong, and provided with projections for bearing against the ground such as studs (13, 14) disposed around the periphery of the sole; and b) a top layer of a material which is flexible and resilient, and which serves as a bearing surface for the user's foot, with said layer carrying flexible projection (20, 21, 22) which project beneath the bottom sole (1) by passing through openings (10, 11, 12) provided therethrough.

Abstract: A kicking shoe maintains the proper foot geometry for punting and soccer-style kicking by ensuring proper toe depression during kicking, thereby increasing the accuracy, distance, and repeatability of punts and soccer kicks.

Abstract: A sport shoe is provided having a circular cleat array disposed about but not directly beneath the metatarsal joint of the great toe. The shoe sole also includes a flex area in the region of the metatarsal joints. This combination permits flexure of and cradles the metatarsal joints on impact. Furthermore, the sport shoe preferably includes a toe drag element defined forwardly and upwardly of the metatarsal cradle and on the interior edge as a lip extending onto and over a portion of the shoe upper. The toe drag element protects the material of the shoe from the effects of toe drag while minimizing any reduction in flexibility of the shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe adapted for controlling an object with the foot includes multiple planar object control surfaces and a vertically enhanced sole to provide maximum control surface area. The interior portion of the shoe is conformed to the wearer's foot to provide maximum foot dexterity and comfort.

Abstract: A sole for athletic shoes, particularly soccer shoes, made of a lightweight plastic construction having a reinforcement web provided between the ball region and the heel for the attachment of gripping elements is improved so that a greater resistance to twisting, at least in the midfoot section, is achieved without the weight of the sole being increased. This is achieved in that the reinforcement web is positioned to running diagonally from a lateral side of the ball region over sole to the medial side of the heel. Additionally, a diagonal web may be provided running from a medial side of the ball region to the small toe region.

Abstract: Sport shoe having a central cut of material in the vamp section, from the vicinity of the toe to the top of the vamp which has a series of strips that remain connected to each other in a standard section of elastic material connected to these by means of a sewing, while being able to separate from each other when required to do so upon putting on or taking off the shoe.

Abstract: A sports shoe such as a soccer shoe having an injection molded sole molded to an inner sole, the sole having open spaces and injection molded cleats molded to the inner sole.

Abstract: An improved flexible sole for athletic shoes for field sports of the type having an annular cleat providing improved pivotability and excellent traction. The annular cleat has opposed breaks along its distal edge in opposed main lateral portions which are centered on the juncture of the ball-of-the foot and toe portions of the sole. In one embodiment, a wide single break on each side of the shoe extends to the main sole surface and forms a flexing region across the sole. In another, a pair of breaks on each side form opposed annular cleat side portions, with which a central cleat may be aligned.

Abstract: An improved sole for soccer shoes of the type having an annular cleat providing improved pivotability and excellent traction. The annular cleat extends along a substantially circular path which has medial and lateral opposed main side portions, the inside main side portion being spaced from the inside sole edge by a distance substantially greater than the lateral main side portion is from the sole outside edge. Preferred embodiments have opposed breaks along the opposed main side portions.

Abstract: A cleat system for sports shoes, especially football shoes, comprising a downward opening socket in the outsole, provided with at least two circumferentially spaced first supporting surfaces at the inside thereof facing away from the socket opening, a cleat body, a fastening portion connected to the cleat body through which the cleat body is adapted to be detachably connected to the socket and which has at least two circumferentially spaced mounting surfaces integrally formed thereat facing the cleat body which upon insertion and after rotation of the fastening portion through a predetermined angle of rotation come to lie against the first supporting surfaces substantially under surface contact, a further mounting surface formed integrally with the cleat body which comes to lie against the outsole under pressure from below when the supporting and mounting surfaces are in engagement with each other, and locking means effective between the fastening portion and the socket which resists a backward rotational mov

Abstract: A running shoe is provided for running along a shore line on a beach and consists of heel and toe cleat structures attached to a sole of a waterproof upper that will give increased traction and stability to the shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a substantially continuous annular cleat formed on the sole in forward position and extending along a substantially circular path encompassing a major area which includes most of the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole. The cleat has a passageway across a portion of the width of the sole just forward of the arch portion. Such passageway is preferably a shortening of a minor portion of the annular cleat but may be elimination thereof. Some preferred embodiments relate to a flat cleat edge, while others relate to certain passageway or cleat cross-sectional characteristics.

Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe for improved pivotability and traction on artificial turf. The sole of the shoe has a series of at least three, and preferably more, concentric annular projections, including a first annular projection encompassing nearly the entire ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole and extending across the width of the sole and at least two additional annular projections spaced at progressively shorter radial locations. The enclosed sole areas are coincident with the main sole surface. Preferred embodiments include at least one and preferably more truncated-circle projections each of which are concentric with the first projection but at greater radial locations.

Abstract: An improved kicking shoe having a generally durable sheath housing and a pad upwardly protruding from the front portion of the shoe is disclosed. The pad has an inclined precipice at a first end portion having an apex located at a substantially central portion of the shoe. The second end portion of the pad being directly opposed to the first end substantially wraps around a side portion at a downwardly sloping incline extending substantially from said central portion to the bottom portion of the shoe. By providing a protruding pad originating substantially from said central portion to the bottom portion of the shoe, this substantially improves the range or accuracy of the trajectory of the ball upon impact with kicking portion of the pad of the kicking shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a circular cleat formed on the sole in forward position substantially encompassing the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole, extending substantially across the width of the sole, and enclosing a surface coincident with the main surface of the sole. The shoe provides improved pivotability while also providing good traction, and can reduce the frequency of certain common leg injuries.

Abstract: A shoe particularly a sportshoe, has a side lacing (1) with a slit (2) extending from an edge (4) of a foot opening (3) toward a toe area at the outside of the shoe over a part of the upper (5) of the shoe, and a tongue (10) covering from below the side lacing, said tongue being according to the invention fastened to the upper with a stitching (11) located within an area extending substantially about a central line (6) at a distance from and along said slit (2), and extending, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, from the forward end (12) of said slit toward the foot opening (3) over a distance of least one third of the slit's length.

Abstract: A football boot is provided on its upper portion with strips of leather or like material which extend transversely over the instep of the boot thereby to enhance the frictional contact with a ball to be controlled with the foot. The strips are connected to the boot in such a way that at least the forward edges of the strips can lift away from the upper portion of the boot.

Abstract: Two wide equal length elastic flexible straps are cut on an angle at corresponding ends which are attached to opposite sides of an athletic shoe near the heel region where the shoe sole joins the upper. Each strap on its outer side relative to the shoe has a loop pile fastener component adjacent to the malleolus and on its opposite side adjacent to its free end has a cooperative hook fastener component. The straps in succession are drawn around the rear of the angle and lower leg under elastic tension and across the upper instep and the cooperative fastener components of each strap are pressed together into holding engagement. The two straps cross each other at the rear and front of the ankle and lower leg. A brace is formed which affords the greatest reduction in inversion and eversion of the ankle immediately adjacent to the collateral ligaments of the ankle.

Abstract: A molded outsole for an athletic shoe including molded, non-metallic studs or cleats includes a plurality of first substantially identical studs and a plurality of second substantially identical studs. The first studs have a shape characterized by three partially-overlapping frustoconical shapes, blended together to present an outline which does not retain dirt, in a triangular pattern, and produce a stud shorter than a second stud. The second studs have a shape characterized by a large frustoconical portion bounded by two partially-overlapping smaller frustoconical portions, of equal height, arranged to define a generally arcuate shape presenting a concave face and a convex face, the large frustoconical portion and the two small frustoconical portions being appropriately filleted to produce a smooth surface which does not retain dirt. These second studs may be oriented to support traction primarily in a predetermined direction, and to allow pivoting.

Abstract: A molded outsole for an athletic shoe including molded, non-metallic studs or cleats includes a plurality of first substantially identical studs and a plurality of second substantially identical studs. The first studs have a shape characterized by three partially-overlapping frustoconical shapes, blended together to present an outline which does not retain dirt, in a triangular pattern, and produce a stud shorter than a second stud. The second studs have a shape characterized by a large frustoconical portion bounded by two partially-overlapping smaller frustoconical portions, of equal height, arranged to define a generally arcuate shape presenting a concave face and a convex face, the large frustoconical portion and the two small frustoconical portions being appropriately filleted to produce a smooth surface which does not retain dirt. These second studs may be oriented to support traction primarily in a predetermined direction, and to allow pivoting.

Abstract: The invention is with respect to a gripping element for athletic and sporting footwear, as for example for football footwear. The gripping element takes the form of a bell, which is made of an elastically yielding material so that the downwardly facing edge of the gripping element may be bent when the element is forced against the ground by the weight of the user. For this reason, the gripping element is such that it may be used not only on soft, but furthermore on hard, as for example frozen ground. More specially, the gripping element may be made part of a compound structure, with a conventional cleat within it, such a structure having better gripping powers, more specially in the case of soft, sponge-like ground.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole, an upper formed from a relatively soft and extensible material, a lacing strip and a bandage connecting the lacing strip with the sole. The bandage is formed from a material which is less extensible than the material of the upper. The bandage includes an elongated portion and a connecting portion which extends laterally of the elongated portion at the juncture of the bandage with the lacing strip. The laterally-extensive connecting portion transmits forces from the lacing strip to the elongated portion, and substantially prevents transmission of such forces through the extensible material of the upper. Thus, the upper is less apt to become fatigued or distorted during wear. This abstract should not be taken as a complete exposition of the present invention.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described having an external heel counter member made of a resilient material, such as rubber or other elastomer for greater stability and comfort. The external heel counter is bonded to the outer surface of both sides of the heel portion of the shoe upper and extends around the heel. A multi-layered shoe sole is provided including a heel wedge layer or other raised heel portion for raising the heel of the foot above the bottom surface of the toes. The shoe sole also employs a midsole layer which extends the entire length of the shoe. In one embodiment the bottom edge of the external heel counter member surrounds the rear portion of the midsole layer and is bonded to the top of the heel wedge layer. In another embodiment the bottom edge of the heel counter member is turned under the heel and is bonded between the shoe upper and the midsole layer.

Abstract: A shoe which includes a metatarsal arch support comprising a heel portion; a medial portion extending from the heel portion; and a metatarsal portion extending from the medial portion and terminating in a round metatarsal edge; which support increases in width from the medial portion to the metatarsal edge; the medial portion having a curved transverse cross-sectional shape; and the metatarsal portion having a crescent transverse cross-sectional shape which flattens by way of a wedge-shape into the round metatarsal edge; the metatarsal edge being adapted to be substantially below the joints of the five metatarsal bones to the proximal phalanges.

Abstract: Athletic shoes with molded cleats of resilient material for use on artificial turf or other hard surfaces are disclosed including first cleats provided on the bottom of the shoe sole positioned beneath the foot of the wearer and second cleats provided on both sides of the shoe. The second cleats are molded integral with a cover strip of resilient material bonded to the outer surface of the shoe upper at its lower edge so as to extend around the toe portion, along the opposite sides and around the heel portion of the shoe upper. Such second cleats provide added traction and enable more rapid changes in running direction, such as when playing football, baseball or soccer, especially under wet conditions. The cover strip may be a separate strip from the outer sole or may be a border portion formed integral with such outer sole layer of less thickness than such outer sole layer. The second cleats are preferably of smaller size and may be of different shape from the first cleats.

Abstract: An athletic shoe construction comprising a sole having cleats projecting therefrom. The improvement is provided in the toe area wherein the cleats comprise a plurality of spaced-apart ridges extending outwardly from and transversely across the sole. The forward surfaces of these ridges slant downwardly and rearwardly, and the more rearward of the ridges preferably extends outwardly a progressively greater distance from the sole than adjacent forwardly located ridges.

Abstract: The shoe is provided with a toe portion which has a flat, ball-impacting, front wall which is forwardly slanted at a 5-15 degree angle and which has a flat, leading edge on the sole which terminates approximately flush with the bottom edge of the ball-impacting front wall.

Abstract: An athletic shoe intended for use on a synthetic turf is constructed of a resilient plastic with a sole that has a plurality of cleats uniformly spaced in both the toe area and the heel area of the sole. A plurality of elongated cleats extend about the periphery of the sole except in the toe area. A flange integral with the base of the sole extends away from the side opposite the elongated cleats. The flange is used to secure the sole to the upper.

Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe having a special sole formation and a flexible arch section for reducing the danger of injury to the knee upon a lateral blow on the knee and for providing arch support when needed but freedom when arch support is not needed.