Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a closure mechanism. The upper has an opening at least partially located between a first and second portions of the upper. The opening is adjustable between open and closed configurations. The closure mechanism is moveable between unlocked and locked positions and includes a locking element coupled to the first portion of the upper and a projection coupled to the second portion of the upper. The projection is moveable in a first direction relative to the locking element to engage with the locking element, thereby moving the closure mechanism to the locked position and moving the upper to the closed configuration. The projection is moveable in the first direction relative to the locking element to disengage with the locking element, thereby moving the closure mechanism to the unlocked position and allowing the upper to return to the open configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear kit and method of providing a footwear kit comprising a forepart that can be removably attached to both a left shoe and a right shoe, in which the shoes are substantially asymmetric about a line running from the front to the back of the shoe, and in which the periphery of the forepart substantially matches the periphery of the toe region of both the left shoe and the right shoe.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes and shoe components, together with systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing the same. One representative embodiment involves a shoe that includes: a sole having a main structure; a strap anchor that has attachment points and is at least partially embedded within the main structure; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through one or more of such attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. Also, in this embodiment, the strap anchor includes a number of strap anchor components attached in a unit, each such strap anchor component including a number of the attachment points and being at least partially embedded within the main structure.

Abstract: A training boot having a half-platform sole, a boot upper disposed on the half-platform sole, and a weight housing disposed on the upper. A receptacle fastening member is disposed on the boot, configured and arranged for attaching a resistance band. The sole has a tread, which is interchangeable. A sensor housing is disposed on or in the boot. A heel strap is attached to the boot. Hooks or rings are attached to the half-platform sole, configured and arranged for attaching a resistance band. A training boot system includes two training boots with a resistance band removably attaching to the two boots.

Abstract: A securing device for preventing removal of a shoe comprising a web selectively attachable to an outer surface of a shoe and configured to at least partially cover the shoe. The web includes a bottom portion having a center section securable to a front region of the shoe and a leg support section securable to a user's leg. The web further includes a top portion removably couplable to the bottom portion. The top portion includes a coupled position at least partially covering a lace of the shoe and an uncoupled position leaving the lace of the shoe exposed to an ambient environment.

Abstract: An item of footwear has first and second portions that slide with respect to each other to allow the user to easily put the footwear on and take the footwear off. The footwear may be opened and closed without requiring the user to bend over and manipulate closure mechanisms with his hands. The footwear allows a person's foot to be readily inserted and removed from the footwear when the footwear is open while being secured within the footwear when the footwear is closed.

Abstract: A bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion is operable to protect the sole of the first portion. The first portion of the bowling shoe includes a sole having an upper portion secured thereto forming an interior volume. The upper portion further includes an opening operable to receive a human foot therethrough. A second portion includes a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the second portion is releasably secured to the first portion and wherein the sole of the second portion substantially covers the sole of the first portion. The second portion further includes a first flap and a second flap that are operable to releasably secure the second portion to the first portion. A pocket is present on the second flap and is manufactured from a transparent material.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter outlining a substantially planar foresole region, a substantially planar heel region, and an arch region recessed from the foresole and heel regions, each of the regions having medial and lateral sides; a heel pad attached to the heel region; a plurality of pockets formed in the foresole region, each pocket having a base and a rigid rim rising from the base above the plane of the foresole region; and a slide pad element in each pocket, having a bottom surface interchangeably secured to the base of the pocket and an outer slide surface, and a peripheral edge which closely conforms to the rim, wherein the conforming edge has a bottom edge portion substantially abutting the rim, and an upper edge portion that protrudes above the rim, whereby the rim is recessed relative to the slide surface.

Abstract: A temporary, disposable shoe cover for bowling includes an upper, a sole having a first sole portion and a second sole portion, and a retainer. The upper is made of a fabric. A bottom opening of the upper is attached to a perimeter of the sole. A top opening of the upper is adapted to receive the user's shoe and/or foot. The retainer is attached to (i.e., at or near) the top opening of the upper and is operable to retain the shoe cover on the user's shoe and/or foot. The first sole portion is on an anterior portion of the sole and made of a low friction fabric (e.g., felt, cotton, or a nonwoven fabric). The second sole portion is on a posterior portion of the sole and made of a high friction fabric (e.g., rubber, rubber impregnated cotton, or flannel backed cotton with nonskid vinyl or rubber dots).

Abstract: A bowling shoe kit is provided including a shoe upper, a shoe sole mounted to the shoe upper and having a slide area extending longitudinally from a toe end of the sole rearwardly towards an arch portion thereof, at least one slide pad having a peripheral margin substantially equal to a peripheral margin of the slide area and extending laterally substantially across an entire width of the sole, and a fastener removably securing the slide pad to the slide area. The slide pad includes a first area having a first coefficient of friction, a second area having a second coefficient of friction, and a third area having a third coefficient of friction, wherein the first coefficient of friction is different from the third coefficient of friction, and the second coefficient of friction presents a transition from the first coefficient of friction to the third coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A bowling overshoe for fitting over footwear of a casual bowler. The bowling overshoe comprises a lower sole, an upper portion integral with the lower sole, a gripping section attached to a bottom surface of the lower sole and a slide section attached to the bottom surface of the lower sole. The gripping section, the slide section and the lower sole are each substantially unstretchable while the upper portion of the bowling overshoe is sufficiently stretchable to facilitate the bowling overshoe receiving, via an access opening, and accommodating different size footwear.

Abstract: A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe.

Abstract: A disposable pad is constructed of materials that provide an alternate sole for the shoe, such as providing near or identical characteristics to the heel and sole of traditional bowling shoes. The pad will contain multiple layers including an adhesive layer that will allow the user to temporarily affix the pad to their own footwear. The pad may include multiple die cuts to accommodate male, female and children's footwear, for example, for ages five years old through adult. The pad may be used to transform the user's shoes, which are typically used for one purpose, to be adapted for use for a second purpose.

Abstract: A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe.

Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel that may be removably secured to a heel region of a shoe sole, thus, allowing a user to adjust a way the shoe engages a ground surface. The shoe includes an attachment system for removably securing the removable and interchangeable heel to the heel region of the shoe sole, the attachment system comprising a magnetic fastener between the removable and interchangeable heel and the heel region of the shoe sole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sole for bowling shoes in which a slip plate is detachably attached at the front portion of a bottom face thereof and a heel part is detachably attached at the back portion of the bottom face thereof, the sole for bowling shoes comprising: a fixing plate having a protecting rim formed integrally therewith along the outside edge of each of the front and back portions of the bottom face, the fixing plate having a coupling groove formed at the inside of the protecting rim; and a separating plate fixedly attached at the slip plate and the heel part, respectively, the separating plate having a coupling protrusion formed correspondingly to the coupling groove of the fixing plate.

Abstract: A heel surface element for a bowling shoe has a body defining an upper, attachment surface for attachment of the heel surface element upon a heel region of a bowling shoe and a lower, heel surface having a horseshoe-shape surface disposed for engagement upon a bowling alley approach surface during bowling motion and center region surface spaced from contact with the bowling alley approach surface. The center region surface is defined peripherally by the horseshoe-shape surface and extends from a heel front edge towards a heel rear edge. The horseshoe-shape surface tapers from a front thickness in a region adjacent the heel front edge to a second, relatively greater thickness in a region adjacent the heel rear edge. The heel front edge defines a notch extending toward the heel rear edge. The center region surface narrows, curving inwardly from the heel front edge toward the heel rear edge. Each of the heel surface and the horseshoe-shape surface has a rounded front or leading edge.

Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.

Abstract: A heel includes a member with a first surface having a fastening layer for removable attachment of the member to an outsole in two different positions, and a second surface having an outer layer with a first sliding characteristic in one position and a different sliding characteristic in another position. The removable heel provides bowlers with the flexibility to have one pair of shoes featuring different sliding characteristics to satisfy their needs in different lane surface conditions.

Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.

Abstract: A heel includes a member with a first surface having a fastening layer for removable attachment of the member to an outsole in two different positions, and a second surface having an outer layer with a first sliding characteristic in one position and a different sliding characteristic in another position. The removable heel provides bowlers with the flexibility to have one pair of shoes featuring different sliding characteristics to satisfy their needs in different lane surface conditions.

Abstract: A bowling shoe construction having various options for adjustment with removable and replaceable slide parts to attach to the tread surface of a slide shoe. The slide parts can attach interchangeably using hook and pile loop fasteners. A kick shoe includes an interchangeable kick part covering the toe area. The kick part can be attached using adhesives or hook and pile loop fasteners.

Abstract: A heel surface element for a bowling shoe has a body defining an upper, attachment surface for attachment of the heel surface element upon a heel region of a bowling shoe and a lower, heel surface having a horseshoe-shape surface disposed for engagement upon a bowling alley approach surface during bowling motion and center region surface spaced from contact with the bowling alley approach surface. The center region surface is defined peripherally by the horseshoe-shape surface and extends from a heel front edge towards a heel rear edge. The horseshoe-shape surface tapers from a front thickness in a region adjacent the heel front edge to a second, relatively greater thickness in a region adjacent the heel rear edge. The heel front edge defines a notch extending toward the heel rear edge. The center region surface narrows, curving inwardly from the heel front edge toward the heel rear edge. Each of the heel surface and the horseshoe-shape surface has a rounded front or leading edge.

Abstract: A bowling overshoe includes an upper formed from a stretchable sheet material and two outsole portions attached independently of each other.

Abstract: A disposable shoe for short-term use on an indoor surface, such as a bowling lane, has a sole portion with a lower face for slidingly engaging the indoor surface. An upper portion is stitched to the sole portion opposite the lower face using a cotton thread. The upper portion incorporates an elasticized heel for a snug fit of the shoe on a user's foot. The shoe is substantially made of a biodegradable material for disposal in an environmentally manner.

Abstract: A bowling shoe with a replaceable tip comprises a shoe upper, a shoe sole mounted to the shoe upper, and a plurality of replaceable shoe tips. The shoe sole has a selectable traction area from a toe end and across the width of the shoe sole. Each tip has a margin substantially equal to a margin of the traction area. Each tip covers and conforms to part of the adjacent shoe upper. The surface of each tip has a different coefficient of friction. A selected tip secures to the traction area and part of the adjacent shoe upper. The tips are interchangeable, to provide traction according to support surface conditions and an individual wearer's preference.

Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.

Abstract: An inner ankle protector device 10 including a protector member 20 having an outer shell element 21 and an inner padded liner element 25 dimensioned to receive the user's inner ankle bone on one foot, a strap unit 12 including main 30 and auxiliary 33 strap members adapted to cooperate with one another and the protector member 20 to encircle the user's ankle and arch. The strap members 30, 33 also provide a thin, cushioned layer on the outside of the protector unit 11.

Abstract: A bowling shoe to be worn on the sliding foot of a bowler has a heel that presents outer and inner bottom surfaces, the outer bottom surface having a relatively high coefficient of friction as compared to the inner surface. The outer surface can be white rubber and the inner surface can be leather. Preferably the heel is U-shaped for improved stability. A shoe for the non-sliding foot has a sole with a higher coefficient of friction and a uniform heel surface.

Abstract: A bowling shoe protector includes a sole portion and an upper portion designed to fit snuggly about a conventional bowling shoe. The bowling shoe protector is made from a waterproof material such as rubber, vinyl or plastic. The surface of the inner sole of the bowling shoe protector includes a conditioning surface having an abrasive layer or lining. The abrasive layer or lining may be, for example, a component of a hook and loop type fastener, embedded abrasive material such as emery, plastic or wire, or a textured abrasive surface, or a steel wool-type material. The conditioning material on the inner surface of the sole of the bowling shoe protector conditions the exterior sole of a bowling shoe due to slippage which occurs between the inner surface of the bowling shoe protector and the exterior sole of an inserted bowling shoe. The slippage produces a reciprocating action which permits the conditioning surface to sand or abrade away any foreign matter, including droplets of water.

Abstract: This bowling shoe includes an upper portion and a lower portion attached to the upper portion. The inside edge of the lower portion projects outwardly from the line of attachment a conventional amount but the outside edge of the lower portion projects outwardly from the line of attachment a substantially greater amount than inside edge, to support the foot of the wearer during play. The outside edge is tapered to facilitate the support action.

Abstract: A bowling shoe protector comprising a thin, slightly flexible sole having an enlarged, generally foot-shaped configuration, and a single support strap secured at the longitudinal center of the sole. The strap includes a hook and pile connector so that the strap can form a loop which receives a shoe and secures the shoe to the sole of the protector. The sole preferably includes a pair of small raised peripheral wall portions to prevent displacement of the shoe past the periphal edge of the shoe protector.

Abstract: Separation of the upper from the midsole, and separation of the midsole from the main sole, of shoes resulting from the kind of forces that are applied during the practice in bowling and other sports is minimized or prevented by the use of a wrap-around member in the toe region of the shoe. The lower margin of that wrap-around member is sandwiched between the midsole and the sole of the shoe, and it is wrapped around and over the midsole and up the side of the upper where it is fastened in a way that combines with a lock stitch that binds together the wrap-around member, the midsole, and the sole so that forces that would otherwise tend to separate midsole from the upper tend, if anything, to relieve pressure on that juncture.

Abstract: There is shown and described an extremely simple, inexpensive, easily useable apparatus for covering footwear, such as bowling shoes, to avoid an undesirable contamination of the soles thereof.

Abstract: An expandible slip-over protector elasticized at the top and adapted to cover most or all of a bowling shoe has a zipper to go over shoestrings, a flexible, non-absorbent sole fabric under the zipper for protecting the shoestrings and a stabilizer strip centrally located in the heel portion.

Abstract: A bowling shoe guide device which enables a bowler to make quick visual reference to his shoe so as to align himself with respect to the flooring of a bowling alley. The device includes a plurality of sighting arrow members disposed on the upper forward toe portion of a bowling shoe, each being disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bowling shoe. Two of the sighting arrows are relatively spaced apart at a distance equal to the distance between adjacent crevices formed between the longitudinal boards of a conventional bowling alley.

Abstract: This shoe consists primarily of a toe portion, a heel portion, and an adjustable arch, which, when the shoe is assembled, will be held in place by pointed plastic tabs on inner sole portions, when pressure is applied. The shoe further includes toothed tongues of the heel portion, which are received in toothed pockets in the toe portion, and strap means on the heel portion provides fastening means to the toe portion by buckles thereon.