Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; and a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: a chassis portion overmolded with a tread portion; and a latch assembly for securing the chassis adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a latch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a latch support interacting with the latch; an attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said latch support and said attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the latch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Abstract: Shoe with detachable sole and vamp, in which: the sole (1) has an upper surface (2) on which several tubular elements (4) are applied spaced from each other by a preset value; the vamp (7) has a lower surface (6) on which there are applied several tubular elements (8) spaced from each other by a preset value; the vamp (7) can be positioned onto the sole (1) by positioning said lower surface (6) of the vamp (7) onto the upper surface (2) of the sole (1) with the insertion of the tubular elements (8) of the vamp (7) between the tubular elements (4) of the sole (1); and the vamp (7) is detachably anchored to the sole (1) by inserting a wire (9) through the said tubular elements of the sole and the vamp after positioning of the vamp onto the sole. Said tubular elements of the sole (1) are placed according an open annular path, with two tubular elements (40, 41) disposed in correspondence of a respective end of the open annular path and communicating with the outside of the sole (1).

Abstract: A shoe including an upper; a bottom located below the upper and facing the ground; and a flexible plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an interior portion and peripheral portions is disclosed. The flexible plate is positioned between at least a portion of the bottom and at least a portion of the upper. The peripheral portions are restrained from movement in a substantially vertical direction relative to the interior portion, so that the interior portion is capable of being deflected relative to the peripheral portions in a substantially vertical direction. The flexible plate has a width that is greater than one-half the width of the upper. At least one opening is in the bottom of the shoe. The lower surface of the flexible plate is in air communication with the outside of the shoe through the at least one opening in the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear an outer sole that houses a removable inner sole. The interchangeable nature allows different uses, appearances, and configurations. The outer sole can be used as a shoe itself (e.g. a sandal) or as the sole for other transformations. Various types of footwear elements can be inserted into/over the outer sole, allowing conversion of the footwear into a sports, formal, sandal, water, slipper, dress, ornamented shoe or other footwear.

Abstract: A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is 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 removable midsole section. The removable midsole section 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 removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear which has improved shock absorbency due to a cushioning and has superior support due to a rigid or semi-rigid orthotic plate. The orthotic plate may be removably or securably attachable to the upper, and the padding may be removably or securably attachable to the orthotic plate. The cushioning may further may have supporting blades incorporated therein to counteract any undesired deforming characteristics of the cushioning and/or a bottom plate may be securably or removably attachable to the bottom side of the cushioning. The bottom plate may also have gripping elements which are permanently or removably attachable to the plate to compensate for wear, or for a change in activities. Further, the upper may be removably and attachable and interchanged with other types of removably attachable uppers.

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 sole plate assembly comprising a sole plate with at least two or more engageable elements disposed along a peripheral portion of the sole plate, the engageable elements each being adapted to engage a complementary engageable element associated with a sole to form a male-female pair of elements that provide an interference fit that helps secure the sole plate to the sole; and a sole adapted to receive the sole plate.

Abstract: A therapeutic sandal is provided that includes an upper component having a front strap assembly and a rear strap assembly for securing a foot to the upper component, and a lower component, cooperative with the upper component, having at least one fulcrum object attached to the bottom surface of the lower component. The lower component is replaceable with another lower component with at least one different fulcrum object attached thereto. The lower component has at least one or two compressible fulcrum objects thereto. The lower component can also have at least one substantially non-compressible fulcrum object attached to the bottom surface. The invention provides a means for effectively exercising different muscle groups of the legs. The therapeutic sandals can be advantageously used by young children, in part due to the element of novelty and fun provided by wearing and using them, thereby encouraging a child to continue their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable stud for a shoe sole. The releasable stud includes a stud body and a first fastening mechanism coupled to the stud body. The first fastening mechanism is magnetically operable and interacts with a second fastening mechanism of the shoe sole. In another aspect, the invention relates to a shoe sole for an article of footwear, in particular a sole for a soccer shoe. The shoe sole includes at least one such stud and at least one receptacle, which itself includes the second fastening mechanism, for the stud. At least one of the first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism is magnetically operable to releasably fasten the stud to the receptacle.

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: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly having a midsole having an upper surface, a frame recess and a first registration recess being formed in the upper surface. A frame member is seated in the frame recess, and has a first end secured to the midsole, a second end free of the midsole, and a first registration member extending downwardly from a lower surface of the frame member. The first registration member is received in the first registration recess. An upper is removably attached to the sole assembly, and has a pocket on a bottom surface thereof, with the second end of the frame member being received in the pocket.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is separate from the upper and the outsole. The midsole is also positionable within the upper such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. The lower surface is at a second elevation, the first elevation being less than the second elevation.

Abstract: A composite outsole including a carbon fiber portion and a titanium portion. The titanium portion is molded to the carbon fiber portion using adhesives and the like. The titanium portion provides increased strength and ductility to allow for additional features in the outsole, such as, for example, air flow vents that increase air circulation for breathability and moisture management as well as reduce drag.

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: The tap shoe with an adjustable tap assembly facilitates changing taps and can be used to alter the sound of the tap. The tap shoe with an adjustable tap assembly is a tap shoe having a toe portion and a heel, two taps, two metal spacer plates, machine screws, and nuts. The nuts are embedded in the heel and toe portion of a tap dancing shoe. The spacer plates are attached to the heel and toe portions, respectively, with adhesive and nails. Machine screws then secure the taps to the nuts in the toe portion and heel of a tap dancing shoe, being inserted through holes in the spacer plates. Self-locking nuts are used to eliminate the possibility of the machine screws vibrating loose.

Abstract: Footwear has a sole for supporting a foot of a wearer, a first pair of wheels projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the heel, and a second pair of wheels spaced in front of the first pair and projecting from opposite sides of the sole adjacent the arch portion of the sole. The footwear is convertible from a wheeled configuration to a non-wheeled configuration by opening a cover plate normally covering a downwardly facing, recessed region of the heel, removing the wheel axles from wheel axle mounting grooves in the recessed region, then re-closing the cover plate over the heel region.

Abstract: A shoe provided with an interchangeable sole includes an elevated flange (5) arranged on the longitudinal edge between the front (1?) and rear (1?) ends thereof and the interchangeable sole (4) is also provided with a longitudinal elevated flange (6) extending between the front (4?) and rear (4?) ends of the interchangeable sole (4) on the opposite side in an operating position with respect to the longitudinal flange of the shoe. The longitudinal flange (5) of the shoe and the longitudinal elevated flange (6) of the interchangeable sole (4) interact by shape with the corresponding edge of the interchangeable sole (4) of the shoe in the operating position which is maintained by quick-operating fixing devices (7). The invention is particularly usable for shoe articles, in particular for sports shoes.

Abstract: A transformational shoe construction comprising an upper surface, lower surface (sole) and an upper-lower attachment means; said upper surface consisting of an exposed segment and a hidden segment with the upper surface joined to a lower surface (sole) by an upper-lower attachment means; said upper surface detachable from said lower surface (sole) and said upper surface capable of being turned inside-out to cause the exposed segment to become the hidden segment and the hidden segment to become the exposed segment.

Abstract: A composite outsole including a carbon fiber portion and a titanium portion. The titanium portion is molded to the carbon fiber portion using adhesives and the like. The titanium portion provides increased strength and ductility to allow for additional features in the outsole, such as, for example, air flow vents that increase circulation for breathability and moisture management as well as reduce drag.

Abstract: A modular footwear construction includes an upper with a removable outsole. The upper and the outsole both include bottoms having tread surfaces. A removable footbed fits inside the upper, and includes both a cushioning midsole and a structural plate. The outsole is removably secured to the upper without adhesives. In one embodiment, the midsole and the plate each have structure that enables a mechanical interlock therebetween. In another embodiment, a heel strap extends from the outsole and fits over a protrusion on the upper to removably secure the outsole to the upper.

Abstract: A sole for shoes, particularly for practicing sports, including a sole body that forms, at at least one perimetric portion, a recessed region for detachably accommodating at least one pad, which is provided with a first wing that overlaps the recessed region and with a second wing that forms a lateral rising portion that can be arranged so as to protect an outer profile of the shoe.

Abstract: A disposable protective sole is adapted for wear on a foot or shoe of a user. The protective sole includes a multilayer composite having opposing inside and outside major surfaces. The outside major surface is textured to resist slippage of the protective sole on an underlying surface. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the innside major surface of the composite, and is adapted for removably attaching the protective sole to the foot or shoe of the user.

Abstract: Footwear having removable straps is disclosed herein. More specifically, the footwear disclosed herein includes a removable strap assembly having concealed releasable connection means for attaching to the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention is a smooth laser cut steel plate that easily attaches to the heel of a boot or shoe. Two small screws enable attachment of plate through flanges, one on either side. While riding, a motorcyclist can place their heel lightly onto any smooth road surface to emit a shower of sparks. The device also helps protect the rider's heel against drag wear at starts and stops. This steel plate can easily be replaced or removed entirely from user's boots or shoes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is 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 removable midsole section. The removable midsole section 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 removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole, a forefoot cover, and heel strap. The forefoot cover is securely attached to the sole and extends over the forefoot portion of the sole. The heel strap is linked to the sole and extends over the heel portion of the sole. Further, the sole includes a sidewall having an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The heel strap is adapted to be set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole. As such, a user has the option of using the heel strap to secure his heel to the heel portion of the sandal, or alternatively setting the heel strap within the interlocking section of the sidewall and thereafter using the sandal in a “flip-flop” style.

Abstract: A shoe has a thin cavity in the bottom surface of its sole which releasably receives a thin sole plate. The sidewall of the cavity includes flaps which extend into the cavity. The sole plate has depressions which receive the flaps when the sole plate is placed in the cavity and pushed past the flaps.

Abstract: A clasp for securing an upper to the outsole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The clasp includes first and second releasably interengaging parts, one of which is attached to the upper and the other to the outsole. The part attached to the outsole includes a body defining a recess adapted to slideably receive the part attached to the upper. The recess has an opening through which the part attached to the upper is adapted to extend. The body has a centerline extending through the axis of the recess and the midpoint of the opening. That part also includes a base with a bottom surface adapted to be situated adjacent the outsole. The body is attached to the base such that the centerline of the body forms an obtuse angle with plane of the bottom surface of the base. The base has a top surface that is inclined relative to the bottom base surface. The clasp also has a spring-loaded detent mounted on one of the clasp parts.

Abstract: The current invention is directed toward an item of footwear with upper and lower soles, which are removably attached to each other by a zipper, where the sole contains one or more compartments created by mating cavities formed into the mating faces of the upper and lower soles. Access to the compartment(s) is achieved through zippers and a flexible sole. A zipper is located along the fringe of the sole, separating the sole into an upper sole and a lower sole. A zipper encompassing the entire fringe of the sole allows for complete removal of the lower sole. A zipper encompassing part of the fringe combined with the flexible sole allows easy access to a compartment. The existence of a compartment is, optionally, hidden by making the zipper the same color as the sole, or by hiding the zipper under a protective sleeve.

Abstract: A multi-function shoe includes a flexible sock body, a sole body, a first connector provided on an upper surface of the sole body, and a second connector provided on a bottom surface of the flexible sock body for connecting with the first connector or for detaching from the first connector. The flexible sock body can be selected to combine various sole body such as a thinner sole as a sock pad, a medium sole as an indoor shoe, or a thicker sole as an outdoor shoe for satisfying various needs used in various states.

Abstract: A platform shoe with detachable upper including a lower shoe member and an upper shoe member is disclosed. The shoe contains snaps or other connector components that provide a detachable attachment between the upper shoe member and the lower shoe member. Embodiments of the present invention include a lower shoe member having features that prevent damage to covering materials that may be caused by sharp edges of the connector components. In addition, the upper shoe member may be stretchable to allow attachment to a variety of lower shoe members of different shapes.

Abstract: An improved foot orthotic is disclosed which includes an L-shaped boot and a sole plate which mat be mounted to the boot using a bracket disposed in a recessed arch portion of the boot. Typically, a projection extends from the sole plate into the bracket. The projection may extend into a slot and may have an enlarged head which nests in a recess in the bracket. The sole plate may be removed by withdrawing the projection from the bracket. Preferably, the bracket is recessed so that when the wearer of the orthotic walks, the bracket does not touch the walking surface. A toe plate may also be used in conjunction with the boot. The toe plate may be mounted to the bracket independently of the sole plate. In one embodiment, the toe plate includes two arms separated by a slot. The two arms embrace a portion of the bracket. Mating ribs and recesses on the bracket and toe plate arms retain the toe plate in the desired position.

Abstract: A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Abstract: Provided is separable fashion footwear such as sneakers, shoes, and boots, using a zipper, in which the upper and lower portions of the footwear can be separated by a zipper, to thereby provide an effect of allowing a wearer to enjoy a variety of colors and/or designs with a pair of footwear. The zipper separable fashion footwear includes a body portion and a bottom sole portion which can be easily coupled with and separated from each other using a zipper. The body portion and the bottom sole portion can be fabricated into various kinds of colors and/or designs, respectively. A single bottom sole portion can be coupled with one of a number of the body portions fabricated according to various kinds of colors and designs, and vice versa.

Abstract: A boot assembly comprising a rigid upper, of the ski-boot type, provided with an incomplete sole of the upper (1; 21; 21?; 21?) and comprising at the front and/or rear end, in its lower part, a front and/or rear means for cooperation with a removable sole assembly (11; 31; 31?; 31?), which comprises: a first removable sole assembly comprising at least one curb part and a bearing plate and a cooperation means (14; 34; 34?; 34?) that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole, capable of completing the incomplete sole of the upper in order to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds to standard ISO 5355 for Alpine ski-boots; a second removable sole assembly comprising at least one curb part and a sole cooperation means (14; 34; 34?; 34?) that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole, capable of completing the incomplete sole of the upper in order to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds substantially to standard I

Abstract: A sandal comprising a sole having a plurality of lace holes, grooves, and rings used for arranging at least one lace in a variety of styles when securing the sandal to the foot of the wearer. In other embodiments, the lace can be illuminated and the sole can have multiple layers.

Abstract: A unique athletic shoe sole that is constructed of two more separate pieces designed to release when a predetermined longitudinally directed force is applied. A releasable athletic shoe sole includes a detachable lower sole; a mechanical release mechanism constructed to release when a predetermined force is applied; and a longitudinal guiding element. The longitudinal guiding element allows the lower sole to detach specifically in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of release prevents knee ligament injuries, particularly ACL injuries.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sole for bowling shoes in which a slip plate is detachably attached at the front portion of a bottom face thereof and a heel part is detachably attached at the back portion of the bottom face thereof, the sole for bowling shoes comprising: a fixing plate having a protecting rim formed integrally therewith along the outside edge of each of the front and back portions of the bottom face, the fixing plate having a coupling groove formed at the inside of the protecting rim; and a separating plate fixedly attached at the slip plate and the heel part, respectively, the separating plate having a coupling protrusion formed correspondingly to the coupling groove of the fixing plate.

Abstract: A set of shoes for use by members of a team. The shoes allow for a uniform appearance in a team environment by way of substantially similar uppers, while providing individualized performance specifications, with respect to support and breathability, for each upper. The substantially similar appearance of the upper may be due to material overlays, stitch patterns, color scheme and/or perforations and may be based on team criteria. The uppers are materially different from each other due to internal or external supports, material types and/or breathability. The substantially similar upper provides a uniform appearance for the team. The individualized performance specifications of each upper provide the comfort, performance and/or safety preferences desired by each player.

Abstract: The shoe with interchangeable covers is a modified pair of women's shoes consisting of a base, a sole with a removable heel, and a cover which is attached to the base and the sole with two sets of straps joining under the sole and fastened together with hook and loop type fasteners. The base of the shoe features a layer of padding for extra comfort and low rising vertical sides for supporting the interchangeable cover. The sole of the shoe is formed with a pair of notches on the bottom, one in the toe area and one in the arch area. These notches serve as guides into which the straps are placed and secured to one another. The cover can be made in various styles from dressy and elegant to casual and sporty by adding decorative items, such as zippers, buttons, bows, and the like and by varying the heel height and width. The interchangeable covers and heels allow the owner to have numerous pairs of shoes for the price of one.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole member, at least one heel member, a front securing member, and optionally a forward tread member. Each heel member includes a column portion having a predetermined height and a blade portion having a predetermined slope. Each blade portion's slope corresponds to the respective column portion's height for providing a proper amount of arch support for a user's foot. The sole member has an arch region made of a flexible material that defines a sleeve for selectively receiving each respective blade portion. Each blade portion includes a flange extending longitudinally therealong, and the sleeve defines a complementary groove. When the sleeve receives a respective blade portion, the blade portion provides shape and structural support for the sole member. Means for releasably attaching the respective column portion to the sole member are utilized, and the front securing member may secure the sole member to the user's foot.

Abstract: A shoe incorporates a flexible member which, by itself, is capable of a variety of configurations. A heel incorporates a stiffening member which mechanically interlocks with the flexible member to both shape it and provide it with sufficient rigidity to support a foot. The heel can be detached from the flexible member to allow the replacement of one heel with a different heel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for removably placing a pad on a shoe, including a bottom surface of the shoe, a pad secured to the bottom surface, an extension extending from the pad, the extension being secured to the bottom surface, and wherein the extension facilitates removal or application of the pad to the bottom surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a flexible cover shaped to envelope at least a portion of a wearer's foot. The cover has a sole region with inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface positioned to face the sole of the wearer's foot and the outer surface positioned to face in an opposite direction. The cover also has a plurality of apertures formed in the sole region. The article further includes a removable outsole nested within the cover. The outsole has an upper surface positioned to face the sole of the wearer's foot, a lower surface facing the inner surface of the cover sole region, and a plurality of lugs on the lower surface which protrude into the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear which has improved shock absorbency due to a cushioning and has superior support due to a rigid or semi-rigid orthotic plate. The orthotic plate may be removably or securably attachable to the upper, and the padding may be removably or securably attachable to the orthotic plate. The cushioning may further may have supporting blades incorporated therein to counteract any undesired deforming characteristics of the cushioning and/or a bottom plate may be securably or removably attachable to the bottom side of the cushioning. The bottom plate may also have gripping elements which are permanently or removably attachable to the plate to compensate for wear, or for a change in activities. Further, the upper may be removably and attachable and interchanged with other types of removably attachable uppers.

Abstract: A shoe with a decorative showcase has a shoe body and transparent case selectively attached to a position on the shoe body. The transparent case contains at least one kind of liquid and multiple floating objects in different shapes floating on the at least one kind of liquid. Thereby, the transparent case imitates objects such as flowers or ducklings floating on water to provide a novel and revolutionarily attractive to the shoe.

Abstract: A heel support for an athletic shoe that in one embodiment includes a recumbent-U shaped member to assist in shock absorption. The member may include a tent-shaped wall with an opening exposing the interior of the member.