Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for an item of footwear, and an item of footwear comprising the sole. The item of footwear includes a sole having a layer of material defining a frontal/toe region, a mid-foot region and a heel region, wherein the layer has a first major surface for facing the foot of a wearer and a second major surface opposite the first; and a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a wearer, wherein: the material has the same composition in each of the frontal/toe region, the mid-foot region and the heel region; the frontal/toe region and the mid-foot region have formed therein a plurality of cavities such that the average density of the frontal/toe region and the mid-foot region is less than the heel region.

Abstract: Provided is footwear whereby it is possible to desirably carry out correction and stretching of a transverse arch of a foot. A transverse arch pressure part which protrudes such that a cross-section in the width direction is an arc shape is formed between portions in a foot contact surface of an article of footwear directly below the ball of the large toe and the ball of the little toe, and a pair of runners which do not support the ball of the large toe or the ball of the little toe are formed in the foot contact surface directly below the ball of the large toe and the ball of the little toe.

Abstract: An orthotic foot device for footwear may include a flexible insole chassis adapted to extend substantially between the heel and the toe of the footwear and at least one support component attached at a lower side of the chassis. The chassis may include a cushioned layer composed of conforming resilient material overlying the upper side of the chassis.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: A device and method of use for reducing knee bend, and therefore knee stress, when climbing and descending stairs. The method includes a first step of removably securing to a first foot of a user a device having an elevation of approximately half a step rise. A second method step includes lifting a second foot of the user onto a first stair step while applying full body weight to the first knee. A third method step includes lifting the first foot and the device while applying full body weight to a second knee in order to place the first foot and the device on the first step adjacent to the second foot. Lifting the second foot and lifting the first foot and the device are achieved while the first and second knees are bent no more than an angle necessary to climb approximately half a step rise. The sequential foot lifting is repeated until the user has climbed the stairs. The device includes a foot securing portion for removably attaching it to only one of a user's feet.