Abstract: An orthotic insert for use within footwear, may include a support shell. The support shell may include a forward portion configured to underlie and support a plantar surface of a metatarsal head area of a foot of a user and a rear portion configured to underlie and support a plantar surface of a heel of the foot of the user. The rear portion may include a heel post to provide frontal plane stabilization to the foot of the user during use. The heel post may define a perimeter structure having a hexagonal or other geometric shape that extends in a downward direction from a bottom surface of the support shell and terminates in a substantially planar footwear engagement surface.

Abstract: A cushioning element for an article of footwear includes a bladder having a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together along a seam to define a chamber and a support element disposed within the chamber and having a support member and a plurality of flexible support legs each extending from a first end attached to the support member to a second end disposed between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer within the seam.

Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a plate, a first tensile layer disposed adjacent to a first side of the plate, and a second tensile layer disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first tensile layer, the second tensile layer joined to the first tensile layer through the plate by a plurality of inner bonds. The bladder additionally includes a first barrier layer disposed adjacent to the first tensile layer and joined to the first tensile layer by a plurality of first outer bonds to form a first chamber, one or more of the first outer bonds interposed between adjacent ones of the inner bonds.

Abstract: Methods of using a foot device are disclosed herein. The foot device includes a generally U-shaped portion having an arcuate portion and first and second legs extending from the arcuate portion. Each leg has an end and a relief area disposed adjacent the respective end. A method of using the foot device comprises engaging the arcuate portion with a heel of a foot to form a first point of contact; positioning the relief area of the first leg proximate a fifth metatarsal head of the foot such that the fifth metatarsal head drops to form a second point of contact; and positioning the relief area of the second leg proximate a first metatarsal head of the foot such that the first metatarsal head drops to form a third point of contact, wherein the first, second, and third points of contact form a triangle-shaped contact surface.

Abstract: A walking-assisted air-jet insole includes an insole base. A plurality of pressed-air outlet units that can generate airflow based on stepping pressure are provided on the insole base; the pressed-air outlet unit includes a cavity for retaining air. An upper part of the insole base is provided with an upper air hole that communicates with the cavity, and a lower part of the insole base is provided with an air sac part that is elastically deformed and restored based on the stepping pressure. A volume of the cavity can be changed based on the elastic deformation and restoration of the air sac part. A lower end of the air sac part is provided with a convex column that moves up and down based on the stepping pressure. The cavity includes an upper cavity portion and a lower cavity portion from top to bottom.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance includes a pad for providing support for midfoot arches, the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal of a foot, wherein the pad does not provide substantial support under a heel of the foot or under the first metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal. A method for manufacturing an orthopedic appliance includes obtaining a pad; and shaping the pad to provide support for midfoot arches, the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal of a foot, but not provide substantial support under a heel of the foot or under the first metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole that has a bottom portion and a medial arch portion extending upward from the bottom portion. The medial arch portion of the outsole has a base and a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the base. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in vertical alignments. In each one of the vertical alignments, at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is closer to the bottom portion and has a larger effective diameter than at least one other protrusion of the plurality of protrusions that is further from the bottom portion.

Abstract: Provided are footbeds having multiple points of contact and varying compression rates for use in articles of footwear. In one embodiment, a footbed may include apertures (for example, ovals) arranged in a varying grid density. In another embodiment, a footbed may include a lattice having edges that define polygons arranged in a constant grid density. In another embodiment, a footbed may include a lattice having edges that define polygons arranged in a constant grid density and having protruding structures within each polygon.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance includes a pad for providing support for midfoot arches, the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal of a foot, wherein the pad does not provide substantial support under a heel of the foot or under the first metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal. A method for manufacturing an orthopedic appliance includes obtaining a pad; and shaping the pad to provide support for midfoot arches, the second metatarsal, and the third metatarsal of a foot, but not provide substantial support under a heel of the foot or under the first metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsal.

Abstract: A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.

Abstract: A shoe has an air pump device for blowing air into the interior of a shoe comprising a bellows formed in the sole structure and surrounding a cavity, an intake channel for transporting air from an intake opening into the bellows, an air supply device formed in the sole structure for forwarding air from the bellows into the interior of the shoe, and a V-shaped or U-shaped spring element which clasps the bellows. An upper leg of the spring element comprises an upper pressure plate arranged above the bellows and below an insole of the sole structure, and a lower leg comprises a lower pressure plate arranged under the bellows and above an outsole layer, so that a connecting section that connects the two legs is arranged beside the bellows in the sole structure.

Abstract: A sole for aerated footwear having an elongate body with a lower surface, a device attached to the body, and an operating member, arranged to move away from and towards the body in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the body as the sole bends to disengage and unbends to engage a floor, for operating the device. The device is attached to the body, engageable with the operating member, and is expandable from, or further away from, the lower surface of the body, upon movement of the operating member away from the body.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a shoe upper, a sole connected to the shoe upper and the sole is provided with peripheral walls which together define a cavity therein. A layer of material extends across and is connected to the walls or adjacent to the walls at a perimeter of the layer of material, the layer of material dividing the cavity into at least a first chamber and a second chamber. The layer of material and the walls on one side of the perimeter of the layer of material define the first chamber, and the layer of material and the walls on the other side of the perimeter of the layer of material define the second chamber. The sole is configured such that movement of the layer of material within the cavity causes simultaneous changing of interior volume between the chambers and thus pumping of air into or out of the chambers for air circulation of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the footwear sector and more specifically it concerns a sole obtainable through compression or injection moulding that allows breathability of the wearer's foot thanks to the combined action of a series of technical elements such as cylindrical stems with relative caps of underlying air chambers shaped like truncated cones and compression distribution devices all located underneath an alternating series of holes moulded on the sole.

Abstract: Sole (100; 200; 300; 400) comprising a support layer (101; 201; 301; 401) having at least one region (103; 203; 303; 403) which allows the passage of air through said layer (101; 201; 301; 401), characterized in that it comprises one or more reinforcing elements (111; 211, 311; 411) joined to one side of said layer (101; 201; 301; 401) in said at least one region (103; 203; 303, 403) and perforated with through-openings (113; 213; 313; 413) for evacuating the air which passes through said region; and a membrane (117; 290, 390; 417) made of material which is waterproof and vapor-permeable, situated above said at least one region (103; 203; 303, 403) on the side of said layer (101; 201; 301, 401) opposite to said elements (111; 211, 311; 411) and sealed with said layer (101; 201; 301; 401) at least along one contour (115; 215; 305) around said at least one region (103; 203; 303; 403).

Abstract: An insole which is substantially adapted to the profile of a human foot and comprises, in the mid-foot region, an elastically deformable arch facing the foot, characterized in that a reinforcement element is located on the side of the insole facing away from the foot in the region of the arch, said reinforcement element being made of a different material with a greater stiffness than the material of the insole and having a convex shape.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: A shoe pad includes a soft and elastic layer and an air permeable layer connected onto the soft and elastic layer. The soft and elastic layer includes a front metatarsal section, a mid foot section and a rear heel section. Central portions of the front metatarsal section and the rear heel section have a plurality of cavities. The cavities are discrete from each other for enhancing the structural strength of the shoe pad. The mid foot section has a thickened arch portion, and the arch portion has a plurality of reinforcement structures for enhancing the supporting strength. The periphery portion of the rear heel section is thicker than the central portion of the rear heel section, so when a foot heel steps on the rear heel section, a feeling of stable descending is provided.

Abstract: A foot-bed, also called an innersole or sock liner, having a two-piece molded innersole with an upper section, a lower section, and an optional mesh cover (or top liner). The lower surface of the upper section of the innersole has a specific contour that follows the bottom surface of the foot. The upper section of the innersole fits into a cavity in the lower section of the innersole. The lower section is cupped in the cross-section and provides support and stability.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: An inner sole for a shoe, the inner sole having a heel portion, a mid-area portion, a metatarsal portion, a metatarsal/toe transition portion and a toe portion. Force absorbing, compressible blisters, each having a perforation, extend across the heel portion, the mid-area portion and the metatarsal portion. There are truncated blisters in the metatarsal portion and no blisters in the toe portion. Orifices are disposed between the blisters and truncated blisters, and are in the toe portion. The orifices dissipate moisture from a user's foot. Also disclosed is a shoe arrangement including the foregoing inner sole, and layers including a breathable and/or moisture permeable layer and a fluid-absorbing layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insole which is essentially adapted to the profile of a human foot and has, in the middle foot area, an elastically deformable dome-like arch that faces the foot. To reduce the technical and financial production expense of an insole and to improve the wearing comfort of a shoe through an insole, in particular an insertable insole and to improve the fitting shape of the shoe by means of an insole and to feed air into and out of the shoe interior with the aid of an insole, the insole according to the invention exhibits in the region of the elastically deformable arch at least one ventilation opening, which during walking causes ventilation of the shoe interior in conjunction with the elastically deformable arch.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: An arch support has a periphery shaped to conform to at least part of the periphery of the sole of a wearer's footwear and an upper surface contoured to follow the contours of the sole of a wearer's foot, the upper surface having a heel region extending from the rear end, an arch region, and a forward region extending to the forward end. The forward region has an upwardly convex contour extending across part of its area, and the lower surface has a waffled region lying under the forward region which has a plurality of indents forming a waffle pattern, the indents being separated by dividing walls which are relatively thin compared to the width of each recess, for increased flexibility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sing the flow of fluid through tubes in the sole of shoes. The apparatus includes a pair of fluid filled tubes along the periphery of the sole of the shoe. One tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions the for the ball and instep portions of the foot. The other tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions heel portion of the foot. Adjustable pressure valves interposed between the fluid filled tubes permit a method of controlling the flow of fluid through the valves in one direction only. The pressure resistance of the valves are pre-set for a certain internal pressure level required for triggering the transfer of fluid from one tube to the other. The method include steps of controlling pressure resistance by adjusting valve pressure adjustment rings either in a clockwise direction about a rod for increasing internal pressure resistance, or in a counter-clockwise direction for decreasing internal resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring the flow of fluid through tubes in the sole of shoes. The apparatus includes a pair of fluid filled tubes along the periphery of the sole of the shoe. One tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions the for the ball and instep portions of the foot. The other tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions heel portion of the foot. Adjustable pressure valves interposed between the fluid filled tubes permit a method of controlling the flow of fluid through the valves in one direction only. The pressure resistance of the valves are pre-set for a certain internal pressure level required for triggering the transfer of fluid from one tube to the other. The method include steps of controlling pressure resistance by adjusting valve pressure adjustment rings either in a clockwise direction about a rod for increasing internal pressure resistance, or in a counter-clockwise direction for decreasing internal resistance.

Abstract: Shock absorbing cushion structures are disclosed which are formed by upper and lower sheets peripherally sealed and formed to define a series of intercommunicating air chambers therebetween. In particular there is disclosed a shock absorbing shoe insole of this kind in which a flowable substance such as a medicinal or deodorant power is contained in the air chambers. The upper sheet is provided with an array of pinholes through which the flowable substance is released into a shoe by the application of pressure to the insole during walking. Also disclosed is a technique for making insoles in a range of sizes from a single molding.

Abstract: The subject invention is aimed at providing a sole pad unit with the effects of supporting the metatarsal bone and airing and massaging the center of the sole of foot, comprising mainly of a massage block, roughly in an "L" shape, located on the sole pad unit to correspond to the depressive part on the sole of foot, providing proper stimulation to the depressed part on the sole of foot, complying with ergonomic principles, at approximately the center of the massage block is a vent hole to produce airing effect and prevent bad smell, meanwhile there are slopes on the peripherals to prevent deformation of the massage block, the sole pad unit is applicable to slippers as well as all types of shoes, to achieve the effects of universal application and best comfort, and to achieve the purpose of better health with the massage block to support the metatarsal bone and massage the reflective area of acupoints on the depressed part of the sole of foot.

Abstract: A fluid circulating cushioned insole for a shoe includes a base panel and a top panel. A series of three cavities are molded into the panels including a heel c, an arch cavity and a metatarsal c. Three channels connect the cavities for circulating flow from the heel cavity to the arch cavity to the metatarsal cavity and back to the heel c. Each channel is equipped with a one-way flow valve constraining the fluid within the cavities and channels to uni-directional circulating flow to massage the foot during each step. The foot is also ventilated during each step by providing an open-bottomed pump cavity in the bottom surface of the base panel, which cavity is connected by at least one open-bottomed channel extending forwardly into fluid communication with a series of vent holes through the base panel. A matrix of branched channels connect each of the vent holes to the longitudinal channels.

Abstract: An odor adsorbing contoured laminate for footwear comprising an upper-most layer of perforated thermoplastic foam (20), a second layer of air permeable, water repellent textile fabric (22), a third layer of odor adsorbent material (24), a fourth partial layer of contoured solid thermoplastic (30), and a fifth bottom layer of odor adsorbent material (26).