Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.

Abstract: A midsole for a running shoe is described, which shoe comprises a rear foot area (150) with a bottom heel portion (20) and an upper heel portion (142). The upper heel portion (142) is molded in one piece with the bottom heel portion and extended vertically to cover the tuberosity (68) of the calcaneus (69). According to the invention, the upper heel portion (142) is asymmetric about a vertical axis (B-B) dividing the midsole (1) into two halves wherein the area of midsole material supporting the heel on the medial side (143) of the upper heel portion (142) is larger than the supporting area of the midsole material on the lateral side (151) of the upper heel portion. This design stabilizes the foot during motion, and contributes to lowering the risk of injury during running.

Abstract: A foot retention device (20, 100) includes a rigid vertical strut (40) and a springy band (30) disposed adjacent to an exterior side of the strut (40) and configured to flex over the strut (40) to form a non-drooping asymmetric arc that conforms to the profile of a human foot. A releasable securing mechanism (50) allows the band (30) to be easily secured and released. The foot retention device (20, 100) provides a fixed right angle (A) between a base plate (12, 180) and the vertical strut (40) allowing the user's foot to be inserted straight in. The foot retention device (20, 100) includes a non-sloping design for athletic applications, and a sloping design for footwear (200). Methods of assembling and manufacturing the foot retention device (20, 100) are also provided.

Abstract: An arch support (1) for a sports shoe, in particular a mountaineering or hiking boot, having an anatomically shaped body (2) made of plastic material, and a reinforcing insert (3) embedded in the body (2); the insert (3) has a longitudinally ribbed structure, a main portion (10) extending along the sole of the foot and wide enough to impart a high degree of torsional rigidity to the arch support, and a narrow front appendix (11) extending from the main portion (10) and connected to the main portion substantially at the metatarsus.

Abstract: A golf instruction aid and method of providing a tactile feedback to a golfer to remind the golfer to observe the proper weight shift during a backswing. The golf instruction aid includes a generally flat main body portion adapted to slip between the instep of the golfer and the golfer's shoe. A first flange extends underneath the foot of the golfer, while a second flange projects outward from the foot of the golfer above the rim of the shoe. The first flange exerts a slight pressure on the instep of the golfer's foot to remind the golfer to maintain his or her weight on the instep during the backswing. In one embodiment, the first flange is positioned generally underneath the second flange and is positioned to apply pressure to the arch of the foot. In the second embodiment, the first flange is positioned forward from the second flange and is positioned to apply pressure to the arch closer to the ball of the foot.