Abstract: A flexible insole insert comprises a body having a planar first member and a planar second member secured to the first member. The second member has a heel portion, with a medial portion and a lateral portion, and an arch portion. A foremost extremity of the arch portion passes beneath the second and third metatarsals of a user's foot. An inner edge of the second member passes beneath the lateral cuneiform and a medial outer edge passes under the navicular of the user's foot. The relative thicknesses of the first member and second member are dimensioned to moderate any ridging and creasing effects which might be caused in the sole of the user's foot by the second member. A metatarsal cutout, generally centered beneath the user's first metatarsal joint, has a longitudinal edge spaced between the user's first and second metatarsals and a transverse edge spaced rearwardly from the user's first metatarsal. A longitudinally shaped heel cutout is generally centered beneath the user's heel.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole formed from a first resilient material for attenuating the shock of impact to a wearer during running or walking, and a second material harder than the first material for providing firm support for a foot. The sole has heel, arch and toe sections, each of which have medial and lateral regions. The sole also has a forefoot section having a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, associated phalanges and metatarsal phalangeal joints, and the metatarsal necks associated with the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, and a second region for supporting the metatarsal necks associated with the second and third metatarsal heads.

Abstract: A golf orthotic for stabilizing a foot of a patient against both supination and pronation includes a main body portion configured to conform to a substantial portion of the plantar aspect of the patient's fool, including the heel and arch, and generally forward to the metatarsal heads. The main portion is provided with medial and lateral flanges terminating respectively beneath the medial malleolus and lateral malleolus. The device also includes a heel stabilization bar with a substantially flat lower surface and an upper surface which is contoured to match the lower surface of the main portion in the heel region, and which is secured thereto. The heel stabilization bar is shaped for easy insertion into the patient's shoe. The flanges are shaped to conform to the patient's foot, and preferably slope up fairly steeply from the main body portion.

Abstract: An insole and a method for relieving bottom-of-heel pain (ie. plantar heel pain) and/or arch pain associated with bottom-of-heel pain is described.

Abstract: An arch support having an upper surface portion, a formed elastomeric lower cushion portion, and a stretch-resisting mat of interwoven nonelastic fibers integrally attached between the upper surface and lower cushion portions to resist lateral and longitudinal stretching during use. The stretch-resisting member may take a variety of shapes to conform to the needs of various foot arch shapes. The arch support has a preselected configuration with dimensions that fall within preselected ranges to complement and provide appropriate support for selected foot arch categories. The arch support may be fitted to an individual user using a system which has a plurality of arch supports of preselected configurations to complement the shape and positioning of the arches of a variety of users' feet and an open top cradle for simulating the fit of the inside of a shoe on which the arch support is rested to have the user try it for fit.

Abstract: A shoe insole-midsole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot with a distinctive toe end and a distinctive heel. The midfoot section of the insole/midsole device is characterized by an asymmetrical domed structure that is presented to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The domed structure displays physical properties such as to catalyze muscle group balancing by utilizing the body's proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. The net result will be a more structurally sound foot capable of more energy efficient and less injury inducing use. In addition to the predominant dome characteristic, the insole/midsole is also typified by a posterior most skiving which reduces impact velocity, thus easing the introduction of the dome characteristic to the plantar aspect of the foot.

Abstract: A relatively rigid cap is made of a material which is deformable at moderately elevated temperatures. A flexible blank contoured to fit a person's foot is placed against the cap which is at the elevated temperature, and these two are placed against the plantar surface of the foot. A plastic bag is placed around the cap, the blank and the foot, and a blank is applied to conform the cap and the blank to the person's foot so as to make a custom fit orthotic. Upon cooling, the cap remains properly contoured relative to the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: An orthotic device for insertion into a high-heeled shoe is provided. An orthotic device made in accordance with the instant invention virtually eliminates the problems associated with the wearing of high-heeled shoes, particularly pronation effects, general foot discomfort, posture problems, toe pain, and arch pain. The orthotic device comprises a right or semi-rigid shell for positioning beneath the heel of the foot and extending forwardly towards the toes of the foot. The shell terminates behind the five metatarsal heads of the foot, and is shaped whereby to permit the first metatarsal head freely to evert and plantarflex under load, and is shaped such that the heel of the foot is carried substantially parallel to or slightly backwardly inclined relative to the ground plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing footgear with comfortable individualized custom support, said apparatus comprising mechanical means to selectively and seperately change the position of multiple areas of the inner sole of said footgear, said areas corresponding generally to the areas of the foot described as the inner heel, the lateral arch, and the metatarsal area, and, whereas such changing of positions involves movement in two different directions: (1) upward and downward, (2) forward and backward, said changes in position are achieved by two different and seperate structures, wherein the movement of each of said structures is controlled by the selective turning of a screw, the heads of said screws being located on the outside of said footgear, where they can be selectively turned at any time.

Abstract: An orthotic appliance adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, the orthotic including a first upper, relatively flexible blank portion and an underlying, relatively rigid cap portion. The blank portion has a longitudinally-extending zone of disparate resiliency relative to first and second side areas of the blank; the zone of disparate resiliency deforms downwardly raeltive to the side areas as the foot begins to bear weight, so that the side areas cradle the foot and urge it into a neutral position as the foot transitions from heel strike to mid-gait. A relatively resilient pad portion and a moldable insert are positioned intermediate the blank and cap portions. The zone of disparate resiliency may be formed by a recess in the bottom side of the blank, and the pad may be complementally formed to fit into this and so modify the zone of disparate resiliency.

Abstract: A foot cushioning device to absorb shock primarily shock due to heel strike which device is insertable in or may be incorporated in footwear. The exterior of the body of the device carries primary shock absorbers extending at least from the portion of the device in the heel area. The primary shock absorber deforms to protect the foot by absorbing initial shock loads. Secondary shock absorbers are also provided which with increased deformation will provide resistance to higher shock load so that a non-linear force displacement behavior similar to that occurring in the natural heel pad occurs. In the preferred embodiment, the body of the device is a heel cup and the primary and secondary shock absorbing members are defined by longer and shorter ribs extending longitudinally and transversely along the outer surface of the heel cup in a grid-like pattern.

Abstract: Cushion to provide tripodal support at the three gait points of the human foot to alleviate pedal dysfunction and associated leg discomfort resulting from pregnancy, obesity, spinal deformity and the like. The cushion comprises support cushions positioned at points corresponding to the locations of the posterior calcaneus, the calcaneal-cuboid region and the base of the first metatarsal bone of a human foot. The support cushions are made of polymeric foam having a density greater than that of a surrounding insole and are positioned to form an obtuse triangle of support that directs the forces generated by walking across the foot so as to provide a near functionally perfect gait. The cushions may be separately adhered to the sock lining within a shoe or formed as part of an insole for temporary or permanent placement in incorporation as part of a shoe construction.

Abstract: A article of footwear for receiving and holding an orthopedic apparatus such as a heel lift or arch support which enables the user of such apparatus to wear it without wearing conventional shoes. The article of footwear has receiving means for receiving and holding an orthopedic apparatus and securing means for securing said article of footwear to about the ankle and heel of the wearer leaving the forefoot and toes unencumbered by the footwear. The article of footwear is preferably formed by sewing together elastic straps.