Abstract: A footwear for protecting the foot against an impact with an external body, comprising a protective component (20) adapted to deforming under pressure from the foot and/or the external body in case of impact. The protection component is made in a way to react under said pressure with a permanent and irreversible structural alteration, thus absorbing and simultaneously dispersing the received energy during the impact.

Abstract: The device is a semicircular attachment to the heel of footwear by way of screws. It has a vertical arm attached to a horizontal arm ending in an end cap. It is also a method used to shift motorcycles without a person's foot leaving the peg or floorboard.

Abstract: The invention provides bicycling shoes and bicycling shoe components that offer improved comfort, fit, increased efficiency and reduced incidence of injury.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, can have a supple, leather boot feel. Disclosed footwear can have a hinged coupling between a foot-engagement structure and a lower-leg engagement structure to promote anatomically correct flexion in a wearer's ankle. The lower-leg engagement portion can define a ledge having a lowermost face configured to abut and matingly urge against an uppermost face of a ledge of the foot-engagement portion to limit an extent of pivoting of the hinged coupling. The hinged coupling, in some instances, can include a pair of opposed bushings, each defining an internal thread configured to matingly engage a corresponding outer thread on a stud. The stud can retain the lower-leg engagement portion and the foot-engagement portion in a pivotable relationship to each other. The opposed bushings can be keyed to matingly engage either a lateral portion of the foot-engagement portion or a medial portion of the foot-engagement portion.

Abstract: A restraint is configured to restrain a rider's footwear to a motorcycle footpeg along at least a nearly vertical first axis. The footpeg extends away from the motorcycle along a second axis. The restraint is based upon a combination of a hook and a clasp. The restraint can be engaged by linearly moving the footwear alternatively along either of two axes including the first axis, and a third axis that is mutually perpendicular to the first and second axes. The restraint may also be disengaged by linearly moving the footwear along the third axis. The third axis generally passes from the heel to toe of the footwear. Moving the footwear in a backward direction (toe to heel direction) engages the restraint; moving the footwear in a forward direction (heel to toe direction) disengages the restraint.

Abstract: The invention provides bicycling shoes and bicycling shoe components that offer improved comfort, fit, increased efficiency and reduced incidence of injury. The invention includes an athletic shoe having a sole, an upper attached to the sole to form a toe box, a vamp, a quarter, a throat and an interior cavity, a tongue attached to the upper proximate the toe box, and a closure system adapted to close and secure the tongue on a foot of a user. The closure system comprises at least two straps and two loops that are secured by drawing one end of a strap across the top of the upper, through a loop, and back over the upper, to connect with an opposing end of the strap, and, at least two straps are positioned on the upper to intersect a toe-to-heel line at a strap angle between about 95 degrees and about 120 degrees.

Abstract: A new aerodynamic cover for a bicycle shoe and clipless bicycle pedal for improving speed when cycling. The aerodynamic cover has a main body including an ankle portion having a rear side, a heel portion connected to the ankle portion, and a sole portion connected to the heel portion and having an underside. An opening is formed in the sole portion for allowing a bicycle pedal to be engaged to the bicycle cleat. An outwardly extending fin stretches from the rear side of the ankle portion, around the heel portion, to the underside of the sole portion. The aerodynamic cover may further have a pedal layer, a cleat layer, and a base plate layer. A gap is defined between the pedal layer and the cleat layer. The gap inhibits excessive friction between the pedal layer and the cleat layer as the cleat is pivoted with respect to the pedal.

Abstract: A wear protective motorcycle boot according to the present invention for use when operating a motorcycle shift lever includes a sole having a front end, a rear end, and side edges extending between the sole front and rear ends. A toe portion extends upwardly from the sole front end. A top surface of the boot is situated rearwardly from the toe portion and upwardly from the side edges of the sole. An ankle portion extends upwardly from the top surface. A protection member is situated on the top surface of the boot between the toe portion and the ankle portion, the protection member including a textured surface configured to resist wear when bearing against the motorcycle shift lever. In some embodiments, the protection member may be removable and selectively attached to front portion of a boot.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe support includes a rigid support frame and a flexible support member. The rigid support frame has a cleat attachment section, a heel section and a pair of side sections. The heel section is arranged with respect to the cleat attachment section. The side sections longitudinally extend between the cleat attachment section and the heel section to define a foot receiving space therebetween. The flexible support member extends beneath the foot receiving space.

Abstract: A novel bike shoe (and related methods of use and fabrication) and bike shoe/pedal system that allows the rider to either slide their foot in and out of the shoe while it remains attached to the pedal or mount/dismount from the pedal while wearing the shoe.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe includes a sole, a shoe upper portion, and a fixing strap. The shoe upper portion is coupled to the sole to form a foot receiving space. The shoe upper portion includes first and second attachment sections. The fixing strap has a proximal end attached to a part of the shoe upper portion. The fixing strap includes third and fourth attachment sections. The shoe upper portion and the fixing strap selectively maintain one of a first state in which the third attachment section of the fixing strap is releasably attached to the first attachment section of the shoe upper portion and a second state in which the fourth attachment section of the fixing strap is releasably attached to the second attachment section of the shoe upper portion. The foot receiving space is larger in the second state than in the first state.

Abstract: A clipless cycling shoe having an upper and a base plate. The base plate has a medial portion, a lateral portion and a medial sidewall. The medial portion has a rigid support structure having a top portion and a bottom portion, a cavity is formed between the top portion and bottom portion, wherein the cavity is filled with a core material. The lateral portion has a lateral plate. The medial sidewall wrap is adjacent the medial portion and extends outward and upward relative to the base plate and the medial sidewall wrap extends a portion of the length of the base plate. The medial portion is desirably thicker than the lateral portion.

Abstract: Sporting footwear can include a buckle system to secure the footwear to the user's foot. The footwear may also include additional other types of fastening systems. The buckle system can include a base plate attached to the shoe and a buckle housing attached to the base plate. The buckle housing and base plate can be assembled without tools, such as having a snap fit interface.

Abstract: A cycling shoe can include a hook, or other device on the shoe which can be used together with another device, such as with a rubber band, to position the shoes on a bicycle in a desired position. The shoes can be clipped into pedals on the bicycle, and the hook and rubber band can be used to position the shoes and crank arms of the bicycle in the position desired by the user. The hook can be on the arch side of the shoe. The hook can be separate from the tightening system.

Abstract: The pedal assembly includes a pedal and a cleat. The pedal has a spindle portion, a front portion with a front engagement member, a rear portion and a rear engagement member movably coupled to the rear portion. The cleat has a front engagement end and a rear engagement end. A front edge of the spindle portion is formed with a V-shaped positioning side. A U-shaped pad is attached under the front engagement end. Two legs of the pad are protrudent from the bottom of the cleat, and ends of the legs are separately formed with two abutment surfaces. The abutment surfaces abut against the positioning side.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a cyclic pedal device comprising a sole portion comprising a first portion for reversible engagement with the foot of a cyclist and a second portion for reversible engagement with a pedal such that the device is fastened around the user's feet and footwear by means of a trivalent ankle fastening system. The device allows for practical bicycling performance. The device may allow cyclists to pursue a cycling activity and another non-cycling activity without the use of specialized bicycle footwear.

Abstract: The pedal includes a pedal body (1) rotationally mounted on a pedal shaft. The pedal body (1) includes a fixed front catch element (4) and a movable rear catch element (6) that work with a retaining plate (3) fixed underneath the footwear of the cyclist. The movable rear catch element (6) is mounted to be able to pivot between a retaining position of the plate (3) and a position of release of the plate (3) by the pivoting of the rear catch element (6) in opposition to the action of an elastic return element (10). The elastic return element (10) is composed of an elastic leaf that forms a spring located in a longitudinal housing (11) of the pedal body (10) open to the rear, the leaf (10) being able to be stressed along its longitudinal axis in buckling during pivoting of the rear catch element.

Abstract: A snap block structure for racing type bicycle shoes includes a hard snapping plate, and a soft anti-skid pad mounted on the snapping plate. Thus, the snap block structure has an anti-skid pad mounted on the snapping plate to provide an anti-skid effect when touching the ground. In addition, the anti-skid pad is combined with the snapping plate rigidly and stably, thereby enhancing the strength of the snap block structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.

Abstract: A boot accessory for limiting how far a user can push his/her boot into a stirrup comprises an arch for hugging a front edge of the boot; a first hook disposed on the first end of the arch and a second hook disposed on the second end of the arch. The first hook curves outwardly from the first end of the arch and further a first end of the first hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. The second hook curves outwardly from the second end of the arch and further a first end of the second hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. A gap exists between the first end of the first hook and the arch and between the first end of the second hook and the arch, wherein the gaps are for engaging sides of the stirrup.

Abstract: A riding boot for use with a stirrup, the riding boot including a sole for engaging the stirrup, the sole coupled to the riding boot and a magnetic member coupled to the sole. The magnetic member is a polymer including a magnetic metal.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole for supporting a foot and an upper coupled to the sole. The upper defines an opening for receiving the foot and includes a first side panel and a second side panel movable in relation to the first side panel. The shoe also includes a closure mechanism that is coupled between the first side panel and the second side panel, and a tightening mechanism that is engaged with the closure mechanism to selectively draw the first side panel and the second side panel closer to each other and to selectively permit the first side panel and the second side panel to move apart from each other. A cover provides access to the tightening mechanism while enclosing the closure mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a suite of innovations that reduce the coefficient of drag of a bicycle rider. The innovations include aerodynamically shaped bicycle riding shoes, an inflatable body fairing worn on the bicyclist's chest area that directly reduces the coefficient of drag of the bicyclist's torso while in an aerodynamically efficient riding position, and a riding goggle and a portable imaging system that reduce the coefficient of drag of a bicycle rider by allowing the athlete to assume and maintain a more aerodynamically efficient riding position.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal has a pedal spindle, a pedal body and a step-in cleat engagement structure. The pedal body includes a tubular mounting portion rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The tubular mounting portion includes a center tube section that has a widthwise dimension and a lengthwise dimension as measured from the center spindle axis to an outside surface of the center tube section along reference planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. The widthwise dimension is substantially perpendicular to a cleat pedaling force direction applied to the pedal spindle, as viewed along in a direction of the center spindle axis. The outside surface of the center tube section has an overall transverse cross sectional shape that includes a generally convex arc that extends a majority of the outside surface of the center tube section on a side of the reference plane that faces the cleat engagement structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a foot portion for receiving a foot and a leg portion for receiving at least a portion of a leg, and the sole structure is secured to a lower area of the foot portion. The footwear includes at least one of a plate system, a hinge system, and a sole structure formed from materials of different hardness, stiffness, or density. The plate system includes a plate that extends over a medial side of the footwear and may (a) be formed of materials of different hardness or (b) extend onto the sole structure and into an indentation in the sole structure. The hinge system includes a chassis secured to the foot portion and a beam secured to the leg portion, with a hinge rotatably-joining the chassis and beam.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a mounting standard for mounting a cleat assembly to a shoe sole having a curved underside portion and a plurality of mounting holes. The mounting standard is configured so that the cleat assembly can be moved forward or rearward with respect to the curved underside portion of the shoe sole without significantly affecting the distance between the cleat assembly and a user's foot. The present invention is also embodied in a shoe configured to receive a user's foot, the shoe comprising a shoe sole and a mounting standard.

Abstract: A triathlon shoe for use in both the cycling and running segments of a race which includes an outer sole, a midsole, an upper, a cleat for attachment to a pedal of a bike and a rigid insert positioned above, and secured to, the cleat. The rigid insert is secured to the midsole which includes a cushioning material suitable for running. The midsole and outer sole are also configured to allow the cleat to protrude through the bottom of the shoe for attachment to the pedal of a bike. The midsole may also be recessed to provide sufficient space for the pedal of the bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat and to prevent the cleat from striking the ground while the wearer is running.

Abstract: A pedal structure of a bicycle includes a retaining assembly having an arcuate engaging tab, a limiting piece mounted, and a pushing block, the limiting piece including a groove attached thereon, the pedal including an arcuate hook disposed on a front side thereof, an aperture mounted on a middle section thereof, a chamber fixed on a rear side thereof, the chamber including two slots attached on top ends of two sides thereof respectively, a defining plane formed on an upper side thereof, and two peripheral plates arranged on the two sides thereof individually, the adjusting member including a rotating disc and a stem having a recess, and an eccentric opening communicating with the recess, the recess includes a tee locking member having a vent, two sliding projections, and a protrusion, and a shank being inserted to the eccentric opening and the vents to be retained in the recess.

Abstract: A boot accessory for attaching to a side of a boot comprising an elongated bar having an outer face and an inner face; wherein a first indentation is disposed in the outer face at a first end of the bar and a second indentation is disposed in the outer face at a second end of the bar; wherein the inner face is attached to the side of the boot such that the outer face extends outwardly from the boot; wherein a first screw is driven from the first indentation through the bar and into the side of the boot and a second screw is driven from the second indentation though the bar and into the side of the boot.

Abstract: A method of fitting a cyclist in a cycling shoe is provided. The cycling shoe is engagable in a clipless pedal via a cleat affixed to the cycling shoe. The method includes the steps of compensating for a cyclist's biomechanical malalignments within the kinetic chain involved in cycling by providing a tilt to the cyclist's forefoot and challenging the cyclist with a neuromuscular feedback test as the cyclist uses their foot to apply a force through the cycling shoe to the clipless pedal. The compensation is varied and the cyclist is retested until a favorable response to the neuromuscular feedback test indicates a functional compensation.

Abstract: A rowing shoe includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper portion. The shoe sole has a cleat mounting portion configured so that a cleat structure is mountable thereto for releasably attaching to a binding structure of a rowing boat. The shoe upper portion includes at least one fixing strap configured to secure the shoe upper portion to a wearer's foot. The fixing strap has a proximal end fixed to the shoe upper portion and a free end having at least one aperture configured so that a pull rope can extend therethrough.

Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for cycling, comprising a sole and a vamp in which is identified a heel area having a rear part from which extend respective walls juxtaposed and spaced for bilaterally encircling the heel of the user; in the heel area it comprises a pair of presser arms extending like a pincer, each behind the corresponding vamp wall at an upper part thereof, distal with respect to the sole, and located normally above the heel of the user.

Abstract: A cycling shoe includes a sole having a toe section, a ball section, an arch section, and a heel section. An upper is connected to the sole to provide a cavity for receiving a foot of a cyclist, and a heel is pivotable relative to the sole by way of a lower portion of the heel being connected to the heel section of the sole. An upper portion of the heel can be rotated between selectable bistable open and closed positions by rotating the heel about a pivot area of the lower heel portion. In the closed position, the cyclist's foot can be secured to the cycling shoe using a fastening system that includes connecting elements extending from the heel and at least one tensioning device on the upper that cooperates with the connecting elements. The connecting elements can be adjusted such that the heel is in tension with the upper with a cyclist's foot therebetween.

Abstract: An accessory which is used to convert a non-cycling shoe into a cycling shoe, resulting in a shoe which is capable of attaching a cycling cleat. A hole is cut thru the sole of a non-cycling shoe. The hole is shaped to accommodate the accessory. The accessory is a plate shaped to fit inside the shoe and provides a comfortable surface for walking and cycling purposes, furthermore the accessory is fixed securely to the interior of a converted shoe. The accessory has the appropriate geometry and holes to attach a cycling cleat. The accessory may also possess ground contact preventing members on the bottom surface, these prevent the cycling cleat from contacting the ground while the shoe is used for walking. The accessory enables any shoe to be a cycling shoe.

Abstract: A cycling shoe comprises a shoe upper and a shoe sole. The shoe sole is provided with at least one magnetic plate, so that the cycling shoe can be magnetically attracted to a bicycle pedal including magnetic elements. The shoe sole is further provided with stopping blocks to be engaged in the bicycle pedal, preventing the cycling shoe from sliding relative to the bicycle pedal. By such arrangements, the cycling shoe has the advantages of being easy to slide out, stable engagement, and labor-saving.

Abstract: A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.

Abstract: An ergonomic bicycle pedal with removable platform comprises a pedal axle configured to receive a pedal body A socket extends integrally from the underside of the removable platform. A front hook and a rear hook extend integrally from the underside of the platform with the front hook configured and sized to engage a front channel and a rear hook configured and sized to engage a rear channel. Both the front and the rear channels are configured to allow rotational movement along two axes by having the socket moving on top of the ball and having the front hook moving within the front channel and the rear hook moving within the rear channel.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention comprise devices, systems, components, and methods for use with bicycle pedals. For example, implementations of the invention provide a bicycle pedal system that efficiently and easily allows a cyclist to securely engage an engagement assembly located on the spindle with a cleat. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide an engagement assembly with an inside grabber and an outside grabber. The inside grabber and outside grabber are easily guided to come into contact with protrusions located on the cleat such that the engagement assembly securely engages the cleat, thus allowing a cyclist to take advantage of both down-strokes and up-strokes, while at the same time providing an easy and efficient way for the cyclist to engage the pedals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable mechanism of bicycle pedal and locking shoe, wherein a magnetic absorber is set on the bicycle pedal in collaboration with an adsorbed unit on the bottom of the locking shoe, enabling easy coupling or disengagement; meanwhile, the bottom of the locking shoe is provided with a -shaped groove mating with the frame of the bicycle pedal, so that the locking shoe can be coupled with the bicycle pedal more stably and robustly; moreover, an oblique surface is formed on the same lateral wall of two channels of the groove, such that the locking shoe can be more easily mated with the bicycle pedal in an oblique angle; furthermore, marks are printed on the inner edge of the locking shoe corresponding to two channels of -shaped groove, enabling rapid coupling by the beginners.

Abstract: A shoe for driving a car according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a heel part 5 on a foot sole 4 and an inclined face 5B increasing gradually toward a rear side in a side view. This inclined face 5B comprises a first face part 5a which is formed outside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing an accelerator pedal and a second face part 5b unlike the face condition of the above-mentioned first face part, which is formed inside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing a brake pedal.

Abstract: A shoe positioning plate has a shoe facing side surface, a sole surface and a shoe positioning member. The sole surface is configured to be a part of a shoe sole when the shoe facing side surface is attached the shoe sole. The shoe positioning member includes at least one abutment disposed on an opposite side of the shoe positioning plate from the shoe facing side surface and extending in an elongated direction of a shoe when the shoe positioning plate is attached the shoe sole.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, having a molded top gasket and/or a fold-over thermal laminate. The molded top gasket may be a substantially annular unitary piece or multi-piece construction of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that snugly wraps around the wearer's lower leg or ankle when the footwear is worn. The fold-over thermal laminate is a piece of thermally resistant material on the outer surface of the footwear upper that extends over a portion of the rim and into the inside of the upper. One or more optional control pads also may be placed on the exterior surface of the thermal laminate.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a torsion system constructed of a material and configured to allow, in a pre-selected manner, rotation of a forefoot portion of the article of footwear relative to a rearfoot portion of the article of footwear about a longitudinal axis of the article while substantially precluding bending in an intermediate portion thereof.

Abstract: A footwear article (1), for practicing a sport, in particular, motorcycling, includes a rigid body (2), for housing the foot of a user, running in an extension direction (8), a rigid upper (4), for housing the leg of a user and running essentially in an elevation direction (10), a joint (6), permitting the rotation of the upper with relation to the body in a transverse direction (12), stop elements for limiting the rotation of the upper (4) with relation to the body (2) in the transverse direction (12) within a range of rotation limits over 50 to 70 degrees, damping elements (14), generating a torque which opposes the approach of the first and second stop elements, the damping elements having an inactive state when the upper and the body move relative to each other within a normal rotation range of 30 to 50 degrees.

Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: Sole for footwear with ventilation induced by the Venturi effect is the present invention. An insole is superimposed that includes a plurality of holes for the passage of air from the sole towards the interior of the shoe. The sole includes at least one inlet opening placed on the lateral frontal surface and at least one outlet opening placed on the back lateral surface. The inlet opening and outlet opening of an airflow channel are each provided respectively with a sliding shutter that reduces the incoming airflow and a sliding shutter that reduces the outgoing airflow and a plurality of air inlet holes made on the insole to make the air enter and exit in correspondence with the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a foot portion for receiving a foot and a leg portion for receiving at least a portion of a leg, and the sole structure is secured to a lower area of the foot portion. The footwear includes at least one of a plate system, a hinge system, and a sole structure formed from materials of different hardness, stiffness, or density. The plate system includes a plate that extends over a medial side of the footwear and may (a) be formed of materials of different hardness or (b) extend onto the sole structure and into an indentation in the sole structure. The hinge system includes a chassis secured to the foot portion and a beam secured to the leg portion, with a hinge rotatably-joining the chassis and beam.

Abstract: A riding boot attachment for use with a riding boot includes a body member having a first surface, a second surface, and at least two openings for receiving the riding boot. The body member receives at least a portion of the riding boot and is shaped and configured to conform to a contour of the riding boot. The riding boot attachment also includes a sole for engaging a stirrup, the sole coupled to the first surface of the body member, and a magnetic member coupled to the sole.

Abstract: A pair of bike shoe slippers, each slipper with a sole portion, a side wall portion and a top portion. The top portion including a shoe receiving aperture and the aperture including a sewn in elastic band that surrounds its perimeter. The over-slippers are constructed of elastic material such as spandex. The over-slippers each have a plurality of resilient pads fixedly attached to the underside of the sole portion of each slipper. The soles and the pads form a protective layer between the cleats of a standard bike shoe and any surface that the wearer of the bike shoe may be walking on. The pads of the slippers are located under the standard cleat locations found on a standard bike shoe. A preferred embodiment includes strap handles fixedly attached to the front and rear rim of the shoe receiving aperture to allow for easy attachment or removal of the slipper.