Abstract: An article of footwear including a footwear upper and a sole assembly secured to the footwear upper. The sole assembly has a forefoot portion and a heel portion, and includes an outsole, a midsole disposed on the outsole and an instability insert disposed between the outsole and the midsole in the forefoot portion of the sole assembly. The instability insert causes a forefoot protrusion to be defined by the outsole in the forefoot portion of the sole assembly.

Abstract: A fabric-covered fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong-cut device system comprising: a top substrate having fabric covering; a bottom substrate having fabric covering; a high viscosity fluid-filled arch supporting, massaging and comforting-medium; a series of dot welds placed distally of the metatarsal arch; a series of dot welds on a longitudinal arc through the medial arch; a longitudinal swatch weld towards the lateral mid-foot for directional flow and restriction of fluid towards the lateral mid foot; a rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation; a front bladder seal seam; a heel dot weld; and a single forwardly-orientated indented trim line. The design permits the orthotic to be positioned into closed in shoes for transferring further towards the front of the a thong cut sandal to provide a ‘correct fit’ without losing any effectiveness of the arch support or therapeutic value while eliminating all unnecessary trim lines.

Abstract: Support liners and cushions which include including a plurality of compressible protrusions. An arrangement is provided for interconnecting the compressible protrusions, the interconnecting arrangement being adapted to ensure strict compression of the compressible protrusions upon acceptance of a compressive force.

Abstract: A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external boot assembly and a dual-layered insert. The external boot comprises a reinforced upper portion and a back portion having a reinforced outside surface and an inside surface. The boot is connected to a pant leg by a top connecting cuff. The dual-layered insert comprises an inner fabric sock for over-foot wear and a waterproof outer elastomeric sock for nesting in the inner fabric sock in a water-tight manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides individual solutions to workplace fatigue and stress by determining the specific support needed for each individual. Specifically, the present invention defines and utilizes an ergonomic interaction factor to enable selection of a proper fitting shoe. Such selection occurs in one embodiment by dividing a person's weight by the contact area of the bottom of their feet.

Abstract: A shoe construction comprising an outsole constructed from a slip resistant material and a wedge shaped cushion member having a rounded and beveled shaped lower surface bonded to the outsole. A midsole body member is bonded to the cushion member having a torsion spring member secured to the midsole body member. The torsion member assists in stabilizing the shoe construction by directing an outer surface of the outsole to a preferred position, while the lower surface is constructed and arranged to provide a curved rocker-like surface whereby the outsole remains in contact with the ground, and requires muscle control, throughout a walking step.

Abstract: A slippers structure comprises: a sole, a toe post and a vamp. The sole is defined with a concave, and close to a middle of both lateral edges of the sole is formed a protruding portion, respectively, a bottom of the sole is an arc-shaped surface. The toe post has one end integrally formed with the concave, and a head portion at the other end of the toe post has a larger diameter than the post portion. The vamp has two ends integral with the protruding portions of the sole and is located around an outer periphery of a rear half of the sole, an engaging portion extends from the inner edge to near a center of the vamp, the vamp can be folded upward over the sole from its two ends connected to the two protruding portions so as to make the toe post engage in the engaging portion.

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: An insole (102) for a shoe is provided, having a display surface (116), preferably disposed on an insert, for the display of information when the insole is in place in a shoe. A shoe (10), for example a sports shoe, is also provided having a receiver disposed on its external surface. The receiver retains an insert having a display surface, visible when the shoe is being worn and adapted for the display of information. The display surface may carry a brand or other design and/or emit light or sound by means of a suitable emission device. An accessory for a shoe comprises a mount for securing to a shoe, the mount having a display surface adapted to be visible when the shoe is being worn. The mount preferably holds an insert of the kind mentioned above.

Abstract: A corrective insole for treating defective positioning in the metatarsal and forefoot areas of the foot which includes an insole including at least two strap mechanisms a toe strap and a metatarsal strap such that the metatarsal strap encircles the metatarsal area of the foot to enable optimum correction of defective positioning associated with conditions such as hallux valgus.

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

Abstract: A sock constructed with an insole comprising of an insole and a sock having a sock body and an opening. The sock, having a sock sole comprised of an inner and an outer sock sole. A pocket is formed between the two sock soles where an insole is to be placed and securely sealed in. The foot of the wearer is to rest on the inner sock sole; thereby, ensuring that the foot of the wearer is not to rest on the insole directly. In conclusion, a sock constructed with an insole prevents the wearer from having to transfer the insoles between different pairs of shoes and offers continuing comfort to the wearer once the shoes are removed.

Abstract: A shoe structure having an exterior upper, an interior upper, an insole and an outsole. The interior upper has an upper opening with a peripheral edge at the upper end of the interior upper and a lower opening with a peripheral edge at the lower sole-side end of the interior upper, with the interior upper also having a rear or heel area, two side areas and a front area with a seam running between the upper and lower openings. The seam runs from the upper opening on the one side over the front area to the lower opening on the other side.

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 system of two different styrenic thermoplastic elastomers is disclosed. One styrenic thermoplastic elastomer is vinyl-isoprene styrene-isoprene-styrene which is known for its shock-damping properties. The other styrenic thermoplastic elastomer is oil absorbing and known for softness on the Shore A hardness scale. The system includes plasticizer oil. The system can be molded into articles that can provide dissipation of impact energy, for shock absorbing elastomeric uses, such as seals, closures, shoe insoles, and other goods.

Abstract: An orthotic insert system which is configured to be inserted into footwear utilizes an orthotic member consisting of a posted orthotic element with a rear heel section and a forwardly extending arch support section tapered downwardly away from the rear heel section. The rear heel section of the posted orthotic element has first and second lateral walls of different heights and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces extending between the lateral walls. One end of the upper surface is the height of the first lateral wall and the other end of the upper surface is the height of the second lateral wall. The upper surface has a gradual slope as it extends from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall. The orthotic member also has a rim which overlays the upper surface of the rear heel section. An insole member is positioned within the orthotic member. The orthotic member is not attached to the footwear nor is the insole member attached to the orthotic member.

Abstract: A shoe insole with one or more ultraviolet LEDs that is used to prevent or eliminate foot fungus. In the preferred embodiment the built-in LED and battery combination will have a designed lifetime that coincides with the designated shelf life of the insole. In the preferred embodiment the insole would be a replaceable insole and would be disposed of after its designated lifetime or sent in for recycling.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region for supporting the remainder of the foot, at least in part. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area relative to the remainder of the first region having a medial border portion and a lateral border portion, wherein the depression has its lowest point skewed to the medial side of center, whereby to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase.

Abstract: A shoe system is provided that comprises a removable upper unit and a sole unit that can be interconnected utilizing respective upper and lower connecting means. The sole unit can include a support panel that can extend substantially continuously about a periphery of the sole unit. A lower portion of the support panel can be connected to an interior area of the sole unit and an upper portion can extend generally upwardly from the lower portion and be disposed circumferentially within the interior of a lower connecting means along the sole periphery. The support panel can be so configured so as to provide structural strength to the shoe system when worn to resist transverse force and reduce tactile friction of the user's foot against the upper and lower connecting means.

Abstract: A slipper includes a sole, a vamp, and a strap that extends from one side of the vamp to the other. The strap has a generally curved shape with an upper arc, lower arc, and rounded first and second ends. The ends of the strap are connected with the vamp such that the strap is positionable in either a rearward position or a forward position. In the rearward position, the strap supports the heel or ankle of a user. In the forward position, the strap is a vamp cuff. In some versions the strap may be detachable from the vamp altogether. Thus users can choose which strap configuration they desire. In some versions the strap is rotatably positionable and in some other versions the strap is detachable and re-attachable for positioning.

Abstract: Orthopedic insole of the invention consists of a hollow foothold having flexible walls and containing granular filling. The upper surface of an orthopedic insole of the invention is typically molded to conform the anatomical features of a regular human foot. The granular filling contained in the lumen of the foothold and a rigid segment of its bottom wall provide for adapting the curvature angles of the top surface of the foothold to a specific pattern of the foot of a user. A user can typically make a selection from a variety of ready-made insoles having standard sizes which suit his needs. The adaptable orthopedic insoles of the invention are accommodated to common shoes and sandals, boots that are suitable for heavy work, walking, running, and or fashionable or mode shoes.

Abstract: A form-fitted gel insert with a cushioned thickness that extends around and between the toes, below and on top of the front of the foot, wherein the device is generally yielding and resilient in response to impact, wherein toe movement necessary for effective sports play is not hampered, wherein pedicures remain protected from impact damage, wherein anti-bacterial features serve to reduce and/or prevent contamination, and wherein therapeutic ingredients beneficially impact nails and/or skin.

Abstract: Support liners and cushions which include including a plurality of compressible protrusions. An arrangement is provided for interconnecting the compressible protrusions, the interconnecting arrangement being adapted to ensure strict compression of the compressible protrusions upon acceptance of a compressive force.

Abstract: A customisable insert (12) consisting of an integrated insole (14) and midsole (16) customised to match the internal profile of an item of footwear in which it will be used. Preferably, the item of footwear consists solely of an outsole (18) and an upper (20). A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of customising foot support for footwear including the steps of: identifying a foot type of at least one foot of a person; and prescribing a foot support insert type for an item of footwear, the insert type corresponding to the identified foot type. The prescribed insert type comprises an integrated insole (14) and midsole (16) customised to match the internal profile of the item of footwear.

Abstract: A specially designed insert for orthopedic insoles and a process for manufacturing said insole, the use of which prevents the foot from bending excessively at the metatarsal joints, thereby protecting the skin in the area of the metatarsal heads of the forefoot on the bottom of the foot and preventing that skin from stretching, cracking or being otherwise damaged.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first surface configured to attach the apparatus to a second surface of another object, and a plurality of elongated nanofibers. Each nanofiber has one end connected to the first surface and an opposite end extending away from the first surface. The plurality of elongated nanofibers is configured to adhere to the second surface by nanoadhesion when brought into contact with the second surface.

Abstract: A shoe construction and a method for making a shoe wherein an outsole is provided with a raised lip extending around a periphery of the outsole, and an upper is secured to the outsole by a stitch along the lip such that an inside surface of the upper is facing the outside surface of the lip. The shoe construction further includes an inner sole and a vamp lining secured together by a stitch and placed on the inside surface of the upper such as to protect a wearer's foot from the stitch securing the outsole with the upper.

Abstract: The present invention provides orthotic devices for use in managing the treatment and prevention of lower extremity injuries, including foot ulcers. In various aspects, the present invention provides foot-worn orthotics which provide for improved compliance monitoring, and methods of their manufacture and use.

Abstract: An orthotic device is designed to be reused and reapplied in open shoes include an adhesive layer which securely, but temporarily, bonds the insole to a shoe. In some embodiments, the insole both supports and cushions a foot. In other embodiments, the insole solely cushions the foot. The supporting insoles include an arch support and a heel lift. The cushioning insoles include a flat sole pad, a contoured sole pad, a ball of foot pad and a heel spur pad. In some embodiments, a textile covering is included over the insole.

Abstract: A welted footwear construction with a direct-attach outsole and an internal tray containing a low density cushioning material. The welt may be secured to the upper and insole by one line of stitching and to the tray by a second line of stitching. The tray may include separate heel and forefoot cavities, each containing a low density cushioning material. The tray may be manufactured from thermoplastic urethane (“TPU”) and may contain low-density polyurethane (“PU”). The low-density PU may be molded in place within the cavities in the tray. The outsole may be directly attached to the undersurface of the tray, and may be manufactured from high-density PU.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance includes a slab configured to be placed underneath a big toe, forward of and not extending under a head of a first metatarsal, and wherein the slab has a predetermined height and is configured to deflect a proximal phalanx upwardly relative to the first metatarsal. A method for improving stability of a foot during ambulation includes placing an orthopedic appliance, having a predetermined height, under a big toe such that the orthopedic appliance is located forward of and does not extend under a head of a first metatarsal of the big toe; and deflecting a proximal phalanx upwardly relative to the first metatarsal.

Abstract: An adhesive strip for use with a balancing disc for balancing the gait of the user comprises a medial polyester sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. An acrylic adhesive is the disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces. A silicone release sheet is disposed atop the upper layer of acrylic adhesive and a circular polyester sheet is disposed over the lower layer of adhesive. The overlying polyester sheet is scored to facilitate removal of at least a portion thereof in order to expose a portion of the acrylic adhesive for immediate adherence to a surface of an associated balancing disc. After emplacement, the other portion of the polyester sheet is removed to secure the adhesive to the disc. When the silicone release sheet is removed, the disc can then be readily applied to an insole or to a footwear item.

Abstract: The pressure-reducing device has a body, a heel portion and an elevation portion. The body has a thickness and a body-fore end. The heel portion is defined in the body. The elevation portion is defined in the body and has a rear boundary and a fore boundary. The rear boundary is adjacent to the heel portion and is positioned between the heel portion and the body-fore end of the body. The fore boundary is positioned in front of the rear boundary between the rear boundary of the elevation portion and the body-fore end of the body. The thickness of the body decreases from the rear boundary to the fore boundary.

Abstract: An item of footwear for increasing leg-muscle and/or lower-abdominal-/back-muscle tone comprising: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a user; and a sole comprising at least an upper layer, for engaging a foot of a user in use or a further upper layer, and a lower layer, for engaging the ground in use, wherein the upper layer comprises two or more materials of different compressive resistances, or densities, arranged as a frontal/toe region, an arch region and a heel region, the sole is arranged such that application of a user's weight, during use, causes instability in at least one portion of the upper layer, which requires balance correction by a user.

Abstract: A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot is presented. In particular, the footwear assembly comprises an upper engaging component which is cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot during use. In addition, the footwear assembly comprises at least one cooperatively structured insole, midsole and outsole. The insole(s) are disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface of an upper portion of the midsole, and the outsole is disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of the midsole. In addition, the footwear assembly comprises at least one insert disposed between the midsole and the outsole, for example, proximate a front and/or rear portion thereof, and is structured to provide added support and cushioning. Further, an undersurface of the outsole is structured to define an at least partially arcuate contour along its longitudinal length to facilitate a rocking movement during use.

Abstract: A method of injection moulding a sole or a part of the sole of an article of footwear from an expandable material is disclosed. The method is characterised by forming a mould chamber that has at least a main sub-chamber and at least one other sub-chamber and injecting controlled amounts of the expandable material into the sub-chambers so that the sole is formed with different densities of the same expanded material in the sub-chambers.

Abstract: A foldable sandal includes a forefoot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a front portion of a wearer's foot, a rear-foot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a rear portion of the wearer's foot, and a folding member outsole that functions as the folding member and the bottom layer of the sandal. The folding member is operatively coupled to both the forefoot portion and the rear-foot portion wherein the folding member is adapted to enable the foldable sandal to be selectively moved between an open configuration suitable for wearing and a folded configuration suitable for storage. The sandal may also have a retaining member fastened to the folding member outsole or the forefoot portion and/or the rear-foot portion to hold the sandal on the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An insole which is substantially adapted to the profile of a human foot and comprises, in the mid-foot region, an elastically deformable arch facing the foot, characterized in that a reinforcement element is located on the side of the insole facing away from the foot in the region of the arch, said reinforcement element being made of a different material with a greater stiffness than the material of the insole and having a convex shape.

Abstract: An air circulating footbed adapted for insertion into a shoe including first and second layers of material shaped and attached to each other so as to define at least two cavities therebetween, the first cavity being disposed generally in the forefoot region of a shoe and the second cavity being disposed generally in the heel region of a shoe, the first and second cavities being in fluid communication with each other whereby foot pressure exerted by a wearer's foot in the forefoot and heel regions of the footbed during a wearer's walking or running gait will circulate air flow back and forth between the at least two cavities. The cavities may also include low density polyurethane (PU) foam in the density range of 0.20 to 0.50 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: An orthotic insert for a high-heeled shoe may have an asymmetrical heel cup including a depressed central region configured for a heel of a wearer. Features including an elevated medial-side surface along a medial side upper surface declining toward the central region, and a generally longitudinal lateral-side elevation along an upper lateral edge of the heel cup may be configured to provide a predetermined supported calcaneal angle for a wearer, wherein the angle is offset from vertical. An anterior retention structure configured as a rounded hump extending across an anterior region of the heel cup, generally transverse to the elevated medial-side surface, with a middle portion of the rounded hump curved laterally away from a center of the heel cup may be included to prevent anterior calcaneal movement relative to the heel cup.

Abstract: A molded insert, and methods for forming same, for an arch cavity of a boot, such as, but not limited to ice skating boots, or an arch cavity of a shoe, such as, but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, is described. The molded insert can be formed of any moldable material that is substantially firm, yet comfortable, when cured or dried. The moldable material can be used to fill in the arch cavity to form a substantially firm, yet comfortable, surface to support the arch of the wearer's foot, especially in the area corresponding from the beginning of the heel portion of the foot to the beginning of the ball of the foot (e.g., the mid-foot) and includes a vertically extending side portion along the side of the foot's arch, thus providing adequate support for the foot's arch during typical ice skating maneuvers.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the footwear industry and more specifically it concerns a semi-finished monoblock for cold weather footwear. The monoblock is made with two or more materials and directly moulded to an internal insulating insole and subsequently glued or moulded to an external sole. The external sole is chosen according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of the user. The present invention produces a cold weather shoe with functional and aesthetic characteristics that are better than those currently available on the market and with the possibility for them to be moulded also with the accessories required by the relevant legislation covering the specific use designated for the particular cold weather shoe.

Abstract: A molded insert, and methods for forming same, for a rockered foot bed of a boot, such as, but not limited to ice skating boots, or a rockered foot bed of a shoe, such as, but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, is described. The molded insert can be formed of any moldable material that is substantially firm when cured or dried. The moldable material can be used to fill in the concave portion of the rockered foot bed to form a substantially flat or level surface for the bottom of the wearer's foot, especially in the area corresponding from the beginning of the heel portion of the foot to the beginning of the ball of the foot (e.g., the mid-foot), thus providing adequate support for the foot's arch during typical ice skating maneuvers.

Abstract: A forefoot wedge insert, and methods for forming same, are described for a piece of footwear, such as but not limited to ice skating boots, or a shoe, such as but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, for correcting a pronation and/or supination condition wherein the insert permits the subtalar joint of the affected foot to be placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. In this manner, the insert can provide the corrected foot with adequate balance relative to the skate blade during typical ice skating maneuvers. Also described is a skating boot, or shoe, having an adjustable toe cap portion that is selectively operable to be raised up to accommodate the uplifted forefoot portion of the wearer when the forefoot wedge insert is being used.

Abstract: An adjustable shock attenuation system for an insole of a shoe includes an insole body and a pressure controller. The pressure controller uses two pressure controlling modes, and can be adjusted to select between the alternate pressure controlling modes using a rotatable shaft extending from the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin for foam molding wherein the number of fish eyes (FE) having a maximum length of 0.5 mm or more is 50/m2 or more when made into a film having a thickness of 30 ?m, and a thermoplastic resin composition for foam molding containing the above-described resin and a foaming agent.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a footwear insert is disclosed. The footwear insert may include one or more portions configured to generally prevent a foot of a user from sliding or moving toward a forward portion of the footwear. The one or more portions may be endowed with one or more characteristics that benefit the foot of a user.

Abstract: The shoe sole with embedded gemstones is a shoe sole having opposed upper and lower surfaces with a plurality of gemstones being embedded therein, adjacent to the upper surface. The shoe sole includes a base layer, with the plurality of gemstones each partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. Alternatively, a removable insole for shoes may be provided, with the shoe insole similarly forming a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded within the base layer. Similarly, the plurality of gemstones each partially project above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn.

Abstract: A method and kit of parts for measuring the comfortable shape of a foot for a person. The kit comprises front and rear platforms of adjustable height and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot extending between said platforms. The aforementioned components can be adjusted to various settings with a view to determining a comfortable plantar foot shape. The foot shape can then be captured by scanning with an optical or mechanical probe or scanner. A method of making a customized shoe and shoe last on basis of the captured foot shape is also disclosed.