Abstract: A sneaker-like or exercise shoe with an adjustable, posterior heel strap that provides for a one size fits all configuration. A plurality of peripheral hook members are positioned around the mid-section and toe portion of the shoe for attaching an elastic or stretchable band. Specifically, the plurality of hook members are positioned (A) on the inside of the foot at the medial portion of the 1st metatarsal distal end; (B) on the outside of the foot at the lateral medial portion of the 5th metatarsal distal end; and (C) on the distal end of the 2nd metatarsal. At the back of the shoe the strap goes around the posterior calcaneus of a foot for adjustable sizes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: A weight lifting system wherein shoes of substantially normal fit and construction have additional parts that are designed to attach to and detach from corresponding hardware on weights and weight holding devices, and the additional parts on the shoes will not interfere with walking or other exercises or with the normal function of the shoe. Structural support for the added parts is embedded in the sole of the shoe where it will be unnoticeable by the user. The hardware works quickly and easily and a plurality of different weights is preferred with the net result being that the user can quickly and easily pick up and put down weights with their feet, change the amount of weight, and change weights from foot to foot and, hence, can easily move from one exercise to another, and there is no need to remove the shoes when performing other exercises.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ski boot for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and a latch assembly for securing the baffled support matrix adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a catch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a catch support interacting with the catch; a chassis attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said catch support and said chassis attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the catch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; and a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: a chassis portion overmolded with a tread portion; and a latch assembly for securing the chassis adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a latch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a latch support interacting with the latch; an attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said latch support and said attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the latch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: A flexible, rollable sole having a thin elastic or rubber cord attached thereto in parallel to and at a distance from the sole edge, the elastic cord fits around the ski boot at the junction of the sole and upper, the elastic cord extends around the boot at the level of the sole. The attachment may comprise a plurality of extensions of the plastic or rubber cord. In embodiments pair of soles sufficient to completely cover the toe and heel of the boot have a short gap therebetween. In embodiments a thin elastic hand holds a fabric upper body in place. Large loops allow a user to easily manipulated the device wearing ski gloves, a band, fastener or hook may be used to hold the device to its companion device or in the rolled up position or around the boot shaft while the user is skiing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising first and second pads each having a cleaning portion. The apparatus includes a means for attaching the first and second pads to a shoe. The first and second pads are configured so that a golf club head can be cleaned with the cleaning portions of the first and the second pads, while the first and the second pads are attached to the shoe. A connecting portion may connect the first pad and the second pad. First and second straps may be connected to the first and second pads, wherein the first and second straps may have first and second attachment devices located on them.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided for improving athletic performance of a user, including a flexible insole (40), adapted for insertion into a shoe, the insole shaped so as to define one or more chambers (22, 24). The apparatus also includes a stimulator (50) and a control unit (30). The control unit is adapted to detect respective pressures in the chambers, and to drive the stimulator to apply a stimulation to the user responsive to the detected pressures and a desired parameter of athletic performance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, footwear is provided that includes a sole having a light source disposed therein. A foot sensor, disposed in the sole, detects the presence or absence of a foot in the footwear. A light sensor is adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear. The footwear may also include an energy storage element for powering the light source and maintaining the light source in the ON state for a period of time after the foot is removed. A selector may be provided for selecting a mode of operation, such as OFF, Auto ON and ON. In another embodiment, footwear is provided that includes a tag that is removably coupled to the footwear by a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A shoe with a leveling instrument for detecting a relative height and a gradient of a ground to step thereon with the shoe, includes an outsole disposed at a lower portion of the shoe, an upper disposed at an upper portion of the outsole, an x-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth (i.e., an upper strip portion or welt) of a front end portion of the outsole or the upper, a top surface thereof being externally exposed, and a y-direction leveling instrument formed or affixed at the girth of a side portion of the outsole or the upper thereof, a top surface thereof being externally exposed. Accordingly, the shoes having the leveling instrument can detect the relative height and the gradient around the ground stepped by a user, whereby helping to correct a swing posture of a golfer, conduct a measurement operation of various engineers in architectural and civil engineering etc., and correct a walking posture of a walker.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

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 method for increasing an exertion associated with a stride of a person is provided. The method including; providing a platform operatively engaged with a surface of a footwear worn by the person and upon which is exerted a weight of the person; and storing a potential energy of the person upon exertion of the weight on the platform.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe sole includes a bottom portion having a number of projections extended downwardly from an outer peripheral portion and having a middle portion having no projections, and having a stud extended downwardly from the middle portion. A coupling member is integrally formed on the stud, without fasteners, by such as molding or mold injection processes, to allow the coupling member to be solidly disposed and attached on the bicycle shoe sole, and to prevent the coupling member from being disengaged from the bicycle shoe sole. The coupling member includes a front protrusion and a rear protrusion for coupling the shoe sole to foot pedals of bicycles.

Abstract: A turntable module for incorporation into a footwear sole as a pre-assembled unit, the module comprising a base (2), and a turntable (4) mounted to the base and sealed relative to the base to prevent ingress of dirt or mud into the interior of the module, the module being mountable to preformed sole structure such that the turntable is exposed through an aperture in an outer sole (20) of the structure. The use of the pre-assembled turntable module facilitates its incorporation into footwear using conventional mass production techniques for footwear.

Abstract: Insole constructions for shoes including articulated components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for a hockey skate boot, the cover having a hard but flexible protective shell with an open bottom and heel, and heel-cupping sidewall portions that flex apart diagonally to apply the cover to the boot and to grip portions of the boot heel under tension when released. The shell floats above the surface of the boot on spaced pads secured to the underside of the shell, the pads protecting side-foot, ankle, and instep portions of the foot, while still allowing the boot-laces to be adjusted while the protective cover is installed on the boot. The shell is preferably slotted on the instep to improve flexibility. The initial tensioned fit of the cover on the boot frees the user's hands from having to stabilize the cover while adjusting supplemental fasteners such as straps.

Abstract: An exercising device for securely receiving a user's shoe. The device comprises an elevated sole member, a cover member above the sole member open at its rear end for receiving the shoe, a means for securing the shoe, a means for providing grip to the shoe, and a means for providing traction to the device during use. The cover member is of sufficient thickness and length such that the heel of the user's shoe is elevated off the ground when the user's shoe is securely received. The cover member has elastic and non-elastic portions.

Abstract: An exercising device for securely receiving a user's shoe. The device comprises an elevated sole member, a cover member above the sole member open at its rear end for receiving the shoe, a means for securing the shoe, a means for providing grip to the shoe, and a means for providing traction to the device during use. The cover member is of sufficient thickness and length such that the heel of the user's shoe is elevated off the ground when the user's shoe is securely received. The cover member has elastic and non-elastic portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having an outsole, an upper having a notch, a brace having at least one localized area placed in the notch, and the brace being in contact with and secured to both the upper and the outsole. The invention also relates to a method for providing the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention is a sleeve to be worn over a soccer shoe, with indicia in two distinct regions of an instep, indicia on an outstep, and indicia on a top region constructed and arranged for teaching soccer skills and a method of using the sleeve to teach soccer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: A stabilizing training device suitable for use on an ice-skate is disclosed. The device provides a foot retaining portion and a stabilizing portion directly under the foot retaining portion. The unit is designed to provide at least partial resiliency to permit limited lateral movement in use. The device is positioned about the foot or footwear by positioning the former into the foot retaining area. A base extends between foot retaining members of the foot retaining area. The base contacts the sole of the foot or footwear and has, extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, arms which provide for the stabilizing aspect when the device is in use.

Abstract: A therapeutic sandal is provided that includes an upper component having a front strap assembly and a rear strap assembly for securing a foot to the upper component, and a lower component, cooperative with the upper component, having at least one fulcrum object attached to the bottom surface of the lower component. The lower component is replaceable with another lower component with at least one different fulcrum object attached thereto. The lower component has at least one or two compressible fulcrum objects thereto. The lower component can also have at least one substantially non-compressible fulcrum object attached to the bottom surface. The invention provides a means for effectively exercising different muscle groups of the legs. The therapeutic sandals can be advantageously used by young children, in part due to the element of novelty and fun provided by wearing and using them, thereby encouraging a child to continue their use.

Abstract: Footwear is provided that includes a sole having a front and a back. A light source is disposed in the front of the sole. A foot sensor, disposed in the sole, detects the presence or absence of a foot in the footwear. A light sensor, disposed in the sole, is adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear. The sole may also include a delay circuit for maintaining the light source in the ON state for a predetermined period of time after the foot is removed.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for fastening an item to a shoe that is provided with a shoestring includes a bottom part, which can be fitted on top of the set of shoestrings, and a space for receiving the item. The attachment bracket also includes a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket that is spaced from the first mounting bracket. The mounting brackets can be pushed under the shoestring from opposite directions. In addition, the part of the attachment bracket between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket is flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: An insole assembly for increasing the weight of footwear and a heavy footwear having an outsole and/or a midsole made of a high specific gravity compressed resin to enhance exercise effect. The insole assembly includes a lower insole made of a compressed resin having a high specific gravity; an upper insole laid on the lower insole and a shock-absorbing member attached to a heel of the lower insole. The insole assembly is made of a compressed resin to increase the weight of the footwear to which the insole assembly is applied.

Abstract: A user in locomotion on foot during an outing may identify a grade of a surface with at least one device supported by the user. A performance parameter of the user may be determined with the device based upon the grade of the surface, which may be based upon a measured physiological parameter of the user. An average foot contact time and an average pace of a user during a first outing may be identified and a relationship between them may be determined. No other average foot contact times or average paces identified during a different outing may be used to define the relationship. A single user-specific calibration contestant may define a relationship between foot contact times of a user and corresponding paces of the user, wherein no other user-specific calibration constants are used to define the relationship.

Abstract: A device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing may monitor a performance parameter of the user. The performance parameter may comprise a pace and/or a speed of the user. Prior to the outing, the device may be configured to specify a first interval and second interval, corresponding to a first and second performance zone, respectively, for the outing. Each performance zone may be different from one another and each zone may comprise one of a zone of paces and a zone of speeds. During the first interval, an action may be taken with the device in response to determining that the monitored performance parameter has fallen outside of the first performance zone. During the second interval, an action may be taken with the device in response to determining that the monitored performance parameter has fallen outside the second performance zone.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a mid-sole foot platform for supporting from below the foot of a user, an outer sole for providing the footwear item with turning traction and a stash assembly sandwiched between the mid-sole foot platform and the outer sole, wherein said stash assembly has disposed therein a slidably removable comb sufficient width, length and depth dimensions for storage therein of loose items.

Abstract: An electricity-producing shoe comprises a shoe body including an electricity-producing module and an electricity generator mounted therein. The electricity-producing module includes a rack, first and second gears, and a spring buffer that mounts between the first and second gears. The first and second gears are engaged with the rack and an axial gear of the electricity generator, respectively. The electricity generator has an electricity output terminal connected to an electric device of the shoe body. As a result, the rack drives the first gear and the second gear drives the axial gear of the electricity generator by means of normal stepping motion of walking for producing electric power and thereby supplying the electric power for the electric device.

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: The subject invention improves traditional safety equipment intended to protect the lower leg, ankle, foot, and toes applicable in industrial and commercial as well as casual and athletic uses. The personal protective equipment (PPE) of the subject invention comprises a soleplate, a metatarsal component, a toe cap, and a tibia-fibula component; these components can be implemented alone or in combination within a shoe or boot providing for various levels of protection depending on the desired application. Further embodiments provide for both the implementation of the protective components within the footwear as well as components that can be worn in conjunction with pre-existing shoes or boots.

Abstract: A foot weight device is provided which can be fitted to the foot or footwear of a user. The device is particularly adapted for use with skates, and in particular a hockey skate. The device has one or more compartments located on each side of the user's ankle so as to provide an equally balanced weight on the side of the user's foot. The weight receiving compartments are positioned adjacent to both the lateral and medial malleolus portions of the ankle so that weight is preferably equally applied to both sides of the ankle. Alternatively, the weight receiving compartments can be formed as an integral part of the footwear. A more balanced foot weight is provided which minimizes undue strain on the ankle and foot structure.

Abstract: Weight sporters is a shoe that *utilizes the rubber sole of the shoe to hold five weights of different circular sizes, by means of circular cavities manufactured along the side of the rubber sole. Weights are attached and secured by means of a turning knob on each top edge of the weight they are secured by means of a rubber pressure ring on the top edge of each weight and are machined threaded. The weights may be worn in all variations, using one, two, five or none at all etc. In other variants of the invention the shoe weights may also be covered with a smooth rubber plastic.

Abstract: A footwear insole that is put into a footwear when used includes an insole body put in the footwear, and a load-applying part installed on a rear portion of the insole body to apply load to a user wearing the footwear with the insole body. When the user uses the footwear insole of the present invention, since the weight of the footwear is increased, the user can obtain an effect similar to a case that he/she wears a sandbag or a lead jacket, thereby increasing the burning of calories and exercise effect.

Abstract: A brush is mounted on the toe of an umpire's shoe and is used to clean dirt and debris from home plate. One form of the brush includes straps that encircle the shoe, while other forms of the brush include brushes that are movable.

Abstract: An apparatus, in its first, second, and third embodiments, that is intended to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the soles of the ski boots. The first three embodiments generally comprise of sandal-like soles made of a resilient, elastic, springy material, which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots. A fourth embodiment is made by altering the ski boots themselves so that the heel (41) and toe (40) sections of the boot are hinged (42) to the underside of the boot, and contain a spring that adds energy to each step taken by the user. The hinged sections are pinned against the boot while skiing.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for determining the wear of a sole of a shoe. The device includes first and second sensors receivable in the sole of the shoe. The sensors are axially spaced and generate signals in response to corresponding impact forces acting thereon. A control circuit is connectable to the first and second sensors. The control circuit compares the difference between the first and second signals to a threshold and generates an alert signal in response to the difference between the first and second signal meeting the threshold.

Abstract: An improved exercise device including a sole with an upper surface on which a wearer's foot rests and a lower partially ground contacting surface. The sole has a heel, a midfoot, a forefoot and a toe region such that when the heel region lower surface and the forefoot region lower surface are in ground contact, the upper surface does not incline upwards from the forefoot to the heel region. The forefoot lower surface of the sole is generally radiused in a cylindrical curve about the line connecting the mid points of the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints of the wearer. When the wearer contracts their calf muscles, the heel section is lifted away from the ground, requiring work against gravity.

Abstract: A shoe suited for walking or running includes a shoe sole, a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole, and a pedometer integrated into one of the shoe sole and the shoe upper. The pedometer includes structure configured for monitoring a remaining useful life of the shoe, and structure configured to alert a user when the remaining useful life is approaching or has reached an end. The shoe indicates when it should be replaced to protect against skeletal, bone, shin, internal and other user injury resulting from running/walking on shoes that have diminished shock absorbency.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a mount, a housing, and a sensor. The mount is adapted to be disposed at least partially underneath a shoelace of a shoe. The housing is configured and arranged to be placed in at least first and second states in relation to the mount, wherein in the first state the housing is movable with respect to the mount and in the second state the housing is immovable with respect to the mount. There is a tongue on one of the mount and the housing and a groove on the other of the mount and the housing, the tongue being adapted to engage the groove when the housing is in the second state in relation to the mount and to disengage the groove then the housing is in the first state with respect to the mount. The sensor, which senses motion of the shoe, is disposed within the housing such that the sensor remains disposed within the housing when the housing is placed in the first state in relation to the mount and the housing is moved with respect to the mount.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.