Abstract: A shoe having a shoe sole with replaceable outsole portions. The shoe sole includes a main sole having a lower support wall with first and second cavities. An insole is disposed within the main sole. First and second lower outsoles are received in the first and second cavities, respectively, and have outer configurations corresponding to the configurations of the cavities thereby forming a snug fit therebetween. Fasteners are inserted through apertures disposed in the outsoles, the main sole, and the insole, releasably securing the outsoles to the main sole. Upon removing the fasteners, the outsoles can be removed and replaced with different outsoles for different conditions and applications or when worn out. The outsoles are formed of two layers, with the upper layer being more rigid than the lower layer to provide a firm surface against which the fastening screw heads can press.

Abstract: Footwear, particularly an athletic or sport shoe, having a sole with a visible, replaceable cushioning cassette, and method for modifying impact response capacity or color pattern by removing and replacing the cushioning cassette. The invention also provides footwear, comprising a sole; and an upper connected to the sole, the sole comprising an outsole; and a midsole, the midsole comprising a midsole section wherein walls of a periphery of cells form in the midsole section at least one cavity for receiving a cushioning cassette, which, when within the cavity, is visible through clear material of the sole when viewed from outside of the footwear.

Abstract: A type of consumer-modifiable sandal or slipper, chiefly including: A sole into which are inserted two straps. Several assembly bases are embedded in the sole, and serve to hold the strap clips on the straps. The outer edges of the assembly bases are exposed on the surface of the sole. The assembly bases contain insertion holes with upward-facing openings. Window holes pierce the rim of the outer edge of the insertion holes. An insertion plate extends from the bottom of each strap's insertion clip and can be inserted into the insertion hole of an assembly base. The aforementioned strap clips employ spring clips on the insertion plates to catch against the window holes on insertion holes, forming a shoe that is easy to assemble, can be quickly manufactured and assembled, can be produced in large quantities, and can increase profits. Moreover, pressing the spring clip causes it to spring out of the window hole of the insertion hole, easily separating the strap from the sole.

Abstract: A shoe (20) having a removable sole includes an upper (22) and a removable lower sole (34). The upper has an upper sole (24), a heel portion (26), and a toe portion (28). Upper sole (24) has a plurality of upwardly opening alignment holes (30). A lock tab (32) is connected to toe portion (28) and forwardly projects therefrom. The removable lower sole (34) has a heel portion (36) and a toe portion (38). A rearwardly opening slot (40) disposed in toe portion (38) is shaped and dimensioned to receive lock tab (32). Removable lower sole (34) has a plurality of upwardly protruding alignment pins (42) which are engageable with alignment holes (30) in upper sole (24). Lower sole (34) is held in place by inserting lock tab (32) into the rearwardly opening slot (40) in the toe and engaging connector (44) to connect heel portion (26) of upper (22) to heel portion (36) of lower sole (34).

Abstract: A traction device that can be removably affixed to the bottom of footgear or which can be permanently installed in the bottom of the footgear a slip guard comprising a plate that can be affixed to the sole of footgear and a traction plate that can be removably affixed to the plate. The plate can be semi-permanently affixed to the bottom of the shoe by means of adhesive tape and the traction plate can be affixed to the plate by hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro. In a permanent embodiment the traction plate can be molded into the bottom of the footgear.

Abstract: A convertible shoe ensemble with a heel that is manually attachable to and removable from the shoe, and a manually attachable and removable heel cover of substantially less height than the heel for attachment to the shoe when the heel is detached.

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 therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer in a frontward or rearward direction as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the user 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.

Abstract: A replaceable elastic air cushion shoe structure includes a sole, and a vamp. The sole has a top provided with a plurality of oblique conical locking grooves and having a periphery provided with a plurality of waterproof ribs. The sole has a periphery defining a plurality of locking recesses each provided with a catch piece. The vamp has a bottom provided with a plurality of oblique conical locking blocks each locked in the locking groove of the sole. The bottom of the vamp defines a plurality of waterproof slots for receiving the waterproof ribs of the sole therein so that the vamp is integrally formed with the sole. A plurality of U-shaped snapping pieces are each secured in the bottom of the vamp and each have two sides each provided with a hook.

Abstract: A bowling shoe with a replaceable tip comprises a shoe upper, a shoe sole mounted to the shoe upper, and a plurality of replaceable shoe tips. The shoe sole has a selectable traction area from a toe end and across the width of the shoe sole. Each tip has a margin substantially equal to a margin of the traction area. Each tip covers and conforms to part of the adjacent shoe upper. The surface of each tip has a different coefficient of friction. A selected tip secures to the traction area and part of the adjacent shoe upper. The tips are interchangeable, to provide traction according to support surface conditions and an individual wearer's preference.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer in a frontward or rearward direction as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the user 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.

Abstract: A sole assembly for boots adapted to any of a plurality of sporting activities, which enables the user to customize his/her boot depending on the sport involved. A flexible sole is associated with a foot support with which a fastening arrangement, adapted to ensure a removable fastening of the support on the bottom surface of the sole, are associated.

Abstract: A post-operation shoe includes an outsole member having first and second end portions, an intermediate portion, an integral wedge member formed at a bottom side of the outsole member at the intermediate portion to be in contact with the ground. The wedge member is tapered in the longitudinal direction so that the second end portion is disposed higher than the first end portion. An upper includes an instep strap, an ankle strap, and left and right end portions extending downward from the instep strap and inserted between the outsole member and a midsole member which overlies and detachably connects with the outsole member via screws.

Abstract: A foot orthosis with a detachable sole plate has a pair of elongated retainer walls which are integrally formed with the toe plate adjacent the Velcro® strip to help stabilize any lateral movement of the orthosis with respect to the toe plate and the sole plate.

Abstract: A grind shoe apparatus incorporating a variable friction grind plate complementally received in the recess of the shoe sole and having a downwardly facing trough and an outwardly facing rail with respective slide surfaces for contacting a support surface to slide therealong. Such plate further includes at least one speed control compartment positioned within one of such slide surfaces and having an insert removably carried therein for varying the frictional resistance occurring during sliding maneuvers.

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 gaiter of flexible, substantially water-proof material, attached to the vamp portion and heel collar of a shoe upper. Preferably, the gaiter is a permanent, integral part of the shoe, due to a continuous stitching of the gaiter to the heel collar and eyelet stay along the vamp region of the upper. In a particular implementation, the gaiter has an elongated tongue portion extending along and underlying the tongue slot in the vamp region, and attached to the eyelet stays of the slot. A substantially tubular riser portion of the gaiter is integral with the tongue portion and is attached to and extends upwardly from the heel collar, to an open end. Conventional means, such as shoe laces, engage the eyelet stays directly or indirectly, for tightening the vamp over the wearer's instep. With the invention, however, the tongue of the shoe is constituted by the extension of the gaiter and therefore no water or debris can enter the forepart of the shoe through the vamp region.

Abstract: A safeguard element for playing golf or other sports requiring such protection comprising a set of two units, one for each leg, of waterproof textile material and suitably shaped to adapt to the player's legs, over the shoe to the bottom of the calf, secured to the leg at the back in line with the Achilles tendon, using attachment devices such as hook and loop fastner, removable adhesive, zips, hooks and eyes, ribbons or combinations thereof and also able to be simply sewn on to a pair of trousers, overall or the like, as an integral part.

Abstract: A sport boot that can be converted to adapt to a variety of sports, especially gliding sports. The sole of the boot is constituted of an irremovable base affixed to the shell, and on which front and rear vertical retention zones are obtained, on the one hand, and of front and rear sole portions that are distinct, interchangeable and complementary to the sole base to which they adapt to constitute the tip and the heel, respectively, and being selected by the user among at least two sets of front and rear sole portions whose profiles and dimensional characteristics are capable of allowing, relative to the front and rear zones for the axial retention of the fixed base and complementarily with the latter, to recontitute and adapt a sole from the same boot, conforming to one binding standard or another.

Abstract: A shoe system and a method of removing and attaching fixtures to shoes are provided in which a receptacle (14) includes an opening (16) through which a member (24) of a base (18) passes. The member (24) is rotated within the receptacle (14) and engages with a seat (34) to prevent unwanted rotation.

Abstract: An asymmetrical article of footwear reversible sole is provided which offers improved performance and fit. The article of footwear is worn on a different foot when reversed. The invention may be shaped to fit the general outline of a person's foot and may be configured to fit the contours of the bottom of the person's foot. Different materials may be used for the different parts of the composite sole thus allowing the reversible, asymmetrical, composite sole to be used in dual purpose situations.

Abstract: A sport shoe, particularly suitable for golf, provides a shoe with a base section sole and an overlying sole that is selectively removable from the base section sole. The base section sole can be spikeless, or include one type of spikes, while one or more overlying soles can include different spike types or spikeless faces. In one example, the base section sole contains metal long spikes that seat within magnetic recesses of the overlying sole. The overlying sole includes short plastic spikes or a spikeless face.

Abstract: A sport shoe having an upper, a sole having at least an outer sole having a mobile portion at least at the heel portion of the sole which is pivotable about a lateral axis forward of the heel portion. A midsole insert member is insertable between the mobile portion and the upper. The mobile portion includes upper engaging projections cooperating with the upper to prevent the midsole insert from moving laterally relative to the upper when the midsole insert member is introduced between the mobile portion and the upper.

Abstract: A skate provided with a supporting frame for in-line wheels and comprising a shoe which is composed of a nonrigid upper that, in a sandwich-like fashion, surrounds a stiffening element which affects the regions of the tip, of the heel, of the ankle and of the sole of the foot, and a lateral band or rim made of rubber which externally and laterally surrounds said upper proximate to said region of the sole of the foot. An anchoring sole for the frame is formed thereat. A skate is obtained which at the same time allows optimum transmission of forces from the foot to the wheel supporting frame and optimum fit for the user's foot.

Abstract: A shoe having a replaceable sole pad for use by roofers is provided wherein the shoe has a thin lower flexible portion with a sheet or layer of hook fasteners of the hook-and-loop type fastener system disposed on a bottom surface thereof, and having a band secured thereto extending around a periphery of the shoe, and wherein a replaceable sole pad is provided having a sheet or layer of the corresponding loop elements provided on an upper surface thereof. The sole pad is constructed of a high density, closed-cell foam that provides greatly improved traction on roofing surfaces, thereby improving worker safety and productivity or efficiency, and provides adequate durability to make the shoe with the replaceable soles cost justifiable, when factoring in the improved productivity. The sole pad is installed and removed from the shoe in the conventional manner in which two object are fastened and unfastened by the use of hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A protective footwear and lower leg covering protects the shoes and lower trousers or legs of a wearer while using a mower, string trimmer, chain saw, or other equipment which may discharge objects at high speed. The covering also serves to protect the user's shoes and clothing during painting operations, and the complete closure from the sole of the shoe upward along the lower leg, also serves to protect the wearer from insect bites and stings. The device comprises a molded plastic, rubber, or other elastomer shoe or boot cover, which is sewn to an upper legging, spat or puttee configured to cover bare or trousered legs. A plurality of fastening straps secure the protective cover to a wearer's foot and lower leg. The shoe or boot cover has no sole, thus providing for easier donning by a wearer. The shoe or boot cover is secured to the shoe or boot by a strap which passes beneath the sole, or alternatively by a toe pocket or hold formed in the forward end of the cover.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole and an upper releasably joined together by a peripheral releasable joining device such as a zipper. The sole has a ridgelike upwardly projecting support member which extends at least partially around the peripheral region of the sole, to form a barrier between the joining device and the interior space of the shoe.

Abstract: A set of footwear blocks having a set of footwear blocks has indicia, such as animal tracks or characters thereon, wherein the tracks can be interchanged between different images. The blocks also have rigid handles to support the arms of the child while walking. In a preferred embodiment the height of the rigid handles can be varied so that they can be raised so the child can walk erect while using the blocks underneath the child's shoes, or the height of the handles can be lowered so that the child, while kneeling, can use the blocks as hand-held printing imagines, for imprinting images in soft surface, such as soft ground or sand.

Abstract: A rigid midsole structure for footwear extends from the metatarsal area to a rear-most portion proximate the heel of a wearer. The rigid midsole accepts any form of replaceable undercarriage structure, and includes means for attaching the undercarriage structure to the bottom side of the rigid midsole. The rigid midsole is preferably formed with an upper surface configured to conform with the bottom of a wearer's foot to provide sufficient rigidity and comfort.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A shoe has spikes that can be retracted merely by moving an external operating member. Replaceable lower sole members can be selected and attached to the shoe based on ground surface conditions. Also, a shoe package includes one shoe with spikes and one shoe with retractable spikes or without spikes. A method of swinging a golf club using the shoe package permits a golfer's rear foot to be firmly planted while allowing the golfer's front foot to rotate and glide thus facilitating proper follow through.

Abstract: A footwear attachment device for releasable mounting on primary footwear, e.g., a boot or shoe, to provide enhanced traction. The primary footwear has an upper including a toe portion and a heel portion, a sole including a fore-foot portion and a heel portion. The attachment device comprising an integral member having a mounting ring and plural stretchable connecting webs, extending between respective portions of the ring. The attachment device also includes a forefoot pad assembly and a heel pad assembly. Each pad assembly includes a generally planar base pad and a generally planar a cover pad. Each base pad includes a recess for receipt of a respective one of the connecting webs. Each cover pad is arranged to be secured over an associated base pad with the connecting web interposed therebetween and stretchable in the recess. Each base pad includes a ground engaging surface. Each cover pad includes an inner surface.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a protective device for the foot and shin of a person, particularly of an athlete, with a foot section (3) and a shin guard (2) in which to ensure the protection of the zone between the foot and the shin without any impediment to the person, the foot section (3) and/or the shin guard (2) possess(es) a tongue-like extension (31, 21).

Abstract: Water-proof protective gaiter for a boot having a tubular shape, of the type comprising, on the one hand, a lower portion (1) covering at least partially the upper (2) of a boot (3) in a front area of insertion of the user's foot, then of closure, whose lower end circumference (4, 4A) is designed to adopt the contour of said upper (2), and, on the other, an upper portion (6) designed to enclose the lower leg of said user. An at least partially peripheral flap (8) forming an extension of said circumference (4) extends from at least a portion of the end circumference (4) of the lower portion (1) of the gaiter, so as to extend the range of protection of the gaiter beyond this circumference.

Abstract: A non-slip sandal for attaching over a shoe or boot to provide traction on slippery surfaces is described. The sandal has a soleplate, upstanding sidewalls circumscribing the periphery of the soleplate, and straps attached to the sidewalls for securing the sandal over the shoe or boot. The sandal may be equipped with replaceable studs protruding from the bottom surface of the sandal for resisting slippage on the surface underneath the sandal. The replaceable studs have threaded shafts that are received by threaded nuts, which are molded into the bottom surface of the soleplate. Alternatively, the sandal may be equipped with a replaceable layer of a synthetic foam material on the bottom of the soleplate.

Abstract: A shoe includes a heel support for receiving a rotatable and replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a graphite insert supported by the heel support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. The replaceable rear sole and the graphite insert allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A pair of gaiters, each gaiter having a waterproof neoprene member with opposing top and bottom portions, front and back surfaces, and a seam running lengthwise from the top to the bottom. Each gaiter also has a nylon interior and exterior disposed about the back and front surfaces, respectively, and running lengthwise from the top of the sleeve to the bottom of the sleeve. The neoprene member, the interior, and the exterior define an open-ended sleeve having a frontside and a backside. The gaiters also include a first cinching structure at the top of the sleeve for enclosing the neoprene gaiter around the user's knee region, and a second cinching structure at the bottom of the sleeve for enclosing the neoprene gaiter around the user's ankle region. The first and second cinching structures allow the user to easily slip on and off the neoprene gaiter in order to prevent water, snow, dirt, or mud from entering into the user's boot or shoe.

Abstract: A footwear accessory for use with a shoe includes a stocking-like structure having a lower foot portion and an upper ankle portion wherein the lower foot portion is made of a porous hosiery material and the upper ankle portion is made of a material which simulates a boot leg. According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper ankle portion is made of a stretchable material, may have a glossy or non-glossy appearance, may be a solid color or a print, may be provided with different textures and may include a functional closure device such as a zipper or a number of buttons or clasps. The dimensions of the upper and lower portions of the footwear accessory according to the invention are preferably chosen so that the lower foot portion is completely concealed by a shoe. The dimensions of the upper ankle portion may vary to cover any length of leg desired. One presently preferred embodiment has an upper ankle portion which terminates slightly below the knee.

Abstract: A conventional foot orthosis has a stiff L-shaped splint including a substantially horizontal foot portion with a lower surface. A fabric anklet is on the foot orthosis and has a bottom surface extending over the bottom surface of the splint. An attachment screw is rotatably mounted on the foot portion of the splint and has an enlarged diameter head extending downwardly through an opening in the bottom surface of the anklet. An elongated toe plate has an aperture therein which communicates with a forwardly extending elongated slot. A planar sole plate is rigidly secured to a lower surface of the toe plate and has an aperture therein communicating with a rearwardly extending elongated slot. The apertures are adapted to register with each other to permit the head of the attachment screw to extend through the apertures.

Abstract: A shoe having a replaceable sole pad for use by roofers is provided wherein the shoe has a thin lower flexible portion with a sheet or layer of hook fasteners of the hook-and-loop type fastener system disposed on a bottom surface thereof, and wherein a replaceable sole pad is provided having a sheet or layer of the corresponding loop elements provided on an upper surface thereof. The sole pad is constructed of a high density, closed-cell foam that provides greatly improved traction on roofing surfaces, thereby improving worker safety and productivity or efficiency, and provides adequate durability to make the shoe with the replaceable soles cost justifiable, when factoring in the improved productivity. The sole pad is installed and removed from the shoe in the conventional manner in which two object are fastened and unfastened by the use of hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A shoe includes a spike plate with spikes thereon, removably attached to a sole portion of the shoe to permit selective removal of the spike plate. The shoe includes a rib extending around the peripheral side wall of the sole, and the spike plate includes an upright wall extending around a peripheral edge of a base plate, the spike plate wall having a groove formed on an interior surface thereof cooperable with the rib to selectively connect the spike plate to the shoe. The spike plate includes a forward section pivotally connected to a rearward section along a transverse axis, to permit the forward section to pivot downwardly generally orthogonal to the rearward section of the spike plate.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided having a plurality of interchangeable soles which may be attached or removed by a push-button spring release mechanism located on the heel. This push-button element, when actuated, permits the interchangeable sole to be removed or attached. In the preferred embodiment, this push-button element causes a pair of flexible spring type capture elements to flex, permitting a pin member located on the sole to either be inserted or withdrawn. The shoe and sole have a plurality of other novel interfitting elements and mechanisms which permit the sole to be securely affixed to the shoe as well as prevent any movement of the sole with respect to the shoe. Shoe soles may be provided which have a variety of cleats, treads or other designs which may be utilized for diverse uses such as sport or leisure. By utilizing the invention, one may employ one shoe for a variety of athletic or other activities by simply attaching the desired sole.

Abstract: A resilient, all-surface sole for footwear in which metal studs are mounted in the sole and extend beyond the bottom surface of the sole to such an extent that when footwear embodying the sole is worn, the metal stud is depressed within the sole until the tips of the studs are substantially at the plane of the bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe sole with rotatable and replaceable rear soles and replaceable cleats to provide the user with longer wear. The invention also provides the user with the ability to quickly and easily adapt the sole to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A shoe includes a heel support for receiving a rotatable and replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a graphite insert supported by the heel support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. The replaceable rear sole and the graphite insert allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A footwear with interchangeable components that includes a base footing supporter, an interchangeable middle sole, an interchangeable insole, an interchangeable base interlocker, an interchangeable ridge connector, and an interchangeable upper member. The interchangeable middle sole is removably mounted to the base footing supporter so that the interchangeable middle sole can be readily changed by user according to user preference. The interchangeable insole is removably mounted to the interchangeable middle sole so that the interchangeable insole can be readily changed by user according to user preference. The interchangeable base interlocker is removably mounted to the base footing supporter so that the interchangeable base interlocker can be readily changed by user accordingly to user preference. The interchangeable ridge connector is removably mounted to the interchangeable insole so that the interchangeable ridge connector can be readily changed by user according to user preference.

Abstract: A conversion device for ladies shoes which permits heels and straps to be changed. A heel (2) which is screwed into a heel chamber (8) is secured by a stretch strap (6). Stretch strap (6) is snapped into position at the intersection of a receptor (10) and a connector (15). A screw top (5) is housed in a rubber filler (4). Rubber filler (4) is topped by a protective strip (3) and a leather sole (9).

Abstract: Adaptable flexible protective leggings for protecting motorcycle and bicycle riders from the deleterious effects of rain storms and wet roads is disclosed. The leggings includes a molded flexible leg material that conforms generally to the shape of a rider's leg having an open area in back where at least one strap with Velcro type fasteners connects the leg material to the rider's leg. The leg material can run from just above the knee cap to the ankle of the rider where it is connected to a molded flexible shoe material that conforms to at least the front portion of the rider's shoes. The shoe material can be sized to fit over boots, shoes, sneakers, moccasins and the like. The shoe material is generally designed to leave the heel and rear of the shoe exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe with a detachable sole having an electronic sensing and breakaway system. An upper sole member is detachably connected to a lower sole member which may have a plurality of cleats attached to the bottom of the lower sole member. There are a series of latch mechanisms which detachably hold the upper and lower sole members together, which protrude from the upper sole member and terminate in recesses in the lower sole member. The latch mechanisms are spring-biased toward a retracted position and are held in the extended latching position against the spring force by a system of pressurized fluid. Additionally, there are a number of strain gauges or sensors in the upper sole member and extend into recesses of the lower sole member. These strain gauges continuously sense the shear force applied to the cleats or sole when in use and emit a signal to a trigger mechanism located in the upper sole member when the shear force exceeds a pre-set level.

Abstract: A cycling shoe having a bottom sole. The bottom sole includes a plate member having a cleat-attaching portion and a cover member for covering at least a cleat-attaching area including the cleat-attaching portion and its periphery of the plate member. A portion of the cover member overlapping the cleat-attaching area is rendered removable.