Abstract: An insole which extends from the toes to the heel includes at least one fluid-filled container; a control unit for enabling a user to increase or reduce an amount of fluid in the container; and a stirrup-shaped device for immobilizing the talocalcaneonavicular joint and for controlling and/or stabilizing the ankle joint. The insole is a prefabricated insole selectable from a range of differently shaped insoles for the various forms of foot prophylaxis and the various shoe sizes. This enables users to adapt the prefabricated insoles suitable for their shoe size and form of foot prophylaxis to their own personal needs.

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: A liner and an insole, which are attached at a sole portion of the liner, are wearable with a boot, which is provided with a recess where an upper structure of the boot is affixed to a sole structure of the boot, at a heel end of the sole structure. At a heel end of the insole, the insole extends beyond heel portion of the liner so as to provide a tongue, which is fittable into the recess. The liner may be fixed to a pants leg. When the tongue is fitted into the recess, the liner is restrained against inverting and pulling from the boot, when the foot of the wearer is removed. The boot, liner, insole combination can be advantageously worn by a wearer, such as a firefighter, who needs quickly to don the combination and to doff the combination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a footwear construction having an insert of unitary structure and made of a single flexible material for providing increased structural support and strength of the footwear while maintaining flexibility of the footwear. Unlike the prior art insert, the present invention makes use of only a single material is used to manufacture the insert. A preferred material should be pliant or flexible and yet can provide the strength and structural support to the footwear in which the insert is used. Instead of using materials of different softness for the various sections in the insert to facilitate bending of the footwear, openings are added to various locations in the insert to facilitate planar bending movement. Such openings are commonly located in the forefoot section. To increase structural support and strength to the footwear, the insert is fixedly secured to the footwear.

Abstract: An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot to promote proprioceptive stimulation of the golgi tendon organ. The midfoot section of the insole device has an asymmetric domed structure that is presented to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties to catalyse muscle group balancing by using the body's proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties such that it does not provide functional bracing or support to the plantar aspect of the foot. The net result will be a more structurally sound foot capable of more energy efficient and less injury inducing use.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a forefoot portion extending at least to metatarsals of a foot, with a second recess at an undersurface thereof with a plurality of cylindrical protuberances in the recess; a cupped heel portion including a relatively flat central portion and a sloped side wall surrounding the relatively flat central portion; a mid-foot portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion, the mid-foot portion including a medial arch portion defined by an extension of the sloped side wall, the sloped side wall extends to lateral and medial sides of the mid-foot portion, and the forefoot portion, heel portion and mid-foot portion formed from a unitary resilient material; a shell that extends along an underside of the insole, the medial arch portion and the sloped side wall at the heel portion and the mid-foot portion, the shell having an opening beneath the relatively flat central portion of the cupped heel portion and a gap at a rearmost end of the shel

Abstract: An insole for use in constructing a channel drainage component includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and the insole defines a first drainage canal that runs through the insole from the top surface of the insole to the bottom surface of the insole. The bottom surface of the insole defines a first drainage network that includes a first groove that spirals outward from a first central region in the bottom surface of the insole. The first drainage canal runs from the top surface of the insole into the at least first groove of the first drainage network. A channel drainage component includes an insole and a midsole. The insole has a top surface and a bottom surface and defines a first drainage canal running from the top surface to the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the insole defines a first drainage network that includes a first groove, and the first drainage canal runs from the top surface of the insole into the first groove of the first drainage network defined in the bottom surface of the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a torsion system constructed of a material and configured to allow, in a pre-selected manner, rotation of a forefoot portion of the article of footwear relative to a rearfoot portion of the article of footwear about a longitudinal axis of the article while substantially precluding bending in an intermediate portion thereof.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a forefoot portion for extending at least to metatarsals of a foot; a cupped heel portion having a varus of approximately 7 degrees for the left foot and approximately 5 degrees for the right foot, which slopes from a medial side of the insole to a lateral side of the insole; a medial arch portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion, and which extends forwardly to approximately a first metatarsal of a foot supported thereby, and extends rearwardly of a front section of the heel portion; an upper surface extending along the forefoot, arch and heel portions, and having a downward inclination from the heel portion to a front section of the arch portion of approximately 2 degrees; and a lateral flange extending around a periphery of at least the heel portion and extending forwardly at least to a midfoot portion of the insole to prevent abduction of a foot supported thereby.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe or boot produced by molding together a stiff outer plastic shell, a dual foam inner layer of rubber-like material and a fabric upper layer engaged by the foot. A more dense foam is provided for the inner layer at the arch of the foot. The shell is feathered or thinned toward the fore foot area and extends only to the ball of the foot. The shell is provided with a cut out at the heel and a pad secured to the insole at the cut out cushions the heel at the strike position.

Abstract: A bladder usable in the sole of a shoe for supporting the plantar area includes a plurality of chambers designed to provide a resilient resistance force. In the fabrication of the bladder, each of the chambers is formed in fluid communication with each other, and fluid is supplied into the chambers at a selected location. After the chambers have been pressurized to the desired internal pressure, the fluid communication port(s) is sealed. Although certain of the chambers are pressurized to the same internal pressure, different resistance forces are provided by forming the chambers with different volumes.

Abstract: A relaxation insole having, in combination: a supination-providing heel cup; a heel-bone support; a support beneath the first two metatarsals; and a support beneath the last three metatarsal heads.

Abstract: An insole construction for footwear comprising a base member, an intermediate member formed of a soft foam and having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof, and a flexible cover member surrounding the intermediate member and extending beneath the base member. The intermediate member preferably is formed of a foam such as polyurethane foam having a density rating of approximately 60-90. The raised cushioning elements are of a height of approximately 6 millimeters above the upper surface of the intermediate member and are spaced approximately 10-30 millimeters from each other. The thickness of the intermediate member is approximately 6 millimeters.

Abstract: An article of footwear and insert for an article of footwear are provided with means for stimulating cutaneous pressure sensation from the perimeter of the plantar surface (sole) of the foot. Increasing cutaneous sensation from the perimeter of the plantar foot surface provides the central nervous system of the wearer of the footwear with an increased ability to detect and react to shifts of the body's center of gravity toward the edges of the feet which, if left uncorrected, could result in a loss of balance or a fall. An insole is disclosed which is provided with an elongate member or a series of protrusions which form a narrow ridge in close proximity to the perimeter of the insole, the ridge being adapted to protrude upwardly against the plantar foot surface along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof.

Abstract: A corrective appliance, as an insole insert, and method of manufacture thereof, an improved insole design of this invention can be used as an insert or sole construction to evert the foot with a raised area having inclined sloping edges at the first metatarsal area with support in the region of the ball of the foot and the first metatarsal head to evert or support the foot by raising the ball of the foot, thereby causing the foot to rotate outwardly, and relieving, reducing and diminishing irritation, inflammation and pain associated with the lower leg ailment commonly known as shin splints.

Abstract: A cushioned in-line skate shoe comprises: an in-line skate shoe body, including: an outer side wall which has an outer lower edge, an inner side wall which has an inner lower edge, a sole provided on a bottom of the shoe body and connected between the outer and inner lower edges, at least one outer hole and at least one inner hole formed on the outer lower edge and the inner lower edge, respectively; an air cushion foot pad including: an upper surface, a lower surface opposing to the upper surface, a circumferential edge which is formed between the upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of flexible columns connecting the upper surface and the lower surface to define a plurality of air chambers formed within the circumferential edge so as to rigidly support the air chambers, a plurality of transverse protrusions formed on the circumferential edge of the foot pad, thereby when the foot pad is positioned over and contact with the sole of the shoe body, the protrusions are inserted into the outer and inner holes o

Abstract: A demi pointe equalizer, exerciser, and tensioning device that is a small pad in the general shape of a common big toe. The equalizer pad extends from the tip of the big toe to a point behind the metatarsal parabola. The equalizer pad is designed to support only the big toe. The support system is also designed to be applied in layers, so that correction can be built up slowly, as needed. By using layers of equalizer pads, the ideal thickness of pad can be achieved. This equalizer pad may be attached directly to the bottom of the big toe, or to the sole of a shoe, slipper, sock, sandal, or to an insole to form a system. The pad or system may be constructed from a variety of materials that are matched to a particular activity.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one metatarsal pad in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages between the metatarsal pad and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; a flow controller bridging the proximal forefoot and midfoot regions of the bladder and matched to the border between the lateral and medial longitudinal arch; and flow restrictors in the distal hindfoot defining a central longitudinal flow channel between the hindfoot and midfoot regions. The metatarsal pads and fluid flow are matched to the anatomical structure of the foot.

Abstract: For use in a sole, insole, or heel portion of a footwear article, a footpad is described, having an upper surface on which are disposed a plurality of resilient lugs. The top surfaces of the lugs define a foot supporting surface wherein mutually parallel, spaced-apart edges of adjacent lugs define a complementary arrangement of top surfaces. The side surfaces of adjacent lugs define therebetween a void which extends lattice-like over the footpad. With gentle compression and release, the side surfaces of adjacent lugs expand into the void, and retreat therefrom, cyclically expelling and ingesting air beneath the foot. With heavy compression, the top surfaces of adjacent lugs are approximated to one another to provide a substantially continuous and substantially uniformly supportive foot-supporting surface. Structures selectively providing for preferred combinations of ventilation, cushioning, and stable and comfortable support for bearing heavy loads are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a tanned leather product that is impregnated with a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature stabilizing material. The present invention is also directed to a tanning process for embedding the microspheres into the leather. The thermal stabilizing material is a phase change material that allows the leather to have enhanced thermal properties when exposed to heat or cold.

Abstract: A laser insole having one or many vertical cavity surface emitting lasers embedded therein may be worn by a patient and applied to an area of the foot. The device supplies the patient with a preprogrammed laser therapy regimen. A physician programs the device and inserts the device in a patient's shoe. The device is small enough to allow the patient's normal activities. The laser therapy regimen promotes healing of a wound on the foot. Alternatively, the device may adapted as a flexible device applied to the skin, or implanted into the body, or provided in a catheter that is inserted into a body region.

Abstract: A foot support is prepared based upon a scan of the foot. The foot support has radial ridges and grooves on its upper and lower sections. The ridges and grooves converge at an imaginary center outside the foot print. The surface contour of the support do not duplicate the topography of the foot, but perform prescription manipulations.

Abstract: The subject invention is aimed at providing a sole pad unit with the effects of supporting the metatarsal bone and airing and massaging the center of the sole of foot, comprising mainly of a massage block, roughly in an "L" shape, located on the sole pad unit to correspond to the depressive part on the sole of foot, providing proper stimulation to the depressed part on the sole of foot, complying with ergonomic principles, at approximately the center of the massage block is a vent hole to produce airing effect and prevent bad smell, meanwhile there are slopes on the peripherals to prevent deformation of the massage block, the sole pad unit is applicable to slippers as well as all types of shoes, to achieve the effects of universal application and best comfort, and to achieve the purpose of better health with the massage block to support the metatarsal bone and massage the reflective area of acupoints on the depressed part of the sole of foot.

Abstract: We describe the use a material which is based on microporous, filler-containing polyolefin and essentially consists of a homogeneous mixture of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin, filler and plasticizer, for absorbing sweat and other bodily exhalations. This material is preferably treated with antibacterial and/or fungicidal agents and is suitable for avoiding the formation of odor, for example in shoes and articles of clothing. The use in the form of an inner sole which has ribs running at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the inner sole to form hollow spaces is preferred.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole wherein the flow of fluid is matched to the anatomical structure of functionally normal feet comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one, preferably between two and six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; and two transverse walls, one in the proximal end of said proximal forefoot region and the other in the distal end of the hindfoot region, each transverse wall having an opening forming a longitudinal passageway.

Abstract: An insole insert comprises a body having a bottom portion, a heel edge, a lateral side edge, a medial side edge, a depression portion spaced generally centrally beneath the user's first metatarsal phalangeal joint, a heel portion formed along the heel lateral side edges and extending forwardly to just rearwardly of the user's fifth metatarsal phalangeal joint, and an arch portion formed along the medial side edge and extending forwardly to just rearwardly of the depression portion. The heel portion and the arch portion, which form a channel that is laterally angularly offset relative to the insole insert, are configured to cooperatively redistribute the normally greater weight-generated forces applied to the inner and more bony regions of the user's heel outwardly toward the outer and more fleshy regions of the user's heel.

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

Abstract: An orthoinsert for shoes to control and correct many types of abnormally functioning feet. The orthoinsert comprises an insole plate which has the full length of an entire foot or a length corresponding to the length of an insole except the forefoot part, an arch filler and a heel site for holding the heel in well-aligned position. The arch filler and the heel site are integrated with the plate. A forefoot wedge is attached to the fore part of the undersurface of the insole plate to control the angle of the forefoot to the ground surface. A rearfoot wedge is attached to the rear part of the undersurface of the insole plate to control and correct the angle of the rearfoot to the ground surface to provide and achieve a total underfoot comfort during walking. Three types of orthoinsert accommodate semipronated, oversupinated and hyperpronated feet.

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.degree. to about 6.degree.. 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.degree. arc to facilitate minute adjustments in the balance of the user.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one, preferably between two and six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; and a flow controller matched to the border between the lateral and medial longitudinal arch.

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

Abstract: A thong is composed of a sole and a strap attached to the sole for securing a foot. The sole is provided in the upper surface thereof with a breathable body made of a plurality of elastic filaments which are intertwined to form a network body having a number of gaps for driving out foul air and foot perspiration.

Abstract: A flexible insole insert comprises a body having a planar first member and a planar second member secured to the first member. The second member has a heel portion, with a medial portion and a lateral portion, and an arch portion. A foremost extremity of the arch portion passes beneath the second and third metatarsals of a user's foot. An inner edge of the second member passes beneath the lateral cuneiform and a medial outer edge passes under the navicular of the user's foot. The relative thicknesses of the first member and second member are dimensioned to moderate any ridging and creasing effects which might be caused in the sole of the user's foot by the second member. A metatarsal cutout, generally centered beneath the user's first metatarsal joint, has a longitudinal edge spaced between the user's first and second metatarsals and a transverse edge spaced rearwardly from the user's first metatarsal. A longitudinally shaped heel cutout is generally centered beneath the user's heel.

Abstract: An article such as a sole or a shoe adapted to contact the sole of a foot, which incorporates at least one crystalline substance which is capable of developing a color in the wavelength range between about 400 nm and 900 nm and stimulates the reflex zones located at the sole of the foot. The method of utilizing such article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arch support (1) for a sports shoe, in particular a mountaineering or hiking boot, having an anatomically shaped body (2) made of plastic material, and a reinforcing insert (3) embedded in the body (2); the insert (3) has a longitudinally ribbed structure, a main portion (10) extending along the sole of the foot and wide enough to impart a high degree of torsional rigidity to the arch support, and a narrow front appendix (11) extending from the main portion (10) and connected to the main portion substantially at the metatarsus.

Abstract: A shoe insole is composed of a toe portion, a sole portion and a heel portion. The insole has a thickness of 2 mm or more. The toe portion and the sole portion have a hardness value ranging between 20 and 45 degrees in the Asker Type C, whereas the heel portion has a hardness value ranging between 30 and 50 degrees in the Asker Type C. The hardness values of the toe portion, the sole portion and the heel portion are decreased by at least 5 degrees for an increase in the thickness of the insole by 1 mm.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear comprising a heel, an outer sole, an innersole, and an upper wherein a storage facility is incorporated in an interior part of the article. One type of storage facility consists of a chamber in the heel having at least one opening and a closure for each opening. One type of closure has a push button which, when pushed, causes the closure to be partially or completely ejected from the opening to the chamber. The closure may include a receptacle adapted to receive and hold an object for storage in the chamber. Other types of storage facilities are pockets on the interior surface of the upper and in the innersole.

Abstract: A inflatable insole system for placement in an article of footwear for providing added comfort to the foot of a user comprises an inflatable flexible bottom cell with a plurality of upwardly extending inflatable cells. The plurality of inflatable cells include a heel middle cell, a mid-foot middle cell, a toe middle cell, a heel upper cell, a mid-foot upper cell, and a toe upper cell.

Abstract: Footwear products incorporating the use of natural materials; therein, and, more particularly, insoles, liners, and footwear incorporating sisal material. The sisal material is arranged so as to provide direct contact with a user foot in order to avail to the user foot the sisal therapeutic benefits of skin massaging, exfoliation of the skin, increased blood flow and ventilation, and the wearability benefits of a non-slip surface and evacuation of foreign objects from direct contact from a user foot. The insoles are at least partially formed of sisal material and can be provided in a flat or contoured form. As another embodiment, the sisal insole is provided as part of a sisal sandal arrangement which incorporates sandal straps and sandals fasteners for attachment to a user foot in a sandal arrangement.

Abstract: A shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a novel and non-obvious sole having a rubber base and a fiber cushion. Patterned nodes are centered on the rubber base and a plurality of elongated rectangular nodes are arranged around the edge of the rubber base. An extra rim is disposed at the upper edge of the sole to attach the sole to the remaining portion of the shoe. There are ventilating holes along the outer edge of the sole. The heel is formed with a grid pattern defining chambers and is supported by internal reinforcing members. The fiber cushion of the sole's upper layer allows for ventilation between the interior of the shoe and the ventilating holes.

Abstract: An insole relieves foot, knee, hip, and back pressures in a standing position of rest and in motion during walking or running, at the same time as a massage effect and pressure equalization are obtained in a standing position of rest. The sole includes a first chamber (5) filled with fluid and at least one second chamber (7, 8) filled with fluid. The first fluid-containing chamber (5) is preferably provided between the intermediate foil (2) and the topfoil (1). In a preferred embodiment the insole according to the invention includes additional chambers (25, 26) arranged in a central part (20), respectively along an inner side (21) of the insole, and having a convex surface (29, 30). The insole according to the invention makes it possible with just one insole to provide the foot with relief of both shocks and pressure equalization during walking or running, at the same time as a massage effect and pressure equalization are provided in a standing position of rest.

Abstract: A custom-made orthotic support unit including specific orthotic magnet elements formed into a unitary arch support for insertion, into and/or onto contemporary footwear for providing both postural corrections and magnetic therapy for the wearer.

Abstract: A method for producing a custom insole for a foot of a user, the method including the steps of providing a preformed insole precursor, the precursor being constructed of a solid material which is storable in an undeformed state and which is compressible to a deformed configuration under pressure substantially at room temperature and which retains the deformed configuration after removal of the pressure, and pressing the foot on the insole precursor, thereby compressing the insole precursor and forming an insole with a configuration in accordance with the configuration of the foot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe lining having anti-microbial properties. The method comprises providing a quantity of a thermoplastic resin including an inorganic zinc-based anti-microbial agent admixture having a predetermined microbial inhibition characteristic. This thermoplastic resin is blended with a polyethylene resin to form an anti-microbial feedstock. The anti-microbial feedstock is formed into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-microbial members. These members are woven into an anti-microbial fabric having predetermined microbial inhibition characteristics. This fabric is cut into a plurality of pieces in accordance with a predetermined pattern and the pieces are joined together thereby constructing the anti-microbial shoe lining.

Abstract: An insole construction for an athletic shoe has a shell portion that is positioned under the heel and midfoot of the foot, and is covered with an insole and having low friction material on the upper sides in selected regions. The low friction material may be a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene material, the low friction material extends across the heel region, and/or across the metatarsal area, and these areas may be joined by a lateral side strip. The shell is cupped to form a wall along the lateral side of the foot and about three quarters of the way behind the heel or calcaneus region of the foot. This cup wall is joined to a base wall with a generously radiused rounded portion that mirrors the concave/convex contour anatomy of the foot in this region for comfort and for distributing impact forces received during running, across a substantially increased contact area of the foot.

Abstract: A sweat-absorbing, disposable hygienic insert having a permeable inner film in contact with the foot, an outer film, and an absorbent layer intermediate the inner and outer films. The inner film is provided with a plurality of openings produced without removal of material. The absorbent layer has a flexible hygienic pad including absorbent material, hygienic additives and treatment additives. The outer and inner films are attached to one another at their edges, and are attached by at least one bond which passes through the hygienic pad, the bond located inside a boundary defined by the attached edges of the outer and inner films.

Abstract: An adjustable dynamic, removable, mechanical foot leverage orthotic system is disclosed having a plate member positioned on top of a fulcrum member that are placed inside of a shoe. The plate is free to move within the shoe about the fulcrum to provide the wearer with mechanical improvement of abnormal, functional and associated foot pathology and can directly and indirectly effect the entire gait cycle. The foot leverage system can be integrated into the shoe design or can be inserted within a conventional shoe to create a foot leverage system. Methods of use and treatment are disclosed for the treatment of pes planus, pes cavus and tendonitis. The foot leverage system may also be used with the disclosed foot mapping system and method.

Abstract: A variably flexible insert, or sets of inserts for an athletic shoe is provided which absorbs and distributes a portion of the user's weight. The insert is constructed of an injection molded plastic defining a plurality of horizontal slot or score lines which penetrate partially or completely through the insert. A series of perforations terminate the ends of the score lines which prevent or reduce cracking propagation of the score lines, and impart greater flexibility to portions of the insert. In one embodiment, the inserts are secured within the athletic shoe by adhesive pads. In another embodiment, foam friction pads are adhesively mounted or laminated on one or both sides of the flexible inserts, and this provides a non-skid surface within the running shoe and along the user's foot, as well as a certain amount of cushioning.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole having a bottom walking surface and a depressed top surface surrounded by an upstanding peripheral sidewall having a upper peripheral edge, an upper attached to the outsole, and a replaceable inner sole. The upstanding peripheral sidewall and depressed top surface of the outsole together define a cavity lying generally below the upper peripheral edge. The upper and outsole together define a volume disposed over the cavity and generally above the upper peripheral edge, the volume sized comfortably accommodate a wearer's foot. The replaceable inner sole has a body sized and shaped to fit snugly within the cavity portion, generally removed from encroachment of the volume, while supporting a wearer's foot within the volume.

Abstract: Shoes for use in demanding applications, primarily athletics, are made from a three-dimensional fiber network that is semi-rigid and resilient. The fiber network is made from a textile fabric that has an array of projections made from the same fabric rising from the plane of the fabric.