Abstract: A sole arrangement for an article of footwear with a gradient depth value is provided. In one aspect of the disclosure, the sole arrangement extending from an end of a posterior area of the sole arrangement to an end of an anterior area of the sole arrangement, wherein the posterior area of the sole arrangement being formed under a heel area and the anterior area of the sole arrangement being formed under a forefoot area of a foot. The sole arrangement having an upper facing surface and a ground engaging surface, wherein the upper facing surface being on an opposite side of the sole arrangement than the ground engaging surface. The sole arrangement having a maximum posterior depth value. The sole arrangement having a maximum anterior depth value. The maximum posterior depth value may be smaller than the maximum anterior depth value by a first margin.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, where the midsole is located between the outsole and the upper. A wedge is located between the outsole and the midsole and is preferably made of a material that is less compressible than the midsole. A flexible cage is located on the exterior surfaces of the upper and midsole. In embodiments, the flexible cage is designed to limit the outward expansion of the midsole when the midsole is compressed under load, and thus effectively stiffen the midsole. The total compression of the midsole of the article of footwear is based, at least in part, on a desired orientation of the ankle, knee, and hip joints of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for redistributing the normal weight distribution of a user in a standing position. One example is a postural platform for either the left or right foot having a bottom surface defining a reference plane, a top surface configured as a foot contact surface and a perimeter side wall between the bottom and top surfaces. The top surface is rotated about a first rotational axis parallel to the reference plane and rotated about a second rotational axis orthogonal to the reference plane. In another example, a system includes first and second postural platforms that are independent of one another. In other examples, the device is a sandal, shoe, sneaker or any foot covering with a tops surface being at a complex angle to a bottom surface.

Abstract: A sole structure is configured such that in a state where a ground surface of an outsole is in contact with the ground surface, when a planta support surface of a deformable part receives a load of a human body, the deformable part is flexurally deformed downward while being supported on a fixed end functioning as a supporting point, thereby allowing the planta support surface to be inclined downward such that a free end of the deformable part moves downward.

Abstract: There is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprises: a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for inclining a foot of a wearer towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner for inclining the foot of the wearer towards the outer side of the insole. Such an insole can be effective for maintaining a linear motion of the knee of the user. Moreover such an insole can be effective for maintaining the foot of the person inclined outwardly. Thus, the body weight of the person can also be shifted outwardly, which improves balance.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes an upper section, an athletic specific bottom section, and an athletic positioning sole. The athletic positioning sole has a geometric shape that, when the athletic shoe is worn on a foot of an athletic and the athlete is standing, positions a heel of the foot above the toes of the foot and positions an outer edge of the foot above an inner edge of the foot.

Abstract: A knit garment having locating features is provided. A first knit area of the garment is spaced from a second knit area. A knit locating feature is disposed between the first and the second areas. This locating feature is defined by an elastic border that surrounds a knit pocket that is less elastic than the border.

Abstract: An inner sole board having varying regions of flexibility is provided for use in an article of footwear. The inner sole board may include different materials along its length at different locations that vary its flexibility. An inner sole board is manufactured in an injection molding process requiring only one mold. The process includes a first step of providing a mold, a second step of providing an injection molding assembly, a third step of preparing an injection molding assembly and mold, a fourth step of injecting material into the mold, and a fifth step of establishing the dimensions of a first portion. During the injection molding process, the flow rate of at least one material may be controlled by a nozzle gate to control the shape and size of the flex zone it creates. In this manner, the inner sole board may be customized for a specific sport or individual.

Abstract: A modular footbed comprised of a forefoot portion, a heel portion, a bridge and arch support can be fashion to place the knee in dynamic alignment with the femoral head of the femur and the ankle. Standing on one leg and repetitively extending and flexing the knee of the supporting leg, one can observe side-to-side deviations of the knee from a natural position. Various components of the modular footbed are incorporated so as to enable the knee to remain aligned throughout its range of motion.

Abstract: An orthotic device for insertion into footwear for correcting over pronation or supination of a foot is disclosed herein. The orthotic device may include an insole comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the insole may receive and support at least a portion of the foot. The orthotic device also may include a removable angle insert attachable to the lower surface of the insole. The removable angle insert may increase an angle about a side of the insole to correct over pronation or supination of the foot.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: A modular footbed comprised of a forefoot portion, a heel portion, a bridge and arch support can be fashion to place the knee in dynamic alignment with the femoral head of the femur and the ankle. Standing on one leg and repetitively extending and flexing the knee of the supporting leg, one can observe side-to-side deviations of the knee from a natural position. Various components of the modular footbed are incorporated so as to enable the knee to remain aligned throughout its range of motion.

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

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 foot support for use with a human foot having a forefoot portion that supports the foot beneath the metatarsal heads and an arched midfoot portion that supports the foot beneath the metatarsal, cuneiforms, navicular, and cuboid bones and has a slope between a maximum height on the medial side of the foot support and a minimum height on the lateral side of the foot support. The foot support also includes a wedge fixed beneath the forefoot portion such that the maximum wedge height is positioned beneath the first metatarsal head and the minimum wedge height extends beneath the fourth metatarsal head. The foot support may optionally include a heel portion that supports the calcaneus and talus bones in a neutral, varus, or valgus positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area.

Abstract: An orthotic device has a readily adjustable variable forefoot posting system. In some embodiments, a generally planar plate is pivotally coupled to a foot-receiving shell. The plate is generally under the arch and not in contact with the supporting surface when in a neutral position. Along the plate's perimeter are raised regions that can be deployed into position as a forefoot post via pivoting the plate. In some versions, adjustability is via a sliding motion. Some areas have a greater height than others do and these raised areas or protrusions can be set at either an inner side or an outer side. Depending upon the shape of the ridges on the plate and the plate's pivoted position, a range of tilts can be variability provided. The plates can be part of an interchangeable system providing more options. Professional versions can have a greater range of settings than consumer versions. Folding versions and telescoping versions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A forefoot wedge insert, and methods for forming same, are described for a piece of footwear, such as but not limited to ice skating boots, or a shoe, such as but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, for correcting a pronation and/or supination condition wherein the insert permits the subtalar joint of the affected foot to be placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. In this manner, the insert can provide the corrected foot with adequate balance relative to the skate blade during typical ice skating maneuvers. Also described is a skating boot, or shoe, having an adjustable toe cap portion that is selectively operable to be raised up to accommodate the uplifted forefoot portion of the wearer when the forefoot wedge insert is being used.

Abstract: An orthotic device has a readily adjustable variable forefoot posting system. In some embodiments, a generally planar plate is pivotally coupled to a foot-receiving shell. The plate is generally under the arch and not in contact with the supporting surface when in a neutral position. Along the plate's perimeter are raised regions that can be deployed into position as a forefoot post via pivoting the plate. In some versions, adjustability is via a sliding motion. Some areas have a greater height than others do and these raised areas or protrusions can be set at either an inner side or an outer side. Depending upon the shape of the ridges on the plate and the plate's pivoted position, a range of tilts can be variability provided. The plates can be part of an interchangeable system providing more options. Professional versions can have a greater range of settings than consumer versions.

Abstract: A method and tool for forming decorative picots is provided. The tool comprises a triangular substrate having a base and two sides intersecting at an apex, indicia defining a centerline extending from the apex to the midpoint of the base, and indicia defining one or more guidelines extending from one side of the substrate to the other, parallel to the base. The method comprises placing the substrate on a rectangular strip of fabric having a width twice its height, aligning the substrate on the fabric such that the apex is positioned at the midpoint of the top edge of the fabric and the bottom edge is positioned parallel to the base of the substrate, folding the top edges of the fabric over the substrate to align with the centerline and applying an iron to the folded fabric to crease the fold.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole kit that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. The kit includes a wedged slab and a neutral slab. The slabs may be trimmed using the kit's sizing chart to create medial or lateral wedged insoles for either the right or left foot. The slab construction may mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are variations of shoes having structural features that offer improved podiatric support to address any number of lower extremity pathologies. Such shoes are especially useful in allowing individuals adapt to physical changes, accompanying ailments, as well as lifestyle changes that can arise such as those during and after pregnancy, during motherhood or other situations that induce temporary or permanent physical changes.

Abstract: A device may include a first plate and a second plate, and a linkage system that attaches the first plate and the second plate to one another such that the plates are capable of translating relative to each other, and the plates are incapable of rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and pods secured to the underside of the insole core or base. A lateral heel pod and a medial heel pod have differing material properties selected to help control foot pronation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, especially to a sports shoe, comprising a shoe upper (1) and a sole (2), wherein at least one actuator (3) is arranged in the sole (2), by means of which a region of the contact surface (4) for the foot of the wearer of the shoe can be affected with regard to the geometry of the contact surface (4) at least in a defined length range (BL) and/or width range (BB) of the sole (2) relatively to the position of the contact surface (5) of the sole (2) on the ground.

Abstract: A modular footbed comprised of a forefoot portion, a heel portion, a bridge and arch support can be fashion to place the knee in dynamic alignment with the femoral head of the femur and the ankle. Standing on one leg and repetitively extending and flexing the knee of the supporting leg, one can observe side-to-side deviations of the knee from a natural position. Various components of the modular footbed are incorporated so as to enable the knee to remain aligned throughout its range of motion.

Abstract: An orthotic device has a readily adjustable variable forefoot posting system. In some embodiments, a generally planar plate is pivotally coupled to a foot-receiving shell. The plate is generally under the arch and not in contact with the supporting surface when in a neutral position. Along the plate's perimeter are raised regions that can be deployed into position as a forefoot post via pivoting the plate. In some versions, adjustability is via a sliding motion. Some areas have a greater height than others do and these raised areas or protrusions can be set at either an inner side or an outer side. Depending upon the shape of the ridges on the plate and the plate's pivoted position, a range of tilts can be variability provided. The plates can be part of an interchangeable system providing more options. Professional versions can have a greater range of settings than consumer versions.

Abstract: Torsion control devices for use in an article of footwear are disclosed. An article of footwear comprises: a sole having a forefoot portion and a rearfoot portion; and a torsion element disposed in the sole, wherein the torsion element allows the forefoot portion to rotate in a first direction relative to the rearfoot portion and restricts rotation of the forefoot portion relative to the rearfoot portion in a second direction.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region for supporting the remainder of the foot, at least in part. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area relative to the remainder of the first region having a medial border portion and a lateral border portion, wherein the depression has its lowest point skewed to the medial side of center, whereby to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase.

Abstract: A diagonally twisted sole may include an undersole and a midsole bottom, the midsole bottom being connected to the undersole, and various hard inserts being able to be introduced into the undersole. Together with a twisted, flexible, rigid or elastic plate, the undersole can form a midsole, which may include several parts. The twisted plate may be a flat plate or a plate of different thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole or slab that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. Further, insoles are provided, which mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.

Abstract: Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc.

Abstract: A rearfoot post comprises a stop segment and an elastic segment operatively coupled along an axis of rotation. The stop segment is fabricated from a firm or rigid material. The elastic segment compresses and expands in response to foot motion. The elastic segment can include an elastomer or a spring. In some embodiments, the stop segment and the elastic segment are operatively coupled by a hinge, and the axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the hinge. Depending on service applications, a plate can be attached to the bottom of the stop segment and to the bottom of the elastic segment. Embodiments of the rearfoot post also include a heel cup. A heel cup with a flat bottom is advantageous for controlling stability of the foot and reducing shock on the heel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control element (3) for installation in a sole (5) of an article of footwear (1). The control element (3) comprises a rearfoot portion (13), a central portion (15) and a forefoot portion (17). The forefoot portion (17) is suitable for supporting medial and/or lateral portions of a wearer's foot. The central portion (15) joins the rearfoot portion (13) and the forefoot portion (17). The rearfoot portion (13) provides an inclined support (19) for controlling pronation. The present invention also relates to an article of footwear (1) incorporating a control element (3) therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for affecting a position of a foot are provided. In some aspects, a foot orthotic system comprises a compartment system configured to engage a shoe and engage at least a portion of a foot when the foot resides in or on the shoe. The compartment system may be adjustable from a first shape to a second shape. The foot orthotic system may also comprise one or more elongate members. In some aspects, as the compartment system is adjusted from the first shape to the second shape, an elongate member may change from a first state to a second state that is more taut than is the first state. In some aspects, when the compartment system engages at least a portion of the foot and is adjusted from the first shape to the second shape, a position of the foot relative to the shoe is adjusted.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and pods secured to the underside of the insole core or base. A lateral heel pod and a medial heel pod have differing material properties selected to help control foot pronation.

Abstract: Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc.

Abstract: A midsole of a shoe has a low elastic part 20, a high elastic part 22 and an inclined surface 24. The low elastic part 20 and the high elastic part 22 include air bubbles. An ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is used as a base polymer in the low elastic part 20 and the high elastic part 22. The inclined surface 24 is inclined upward from the inside to the outside. The low elastic part 20 is located to the inside of the inclined surface 24. The high elastic part 22 is located to the outside of the inclined surface 24. An inner high elastic part 26 is located to the inside of a low elastic part 20. The thickness of the low elastic part 20 becomes gradually larger from the outside to the inside along the inclined surface 24. The thickness of the high elastic part 22 becomes gradually larger from the inside to the outside along the inclined surface 24. The width Wa of the inclined surface 24 in left and right direction is 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and a number of pods on the underside of the insole core or base. Some of the pods have different material properties selected to help control foot motion.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a sole for an article of footwear. The sole generally defining a heel region, a forefoot region and an arch region that is disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole has a foot support extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, with a shank plate coupled to a lower surface of the foot support. The sole further includes a lateral heel piece and a medial heel piece, such that at least one of the medial or lateral heel pieces includes a plurality of tubes. A heel outsole is coupled to at least one of said medial or lateral heel pieces.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a high-functional shoe having functions for a pain alleviation and prevention of degenerative gonarthritis, which can alleviate a pain in the knee joint of a person, who suffers from degenerative gonarthritis or is injured in the knee joint by an abnormal lower limb joint movement, and prevent degenerative gonarthritis by uniformly dispersing a load biasedly applied to the knee joint. The high-functional shoe includes a shoe sole having a longitudinally sectional structure of a parallelogrammic form, and is applicable to persons, who have symptoms of degenerative gonarthritis.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and a number of pods on the underside of the insole core or base. Some of the pods have different material properties selected to help control foot motion.

Abstract: An item of footwear for a wearer, the item of footwear comprising a flexible sole structure that comprises a heel segment having horizontal upper and lower surfaces combined with other sole segments having arch (instep) and toe upper surfaces that are horizontal when unloaded, but that assume a negative upper surface slope when loaded, and with arch and toe lower surfaces that have a negative lower surface slope with unloaded, but that assume a horizontal position when loaded. In use, the item of footwear is operative to reduce the likelihood that a wearer having one of a variety of anatomical leg forms would fall outwardly (laterally) from his or her vertical plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sandal for balance training or muscle strengthening that may be used, for example, in the game of golf. The sandal includes a sole having a toe portion and a heel portion, each of the toe and heel portions including an upper surface and a lower surface. A coupling mechanism is provided that couples the toe portion to the heel portion. At least one of the toe portion and heel portion includes an angled edge adjacent to the lower surface that allows pivoting of the sandal in a forward pivot direction, a backward pivot direction and/or a side cant direction. The coupling mechanism may allow adjustment of a spacing between the toe portion and the heel portion and may include a threaded rod.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for correction of varus, valgus, or supinatus structural abnormalities of a subject's foot is provided. The device of the invention generally includes a compensatory wedge of a polyethylene foam material exhibiting a hardness in the range of 30 to 35 durometer. The wedge may be located between the subject's foot and footwear at the location of the recessed abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the wedge is wedge-shaped laterally of the foot so as to compensate for a varus or valgus recessed structural foot abnormality. The polyethylene foam material preferably has a micro-structure comprised of fine, open cells, so as to allow for sufficient air flow and heat dissipation when in use to thereby reduce discomfort.

Abstract: A supinator strap integrated with an athletic shoe, sock, or brace for preventing foot and ankle injuries. In the shoe, the supinator strap includes an arch support band that extends from the bottom of the shoe, just under the arch area, around the inner side of the shoe and over the top of the shoe, toward the outer side of the shoe. The supinator strap further includes a rear ankle support band that extends laterally from the arch support band and wraps from the inner side of the shoe, around the rear ankle/heel and toward the outer side of the shoe. In a preferred embodiment, both the foot and rear ankle support band and the arch support band are fully adjustable. The supinator strap provides additional support and stability to the foot and ankle when the shoe is worn, thereby helping to prevent injuries caused by excessive supination or pronation of the foot and ankle. A bridge support helps cushion the foot.

Abstract: A footwear sole for providing firmness and support to the lateral edge of a person's foot. The footwear sole includes a plurality of layers of material including a first layer of material having a definite thickness and also including a second layer of material also having a definite thickness with the second layer of material being softer than the first layer of material.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided which contributes a dynamic stability of the shoe during several athletic activities. The athletic shoe comprises a tapered lateral wedge section and may further include a lateral heel stabilizer, a medial heel wedge and a tapered lateral forefoot section.