Abstract: A foot support insole having four different versions, each providing differing degrees of arch support for use in any shoe or boot. The insole is biomechanically shaped to support the medial arch, the lateral arch, the metatarsal arch, and the heel. In each of these versions, the principal variable is the extent of support for the medial arch. Low, medium, high, and extreme foot support versions are disclosed. The insole design effectively distributes the weight-generated forces provided by the user into a neutral plantigrade position. Supporting the neutral position for the foot obtains optimum balance and weight distribution by dispersing the forces applied by the foot over the greatest area possible within the shoe. The insole allows the three foot arches to work together and function as a structural support tripod, alternatively absorbing compressive forces and recoiling into a stable support state.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a textile based heating element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A textile based heating element comprises one or more conductive wires stitched into a fabric carrier. Various conductive wire configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the textile based heating element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.

Abstract: An accident prevention insole includes a base surface (2) and a top surface (3) opposite to the base surface (2). The accident prevention insole (1) consists of a multilayer fabric (4) which can be crossed-through from the base surface (2) to the top surface (3) and vice versa by needles with a diameter lower than 14 tenths of millimetres perpendicularly driven to the insole with a load of at least 90 N, for directly sewing the insole to an upper (101) of a footwear (100), preferably with a Strobel technique.

Abstract: A shoe having enhanced flexibility is disclosed, wherein there is a reduction in the stiffness of the shoe in proximity to the flexline. The shoe has a shortened innersole and a reduction in innersole stiffening material toward the toe end of the shoe. The innersole may include cutouts that reduce the stiffness of the innersole in proximity to the flexline. A method of manufacturing such shoes is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insole cushion for a shoe and a composite food-bed for a shoe and shoe including a gel pad having a mesh segment cast or formed integrally with the gel pad, that extending beyond at least one peripheral edge of the gel pad. The composite food-bed includes upper and lower foot-bed members with an insole cushion including a gel pad having a mesh segment integral to the gel pad. The get pad is disposed and affixed between the upper and lower foot-bed members and the mesh segment that extends beyond the peripheral edge of the gel pad is affixed between the upper and lower foot-bed members beyond the peripheral edge of the get pad.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing method and device of an insole of a resilient shoe is provided. At least one transverse partition is set in a gas or liquid chamber of the insole. The gas or liquid chamber of the insole is partitioned into a fore cavity and a rear cavity by the partition. The fore cavity and the rear cavity are communicated reciprocally through the region external of the ends of the partition. Preferably, a fish-bone shaped partition is set longitudinally in the gas or liquid chamber. A column is set at the end of each of fish-bone branches of said fish-bone shaped partition and is positioned corresponding to a relevant acupoint of a human foot bottom. The gas or liquid chamber is filled with soft or resilient materials. The insole according to the invention could be shock absorbing and resilient.

Abstract: The practical new design of the present invention provides a type of breathable, ventilated one-piece shoe pad having a main body that includes many ventilation openings. On the bottom surface of the main body an air bag is attached. The surface of the interface at which the air bag attaches to the main body in configured with many ventilation openings that correspond to the openings at the main body. The structure of this practical new design is very simple, it is cost-efficient in manufacturing and the product itself is durable. When utilized inside the shoe, the air bag creates an air convection flow and exhausts the foul stale air out of the shoe during each step of the user. This helps to keep the foot dry.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: A first load (L1) is put on the upper leg (606) to create a contact area (619) between the front segment (610) and the front segment (618). The contact area (619) has a center point (601) located a distance (p1) from the front end (602). An upper forward segment (621) pulls away from a lower forward segment (623) immediately adjacent to the front end (602) to create a loop (625a). The first load (L1) is progressively increased to a second load (L2) and the center point (601) is rolled back from the distance (p1) to a distance (p2) from the front end (602). The segments (621) and (623) expand the loop (625a) to a loop (625b).

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, having a structure including a supporting layer which, at least in a preset macroportion, is made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material. A membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor is associated above the supporting layer at least in the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, which it covers. A tread made of plastic material, with at least one through macroperforation at the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, is joined hermetically to the membrane and to the supporting layer at least at the perimeter of the at least one macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material.

Abstract: A shoe comprising: an assembly of a shoe upper and sole unit for supporting a foot, the assembly defining a foot compartment that orients a foot in an objective (desired) tri-planar alignment to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously: (1) the sustentaculum tali; (2) the lateral calcaneus; and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot. In certain embodiments the shoe compartment is configured to correct an adverse internal rotation of the talus by: (1) vertical lift on the ST; (2) varus movement of the calcaneus; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot.

Abstract: Sole (100; 200; 300; 400) comprising a support layer (101; 201; 301; 401) having at least one region (103; 203; 303; 403) which allows the passage of air through said layer (101; 201; 301; 401), characterized in that it comprises one or more reinforcing elements (111; 211, 311; 411) joined to one side of said layer (101; 201; 301; 401) in said at least one region (103; 203; 303, 403) and perforated with through-openings (113; 213; 313; 413) for evacuating the air which passes through said region; and a membrane (117; 290, 390; 417) made of material which is waterproof and vapour-permeable, situated above said at least one region (103; 203; 303, 403) on the side of said layer (101; 201; 301, 401) opposite to said elements (111; 211, 311; 411) and sealed with said layer (101; 201; 301; 401) at least along one contour (115; 215; 305) around said at least one region (103; 203; 303; 403).

Abstract: Sandals with adjustable post assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a sandal can include a sole assembly and a first strap coupled to the sole assembly. The first strap is positioned to engage a forefoot area of a wearer's foot. The first strap includes an aperture proximate to an intermediate portion of the first strap. The sandal also includes an adjustable post assembly extending through the aperture. The post assembly includes a post portion coupled to the sole assembly and one or more flexible second straps projecting from the post portion and configured to be releasably coupled to the first strap. The first strap is movable along at least one of the post portion and the one or more flexible second straps to adjust the position of the first strap relative to the sole assembly for engagement with the wearer's foot. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract.

Abstract: Methods are described for forming unitary fabric elements for use in engineered thermal fabric articles, including, but not limited to, thermal fabric garments, thermal fabric home textiles, and thermal fabric upholstery covers, and for forming these engineered thermal fabric articles, having predetermined discrete regions of contrasting insulative capacity positioned about the thermal fabric article in correlation to insulative requirements of a user's body. The fabric element has at least two regions of contrasting insulative capacity. The method includes designing a pattern and combining yarns in a continuous web according to the pattern. In one implementation, loop yarn in first regions is formed to a first pile height, and loop yarn in other regions is formed to another, different, relatively greater pile height.

Abstract: A spring cushioned shoe insert is disclosed. The sole insert includes an insert that has a first wave spring disposed within a vacuity of the heel region and a second wave spring disposed within a vacuity of the toe region. The springs are, e.g., wave springs that extend to the upper and lower boundaries of the spring enclosure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid flow passageway facilitates the movement of air from the heel to toe regions of the insert. In a second embodiment, the wave springs are fully contained within encapsulating enclosures.

Abstract: The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a shoe insert covering. The shoe insert covering provides a barrier between a user's sole and the insole of a shoe or a separate shoe insert. The shoe insert covering is useful for those individuals who do not want to wear socks, but desire the protection and comfort provided by a sock, as well as those placing footwear inserts into their shoes. The shoe insert covering is in the general shape of an insole and has an opening that give access to a cavity. A footwear insert is completely inserted through the opening and occupies some or most of the cavity. The shoe insert cover with the footwear insert is then placed into a shoe. A toe cover may be disposed on the top front of the shoe insert cover.

Abstract: A removable insert for footwear has a slot placed in its medial edge which extends below the arch. An insert placed into the slot has a height which establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. Multiple inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided for use with a shoe worn by a subject, the apparatus (10) including an insole system (20), adapted to be inserted into the shoe, the insole system (20) including a flexible insole (26) and at least one force sensor (28), adapted to generate a force measurement; and a control unit (24), adapted to receive the force measurement, and convert the force measurement to a weight measurement. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for classifying foot types by measuring the position of the Rearfoot Supinatory End Range of Motion, the Rearfoot Pronatory End Range of Motion, the Forefoot Supinatory End Range of Motion and the Forefoot Pronatory End Range of Motion, and classifying the foot based on the results of these measurements is disclosed. Once a human foot is classified and typed according to the disclosed method, a treatment plan can be customized for the specific foot type. The treatment can include the use of pre-orthotic pads and orthotic inserts which are customized according to a patient's specific foot type.

Abstract: An insole is described that can be placed with an insole receiving area of a slipper. The insole can be prepared by compression molding a structure comprising a foam layer having a first foam side and a second foam side. The insole includes a heel region, an arch region, and a toe region. The heel region includes a heel cushioning portion and a heel perimeter portion. The heel perimeter portion includes a retaining wall that extends above the top surface of the heel cushioning portion. The arch region includes an arch cushioning portion and an arch perimeter portion. The arch perimeter portion includes an arch support that extends above the top surface of the arch cushioning portion. The toe region includes a toe cushioning portion and a toe perimeter portion. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are described.

Abstract: Shoe inserts, including midsoles, footbeds, sockliners and/or upper components with a moldable outer membrane having an upper portion and a bottom portion, with the bottom portion being injected through an injection means with one or more layers of granular ethyl vinyl acetate through one or more compartments located inside of the outer membrane, the layers of granular ethyl vinyl acetate being of various densities to fit the particular application, the granular ethyl vinyl acetate being produced through the breaking down of the physical state of solid foam ethyl vinyl acetate and with the granular ethyl vinyl acetate optionally containing on or more variety of colors.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic device with a vacuum system for maintaining a negative pressure seal between the socket and the residual limb. The vacuum system includes a vacuum surge chamber which maintains seal vacuum and increases battery life. The system is small, lightweight, and concealable within the prosthetic device so that it neither impedes use of the device nor detracts from a cosmetically accurate limb.

Abstract: An adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, the position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member. Also included is a movable arch support having a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member. The coupling member has at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of the retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

Abstract: A shoe and boot sizing system includes within a shoe or boot, a first insole insert having a compactable material, wherein the first insole insert provides a first predetermined fit size range within the shoe or boot for a manufactured new condition and a second predetermined fit size range within the shoe or boot for an altered condition and a second insole insert is configured to be disposed beneath the first insole insert and upon the insole which when inserted provides approximately a half size decrease to the size of the respective shoe and boot.

Abstract: A shoe having an inner insole, an intermediate sole, or an outsole, characterized in that, the sole includes a bar running primarily in the longitudinal direction, which protrudes from an underside of the sole.

Abstract: A low friction fabric constructed of a first layer of woven polyester fibers with an upper and lower woven surface attached to and adjacent a second layer of the same weave of polyester or similar fibers, the second layer having an upper and lower surface. Each of the woven layers comprising a straight yarn in the warp of the weave pattern with the weaves of the layers being oriented at a 90 degree angle to one another.

Abstract: An air permeable mobile insole including a plastic layer and an air permeable woven layer covering up the plastic layer; multiple ventilation pores are disposed in consistent arrangement on the plastic layer; and a first groove connecting to the ambient air is formed between any two neighboring pores; a wall is molded protruding from the outer edge of the plastic layer; and multiple ventilation pores or multiple second grooves connecting through first grooves are disposed on the side of the wall not covered with the woven layer so to allow each ventilation pore communicating with the ambient air through the grooves to realize sufficient air circulation and fully removal of the odor.

Abstract: A sport or active shoe that can be stored in a compact configuration can be folded generally in half and secured closed with a closure connected to the heel and toe. The shoe includes a single layer upper to facilitate folding. The shoe can be folded into a very compact configuration and stored conveniently in a pocket, pack, purse, etc., allowing a user to keep a pair of the shoes handy for wearing before or after sports activities or specialized activities requiring specialized or bulky footwear.

Abstract: A method of constructing an article of footwear having a molded integrated vamp and sole is described. The method comprises molding the integrated vamp and sole with an external cavity formed in an exterior surface of a heel portion of the integrated vamp and sole. A plug is formed for close fit in the cavity. The plug has inner and outer surfaces and a contour side wall. In one embodiment of assembly, a heat reactive glue is applied to a bottom surface of the cavity and the inner surface of the plug, and at least a portion of the heel portion, having the cavity, and the plug are heated whereby to soften the glue to effect a bond between the bottom surface of the cavity and the inner surface of the plug when the plug is placed in the cavity with the inner surface of the plug facing the bottom surface of the cavity. Pressure is applied across the heel portion and the plug to bond the plug in the cavity.

Abstract: Footwear includes a sole, an upper attached to the sole to define a volume for receiving a foot therein, and a sockliner received in the volume and overlying the sole. The sole includes at least one first fastener element formed therein, and the sockliner includes at least one second fastener element formed therein. The second fastener element is adapted for snap-together fastening with the first fastener element for securing the sockliner to the sole.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe providing information fields for identifying the wearer of the shoe. The insole may have pre-printed information fields providing spaces for a person to provide information identifying the wearer of the shoe, as well as pertinent medical and contact information. The insole is provided in a preselected shape and size so that it removably and snugly fits within a shoe of a given standard shoe size. In one embodiment, design features may be added to the insole. A package containing one or more insoles with such information fields may also be provided, and may have a label indicating the standard shoe size corresponding to the size and shape of the insole.

Abstract: A footwear insole that is put into a footwear when used includes an insole body put in the footwear, and a load-applying part installed on a rear portion of the insole body to apply load to a user wearing the footwear with the insole body. When the user uses the footwear insole of the present invention, since the weight of the footwear is increased, the user can obtain an effect similar to a case that he/she wears a sandbag or a lead jacket, thereby increasing the burning of calories and exercise effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and shoe having a sole attached to an upper for defining an interior, the interior having a recess, and at least two footbeds, each having different physical properties and each being sized to be placed within the recess. The shoe also has an additive dispersed over the interior and at least one footbed, wherein each of the at least two footbeds is removably placed within the recess depending upon a desired physical property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner sole for a shoe, comprising a base body, a covering layer and several cushioned layers arranged on the surface of the sole. A first cushioned layer is provided in the ball area of the forefoot, a second cushioned layer is included in the transition area of the metatarsus and the tarsus and a third cushioned area is provided between the metatarsus and the heel. The cushioned layers are subdivided into individual, separate plateau-like fields which are located close to each other in the transversal direction of the sole surface. This provides an inner sole which brings about a substantial improvement in the transport of fluids in the venous and lymphatic vessel system in the legs during movement of the foot joints and ankle joints by means of synergistic support of the muscle structure.

Abstract: Individually formed footwear such as shoes and insoles for correcting the feet position and alleviate related problems. The shoe or insole comprises at least one layer made of thermoplastic material, which material is advantageously chosen from a group of ABS, PVC, A-PET and PETG. A method for providing such footwear to a client at a retail store is likewise presented.

Abstract: A customization system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The customization system comprises an insert system. The insert system includes an insert and a heel member. Both the insert and the heel member may be interchangeable, allowing the user to modify the article of footwear to provide a customized fit or performance optimization.

Abstract: A footwear adhesion system including a thermoplastic film, a sole component, and a footwear component. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic film is a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) film. The film is sandwiched between the sole component and the footwear component. The film may be activated, for example, by high frequency welding, to form a bond between the sole component and the footwear component without releasing the amount of volatile organic compound emissions typical with conventional adhesives. Use of the film reduces or eliminates the need for conventional environmentally unfriendly cement in footwear construction.

Abstract: An insole containing a consumable element, ideally a glucose gel, which serves a dual purpose of providing cushioning for the feet as well as providing a sterile source of nutrition primarily intended for counteracting low blood sugar levels in people with insulin dependant diabetes. However, it can also be used by other people desiring a non-bulky emergency source of nutrition on the go.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for producing therapeutic insoles, consisting of a platform with a scanner for scanning the undersides of the patient's feet, a data processing connection for transmitting the scanned image to a computer, a data processing computer program which converts the transmitted data into working instructions for the control of a milling machine, and of said milling machine which mills a therapeutic insole from a blank according to said working instructions, whereby neurological preceptors are placed on the scanner under the patient's foot in accordance with the patient's predisposition, whereby the preceptors are part of a set of standardized preceptors having various dimensions, whereby the preceptors are identified by markings on their underside, and whereby the scanned image contains the identifying markings and the orientation of the preceptors.

Abstract: An anti-slippery footwear includes a sock, an insole, and an attaching structure formed on the attaching surfaces of the sock and insole. The attaching structure has a first attaching portion and a second attaching portion to provide anti-slippery effect while being attached with each other. At least one of the attaching surfaces of the sock and the insole has a recessed portion to accommodate at least one of the first and second attaching portions therein. The joining portions of the attaching structures are slightly lower than the attaching surface of the sock or the insole, such that when the individual wearing the sock is trying to put on a shoe that has the insole, the first and second attaching structures will not attach with each other before the shoe is properly worn by the individual. Instead, the first and second attaching structures will attach to each other only after the shoe is properly worn and a downward pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc.

Abstract: A balancing disc or appliance for use in with a shoe insole, or biomechanical device, such as an ankle or foot brace, for balancing the gait of a user is defined by a substantially circular disc or body element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are angularly inclined with respect to each other in an angle ranging from about 2° to about 6°. Optimally, an adhesive is deposited onto one of the surfaces for facilitating affixation of the disc to an insole or similar orthotic device. The disc is, preferably, formed from a flexible material. Since the device is substantially circular in nature, it may be rotated about a vertical axis through a 360° arc to facilitate minute adjustments in the balance of the user.

Abstract: Two insoles or orthotic covers having a variety of anchoring and tensioning devices are adapted to multiple footwear designs to provide ergonomic support to the footwear user and to provide a surface to receive ornamental designs. The surface is viewable by the user and/or others and may be made of fabric or any other man-made or natural materials. The material may contain any combination of patterns, colors, or ornamental designs and is designed to protect the orthotic or insole, provide comfort to the wearer, coordinate with wearer's clothing or article of footwear, and enhance the appearance of the orthotic or insole. The cover may be comprised of a variety of anchoring and tensioning systems to attach the cover to the orthotic or insole within an article of footwear. The cover may contain one or more openings to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes of orthotics and insoles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a insole for footwear in the form of a sole insert with at least one hindfoot part and a midfoot part and with a support for the medial longitudinal arch, wherein a first rise is provided in the region of an insert outer border of the hindfoot part and a second rise is provided in the region of the insert outer border of a midfoot part, and the first rise is formed higher than the second rise.

Abstract: An insole embedded with germanium includes a upper layer, a lower layer and a germanium-plated blade interposed between the upper layer and the lower layer. The germanium-plated blade includes a metal sheet covered by a germanium-plated layer. The germanium element of the germanium-plated blade can release drifting negative electrons to prevent breeding of microbes and improve blood circulation of user's sole.

Abstract: A method for providing an insole and an insole for footwear for increased sensory stimulation of a foot in the footwear. The method comprises preselecting positions on the foot with nerves at these positions to be stimulated and providing means for stimulating elevation of said insole at said preselected positions during step movement of said foot on said insole.

Abstract: A midsole insert for use with a shoe is provided. The midsole insert includes a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, and a plurality of grid systems located on the midsole insert, where each grid system includes a plurality of openings cut into the midsole insert forming a lattice pattern. The plurality of grids may be located on at least one of the heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion, constructed to provide energy return features. The midsole may further be constructed and arranged to attach directly to an upper during a manufacturing step, to secure the shape of the upper on a last. By attaching directly to the upper, the midsole insert eliminates the need for a stroble board, which is typically used to secure the upper to the last. By eliminating the stroble board, the present invention places the midsole insert and the energy return grid system closer to the foot, which maximizes reaction time and performance.

Abstract: An insole for footwear comprising silicone with a filler material, having a selected region of a silicone-cork mixture with a sufficiently high proportion of cork that the height thereof can be formed by grinding.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of one or more of a selected block SEEPS copolymers in combination with one or more polymers of poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, and polyethylene, and a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a lower layer made of a viscoelastic gel and including a lower surface, an upper surface, a toe portion, a heel portion and a medial arch portion interconnecting the toe portion and the heel portion, a first recess formed in the lower surface of the toe portion and a second recess formed in the lower surface of the heel portion, each recess having a peripheral side wall and a top wall, a plurality of thin, parallel, spaced apart sinusoidal wave shaped spring walls formed from the viscoelastic gel and connected to the top wall and the peripheral side wall in each recess, and the spring walls having lower edges generally coplanar with a lower surface of the toe portion and heel portion which is in surrounding relation to the respective recess; and a top cover secured to the upper surface of the lower layer.