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 step-in binding system (20, 220) including a binding (24, 224) and an engagement member (26, 226) for securing a snowshoe to footwear (22). In one embodiment, the binding includes a pivotable latch (78) and a fixed latch (80), each having a pair of catches (116) for engaging a corresponding receiver (110) on the engagement member. The pivotable latch is pivotable between a closed position (CP) and an open position (OP) and is biased into the closed position by a helical rotational spring (100). The binding further includes an adjustment mechanism (32) extending between a toe member (28) and a heel member (30) that allows the distance between the toe and heel members to be selectively changed by a user. In another embodiment, the binding includes a pair of pivotable latches (278, 280), each biased into its closed position by two torsional rotational springs (300).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an in-line roller skate is provided. The in-line roller skate has a chassis (2;39) equipped with at least two rollers (3) and two platforms (4, 5; 34; 47) and a boot (1; 30). The boot has a supple upper connected to a lower panel and is capable of enclosing a wear's foot. The method includes the steps of (a) inserting a rigid insole (17; 31, 50; 55; 56) into the boot; (b) fixing fasteners between the rigid insole and the chassis, thus sandwiching the lower panel therebetween; and (c) optionally, inserting a comfort sole into the boot to cover the rigid insole.

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: A footwear with interchangeable components that includes, an interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper, an interchangeable mid-sole chassis, an interchangeable mid-sole foot bed interlocker, and an interchangeable lug-treading. The interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper is removably mounted to the interchangeable mid-sole foot chassis and interlocked with an interchangeable mid-sole interlocker so that interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper can be readily changed by user according to user preference. The interchangeable mid-sole chassis is removably mounted to the interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper and interlocked by the interchangeable mid-sole foot bed interlocker and interchangeable lug-treading so that the interchangeable mid-sole chassis can be readily changed by user according to user preference.

Abstract: A removable outersole covering for the treaded bottom of an athletic footcovering is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the outersole includes an elastically deformable band defining a continuous loop, the band having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge of the band forming the shape of the border of the treaded bottom of the athletic footcovering, a sole surface coupled to the bottom edge of the band, the sole surface configured in the shape of the treaded bottom of the athletic footcovering; and a plurality of sport cleats protruding from the bottom side of the sole surface.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear having a foot-receiving portion and a sole portion that are separable. The foot-receiving portion includes a covering portion that is attached to a periphery of a supporting portion to form a volume for receiving a foot. The foot-receiving portion also includes at least one attachment element that engages a corresponding attachment element located on a side of the sole portion, thereby releasably-attaching the foot-receiving portion and the sole portion.

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 heel surface element for a bowling shoe has a body defining an upper, attachment surface for attachment of the heel surface element upon a heel region of a bowling shoe and a lower, heel surface having a horseshoe-shape surface disposed for engagement upon a bowling alley approach surface during bowling motion and center region surface spaced from contact with the bowling alley approach surface. The center region surface is defined peripherally by the horseshoe-shape surface and extends from a heel front edge towards a heel rear edge. The horseshoe-shape surface tapers from a front thickness in a region adjacent the heel front edge to a second, relatively greater thickness in a region adjacent the heel rear edge. The heel front edge defines a notch extending toward the heel rear edge. The center region surface narrows, curving inwardly from the heel front edge toward the heel rear edge. Each of the heel surface and the horseshoe-shape surface has a rounded front or leading edge.

Abstract: A replacement outer sole and method for converting a non-spiked dress or sport shoe to a spiked shoe. The replacement outer sole includes an outer sole that supports a plurality of surface gripping devices in an outer periphery thereof. The replacement outer sole is coupled to the upper portion of a flat-soled shoe, converting the non-spiked shoe to a sports shoe having a surface gripping device such as cleats or spikes generally used for walking, running golfing or other activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to an upper part for a shoe, in which the dimensional design of its inside and outside provides considerable adjustability through assembly with fastening devices positioned and construction in such a way that it gives a highly stable upper part, the characteristics of which in terms of material and properties permit is adaptation to different sizes of feet. The upper part of the shoe is in the form of woven fabric or some other flexible material, the fastening devices are in the form of hook and loop-type fastening devices such as VELCRO, at least some of which exhibit circular form, and the under side of the outside of the upper part of the shoe exhibits connecting devices essentially for its detachable attachment to a sole or other under part of the shoe capable of being placed in contact with a floor.

Abstract: A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate, and a rear sole having a bottom surface with a ground-engaging portion including at least four portions each having a generally circular shape when viewed from beneath the bottom surface of the rear sole.

Abstract: Footwear characterized by comprising an upper portion (1), a shoe sole (2), and a fastener (3) that connects them, wherein a plurality of kinds of upper portions are exchangeably used by being connected by the fastener (3) with respect to the shoe sole that is made the basis. The footwear is arranged so that the shoe sole (2) is used by being connected by the fastener in such a manner that the kind of the upper portion is changed according to the purpose of use of the shoe. A cover depending from the upper portion or a cover (7) rising from the shoe sole covers the fastener; the fastener is a slide fastener encircling the shoe except the heel of the shoe sole; and the initial end and a portion adjacent the terminal end of the fastener (3) encircling the shoe sole (2) meet each other.

Abstract: A boot has a cavity located in the bottom of the sole and a sole plate that releasably fits within this cavity. A tab located on the toe end of the sole piece fits into a slot located in the sidewall of the cavity to hold the toe end of the sole plate in the cavity. A strap is attached to the heel end of the sole plate and extends to an attachment device located on the back of the boot. The attachment device places the strap in tension to hold the heel end of the sole plate in the cavity.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer or for elevating the foot from the ground as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the wearer in contact with the sole. A recessed track, formed in the lower surface of the sole, extends parallel to the length of the sole and along a major portion of its length. At least one support block is provided for attachment to the lower surface of the sole at any of a plurality of positions along the entirety of the recessed track. Also provided is a heel protection configuration and sole thickness adjustment platform.

Abstract: A boot has a cavity located in the bottom of the sole and a sole plate that releasably fits within this cavity. A tab located on the toe end of the sole piece fits into a slot located in the sidewall of the cavity to hold the toe end of the sole plate in the cavity. A strap is attached to the heel end of the sole plate and extends to an attachment device located on the back of the boot. The attachment device places the strap in tension to hold the heel end of the sole plate in the cavity.

Abstract: A step-in binding system (20, 220) including a binding (24, 224) and an engagement member (26, 226) for securing a snowshoe to footwear (22). In one embodiment, the binding includes a pivotable latch (78) and a fixed latch (80), each having a pair of catches (116) for engaging a corresponding receiver (110) on the engagement member. The pivotable latch is pivotable between a closed position (CP) and an open position (OP) and is biased into the closed position by a helical rotational spring (100). The binding further includes an adjustment mechanism (32) extending between a toe member (28) and a heel member (30) that allows the distance between the toe and heel members to be selectively changed by a user. In another embodiment, the binding includes a pair of pivotable latches (278, 280), each biased into its closed position by two torsional rotational springs (300).

Abstract: A disposable protective foot pad, composite and its method of manufacture including a resilient planar foam base, an adhesive layer on one side of the base, carried by a film having another adhesive layer on its opposite side covered by a protective sheet. The foot pad composite is manufactured by feeding a web of elastomeric foam in contact with a double-sided film after one of two protective sheets is removed from one side of the film and thereafter simul- taneously die cutting a plurality of protective foot pads from the foam web, film and protective sheet composite.

Abstract: A sandal with a shoe bottom with raised sole rims on either side of the shoe bottom, a foot support bed incorporated in the shoe bottom, an upper strapping material, and a cover sole connected to the shoe bottom and having raised edge regions aligned with and extending past the raised sole rims on either side of the shoe bottom. The raised edge regions each form a lateral fastening portion for attachment to the upper strapping material.

Abstract: An article of footwear is shown having a bottom exposed surface with a number of threaded bores. An interchangeable sole element can be affixed to the bottom surface of the foot receiving member by means of threaded metal studs. The studs are sized and positioned with respect to the lower surface of the sole elements to allow the tips of the studs to extend beyond the lower surface of the sole element for a distance in the range of 2 to 5 millimeters to provide improved traction and support.

Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.

Abstract: A wedge-soled bowling shoe has selectable percentages of regions of different coefficients of friction of traction characteristics and different coefficients of friction of slide characteristics on a shoe sole surface. The shoe gives the bowler precise control over relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe. The bowler can readily change the relative amounts of slide and/or traction action of each shoe by changing a replaceable sole member of the desired percentages of regions of high or low traction and high or low slide to accommodate differing conditions and differing styles of bowling. Using one of a plurality of pairs of replaceable sole members, a first member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide slide characteristics and a second member of each pair is constructed of two materials, each of a different coefficient of friction to provide traction characteristics.

Abstract: A shoe (10) with a removable membrane (16) for attaching relative to the bottom surface (14) of the shoe (10) and allowing the cleats (12) of the shoe (10) to pass through the membrane (16). After wearing the shoe (10), the membrane (16) is easily removed from the shoe (10), thereby substantially dislodging any debris that has become located against the membrane (16) and/or between two or more of the shoe cleats (12).

Abstract: A foot protector includes a resilient sheet member having a shape generally matching a shape of a sole of a foot and having a size generally corresponding to a size of the foot. The resilient sheet member has a foot-contact surface, and a tack adhesive layer is provided on at least a portion of the foot-contact surface. The foot protector is lightweight and readily removable and disposable. The foot protector readily conforms to the three-dimensional contours of the sole of the feet, allowing increased mobility of the foot and increased adhesion as a greater effective contact surface area is provided. The foot protector is also preferably of a substantially constant thickness to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A series of interchangeable stackable intermediate core sole modules have mating interlocking post and hole connectors and mating hook and loop fasteners and edge ridges for stacking a series of the core modules. Footwear uppers have a conventional top foot accommodating structure and a bottom surface with mating components to interconnect with the core modules. Footwear bottoms have a bottom surface with conventional soles and have an upper surface with mating components to interconnect with the core modules. Interchangeable core modules vary in material, color, texture, style, shape, thickness, and other physical features for individualizing footwear.

Abstract: A series of interchangeable stackable intermediate core sole modules have mating connectors for stacking a series of the core modules. Footwear uppers have a conventional top foot accommodating structure and a bottom surface with mating components to interconnect with the core modules. Footwear bottoms have a bottom surface with conventional soles and have an upper surface with mating components to interconnect with the core modules. Interchangeable core modules vary in material, color, texture, style, shape, thickness, and other physical features for individualizing footwear.

Abstract: A heel includes a member with a first surface having a fastening layer for removable attachment of the member to an outsole in two different positions, and a second surface having an outer layer with a first sliding characteristic in one position and a different sliding characteristic in another position. The removable heel provides bowlers with the flexibility to have one pair of shoes featuring different sliding characteristics to satisfy their needs in different lane surface conditions.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot has a curb intended to allow the boot to be held on a ski by either a front binding or a rear binding. The curb has a flange (4) which is nonremovably secured to the lower part of the boot and a removable curb piece (8; 16; 16′) fixable either immediately underneath the flange, wherein the overall height of the boot measured from a lower surface of the curb piece to the top of the boot is maximized or immediately above the flange wherein the overall height of the boot from the lower surface of the boot adjacent the flange to the top of the boot is minimized.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper portion positioned atop the sole. A number of pins extend downwardly from the sole. Two of the pins are flat plates positioned parallel to one another on opposite sides of the sole. Another one of the pins is positioned rearwardly of the first two at the center of the sole. A heel has a number of slots that snugly, yet releasably, receiving the pins.

Abstract: A shoe attachment device comprises an attachment element and an attachment base. The attachment element is connected to a vamp or a heel strap. The attachment base is embedded in the sole, and includes an insertion slot into which the attachment element inserts to attach the vamp or the heel strap to the sole. The insertion slot includes an inner blocking member onto which an arcuate groove is defined. The engagement tooth engages the arcuate groove to attach the attachment element to the attachment base. A guiding lip is further formed in the insertion slot to engage a corresponding stop slot.

Abstract: A bowling shoe construction having various options for adjustment with removable and replaceable slide parts to attach to the tread surface of a slide shoe. The slide parts can attach interchangeably using hook and pile loop fasteners. A kick shoe includes an interchangeable kick part covering the toe area. The kick part can be attached using adhesives or hook and pile loop fasteners.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper, a mid sole permanently attached thereto, and an outer sole releasably engaged with the mid sole. The outer sole and mid sole are secured together by a fastener and by a retaining lip. The fastener can be disposed in a capture position wherein the spaced apart lip precludes separation of the mid sole and outer sole. Upon disposing the fastener in a release position, the mid sole can be separated from the outer sole.

Abstract: Removable tap covers for dancing shoes which can quickly and easily be placed on the taps to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime in the taps, yet which can quickly and easily be removed to allow the full effect of the taps for dancing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an upper part for a shoe, in which the dimensional design of its inside (3) and outside (4) provides considerable adjustability through assembly with fastening devices (5) positioned and constructed in such a way that it gives a highly stable upper part (2), the characteristics of which in terms of material and properties permit is adaptation to different sizes of feet. The upper part of the shoe is in the form of woven fabric or some other flexible material, the fastening devices are in the form of Velcro® fastening devices, at least some of which exhibit circular form, and the under side (4) of the outside of the upper part of the shoe exhibits connecting devices (18) essentially for its detachable attachment to a sole (15, 16) or other under part of the shoe capable of being placed in contact with a floor.

Abstract: A slipper which has an aperture in the bottom and three different types of inserts which can be inserted into the aperture. The first insert will be filled with a material that conforms to the wearer's foot, while the second insert will be filled with a mixture of sand and marbles. The third insert will be filled with neoprene balls.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper sole (11) receiving the user's foot, an intermediate sole (12), a bottom support (13) and linking mechanism (14) for detachably linking the bottom support (13) to the intermediate sole (12). The linking mechanism (14) comprise protuberances (15) inclined at an angle or relative to the vertical and designed to be inserted in recesses (16). The shoe further comprises a locking mechanism (19) formed by an elastic catch (21) co-operating with a locking rod (22). The elastic catch can be released from the locking rod to separate the intermediate sole (12) from the bottom support (13).

Abstract: An improved sole for use with all types of footwear, including dress, casual, and athletic shoes and sandals, which has a socket casing made of a plurality of layers, the topmost surface of which is in the form of an accommodating orthopedic type molded foot bed, the innermost surface having embedded magnets, enclosing an adjustable helium bladder, and filled with a fluidic polymeric material. The amount of fluidic polymeric material may be increased or decreased through a valve in the socket casing. The helium bladder is adjustable through a valve in the socket casing. The socket casing is attached to the outsole by means of snap-like fasteners or other usual attachment methods such as adhesive glue or injection and replaces the insole and mid-sole.

Abstract: A shoe system with a sole having a top surface and a bottom surface and a generally vertical peripheral side wall therebetween. The sole has a generally horizontal forward region. A plurality of transverse slots extend through holes in the side walls and across the forward region. A strap has opposed ends threaded through the slots for securing a wearer's foot to the sole.

Abstract: An overlay for athletic shoe soles including a panel dimensioned for being positioned over a lower surface of a sole of an athletic shoe. The panel has an upper surface and a lower surface. The panel has a plurality of openings' therethrough corresponding with cleats of the sole of the athletic shoe whereby the cleats will extend through the openings. The panel has a forward end and a rearward end.

Abstract: A shoe having interchangeable soles including a shoe portion having an open upper end and a closed lower end. The open upper end receives a foot of a user therein. A plurality of soles are adapted for being removably coupled with the closed lower end of the shoe portion. Each of the soles have an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the soles each have a different traction components disposed thereon.

Abstract: Improved footwear and accessory devices, such as crampons, are disclosed for enhancing the performance of footwear under different conditions and, thus, providing more versatile footwear. The footwear has an outsole flex zone in a forefoot region that flexes during hiking and climbing in various terrains. The footwear also includes toe and heel attachment points for installation of an accessory, such as a crampon and, additionally, includes a midfoot attachment point for mounting of the accessory. The midfoot attachment point is preferably located between the outsole flex zone and the heel attachment point. A forefoot contact mechanism may also be provided in the footwear outsole that interacts with a rigid forefoot contact mechanism of the accessory to enhance the rigidity of the forefoot region when the accessory is mounted. A crampon accessory device for mounting on the footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: Footwear for leaving a personalized imprint on wet sand and other surfaces is accomplished through the removal of material as opposed to previous additive processes. Footwear according to the invention includes a sole portion having a bottom surface with a matrix of projections extending therefrom. Each projection is selectively removable, thereby enabling a user to remove a subset of the projections corresponding to the personalized imprint. The sole portion may form any type of shoe, including sandals, thongs, ‘flip-flops,’ and so forth. Each projection preferably has a nominal length in the range of {fraction (3/16)} to ⅜ inch and a nominal width in the range of ⅛ to {fraction (3/16)} inch, and may be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, or hexagonal in cross-section. The matrix of projections may cover the entire bottom surface of the shoe, or a non-partitioned border may be provided which surrounds the matrix of projections.

Abstract: An outer sole for footware, having a rounded outer circumference and a plurality of concentric separate zones that are separated from one another by lanes which are incised into the sole. The lanes are incised from one side only and the side of the sole opposite that one side is covered with an adhesive layer for adhesion to the underside of footwear. The adhesive layer is covered by a protective foil adapted to be peeled off before the sole is applied to footwear.

Abstract: An iron-on sole for use on footed apparel to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Whereas the sole being comprised of a flexible, soft, air permeable material. Whereas the sole having a heat activated laminate or adhesive applied to the top portion of the sole. Whereas the top portion of the sole is one side of the sole and the bottom portion the other side of the sole. Whereas the bottom portion of the sole provides a durable anti-slip surface.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper, a mid sole permanently attached thereto, and an outer sole releasably engaged with the mid sole. The outer sole and mid sole are secured together by a fastener and by a retaining lip. The fastener can be disposed in a capture position wherein the spaced apart lip precludes separation of the mid sole and outer sole. Upon disposing the fastener in a release position, the mid sole can be separated from the outer sole.

Abstract: A child's sandal, having removable and interchangeable soles that may be attached to a permanent upper sole, where the bottom of the removable soles has any desired textured graphical design, such as an animal paw print or the like. A removable ornamental design may be added to an upper portion of the sandal, on top of a wearer's foot, to correspond to the underside of the removable sole. For instance, if the underside of the removable sole includes a design that resembles a bear claw track, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a bear's face and head. Similarly, if the underside of the removable sole resembles the footprint of a rabbit's foot, then the removable ornamental design may resemble a rabbit's face, head, and ears. This arrangement allows a child to choose from any number of available soles and ornamental designs to be attached to a single pair of sandals or flip-flops.

Abstract: A shoe with replaceable vamp and insole consists of an outsole, an insole, a vamp and a plurality of anchor blocks. The outsole and insole have respectively anchor bores and anchor struts to attain replacement function. The outsole has housing chambers for holding the anchor blocks and a storing chamber for storing a dismantle tool. The anchor block has a wedge trough to engage with a latch section of the vamp to allow the vamp be replaced as desired.

Abstract: An orthosis including a splint, a sole member detachably connectable to a surface of the splint, an adjustable fastener extending from the surface of the splint, an aperture extending through the sole member for receiving the adjustable fastener, a projection extending from the surface of the splint and spaced apart from the adjustable fastener and a cutout portion defined on the sole member for receiving the projection when the sole member is installed on the splint.

Abstract: A reversible shoe that can be taken apart and reassembled with inside and outside faces reversed includes: (a) a reversible sole; (b) two side flaps, each affixed to the sole along a longitudinal side edge of the sole; (c) a heel flap attached at one end to a posterior end of the sole; and (d) attachment means, such as zippers, laces, snaps, and buttons, for attaching one portion of the shoe to another. The reversible shoe has a generally flat, unassembled position for storage, and two opposite assembled positions ready for wear as a shoe. This reversible shoe allows the user to switch from one style to another, one color to another, monotone to multi-hued, or from plain to decorated. A method for assembling a reversible shoe, and a kit for building a reversible, readily assembled shoe are also included.

Abstract: A bowling overshoe includes an upper formed from a stretchable sheet material and two outsole portions attached independently of each other.