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

Abstract: A sports shoe is proposed which comprises an upper and a sole, the latter having its bottom side provided with a pattern of traction assisting means for penetrating the surface of a lawn or hard court, in which the walking sole is directly bonded to the interior of the upper by injection-molding for reducing the weight and simultaneously maintaining the mechanical strength and flexibility, and only the traction assisting means project towards outside through the upper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable shoe insole strip which includes top and bottom layers, each layer having outer edge portions and may include a deodorizing and/or antiperspirant agent impregnated within. The shoe insole strip may be clear, transparent, colored transparent or may include designs and patterns to add interest to a shoe's insoles. The top layer is preferably formed into a thin, transparent strip in the shape of at least a portion of a foot sole with a non-slippery, sweat absorbent surface for providing protection from sweat, dust, dirt and/or other stains e.g. spilt liquids, colored juices, etc., which discolor a shoe's insoles. The bottom layer includes a transparent layer of adhesive for removably attaching the shoe insole strip to a shoe's interior and/or the easy removal of the shoe insole strip from the footwear once the shoe insole strip is worn and/or ready to be discarded after use.

Abstract: An article of footwear is constructed to dynamically provide width adjustment by cooperative expansion and contraction of a longitudinal split midsole with an expansion element integrated with an outsole that allows the midsole to expand from a narrow width to a wider width. The upper of the shoe has a corresponding section that can expand to a similar degree as the midsole and outsole to enable the volume of the upper to increase proportionally to the width of the sole.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a shoe which is characterized in that internal areas of the shoe that face the foot of a wearer which delimit a shoe interior have an adhesive resin coating with flock fibers having a thickness of about 0.5 dtex to about 5 dtex and a length of about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, whereby the flock fibers face the foot of a wearer and convey to the wearer a soft sensation.

Abstract: A system of progressively-sized orthotic inserts is provided to allow increasing measured support that corresponds with the changes that occur in a child's arch as the foot develops. The orthotic insert system is designed to address the specific needs found in the foot for children of ages of about 2-8 years. Each of the plurality of inserts is designed to encompass two shoe sizes and vary in arch height relative to the insert length so that motion control and stabilization for the child's foot is provided. In addition, a contoured heel cup and rear foot post is provided to position the foot in a neutral position.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a sole and an insole. The sole comprises an upper surface being in contact with the lower surface of the insole. Said upper surface of the sole comprises at least two depressions being complementary with embossments provided on the lower surface of the insole, allowing a pivoting movement of the front and/or back portion of the insole against the lower outsole surface of the shoe in, at least, an essentially transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, when the foot wearing the shoe is pivoted against ground. To support this movement the insole is more rigid than the outsole and is attached to the outsole.

Abstract: The shoe insert can be inserted into any shoe and placed between a toe area of a foot and an inner surface of a shoe upper. The shoe insert includes an insert body to cover and protect the toe area of the foot. The insert body is removably coupled to an inner surface of a shoe upper. An adhesive surface is disposed on an upper surface of the insert body to secure the insert body to the inner surface of the shoe upper. The insert body also includes an inner lining for providing comfort to the toe area. A looped band, coupled to the insert body, is placed over a tongue of the shoe for displaying that the insert body is being worn by a user.

Abstract: An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

Abstract: A shoe structure is composed of a vamp, an insole and an outsole. The insole and its balanced plate are made of a botanic cornstarch synthetic resin. A support plate made of a bamboo sheet in different styles is disposed between the insole and the outsole, so that the integrated shoe structure can absorb forces exerted onto a foot sole to reduce the force and achieve a shock absorption effect and an anti-shock effect by the elasticity of fibers distributed on the support plate, so as to reduce the burden of the foot sole without feeling an increased weight, and the shoe structure made of a botanic material gives the effects of using an easily available material, lowering cost, and protecting environment.

Abstract: An article of footwear is constructed to dynamically provide width adjustment by cooperative expansion and contraction of a longitudinal split midsole with an expansion element integrated with an outsole that allows the midsole to expand from a narrow width to a wider width. The upper of the shoe has a corresponding section that can expand to a similar degree as the midsole and outsole to enable the volume of the upper to increase proportionally to the width of the sole.

Abstract: A moisture and shock absorbing footpad is disclosed which wicks moisture away from the feet while reducing the friction produced by any additional footwear that is worn in conjunction with the footpad. The footpad is especially beneficial when used with skimmers, ballet flats and other stylish footwear trends. The footpad also proves beneficial when worn with open-toed shoes due to its minimalist appearance. In order to achieve environmental consciousness, its fabrication is simple enough to be hand-stitched and constructed from one hundred percent natural cotton fiber. The footpad also acts to line the bottom of shoes that often get filled with debris and possibly grow mold spores or fungi. In this manner, it can protect the feet from calluses, blisters, and infection, but generally serves to keep the user clean and comfortable. In one embodiment, the footpad comprises a pull tab in the form of a loop of material that is sewn onto the heel portion, which provides stability when inserting one's foot.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing elastic sheet comprises a single sheet of elastic material having a flat sheet-like base portion and a large number of semispherical protrusions integral with and projecting from one surface of the flat base portion. The semispherical protrusions are arranged in direct contact with one another such that every adjacent three or more of the semispherical protrusions jointly define a valley therebetween. The sheet-like base portion has a large number of breathing holes formed therein, each of the breathing holes being located at a position corresponding to the position of one of the respective valleys. A cushion pad produced from the elastic sheet, a sole insert and a shoe in which the cushion pad is incorporated are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable fit insole system for shoes includes an insole member formed of flexible, resilient cushioning material that is removably inserted within the foot-receiving chamber of the shoe, the insole member and the shoe having corresponding heel, arch, ball and toe portions. In order to vary the internal width and girth dimensions of the ball portion of the chamber, a width adjustment pad of a desired thickness and/or hardness is removably connected with the bottom surface of the ball portion of the insole member, thereby to permit the user to customize the fit of the shoe. The top surface of the insole member is contoured to position the foot relative to the insole, and the bottom surface of the heel portion of the insole member is provided with an anti-slip stabilizing arrangement, thereby to prevent sliding movement of the insole member relative to the shoe.

Abstract: A garment or footwear based on a synthetic thermoplastic polymer material containing (a) an antibacterial agent selected from phenolic antimicrobial compounds of the formula (I) wherein n is 0 or preferably 1, R1 and R2 are hydrogen or chloro, R3 is hydroxyl or preferably hydrogen, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen or chloro, R7 is hydroxyl, and X is a direct bond, —NHCONH—, —CH2— or preferably —O—; and (b) an antifungal agent selected from benzimidazole fungicides, triazoles, 2,4-bis(alkylamino)pyrimidines, isothiazolinon fungicides, 10,10?-oxy-bis-phenoxyarsen, zinc pyrithione has good antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: A nano-silver footwear orthotic includes at least two removable inserts. The footwear orthotic and/or the at least two removable inserts are composed of a nano-silver copolymer being copolymer with silver nano-particles therein. In one aspect, the copolymer is a thermoplastic elastomer. The nano-silver copolymer has anti-microbial effects and ensures biocompatibility with known undesirable microorganisms. Corresponding manufacturing processes prepare the silver nano-particles with a silver nitrate solution and a sodium borohydride solution and add the silver nano-particles to a master batch and a base material to form the nano-silver copolymer in a mold cavity. The mold cavity may be constructed to form the nano-silver footwear orthotic and/or a removable insert therein. Alternatively, the nano-silver copolymer may be formed within the nano-silver footwear orthotic itself to form a removable insert.

Abstract: An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe. In one embodiment the article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge. A first elevated portion is provided comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to the toe end of the base portion. A second elevated portion is present having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the first elevated portion.

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 shoe outsole and method of manufacture wherein the outsole, or various components thereof such as various inserts and/or additional layers associated with a particular outsole, are formed using various scrap materials generated during the shoe manufacturing process such as leather, leather dust, jute, and other fibrous material, the scrap materials being used as a filler material and being mixed with various elastomeric materials to form the shoe outsole and various components thereof. The outsole can be formed as a substantially one-piece unit, or it can be formed as a base sole layer having one or more additional layers associated therewith including inserts associated with the forefoot and heel regions of the outsole.

Abstract: A main body of a shoe sole includes a recess formed at an upper surface thereof and a non-slip cushion sheet attached to a bottom surface thereof, wherein pluralities of air chamber grooves are formed in the recess at a front portion of the main body and an air chamber groove is formed in the recess at a rear portion of the main body. A shoe liner covers open upper portions of the air chamber grooves so as to provide pluralities of tunnel-type air chambers. An outer periphery of the shoe liner is attached to an outer periphery of the upper surface of the main body and other portions of the shoe liner are inserted into the recess. The binding line between the shoe liner and the main body is snugly positioned within the interior boundary of the main body.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a disposable sock with an inner liquid impermeable layer on the portion that covers the sole of the foot, and a breathable outer layer that encases the liquid impermeable layer and encases the remaining portion of the foot. The characteristics of the present invention increase circulation in the foot, aid in the absorption of a multitude of compounds, including lotions, ointments, or therapeutics to the foot, while minimizing bacterial growth, are cost efficient, lightweight and easy to use.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: An insole has a heel support including a projection that presses and stimulates the tibial nerve and the medial sural cutaneous nerve, which are located in the proximity of the tuber calcanei of the foot. The insole corrects the shape of the arch of the sole and thus improves blood circulation.

Abstract: A sole for footwear, formed by an upper surface which, on at least part of the heel region and the plantar arch region, at its outer edge, is lower than its inner edge. The highest point of the upper surface is arranged approximately at the radiographic projection of the scapho-cuneiform joint of the foot of the user on the sole.

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: Disclosed herein is a flexible contoured footbed insole for footwear for providing an anatomically correct foot support to a wearer of the footwear. The flexible contoured footbed insole comprises a heel section and a support system extending anteriorly from the heel section. The heel section comprises a cup shaped structure for accommodating a heel of a foot of the wearer. The support system comprises an inner longitudinal arch support, an outer longitudinal arch support, a transverse arch support, a metatarsal arch support, and a toe support for supporting an inner longitudinal arch, an outer longitudinal arch, a transverse arch, a metatarsal arch, and toes of the foot of the wearer respectively. The flexible contoured footbed insole may further comprise a flexible structure disposed within the support system. The flexible structure provides flexibility and freedom of movement to the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A remote control pulse current massage shoe having a shoe sole, a shoe insole, and vamp connected with the shoe sole. The shoe insole is equipped with insulated positive pole and negative pole. The shoe sole is equipped with a pulse generator to generate pulse current. A remote control signal receiver is used to receive control signal from the outside remote controller for controlling the switch of the pulse generator, voltage stiffness and frequency. The remote control signal receiver is connected with the pulse signal generator. The device permits easy adjustment and simple operation on the pulse current massage shoe by users or other people.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for design of a foot orthotic, and a foot orthotic device designed in accord therewith. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. In the method, sequential pressure is applied to regions on a plantar foot surface, and positional information is obtained 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: The invention relates to a midsole structure having an airbag in the rear portion or from the rear portion to the front portion for Masai walking specialized shoes, wherein a connecting panel shank comprising the front shank and rear shank coupled with a connecting panel is built such that rolling movement of three steps occurs actively during walking three steps of landing, center moving and leaving step and an arch styled finger pressure effect occurs because the front and rear shank are compressed.

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: Disclosed are methods and systems for design of a foot orthotic, and a foot orthotic device designed in accord therewith. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. In the method, sequential pressure is applied to regions on a plantar foot surface, and positional information is obtained 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: There are provided in accordance with the present invention adjustable orthopedic insoles including a foothold having a base frame, a medial arc support and a tarsal support, so that a camber located beneath the medial arc support provides a clearance located between the foothold, and at least one arcuate abutment mountable in the aforementioned camber. Conjointly, a methods of adjusting orthopedic insoles to a user employing a set of adjustable orthopedic insoles including selecting the most comfortable combination of the footholds and arcuate abutments and of adjusting metatarsal support of the orthopedic insoles of by selecting the most comfortable metatarsal insert are further disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided in which the footbed is formed from a shoe last which is considerably thicker at the metatarsal region than conventional footwear permitting a much thicker insole to be received within the footbed. The thicker insole of a ?? or greater throughout permits a range of different durometers of material to be used to ensure that maximum compression of the material is not reached through a stepping motion of a user of the footwear. A metatarsal insert and a combined heel and arch insert are received within respective cavities in a body of the insole so that durometers of the heel, arch and metatarsal region of the insole can be customized to a particular user's needs. The combined effect of the resulting thicker insole and varying durometers of the inserts therein results in a users applied weight being substantially evenly distributed across an entire footprint of the footwear during a stepping motion.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe includes an insole for fitting into a shoe and a molded support structure fitted within the insole and a plurality of arch carriers, each of which is shaped to fit in a matting relationship with the molded support structure, where a user selects one of the plurality of arch carriers and inserts the arch carrier into the molded support structure.

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear. The cushioning member is a flexible bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber. The bladder is disposed above the sole and beneath the wearer's foot to provided added cushioning to the wearer. The bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure and can be formed by thermoforming or by welding two sheets of resilient, flexible material together. A connecting passage fluidly connects the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber. The connecting passage is narrow to control the flow of air between the two chambers.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and a number of pods on the underside of the insole core or base. Some of the pods have different material properties selected to help control foot motion.

Abstract: Provided is an arch support insole to be inserted into a shoe. The insole should satisfy tasks for a wearer as follows: (1) improvement of wearing feeling by maximally reducing the thickness of the insole, (2) reduction of fatigue on walking by maximally preventing transmission of shocks, and (3) sufficient support of the arch of the wearer by maintaining an original shape of the arch support part. In addition, these tasks should be solved by a minimum number of manufacturing processes and minimum cost.

Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.

Abstract: A shoe shock absorbing and support system that is able to cushion the impact of a heel striking a surface to reduce injury and fatigue and to compensate for uneven surfaces while minimizing injury to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cushion layer formed of a soft, shock-absorption material is incorporated into the heel. The present invention also provides a multiple layer contour system that provides stability and cushioning without greatly increasing the thickness of the inner sole of the shoe.

Abstract: An inner sole for an insole has a body made of flexible material and adapted to be laid on an insole of a shoe. Liquid containing spaces are formed in the body of the inner sole for sealingly and flowably containing liquid. Dam portions divide the liquid containing spaces into a toe region, a heel region and a middle region between the two. Orifices communicate the liquid between mutually adjacent regions. The orifice formed by the dam portions that divides the liquid containing spaces into the heel region and the middle region opens toward one side edge portion to cause an eddy of liquid, flowing from the heel region into the middle region, that substantially fills the whole middle region.

Abstract: A method for increasing an exertion associated with a stride of a person is provided. The method including; providing a platform operatively engaged with a surface of a footwear worn by the person and upon which is exerted a weight of the person; and storing a potential energy of the person upon exertion of the weight on the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of footwear which has an integrated midfoot roll and of which the upper is connected to an insole and an outsole shell (5). According to the invention, the outsole shell (5) contains two mouldings (3, 4) located one above the other, wherein the moulding (4), which is arranged at the bottom of the outsole shell (5), is harder than the moulding (3), which is located on top, and the outsole shell (5), and wherein the top moulding (3) is softer than the outsole shell (5).

Abstract: [Objects] It is an object to provide a foam having a low specific gravity and a small compression set, more preferably a foam having a low specific gravity, a small compression set and uniform quality, a foaming composition, and applications of the foam. [Means for Solution] The foam is obtained by foaming an olefin polymer, wherein the foam has a specific gravity (d) in the range of 0.03 to 0.30, and a compression set (CS, %) and the specific gravity (d) satisfy the formula of CS??279×(d)+95. The foam is preferably obtained from a foaming composition that includes an ethylene polymer (A) including a specific ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A1) and an ethylene/polar monomer copolymer (A2) in a specific mass ratio, and a specific ethylene/C3-20 ?-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer (B).

Abstract: A sandal including a molded rubber outsole configured to support a lower surface of a foot including a heel, midfoot, and a forefoot; a toe cap extending from the outsole and configured to cover a top of at least a portion of the forefoot, the toe cap molded integrally with the outsole; and a plurality of sandal straps fixed to the outsole to retain the sandal on the foot, at least one of the sandal straps fixed to the toe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sole structure of footwear which makes it possible for a user to walk in a special position such that a toe part is in a raised state, thus providing an exercise effect, and is constructed such that the inclination of the footwear can be smoothly changed forwards and backwards based on a metatarsal bone part, so that the user can naturally conduct exercise. To achieve the above purposes, the present invention comprises a main sole, which has an outline that approximately corresponds to an outline of a foot sole, a front cushion sole, which is coupled to a portion of the main sole which is ahead of the metatarsal bone part, and a rear cushion sole, which is coupled to a portion of the main sole which is behind of the metatarsal bone part.

Abstract: A plantar insole has bearing areas (6, 7, 8, 9) of the main surface which are provided with a rigidity or hardness which are less with respect to other areas (10-13) of the main surface. These areas (6-9) are arranged under the major bearing areas of a foot, i.e. under toes, under the metatarsal heads, under the heel and under the external bearing area of the foot, making it possible to attain a compromise between the necessity of an impact absorption and stabilization of the foot in a shoe. The insole may be adapted to any type of footwear.

Abstract: A cushioned insole includes a top cushion, a Texon brand or similar insole support layer, and a cushion insert that establishes a cushioned insole forepart through its entire thickness. The cushioning is established with the cushion insert positioned through an open forepart of the Texon. The cushion insert may either be positioned against the top cushion overlaying the open Texon forepart, or extending through an open forepart of the top cushion.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: An insole includes a layer of foam material which is infused with an aloe extract to provide relief to dry, cracked or itchy feet, facilitate cell renewal and reduce odor. The aloe extract is typically in the form of aloe barbadensis leaf juice. The foam material typically includes ethylene vinyl acetate foam although other foams may be used, such as rubber foam, latex foam, polyethylene foam and polyurethane foam.