Abstract: A heel cup (44) permits the user to custom fit each foot to various shaped footwear, using adjustable bottom wall and side wall cushions (76, 246), thereby providing optimum comfort and safety whether simply walking or during vigorous sports activity. The heel cup includes bottom, side and heel portions (72, 74), an attachment mechanism secured at least to one of the portions, and an insole (54, 78) secured to a hook and loop attachment mechanism for supporting the foot. A complete adjustable insole is together used with an adjustable sidewall cushioning because it is difficult to reach into the interiors of footwear to make adjustments, such as installing moving or removing a cushion to obtain necessary comfort. Attachments for the insole may comprise tabs (158, 172, 188) to which the insole can be secured. A heel grip bracket (420) with a cushion (422) may be mounted on the heel portion of the bracket and one or more cushions (438) may be coupled to cushion (422) on its sides.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper, a foot support region positioned below at least a portion of the upper to support the bottom of a user's foot, a sole secured below the foot support region, and a flexible member positioned below at least a portion of the foot support region and above at least a portion of the sole. The flexible member has a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral portion, and an interior portion. At least two ribs extend substantially across the flexible member. The interior portion of the flexible member deflects in use in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the shoe. At least a portion of the peripheral portion is restrained from movement relative to the interior portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Abstract: The shoe system comprises a shoe that has an upper rim section. A shoe sole is disposed inside the shoe and has a top layer. A shoe insert has a stiff first member and a resilient second member attached to the first member so that the first member is attached to the top layer of the shoe sole. The second member is movable between a compressed position immediately adjacent to the first member and an expanded position remote from the first member. The first member is disposed a first distance from the upper rim section when the second member is in the compressed position and the first member being disposed the same first distance from the upper rim section when the second member is in the expanded position.

Abstract: A sandal device has an outsole, an air cushion, and an insole. The air cushion has two periphery flanges, a periphery spacing, a plurality of hollow protrusions, and a plurality of hollow sockets. An elastic woven fabric and a shock-absorbing band are inserted in the periphery spacing of the air cushion. The shock-absorbing band has two periphery recesses for receiving the periphery flanges of the air cushion. Each of the hollow protrusions has a groove for receiving a magnetic block and a collar. A coiled spring has a lower portion inserted in the respective hollow socket and an upper portion inserted in the respective collar.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe includes a midsole formed of soft elastic material, and a corrugated sheet disposed in at least a heel portion of the midsole. The amplitude of the wave configuration of the corrugated sheet is larger at the medial and lateral sides of the heel portion and smaller at the central portion between the medial and lateral sides. Alternatively, the wave phase of the corrugated sheet is offset by one half of a wave pitch between the medial and lateral sides.

Abstract: An athletic shoe midsole assembly includes a midsole formed of soft elastic material and a corrugated sheet disposed in the heel portion of the midsole. The corrugated sheet has a pocket structure at edge areas of the sheet, for example the medial side edge, formed by two layers spaced apart from each other with a respective void pocket formed therebetween. Since the compressive hardness of the midsole is higher on the medial side including the pocket structure, transverse deformation of the shoe on landing can be prevented and over-pronation can be restrained on this medial side and the loss of athletic power can be decreased. On the other hand, flexibility of the midsole is maintained on the lateral side without a pocket structure and thus cushioning properties can be secured on this lateral side.

Abstract: A shoe heel includes a rigid heel block that attaches to a shoe sole at the heel seat on the sole and a top lift having a molded base that is located below the heel block such that a space exists between the bottom of the block and the top of the base. This space, along the peripheries of the block and base, contains a highly resilient skirt, the interior of which is for the most part a void. An elastomeric slug projects from the heel block, through the space, and at its lower end bears against the base of the top lift. The slug, while being resilient, possesses enough firmness to support the weight of an individual over the base of the top lift. The top lift contains pins which project from its base into bores in the heel block to prevent the top lift from rotating under the heel block. The slug, while transferring the weight of the individual to the top lift, attenuates impacts to which the top lift is subjected.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe comprises an upper midsole 3a and a lower midsole 3b formed of soft elastic material, and a corrugated sheet 4 having a heel portion 4a formed with a corrugation. The corrugated sheet 4 is interposed between the upper and lower midsoles 3a, 3b. Upwardly and downwardly extending walls 6, 7 and 8 are formed at the medial and lateral sides of the corrugated sheet 4. Thereby, transverse or lateral deformation of the heel portion of the midsole 3 can be securely prevented and running stability can be further improved.

Abstract: A strike pad for an athletic shoe to be located adjacent the heel portion of the shoe, made of a flexible resilient material comprising a disc-like upper portion having a series of semi-spherical nubs on its upper face confronting the heels of the user, a thin, circular base portion of a larger diameter than the upper disc portion and a generally circular bottom disc secured to the base of the strike pad by a suitable adhesive or the like.

Abstract: A structure for ventilating a toe region of a shoe includes a body including in its heel zone two major walls and a resilient element having a multitude of voids arranged in a pumping chamber to urge the two walls apart against the action of external forces tending to draw air into the chamber. The resilient element includes a plurality of substantially dome-shaped hollow protuberances bounding respective first and second voids within and outside of them, respectively, and connecting portions that interconnect the protuberances. Respective connecting channels are provided in the connecting portions and in respective adjacent regions of the protuberances to establish communication between the first voids. A corrugated insert within the body aids ventilation and shock absorption. An extension on the body optimizes air transfer.

Abstract: A shoe sole for supporting a wearer's foot. The sole has a main sole portion and at least one cushion associated with the main sole portion. The cushion includes first and second hollow tubular portions, preferably with resilient load-bearing first and second hollow walls that have a thickness, material, and shape providing sufficient strength for supporting and cushioning the sides of a corresponding foot region of a wearer's foot. The first wall is disposed on first side of a sole region of the sole, and the second wall is disposed on a second side of the sole region opposite from the first side. At least one of the first and second hollow walls extends along a third side of the sole region. A central portion of the cushion is disposed between and joined with the first and second tubular portions, and preferably has a thickness, material, and shape providing sufficient strength for supporting and cushioning a generally central part of the foot region between the first, second, and third sides.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe includes a midsole formed of soft elastic material and a corrugated sheet disposed in a heel portion of the midsole. A plurality of through holes are formed in the midsole at locations where the midsole contacts the corrugated sheet. In this case, transverse deformation of the heel portion of the midsole can be prevented by the wave configuration of the corrugated sheet and running stability of the shoe can be ensured. Also, the cushioning properties of the shoe can be improved at the portions provided with the holes because vertical deformation thereby becomes easier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air cushion having a support pin structure for absorbing shock, a method for manufacturing the air cushion, and footgear comprising the air cushion which does not exhibit any bulging effect, even upon application of an external pressure, to thereby improve the stability thereof. The air cushion includes: an upper plate having a plurality of support pins arranged at the same height or different height in a downward direction on the bottom surface thereof; a lower plate having a plurality of pin receiving bodies on the top surface thereof opposite to the upper plate, each of the pin receiving bodies having a groove into which each of the support pins is inserted; and a cushion body adapted to surround the coupled state of the upper plate with the lower plate where the support pins are received and fixed into the pin receiving bodies, thereby maintaining the air-tightness therein.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper, a foot support region positioned below at least a portion of the upper to support the bottom of a user's foot, a sole secured below the foot support region, and a flexible member positioned below at least a portion of the foot support region and above at least a portion of the sole. The flexible member has a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral portion, and an interior portion. At least two ribs extend substantially across the flexible member. The interior portion of the flexible member deflects in use in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the shoe. At least a portion of the peripheral portion is restrained from movement relative to the interior portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Abstract: Podalic foot pads of various shapes and configurations which utilize a padding material that is primarily an A-B-A triblock copolymer and a plasticizer. A-B diblock copolymers may be compounded into the padding material. An anti-bleed agent is preferably employed. The plasticizer may be a resin, mineral oil or otherwise. A detackifier may be employed such as grape seed oil or another slip agent. Antioxidants, pigments and micropsheres may be added to the material. The material has good cushioning properties.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article comprises an insole (3) and a sole element (9) secured to the lower surface (11) of the insole (3). The sole element (9) is formed from a material capable of absorbing impact energy. The article is constructed so that the sole element (9) extends through an opening (15) in the insole (3) and projects to or above the upper surface (7) of the insole (3) and forms a load transfer region for transferring load between a foot of a wearer of the footwear and the sole element (9).

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 shock-absorbing running shoe has a sole attached to an upper, with a carriage in the upper adapted to receive the rear portion of a runner's foot. The sole has a collapsible area below the carriage. A first strut is attached to the instep side of the sole and extends above the carriage, and a second strut is attached to the outstep side of the sole and extends above the carriage. Elastic bands are coupled to the struts and to the carriage so that the carriage is suspended by the bands over the collapsible area of the sole.

Abstract: A shock absorbing cushioning device suitable for products, objects and footwear which is comprised of a compressible insert encapsulated within an elastomeric barrier member. The elastomeric barrier member is secured to the compressible insert by a plurality of tensile members having a first portion embedded in the elastomeric material and a second portion embedded in the compressible insert. The elastomeric member is also filled with a fluid, preferably a compressible gas.

Abstract: A shoe sole having an outer sole with a heel section and a ball section and providing buttons in the peripheral area of the ball and heel sections and pods in the interior area of the ball section. The peripheral area of the sole is stiffer than the interior portions of the sole.

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 shock absorption and energy return assembly for increasing the overall performance of a shoe by increasing the stability and shock absorption of the heel. The inventive device includes a lower guide member having a plurality of lower apertures and lower spring retainers, an upper guide member having a plurality of upper apertures and upper spring retainers, a plurality of compression springs positioned within the lower spring retainers and the upper spring retainers, a sealed encasement having a lower portion and an upper portion surrounding the lower guide member and the upper guide member, and a plurality of lower extrusions and upper extrusions. The lower guide member and the upper guide member are preferably U-shaped. The plurality of compression springs are aligned within the perimeter of the lower guide member and the upper guide member for providing maximum stability and response for the user.

Abstract: A shoe having a flexible member positioned below a foot support region and above a sole portion. The flexible member having rods extending from the interior portion toward the peripheral portion of the flexible member. The peripheral portion of the flexible member having the periphery thereof restrained from movement so that the flexible member deflects when used.

Abstract: A weight-training method uses a shoe insert to elevate the user's heel while performing weight-training exercises, such as squats. The method entails placing a wedge-shaped shoe insert into the user's shoe at the start of a weight-training exercise to raise the user's heel. The wedge-shaped insert is made of a relatively hard rubber or thermoplastic material and is shaped to fit into the heel portion of the user's shoe.

Abstract: A cushion for use in a shoe sole with resilient, arcuate, load-bearing first and second and central walls. The first and second walls are tubular and are configured for supporting and cushioning edges of a foot. They respectively form first and second tubular portions of the cushion extending generally along a lateral and medial sides of a foot shape. The central wall is configured for supporting and cushioning a laterally central part of the foot and forms a hollow central portion. The central portion is disposed between and joined with the first and second tubular portions. The central wall and first tubular wall are coupled at a coupled section such that vertical deformation of one of the central and first walls is transmitted to the other. The coupling portion has vertically spaced walls that join vertically spaced sections of the central and tubular walls. A recessed portion of the cushion isolates vertical deformation of adjacent sections of the central and tubular walls.

Abstract: A shock absorbing cassette for the midsole of an article of footwear is described. The shock absorbing cassette has a cassette base, first and second sets of cushion elements, and a reduced height cushion element in between the first and second sets of cushion elements. The cushion elements are arranged to cushion the heel of the foot. The shock absorbing cassette may be part of a shoe sole shock absorbing system that also includes an insole board having forefoot slits to improve flexing, a thin midsole with a heel pocket for seating the cassette, and a durable outsole.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A cushion for use inside footwear having an interior for receiving a foot of a wearer. The cushion includes a liner made of cushioning material. The liner is sized and shaped for reception on an interior surface of the footwear in a position for engaging the foot when the foot is inserted into the interior of the footwear for cushioning an interface between the foot and the interior surface of the footwear with which the liner is engaged. The liner includes a visual cushioning indicator for visually indicating the operability of the cushion to perform a cushioning function during an immediately prior use by the wearer and for subsequent use.

Abstract: A shoe that conforms to foot contours and provides cushioning is comprised of a shoe sole and a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole. The shoe upper is comprised of an outer layer, an inner layer and a conforming layer therebetween, wherein a first portion of the conforming layer is comprised of environmentally-responsive gel. The environmentally-responsive gel is a temperature-responsive gel that will react to the heat emanating from a foot inserted into the shoe to express a liquid.

Abstract: A midsole construction includes a midsole sheet with toe and heel portions. An elastomeric resilient shock-absorbing block is embedded in the heel portion, and has a density higher than and is more rigid than the midsole sheet. The block includes an upright resilient surrounding wall, a plurality of cavities formed within the surrounding wall, and a plurality of upright resilient interior walls which are connected to the surrounding wall to confine the cavities. Preferably, the surrounding wall is substantially cylindrical. The interior walls include interior circular walls formed within the surrounding wall, and radial walls extending between the interior circular walls and the surrounding wall for enhanced provide great resilient and shock-absorbing effects.

Abstract: A shoe includes a heel/rear sole support receiving a rotatable and replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. A flexible region positioned between the heel and the rear sole reduces midsole compression and provides additional spring. The flexible region is preferably curved or convex in shape and may be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: The construction of a shoe which includes shock attenuating members in the forefoot and heel thereof. The shock attenuating members in the heel of the shoe are in the form of a pair of vertically spaced, resilient cantilevered members, each of which comprises a substantially U-shaped air chamber having a load alignment surface for centering loads at heal strike while concurrently transferring peak loads to the outer perimeter of the cantilevered shock attenuating members. The forefoot shock attenuating member comprises a plurality of segmented air chambers in a planar relationship with each other disposed between the midsole and outsole at the forefoot thereof to properly balance and stabilize loads during running and concurrently maximize durability, cushioning and comfort.

Abstract: An article of footwear for being worn on a wearer's foot as the wearer steps on a support surface. The article of footwear comprises a sole member having an upper surface for supporting the sole of the wearer's foot, a lower surface, a heel end, and a toe end; and a heel mechanism attached to the heel end of the sole member; the heel mechanism including a first plate for attachment to the lower surface of the sole member adjacent the heel end thereof, the first plate having a first end and a second end; the heel mechanism including a second plate having a first end attached to the first end of the first plate and a second end normally urged away from the second end of the first plate; the heel mechanism including lever structure associated with the second plate for urging the second end of the second plate toward the second end of the first plate when the wearer of the article of footwear takes a step.

Abstract: A resilient sandal wedge usable with a sandal formed from a sole and a vamp such as retaining straps and the like and the sandal formed therewith, the wedge having a wedge-shaped body portion, a substantially flat bottom portion, a recess defining the junction of the body and bottom portions, and a plurality of recesses extending from the bottom portion lower surface through the bottom portion and partially through the body portion to provide a cushioning resiliency to the wedge when the sandal user applies pressure on the wedge while walking or running.

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: A shoe with a spring between the upper and lower surfaces of the sole. The spring is a V-shaped composite assembly, including an upper plate underlying at least a the heel of the wearer's foot and lower plate integrally joined to the upper plate at the apex of the V-shaped spring assembly.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable shock absorbing device for a shoe having a horizontal stiff bracket fixed to the midsole of the shoe, a heel plate pivotally mounted at a forward end to the bracket and disposed in the heel portion of the shoe below the wearer's heel, a spring biasing the rearward end of the heel plate vertically relative to the bracket, and an adjustment device for varying the tension of the biasing spring to accommodate changes desired by the wearer.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a spring cushioned midsole assembly which is advantageous from a combined stability and impact absorption/energy dissipation standpoint. A preferred form of the invention includes a spring foam midsole unit having plural spaced projections in forefoot and heel regions, with an additional spring foam heel unit having projections facing the projections of the heel portion of the midsole unit. In addition, the central region of the midsole unit is substantially flat to provide sufficient support and stability, while also providing advantageous impact/force absorption and energy dissipation in the front and heel regions of the shoe. By providing spaced projections, in combination with a modulator or base portion having a substantial thickness, the projections can act independently with respect to one another and can interact with the modulator portion to provide an advantageous stable cushioning effect.

Abstract: A variable-height insole system for a shoe includes a soft-flexible insole and a plurality of heel supporting members in the shoe under the insole. The heel supporting members generally increase in hardness in a downward direction. Selectable lift inserts insertable between the heel supporting members have the greatest hardness.

Abstract: A footwear has an outsole provided in the heel portion thereof with a recess for securing thereto a cushion block. The cushion block has a planar surface and an arcuate surface which is opposite in location to the planar surface and is provided with a plurality of rigid knobs made integrally therewith. The arcuate surface is defined by two straight peak edges opposite in location to each other. The cushion block is removably received in the recess of the outsole to allow the footwear to be used as an ordinary shoe, an exercise shoe, or a foot-massaging shoe.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a resilient return portion comprising a plurality of elastic strips running at an angle across the shoe from one side of the sole to the opposite side of the shoe. Such strips would be supported at a distance above the bottom surface of the shoe by a gap or well located in the shoe and running from the bottom surface of the shoe to the upper surface where the bottom of the foot rests. There may be provided a series of apertures extending through the thickness of the bottom of the shoe in order to relieve air pressure that may build up between the sole and the return portion.

Abstract: A generally U-shaped bulge having a bight portion and elongated leg portions and defining a correspondingly-shaped cavity is molded into the heel portion and/or the metatarsal portion of the outer bottom member of a shoe, the cavities tapering in depth and width from the bight portion to the distal ends of the leg portions. The bulge is disposed and oriented so as to provide a cushioning and lifting effect, and the leg portions are spaced apart a distance substantially greater than their width and are disposed closer to the peripheral edge of the member than to the longitudinal axis thereof for providing improved lateral stability. The bulges may communicate with associated cavities by narrow passageways or may function independently of other bulge structures formed in the member.

Abstract: A cushion insert to fit inside a shoe of Oxford or boot character to support the foot of a wearer and provide comfort, shock absorption, and stability of foot position in the shoe to retain the optimum position of the foot. The cushion insert is molded of a ethylene vinyl acetate material in which there is an upper surface having a less dense characteristic than a bottom surface.

Abstract: A highly elastic shoe sole comprises a lower layer, an upper layer, and a flexible cushion sandwiched between the lower layer and the upper layer. The lower layer is provided with a plurality of containers for holding compression springs serving to provide the shoe sole with elastic force. The upper layer of a soft material serves to provide a shoe wearer with a wearing comfort. The flexible cushion of a corrugated construction is provided in the underside thereof with a plurality of grooved portions and ridged portions corresponding in location to the containers of the lower layer.

Abstract: A combined resilient sole of a shoe comprises a sole body defining a cavity at a heel position thereof. A retaining bracket is mounted within the cavity and a number of blind holes in a surface defining the recess. A number of springs are disposed in the blind holes. A footstock is disposed over the retaining bracket. The footstock has a number of bosses extending from an undersurface thereof so that the springs may be compressed between the retaining bracket and the footstock. In a preferred embodiment, a setting sheet is disposed in the recess, and has a same dimension as that of the surface defining the recess. The setting sheet is disposed in the recess and defines a plurality of holes therein aligning with the blind holes of the recess, through which the springs may extend. In such an embodiment, a layer of sponge is covered on a top periphery of the retaining bracket to provide a resilient effect, the layer of sponge being configured as a frame.

Abstract: A shoe sole construction includes an aperture provided through the shoe sole and a composite support plate covering over the aperture. The support plate in turn is covered over by a pad having a peripheral dimension larger than the support plate. The pad cushions the support plate so that its presence in the shoe sole is not detected by the shoe wearer's foot.

Abstract: A replaceable shoe heel spring assembly allows the wearer of a shoe to selectively change the energy absorption and return characteristics of the heel portion of the shoe by changing shoe heel spring cartridges. The wearer activates a release mechanism located on an exterior surface of the shoe and a cartridge containing a shoe heel spring is ejected from a location in the mid-sole of the shoe. Another shoe heel spring cartridge having different energy absorption and return characteristics can then be inserted into the mid-sole. The cartridge is securely held in the mid-sole by a locking mechanism connected to the release mechanism. The shoe heel spring is provided with a cover which matches the material of the mid-sole. The cover assists in preventing debris from entering the mid-sole. The selectable range of energy absorption and return characteristics is limited only by the number of cartridges available.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a force responsive sole includes a first sole portion (110) having a multiplicity of projecting cleats (20), a second sole portion (12) with corresponding apertures (22) to receive the cleats (20). In one embodiment, a resilient membrane (14) is positioned between the sole portions and normally covers the apertures (22) so as to hold the cleats (20) separated from the apertures (22) in a rest position. A correspondingly apertured guide plate (15) is provided between the first sole portion (10) and the membrane (14) in the apertures (26) of which the cleats (20) are positioned to restrict transverse relative movement of the two sole portions (10, 12) and to maintain the cleats (20) in alignment with the apertures (22).

Abstract: A shoe includes a heel support for receiving a rotatable and replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a graphite insert supported by the heel support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. The replaceable rear sole and the graphite insert allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: The instant invention is an improved sport shoe having a spring biased heel with operator insertable foam inserts for varying the biasing ability of the heel. The foam inserts are colored allowing instant determination of the type of activity the shoe is suitable for. The inserts allowing the wearer of the shoe to customize the shoe for a particular activity. High deceit foam inserts provide support for basketball or the like jumping sports. Medium deceit foam inserts provide support for aerobic or the like activities. Low deceit foam inserts provide support for low impact activities such as jogging and no foam inserts provide unlimited spring range suitable for cushioned walking.