Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components. The invented shoe component includes an upper layer of 1,4-polybutadiene and, optionally, a rubber such as natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber or polyisoprene. The first layer is attached to a resilient layer which extends substantially the length of the shoe. Optionally, a third layer or a coating may be attached to the resilient layer. The invented shoe components may be formed as shoe inserts, insoles, midsoles or shoe soles.

Abstract: An improved article of footwear, specifically for use in the sport of tennis. The article of footwear addresses motions prevalent in the sport of tennis by enhancing performance and preventing injuries. The article of footwear is asymmetrical and the lateral and medial portions have features to performs different functions to enhance flexibility, balance control, propulsion, stability and support in the specific areas where needed. In part, the medial portion of the article of footwear is designed to provide flexibility while the lateral portion is designed to create stability. These differences in the medial and lateral portions of the article of footwear exist in the upper, e.g., lacing system, material composition, and material thickness differences, and/or in the sole, e.g., different midsole materials, supporting elements effecting only the lateral side.

Abstract: A shoe made of flexible material having an outer sole. The outsole having an inner surface, an underside, a longitudinal axis, a heel zone, a toe zone, a ball between the toe and heel zones, and an edge surrounding the sole surface. The inner surface includes inner projecting elements wherein inner projecting elements form a substantially rectangular grid. The underside includes outer projecting elements wherein the outer projecting elements are interrupted webs that extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis, at least one longitudinal rib on the underside parallel to the edge on the sole underside, and a sickle-shaped reinforcement zone on the inner surface filling a portion of the rectangular grid between the ball of the foot zone and the heel zone.

Abstract: A sole for footwear comprises an outer sole (12; 22; 31) housing a plurality of pressure-stimulation elements (15; 24; 33) movable perpendicularly, relative to the bearing surface of the outer sole, through the thickness of the outer sole and, in the absence of stresses, extending below the bearing surface of the outer sole by a predetermined distance in order, when the sole is pressed against a bearing surface, to exert, through a resilient intermediate element (17; 27; 35) comprising a soft inner sole of the footwear, a pressure localized at predetermined nerve centers in the sole of a foot on which the therapeutic footwear is worn.

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: An improved cushioning assembly is provided in which separate, independent cushioning elements are loaded into a pocket of the sole assembly of the shoe. By providing separate and independent cushioning elements, greater variation of the performance of various regions of the shoe can be provided, by utilizing cushioning elements having variations in one or more of their size, shape, orientation, material properties, and amount of precompression. As a result, different regions of the shoe can be better tailored for a particular activity or a particular user. In addition, by providing separate independent cushioning elements, the cushioning elements can be more closely packed as compared with, for example, prior cushioning elements formed as contiguous sheets. With the enhanced ability to more closely pack the cushioning elements, the cushioning elements can better transfer forces laterally, to better absorb and dissipate the forces.

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 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: Footwear intended primarily for outdoor use, wherein a variety of ground conditions are likely to be encountered, has a sole with traction elements inspired by the hoof of a mountain goat. In several embodiments, an interior region of the sole is provided with a plurality of pairs of relatively soft protruding pods, while a perimetric region surrounding the interior region includes a plurality of relatively hard lugs provided on opposite sides of the pod pairs. The pods extend downwardly below the lugs such that they will make initial ground contact and compress. The compression cushions initial impact and increases the area of ground contact to improve traction on firm smooth surfaces. The compression also brings the lugs into ground engagement, following initial contact, to improve stability and traction on irregular and soft ground surfaces. Other embodiments of the invention implement similar principles, in soles having a more conventional (less goat hoof-like) appearance.

Abstract: A highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The composite material can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The composite may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the PCM composite also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics.

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: The present invention is an improved golf shoe which incorporates a spike socket spine frame system that extends throughout the shoe sole for receiving all of the spike receptacles and is embedded in the outsole. The spine frame provides improved shoe performance and spike location and is made of a material that is stiffer than the outsole material. More particularly, the shoe sole is comprised of a spike socket spine having seventeen spike socket locations: three spike sockets in the toe section, six spike sockets in the metatarsal section, four spike sockets in the shank section and four spike sockets in the heel section, for receiving the posts of the golf spikes.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for a human foot containing an elongated sole piece having a front, middle and rear section and having a ground engaging bottom surface and an upper surface in which the wearer's foot is received and, an upper piece secured to said sole piece, said upper piece providing an enclosed embracing foot enclosure having a counter section at the rear of the foot, a mid-body section, and a toe box section at the front, wherein said sole piece has a curved sole at the rear section of the sole to permit the user's foot to be tilted forward to enhance the power of the push when the user's foot makes contact with ground when the user strikes at the user's heel. In addition, the shoe can have an improved tread design and a removable and replaceable shock absorbing insert. The shoe preferably employs the principle of energy conversion.

Abstract: An indoor exercise shoe which is lightweight and has an improved traction feature. The outsole of the shoe includes a primary midfoot element positioned to underlie the arch of the foot. Traction inserts of high traction material are mounted in openings in the primary midfoot element. The traction inserts project outwardly from the midfoot element for engaging and gripping a surface, such as the pedal of a stationary bicycle, under conditions when the midfoot region of the outsole is relied upon for traction.

Abstract: A rubber pad construction is adapted for use in making a shoe sole, a shoe pad, a face layer of a table-tennis paddle, a shell of a ball, etc. The rubber pad construction includes a substrate, and a plurality of first and second protrusions which extend outwardly from one side of the substrate at intervals. The first protrusions are thinner and higher than the second protrusions to provide more flexibility. The second protrusions have more bearing ability than the first protrusions. The rubber pad construction provides desirable shock-absorbing and rebounding qualities.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A one-piece sports sole-heel unit of increased stability comprising a unit body of natural or synthetic rubber, the sole-heel unit being formed in one piece and including in at least one region of that surface by which it rests on the ground at least one downwardly projecting element connected by yieldable elastic portions within the unit body, into which it can at least partly retract when resting and applying load to the sole-heel unit. Several projecting elements can be provided, positioned both on the sole and on the heel of the sole-heel unit, these projecting elements being generally connected to the unit body by small-thickness vertical bellows portions.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has an upper and a sole extending along the bottom of the upper. The sole has a ball portion along the front of the sole and a heel portion along the rear of the sole as well as a lower surface which lies in a substantially predetermined plane. A plurality of elongated recesses are provided in the sole so that the recesses extend radially outwardly from a preset point in the central part of the ball of the sole and so that the recesses are circumferentially spaced from each other. An elongated resilient member is positioned in each recess and each resilient member is dimensioned so that it is spaced inwardly from the sides of its associated recess and also so that the resilient member depends downwardly from the predetermined plane of the sole. In practice, when the person wearing the athletic sole pivots around the preset point in the ball of the sole, the resilient member collapses to one side of its associated recess depending upon the direction of the pivot.

Abstract: Elastomers exhibiting decreased demold times and improved green strength are prepared by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a monodisperse polyoxypropylene diol having ultra-low unsaturation, and preferably prepared by the double metal cyanide.t-butyl alcohol catalyzed polymerization of propylene oxide. Further improved demold times and elevated elastomer physical properties are made possible bythe use of multidisperse polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol blends having an overall unsaturation of less than 0.010 meq/g and a polydispersity of about 1.4 or greater.

Abstract: This invention relates to phosphorescent, polymer-containing compositions for use in Glow In The Dark shoe soles, and other molded or extruded shoe parts made from such compositions. One aspect of this invention is directed to a polymeric composition comprising between about 40-50% by weight rubber; 5-10% by weight processing oil; 0-5% by weight stabilizer; and 3-8% by weight phosphorescent material. A sole made according to the present invention for a children's athletic shoe comprises a mass of sole-forming phosphorescent material having peripheral edges and a cushioning element. The `Glow In The Dark` portion of the shoe being visible on both the peripheral edges and underneath surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of composite material formed from a vulcanized elastomer, containing carboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid anhydride groups, in combination with a thermoplastic elastomer containing polyamide blocks, which comprises vulcanizing an elastomer composition comprising said vulcanizable elastomer, a crosslinking system and, optionally, diverse adjuvants in a mold, one part of which is occupied by said thermoplastic elastomer containing polyamide blocks, the vulcanization temperature being between -15.degree. C. and +5.degree. C. with respect to the Vicat point of said thermoplastic elastomer containing polyamide blocks, the elastomer composition and the vulcanization kinetics being such that the material shows cohesive failure when subjected to stress for separation of the two elastomers.This process leads to composite materials which have excellent properties, in particular in respect of tensile strength (cohesive failure).

Abstract: A shoe for enhancing human physical performance by establishing an electrical conduit between the body and the ground is described. The shoe outsole is formed of a conductive rubber material. A resilient conductive element is integral with the outsole and extends along a portion of the outer surface of the shoe upper, typically being secured to and around at least a portion of the collar of the shoe and further extending over at least a portion of the inside surface of the upper.

Abstract: A process of molding multi-durometer footwear soles which includes forming elongated components from compression moldable compounds, each component having a different hardness (Shore A). The components are configured and dimensioned such that the softer component will be positioned on top of and within the configuration of the bottom, harder component. The assembled components are placed in a compression mold and covulcanized together.

Abstract: A safety shoe is arranged to have a shoe sole coextensive with a shoe upper extending upwardly of the shoe sole. The shoe sole includes at least one metallic fabric mesh web projected substantially coextensive through the shoe sole to minimize puncturing and projecting of the shoe sole to afford protection to an individual's foot within the associated shoe. A modification of the invention includes webs of intersecting construction having intersecting semi-elliptical sections intersecting at loops with adjacent webs of adjacent loops intersecting with flexible rods directed through the intersecting loops to minimize lateral displacement of adjacent fabric webs.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has a longitudinally concave shaped ball portion which is thinnest along a transverse metatarsal line, such that a longitudinal concavity is formed facing downwardly and crossing the entire width of the ball portion of the midsole. The outsole has a longitudinally convex shaped ball portion which is thickest along the transverse metatarsal line, such that a longitudinal convexity is formed facing upwardly and crossing the entire width of the ball portion of the outsole. The longitudinally convex shaped ball portion of the outsole has numerous conical shaped hollow tread members aligned in a plurality of transverse rows, and two longitudinally elongated edgewise non-hollow tread members each having a plurality of transverse grooves.

Abstract: A walking shoe and walking shoe sole with the sole heel portion and forefoot portion having integral resilient flexible compression protrusions having maximum extension at the rear edge of the protrusion, curving upwardly forwardly therefrom, and bounded by a groove that extends along both side edges and across the rear vertically offset edge of the protrusion, the groove increasing in depth toward the rear of the protrusion. The rear of at least the forefoot protrusion is undercut. The upper surface of the sole has at least one transverse cavity just forwardly of the rear edge of the protrusion.

Abstract: A method of making EVA shoe midsole includes a compound containing in percentage by weight the substancessuch as 100% of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) into which 5-40% of filling agent, 1-10% of foaming agent, 0.5-3% of bridging agent, 0.5-5% of finishing aid, 0.1-1% of foaming aid and coloring agent are added. Such compound is made into particles to be injected into the primary mold in which the preliminary blank of midsole is formed. The preliminary blank is made to foam to take shape of a molded blank under heat and pressure so as to ensure that the size of the molded blank corresponds to that of the midsole intended to be made. The molded blank is then treated in the secondary mold under heat and pressure and is subsequently cooled to take form of the midsole intended to be manufactured.

Abstract: An outsole for sports shoes comprising a carrier element (1) of relatively hard material and relatively soft sole portions (2, 3) which are secured to the carrier element on the outward side thereof. The carrier element (1) comprises a sole plate (11) which is stiffened by stiffening wells which are disposed approximately perpendicular to the surface of the plate and which substantially follow the contour of the edge of the sole. To provide for deformability of the carrier element (1), in the shank region (4) the height of the stiffening walls (13, 14) is at least locally markedly lower than in the heel region of the sole plate (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprises an upper member and a sole member. The sole member is characterized in having a substantially flat bottom surface, a lateral channel in the sole's bottom surface at the metatarsal area of the user's foot, and a set of inwardly concave longitudinally extending channels in the sole's bottom surface. A plurality of vertically extending grooves in the sole member's side walls are provided in a preferred embodiment. The structural features in the sole member impart a mechanical advantage to the user of the athletic shoe while not impairing the comfort of the shoe.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: An outsole construction for a shoe which provides all midsole and outsole functions with a single homogeneous moldable material thorough geometry alone is disclosed. The invention employs cut-out geometry for engineering various characteristics into an outsole of a uniform, monolithic material. Such characteristics are obtained by removing material or reinforcing the material so that it functions as if it had different densities. The invention is based on the principle of minimum sufficient thickness in order to maintain the foot as close to the ground as possible.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 32) for heeled shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10), a peripheral heel member (26) and a peripheral midsole member (32). The peripheral heel member (26) is joined to a portion of the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (14) and peripheral midsole member (32) is joined to the remaining portion of upper surface (20) of outsole (14) and to an upper leveling surface (30) of heel member (26) to form a stepped orifice (38). A reinforcing layer (40) substantially less thick than the peripheral members (26 and 32) is joined to the outsole upper surface (20) within the orifice (38). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (46, 48 and 50) depend from a base member (44) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the stepped orifice (38).

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14) to form a receptable (28). A reinforcing layer (31) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18) within the receptable (28). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: Unit soles having a high abrasion resistance are molded from a polymeric composition comprising radial (AB)--.sub.x --BA monoalkenyl arene/conjugated diene block copolymers, syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene, a hydrocarbon extending oil, and a filter.

Abstract: The shoe sole (12) includes an insole (18), an outsole (16) and a midsole (20). The outsole includes openings (28, 30) at the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot and the midsole, of EVA material, is provided with cavities (46, 48) receiving polyurethane inserts (50, 52) disposed concentrically with respect to associated outsole openings. The inserts are larger in diameter than the outside openings and include a domed central portion (58) projecting through said openings.

Abstract: A shoe for use in sports involving running and comprising an outer ground engaging sole, an inner foot engaging sole and a midsole therebetween, the midsole having therein, at least at the outer portion of the heel, a shock absorbing member comprising a shock absorbing synthetic resin foam layer bonded at its upper and lower surfaces to hard plates.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). A reinforcing member (31) is preferably joined to the outsole upper surface (18) for torsional stability. The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: This invention is an antistatic polyurethane shoe sole which is prepared by reacting in a closed mold a reaction mixture comprising(a) a relatively high equivalent weight polyester polyol or a relatively high equivalent weight polyether polyol containing about 5-25 weight percent repeating units derived from ethylene oxide and about 75-95 weight percent repeating units derived from a C3-C6 cyclic ether,(b) a chain extender compound, in an amount from about 5 to about 40 parts per 100 parts of component (a),(c) a sufficient amount of a blowing agent to provide a density of about 10 to about 65 pounds per cubic foot,(d) a polyisocyanate, in an amount to provide about 0.9 to about 1.2 isocyanate groups per active hydrogen-containing group present in the reaction mixture, and(e) a non-volatile ionizable metal salt, in an amount from about 0.

Abstract: A sole arrangement for footwear or the like comprises an insole and an outsole. On the side of the outsole which faces the bearing surface, the insole is provided with a support system comprising a plurality of webs and channels and which is substantially arranged in the metatarsal region. The tread surface of the outsole which faces the ground has two web-like profile parts and a flat support part and is subdivided into individual support regions which are separated from one another substantially by a recess oriented in the longitudinal direction of the tread surface and are provided with channels and webs arranged approximately at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the sole arrangement.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A midsole (12 and 24) for an activewear shoe (10) comprises a removable insert (12) and a peripheral member (24). The peripheral member (24) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (16). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (12), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (24). A window (14) is formed through the peripheral member (24) and/or the outsole (16) to allow observation of the insert (12) from exterior the shoe (10). To reinforce the peripheral member (24) proximate the window (14), a row of stiffened cushioning elements (62) is formed on the insert (12). The stiffened elements (62) have a higher durometer reading than the remaining elements (40) and are formed during an injection molding process. A transverse reinforcing segment (31) may be provided to inhibit movement of the insert (12) within the shoe (10).

Abstract: A shoe sole construction especially designed for but not limited to walking shoes, comprising a sole having a midsole and two substantially U-shaped outer sole sections. One outer sole section is secured to the peripheral portion of the midsole in the rear portion and the second outer sole is secured to the peripheral portion of the midsole in the front portion leaving exposed the entirety of the midsole between the two U-shaped outer sole sections. An arch extension extends integrally from the middle portion of the midsole in the area below the arch of the wearer. The arch extension extends below the front and rear sections of the midsole and below the plane of the outer sole sections. The arch extension may further include an enlarged region adjacent the peripheral portion of the medial side of the shoe.

Abstract: A slip-resistant shoe sole comprising an outsole layer having a bottom surface defining a region of contact between the sole and the ground, the outsole layer bearing a plurality of channels opening onto the bottom surface to define a pattern of elongated gaps across the contact region, the ratio of the area of the gaps to the surface area of the contact region and the configuration of the gaps being arranged to effectively cause liquid between the contact region and the ground to be conducted away while enhancing the slip resistance produced by the contact region engaging the ground.

Abstract: A martial arts shoe and sole are provided. The shoe comprises in combination an upper with a sole, and may also include a cushion insert interposed between at least a portion thereof. The sole comprises a heel member including distal traction plates, a plurlaity of traction bars and a first plurality of cleats. The sole also comprises a front member bonded to the heel member which includes a cavity with a second plurality of cleats therein. The shoe is designed to fit snugly on the foot of the wearer, with the upper preferably constructed of a lightly padded material. The sole both provides traction and allows movement for a variety of martial arts practices, which in turn allows the shoe to be worn for normal day-to-day use.

Abstract: A composite outsole has a substantially planar first element with a bottom tread surface, a top surface spaced from the bottom surface, and an outwardly facing side edge extending around the bottom tread surface. A lip extends around the top surface and protrudes laterally beyond the outwardly facing side edge.A second element is molded onto the top surface of the first element. The second element has a peripheral portion overlapping the lip of the first element. An inwardly facing side edge on the peripheral portion is spaced laterally from the outwardly facing side edge of the first element to define a downwardly open groove therebetween.

Abstract: A lightweight athletic shoe includes a midsole of compressible material having portions of differing hardness which limit overpronation and effectively absorb shock while conforming to the shape of the foot. The midsole includes a central portion of relatively soft material, a lower peripheral portion of intermediate hardness extending around the central portion in the heel region and forward along each side to the toe region, and a raised upper peripheral portion of relatively hard material located above the lower peripheral portion and extending forward to the ball region of the midsole. The central portion conforms to the contour of the foot so that the force is uniformly distributed, while the peripheral portions cradle the sides of the foot so as to limit overpronation and oversupination.

Abstract: A shoe sole including an outer sole of substantially uniform thickness and a midsole. The midsole has peripheral portions that are relatively thick compared to its central portion which is relatively thin. The lower surface of the midsole is preferably configured as a concavity. The outer sole has a top surface which is connected to the concave lower surface of the midsole to define, along with the midsole, a general lateral concavity for the shoe. The lower surface of the outer sole includes tread members. The outermost tread members, outer sole and midsole cooperate to support the relatively thin central portion of the midsole in a cantilever fashion. Upon ground impact, the lower extremities of the tread members are urged resiliently upwardly and outwardly, and the relatively thin central portion flexes downwardly to provide cushioning for the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.