Abstract: A bowling shoe sole fastening system of structures that allows a variety of outsoles to be attached to and detached from the midsole that improve the consistency of the flex of the show throughout a bowler's stride, which allow the bowling shoe to be adjusted to achieve consistent stopping and sliding characteristics over a variety of bowling lane conditions and maintain consistent performance in the flex of the shoe across cycles of attachment, detachment, and reattachment.

Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a simple construction that includes three main parts, with each made from a single material and fit together in a releasable manner. The invention enhances the recyclability and sustainable nature of the article of footwear and shoe. At least some more specific aspects of this technology relate to footwear structure that may include three main parts: (a) an outer cage, which may include a single piece having features of: (i) a footwear upper and (ii) a sole structure having one or more cleat outer shells; (b) an inner upper component; and (c) a chassis and heel counter component with a bottom surface thereof that includes one or more cleat inserts and supports that fit inside the one or more cleat outer shells.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes a first midsole portion, a second midsole portion, and a sheet. The first midsole portion includes a first sidewall. The second midsole portion includes a second sidewall. The sheet is disposed between the first midsole portion and the second midsole portion and extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The sheet extends at least partially over the second sidewall.

Abstract: A shoe including a pliable layer conformably peelably adhered in generally matched engagement with the outsole periphery of the ground engageable surface of the outsole of the shoe.

Abstract: An upper of an article of footwear comprises a plurality of stretch zones each having a respective stretching capability. Suitable example stretch zones may include four-way stretch zones, two-way stretch zones, and/or lock-out zones. In some examples, an upper having a plurality of stretch zones comprises a single continuous piece of material configured to have regions of different stretching capability. The single piece of material may comprise a layered material having two stretchable outer layers, wherein a plurality of stretch zones of the piece of material are defined by corresponding intermediate layers disposed at selected locations between the outer layers. Examples of intermediate layers providing two-way stretch, four-way stretch, and little or no stretch are disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having an internal volume adapted to receive a foot of a wearer and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chassis plate provided within the upper, a midsole secured to the chassis plate such that the upper extends between the chassis plate and the midsole, and an outsole tread element attached to a ground facing surface of the midsole.

Abstract: A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request.

Abstract: A reusable vehicular jack pad system, including a plurality of jack pads, each respective pad further including a top face, an oppositely disposed bottom face, a jack-engaging assembly operationally connected to the top face, a palm portion, and a toe portion extending from the palm portion. Each respective jack pad is shaped like an animal paw. Each respective bottom face is contoured to leave a paw print in soft ground. Each respective top face is contoured to stackingly engage a respective bottom face.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a custom article of footwear, a method of making the same, and a method of conducting retail and Internet business. In particular, the components of the custom article of footwear can be selected from a range of alternative options, and the selected components can be easily removed, replaced, and recycled.

Abstract: A shoe including a pliable layer conformably peelably adhered in generally matched engagement with the outsole periphery of the ground engageable surface of the outsole of the shoe.

Abstract: Shoe soles with channels for receiving shoelaces or other tightening devices. The channels penetrate through the sole crossing the lateral direction (long length of the foot). Variation of the lacing pattern provides for many different aesthetic or functional arrangements. Some versions have tubes in or on the walls of the upper of the shoe. These can shield the laces from view, abrasion, etc.

Abstract: Examples of the disclosure are directed to a tap apparatus for attachment to a tap shoe. In some examples, the tap apparatus can include an upper tap portion that can be attached to the tap shoe, and a lower tap portion that covers and protects the fasteners used to attach the upper tap portion to the tap shoe. In some examples, the lower tap portion may slide onto the upper tap portion using a dovetail-like attachment mechanism. Screws or locking tabs may then be used to hold the lower tap portion in place. In some examples, the lower tap portion may be affixed to the upper tap portion using a threaded fastener, plug, or floating screw. In some examples, a tab in the upper tap portion can be retained in an aperture in the tap portion, and the lower tap portion can be pivotably engaged with the upper tap portion.

Abstract: A kit includes a tape and instructions for adhering skin to a shoe. The tape having: a substrate; an insole side having an insole adhesive; an insole adhesive liner covering the insole adhesive; a skin side having a skin adhesive, wherein the skin adhesive has a characteristic different from the insole adhesive; a skin adhesive liner covering the skin adhesive; and a release tab formed by a portion of the insole side of the substrate devoid of insole adhesive. The tape can have the following options: the release tab is at the arch end of the substrate; insole side of the substrate has less stick potential compared to the skin side, which results in the insole side being less sticky than the skin side; or insole adhesive has less stick potential compared to the skin adhesive, which results in the insole adhesive being less sticky than the skin adhesive.

Abstract: A footwear sole apparatus which has a base member and at least one insert (principal insert and/or heel insert) as well as one or more fail-safe interconnectivity mechanisms, comprised of a configuration to fit or replace the sole or partial sole of a pair or pairs of footwear. The base member is either pre-attached to a new shoe(s) or fitted onto the sole of an existing shoe(s). The base member can be attached to the insert(s), having one or more fail-safe mechanisms to enhance interconnectivity of the base member and insert(s).

Abstract: A bowling shoe sole fastening system of structures that allows a variety of outsoles to be attached to and detached from the midsole that improve the consistency of the flex of the show throughout a bowler's stride, which allow the bowling shoe to be adjusted to achieve consistent stopping and sliding characteristics over a variety of bowling lane conditions and maintain consistent performance in the flex of the shoe across cycles of attachment, detachment, and reattachment.

Abstract: To provide cushioning and stability, a shoe has a sole section and an upper, the sole section comprising an outsole having a lower surface for contacting the ground, an insole and cushioning between the insole and the outsole. In addition, the shoe has a plurality of ligatures interconnecting the insole and the outsole, respectively, by way of the cushioning section. The ligatures control movement of the shoe upper relative to the outsole in at least two directions.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: A method for modifying a high heel shoe to reduce the angulation of the wearer's foot includes obtaining an external pad defining an outer contour and having a top surface, the external pad being at least as large as the area of the toe region outsole that contacts the ground when a wearer walks and having a thickness within the range of one half inch to two inches. The toe region of the shoe outsole is cleaned and the external pad is affixed to the toe region of the shoe outsole. The outer contour of the external pad is trimmed to conform to the outer contour of the outsole.

Abstract: A first and second pair of articles of footwear which may have substantially similar exterior appearances, but the internal structures are different. The first pair of articles may include a traditional sole assembly having an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The second pair of articles of footwear may include a fixed sole structure allowing for a customizable removable sole insert.

Abstract: A shoe, and method of manufacture, including (i) a shoe upper having an arrangement of holes in the bottom surface, (ii) an outer sole having an arrangement of holes corresponding to the arrangement of holes in the bottom surface of the shoe upper, and (iii) an inner sole disposed within the shoe upper, the inner sole having a plurality of pegs that extend from its bottom surface that are arranged in alignment with the arrangement of holes in the shoe upper and outer sole when the inner sole is disposed within the shoe upper, each peg extending downwardly through its associated hole in the shoe upper and the outer sole, so that, in the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of each peg is exposed to, and forms part of, bottom surface of the shoe.

Abstract: A system and components for allowing for selective interchanging shoe uppers with shoe soles, platforms and heels by a set of interengaging metal tracks on the bottom of the upper and a mating and longitudinally slidable track on the top of the sole, the tracks having inwardly directed resilient interlocking teeth fitting into opposed gaps of the opposed track. A simple spring steel latch extending from the bottom track captured within a recess of the top track and a release button allowing for detachment is provided.

Abstract: A shoe assembly that enables a person to wear a wresting shoe or similar athletic shoe that has no cushioning material in its sole, and selectively attach an overshoe that has highly padded soles. In this way, an athlete can comfortably train on and off padded surfaces without having to change shoes. The athletic shoe has a first sole, a first toe section and a first heel section, wherein the first sole has surfaces with contoured shapes. An overshoe is provided that defines an interior sized to exactly receive a portion of the athletic shoe therein. The overshoe has surfaces that engage the contoured shapes of the wrestling shoe surfaces. This prevents the athletic shoe from moving within the overshoe. The sole of the overshoe is padded. In this manner, an athlete can add or remove padding from the shoe assembly by adding or removing the overshoe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing an outsole and a midsole. The outsole and the midsole are secured together such that a bottom surface of a first midsole element overlaps and directly secures to an upper surface of a first outsole element to define a first element assembly, such that a bottom surface of a second midsole element overlaps and directly secures to an upper surface of a second outsole element to define a second element assembly, and such that an outsole groove and a midsole groove are substantially aligned and in communication with each other in the thickness direction of the outsole and the thickness direction of the midsole. Moreover, the method includes interlocking the first and second element assemblies with each other.

Abstract: A modular shoe having a removable upper is described. The upper may be adapted to be attached to an associated base. The upper may be secure to the base using a fastening element. Such a fastening element may be inserted through the base into a receptacle in the upper before being locked in place to secure the upper to the base. Similarly, the upper may be removed from the base by unlocking the fastening element from the receptacle. Such a modular shoe allows a wearer to easily change uppers (and/or bases) to create various combinations as desired.

Abstract: An example interchangeable shoe in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a sole, at least three fastening points, wherein each fastening point comprises a coupling mechanism, and at least one upper, wherein the at least one upper is attached to the shoe at the at least three fastening points using the coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter outlining a substantially planar foresole region, a substantially planar heel region, and an arch region recessed from the foresole and heel regions, each of the regions having medial and lateral sides; a heel pad attached to the heel region; a plurality of pockets formed in the foresole region, each pocket having a base and a rigid rim rising from the base above the plane of the foresole region; and a slide pad element in each pocket, having a bottom surface interchangeably secured to the base of the pocket and an outer slide surface, and a peripheral edge which closely conforms to the rim, wherein the conforming edge has a bottom edge portion substantially abutting the rim, and an upper edge portion that protrudes above the rim, whereby the rim is recessed relative to the slide surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: Shoe soles with and without removable/replaceable gripping pods for athletic or sport shoes are provided with enhanced traction. The sole portions or gripping pods may be provided with a supply of a substance that exhibits a tackiness for enhancing friction between the shoe sole and the any hard floor. The tackiness-enhancing substance may be time-released or discharged from within the shoe sole onto the lower surface(s) of the sole that make(s) contact with the smooth hard playing surface or may be in response to compression or shear forces acting on the sole during play to prolong the tacky properties and reduce slippage. A visual indicator may be provided for notifying the player that it is time to replace the worn or used pod and insert a fresh pod or insert into the pod(s) to maintain high levels of gripping.

Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.

Abstract: A coupling device molded into a shoe sole for allowing a user to detachably couple a shoe upper to the shoe sole. The coupling device includes a socket with a set of ratchet teeth that are movable between an unbiased position and biased position by touching a button. The coupling device also includes a prong that can be inserted into the socket and has a plurality of complementary ratchet that can engage with the ratchet teeth of the socket.

Abstract: An outsole element for an article of footwear having a base and a lug that extends from the base. The outsole element includes a body and a cavity defined in the body. The cavity receives the lug to removably couple the body to the lug. Also, the cavity includes an internal undercut.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing detachable zipper shoe comprises steps of: I. preparing cardboards: 1) structuring a shoe last, 2) making cardboards, and 3) drawing arrays of marks; II. making a vamp: 1) making a first cutting die, 2) cutting, 3) drawing marks on the vamp, 4) combining the vamp, and 5) combining the vamp and an upper zipper; III. making an outsole: 1) forming the outsole, and 2) combining the outsole and a lower zipper; IV. making an inner sole: 1) making a second cutting die, 2) cutting, and 3) combining the inner sole and the outsole; V. fixing the vamp. The method of the present invention adopts sets of marks predetermined on the vamp, the upper zipper, the lower zipper, the inner sole, and the outsole to be aligned with each other, so as to prevent the combination of the afore portions from displacement. Therefore, one single sole of the same size can cooperate with different types of vamps for satisfying a mass production of shoes.

Abstract: This invention is a type of adhesive footwear for humans. The adhesive bond between the footwear and foot eliminates the need for shoestrings, Velcro, zippers, or any other type of fastening device. Unlike other types of footwear, the adhesive bond enables the footwear to remain in place and causes less discomfort when the foot becomes wet, sandy, or muddy. The footwear is precut into a shape that makes it capable of fitting several different sizes and types of feet. It is applied to the feet by stepping directly onto the adhesive side of the slip resistant material. Only the material needed will remain attached to the foot, making the footwear as light as possible.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: A modular sole assembly system for footwear and components thereof.

Abstract: A footwear assembly including footwear composed of (a) an upper surface adapted to a foot, (b) two protuberances, (c) a sole, and (d) a map formed on the sole. The map includes markings that define an orientation and position for mounting two protuberances on a bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: At least one invention pertains to an article of footwear having a foot-receiving portion and a sole portion attached via at least one binding element. In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a foot-receiving portion configured to extend over a portion of a foot of a wearer, and the foot-receiving portion being configured to extend to medial and lateral side of the foot, and the foot-receiving portion including a binding element. A sole portion having a top surface for contacting the foot and a lower surface for a least a portion provided ground engagement. A plurality of apertures extending through the top surface and lower surface, the apertures are configured to receive the binding element therein to attach the foot-receiving portion to the sole portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe.

Abstract: An improved ski boot comprising a shell (2) provided with a fastening device and internally housing an inshoe of soft material and at least two sets (5,6; 7,8) of front jaw/heel fixing unit portions removably securable to the sole (16) of the boot, characterized in that the first set (5,6) is of a form satisfying the regulations for alpine skiing and the second set (7,8) is of a form satisfying the regulations for ski mountaineering, the front jaw (7) of the second set laterally comprising holes (18) for engagement by a fork of a dynafit binding and the heel fixing unit comprising at its rear a seat (20) for engaging the heel fixing unit of the dynafit binding.

Abstract: A floor wipe is provided in a symmetrical shape wherein a human foot may easily fit with toes of the foot at a desired end of the floor wipe and the heel of the foot at the opposing end. Floor wipe has a floor contact side and a foot contact side where a user would place their foot on the foot contact side of the device and manipulate the device about the floor to clean an area of the floor. The device has a first cleaning area, having a first characteristic, such as absorbency, at one end of the device and a second cleaning area, having a second characteristic, such as scouring, which is unique from the characteristic of the first cleaning area, at an opposing end of the device. The foot contact side has structural configuration elements which resist the foot of the user from slipping there along during usage.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a shoe cover. The shoe cover is useful for muffling sound of the wearer. The apparatus contains a padded sole, an encasing material, vertical straps, an attachment mechanism on the straps, and a replaceable cover. The replaceable cover can be substituted when the replaceable cover becomes worn or when a different type of cover is desirable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe having a detachable cushioning member, in which the cushioning member for relieving an impact is detachable from a lower surface of a heel. More particularly, in the shoe having a detachable cushioning member, the cushioning member is selectively mounted to a lower surface of a heel of the shoe, a structure of the heel for mounting the cushioning member is simple so that it is possible to easily manufacture the shoe, and only the cushioning member has the construction for cushioning so that it is possible to easily replace and repair the cushioning member.

Abstract: A kit comprising at least one shoe and at least one detachable sole section. An article of footwear comprising a shoe and at least one means for connecting the shoe to at least one detachable sole section. An apparatus comprising at least one detachable sole section.

Abstract: A sandal which includes two molded plates which releasably lock together. The underside of the male plate contains a male lock, and its front and rear underside contain the reciprocal fasteners to secure the straps. The superior aspect of the female plate contains the reciprocal “female” releasable locking mechanism for the male lock. After the straps are secured on the male plate it is inserted and releasably locked when the underside lock of the male plate enters the superior lock of the female plate embedded in a base style (heel, flat or wedge). When the male plate with straps is the top layer its underside is the lock and its superior side is the contact support for the foot. The male plate functions as a middle lock if an insole is inserted under the straps and its underside is removably secured to a superior aspect of a male plate with a choice of hook and loop fastener. The insole becomes the final layer which hides the shoes components and provides the contact support for the foot.

Abstract: A system for attaching a shoe upper to a shoe bottom through the use of elastic loops attached to the perimeter edge of the upper, the elastic loops being fitted to corresponding channels molded into the sidewall and lower surface of the shoe bottom. Easy attachment and removal of the shoe upper allows for replacement of the shoe upper with an alternative upper of a different color, pattern, or structure.

Abstract: A spring-loaded jumping shoe featuring a shoe component comprising a sole, a top, and a foot hole; a track disposed in the sole of the shoe component; an attachment flange removably attached in the track in the sole of the shoe component; a generally flat base having a top surface, a bottom surface, an upwardly curved front end, and an upwardly curved back end; and at least a first hydraulic spring and a second hydraulic spring each extending upwardly from the base and sandwiched between the base and the attachment flange.

Abstract: A disposable pad is constructed of materials that provide an alternate sole for the shoe, such as providing near or identical characteristics to the heel and sole of traditional bowling shoes. The pad will contain multiple layers including an adhesive layer that will allow the user to temporarily affix the pad to their own footwear. The pad may include multiple die cuts to accommodate male, female and children's footwear, for example, for ages five years old through adult. The pad may be used to transform the user's shoes, which are typically used for one purpose, to be adapted for use for a second purpose.

Abstract: A sandal system kit comprising a base, wherein a slot is disposed in the base at a front edge and a track is disposed along edges of the base; a plurality of S-clips each having a first end configured to snugly hook into the track and a second end extending outwardly from the base; and a plurality of straps, wherein each strap can be secured to the base via the S-clips, via the slot, and via a first attachment means, wherein each strap can be secured in a variety of patterns according to the user's wishes; wherein a user can construct a variety of different sandals by interchanging the straps and attaching the straps to the base in various patterns.