Abstract: An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements.

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

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

Abstract: A shoe (1) in which at least a portion of upper (1a) includes gripping areas (4, 5) resulting from the presence of a coating, the coating providing a dry coefficient of friction exceeding that of a standard athletic leather according to a modified IUP51 test (as defined).

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

Abstract: The present invention provides for multiple portions of a shoe structure and the method of making these portions wherein one or more of the portions comprise two or more flat perimeter edges. The present invention further provides faceted lasts for making faceted shoe portions. An exemplary embodiment (FIG. 9) of a shoe having a faceted outsole, rand, and shoe upper of the present invention features five separate straight-line facets (30-34) and six angled corners (40-45). Alternative degrees of the angle formed by the intersection of the various straight-line facets, and the number of the various straight-line facets, can be varied for different types of foot structures. For example, the angle degrees and number of outsole facets may vary as between shoes for adult males and for women and children's feet. Facet (30) and facet (32) contact exemplary edge formations (4a, 4b) respectively with outsole contact areas (7a-1, 7b-1).

Abstract: Athletic positioning force unifying separator for toes comprises a case made from bending material, comprising reinforcements of predetermined stiffness, depending the aim of the product, or does not include reinforcements. Separator has clearances of suitable form, so that the toe is surrounded by the partition walls, and suitable outer form for a footwear. In the manufacture of the case can be used pattern casting (synthetics, rubber etc.

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

Abstract: A article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. At least a portion of the upper includes a substrate layer and a polymer layer. The substrate layer is formed of an air-permeable material, and may be a textile or mesh material. The polymer layer defines a plurality of apertures that expose portions of the substrate layer, and the polymer layer is formed of a polymer material that infiltrates the substrate layer and is thereby secured to the substrate layer. A method of forming the material for the upper includes casting a polymer resin to form the polymer layer.

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

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

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

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue including an inner tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Fastening structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the fastening structure and the engagement structure.

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

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

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a sole extension extending substantially from the bottom sole to substantially overlap front portions of the shoe sidewalls including the toe enclosing portion, towards and closely adjacent the lacing area. Side seams secure the rear portion of the sidewalls to the bottom sole and upper seams extend from the side seams over the middle and front portions of the sidewalls along the outer edges of the sole extension and secure the sole extension to the sidewalls.

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

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

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

Abstract: A kicking aid for a shoe and method therefor, comprising a sleeve adapted to be fitted over an arch area of a shoe to provide a wearer with larger, stronger and more even kicking surfaces to enable a player to kick a ball with more power and accuracy.

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

Abstract: A foot paddle including a footwear, a racket which includes a ball rebound surface bounded by a perimeter wall, the racket including a forefoot portion, configured to overlay a forefoot of the footwear and which generally does not extend medially beyond the forefoot of the footwear and does not extend outwards beyond a toe portion of the footwear, and a lateral portion which extends laterally beyond the footwear, and a mounting bracket mounted on the footwear, wherein the racket is attachable to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A soccer shoe cover includes a rubber membrane formed to stretch over the exterior surface of a soccer shoe. The membrane covers the laces, the heel and a kicking portion of the soccer shoe while leaving the toe uncovered. The membrane has a rear opening for inserting the soccer shoe and a front opening for exposing the toe. The membrane provides a kicking surface that remains substantially smooth over shoe laces when the membrane is fitted over the soccer shoe.

Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of concave pads adapted to be externally attached to the foot or to athletic or other footwear for use in foot game sports.

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 athletic shoe designed for kicker's kicking footballs from the ground having a toe portion that extends upwardly with respect to the horizontal plane formed by the heel and instep of the shoe. The toe has a kicking surface that is substantially flat and perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the heel and instep. Furthermore, the kicking surface is as wide as the widest part of the kicker's foot so that slight misalignment to the left or right of center of the kicker's foot with respect to the ball does not substantially affect kicking accuracy. A shank can be provided on the sole and substantially aligned with the kicking surface to prevent toe and ankle breakdown during kicking. Additionally, a last for forming the kicking shoe having the upwardly extending toe area and substantially flat kicking surface at the frontmost part of the toe area. The last also is as wide at the toe area as the widest part of the shoe.

Abstract: A foot protector is disclosed herein. The foot protector comprises an upper shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the metatarsal or middle portion of the foot; an anterior shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the phalanges or toe portion of the foot; and a flexible joint which connects the two shields and allows for substantially normal foot motion. The foot protector may be used on cleated athletic footwear, such as those worn by football players, to prevent foot injuries without hindering athletic performance. The foot protector may be equipped with eyelets on the upper shield and a strap or laces on the anterior shield as a means of securing the device to the underlying shoe.

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 golf ball kicking device adapted to be worn on the toe of a shoe comprisinga first member having a concavity including a flexible surface adapted to be positioned against a toe of a shoe;a second member detachably connected to said first member and having a golf ball striking surface adapted to be mounted in front of the toe of the shoe, said striking surface having an area approximating the area of a selected golf iron and a slope approximating the slope of said selected golf iron; andan adjustable strap fastened at opposite ends thereof to the first member for maintaining said first member in a fixed and abutting relationship with said toe of said 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 soccer training shoe has a multiplicity of target sectors affixed over different shoe portions which have a different shape corresponding to an optimal area of kicking contact for a respective kicking technique and a different color from the other target sectors to allow one to visually distinguish what type of kicking technique has been performed and whether it has been performed optimally. In the preferred embodiment, the soccer training shoe has target sectors on the heel, forward instep, middle instep, lace, outside foot, and toe portions of the shoe.

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: 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: 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 boot for motorcycle cross-country racing is disclosed which comprises protection plates formed with plural elastically deformable hollow, button-like projections. The hollow, button-like projections extend through holes formed in a toe, malleolus and calf portions of said boot for attenuating shock transmitted to said boot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a generally planar ball-impacting surface formed in the recessed part of the instep and/or lateral aspect regions of the shoe. When formed in the instep region, for example, the surface extends across the region between the curvilinear heel and toe end portions of the shoe and includes at least two adjacent discrete sections separately attached to or integrally formed with the outer surface of the instep region of the shoe. The sections are disposed in sliding contact, one with respect to the other, and configured so that when the toe portion of the shoe is flexed upwardly, the sections slide with respect to each other while maintaining the ball-impacting surface in a substantially planar configuration.

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 appliance to be applied to the ankle of one or both legs of a soccer-style kicker to improve the trajectory of the kicked ball, involving a relatively rigid cordon-like member, with an arched shape so as to surround the front part of the ankle and with the ends curved down and forward so as to partially surround the back side of the malleoli (FIG. 2).

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: A sports boot or shoe, such as a soccer boot, has a stippled material secured to at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper of the boot or shoe, with the stippled surface of the material facing inwardly thereof. Preferably, the stippled surface of the material is bonded to a flexible substrate, such as, a foamed plastics material. The outwardly facing surface of the material can be substantially smooth or be provided with outwardly facing stipples. The stippled material, and optionally in combination with its flexible substrate, provides a friction pad which reduces the spin of a ball impacting therewith, as well as acting as a shock absorber to reduce the impact energy of a ball contacting the pad.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a kicking shoe which incorporates a defined impact surface formed by a substantially rigid pad overlying the instep to serve as a device to consistently contact a football in a controlled pattern so that the range and accuracy of the kicker are improved.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional soccer shoe having two visually distinctive areas located in two regions of the shoe where proper contact with a soccer ball should be made. The first area covers a substantial part of the toe region of the shoe and the second area covers a substantial part of the instep sidewall region of the shoe. The two areas are visually distinctive from the remainder of the shoe.

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: A kicking shoe is disclosed which comprises wedging means in the toe box for maintaining the toes of a wearer in an upwardly flexed position. The resulting forward flexure of the toes facilitates "locking" of the wearer's ankle, and causes kicking force to be transmitted to a ball through the heads of the metatarsal bones of the foot rather than through the toes. Accordingly, the accuracy and distance of kicking are significantly improved by use of the shoe.

Abstract: A pair of impactor elements are fixedly attached to a football shoe along the side and even with the top and sides of the arch of the foot. These impactors are provided with planar ball impacting surfaces which materially increase the area of contact between the shoe and the football. These impactor elements increase punting consistency, ball total flight time and distances and decrease the slicing of the football to one side during punting when the ball is dropped to the right of the centerline of the arch.

Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of concave pads adapted to be externally attached to the foot or to athletic or other footwear for use in foot game sports.