Abstract: An air-permeable shoe including a shoe constructed of an open-cell rubber foam. A base cloth is attached to the sole or insert therein. The sole of the shoe is exposed on a side surface of the sole of the shoe wherein a top side surface of the sole is in communication with the inside of the shoe and the ambient atmosphere. The open-cell rubber foam may be a rubber latex foam having a microstructure with a compression permanent set of less than 20%.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe, and method of manufacture, comprises a bottom layer formed of cushioning material, and a top layer formed with apertures, which, in various methods of manufacture, is embedded into the bottom layer so that the cushioning material forming the bottom layer extends at least partially into the apertures in the top layer. The coefficient of friction of the top layer of the insole which contacts the foot of the wearer is variable and chosen to control the movement of the foot along the insole depending upon the type of activity and playing surface for which the shoe is designed.

Abstract: A suction-ventilated shoe system, which has air-exit ports located on the outer surface of said shoe, preferably in the midsole region, is provided. Said suction-ventilated shoe system contains a novel, multivented, suction-operated insole that enables the entire surface of said insole to be uniformly ventilated. Each air vent of said multivented, suction-operated insole contains its own independent, foot-operated, air-suction pump means, whose exhaust air is directed to exit the shoe via special air ducts that are connected between said insole's air-suction pump means and said shoe's air-exit ports. Each air-suction pump in said suction-operated insole has its own associated, one-way, air-valve means. A multiplicity of air vents may now be located anywhere over the entire surface of said insole and still maintain equal, air-suction, operating efficiency for each and every air vent.

Abstract: An insole includes a top wall and a bottom wall constructed from an air-impervious material. The top and bottom walls are heat-sealed at a durable side wall ridge to form an envelope having a heel, intermediate and front zones. A porous pad is contained within the envelope. Vent openings are provided only at the intermediate and front zones for ingress and egress of air from the envelope as the wearer walks on the insole. The total area of the vent openings in the front zone is greater than the total area of vent openings in the intermediate zone, thereby facilitating movement of air throughout the insole without imparting excessive pressure at the side wall ridge.

Abstract: A footwear includes a sole having a rear socket, a middle transverse ventilation channel, and a plurality of front longitudinal ventilation channels fluidically communicated with a wearer's toe portions, an elastic pad having a plurality of longitudinal holes or elastic tubes formed in the rear socket of the sole, an upper cover covering the sole having a filter formed on a front toe portion of the upper cover, and an inner sole having a plurality of perforations in the front toe portion, so that the elastic pad may serve as a pump for sucking air from the wearer's toe portions, through the perforations of inner sole, the filter of upper cover and the longitudinal channels in the sole and for discharging the air through the transverse channel towards an environment, and the elastic pad may also serve as a shock absorber during sporting or jogging uses.

Abstract: Shoe construction is set forth effecting ventilation of the sole portion of the shoe. Air external to the shoe is provided access interiorly thereof by means of a conduit directing such air to a sole portion including a plurality of flexible vane elements formed with openings therein. Normal weight distribution about the weight supportive sole portion of the shoe effects a pumping action by means of the vane elements to enable air to circulate therethrough and ultimately to a user's foot through a porous cushioning layer overlying said sole.

Abstract: A footwear includes a ventilating and massaging insole having a plurality of upper beads protruding upwardly to touch a wearer's foot and a plurality of lower beads protruding downwardly to ride on a footwear sole so that upon a dpression of a wearer's foot on the insole, an air flow will be pumped through holes each hole formed between each upper bead and each lower bead for ventilating the wearer's foot and for massaging the same.

Abstract: An improved sole structure for attachment to a shoe for bicyclists. The sole structure includes a conformed rigid body having in the front region a plurality of recessed seats each containing a fastener for attachment to a plate anchoring the sole structure to a bicycle pedal, and also includes in the plantar arch region a recessed seat containing a bolt fastened to a plate provided on the sole lower side, the plate being connected to a strap for attaching the sole structure securely onto a foot of a bicyclist. The sole structure provides channels extending rearwardly through the sole from a downward protruding frontal face for air ventilation of the foot of a cyclist, and includes a heel block attached to the sole lower surface rear portion to facilitate normal walking for the cyclist. The sole body upper face may include front and rear soft resilient cushions for improved support of the foot of the bicyclist.

Abstract: An athletic shoe adapted to maintain a foot housed therein in a relatively cool and dry state despite heat and moisture developed within the shoe interior in the course of activity. The shoe upper is provided with a metallized coating to reflect incident solar radiation. The shoe includes a ground-engaging outer sole, an inner sole and a contoured compressible inner liner which engages the plantar area of the foot. Interposed between the inner and outer soles is a thin insulating insert acting as a thermal barrier minimizing the conduction of ground heat to the shoe interior. Embedded in the inner sole is an array of tubes each extending along a diagonal axis and terminating at its leading end in an air scoop that projects from the outer side of the inner sole to intercept relatively cool ambient air.

Abstract: A comfort sole arranged to be mounted in a shoe extends from the heel portion of the shoe to approximately the arch. The sole has a resilient upward curved portion intermediate the sides thereof in the area of the heel portion to form an air chamber between it and the sole of the shoe. This curved portion is arranged to flex up and down due to lifting and lowering of the person's foot while walking or running to pump air from the air chamber around the foot. The comfort sole has a cross sectional shape including thickened side portions which provide good fit and good support of a person's foot. A portion of the shoe may be recessed under the upward curved portion to increase the size of the air chamber.

Abstract: An insole-ventilating shoe includes: an insole having an air pumping device formed on a rear portion of the insole having an air guide protruding upwardly to exchange fresh air outside the shoe vamp, and plural ventilating grooves with through holes formed on a front portion of the insole for circulating air from the pumping device in the insole and shoe for comforting a wearer's foot.

Abstract: There is a sports shoe with a sole (4) and an inflating device which is arranged under a convex part of the foot (3) and delimits a compression chamber (16) with a chamber body (1) as well as a chamber roof (14), the compression chamber having an inlet opening (17) and an outlet opening (18). It is desirable to improve the effect of the inflating device by minimizing the clearance space in the compression chamber. This is accomplished by forming the compression chamber (16) as a semi-lentil-shaped (dished) bowl which is conformed to fit the convex contour of the region of the foot (3) loading it and by having the inlet opening (17) as well as the outlet opening (18) arranged in the central area of the chamber (16). Since, on compression, the chamber cover will hug the bottom of the compression chamber, it is possible to produce a positive pressure commensurate with the down-stepping force applied.

Abstract: A shoe pad includes an air-blowing compression chamber provided in the central space, a protruding tongue plate provided on the end portion of the pad to serve as a shoe-lift and plural concave slots or guide holes formed in the protruding tongue plate for circulating air passages, so that the shoe pad may be put into any shoe to enforce the air circulation in a shoe.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. When weight is placed upon the sole, each of the ribs initially begins to deflect until adjacent ribs abut one another at which the ribs begin to compress. An elastic bridging element is provided between each of the ribs provided in a single pair of ribs. Additionally, tubes or plug inserts are provided between at least one pair of ribs or between adjacent rib pairs.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. At least one compression bridging element is placed between adjacent pairs of ribs to prevent one rib of a pair of ribs from contacting a second rib of an adjacent rib pair.

Abstract: A foam latex insole includes a number of ribs on its undersurface. The ribs face the top-sole of a shoe when the insole is placed therein, and are formed of foam latex which is closed-pored and somewhat firmer than the foam latex which forms the continuous part of the insole. The ribs can be straight, curved or sharply bent, and form a labyrinth of ventilation channels between the top-sole of the shoe and the underside of the foot. The arrangement of the rib is such that a pumping effect is developed in response to pressure changes on the insole which promotes the exchange of air within the shoe to maintain a suitable environment for the feet.

Abstract: An insole structure having an outer contour corresponding to the shape of the sole of the foot has outer layers between which are located inner layers. The outer layers are made from a wear resistant material such as beechwood, and the inner layers are made from a lighter material such as poplar. The separately cut layers are glued together and shaped to form an anatomically contoured, substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe is disclosed in which a plurality of spaced air scoops are located at the front of the shoe and aligned with channels formed in the inner base of the shoe and extending toward the heel. As the wearer moves rapidly forward on a bicycle, air is taken in through the scoops and distributed across the wearer's foot, producing a comfortable cooling action. The depths of the channels at their forward ends are preferably increased to provide the air scoops with greater intake areas, and the advantageous arrangements of the channels along the base of the shoe are disclosed.

Abstract: An inner or inner sole for a shoe in the shape of an insert sole or of a foot support consists of a substructure from a compact or cellular structure shaped, elastic material. On the upper side a plurality of lugs arranged in rows for massaging the soles of the feet is provided. These rows of lugs interpenetrate or cross at an angle of approximately 120.degree. and exhibit an angle of approximately 60.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the sole. A covering 2 of soft leather is glued onto the rounded heads of the lugs. By means of a plurality of perforations 4 of small diameter a continuous air exchange is possible.

Abstract: An air cushion shoe sole which is preferably blow molded of elastomeric material and has at least one cavity which in cross-section is substantially rectilinear. The cavity has a number of depressions and each cavity has an air valve for introducing a shock absorbing material, namely gas, liquid, or a combination thereof into that cavity. Each air valve has means in it for automatically bleeding off a portion of the shock absorbing material introduced into the cavity once the pressure of that material reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilated shoe device utilizing air passageways and spring loaded valves to promote positive airflow resulting from compression of the sole elements, thereby providing increased hygiene and comfort, and further providing case of cleaning of the shoes through access covers.

Abstract: An insert, particularly for athletic shoes, is removably fitted over or affixed atop the top surface of the insole of the shoe and comprises a thin section of non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material which is deformable to conform to the shape of the insole. The insert is formed with a plurality of spaced apertures to permit the passage of air and moisture between the sock and insole. The coefficient of friction of the uppermost surface of the insert is approximately equal to that of the skin of the foot so that movement of the foot and sock within the shoe is limited to reduce the incidence of turf toe, while permitting at least some motion of the foot and sock within the shoe especially during sudden stops or starts to avoid blistering of the foot.

Abstract: A cushioning pad or mat for protecting the human foot and body while walking or standing. The mat is of a bonded, multi-layer construction with an upper moisture-absorbing layer, an intermediate resilient layer of foam rubber which will mold to the individual's particular foot contour and irregularities and a lower shock-absorbing layer of soft natural latex rubber which is resilient and has memory. Air holes are provided at spaced intervals through the mat and the special cellular design provides a bellows action to enhance the flow of air around and through the mat as well as to improve blood circulation in the extremities of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the mat is configured as an insole for insertion of footwear. In other embodiments, the mat may be used as protective knee pads, helmet liners and the like.

Abstract: An air shoe has a sole having a plurality of channels longitudinally and laterally in the upper surface of the sole, forming a multiplicity of sections at least partially surrounded by such channels. This sectionalized structure improves air flow beneath the wearer's foot as he walks, runs, or exercises, increases massagic action, and makes the shoe lighter and more flexible. An air flow slip sole is also placed on the sectioned sole, simultaneously contacting both the channels and the wearer's foot to increase air flow to the foot.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. When weight is placed upon the sole, each of the ribs initially begins to deflect until adjacent ribs abut one another at which point the ribs begin to compress. Additionally, an elastic bridging element is provided between each of the ribs provided in a single pair of ribs.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a shock-absorbing shoe sole which provides adjustably inflated pneumatic support at the rear half of the sole, and a graduated reduction of shock-absorbing from the inflated support region, to a forefoot-support region of minimum compliant yieldability. The construction involves two separate parts, one of which is molded with surface configurations to confront the other part, and the graduated-support action derives from bonding these two parts to each other, with an inflatable bladder substantially conforming to and deriving peripherally confining restraint from at least one such surface configuration. In one embodiment, a removable in-sole panel provides access for repair and/or replacement of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A prefabricated shoe construction is disclosed which includes upper and lower mid-sole members which carry mating slots and hooks permitting the sole assembly to be easily assembled. A bottom sole is also provided having, on its upper surface, spaced-apart recesses located at the periphery of the bottom sole and located respectively to each of the slots to thusly firmly engage and house within such recesses each respective hook as it is inserted into and through each corresponding slot of the lower mid-sole member. When the bottom sole of the shoe has been excessively worn, the same may be readily replaced by the user, employing the detachable mating slots and hooks to replace the sole, without need for skilled labor.

Abstract: The shoe (1) includes a flexible sole (2) containing a cavity (3) which has nearly the same size as the sole. The walls of the cavity are airtight and flexible in such a manner that the portion of the cavity receiving the foot pressure squashes. The top wall, for example of the front portion of the sole, is provided with at least one opening (4) allowing the air to go into the cavity. The side wall, for example of the rear portion of the sole, is provided with at least one opening (5) allowing only the air to go out from the cavity.The shoe ventilated as described is used in sport.

Abstract: A cushion-like, shock-absorbent insole for footwear comprises two vinyl sheets forming an airtight compartment and sealing therein one or more sheets of resilient foam. Vent holes arranged in at least one of the vinyl sheets, preferably at the heel and metatarsal areas, act as metering valves in conjunction with the inside surface of the shoe sole so that air trapped in the foam material cannot instantaneously escape and both cushioning and massaging are provided.

Abstract: A boot or shoe 10 has its upper lasted to an insole 12 made from leather or a permeable plastics material, and a sole unit 13 is bonded to the lasted upper and the insole. The sole unit is moulded from a resilient plastics material and is formed with a multiplicity of cavities 15 opening to its top surface underlying the insole and open topped channels extending between the cavities. Bulges 17 are formed on the bottom surface of the sole unit at the locations of the cavities. The act of walking causes the bulges to be compressed and to pump air along the channels to others of the cavities so as to disperse perspiration from the insole. The cavities preferably have a restricted cross-sectional area 18 where they communicate with the channels.

Abstract: A shoe having a shock absorber therein. In one embodiment, the shock absorber includes an inflatable member having a hole placing the interior of the inflatable member in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The shock absorber is restrained by a stabilizing structure against lateral instability. The stabilizing structure is in the form of a box of any one of several configurations. During foot strike, air is forced out of the inflatable member to cushion the heel while the stabilizing structure keeps it stable in the shoe. During toe-off of the shoe and swing-through to the foot strike, atmospheric air enters the inflatable member and inflates the same so that the member is ready to cushion the foot during the next foot strike. Several embodiments of the shock absorber are disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of transverse ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. When weight is placed upon the sole, each of the ribs initially begins to deflect and then the ribs are compressed. The ribs begin to become compressed when one of each pair of the ribs would intrude upon an adjacent rib of a second pair of ribs.

Abstract: A beach sandal of improved comfort and enhanced safety comprises a sole provided with a plurality of perforations whose openings in the upper and lower surfaces of the sole are displaced or whose middle portions are displaced from their outer portions. The perforations provide an escape for the water drag on the wearer's foot and consequently make wading through water easier. Because the perforations are not formed perpendicularly, when the wearer happens to step on a sharp object such as a shell, the possibility of the object sliding through one of the perforations and reaching the foot is remote.

Abstract: A sport shoe sole having a ground sole rigid and of excellent abrasion resistance and an elastic interlayer body bonded to the ground sole, in which the interlayer body is provided at its heel portion with an air inclusion means such as grooves and apertures that open at least to one side of the interlayer body.

Abstract: Described is a sports boot such as ice skate boot or ski boot which is both water-proof and air permeable and which is comprised of a boot-shaped substrate formed of natural or synthetic leather or other similar pliant material, an outer sheath formed of synthetic material and applied integrally to the outer side of the substrate, air permeable members or units provided in suitable portions in the sole part of the sheath and having ventilation holes providing for communication between the inside and outside of the sheath, and porous films or sheets made water-proof air permeable layers or sheets of porous synthetic resin material provided between side substrate and the sheath in portions where at least the ventilation holes are provided.

Abstract: A sport shoe sole having a ground sole rigid and of excellent abrasion resistance and an elastic interlayer body bonded to the ground sole, in which the interlayer body is provided at its heel portion with an air inclusion means such as grooves and apertures that open at least to one side of the interlayer body.

Abstract: A one-piece, washable and sterilizable plastic shoe comprising a lower part with a top on which the foot bears and a bottom enveloping an outsole and a heel, and an upper part having ventilating openings in a substantially vertical lateral area, these openings having upper and lower outer boundary edges that are lower, respectively, than the corresponding upper and lower inner boundary edges thereof. The method for producing such a plastic shoe includes the steps of introducing mouldable plastic into a mould comprising top and bottom halves with a shoe last therebetween and simultaneously forming the lateral ventilating openings by means of spaced pins extending between the bottom-half mould and the last. The apparatus for producing the shoe comprises a mould having top and bottom halves with a shoe last therebetween and a plurality of pins extending from the bottom-half mould into removeable engagement with the shoe last.

Abstract: A shoe sole having ventilating openings between the atmosphere and the interior of the shoe. The air flows through sealable openings in the heel and enters the interior of the shoe through further openings in the foot engaging portions of the sole. The openings in the heel are sealable by keys which close the openings upon application of pressure by the heel of the user when walking.

Abstract: A one-piece, washable and sterilizable plastic shoe comprising a lower part with a top on which the foot bears and a bottom enveloping an outsole and a heel, and an upper part having ventilating openings in a substantially vertical lateral area, these openings having upper and lower outer boundary edges that are lower, respectively, than the corresponding upper and lower inner boundary edges thereof. The method for producing such a plastic shoe includes the steps of introducing mouldable plastic into a mould comprising top and bottom halves with a shoe last therebetween and simultaneously forming the lateral ventilating openings by means of spaced pins extending between the bottom-half mould and the last. The apparatus for producing the shoe comprises a mould having top and bottom halves with a shoe last therebetween and a plurality of pins extending from the bottom-half mould into removeable engagement with the shoe last.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article of footwear such as a shoe having an inner sole and outer sole which delimit a vacant space of a predetermined height between them, the inner sole having a plurality of ventilating holes for communicating the vacant space with the interior of the shoe. A cushion member made of a light-weight, resilient material is disposed within the vacant space at the forward part of the shoe and has a plurality of elongated ribs spaced apart by a predetermined distance and extending to the rear portion of the vacant space. Each elongated rib has at least one recessed portion passing through the rib substantially laterally thereof to communicate with the spaces on either side of the rib. Compression and relaxation of the cushion member with the application and removal of the wearer's weight during walking creates a circulatory air flow to ventilate the interior of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A compartmentalized, variable cushioning sole construction in footwear having a top attached to an inner sole. The construction includes an outer sole and a flexible wall structure joining the peripheral edges of the inner and outer soles to form an enclosed space therebetween. This space is partitioned into fluid-tight, independently inflatable compartments corresponding to the heel, arch and ball regions of a foot. Resilient support structure in each of the compartments provides resilient weight support between the inner and outer soles when the compartments are deflated.

Abstract: A shoe which comprises an upper and a sole having a plurality of elongated chambers disposed therein and have fluid communication between the top face of the sole and the ambient surrounding the shoe.

Abstract: In an athletic shoe, a system for conveying air into the shoe in which an air reservoir in the resilient outsole assembly is open to a first transverse air channel which opens in turn to the surrounding air, a longitudinal air slot in the outsole assembly is open to the air reservoir, a first vertical hole in the top of the outsole assembly is open to the air slot and to a second vertical air hole in the insole board, the second vertical hole in turn is open to an air channel in the bottom of the slipsole, and the slipsole air channel is open to third vertical holes in the slipsole which open into the inside of the shoe under the user's foot; the air reservoir, air slot, first air holes and second air holes can lie on the midline of the sole assembly; and the slipsole air channels can be arranged in a grid covering the entire bottom of the slipsole with the first air holes, second air holes and third air holes arranged at the intersection points on the grid.

Abstract: An article of footwear such as a shoe includes a deformable inner sole, an outer sole, as well as a resilient pumping member and resilient supporting member disposed in a hollow portion defined between the inner and outer soles. The pumping member, comprising a hollow body, is penetrated by a plurality of air-intake holes for communicating the pump interior with the hollow portion, and is provided with a tube communicating with the rear of the shoe, and the inner sole has ventilating holes for communicating the hollow portion with the interior of the shoe. The application and removal of the wearer's weight with each step repeatedly deforms the inner sole which in turn causes an exchange of air between the hollow portion and the shoe interior through the ventilating holes, as well as the compression and relaxation of the pump member to expel air, drawn into the pump member from the hollow portion through the air-intake holes, toward the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: A one-piece, washable and sterilizable plastic shoe comprising a lower part with a top on which the foot bears and a bottom enveloping an outsole and a heel, and an upper part having ventilating openings in a substantially vertical lateral area, these openings having upper and lower outer boundary edges that are lower, respectively, than the corresponding upper and lower inner boundary edges thereof. The method for producing such a plastic shoe includes the steps of introducing mouldable plastic into a mould comprising top and bottom halves with a shoe last therebetween and simultaneously forming the lateral ventilating openings by means of spaced pins extending between the bottom-half mould and the last. The apparatus for producing the shoe comprises a mould having top and bottom halves with a shoe last therebetween and a plurality of pins extending from the bottom-half mould into removeable engagement with the shoe last.

Abstract: A shoe fitted with an inflatable sole. One or more air valves joined to the shoe permit inflating the interior of the sole to a desired pressure of air proportional to the weight of the wearer of the shoe. The sole is formed of an upper liner joined to a lower liner along their respective common periphery, with a plurality of spaced resilient pegs joined between the said liners in the interior so as to maintain the said liners in alignment with the sole inflated, and to provide a uniform air pressure throughout the interior of the sole. Alternatively the sole may be formed of a solid section of flexible or elastomeric material formed with a plurality of intersecting through longitudinal and transverse cylindrical air passages joined to one or more valves.

Abstract: A ventilated article of footwear, such as a shoe, is provided with an outer sole of deformable material having a raised peripheral portion of enlarged thickness surrounding the entire periphery thereof. An inner sole of non-deformable material is mounted above the outer sole in normally spaced relation therefrom to define an air chamber between the soles. The inner sole is perforated with a plurality of apertures providing communication between the air chamber and the interior of the shoe. A compressible supporting material is located in the air chamber between the inner and outer soles and normally biases the deformable outer sole away from the inner sole to provide a relatively deep air chamber. When the wearer of the shoe applies his weight upon the outer sole, the latter deforms upwardly compressing the compressible supporting material and reducing the depth of the air chamber.

Abstract: A sport shoe sole having a ground sole rigid and of excellent abrasion resistance and an elastic interlayer body bonded to the ground sole, in which the interlayer body is provided at its heel portion with an air inclusion means such as grooves and apertures that open at least to one side of the interlayer body.

Abstract: An elastomeric shoesole designed specifically for athletic activities wherein the sole contains at the outer side of the heel and/or the inner side of the ball transversely-extending, longitudinally-spaced openings which extend to approximately the longitudinal center line and wherein the respective opposite sides are substantially solid, thereby allowing the sole to yield at the outer side of the heel end to a greater extent than at the inner side and at the inner side of the ball to a greater extent than at the outer side.