Abstract: Heeled footwear such as a shoe or boot including a sole assembly and a heel part may be provided. In one implementation, the heel part may include an insert formed in a first material. The insert may include a core body delimited by an upper surface, a lower bottom surface, and an outer surface connecting the upper and lower surfaces. At least a part of the outer surface may be encased in a second material different from the first material. The outer material may form an outer contour layer of the heel part, and the sole assembly may include an outsole formed in the second material, the second material being softer than the first material. The outsole and the outer contour layer may be designed to be formed in one piece providing an outer sole unit being one component.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe is provided that includes a base with a receiving area defined in the ball support portion of the base and a cushioning insert positioned in the receiving area. The shoe further includes a support assembly that includes a first heel and a second heel, and is attached to the bottom surface of the base. The first heel and the second heel can be positioned on the support assembly such that the first heel and the second heel are aligned with one another, or the first heel and the second heel can be positioned on the support assembly such that the first heel and the second heel are angled with the first heel crossing the second heel.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe includes an upper that is attached to the midsole and has a wearing opening. A midsole includes a midsole bed having a posterior portion that is recessed to form a first trough and a front pad that is mounted to an anterior portion of the midsole bed and is recessed to form a second trough and a third trough. A bottom support board is attached to a bottom surface of the midsole and includes an anterior end portion and a posterior end portion. The anterior end portion of the bottom support board is mounted to the bottom surface of the midsole in such a way as to partially overlap the front pad located on the midsole. A shoe heel is mounted to the posterior end portion of the bottom support board.

Abstract: A shoe sole and heel assembly includes a sole, an interchangeable heel removably connected with the sole, and at least one locking device for fixing the heel to the sole. The sole includes a wall extending from the heel area of the lower surface of the sole to define a cavity. The inner surface of the wall contains a channel. The heel includes a track extending from the side and rear portions of the heel. The heel is arranged adjacent to the sole with the heel track entering the sole channel. As the heel is displaced rearwardly, the track enters the channel of the sole and prevents vertical and lateral movement of the heel relative to the sole. A latch on the lower surface of the sole engages a notch on the upper surface of the heel to prevent longitudinal displacement of the heel. The sole and heel contain aligned threaded openings for receiving screws to secure the heel to the sole.

Abstract: A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements.

Abstract: An anatomically designed heeled shoe having an insole/midsole combination and a recessed cavity at the heel articulates the natural shape of a foot. The design of the heeled shoe manages defects in the natural shape of the foot, reducing any pain and the exacerbation of podiatric conditions and problems incurred from use of improper footwear. The insole/midsole combination broadly disperses the weight bearing across the entire base of the foot and takes pressure away across the metatarsals and toes, providing a comfort-level equivalent to a flat shoe. While disguising the insole/midsole combination and imitating the height and appearance of a higher heeled shoe, the anatomically designed heeled shoe ensures additional height, optimal comfort and health for the wearer.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing a shoe sole, in which a shoe sole is preliminarily assembled by bonding together a plurality of layers with a temporary insert disposed between two adjacent layers. Then, an outer edge of the shoe sole is ground and, following that, the temporary insert is removed and a permanent insert is bonded in place of the temporary insert, such that the permanent insert forms a portion of a side wall of the shoe sole.

Abstract: The present invention is a bifunctional, high-heeled dancer's shoe with the flexibility and strength to allow the dancer to go from standing on the heel to an on pointe position (standing on the toes). The shoe has the capacity to adjust, in order to provide the dancer the ability to combine dance moves from multiple dance styles with ballet. The shoe is composed of a hard front toe box, a half front shank attached to the front box that thins out in the middle of the foot, a partial metal shank that extends from the back of the shoe into the arch, a plastic high heel, a leather outer sole, and a closed satin and fabric body with an adjustable elastic thread on the top of the foot.

Abstract: A footbed for use in footwear. The footbed includes a first molded layer having a size and shape adapted to support at least a first portion of a foot of a wearer of the footwear. The first layer has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. A second molded layer has a size and shape adapted to support at least a second portion of the foot of the wearer of the footwear. The second layer also has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. A foam layer is attached to the top surface of the second molded layer. The foam layer and the second molded layer are positioned over at least a portion of the top surface of the first molded layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible contoured footbed insole for footwear for providing an anatomically correct foot support to a wearer of the footwear. The flexible contoured footbed insole comprises a heel section and a support system extending anteriorly from the heel section. The heel section comprises a cup shaped structure for accommodating a heel of a foot of the wearer. The support system comprises an inner longitudinal arch support, an outer longitudinal arch support, a transverse arch support, a metatarsal arch support, and a toe support for supporting an inner longitudinal arch, an outer longitudinal arch, a transverse arch, a metatarsal arch, and toes of the foot of the wearer respectively. The flexible contoured footbed insole may further comprise a flexible structure disposed within the support system. The flexible structure provides flexibility and freedom of movement to the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a shoe assembly having at least an outsole portion and a midsole portion, the midsole portion is removably engaged with the outsole to allow replacement of the midsole with another midsole having different structural features, and at least one projection extends from the midsole through an aperture of the outsole, the projection configured to engage with a corresponding aperture of the outsole to align and secure the midsole to the outsole.

Abstract: Antistatic footwear for man, woman and child comprising an upper portion, an outer sole (3) and an insole (1, 2) disposed between the outer sole (3) and the upper portion. One or more electrical conductors positioned within the outer sole and contacting one or more electrically conductive regions of the insole (1,2) provide an electrical contact between the foot of the user and the ground.

Abstract: A shoe for dancing, comprising a forefoot portion, wherein the forefoot portion comprises a forefoot sole and a front upper; a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot sole including a high heel; a midfoot portion comprising a midfoot sole; and a rigidified section that extends at least partway from the rearfoot portion to partway into the midfoot portion, leaving a gap between the rear edge of the forefoot portion and the front end of the rigidified section so that there are at least two zones of flexibility in the midfoot portion, the first zone being relatively rigid for supporting a weight bearing midfoot, and the second zone being relatively flexible, the overall midfoot portion allowing the wearer to perform both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot over a full range of movement.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe that has a multi-layered sole with embedded padding. More specifically, at least one of the layers includes a sheet of base material having a hole through its central region, such that the hole is surrounded by the base material, and a cushioning pad attached to the base material so as to fill the hole. In one representative embodiment, the cushioning pad is approximately the same size and shape as the hole, and the perimeter of the pad is stitched to the perimeter of the hole. As a result of such construction, padding is provided in a manner that tends to resist damage over time.

Abstract: A cushioned insole includes a top cushion, a Texon brand or similar insole support layer, and a cushion insert that establishes a cushioned insole forepart through its entire thickness. The cushioning is established with the cushion insert positioned through an open forepart of the Texon. The cushion insert may either be positioned against the top cushion overlaying the open Texon forepart, or extending through an open forepart of the top cushion.

Abstract: A shoe with increased flexibility in a forefoot portion that includes an upper, an upper lining, an outsole, a footbed and a flexible insole. The flexible insole is located in the forefoot portion of the upper and is stitched directly to the upper lining along a perimeter of the flexible insole. The footbed includes a heel pad that is located in the heel portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe for dancing, comprising a forefoot portion, wherein the forefoot portion comprises a forefoot sole and a front upper; a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot sole including a high heel; a midfoot portion comprising a midfoot sole; and a rigidified section that extends at least partway from the rearfoot portion to partway into the midfoot portion, leaving a gap between the rear edge of the forefoot portion and the front end of the rigidified section so that there are at least two zones of flexibility in the midfoot portion, the first zone being relatively rigid for supporting a weight bearing midfoot, and the second zone being relatively flexible, the overall midfoot portion allowing the wearer to perform both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot over a full range of movement.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an outsole with a top surface and a bottom surface, an anchoring mechanism placed between the top surface and the bottom surface, an upper connected to the outsole, and a fastener extending from the upper to the anchoring mechanism for securing the upper to the outsole.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elevated support matrix for a shoe, which may either form a sole, heel, or sole and heel combination. The matrix is formed of metal, or other high-tensile materials. To minimize the weight of the matrix, but still maintain the structural integrity of the matrix and properly support the wearer's foot, passageways are created in the matrix. The passageways result in void space and lattice, which have corresponding volumes. The increased volume of void space correlates with an overall weight reduction. A support matrix is thus provided that takes advantage of higher-tensile materials to create a reduced weight structurally maintained support matrix. Methods of manufacturing the matrix are also disclosed.

Abstract: Footwear including an outsole, an insole having a heel pad located at a heel portion of the insole and a heel having a cavity sized and shaped for receiving the heel pad. A heel breast projects forward from the heel and is sized and shaped for receiving a portion of the heel pad extending forward from the heel cavity.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: High-heeled footwear has a heel with a resilient compressible element allowing the heel of the foot to be lowered at heel strike to approximate a normal walking pattern in low-heeled shoes. Preferably, the footwear also includes a midfoot support structure, which may be a sprung footbed, or a sling and reinforcement girder, and which serves to redistribute load from the wearer's forefoot to her midfoot.

Abstract: A woman's high-heeled pump wherein the heel portion is relatively narrowed and lengthened to extend along and firmly embrace the entire calcaneus of the wearer. The forward portion of the shoe receives the forward part of the wearer's foot including her toes in a relatively unrestrained manner. A foot bed corresponding to the shoe size is received entirely over the shoe's insole and is provided with arch supports that assist in retaining the foot in place within the shoe. The heel is cradled at a level somewhat lower than the surrounding part of the foot bed. The foot bed is provided on its lower side with grooves for comfort and compressability and cavities are provided under the metatarsal pad and heel for compressability and comfort.

Abstract: A high heel shoe includes a cushiony midsole secured between the forepart of the insole and the outsole. The insole is padded and formed with a generally open forepart that is filled with a flexible insert. The midsole includes a stabilizing outer perimeter.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: A shoe structure mainly includes a sole, a heel, and a vamp adapted to enclose at least part of a wearer's foot. A reinforcing plate is embedded in the sole to extend from a rear end to a near-middle point of the sole for bearing a downward force from a suspended rear half of the wearer's foot, and a cushion pad is connected to a lower end of the heel. The sole is provided on the rear end with a recess for receiving a fixing plate therein. A screw is extended through the fixing and the reinforcing plate into an internally threaded tube embedded in the heel, providing an enhanced connecting force between the sole and the heel and preventing the heel from breaking or separating from the sole.

Abstract: Provided is thong-type shoe that has a heel and a layered sole, with a shape-retaining member sandwiched between the layers. In one example, the shoe according to the present invention has a top layer, a bottom layer and a shape-retaining member sandwiched between the two, with a heel mounted to the shape-retaining member through the bottom layer. A provided upper has plural elongated insert elements, each having a stopper on its bottom end. Each of the plural elongated insert elements extends through a hole in the top layer and a hole in the bottom layer such that the stopper engages the hole in the bottom layer.

Abstract: A woman's high-heeled pump wherein the heel portion is relatively narrowed and lengthened to extend along and firmly embrace the entire calcaneus of the wearer. The forward portion of the shoe receives the forward part of the wearer's foot including her toes in a relatively unrestrained manner. A foot bed corresponding to the shoe size is received entirely over the shoe's insole and is provided with arch supports that assist in retaining the foot in place within the shoe. The heel is cradled at a level somewhat lower than the surrounding part of the foot bed. The foot bed is provided on its lower side with grooves for comfort and compressability and cavities are provided under the metatarsal pad and heel for compressability and comfort.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an outsole with a top surface and a bottom surface, an anchoring mechanism placed between the top surface and the bottom surface, an upper connected to the outsole, and a fastener extending from the upper to the anchoring mechanism for securing the upper to the outsole.

Abstract: A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a front sole support made of hard rubber with a predetermined tensile strength or of fabric cushioning, the front sole support spanning a length and width of an area of a front sole, a hard plastic high heel, a metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and entirely covering the heel and forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and a shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have an elastic insert above in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather spanning a length and width of the shoe.

Abstract: A method for making footwear using a finished platform. The method includes providing a finished platform having a peripheral side region; providing an outsole unit; and providing an upper attached to the peripheral side region of the finished platform. The finished platform includes an insole, a sock lining unit, having a peripheral portion for seaming and stitching, which is attached to an upper surface of the insole, and a wrapper covering the peripheral side region of the finished platform, the wrapper seamed to the peripheral portion of the sock lining unit. The present method provides the advantage of having a finished platform which can readily receive an upper. This allows a simple and economical attachment of the upper to a finished platform, efficiently streamlining manufacturing and production of completed shoes, making a simple and cost-favorable shoe production possible.