Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a shoe sole for relieving pressure from a wearer's metatarsal heads. In one aspect, a shoe sole comprises a shoe outer sole comprising a shaft region, a ball region, and a toe region. The shaft region underlies metatarsal shafts of the wearer and comprises a first lower surface, the ball region underlies metatarsal heads of the wearer and comprises a second lower surface, and the toe region underlies phalanges of the wearer and comprises a third lower surface. The second lower surface is raised relative to the first lower surface and the third lower surface.

Abstract: An insulating shoe insert including a core layer formed of a cellular material, and a top layer and a bottom layer bonded to opposing sides of the core layer, respectively, the top layer and the bottom layer being configured as thin sheets of aromatic polyamide material such that the top layer and bottom layer cooperate with the core layer to create a heat transfer resistance sufficient to resist transfer of heat through the core layer.

Abstract: Provided is an insole capable of supporting a foot in a well-balanced manner. An insole 1 for a shoe is configured to include a calcaneal anterior-part support protrusion 90 for supporting a calcaneal anterior part 12A from a sole.

Abstract: A device for three-dimensional foot motion control and plantar pressure redistribution, for controlling relative motions of foot joints effectively by modifying heel strike angles and adjusting relative plantar pressures of a foot is disclosed. It includes an arch supporting main body, for supporting medial longitudinal arch, transverse arch and lateral longitudinal arch of the foot, a rear end having at least one lateral side extending corresponding to the location of calcaneus of the foot; wherein the arch supporting main body is a three-dimensional structure formed by curvatures of the medial longitudinal arch, the transverse arch and the lateral longitudinal arch collaboratively, and a hindfoot motion adjustment portion for modifying heel strike angles.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole with a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. The sole has a ground-facing side and a foot-facing side opposite the ground-facing side. The article of footwear includes a support system that has one or more rods spaced from the sole and extending longitudinally from the forefoot portion to the heel portion on the foot-facing side. The rod is operatively connected to the sole at the forefoot portion and at the heel portion. A sling is suspended from the rod over the midfoot portion. The rod bends when the sole is flexed to thereby lift the sling away from the sole.

Abstract: Insole (14) for a high-heeled shoe (4), wherein the insole (14) has proximally a first zone (1) provided for the purpose of supporting a heel of a foot and further has distally of the first zone a second zone (2) which is provided for the purpose of supporting a middle part of the foot, wherein the second zone is provided with a teardrop-shaped raised area (12) positioned such that a tail of the teardrop shape extends in proximal direction, wherein the first zone (1) has a thickness which increases gradually in distal direction such that a wedge shape is obtained which extends over at least sixty percent of the first zone (1).

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray and a forefoot. The support system for a foot comprises of the following. A first portion configured to support an underside portion of the sustentaculum tali at or below the sustentaculum tali on the medial side of the foot to provide a force on the sustentaculum tali. A second portion configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third portion configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot.

Abstract: An orthotic device having a thin, flexible material defining a plantar wall and lateral, medial and posterior sidewalls. A fastening mechanism releasably secures the lateral and medial sidewalls together. In some embodiments, the plantar wall defines a laterally extending distal trimline positioned distal of the first metatarsal head and proximal of the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads when the foot is secured within the orthotic device. In other embodiments, the device includes a heel post having a distal terminal edge with a medial portion extending into the arch proximal to the navicular bone and a lateral portion positioned proximal of the arch. In still other embodiments, an elongate strip of padding material projects inwardly below and proximate the medial malleosus and the lateral malleosus and is positioned to inhibit withdrawal of the calcaneous bone. A method of manufacturing an orthotic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The orthopedic foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole. The insole includes a trim line allowing the insole to be adapted to a three quarters length of a full insole. The three quarters length may extend form from the back of the heel to the metatarsal heads. The support component may be constructed from any of a group of materials including polyethylene, polypropylene and polypropylene incorporating glass or silica.

Abstract: A support arranged for disposition within a shoe, boot or sandal, to raise the arch of the foot by everting the forefoot and inverting the rearfoot, thereby locking the midtarsal joint. The support basically comprises a base portion and a wedge portion. The base portion has an upper surface on which the wedge portion is disposed. The wedge portion includes a medial side edge and a lateral side edge and extends from the base of all five metatarsals of the person's foot to the heads of all five metatarsals. The wedge portion tapers in thickness from at least the midline of the wedge portion to the medial side edge. The wedge portion includes an anterior portion that is tapered to the sulcus section of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an orthotic device used for controlling motion of a human foot in a functionally corrected anatomical position from heel strike through toe off. The orthotic device may include at least one of rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toe regions. In each region corresponding medial and lateral wedges may be employed. In the rearfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect at an expected contact location of a medial side of a midline of a heel of the human foot. In the midfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of a first cuneiform bone and a cuboid bone. In the forefoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth metatarsal bones. In the toe region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth toes.

Abstract: A foot support adapted to position a foot in an anatomically functional position is provided. The foot support includes a metatarsal portion, a toe portion, and a bendable joint defined between the metatarsal portion and the toe portion. The metatarsal portion is adapted to align the first metatarsal head of a foot, and the metatarsal portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The toe portion extends away from the metatarsal portion and is adapted to align the big toe of a foot. The toe portion also includes an upper surface and a lower surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an orthotic device used for controlling motion of a human foot in a functionally corrected anatomical position from heel strike through toe off. The orthotic device may include at least one of rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toe regions. In each region corresponding medial and lateral wedges may be employed. In the rearfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect at an expected contact location of a medial side of a midline of a heel of the human foot. In the midfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of a first cuneiform bone and a cuboid bone. In the forefoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth metatarsal bones. In the toe region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth toes.

Abstract: A foot support device where the first metatarsal is raised with respect to the second through fifth metatarsals with a substantially horizontal support surface, the foot support device further having an arch support portion, the first metatarsal support allowing for a proper foot and ankle alignment for bipedal motion as well as standing.

Abstract: A shoe insole apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel has a shape for being positioned within a shoe. The panel includes a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A cushion member is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge and the front edge. The cushion member is positioned between the top and bottom sides. The cushion member is resiliently compressible. The cushion member extends between 1 inch and 3 inches toward the back edge along the first lateral edge. The panel is positioned within a shoe.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: A sole for footwear, formed by an upper surface which, on at least part of the heel region and the plantar arch region, at its outer edge, is lower than its inner edge. The highest point of the upper surface is arranged approximately at the radiographic projection of the scapho-cuneiform joint of the foot of the user on the sole.

Abstract: A plantar insole has bearing areas (6, 7, 8, 9) of the main surface which are provided with a rigidity or hardness which are less with respect to other areas (10-13) of the main surface. These areas (6-9) are arranged under the major bearing areas of a foot, i.e. under toes, under the metatarsal heads, under the heel and under the external bearing area of the foot, making it possible to attain a compromise between the necessity of an impact absorption and stabilization of the foot in a shoe. The insole may be adapted to any type of footwear.

Abstract: A removable ball of the foot insert for placement into footwear at a position in correspondence with a forefoot portion of the footwear includes a substantially planar member made from a viscoelastic gel, the planar member including a lower surface and an upper surface, and a plurality of spring walls formed from a viscoelastic gel and extending from the lower surface of the planar member at a predetermined area corresponding to a ball of the foot when the insert is inserted into the footwear, for separating bones of second and third metatarsals of the foot, the spring walls having heights that generally decrease outwardly from a center of the predetermined area, and the viscoelastic gel of the planar member having a hardness greater than a hardness of the viscoelastic gel of the spring walls.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic device is designed to be reused and reapplied in open shoes include an adhesive layer which securely, but temporarily, bonds the insole to a shoe. In some embodiments, the insole both supports and cushions a foot. In other embodiments, the insole solely cushions the foot. The supporting insoles include an arch support and a heel lift. The cushioning insoles include a flat sole pad, a contoured sole pad, a ball of foot pad and a heel spur pad. In some embodiments, a textile covering is included over the insole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a insole for footwear in the form of a sole insert with at least one hindfoot part and a midfoot part and with a support for the medial longitudinal arch, wherein a first rise is provided in the region of an insert outer border of the hindfoot part and a second rise is provided in the region of the insert outer border of a midfoot part, and the first rise is formed higher than the second rise.

Abstract: A foot support device where the first metatarsal is raised with respect to the second through fifth metatarsals with a substantially horizontal support surface, the foot support device further having an arch support portion, the first metatarsal support allowing for a proper foot and ankle alignment for bipedal motion as well as standing.

Abstract: A removable ball of the foot insert for placement into footwear at a position in correspondence with a forefoot portion of the footwear includes a substantially planar member made from a viscoelastic gel, the planar member including a lower surface and an upper surface, and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, sinusoidally shaped spring walls formed from a viscoelastic gel and extending from the lower surface of the planar member at a predetermined area corresponding to a ball of the foot when the insert is inserted into the footwear, for separating bones of second and third metatarsals of the foot, the spring walls having heights that generally decrease outwardly from a center of the predetermined area, and the viscoelastic gel of the planar member having a hardness greater than a hardness of the viscoelastic gel of the spring walls.

Abstract: Footwear including an insole formed for relieving pressure on a common digital nerve of a foot. The insole has heel, mid and forefoot sections. The forefoot section of the insole is formed with a pad having a neuroma pad section which underlies the third and fourth metatarsal heads of the foot, so that when a bottom of the foot is placed on the insole, the neuroma pad section applies an upward force to the bottom of the foot sufficient to spread the third and fourth metatarsal heads away from one another and thereby relieve pressure on the third common digital nerve to reduce the risk of neuroma. In other embodiments, the pad is formed as a separate pad for placement in footwear. An insole designed for use with thonged footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for orthopedic treatment including a first upper surface, a second upper surface, bottom surface, and an angle of inclination formed between the top surface and the bottom surface is disclosed. In addition, the apparatus in some embodiments, may be integrally formed as part of a piece of footwear. A method for providing stability during ambulation including providing an insert and elevating a proximal phalanx using the insert is also disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment wherein the angle of inclination is between approximately 1 and 60 degrees. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment manufactured from an elastomeric material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment, where the upper surface further includes at least one fastener.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole. The sole has a heel section for supporting a heel of the foot. The heel section has medial and lateral regions. At least a portion of the lateral region has a first compressive resilience for attenuating the shock of impact to the wearer during running and walking. Further, the sole has an arch section forward of the heel section for supporting an arch of the foot. The arch section also has medial and lateral regions. At least a portion of the lateral region of the arch section has the first compressive resilience and at least a portion of the medial region of the arch section has a second compressive resilience harder than the first compressive resilience for providing firm support for the foot during running and walking. In addition, the sole has a forefoot section forward of the arch section for supporting a ball of the foot including first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads and associated metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and metatarsal phalangeal joints.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe has a recessed or depressed portion to receive a pair of sesamoid bones protruding the undersurface of a foot wearing the shoe. The shoe sole may be an attached part of the shoe or a piece separable from the shoe. The depth of the depressed portion is about 2 mm. A sole of a shoe may have an aperture, instead of a recessed portion, to receive a pair of sesamoid bones.

Abstract: A removable orthotic insert for improving the gait of a person suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other condition that impairs proper transfer of weight to the forefoot. There is a rigid cap member having a downwardly extending, transverse ridge located proximate the junction between the arch and forefoot portions of the insert, behind the metatarsal head area of the foot. The ridge engages the underlying insole of the shoe to form a pivot point that enables the insert to rock forwardly and rearwardly in the shoe. As the person's foot moves through the gait cycle, the transfer of weight towards the forward end of the foot causes the rigid cap member to tilt forwardly in the shoe, enhancing the angular orientation of the foot as the toe-off position is reached.

Abstract: A metatarsal arch support is described, in which the support has a raised section of such a size and shape as to roughly match and fill the open space that exists between the insole of the shoe and the portion of the foot that spans the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, which normally constitutes an arch when the foot is supporting body weight. Shoes typically exert pressure, causing the metatarsal arch to flatten. Use of the arch support prevents this undesirable effect.

Abstract: A method for protecting the ankle against injury, limit subtalar joint motion of the ankle by controlling the motions of segments of the subtalar joint fore and aft of the subtalar joint while permitting motion of the foot about the ankle joint with an improved athletic shoe, ankle orthosis. A supporting structure a part of or connected to the shoe or orthosis is preferably in the form of a heel-sole counter provided about the heel and at least a portion of the foot forward of the subtalar joint which includes a split toe sole extension. The supporting structure has a semi-rigid shape retaining character which is not collapsible vertically and which together with the shoe or orthosis limits torsional movement of the foot about the longitudinal axis of the subtalar joint as seen in a top plan view thereof by an upwardly extending portion thereof which acts as a torsion bar that is, in turn, secured to the lower leg.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.

Abstract: A metatarsal arch support is described, in which the support has a raised section of such a size and shape as to roughly match and fill the open space that exists between the insole of the shoe and the portion of the foot that spans the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, which normally constitutes an arch when the foot is supporting body weight. Shoes typically exert pressure, causing the metatarsal arch to flatten. Use of the arch support prevents this undesirable effect.

Abstract: An insole assembly for a shoe or other article of footwear. The assembly includes a soft, cushioning foam blank having an upper surface which is contoured to engage the plantar surface of a foot, and a thin, substantially rigid, resiliently flexible cap which is mounted to the bottom of the blank so as to extend around the heel end and forwardly along the medial and lateral sides thereof. The rigid cap includes an upstanding wall which engages and buttresses the perimeter of the foam blank, and a series of medial and lateral flanges which extend across and support the bottom of the blank. The flanges are configured to cooperate with the foam blank to define zones of support in specific areas, with the maximum support and rigidity being provided for the rearfoot and midfoot areas of the foot.

Abstract: This will describe unique foot orthotics that are designed to restore, reduce or eliminate foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain by restoring your natural gait, balance and posture by supporting and cushioning different arches under the foot. These unique orthotics are made in a way that allows different areas of a unitary part to be custom made at different hardnesses by controlling the thickness and cross-linking of the orthotic in that area. This is very beneficial as some parts of the foot need more solid support and other parts need softer support. The parts are made of a chemical-resistant, water-resistant microcellular closed cell material. Also, the orthotics can be made in a variety of overall average stiffness by varying the amount of foaming agent and/or changing materials. This is required for different sporting activities. These orthotics can also be made very light weight by increasing the amount of foaming.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for incorporating a medial/lateral counter foot stabilizer into shoes. In an embodiment, the medial/lateral counter foot stabilizer of the invention comprises a plantar aspect which extends the length of the sole of a foot, side walls, a metatarsal arch support, a lateral arch support, a medial arch support, and a heel cup counter. The stabilizer of the invention mimics a preferred foot shape, provides support for the metatarsal, medial, and lateral arches, and restricts pronation and supination of the foot. The stabilizer of the invention is designed to be integrated into commercial shoes during the manufacturing process as a method of providing foot support which is currently unavailable in commercial shoes.

Abstract: An insole for footwear comprises a footbed having an upper surface and a lower surface, with a raised arch support portion on the upper surface of the footbed capable of supporting a longitudinal arch and a transverse arch of a human foot. The shape of the insole can generally correspond to the shape of a plantar surface of the human foot, thereby providing support to substantially the entire plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary orthotic insert for a shoe that comprises a cupped heel portion having a concave upper bearing surface and a midfoot portion having a medial longitudinal arch support with a curvilinear upper bearing surface. The cupped heel portion extends above a most posterior cephalad portion of a calcaneus and is continuously coupled to the midfoot portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic sole structure includes an insole made from a first polymeric material with a first stiffness, and an insert made from a second polymeric material with a second stiffness. The insole includes a metatarsals support portion, a tarsals support portion and an intermediate arch support portion interposed therebetween. The intermediate arch support portion has an upper surface and a lower surface that defines a recess to receive the insert therein in such a manner that the upper surface thereof is lifted upward to permit resting of an intermediate arch portion of a user's foot when the foot is disposed on the orthopedic sole structure.

Abstract: A forefoot support system 60 for supporting a hyperpronating forefoot 20 both dynamically while the forefoot 20 is in motion and statically is disclosed. The forefoot support system 60 is a bed upon which the forefoot 20 rests which includes an inner edge 62 and an outer edge 64. The forefoot support system 60 is positioned underneath the medial column of forefoot 20. The forefoot support system 60 laterally decreases in thickness from the inner edge 62 to the outer edge 64. The inner edge 62 is positioned along the medial side of the forefoot 20, and the outer edge 64 is positioned longitudinally in a zone substantially between a lateral margin of the hallux 48, the proximal phalanx 46, and the first metatarsal 36 and a medial margin of the phalanges 47 of the second toe and the second metatarsal 38.

Abstract: An insole assembly for a shoe or other article of footwear. The assembly includes a soft, cushioning foam blank having an upper surface which is contoured to engage the plantar surface of a foot, and a thin, substantially rigid, resiliently flexible cap which is mounted to the bottom of the blank so as to extend around the heel end and forwardly along the medial and lateral sides thereof. The rigid cap includes an upstanding wall which engages and buttresses the perimeter of the foam blank, and a series of medial and lateral flanges which extend across and support the bottom of the blank. The flanges are configured to cooperate with the foam blank to define zones of support in specific areas, with the maximum support and rigidity being provided for the rearfoot and midfoot areas of the foot.

Abstract: A perfected insole for footwear of the type formed by a flexible laminate body cut in the form of the interior surface of the sole or base of the footwear. The laminate body corresponds to an end zone which has a modified horizontal direction. The upper face of the laminate body has a central raised zone portion of the same width as the insole. That extends laterally in a longitudinal direction on the interior part of the area of the arch of the foot to the heel part, with the central raised zone covering the tarsus and metatarsus area.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe or boot produced by molding together a stiff outer plastic shell, a dual foam inner layer of rubber-like material and a fabric upper layer engaged by the foot. A more dense foam is provided for the inner layer at the arch of the foot. The shell is feathered or thinned toward the fore foot area and extends only to the ball of the foot. The shell is provided with a cut out at the heel and a pad secured to the insole at the cut out cushions the heel at the strike position.

Abstract: An insole assembly for a shoe or other article of footwear. The assembly includes a soft, cushioning foam blank having an upper surface which is contoured to engage the plantar surface of a foot, and a thin, substantially rigid, resiliently flexible cap which is mounted to the bottom of the blank so as to extend around the heel end and forwardly along the medial and lateral sides thereof. The rigid cap includes an upstanding wall which engages and buttresses the perimeter of the foam blank, and a series of medial and lateral flanges which extend across and support the bottom of the blank. The flanges are configured to cooperate with the foam blank to define zones of support in specific areas, with the maximum support and rigidity being provided for the rearfoot and midfoot areas of the foot.

Abstract: A foot support system 60 for supporting a hyperpronating foot 20 both dynamically while the foot 20 is in motion and statically is disclosed. The foot support system 60 is a bed upon which the foot 20 rests which includes an inner edge 62 and an outer edge 64. The foot support system 60 is positioned underneath the medial column of the forefoot of foot 20. The foot support system 60 laterally decreases in thickness from the inner edge 62 to the outer edge 64. The inner edge 62 is positioned along the medial side of the foot 20, and the outer edge 64 is positioned longitudinally in a zone adjacent to a lateral margin of the hallux 48, the proximal phalanx 46, and the first metatarsal 36 and a medial margin of the phalanges 47 of the second toe and the second metatarsal 38.