Abstract: A fit of a shoe is adjusted using a shoe insert assembly. A shoe insert assembly includes a shoe insole and a shoe insert having a fastener element configured for connection to the shoe insole. The shoe insole with the shoe insert connected thereto by the fastener element are receivable into a shoe. The shoe insert can be attached to the shoe insole in multiple manners, including adhesively, using a hook and loop fastener, and using a coupling strip.

Abstract: The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe-lifting device to be worn on a foot or footwear of a person. The shoe-lifting device includes a base platform having at least two indentations on an upper surface of the base platform. The base platform is configured to support the person and make contact with the ground. The shoe-lifting device also includes at least two straps configured to be connected to the base platform and to secure the shoe-lifting device to the foot or the footwear. The shoe-lifting device further includes at least one height-increasing insert having at least two protrusions. The at least two protrusions are positioned corresponding to the at least two indentations and are configured to be coupled with the at least two indentations. The insert is configured to be positioned in and/or on the base platform and to contact the bottom of the foot or the footwear.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first midsole body and a second midsole body. The first midsole body defines a ground-facing surface and a foot-facing surface opposite the ground-facing surface and includes a first midsole material, which has a first hardness. The second midsole body extends through the first midsole body. As such, the second midsole body extends beyond the ground-facing surface of the first midsole body. The second midsole body includes a second midsole material, which has a second hardness, and the first hardness is greater than the second hardness.

Abstract: A foot engagement device includes a generally U-shaped portion having an inner edge, an outer wall, and a tapered upper surface extending from the inner edge to the outer wall. The upper surface tapers between 1 degree and 45 degrees from the inner edge to the outer wall.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may have a midsole system that includes a sole plate having a forefoot region and a midfoot region. The sole plate may have a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface. The sole plate may define a through hole extending from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface in the forefoot region. The through hole may be closer to a medial edge of the sole plate than to a lateral edge of the sole plate. The sole plate may have ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and in the forefoot region. The ridges may have crests at least some of which may extend non-parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

Abstract: A shoe accessory system and methods can include: an accessory connector having a male accessory mount and a female accessory mount: the male accessory mount including a base, a protrusion mounted above the base, an outwardly protruding lip extending from the protrusion, the outwardly protruding lip having a slope extending down toward an abutment, and the female accessory mount having inwardly extending flanges, the inwardly extending flanges extend in toward a center of the female accessory mount, the inwardly extending flanges spaced apart allowing the protrusion to fit therebetween; a shoe affixed to the male accessory mount; and an accessory affixable to the female accessory mount for allowing the accessory to be placed over the male accessory mount, pressed down, and twisted to lock the accessory onto the shoe.

Abstract: A strobel for an article of footwear includes a base layer and an upper layer formed of a polymer material covering a portion of the top surface of the base layer, leaving a portion of the top surface of the base layer exposed about an entire periphery of the base layer. The upper layer is directly bonded to the base layer without any fastening members. A method of forming the strobel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthotic device adapted to be inserted into a high-heeled or raised-heel shoe and to receive a human foot thereon. The orthotic device may be operable to adhere to the sole of the shoe and may comprise a proximal contoured slope operable to prevent migration and increase acceptance of body weight at the heel of the wearer's foot and may comprise a distal contoured slope operable to support the arch of the wearer's foot, preventing the foot from sliding forward and focusing excessive painful pressure at the user's toes. The orthotic device may also have dual layers of adhesive material separated by a peel-away backing, and an inferior surface concavity with a channel allowing solvent to be used to dissolve the adhesive if the orthotic device needs to be repositioned or changed to a new shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.

Abstract: A padded foot support with a ball of foot depression is a shoe insole designed to alleviate pressure from the second and third metatarsals of a foot by redistributing pressure to the first, fourth and fifth metatarsals. A forefoot depression traverses into the top surface of a pad body made of an elastically compressible material in the second and third metatarsal region, slightly forward and inside of center on the forefoot portion of the pad body.

Abstract: A ball-of-foot type shoe insert has two regions with different compressibility characteristics, illustratively created by using polyurethane foam of difference densities, in a front region which, when the insert is positioned in a shoe, will underlie the toes of a wearer, and a rear region which, when positioned in a shoe, will underlie the ball of the foot. The front region is less compressible so that the toes in combination with the insert fill-up the toe box, thereby preventing the foot from sliding forward so that the anatomical heel of the wearer fits naturally in the heel of a shoe that is too big for the wearer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a shoe sole for relieving pressure from a wearer's metatarsal heads. In one aspect, a shoe sole comprises a shoe outer sole comprising a shaft region, a ball region, and a toe region. The shaft region underlies metatarsal shafts of the wearer and comprises a first lower surface, the ball region underlies metatarsal heads of the wearer and comprises a second lower surface, and the toe region underlies phalanges of the wearer and comprises a third lower surface. The second lower surface is raised relative to the first lower surface and the third lower surface.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes an upper section and a sole section. The upper section is attached to the sole section. The upper section includes at least a wearing opening. The sole section includes a bottom portion, a support portion, and a receiving portion. The support portion is arranged between the bottom portion and the receiving portion and extends from a shoe heel portion of the sole section toward a shoe sole portion of the sole section. The receiving portion includes a first trough, a second trough, and a third trough formed therein. The first trough receives therein a first soft pad that corresponds in shape thereto. The second trough receives therein a second soft pad that corresponds in shape thereto. The third trough receives therein a third soft pad that corresponds in shape thereto. As such, the sole section is provided with a plurality of rush stop sites.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.

Abstract: A shoe insole includes a soft elastomer formed in a shape of an inner bottom surface of a shoe, wherein the soft elastomer includes a front metatarsal section, a mid foot section and a rear heel section, and wherein the rear heel section has a recessed area, and an inner arch concave surface and an outer arch concave surface are respectively defined in two opposite sides of the recessed area; and a hard elastomer combined with the mid foot section and the rear heel section of the soft elastomer, wherein a rear heel section of the hard elastomer has a through-hole, and a portion of material of the soft elastomer is filled in the through-hole, and an inner arch concave surface and an outer arch concave surface are respectively defined in two opposite outer sides of the rear heel section of the hard elastomer.

Abstract: A support arranged for disposition within a shoe, boot or sandal, to raise the arch of the foot by everting the forefoot and inverting the rearfoot, thereby locking the midtarsal joint. The support basically comprises a base portion and a wedge portion. The base portion has an upper surface on which the wedge portion is disposed. The wedge portion includes a medial side edge and a lateral side edge and extends from the base of all five metatarsals of the person's foot to the heads of all five metatarsals. The wedge portion tapers in thickness from at least the midline of the wedge portion to the medial side edge. The wedge portion includes an anterior portion that is tapered to the sulcus section of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Footwear including an integrated orthotics system provides support with progressive resistance in pronation and supenation motions of the foot during a gait cycle. The orthotics system includes an orthotic device between the mid-sole and the outsole and extend from the rear foot's calcaneus region to the forefoot region where the phalanges and metatarsal joints meets. The orthotic device includes contours mimicking a foot sole shape in an unloaded state. The orthotic system may also include a secondary external orthotic device embedded underneath the outsole to provide control in the mid foot region to achieve progressive compression resistance in the mid foot arch zones. The secondary device may be customizable to achieve a wide range of resistance level needed in mid foot compression by the wearer. The orthotics combined with the midsole and outsole provide progressive mid foot compression resistance and directional flex associated with pronatory motions of the foot.

Abstract: This device elevates the midsection of the foot when shoeless, addressing congenital flatness, or lapsing or pronation in the arch. The device, which can be constructed of various materials, does not support the metatarsus or heel, and is attached to the foot by lateral straps or stretchable bands, either singular or in two pieces closed by a snap, buckle, velcro or similar fastener, and adding a heel or, ankle strap or band if greater stability is desired. It may be worn inside or over stockings, and feature assorted shapes, textures, coloration, and decoration. The device can also serve as an orthotic for barefoot runners or dancers by means of longitudinal extension, with openings under the metatarsus and heel so these areas may touch the ground or floor, and employ additional straps or bands. This device may be contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application.

Abstract: This device elevates the midsection of the foot when shoeless, addressing congenital flatness, or lapsing or pronation in the arch. The device, which can be constructed of various materials, does not support the metatarsus or heel, and is attached to the foot by lateral straps or equivalents. The device may be worn inside or over stockings. The device can also serve as an orthotic for barefoot runners or dancers by means of longitudinal extension, with openings under the metatarsus and heel so these areas may touch the ground or floor. This device may be contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application.

Abstract: A foot pad for relieving pain while engaging in weight bearing activity is provided. A pad can include an arch portion fitting under and adjacent to the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, offsetting the soft tissue of the medial longitudinal arch thereby supporting the calcaneo-navicular ligament structure, wherein the arch portion extends from front to rear, of the longitudinal medial arch, and the arch portion extends from the medial side towards the lateral side, of the longitudinal medial arch.

Abstract: The present teachings provide orthotic inserts, methods of employing the same, and footwear comprising the same, for decreased forefoot loading. The insert can be configured to-fit in a footware such as a surgical boot or other footwear. The inserts are useful in any application in which decreased forefoot loading is desirable. The insert can be used as an adjunct in the healing of and pain relief from various medical conditions relating to the forefoot.

Abstract: A biomechanics medical corrective shoe pad with far infrared ray energy fibers includes a bacteriostasis surface cloth layer, an inner foamed layer, a far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer, a polyethene layer, and a bacteriostasis cloth layer, which are positioned one on another in sequence, and heat-pressed and joined together with a mold; the far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer includes a fiber, and far infrared ray energy containing mineral granules joined on the fiber; the shoe pad includes a peripheral area, a supporting area, and a cambering area, which undergo different-temperature heat-pressing processes; the supporting area and the cambering area are shaped according to ergonomics and human dynamics and in such a manner as to match pressure-responsive points of a man's sole; therefore, the shoe pad can absorb shock, reduce pressure, provide sufficient protection and support, and massage the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An insole and arch support system which may be secured to the interior of a shoe and includes a set of arch support members. Each arch support member of the system is provided with a different density to provide varying levels of hardness and stability to the arch of the foot of the individual user, and may be secured to the insole at adjustable locations. An appropriate arch support member and insole member are secured together and inserted into the shoe, with the arch support member positioned at the desired location relative to the arch of the foot. The shoe is then worn in the normal manner.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes an insole and an outsole. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole from the ground-contacting surface. The outsole further includes a first elongated aperture extending through the outsole and between the ground-contacting surface and the inner surface. A midsole is disposed between the insole and the outsole and includes a second elongated aperture at least partially aligned with the first elongated aperture. A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first elongated aperture and the second elongated aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window.

Abstract: A support arranged for disposition within a shoe, boot or sandal, to raise the arch of the foot by everting the forefoot and inverting the rearfoot, thereby locking the midtarsal joint. The support basically comprises a base portion and a wedge portion. The base portion has an upper surface on which the wedge portion is disposed. The wedge portion includes a medial side edge and a lateral side edge and extends from the base of all five metatarsals of the person's foot to the heads of all five metatarsals. The wedge portion tapers in thickness from at least the midline of the wedge portion to the medial side edge. The wedge portion includes an anterior portion that is tapered to the sulcus section of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, midsole or unified outsole-midsole-insole device for use with an article of footwear, displaying significant improvement over conventional similar insole type products through its ability to offer to the wearer an adjustable biofeedback component for the rehabilitation and strengthening of the foot's muscles, as well as an adjustable motion control component for the purpose of controlling the pronation and arch deflection of the human foot during gait. Through this means wearers of the device gradually strengthen their foot while simultaneously decreasing their dependence on secondary motion control structures.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe includes a body that is configured to fit within the shoe. A heel recess in a heel area of the insole extends partially through the body. A metatarsal opening in a metatarsal area of the insole extends completely through the body. A heel insert is secured in the heel recess, and a metatarsal insert is secured in the metatarsal opening. A method is disclosed for making an insole by mixing a reactive resin with a quantity of cork particles to form a body mixture. The mixture is injected into an injection mold to form a body portion of the insole that includes a heel recess and metatarsal opening. A heel insert and metatarsal insert are molded and provided in the heel recess and metatarsal opening, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe with a replaceable screw-on heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole body (2) having a front region, a mounting groove formed in a top surface thereof and having a groove bottom wall, and a retaining groove formed in the groove bottom wall. A support plate is disposed in the retaining groove. An upper includes a vamp part connected to and extending above the front region and having a rear edge, and left and right sidewalls extending upwardly and respectively from left and right ends of the sole body. An instep strap includes an instep abutment strap section extending convexedly from one of the sidewalls toward the other sidewall, spaced apart from the rear edge of the vamp part, and having first and second ends. One of the first and second ends is integrally connected as one piece with one of the sidewalls. A foot arch correction device is supported by the support plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a common condition—flexible pes planus (flatfoot). More particularly, the invention provides a new concept to an orthopedic shoe or boot for both normal and flat foot. The invention achieves the above object by providing an orthopedic shoe or boot for the prevention and control of pes planus which pushes the heel into its normal straight position. The foot needs no arch support since the way of correction through manipulation of shoe and its internal support rebuilds the anatomical arch.

Abstract: A spring orthotic device comprising a cradle for contacting the foot of a user, a spring plate underneath the cradle, a ventral pivot beneath the spring plate, and a dorsal pivot above the spring plate and below the cradle located proximally of the ventral pivot.

Abstract: A customisable insert (12) consisting of an integrated insole (14) and midsole (16) customised to match the internal profile of an item of footwear in which it will be used. Preferably, the item of footwear consists solely of an outsole (18) and an upper (20). A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of customising foot support for footwear including the steps of: identifying a foot type of at least one foot of a person; and prescribing a foot support insert type for an item of footwear, the insert type corresponding to the identified foot type. The prescribed insert type comprises an integrated insole (14) and midsole (16) customised to match the internal profile of the item of footwear.

Abstract: A midsole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, is described which midsole is asymmetric in a midfoot area, has an upper heel portion embracing the calcaneus of a wearer and has an upwardly extending toe end. In the midfoot area a vertical medial support structure originates from the midsole and supportively embraces the arch. Correspondingly, a vertical lateral support structure supports the lateral side of the foot in the midfoot area. The medial support structure covers a larger area than the lateral support structure, and is connected to the vertically extending upper heel portion of the midsole. The toe end of the midsole is extended upwardly, and provides in combination with the vertically extending upper heel portion and said vertically extending medial and lateral arch support structures a midsole which firmly embraces the foot. The result is a shoe, in particular a running shoe, which reduces the risk of injury during running.

Abstract: An item of footwear for increasing leg-muscle and/or lower-abdominal-/back-muscle tone comprising: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a user; and a sole comprising at least an upper layer, for engaging a foot of a user in use or a further upper layer, and a lower layer, for engaging the ground in use, wherein the upper layer comprises two or more materials of different compressive resistances, or densities, arranged as a frontal/toe region, an arch region and a heel region, the sole is arranged such that application of a user's weight, during use, causes instability in at least one portion of the upper layer, which requires balance correction by a user.

Abstract: A footwear outsole includes an arch member shiftably assembled on a central part of an upper surface of a outsole body in a longitudinal direction and a rear heel shiftably assembled on a rear part of a lower surface of the outsole body in a longitudinal direction. The footwear outsole has an advantage in that the footwear outsole can not only prevent the foot from becoming flat, but can also minimize shock on the sole of the foot, and reduce foot fatigue Therefore, the comfortable sensation can be maintained, and an effect of stretching are maximized so as to make the blood smoothly circulate and acupressure the acupunctural K1 region.

Abstract: An orthotic insert for a high-heeled shoe may have an asymmetrical heel cup including a depressed central region configured for a heel of a wearer. Features including an elevated medial-side surface along a medial side upper surface declining toward the central region, and a generally longitudinal lateral-side elevation along an upper lateral edge of the heel cup may be configured to provide a predetermined supported calcaneal angle for a wearer, wherein the angle is offset from vertical. An anterior retention structure configured as a rounded hump extending across an anterior region of the heel cup, generally transverse to the elevated medial-side surface, with a middle portion of the rounded hump curved laterally away from a center of the heel cup may be included to prevent anterior calcaneal movement relative to the heel cup.

Abstract: A molded insert, and methods for forming same, for an arch cavity of a boot, such as, but not limited to ice skating boots, or an arch cavity of a shoe, such as, but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, is described. The molded insert can be formed of any moldable material that is substantially firm, yet comfortable, when cured or dried. The moldable material can be used to fill in the arch cavity to form a substantially firm, yet comfortable, surface to support the arch of the wearer's foot, especially in the area corresponding from the beginning of the heel portion of the foot to the beginning of the ball of the foot (e.g., the mid-foot) and includes a vertically extending side portion along the side of the foot's arch, thus providing adequate support for the foot's arch during typical ice skating maneuvers.

Abstract: A biomechanics medical corrective shoe pad with far infrared ray energy fibers includes a bacteriostasis surface cloth layer, an inner foamed layer, a far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer, a polythene layer, and a bacteriostasis cloth layer, which are positioned one on another in sequence, and heat-pressed and joined together with a mold; the far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer includes a fiber, and far infrared ray energy containing mineral granules joined on the fiber; the shoe pad includes a peripheral area, a supporting area, and a cambering area, which undergo different-temperature heat-pressing processes; the supporting area and the cambering area are shaped according to ergonomics and human dynamics and in such a manner as to match pressure-responsive points of a man's sole; therefore, the shoe pad can absorb shock, reduce pressure, provide sufficient protection and support, and massage the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The DynaFlange™ controls foot function during stance and ambulation by absorbing shock in the gaps that form between an orthotic, shoe or heel cup and the DynaFlange™ 3 dimensional plate. Its flanges dynamically deform at impact causing the gaps between the concave heel cup and the convex DynaFlange™ to interact providing foot and ankle protection, repositioning and motion control while dynamically absorbing shock. It then returns to its original state which stabilizes and propels the foot actively, superior to other orthoses. DynaFlange™ is active at stance phase and earlier in gait cycle allowing improved biomechanicals when compared to other orthotics.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: To provide a footwear sole insert and footwear that would allow performing the fundamental motion of grasping through regulation and promotion of the formation of a functional fundamental arch line linking the cuneocuboid joint areas at cuboidal bone edges of the foot parts with the second and third MP joint areas thereof to thereby making it possible to basically solve alignment abnormality and functional failure. A sole insert is provided with a raised ridge face brought into contact with the region of the foot part extending from the vicinity of the cuneocuboid joint area at edges of cuboids to the vicinity of the proximal phalanxes at the MP joint area between second metatarsals and third metatarsals so as to elevate the region and hold the same in archlike form.

Abstract: A shoe sole construction includes a sole member formed from a synthetic plastic material having a first durometer value of hardness and including toe, ball, arch, and heel portions. Relatively rigid toe and heel plates are secured to bottom surface of the sole member on opposite sides of a relatively soft flex bar member that extends transversely across the ball portion of the sole member. A plurality of toe cushion members are mounted for independent movement within openings contained in the toe plate, and a stabilizing arch cushion member is mounted in the recess defined in the heel plate. These cushion members have an intermediate durometer value that, during use, permits compression of these cushion members in a footprint pattern.

Abstract: An orthopedic insole consists of a hollow foothold having flexible walls and containing granular filling. The upper surface of the orthopedic insole is typically molded to conform the anatomical features of a regular human foot. The granular filling contained in the lumen of the foothold and a rigid segment of its bottom wall provide for adapting the curvature angles of the top surface of the foothold to a specific pattern of the foot of a user. A user can typically make a selection from a variety of ready-made insoles having standard sizes which suit his needs. The adaptable orthopedic insoles of the invention are accommodated to common shoes and sandals, boots that are suitable for heavy work, walking, running, and or fashionable or mode shoes.

Abstract: A system of progressively-sized orthotic inserts is provided to allow increasing measured support that corresponds with the changes that occur in a child's arch as the foot develops. The orthotic insert system is designed to address the specific needs found in the foot for children of ages of about 2-8 years. Each of the plurality of inserts is designed to encompass two shoe sizes and vary in arch height relative to the insert length so that motion control and stabilization for the child's foot is provided. In addition, a contoured heel cup and rear foot post is provided to position the foot in a neutral position.

Abstract: A method of forming an article of footwear includes the steps of providing an upper having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and a pocket positioned beneath the forefoot portion; placing the upper on a last; inserting a first midsole portion into the pocket; and securing an outsole assembly to the upper, the outsole assembly comprising a second midsole portion and an outsole secured to a lower surface of the second midsole portion. The second midsole portion and the outsole are visible from an exterior of the article of footwear and the first midsole portion is not visible from an exterior of the article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with sole having function of health care, characterized in that the top surface of the sole that touches the palm of foot is made low at front and back and arised in the middle to form a convex shape, so during wearing, because the top surface of sole is in touch with the palm of foot, it can fit snugly with the foot, such that the foot can evenly bear the weight of the body, then effectively avoid the bone of foot become skewed because of the feet is bearing unevenly the body weight, the above advantages can further corrects body posture, then enhances health of body.