Abstract: A shoe or boot manufactured with the Goodyear welt system and a method for manufacturing same which increases the comfort and flexibility of such shoe or boot to levels which were previously unattainable in a shoe or boot manufactured according to the Goodyear welt system. The shoe or boot comprises a rigid innersole board which is pre-cut to incorporate two detachable pieces at the two key impact areas, the heel and forepart, of the shoe or boot, and maintains its structural rigidity while the Goodyear welt stitch is being applied. Once the two detachable pieces of the innersole board are detached, two cushioning pads are attached to provide maximum cushioning and comfort for the user at the key impact areas.

Abstract: A shoe or boot manufactured with the Goodyear welt system and a method for manufacturing same which increases the comfort and flexibility of such shoe or boot to levels which were previously unattainable in a shoe or boot manufactured according to the Goodyear welt system. The shoe or boot comprises a rigid innersole board which is pre-cut to incorporate two detachable pieces at the two key impact areas, the heel and forepart, of the shoe or boot, and maintains its structural rigidity while the Goodyear welt stitch is being applied. Once the two detachable pieces of the innersole board are detached, two cushioning pads are attached to provide maximum cushioning and comfort for the user at the key impact areas.

Abstract: A shoe having increased flexibility and ability to twist and bend in a variety of directions is disclosed. The shoe is constructed by an overlap slip last construction in which the last allowance of the upper of the shoe is stitched to the sole or mid-sole, not cemented to the sole. The presence of a full insole board and wrap in the forepart of the shoe as well as a conventional shank is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip. In a further alternative arrangement, two separate connecting strips are used on opposite ends of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A wedge bonded shoe welting is provided comprising fibrous and non-fibrous component members which has the strength, pliability, and appearance of genuine leather welting and the ability to be trimmed and finished as leather welting but at lower cost.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip. In a further alternative arrangement, two separate connecting strips are used on opposite ends of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an article of footwear in which an upper and a sole meet at a juncture which is covered by a foxing tape applied to the upper and sole. The foxing tape is constituted of a curable elastomeric material and is applied to the upper and sole in partially cured condition. Stitches of material are formed in the foxing tape along the length thereof when the foxing tape is partially cured and thereafter the foxing tape is fully cured with the stitches in place.

Abstract: Improvements in the safety and comfort of footwear having the appearance of having very thick soles.