Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing heel provided with a shock absorber for mitigating the load applied to the sole of a foot when walking and, more specifically, to a shock-absorbing heel provided with a shock absorber and attached to a high heel, the shock-absorbing heel comprising, an outer heel fixedly mounted to the rear surface of the sole of a high heel (shoe), an inner heel which has an elastic spring mounted to the upper side thereof and is coupled to the inside of the outer heel, and a bottom heel which is fixedly mounted to a lower end portion of the inner heel so as to be replaceable, wherein a cylindrical protective cap which is inserted so as to prevent the lower end portion of the inner heel from being exposed to the outside is provided on a lower end portion of the outer heel, and a fastening cover coupled to the inner heel above the elastic spring is inserted into the outer heel.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, the rear part including a top portion, reinforced by a firm material, an optional bottom portion reinforced by a firm material, a center portion, located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a spring element. The top part of the spring element being attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the spring element being attached to either the bottom portion of the rear part, or to the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper, the sole structure includes an outsole with a ground-engaging surface, a first cushioning member disposed between the outsole and the upper in a heel region of the sole structure, a second cushioning member disposed between the outsole and the upper in a forefoot region of the sole structure, and a sole plate having a rear portion and a curved portion that includes an anterior curved portion and a posterior curved portion. Additionally, the anterior curved portion is disposed proximate the second cushioning member, a portion of the posterior curved portion spans between the first cushioning member and the second cushioning member, and the rear portion is disposed between the first cushioning member and the upper. Further, the ground-engaging surface is not continuous along a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A climbing shoe comprising: a shoe-upper which is shaped so as to accommodate and cover substantially the whole foot of the user; a sole made of polymeric material, which is fixed to the bottom of the shoe-upper so as to cover the front part of the bottom of said shoe-upper; a front tensioning band made of elastomeric material, which is substantially U-bent and is fixed to the toe of the shoe-upper so as to embrace/surround the front part of the bottom of the shoe-upper, while joining to the front sole; a rear patch made of soft and flexible material, which is arranged astride of the rear part of the shoe-upper, in the area above the heel portion of the shoe-upper; and a rear tensioning band which is substantially U-bent and is firmly fixed to the shoe-upper so that the central elbow/bend of the rear tensioning band covers the plantar arch portion of the bottom, and the two branches of the rear tensioning band extend obliquely along the two lateral sides of the shoe-upper up to reach and firmly join said rear

Abstract: A shock-absorbing shoe using a spring, comprising: a spring for absorbing shock by providing an elastic force; an outsole which constitutes the bottommost sole of a shoe; an upper sole which is fixed to the top of the outsole, has a gap between the heel part thereof and the heel part of the outsole so as to provide a space in which the spring is provided, and is lowed by the weight of a user or raised by the elastic force of the spring; a lower spring seat which is formed on the upper surface of the outsole and supports the lower end part of the spring; an upper spring seat which is formed below the bottom of the upper sole and supports the upper end part of the spring; and a raising and lowering guide for guiding the lowering and raising of the upper sole straightly.

Abstract: A spring compression system for shoes that functions much like a car's suspension in absorbing the shock and impact that occurs when shoes contact the ground. Wherein form is the most important element of shoes and function is a distant afterthought, the ergonomically poor design of shoes desperately require the healthier environment for the wearer a spring compression system would offer with the additional ability to be adjusted to suit the weight of the wearer as well as the level of shock absorption desired.

Abstract: The footwear cushioning invention includes a floating elastic plate that stores and returns elastic energy to provide cushioning through deflection of the elastic plate. Cushioning is by energy return rather than the compression of a foam. Footwear cushioning utilizes a deflection plate integrated into the heel of the shoe for providing shock attenuation and energy absorption when a wearer impacts a hard surface with the shoe. The deflection plate can be carbon fiber because it increases energy return and minimizes energy loss. A cavity can be formed in a midsole of the shoe underneath the deflection plate to allow the plate to flex into the cavity when pressed down upon by a wearer's heel, thereby accepting the energy of a downward step. A post can be located in the center of the cavity underneath the deflection plate that allows support and minimizes excessive deflection of the deflection plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.

Abstract: A shock absorbing member includes: support members spaced apart from each other; and a connection member laid across, and connecting together, the support members. Each of the support members includes: an inner wall capable of elastically deforming by external force in a vertical direction; and a first tube and a second tube each provided to one of an outer wall and the inner wall. While inserted through the first and second tubes of the support members, the connection member is integrally formed in a closed shape with ends of the connection member having no seams.

Abstract: A sole cushioning module includes a contacting plate, a base plate, a connecting portion and a first spring leaf. The contacting plate abuts against a sole. The base plate and the contacting plate form a space. The connecting portion connects with the contacting plate and the base plate. The first spring leaf is located within the space. The first spring leaf connects with the base plate. The first spring leaf is curved and forms a first outer curved surface. A first region of the first outer curved surface abuts against the contacting plate. When the contacting plate moves towards the base plate, the contacting plate presses on the first outer curved surface. The first spring leaf deforms, and the first outer curved surface slides relative to the contacting plate. The first region shifts towards an end of the first spring leaf connecting with the base plate.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a support structure for an article of footwear, which may include upper and lower support elements, upper and lower members, a compression element disposed between the upper and lower members, and a torsion element. A vertical force applied to the upper support element compresses the compression element, rotationally displaces in a first direction the upper member relative to the lower member, rotationally displaces in the first direction a second portion of the torsion element relative to a first portion of the torsion element, deflects a torsion loading portion of the torsion element, and moves the upper member vertically toward the lower member. Upon release of the force, the torsion loading portion rotationally displaces in a second direction opposite to the first direction the second portion of the torsion element relative to the first portion. Embodiments of methods of manufacturing a support structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe having a sole and a heel of at least 4 cm height provided thereto, wherein the heel is provided with a damping element. The damping element has different effective damping cross sections along the heel's longitudinal axis and/or is freely deformable in at least one direction perpendicular to the heel's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and a support assembly positioned beneath the midsole. The support assembly includes a plurality of primary support members having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section extending transversely across the support assembly. The support assembly may include a plurality of secondary support members having an inverted V-shaped cross-section, extending longitudinally along the support assembly, and intersecting with the primary support members. An outsole is positioned beneath the support assembly.

Abstract: A shoe includes spring type support members, optionally for at least a heel area of a foot. The support member includes a primary biasing element in the form of a V-shaped spring assembly and a secondary biasing element provided at least partially within a volume defined by the primary biasing element (e.g., between its base member and its flexing member, beneath the flexing member, etc.). When the primary biasing element compresses beyond a predetermined extent, it will compress the secondary biasing element. This construction allows the degree of ground reaction force attenuation and energy absorption properties of a shoe to be dually controlled to meet the specific demands of the activity for which the footwear is intended to be used.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.

Abstract: A tri-layer energy return system is provided. The tri-layer energy return system includes a base; an orthotic; a platen directly or indirectly operably coupled to the base, the orthotic or both. A lever including a slide portion is movably received by said base. A tensioning member is coupled to said orthotic at an attachment point thereof.

Abstract: A footwear for protecting the foot against an impact with an external body, comprising a protective component (20) adapted to deforming under pressure from the foot and/or the external body in case of impact. The protection component is made in a way to react under said pressure with a permanent and irreversible structural alteration, thus absorbing and simultaneously dispersing the received energy during the impact.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to footwear comprising a sole and an upper, which sole is attached to spring means supported on a ground surface, which spring means comprise at least one U-shaped spring element, which is connected to the sole with a first leg and which is supported on the ground surface with the other leg. A drawback of such footwear is that the spring means are constructed with a certain overmeasure in relation to the footwear so as to generate a certain useful spring effect. Adjusting the spring means of said known footwear is complex and cannot be done efficiently. The object of the invention is to provide improved footwear as referred to in the introduction, as well as improved spring means according to the invention, with on the one hand small constructional dimensions while retaining an advantageous spring effect, which is furthermore easier to adjust.

Abstract: A footwear sole includes shock absorbing elements that extend from upper and lower plates. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing elements include a bridge defining a plurality of receptacles extending from the lower plate and a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper plate. Each protrusion is associated with one receptacle, and a portion of each protrusion extends into the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a cushioning system comprising a lower sole element and an upper sole element. The cushioning system further comprises at least one lever having at least two arms where an angle ? between the arms lies within the range 0°<?<180°. The first arm is connected to a deformation element and the second arm is connected to one of the two sole elements, wherein the lever is pivotably arranged at the other sole element.

Abstract: A spring orthotic device comprising a cradle for contacting the foot of a user, a spring plate underneath the cradle, a ventral pivot beneath the spring plate, and a dorsal pivot above the spring plate and below the cradle located proximally of the ventral pivot.

Abstract: An improved construction for a device intended to raise the heel or heels of a user up off an associated shoe to diminish or eliminate pain and discomfort. The device is adjustable to accommodate a variety of applications and is transferable between those applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a footwear sole. The footwear sole includes a coupling seat, a connector and a locking pin. The coupling seat protrudes from the lower surface of a rear midsole, and includes a through hole in a central portion thereof, a locking recess formed around the through hole, and at least four pin slits formed at regular intervals. The connector is coupled to the top of the coil spring, and includes a locking protrusion corresponding to the locking recess, an internal threaded part, and a spring seat provided along an edge of an upper surface of the connector. The locking pin is provided at an end of the top of the spring, and protrudes to be fitted into an associated pin slit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and more particularly to a shoe including a mid-sole groove formed at a mid-sole, a texon hole formed at a texon, and an impact absorption member inserted between the mid-sole and the texon hole so that the shoe can absorb impact exerted on user's knees and ankles while the user walks or exercises, thereby protecting them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with elastic means, and provides a shoe with elastic means, which can be manufactured with ease and has superior elastic performance. To accomplish the object of the present invention, a shoe is provided comprising: an elastic cap made of a material having an elasticity higher than that of the peripheral area around the elastic cap; a conical groove formed in the elastic cap; and a spring which is formed separately from the elastic cap, and which has a conical shape which is the same shape as the conical groove so that the spring can be inserted into said conical groove. Accordingly, the present invention can manufacture a shoe embedded with both a spring and an elastic block in a further easier manner, and can manufacture a superior quality shoe with no defects.

Abstract: Footwear including a foot support member and a sole assembly, the sole assembly having a first end and a second end, comprising a plurality of separate insole segments attached to the foot support member for bending the sole assembly, an outsole portion forming the base of the sole assembly, and a plurality of springs engaged between the insole segments and the outsole portion. The springs are arranged in a continuous series across the sole assembly from the first end to the second end, such that the springs exert a constant rebounding force on and across the sole of a user in series throughout a pace cycle.

Abstract: A footwear sole includes a plurality of shock absorbing elements that extend from upper and lower plates. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing elements include a plurality of receptacles extending from the lower plate and a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper plate. Each protrusion is associated with one receptacle, and a portion of each protrusion extends into the receptacle. A resilient sleeve surrounds each associated protrusion and receptacle. In another embodiment, a plurality of shock absorbing elements extend from a bridge on one of the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper and an outer bottom assembly, the outer bottom assembly having an outsole and, in the heel zone, an elastically deformable element that extends downward from the lower end of the upper to the medial, lateral edges, respectively, of the outsole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoe sole having functions of correcting a gait, of absorbing shocks, and of mitigating partial side wear of the sole. The shoe sole according to the present invention includes a main sole, which has a front foot part provided with a soft front midsole and a front outsole, and has a rear foot part provided with a hard rear midsole. The shoe sole further includes a subsidiary sole. The subsidiary sole includes an elastic member, a rear outsole, which is coupled to the lower end of the elastic member, and a connection member, which is provided on the upper end of the elastic member. The connection member has an internal threaded part, which couples the connection member to the rear midsole, and stop protrusions, which are provided around the internal threaded part. The shoe sole further includes a coupling support, which is provided under the rear midsole. Stop holes corresponding to respective stop protrusions are formed in the coupling support.

Abstract: A shoe with springs is disclosed. The shoe includes a sole, two or more fixing plates fixed to the sole, a supporting plate in contact with ground, two or more coil springs mounted between the sole and the supporting plate, and a cover formed in a bellows shape to be folded and unfolded according to contraction and expansion of the coil springs. The cover includes coupling protrusions at an upper end and a lower end. The sole and the supporting plate are formed with coupling grooves along side surfaces, in which the coupling protrusions of the cover are fitted. The coil springs are configured such that a diameter is gradually increased from an upper end portion to a lower end portion. Therefore, the coil springs are shielded by the cover and a coupling structure of the coil springs is improved to prohibit bending of the coil springs in a lateral direction, thereby increasing safety and protecting a user or a bystander from physical damage or injury.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper and an outer bottom assembly, the outer bottom assembly having an outsole and, in the heel zone, an elastically deformable element that is substantially arch-shaped in the transverse direction and extends downward from the lower end of the upper to the medial, lateral edges, respectively, of the outsole.

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

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of conducting retail and Internet business including making and delivering a custom article of footwear. The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, heel counter, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Accordingly, the present invention also teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear.

Abstract: The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Moreover, the present invention teaches a method of making a customized article of footwear, and also a way of doing retail and Internet business.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe top structure secured to a sole having a sole forward segment for making contact with a shoe support surface such as the floor of a basketball court, and a sole rearward segment which arches upwardly and then extends rearwardly from the sole forward segment to be spaced above the shoe support surface, and including a heel in the form of a heel panel mounted beneath the sole rearward segment, and including spring means biasing the heel panel downwardly a certain distance from the sole rearward segment to define a vertical gap between the sole rearward segment and the heel panel. As a result of this construction, a downward thrust of a wearer heel inside the shoe presses the heel panel firmly against the shoe support surface drives the heel panel upwardly toward the sole rearward segment against the biasing of the spring means, thereby storing energy in the spring means.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes one or more frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The one or more frame members may be coupled to the foot holding system on a medial and a lateral side. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have aeration regions for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: A shock absorption and energy return assembly for increasing the stability, shock absorption and energy return capabilities of a shoe. The assembly generally includes lower and upper guide members having a plurality of spring retainers, a plurality of springs positioned within the spring retainers, and a resilient connecting member which fixedly attaches the lower guide member to the upper guide member and serves to limit the separation between the guide members, preventing disengagement of the springs from within the guide members while simultaneously providing a means of allowing the springs to compress below their uncompressed height when a force is applied on the assembly. Alternatively, the assembly could be surrounded by a sealed, transparent encasement, which in one embodiment would comprise 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.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a cushion-action applying implement comprising a gutter-like receiver, a plate spring in which a flexing portion is inserted into the gutter-like portion, the flexing portion is provided in its both sides with embedded portions in series, and an angle formed by the embedded portions is V or nearly horizontal, a switching shaft provided with a cam for pushing the flexing portion of the plate spring to change the angle formed by the embedded portions and in which an engaging portion for rotation is provided on the end thereof, a bearing of the switching shaft fixedly mounted on both ends of the gutter-like receiver, and a drive means for rotating the switching shaft is embedded in the flexing portion of the footwear bottom body, whereby the switching shaft is rotated to simply switch to the state of presence or the state of absence of cushioning.

Abstract: A heel cushioning device with a cavity with a plurality of voids located within the cavity, the cavity conformed to accommodate a cushion formed with a terrace at the top of the cushion followed beneath by a plurality of generally concentric terraces or partial terraces increasing in area until reaching a lower portion of the cushion resting on a plurality of springs located in the voids.

Abstract: A complete energy absorbing system for a variety of items, including athletic shoes. To accomplish the foregoing, the invention utilizes a series of encapsulated springs that are always in a state of suspension. Such is a result of the unique stiffening of the conical spring during compression thereof. In the preferred mode, the encapsulated springs are conical in nature, and alternate between standard and upside-down orientation, providing the utmost in strength and support while preventing the springs from bottoming out upon impact. Importantly, as distinguished from the prior art, an encapsulating material placed around a plurality of conical springs prevents the springs from being continually placed in a stressed situation, thus maintaining their structural integrity. Such encapsulating material may be made of a polymeric or thermoplastic material, which conforms to the conical shape of the springs and their respective apertures, functioning to aid in the dissipation of impact forces.

Abstract: The present application teaches a device and method for adjusting the width, girth, and foot shape of an article of footwear. Lasting boards having different configurations and alternate positions for selectively affixing various portions of an upper can be used to adjust and customize the fit of an article of footwear for an individual wearer. The lasting board can also comprise a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, lasting board and/or spring element, and sole including possible midsole and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing shoe includes a vamp, an outsole, a heel cushion, and a plurality of spring coils. The outsole is connected to the vamp, and has toe and heel portions. The heel cushion is embedded in the heel portion, and has a bottom wall formed with a plurality of upstanding hollow tubes. The spring coils are respectively received in the tubes and protrude out of the tubes.

Abstract: An airbag for shoes has a plurality of elastically compressible cylindrical cushion members which are interconnected in a predetermined array by a connecting plate. The cushion members/connecting plate combination is encapsulated in a casing. The cushion members, connecting plate and casing are joined together to form an integral unit. The cushion members have a spiral groove formed in their outer surface which increases their compressibility during the initial phase of compression.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes substantially horizontal chamber substantially within a heel portion of a midsole, the chamber having atmospheric communication at its lateral sides. The chamber includes an upper substantially rigid horizontal plate having at least four apertures therein and a lower substantially rigid horizontal support plate having a corresponding plurality of at least four apertures. Flexible resilient unitary sleeves integrally join respective vertical pairs of the apertures of the upper and lower plates respectively. Disposed within each of said resilient sleeves are resilient means each having spring constant and spring rate greater than that of said sleeves.

Abstract: The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot midfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be customized by a wearer or specially configured for a select target population in order to optimize desired performance criteria.

Abstract: An innersole device for reducing shock to the feet of the user of shoes as would occur with one who is running in his shoes. A shoe sole and innersole is disclosed having several types of shock reduction methods including: (1) opposing magnets with compressed air/nitrogen bubbles inserted therebetween; (2) inner shock absorbers in the lower sole/heel of the shoe; (3) multiple, e.g., four shock absorbers, attached to the lower sole and the heel cup; (4) a flexible middle sole having a flexible cavity therein containing water or gel.