Abstract: A substantially transparent article of footwear includes a substantially transparent resilient sole having a gripping surface and a substantially transparent shoe upper integrally extending from the resilient sole. The upper includes an element for aeration of a foot of a user and a substantially transparent insole disposed within the upper and a closure element for the upper. The transparent closure element operates to stabilizing an ankle and in-step area of a foot of the user within the footwear.

Abstract: A jewelry article including a planar body having a first surface bearing a decorative design which may include one or more precious stones. The body includes a plurality of elongated slots extending therethrough accommodating the lowermost loop of an engaged shoelace whereby the article is supported upon an uppermost surface of a shoe.

Abstract: A combination fashion item and adornment for at least one of wearing by a user and carrying by such user. The combination fashion item and adornment includes at least one of an article of clothing and accessory, the at least one of an article of clothing and accessory having at least one aperture of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size at a predetermined location on the at least one of an article of clothing and accessory. The combination fashion item and adornment further includes at least one adornment member for fitting within the at least one aperture, such at least one adornment member being held in place by a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: A waterproof sock according to the present invention includes a sole portion constructed of a waterproof material and an upper portion constructed of an air-permeable material. The sole portion extends about a toe region for protecting a wearer's toes from wetness or from being inadvertently scraped. The waterproof sock includes a pocket situated atop a front region of the upper portion and is configured to receive and retain heat packs. Alternately, pockets may be situated on opposed sides of the upper portion for warming both sides of a wearer's foot. Accordingly, the waterproof sock enables a wearer to keep his feet warm and dry and in a cold and wet environment such as a ski lodge.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an ankle support, and a sole structure. The upper receives a foot of an individual and includes a tab that is convertible from a folded first position to an extended second position. The ankle support is configured to extend around an ankle of the individual, and the ankle support is positioned proximal the tab. The sole structure is secured to the upper. The footwear is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The tab is in the folded first position and separate from the ankle support in the first configuration, and the tab is in the extended second position and joined with the ankle support in the second configuration.

Abstract: A removably attachable decoration for footwear is provided. The decoration can be attached to any desired article of footwear, such as a shoe or sandal, at any desired location thereon. The decoration comprises a strand having beads or other adornments attached thereto. One or more elastic bands are provided for removably attaching the decoration to an article of footwear. A hook-shaped tool is provided for attaching the one or more elastic bands to the decoration and about a portion of the article of footwear to retain the decoration in position against the article of footwear. The hook-shaped tool, elastic bands, and decoration could be provided in the form of a kit that can be used with any article of footwear.

Abstract: A changeable stripe for footwear, that can be applied to any segment of the shoe, or other clothing, or even a purse or backpack, and includes a changeable stripe that is held by means of a base, or through slots provided within the shoe, so that a pull tab connecting to the ends of the stripe can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, to change or vary the coloration or design of the shown stripe. The changeable stripe may be applied directly and integrally into the structure of the shoe component, or it may be held by an independent base structure and applied by stitching or adhesive to the shoe. Each stripe may have pivotal segments that allows for turning of a portion of a stripe, so as to display other coloration. Such changeable stripes can be applied to the surface of the shoe, can be applied over the vamp of a sandal, the vamp of a beach shoe, or to other clothing or items, as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a message-bearing apparatus or method of communicating a message for footwear and, in particular, to a color/pattern/picture coordinated message bearing method for wear inside footwear that carries a preprinted inspirational message on one side of the apparatus as well as a picture relating to the message in the background of the same side with the text.

Abstract: A modular shoe system comprises a basic shoe with first snap-on devices mounted on its outer surface, and add-on parts with second snap-on devices mounted thereon. The second snap-on devices have a shape complementary to that of the first snap-on devices so that, when pressed against each other, the first and second snap-on devices attach to each other. A modular shoe system comprising a basic shoe with first snap-on devices mounted on its outer surface, functional add-on parts with first and second snap-on devices mounted thereon for attaching the add-on parts to the basic shoe or to other add-on parts, and decorative add-on parts with second snap-on devices for attaching to the basic shoe or to functional add-on parts.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: The current invention is directed toward an item of footwear with upper and lower soles, which are removably attached to each other by a zipper, where the sole contains one or more compartments created by mating cavities formed into the mating faces of the upper and lower soles. Access to the compartment(s) is achieved through zippers and a flexible sole. A zipper is located along the fringe of the sole, separating the sole into an upper sole and a lower sole. A zipper encompassing the entire fringe of the sole allows for complete removal of the lower sole. A zipper encompassing part of the fringe combined with the flexible sole allows easy access to a compartment. The existence of a compartment is, optionally, hidden by making the zipper the same color as the sole, or by hiding the zipper under a protective sleeve.

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: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with a built in micro fan located on the shoe covering, such as above the toe area, to provide air circulation and increased comfort to the wearer. The shoe is preferably adapted with one or more improvements, such as a protective cover that protects the fan from debris and damage on the covering, a small rechargeable power source, and an easy to use on/off switch.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an electrical circuit having a battery, one or more integrated circuits connected to an array of LEDs and to a loudspeaker, and, a number of switches which are operative to activate the integrated circuit(s) in response to motion of the footwear and/or the application of a magnetic field from a permanent magnet located externally of the article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a children shoe that enables children to put shoes on the right feet by matching up the shoe big toe to big toe or heel to heel before putting on the shoe. The smart shoe essentially comprises an engaging portion on the outside of shoe with a pressure activated switch that emits light when switch is pressed the smart shoe also comprises a circuit connected to a switch, a battery and speaker and microprocessor comprising a memory that enables an announcement or other distinctive sounds to be emitted from a speaker.

Abstract: A releasable attachment is provided for parachutists' footwear to lessen the impact upon landing and to prevent injuries to the ankles, legs, knees and other body areas. The attachment consists of a fluid filled cavity and a blowout plug. The attachment is formed from a somewhat flexible polymeric material in which the cavity will collapse upon impact. The fluid contained therein will dispel and the blowout plug will release therefrom to dissipate the impact energy. The reservoir is affixed with straps to the footwear. The attachment can be quickly placed on the soles of the footwear before exiting the aircraft and easily removed after the parachutist lands. The cavities can be refilled and the blowout plugs replaced when the parachute is repacked.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole, a midsole, an insole, and a display element having a shape and a thickness. The display element shape can be circular, oval, or other shape appropriate for display through a shoe outsole. The display element has a color, such as a color that coordinates with team colors of a sports team. A cut-out having substantially the same shape and thickness as the display element is formed in the midsole for receiving the display element. The outsole includes a transparent portion through which a display element can be viewed from the bottom of the outsole.

Abstract: Footwear having a sole, a retaining strap, and at least one decorative piece is provided. The retaining strap is attached to the sole, and the decorative pieces are releasably attached to the retaining strap, thereby allowing a wearer to remove and replace the decorative pieces in an interchangeable manner. The interchangeability of the decorative pieces allows the wearer to easily modify the visual appearance of the footwear.

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: Footwear systems include: (a) a holding device having an opening; (b) an article of footwear having a sole with a projection that extends through the opening; and (c) another article of footwear having a sole with a cavity into which the projection extends (thereby sandwiching the holding device between the soles). In other systems, the sole of one article of footwear includes two raised areas that fit through two openings provided in a holding device. The two raised areas fit into recessed areas provided adjacent a raised area of another footwear sole (thereby sandwiching the holding device between the soles). The projection(s) and/or raised area(s) on one sole may be sized and constructed so as to tightly fit (e.g., a friction fit) into corresponding cavity(ies) and/or recessed area(s) provided on the other sole, to thereby detachably hold the soles together and/or detachably engage with the holding device.

Abstract: The shoe with fixtures for walking on a slope comprises a U-shaped base-member 11, having a bottom base-member 11b and two arm base-members 11a extending upward from both ends of the bottom base-member 11b, for being fitted in the heel portion 4, two shafts 12b fixed almost in the middle of each of both arm base-members 11a a U-shaped adjusting-member 16, which has a bottom adjusting-member 15 and two arm adjusting-members 14 fixed to both ends of the bottom adjusting-member 15 at a vicinity of the lower end of the arm adjusting-member 14 two holes 14a, arranged almost in the middle of each arm adjusting-member 14 for engaging with the shafts 12b, and two clamping members 13 or set nuts 12a for fastening the U-shaped adjusting-member 16 to the U-shaped base-member 11, wherein the U-shaped adjusting-member 16 is rotated or turned almost vertically to be adjusted and fastened at an appropriate height of the heel portion 4 to the U-shaped base-member 11 by the set nuts 12a.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A plurality of ribs is positioned on an exterior surface of at least one of the upper and the sole assembly, with each rib including a plurality of faces and each face having an image thereon.

Abstract: A soft body shoe with a semi-rigid molded unit-bottom sole having a self-contained battery powered vibrator mechanism built in to the sole at the arch. The sole of the shoe so constructed as to transmit vibrations through the entire bottom of the shoe, and into the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe clip (100) includes two members (10, 12) that attach together in positions above and beneath shoe laces (20), to grip the shoe laces (20) between them and position the clip (100) on the shoe (22). A first member (10) is shaped and sized to slide under one or more laces (10) of the shoe, without requiring unlacing thereof. A second member (12) rotatably attaches at one end to the first member and, after insertion of the first member (10) beneath the laces (10), rotates to overlie the first member (10). The members then fasten to one another at their free ends (15, 17), such that the members grip the laces (20) between them. The second member supports or is integral with a component that is to be attached to the shoe.

Abstract: Foot-receiving devices, such as athletic or other footwear, may be modified to provide different aesthetic looks. Such foot-receiving devices may include: a housing member at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber; a closure system for at least partially holding the foot in the chamber; a tongue member located between at least a portion of the closure system and the foot, the tongue member including a first engagement element; and a cover member for at least partially covering the closure system, the cover member including a second engagement element that engages with the first engagement element to removably engage the cover member with the tongue member. The user can freely engage or disengage the cover member to change the aesthetic appearance of the device, e.g., depending on personal preference.

Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.

Abstract: There is provided an article of footwear having a thematical a toe box cover. The toe box cover may be removably coupleable to a primary shoe element in which the toe box cover has an ornamental sculptured work simulating the appearance of another and different article. A covering system for an article of footwear, includes a themed cover adapted to cover at least a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer. The themed cover may include a flange provided for removably coupling the themed cover to the article of footwear and the flange is disposed on bottom periphery of the themed cover. Further, a plurality of interchangeable footcovers bears different three-dimensional ornamental simulations within a common theme relating to another article of manufacture. There is also provided a method of marketing an article of manufacture with an article of footwear, in which the article of manufacture is different from the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe with a decorative showcase has a shoe body and transparent case selectively attached to a position on the shoe body. The transparent case contains at least one kind of liquid and multiple floating objects in different shapes floating on the at least one kind of liquid. Thereby, the transparent case imitates objects such as flowers or ducklings floating on water to provide a novel and revolutionarily attractive to the shoe.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes an electrical circuit having a battery, one or more integrated circuits connected to a signal device such as an array of LEDs and/or a loudspeaker, and, at least one switch which is operative to activate the integrated circuit(s) in response to the application of a magnetic field to the switch from a permanent magnet located externally of the article of clothing.

Abstract: A grind rail apparatus coupleable to an underside of a footwear for grinding is provided. The grind rail apparatus includes a body having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side of the body coupled to the underside of the footwear. The grind rail apparatus also includes a plurality of rails extending from the lower side of the body.

Abstract: The therapeutic slipper is a footwear article for slidably receiving a foot, the slipper having a sole, a vamp panel joined to the sole, a toe panel disposed over the vamp panel, a front toe pocket, a quarter panel joined to the sole and at least one rear pocket. The vamp portion is disposed over the toes and covers a lower instep of the foot; the quarter panel covers the sides of the foot, the heel, and the ankle region. The slipper may be used alone or in conjunction with a removably attachable instep panel, having an instep pocket. When the slipper is used with the instep panel, the entire foot is covered and the entire ankle encircled. The front toe pocket, the rear pocket and the instep pocket are designed to receive therapeutic devices that will disseminate a particular effect over different regions of the foot and help relieve foot pain.

Abstract: A shoe having the unique feature of a concealed compartment within the shoe to enable valuables to be concealed in a safe and secure manner so that they are concealed while at the same time not interfering with the wearability of the shoe. The concealed compartment is either formed within a two-piece inner sole so that the compartment is formed within the lower portion of the inner sole and the upper portion of the inner sole is removably attached to the lower portion of the inner sole through fastener means so that when the fastener means are closed, the compartment is concealed and when the fastener means are opened, the upper portion of the inner sole can be moved away from the lower portion of the inner sole to expose the compartment. Alternatively, the compartment is formed into a separate compartment layer which is positioned above the outer sole and below the inner sole.

Abstract: A braking member attachable to a sledder's boot is provided. The braking member includes a braking surface that is oriented at a specific ranges of angles with respect to the boot. In use, the braking surface engages the snow like an anchor as the sledder traverses snow covered terrain, thereby producing a braking force against sled forward movement. In one embodiment, the braking member is rotatably attached to the boot and is moveable between a first, walking position, and a second, braking position. In another embodiment, the braking member is fixed in the braking position.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, a sole structure, and a leash secured to the upper. The leash is formed of a flexible material and includes a connector strap that extends from a heel portion of the upper. A pair of straps extend from the connector strap and are configured to extend around opposite sides of an ankle. A fastener is secured to opposite sides of the straps and is utilized to secure the leash to the ankle. The leash secures the footwear to the individual, thereby limiting inadvertent removal of the footwear from the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new design for a shoe, especially an athletic shoe, with a sole that cushions mechanical stress while running, with an area with a cushioning effect and at least one further area with an effective transfer of force.

Abstract: A shoe with improved lacing means includes a shoe, shoe laces (14) and a hook and loop element pouch (10). On the underside, the side making contact with the shoe, are two openings (16) that are used to slide the shoelaces through. With the pouch (10) open, the shoelaces (14) are pushed through the holes (16), pulled firmly and then tied as usual. Place the tied shoelaces (14) down into the pouch (10). There is a hook and loop element strip (22) on the opening making it easy to close, while keeping laces (14) secure. The pouch (10) can be attached to the shoe by hook and loop element strips (18) on both the right and left underside of the pouch (10). The pouch (10) will keep the shoelaces (14) from loosening, snagging and untying.

Abstract: Removable shoe weights applicable for use with any laced shoe to provide increased resistance wherein the user can increase muscle toning and caloric expenditure. The invention more particularly relates to an aesthetically pleasing, removable shoe weight having a flexible weighted mass secured by at least three attachment points to shoe laces. As such, the user can variably position the weights to be selectively worn throughout many alternative and sustained activities.

Abstract: A footwear lace retainer includes a first fabric sheet having a pair of spaced-apart openings for passage of the lace therethrough and a second fabric sheet secured to the first fabric sheet to form a pocket sized and shaped for receiving ends of the lace therein and having an open end facing toward the openings. A portion of the first fabric sheet forms a closure selectively foldable between a closing position wherein the open end of the pocket is closed and an opening position wherein the open end of the pocket is open. The openings are located between a fold line of the first fabric sheet and the open end of the pocket. A hook and loop fastener releasably secures the closure in the closing position. An attachment on the first fabric sheet opposite the pocket secures the first fabric sheet to the lace.

Abstract: A shoe upper has an outside surface having a first ornamental theme, the first theme being formed in three dimensions, with artwork coincident with the three dimensional effect. An outsole below the shoe upper includes a bottom surface for engagement with a walking surface; a peripheral area extending about the bottom and mating with the upper. The upper surface is for engagement with a bottom of the upper. The bottom surface and the peripheral area have a surface with a second ornamental theme. The first ornamental theme and the second ornamental theme are thematically related so as to create a surrounding ornamentation of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to sensing a ground surface with the foot while walking. Persons having foot and leg nerve damage are often unable to walk without assistance because they can not recognize the ground surface as with normal foot sensory perception. The electrical device herein includes a vibrator which is worn against the skin of the leg and signals the wearer immediately as the foot touches the ground surface. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a shoe having a switch located proximate the heel with the vibrator positioned in a strap surrounding the wearer's knee.

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with snap-fit replaceable ground-engaging members, particularly snap-fit tips, and a kit and method for altering ground-engaging characteristics of an article of footwear such as an athletic shoe. An article of footwear according to the present invention includes a sole (and/or a footplate) having at least one ground-engaging member in snap-fit engagement therewith. In particular, the ground-engaging member is engageable under the application of a non-rotational force (especially a manual force). According to one aspect of the present invention, a clearly discernible feedback (especially an audible feedback, such as a click or a snapping sound) is provided to clearly indicate engagement between the ground-engaging member and the sole.

Abstract: A golf alignment system and method that allows a golfer to properly align his or her feet in relation to the already positioned golf club prior to attempting a shot. The invention comprises one or more substantially horizontal alignment stripes disposed upon a pair of shoes worn by a golfer. The alignment stripes may be of any color or material provided they are visually discernable from the rest of the shoe. The present invention uses aligned stripes skewed at a slight angle, offset from the longitudinal axis of the golfer's shoes. Because a human's back or heel portion of the foot is narrower than the front portion, adjacent horizontally disposed alignment stripes on each individual shoe, when brought together, would not result in a series of horizontal lines. However, when utilizing the present invention at the beginning of the alignment process before the golfer actually strikes the ball, the golfer brings his or her feet together or very close to each other.

Abstract: There is provided an article of footwear having a thematical a toe box cover. The toe box cover may be removably coupleable to a primary shoe element in which the toe box cover has an ornamental sculptured work simulating the appearance of another and different article. A covering system for an article of footwear, includes a themed cover adapted to cover at least a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer. The themed cover may include a flange provided for removably coupling the themed cover to the article of footwear and the flange is disposed on bottom periphery of the themed cover. Further, a plurality of interchangeable footcovers bears different three-dimensional ornamental simulations within a common theme relating to another article of manufacture. There is also provided a method of marketing an article of manufacture with an article of footwear, in which the article of manufacture is different from the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole portion; a second portion above the sole portion, the second portion including a compartment therein; and a drawer which is receivable within the compartment of the second portion and elastically attached to the article of footwear. The second portion is preferably a heel portion of the article of footwear, and the drawer is preferably engaged with the article of footwear by an elastic thread. The drawer may have an interior portion which is divided into a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: With the advent of the protective shoelace storage compartment incorporated within the new designs of the sports footwear, the shoes will appear less cluttered with the bow and lace ends concealed or all the laces, the bow and lace ends concealed. Without the laces dangling those individuals engaged in active sports like skateboarding will not have to worry about the laces of their shoes getting tangled in the wheels of the skateboard. The shoelace storage compartment may be closed by means of a zipper on the preferred embodiment or the hook loop fastening means on the alternate embodiment. The novelty of this invention is the added benefit of the concealed storage compartment for articles like identification, driver's license or money for those in sportswear not having any pockets or those traveling where additional precautions are necessary.

Abstract: Skate shields have a resiliently flexible protective shell with an upper portion curved so as to cover a medial side of the boot from near the toe to the instep and at least from the sole plate on the inner (medial) side of the boot over the boot to the outer (lateral) side of the boot. The protective shells are asymmetrically shaped, their continuity being broken in a location away from the medial side. The lower, inner medial edge of the upper shell is curved to contact and follow the medial side edge of the sole plate while a tongue extends transversely under the sole plate to hook the shield along the sole plate medial edge. The front end rests on the reinforced toe of the skate.

Abstract: This invention pertains to enclosed footwear in combination with a leg covering or body covering that is storable within a compartment that is integral with an exterior of the enclosed footwear. The leg covering can be either a gaiter or a pants leg portion, and the body covering can be either a sack portion or a suit portion. The leg covering or body covering can be of a material that is protective against biological attacks, chemical attacks, nuclear radiation and snake bites. The leg covering or body covering can also be flame resistant, thermally protective and cut proof.

Abstract: This all-purpose device may be used for hiking, for safety while walking down street at night or just plain fun for kids of all ages. For whatever reason, this piece of equipment is an all-purpose device that may help reduce accidents. The items can be used for all ages. The device may hold items that come in various sizes, styles and colors. Items may be located on various locations on footwear, headband, wristband, or belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf shoe that incorporates a blade scraper that may be used to scrape and clean debris from the blade of a golf club. The present invention provides a blade scraper that is a permanent part of a golf shoe or may be removeably attached to an off-the-shelf golf shoe. With minimal effort, and without having to bend over or reach for a cleaning cloth, a golfer may swipe the blade of a club across the blade scraper to clean off debris. If a golfer needs a divot tool and/or ball marker during the course of play, the golfer need only reach to the shoe rather than hunt through a golf bag for such accessories.