Abstract: The present embodiment is a footwear insert. In further detail the present embodiment offers an educational split graphic and split text system to assist a wearer in identification of left and right footwear. In addition, the present embodiment offers personal identification information related to the wearer of the inserts.

Abstract: A copper metal alloy, for use in making elements for promoting and/or stimulating vital energy comprises between 60% and 70% in weight of copper (Cu), between 16% and 24% in weight of silver (Ag), between 3% and 6% in weight of zinc (Zn), between 3% and 6% in weight of manganese (Mn) and between 0.5%> and 6%> in weight of germanium (Ge). Tin (Sn) in percentage comprised between 3% and 6% can also be provided for. Platinum (Pt) can also be provided for between 0.1% and 5% in weight. The alloy is used for making for example sheets in form of plates or strips which are associated to articles of various types.

Abstract: A new manufacturing method produces an insole that fits a user's foot properly and that is manufactured in a shorter time at a lower cost. The manufacturing method includes steps of: acquiring information on a user's foot by a foot printer; selecting a basic part 2 based on the acquired information; attaching various modification parts 3 to the selected basic part 2 arranged in a trial shoe 1; determining whether the trial insole including a combination of the basic part 2 and modification parts 3 is properly fitted to the user's foot in walking and standing statuses; repeating the steps from selecting to determining until the most fitting combination of the basic part and modification parts is determined; reproducing the determined trial insole in a three-dimensional CAD based on the most fitting combination; and manufacturing an insole by cutting out material based on the reproduced trial insole in the three-dimensional CAD.

Abstract: A structure of a correction shoe pad includes a shock-absorber mounted at an outside portion of a pad body of a shoe pad, so that the shock-absorber mounted at the outside portion of the pad body provides support to effectively prevent situations, such as eversion and ankle sprain causing by shift of the center of the body weight of the user toward the outer side of the sole and also to provide effects of bandy leg and wear of meniscus of knee joints resulting from the shift of the center of the body weight of the user toward the outer side of the sole.

Abstract: A foot orthotic for use as an insole in footwear is made solely from a copper-containing material.

Abstract: A combination insert-flat will allow a flat to be compressed to a thin insert which women will wear between their feet and heeled footwear discreetly and Comfortably, wherein the flat will adjust to fit in the high heel. When a wearer of the high heeled footwear desires a change out of the high heels, the person will take off their high heels and conveniently remove the insert-flat at which point they will unfold the insert into a flat. The wearer may place the flat on the user's feet and have a comfortable flat that will protect their feet from being bare foot.

Abstract: A footbed for supporting a person's foot is formed with one or more voids which removes support beneath either at least part of the heel which is lateral to the midline of the heel and which does not extend medially of the midline, or beneath the medial process of the tuber calcanei, or a combination of the two. Such voids stabilise those parts of the heel which functionally form an abutment to support the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of the foot, in order to prevent pronation.

Abstract: An insole having liquid therein may include a main body that has an enclosing layer covering an outer surface of the main body, and liquid is enclosed by the enclosing layer. In one embodiment, the liquid can be water or oil. The insole may also have at least one hole located at a predetermined position of enclosing layer to evenly distribute the pressure from the user's feet. A sealing edge is formed at an outer portion of the main body and a pressing portion is formed at a periphery of the holes.

Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: An orthotic shoe insert having a contoured body adapted to support a location of a wearer's foot between a heel and a medial arch, the body being constructed of a semi-rigid material and including a rear concave end and a forward extending and medial arch supporting edge. The body exhibits a three dimensional shape and perimeter defining outer profile adapted for being inserted into the wearer's shoe. Corresponding methods for forming an orthotic shoe insert can include either providing a thermoplastic material in an unformed lay-flat sheet of varying thickness and rigidity, then applying a heat source to the material to assisting in forming the material into a three dimensional shape including a concave rear and heel supporting end and a forward extending and medial arch supporting end. Other methods include pre-placing scrim layers within opposing surfaces of mating die halves and post-injecting a plasticized material in fluidic state in order to form the insert.

Abstract: The improved footwear system of the present application uses composite materials in the design of an advanced modular in-shoe foot orthosis and a new container assembly which includes a high performance energy storage and return element orthosis. The footwear system uses a method of manufacture incorporating a new last model. The advantages of the footwear system over standard issue combat boots include lower weight, improved treatment of lower extremity overuse injuries and reduction of the occurrence of such overuse injuries by protecting at-risk feet with advanced footwear which can be customized to meet the biomechanical needs as well as the specific activities of the wearer.

Abstract: A high heeled shoe and shoe sole insert are provided that are configured to provide relief from the forces on the foot created by walking in high heels. The shoe comprises a layered sole having an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The midsole of the shoe comprises a cutout that is positioned over the metatarsal pressure point of the user's foot when positioned within the shoe. The cutout is filled with a shock absorbing material, such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and includes a layer of paperboard for further cushioning. The shoe sole insert similarly includes a metatarsal padded region and a medial longitudinal arch pad to provide a layer of cushioning above the midsole of a user's footwear. The present invention provides relief while wearing high heels by cushioning the user's foot in high pressure zones, thereby relieving the pressure and reducing injuries or soreness.

Abstract: Insole (1) intended to be placed removably in a shoe (8), said insole comprising a long and thin body (2) and a vibrating device (4) embedded in said body (2), said vibrating device (4) comprising an electric accumulator (12), a control system (14) and a vibration generator (16).

Abstract: Footwear, insoles, inserts, kits and methods effective for acclimating a user's foot to a different heel-toe ramp and/or foot strike pattern are provided. Footwear, insoles, inserts and kits of the present disclosure have a region of adjustable thickness which allows the user to gradually change the heel-toe ramp of the user's foot, and/or gradually adapt to a new foot-strike pattern. Regions of adjustable thickness may include a layered pad, inserts of varying thicknesses which may be used with the footwear or insert, or a material having a thickness which changes with the rate of applied force.

Abstract: A foot support system includes two or more pairs of insoles where each pair of insoles has physical properties different from the next pair of insoles, such as camber (side-to-side tilt). The user wears one pair of insoles for a set period of time before replacing it with the next consecutive insole in a serial order. Each pair of insoles has medial arches that are the same in height, that height varying from one pair of insoles to the next. Each insole comprises a base, a medial arch support, and a cover. Additional embodiments may include a heel cup for more secure fit.

Abstract: A ball-of-foot type shoe insert has two regions with different compressibility characteristics, illustratively created by using polyurethane foam of difference densities, in a front region which, when the insert is positioned in a shoe, will underlie the toes of a wearer, and a rear region which, when positioned in a shoe, will underlie the ball of the foot. The front region is less compressible so that the toes in combination with the insert fill-up the toe box, thereby preventing the foot from sliding forward so that the anatomical heel of the wearer fits naturally in the heel of a shoe that is too big for the wearer.

Abstract: A foamed article is made by infusing the article of thermoplastic elastomer including a nonpolar component with a supercritical fluid, then removing the article from the supercritical fluid and either (i) immersing the article in a heated fluid or (ii) irradiating the article with infrared or microwave radiation.

Abstract: A multi-function ventilated insole is provided with an elastic airbag disposed within a heel and including upper and bottom layer sections; a check valve on the rear of the elastic airbag; two spaced channels each extending from the elastic airbag to a plantar arch portion, each channel including vent holes disposed from a front end to an intermediate portion, and a rear concealed tunnel extending to communicate with one outlet; a flexible main support in the top layer section; two spaced flexible auxiliary supports in the top layer section and contacting both sides of the main support; recesses on top of a front portion of the insole, each recess having a knob; a curve protrusion on the insole; a protuberance on the insole between the front ends of the channels; and a cavity on the insole between the protrusion and the protuberance.

Abstract: An arch support insole includes a basic body made from soft flexible material having a top surface, a heel support portion in form of crescent moon shape and projecting upward from the top surface and a palm support portion in front of the heel support portion. The heel support portion has two distal ends that gradually increase in thickness toward a center area thereof thereby forming a curved surface with an apex at the center area which is spaced from the top surface of the basic body at 5 mm˜9 mm and wherein the palm support portion has an upwardly curved top surface with a topmost point which is spaced from the top surface of the basic body at 1 mm˜6 mm.

Abstract: An arch support insole includes a basic body made from soft flexible material having a top surface, a palm support portion and an arch support portion, wherein the palm support portion has a rear part, a front part with a width gradually increased from said rear part, an arched lateral side conforming to an arch of human foot, a topmost planar surface and a curved side surface gradually descending from the topmost planar surface. The topmost planar area is spaced apart from the top surface of the basic body at 7 mm˜9 mm. The arch support portion surrounds the rear part and the curved side surface of the palm support portion, has an upwardly curved top surface with a topmost point which is spaced from the top surface of the basic body at 1 mm˜4 mm.

Abstract: A footwear sole or an orthotic or combinations of both including a set of incrementally different inserts forming a progressive sequence. The progressive sequence includes inserts having corrective structures that are incrementally closer to a final corrective structure than a corrective structure of a previous insert in the sequence. The corrective structure of the inserts may change in one or more of shape, thickness and firmness of at least one portion of the at least one insert as compared to the previous insert in the sequence. Each of the inserts of the set is worn for a period of time in order of the progressive sequence as part of the footwear sole and/or orthotic.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for conditioning a foot surface by contacting a foot surface with an article designed to contact foot surfaces for the purpose of abrading, moisturizing and otherwise conditioning a foot surface.

Abstract: IonSole fluid orthotic massaging insoles are a unique insole appliance made 1/16th inch thick utilizing glycerin gel infused with negative ion minerals; sealed in a pocket which forms the base of the product. The product is formed in the shape of a foot and is provided in multiple sizes with cut/trim lines to accommodate the adjustment of size to an individual foot. The pocket contains other seal points which cause the glycerin, infused with negative ion powder, to pulse around these points and stimulate the muscles on the bottoms of the feet. Walking or running action stirs up the negative ions and this along with the massaging glycerin, will help stimulate blood circulation and help reduce the stresses and forces on the bones, joints, and muscles of the feet. The feet will feel younger, and the foot fatigue will subside.

Abstract: An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneus bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.

Abstract: An absorbent footwear liner comprising an upper absorbent layer and a lower layer comprising an adhesive equal in size to the upper layer for adhering the liner to substantially the entire surface of a footbed for absorbing and dissipating moisture thereon and preventing foot slippage on a shoe footbed due to perspiration.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe includes at least a plate of thermoplastic material and a heating element. The thermoplastic plate is fully customizable. Fully customizable soles for shoes with heating elements, and a method for obtaining insoles or soles, especially for winter shoes are also described.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting a user relative to a support surface is provided. The cushion has material with sufficient flexibility to deform under a weight of the user and sufficient resilience to return to its original state when the weight is removed. A supporting face contacts the support surface and is characterized by a plurality of points. The supporting face is contoured such that, when the cushion is in an unloaded configuration, a first subset of the plurality of points contact the support surface and a second subset of the plurality of points do not contact the support surface. When a user then sits on the cushion so that it is in a loaded configuration, at least some of the points in the second subset are displaced under the user's weight and contact the support surface. The cushion thus both bends and compresses to distribute the weight of the user.

Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a footwear portion including a core including a plurality of plates. A first one of the plurality of plates is hingedly attached, at one or more edges of the first plate, to one or more substantially adjacent other plates in the plurality of plates. Each hinge hingedly attaching an edge of the first plate to another plate joins less than the entire respective hingedly attached edge to a corresponding one of the one or more substantially adjacent other plates and is integrally connected to the first plate.

Abstract: A material that is capable of stopping high-speed projectiles but yet is sufficiently flexible for use in various applications, such as to be used in footwear to protect a person's feet, especially the bottoms thereof is achieved by an enhanced ballistic material formed from interleaving layers of a ballistic material and layers of a gel matrix material that remains relatively soft and flexible. The ballistic material layer may be high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers that are arranged in a mesh weave. Preferably the gel matrix material is capable of investing the ballistic material, e.g., by having the gel matrix material fill the interstices of the fibers, which may be achieved through the use of heat and/or pressure. Furthermore, the combined material, i.e., the enhanced ballistic material, may be shaped, e.g., by molding.

Abstract: A sockliner for use in a shoe assembly designed to strategically distribute underfoot pressure and to facilitate air circulation within a shoe. The sockliner includes a base having a top face, a bottom face and a plurality of perforation holes positioned across the length of the base and extending therethrough. The sockliner further includes a plurality of ventilation grooves located along a peripheral edge of the sockliner designed to cooperate with the perforation holes to encourage air flow. The bottom face of the sockliner further includes a plurality of zones, each zone including a plurality of lugs which are strategically designed and located to support the weight of the wearer and provide cushioning to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shoe insert having a raised heel creating a rigid inner sole extending from the heel to the end of the arch of the foot such that any athletic shoe can be modified for use as a weight lifting shoe by inserting the shoe insert. The insert is capable of being secured into any footwear, thus eliminating the cost of specific shoes for weight lifting activities.

Abstract: A insole pad (1; 51) for placement on top of an inner sole of footwear and adapted in use to cover only an area of that inner sole that is substantially smaller than the human footprint. The insole pad (1; 51) includes a relatively thin, sheet-like body that has an upper surface (33) and a lower surface (41) and an outer periphery (25). The lower surface (41) has sticky or adhesive properties, and is interrupted by recessed areas arranged in a pattern (5; 55). The pattern (5; 55) is configured to include a plurality of channels combined to be at least intersecting or joining, so as to define a plurality of differently sized non-recessed lower surface areas. At least a portion of the channels vary in width, while the pattern has a varying density to provide high and low cushioning values in predefined areas A, B, C; G).

Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: A heel stabilization device includes a plurality of bumps formed on a shoe midsole or a shoe pad at predetermined locations corresponding to a foot heel in order to alter the contact forces at the locations when the foot heel is put into contact with the shoe pad or the shoe midsole. Thus, when a human body is standing or walking, a balance condition can be achieved to improve the discomfort of human body caused by long standing or walking.

Abstract: A shoe insert liner or no-show sock configured to detachably adhere to an interior cavity of a shoe is provided. In one embodiment, the shoe insert liner includes a liner having an exterior surface and an adhesive bonded to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the liner. The liner includes a longitudinal portion, opposing first and second lateral portions extending in a first direction from opposite sides of the longitudinal portion, and opposing front and rear portions extending in the first direction from opposite ends of the longitudinal portion. Together, the longitudinal, lateral, front, and rear portions of the liner define an interior cavity and an opening configured to receive a user's foot.

Abstract: A support arranged for disposition within a shoe, boot or sandal, to raise the arch of the foot by everting the forefoot and inverting the rearfoot, thereby locking the midtarsal joint. The support basically comprises a base portion and a wedge portion. The base portion has an upper surface on which the wedge portion is disposed. The wedge portion includes a medial side edge and a lateral side edge and extends from the base of all five metatarsals of the person's foot to the heads of all five metatarsals. The wedge portion tapers in thickness from at least the midline of the wedge portion to the medial side edge. The wedge portion includes an anterior portion that is tapered to the sulcus section of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A footwear article that has an insert pad filled with loose particulate material which is configured within the pad to provide the feeling of walking on a sandy beach and with the same massage affect to the foot as walking on a sandy beach. The pad is particularly configured to prevent the loose particulate material inside of it from flowing to the sides of the pad and destroying the massaging affect.

Abstract: A gel pad for use in a sockliner designed to strategically support the weight of the wearer and to distribute underfoot pressure. The gel pad includes a base having a top face, a bottom face and a central floor portion associated with the bottom face, an outer flange positioned on the perimeter of the bottom face surrounding the central floor portion, and a plurality of spaced apart hollow pillars positioned across the surface of the central floor portion. The network of hollow pillars support the body weight of the wearer without bottoming out and the pillars are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow for expansion horizontally when the pillars are compressed vertically. Each of the pillars may be substantially octagonally shaped.

Abstract: A shoe or footwear insert pad is configured to fit over at least part of the forward portion of the sole, extending under the toes and ball of a wearer's foot. The pad has an upper face, a lower face, a forward edge, a rear edge, and inner and outer edges, with the inner and outer edges conforming to the shape of corresponding inner and outer edges of the sole of the footwear. A foot stop bar or rib on the inner face of the pad extends in a selected, at least partially curved path from the inner edge to the outer edge configured to match the curve of the space at the base of a wearer's toes where the toes meet the remainder of the foot. In one example, the position of the foot stop bar on the pad is adjustable for wearers' having different foot sole topographies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an orthotic device used for controlling motion of a human foot in a functionally corrected anatomical position from heel strike through toe off. The orthotic device may include at least one of rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toe regions. In each region corresponding medial and lateral wedges may be employed. In the rearfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect at an expected contact location of a medial side of a midline of a heel of the human foot. In the midfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of a first cuneiform bone and a cuboid bone. In the forefoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth metatarsal bones. In the toe region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth toes.

Abstract: The invention is a shoe that has a variable length and flexible shape realized because of a flexible sectional sole and a flexible upper corresponding to the forefoot section of the user's foot. These flexible portions of the shoe permit bending of the forefoot relative to the rest of the shoe to change the length and shape of the forefoot and the length of the upper vamp of the shoe in order to allow a player to achieve maximum results in sports where feet and shoes are the player's tools, where the shoe aids in using the maximum number of sweet spots of the shoe for control, distance, and accuracy. The invention is an improvement over the prior art by allowing a user to better approximate the natural flexibility of bare feet as opposed to rigid shoes that limit a player's ability to use the natural flexibility of their feet.

Abstract: An article of footwear which has a body consisting of a polymer material, and which is shaped to closely surround a wearer's foot during use. The article of footwear has a planar insert locatable within the body portion to improve the puncture resistance of the footwear. The body may be formed as a single homogenous piece of moulded material and is deformable between a storage condition and an in use condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthotic insole 1 comprising a cupped heel plate 2 with an extension portion 3 extending forward of the heel plate 2 and terminating in the region of the talonavicular junction on the plantar aspect of the foot, the extension portion is cut away at both a lateral portion 4 and medial portion 5 so that the extension portion forms a central band. The insole supports and facilitates motion and alignment of the arches of the foot by the application of a dorsiflexory force, a force applied in an upward direction, to a defined central area whilst facilitating medial and lateral movement of the foot by only primarily supporting the central portion of the calcaneum (heel bone) and plantar aponeurosis (plantar fascia) from its origin at the calcaneum tuberosity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: A shoe construction and method of constructing a shoe may include a shoe upper, and a midsole band configured to be stitched around a periphery of the shoe upper separated from a lowermost periphery of the shoe upper by a distance. The midsole band may be folded over the stitched periphery toward the lowermost periphery. The midsole band may be stitched around the lowermost periphery of the shoe upper. An insole board may be attached to an upper surface of the lowermost periphery of the stitched shoe upper and midsole band. An outsole may be attached to a lower surface of the lowermost periphery of the stitched shoe upper and midsole band, and to a lower surface of the insole board, such that the stitched shoe upper and midsole band do not overlay the outsole. An insole pad may be inserted into the shoe construction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aid for inducing a physiologically desirable movement. The aid comprises upper and lower surfaces, defining therebetween a thickness of the aid. The aid also comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper surface of the aid and capable of engaging a body portion of a user for inducing discomfort in the body portion. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the aid to induce the physiologically desirable movement in a subject in need thereof and kits including one or more aids.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper that defines an interior void, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a foot-supporting insert that is positionable within a lower area of the void and removable from the void. A system having a protrusion and an indentation may be utilized to, for example, secure the insert within the void. As an example, a protrusion may extend outward from a surface of the void, and the insert may define an indentation in a corresponding location and with a corresponding shape. When the insert is positioned within the void, the protrusion will extend into the indentation. The locations, shapes, numbers and overall configuration of the protrusion and indentation may vary significantly.

Abstract: A support for an article of foot wear including a dynamic support that is capable of molding to a portion of a plantar surface of a foot. The dynamic support includes a plurality of independently movable particles.

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