Abstract: In its simplest conceptual form, the applicant's invention is the structure of a conventional shoe sole that has been modified by having its sides bent up so that their inner surface conforms to a shape nearly identical but slightly smaller than the shape of the outer surface of the sides of the foot sole of the wearer (instead of the shoe sole sides conforming to the ground by paralleling it, as is conventional). The shoe sole sides are sufficiently flexible to bend out easily when the shoes are put on the wearer's feet and therefore the shoe soles gently hold the sides of the wearer's foot sole when on, providing the equivalent of custom fit in a mass-produced shoe sole. This invention can be applied to shoe sole structures based on a theoretically ideal stability plane as a basic concept, especially including structures exceeding that plane.

Abstract: Improved cushioned footwear of the type in which, in the past, nails, such as heel nails, gang nails and/or heel seat nails extended into the heel area of the footwear and/or in which, in the past, such footwear included a rigid shank which extended into the heel area, is formed with an opening in the heel area. The heel plug of a cushioning element is placed in the opening. The apparatus for forming the opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plant shoe and a method of use thereof to be worn on the plant foot of a placekicker wearing a kicking shoe having a total sole thickness s on his kicking foot, wherein the plant shoe includes a main sole, a filler sole adjacent said main sole, wherein the main sole and the filler sole together have a thickness greater than s, and a plurality of cleats positioned on an underside of either the main sole or the filler sole for engaging the playing surface. In one embodiment the cleats are positioned on the underside of the main sole and in an alternate embodiment, the main sole is positioned between a shoe upper and the filler sole and the cleats are positioned on the underside of the filler sole.

Abstract: An insert or inner sole for a shoe having as its purpose support of the metatarsal and arch portions of the foot to thereby reduce pressure on those areas and associated foot pain. The insert or inner sole has three layers that interface with one another to create and displace a metatarsal hump. As a foot strides, the flex plate layer rocks forward and back on its centrally located, relatively thicker hump portion. The flex plate may engage the bottom layer by way of serration or friction.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, which includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot shoe, including the bottom and the sides, when that foot sole deforms naturally by flattening under load while walking or running in order to provide a stable support base for the foot and ankle. Deformation sipes such as slits or channels are introduced in the shoe sole along its long axis, and other axes, to provide it with flexibility roughly equivalent to that of the foot. The result is a shoe sole that accurately parallels the frontal plane deformation of the foot sole, which creates a stable base that is wide and flat even when tilted sideways in extreme pronation or supination motion. In marked contrast, conventional shoe soles are rigid and become highly unstable when tilted sideways because they are supported only by a thin bottom edge.

Abstract: A high polymer resin material is configured into a shoe sole component having a plurality of inwardly extending indentations in one or both of the top and bottom members of the component. The indentations extend into the interval between the members and adjacent to the opposite member to provide support members for the sole component. The sole component can be constructed by molding upper and lower sole component halves wherein the molds are configured to provide indentations in the top and bottom members. The upper and lower sole component halves are then joined to complete the sole component.

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.

Abstract: A self aligning sole for use in shoes, especially sports shoes of welted construction. The outer sole has a shaped raised portion. The mid-sole has a cutout with a shape complementary to the raised portion shape. During assembly of the shoe, the outer sole raised portion registers with the mid-sole cutout, thereby aligning the outer sole with the mid-sole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe, provided with a front region and a heel region. The method comprises the steps of stitching an upper to a piece of fabric in order to obtain an inner shoe which is closed at its lower portion, providing a rubber mid-sole having at least one inner cavity or seat and at least one outer cavity or seat, filling the at least one inner cavity with a lightweight filler, coupling said inner shoe with the mid-sole by a peripheral cover band, vulcanizing and placing one or more inserts in the at least one outer cavity or seat.

Abstract: The sole comprises three layers, including (a) an outer or ground contact sole (7) having flexibility, ground-gripping, and abrasion-resistance properties, (b) an upper or comfort layer (8) positioned directly beneath the foot and having elastic shock-absorption properties, and (c) an intermediate layer or rib (9) positioned directly between the upper portion of the contact layer (7) and the lower portion of the comfort layer (8) and having torsional rigidity properties which provide both for the distribution of shocks sensed by the contact layer (7) and for their diffusion over the comfort layer (8) before they come into contact with the foot (4).

Abstract: A shoe having improved sole component composed of a closed cell foam mid-sole which is adhered to at least a portion of the shoe's upper component. The mid-sole component has multiple thickened zones which are separated by multiple flex grooves between the zones. The thickened zones are provided in a fore foot and rear foot portions and underlie only the high impact regions of a wearer's foot during a wearer's gait cycle. An outer sole is attached to the outer bottom surface of the thickened zones of the mid-sole with the thickened zones being between the out sole and a portion of the upper component.

Abstract: A multiple-part foot-support sole having a cork support with a thickness that is minimal under a heel and under a ball of the wearer's foot. A wedge is arranged under the foot support so that a front edge of the wedge lies approximately under the ball of the wearer's foot and encloses an angle between 75 and 80.degree. relative to the longitudinal center line of the sole. The wedge has a substantially flat upper and lower side and is made of a lightweight and flexible material. An outsole is provided under the wedge in the cork foot support so as to be sharply raised in a toe region of the sole while the cork foot support is only slightly curved in the toe region.

Abstract: A footwear sole comprises a foot-shaped sole of a relatively cushioned, low density polymer foam, with a higher density, harder midfoot shank portion integrally fused within it. The sole may be a unitary footwear sole or may have an outsole or insole adhered thereto. A method of manufacture of the sole comprises forming a polymer foam sole piece, stamping out a portion of the midfoot, forming a shank of higher hardness polymer foam to fit the stamped-out midfoot portion of the sole piece, fitting the shank into the sole piece, and hot compression molding the sole piece and shank to form a unitary, integral sole. The sole of the invention is particularly useful as a sandal sole.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner 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, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: A midsole channel is formed solely in a midsole and enables free air flow between metatarsal and heel cavities formed in an outsole of a shoe structure.

Abstract: In a safety shoe provided with a toecap, a vamp, an insole, and a two-layer structure sole, the a two-layer structure sole includes an outsole part comprising a high hardness rubber material and a midsole part, laminated in the above outsole part, comprising a low hardness sponge rubber material and has a heel part. The outsole part is fused integrally with the midsole part by vulcanization molding, and the upper circumferential edge of the outsole part is fused integrally with the lower circumferential edge of the vamp by the vulcanization molding described above. Since the outsole part in a side in contact with the ground has a high physical strength and is excellent in an oil resistance, a chemical resistance and a heat resistance, and the midsole part in an inner side has a cushioning property, the shoe is less liable to bring about fatigue even after wearing it for a long period of time.

Abstract: A shoe sole has cushioning in ball and heel regions of the sole. The sole includes an insole which has openings in the ball and heel regions which increase the flexibility of the insole. The insole openings are filled in by a soft insole pad so that the insole does not form a barrier to cushioning the ball and heel of the foot. The outsole also has openings in ball and heel regions which are closed by clear covers. The openings provide for good flexibility of the outsole. A soft cushion is held in the cover for further cushioning of the ball and heel of the foot.

Abstract: A sport shoe having an upper, a sole having at least an outer sole having a mobile portion at least at the heel portion of the sole which is pivotable about a lateral axis forward of the heel portion. A midsole insert member is insertable between the mobile portion and the upper. The mobile portion includes upper engaging projections cooperating with the upper to prevent the midsole insert from moving laterally relative to the upper when the midsole insert member is introduced between the mobile portion and the upper.

Abstract: A shoe including an outsole, an upper and a midsole. The outsole has a bottom surface with a central section. The upper has a base portion defined by a bottom peripheral edge of the upper. The upper is secured directly to the outsole around substantially the entire bottom peripheral edge. The midsole is positioned within an interior of the upper above the base portion of the upper. The shoe has a median sole thickness defined by the median distance between a top surface of the midsole and a bottom surface of the outsole. The midsole has a median midsole thickness defined by the median distance between the top surface of the midsole and a bottom surface of the midsole. The median midsole thickness is at least half the median sole thickness.

Abstract: A shoe assembly is described which is designed and constructed to permit and enhance the normal action of a human foot received in the shoe assembly during a stride and while standing. Among other things, the assembly includes a heel shaped to approximate the lower and rear shape of the calcaneum bone of the human foot, and separate relative moveable pads underlying the lateral arch and various contact points in the forefoot area of the human foot. Also, the thickness of the heel area is substantially the same as the thickness of the toe area, thereby to maintain the skeletal and muscular structure of the body above the foot in its natural position.

Abstract: A footwear last usable in the mass production of footwear comprises a solid body having a top, bottom, toe and heel portion with a smooth contoured sole surface connecting the toe and heel portion including an inner longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface and on an inner side of the last, an outer longitudinal arch formed on the sole surface on an outer side of the last. A first transverse arch formed proximate the toe portion. A second transverse arch formed forward of the heel portion. The smooth upper surface transitions to the smooth sole surface in a continuous curve free from a sharply angled last bottom featherline and the contoured sole surface defines three separate and distinct contact areas. The sole surface projects cross-sections of varying percentages with respect to the total cross-sectional area onto a base plane at different heights above the base plane in accordance with the unique contours of the sole surface.

Abstract: A protective safety shoe insert includes a seamless puncture-resistant insole substantially conforming in shape to a sole of the shoe. The insole comprises a flexible steel plate coinciding with an area of greatest flexure of the insole and a layer of a puncture-resistant material secured to the ends of the plate. The insole is injection molded with an integral safety toe, an integral arch support, and an optional integral heel protector. A metatarsal guard is secured to the safety toe to add impact protection for the metatarsal area of the foot.

Abstract: An improved sole or insole for providing puncture resistance in boots and other types of shoes includes multiple layers of a tightly woven, puncture resistant fabric, formed from high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers, such as Kevlar.RTM., a polyaramid. The layers of puncture resistant fabric generally are not bonded together or adhered together by adhesives or the like. The layers of puncture resistant fabric may be secured together along the outer peripheries thereof, or they may be secured within a pocket formed from a covering material, such as foam, or in a pocket formed between an inner and outer sole of the boot or shoe.

Abstract: A process which serves to seal and waterproof the outsole-side end area of a waterproof shoe shaft and/or to pad the outsole-side end of a shoe by putting a liquid, curable, filling material into the space between the insole and outsole is described. The outsole is provided with an input opening for putting in the filling material. The outsole is adhered to the shaft only in a circumferential area and in such a way that the outsole-side end area of the shaft remains unadhered. The liquid filling material is put in through the input opening, between the insole and the outsole, from where it flows into the outsole-side end area of the shaft due to its good flowability. The liquid material contains polyurethane precursor ingredients which react to form a foam polyurethane.

Abstract: A vapor permeable shoe, including the following combination of elements: a vapor-permeable upper associated with a vapor-permeable or perforated lining, a tread made of perforated elastomer, a mid-sole comprising at least one membrane made of waterproof vapor-permeable material that is associated with a lower protective layer made of hydrolysis-resistant, water-repellent, vapor-permeable or perforated material, a vapor-permeable or perforated insole, a vapor-permeable or perforated filler layer arranged between the insole and the membrane. The lower part of the upper, the tread, the mid-sole with the membrane are perimetrically sealed in the coupling regions.

Abstract: A boot having an improved blast and fragment resistant vulcanized rubber boot sole (13) for protection against large anti-personnel mines is described. The sole comprises embedded protective material composed of at least one layer (18) of woven polyaramid (Kevlar) material. The boot further has an upper insole (19) having a critical supporting structure comprised of at least one polyaramid layer (18). An additional graphite or engineering polymer (e.g. Delrin 100) toe-cap (41) and shank are also described.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A shoe sole and heel construction includes a midsole having a cavity formation therein opening at an outsole-facing surface thereof and lined with a thin perforated liner sheet. The cavity formation may include metatarsal and heel cavities and a restricted recess extending therebetween. The liner sheet covers not only the cavity walls but also portions of the outsole-facing surface immediately surrounding the cavity formation. An outsole is hermetically attached to the outsole-facing surface for closing the cavity formation to form a chamber formation with air at atmospheric pressure trapped therein. The outsole may also have a cavity formation therein which cooperates with the midsole cavity formation to define the chamber formation, and the outsole cavity formation may be congruent with the midsole cavity formation.

Abstract: Products in the form of cushioning devices made from flexible membranes employing at least one layer including thermoplastic urethane and at least one layer of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol are inflatable to a relatively high pressure. The cushioning devices maintain the internal inflatant pressure for extended periods of time by employing a phenomenon referred to in the industry as diffusion pumping. Ideally, the cushioning devices of the present invention can be permanently inflated with gases such as nitrogen or air.

Abstract: An insole construction for an athletic shoe has a shell portion that is positioned under the heel and midfoot of the foot, and is covered with an insole and having low friction material on the upper sides in selected regions. The low friction material may be a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene material, the low friction material extends across the heel region, and/or across the metatarsal area, and these areas may be joined by a lateral side strip. The shell is cupped to form a wall along the lateral side of the foot and about three quarters of the way behind the heel or calcaneus region of the foot. This cup wall is joined to a base wall with a generously radiused rounded portion that mirrors the concave/convex contour anatomy of the foot in this region for comfort and for distributing impact forces received during running, across a substantially increased contact area of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe sole construction which provides a complete separation of upper and lower soles with a cushion of air filling in the space between the upper and lower soles. The sole has five layers, namely, a bottom sole, a chamber rim, a chamber cover, an insole, and an insole cover.

Abstract: A rugged shaped sheet capable of exhibiting improved non-slip properties and aesthetic properties and a process for manufacturing the same. The rugged shaped sheet includes a base sheet member and a rugged pattern of a predetermined shape adhered to the base sheet member. The rugged pattern is formed of a plurality of pattern elements different in size, configuration and/or properties into a multi-layer structure. The rugged shaped sheet is manufactured by pouring an elastomer liquid material into each of perforated plates, semicuring the elastomer and laminating the perforated plates on each other, resulting in forming the rugged pattern of a predetermined shape on the base sheet member.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A shoe of the present invention comprises a sole, an upper secured to the sole, and a lateral support member. The sole includes an outsole and a midsole. At least a portion of the midsole overlies at least a portion of the outsole. The lateral support member is positioned generally between the midsole and outsole. The lateral support member includes a transverse portion and an upstanding portion. The transverse portion comprises an inner section spaced laterally from the upstanding portion and a ramped section between the inner section and the upstanding portion. The transverse portion extends laterally relative to the midsole from an area generally adjacent a first side of the midsole toward an opposite second side of the midsole. The ramped section inclines upwardly from a bottom section of the upstanding portion toward the inner section of the transverse portion. The upstanding portion is connected to and extends upwardly from the ramped portion adjacent the first side of the midsole.

Abstract: A resilient sole for shoes includes a soft top layer, a bottom layer, and a resilient intermediate layer sandwiched between the soft top layer and the bottom layer. The intermediate layer has a plurality of curved strips parallel to each other and disposed transversely to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate layer. The curved strips are sloped upwardly toward the toe part of the sole, and are forced to deform and to absorb vibrations when the sole is pressed against the ground by the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: Footwear, in particular sports footwear, which includes a vamp associated with a substantially flat foot-supporting lower part or sole unit. This latter comprises at least one portion formed of woven composite material having a part positioned in correspondence with the metatarsal region of the user's foot and a part positioned corresponding with the arch region of the user's foot, wherein the part of the portion present in the metatarsal region is flexible and enables the sole unit to flex during the use of the footwear and wherein part of the portion present in the plantar arch region is rigid.

Abstract: A sport shoe having an upper, a sole having at least an outer sole having a mobile portion at least at the heel portion of the sole which is pivotable about a lateral axis forward of the heel portion. A midsole insert member is insertable between the mobile portion and the upper. The mobile portion includes upper engaging projections cooperating with the upper to prevent the midsole insert from moving laterally relative to the upper when the midsole insert member is introduced between the mobile portion and the upper.

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprising an upper mounted on a sole which is formed with a longitudinal channel that separates the sole into a pair of laterally adjacent compression elements which can move independent of each other. A rigid heel counter is provided in the upper above the heel portion. As the shoe pronates from the heel strike phase to the loading phase the compression element on the lateral side compresses to begin absorbing shock and moves independent of the medial compression element. At the same time the heel counter supports the foot so that the foot undergoes a more natural movement throughout the heel strike, loading and pronation phases.

Abstract: A method for inflating a cushioning devices comprised of at least first and second distinct chambers having an interconnecting passage which provides fluid communication between the chambers. The method comprises either: (1) limiting the volume of at least one of the chambers, filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point and sealing the interconnecting passage, or (2) filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point compressing at least one of the distinct chambers, and sealing the interconnecting passage. The method is particularly suited to manufacture of a footwear cushion comprised of a body of elastomeric material having a plurality of sealed non-communicating cells having a single inflation point. At least two cells sharing a single sealed inflation passage are at different pressures.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an inner-sole and a sole, a plurality of microholes being arranged at least through the central portion of both of them, and an inner liner of a material such as Gore-Tex, wherein, between said inner-sole and said sole, a layer is provided of a resilient material, such as corrugated felt.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: Footware is made such that a thickness of a heel region from a sole upper surface to the ground is thinner at a backward portion than at a forward portion, whereby a line connecting a position on a lower surface of the sole under the head of the second metatarsus to a front end on a lower surface of the heel region of the sole is lifted at an angle with a horizontal line connecting a grounded rear end on the lower surface of the heel region to a front end thereof in a state where a weight is loaded to the human heel, and the backward portion of the heel region comprises an impact absorbing mechanism, whereby a level of the human heel which is in contact with a foot is depressed when loaded. Thus, the footwear protects a knee joint of a patient suffering from the osteoarthritis of the knee and enables them to easily walk.

Abstract: A footwear system for providing enhanced protection and comfort to the foot of a wearer by reducing impact and shearing forces normally received by the foot. The footwear system has a knit sock and a shoe. The knit sock overlies and contacts the shoe and includes a ball portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion disposed between the ball and heel portions. Each of the ball and heel portions is formed of thicker knit fabric than the arch portion thereby providing a greater amount of protection and cushioning to the ball and heel of the foot of the wearer than to the arch portion. The shoe includes a sole having a ball portion, a heel portion, and a raised arch portion for contacting and interfacing with the respective overlying portions of the sock.

Abstract: The invention provides an inlay for a shoe. The inlay extends at least within the forefoot region and comprises one piece of a hard plate material of uniform thickness. The plate material is formed with a profiling provided transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole of the shoe. The transverse profiling extends at least throughout substantially the entire forefoot region of the inlay. The profiling has a cross-section consisting of periodically repeating cross-sectional profile elements, each of the cross-sectional profile elements comprising a ridge and a recess. The plate material is a resilient plate material.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes an outsole, a midsole, and an upper. Portions of the midsole extend upwardly along the sides of the upper. The upper and the upwardly extending portions of the outsole are provided with lace openings through which a shoe lace extends.

Abstract: Lightweight, inexpensive footwear sole components (14, 18), comprising a midsole portion (14) and an outsole portion (18), are formed by a method that eliminates the need for adhesively attaching the two portions to each other, and comprises the steps of 1) Forming the midsole portion (14) to have a lower surface (17) and at least one opening (26) extending into it through the lower surface (17); 2) Forming the outsole portion (18) on the lower surface (17) of the midsole portion (14) such that the outsole portion has an upper part (28) extending into the opening (26) in the midsole portion; and, 3) Forming a mechanical attachment device (22) between the outsole portion (18) and the midsole portion (14) on an upper end (19) of the outsole portion (18).

Abstract: A static dissipative shoe which is provided utilizes a polymer material embedded therein, so that the handling, shipping and storage of integrated circuits are protected from electrostatic discharge. A conductive plug in communication with the outsole and static interceptor fabricated from a non volatile material having a conductivity of less that about 10.sup.5 ohms and which is located in the toe region of the outsole, provides a conductive path to the static interceptor layer. The footwear includes a toe and heel region, a conductive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the conductive layer arranged proximate the upper surface of the outsole and upper surface of the conductive plugs for providing a continuous path from the outside of the footwear to the static interceptor means.

Abstract: A composite midsole for shoes comprising an energy absorbing cellular foam cushion having recesses extending inwardly from its undersurface, thermally bonded to a sheet of resilient material extending over the undersurface and into the recesses to form domes of the resilient material. Impact energy is partially absorbed by compression of the cushion and partially transmitted to cause spring-like deflection of the domes. The combined effect is selectively variable over the area of the midsole to produce the desired cushioning properties in localized areas of the midsole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a midsole for a shoe and the structure of the resulting midsole. The midsole includes a core of a first plastic material and a peripheral wrap of a second plastic material. The wrap has an outer peripheral surface comprising at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the midsole. The method includes the steps of molding a peripheral wrap from a sheet stock of the first plastic material by applying compressive forces on the sheet stock in a direction which i substantially perpendicular with the outer surface of the sheet stock, placing the wrap around the inner peripheral surface of a mold which approximates the shape of the midsole, and pouring the first plastic material in the mold.