Abstract: Insole constructions for shoes including articulated components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl terminated polyether intermediates and hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediates; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from a branched glycol or is comprised of at least 2 different repeating units; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 Daltons; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender; and wherein the hard segments represent from 10 to 40 weight percent of the total weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The orthopedic foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole. The insole includes a trim line allowing the insole to be adapted to a three quarters length of a full insole. The three quarters length may extend form from the back of the heel to the metatarsal heads. The support component may be constructed from any of a group of materials including polyethylene, polypropylene and polypropylene incorporating glass or silica.

Abstract: A sandal comprised of layered footwear components includes a lower base, a middle member replaceable platform which secures the straps, and an upper member replaceable insole. A hollowed out center area creates a perimeter side wall on the top of the base into which the platform is stored. A frontal (toe area) and rear (heel area) ledge crosses the toe and heel areas of the superior base horizontally. The straps are attached to a platform and secured by a present choice of a hook and loop fastener. The front and rear of the platform is eased under the front and rear ledges on the base. A midpoint lock on the platform further secures the platform to the base. A final top layer insole is secured on top of the platform and under the overlapped straps and placed into the remaining hollow area of the base hiding the shoes components. The straps and insole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot. Platforms and insoles are interchangeable to heel, flat or wedge style bases.

Abstract: A boot for reducing injury from a close range explosion includes a sole unit, an upper, and a shin guard. The sole unit includes at least an outer sole, a shank sheet composite, a shank filler and an insole. At least the shank sheet composite includes a plurality of layers having a pyramid shape and is formed of a strong composite fiber. The upper is attached to the sole unit and is formed of a laminated canvas. The shin guard is connectable to the upper and protects an ankle and leg of a user. The shin guard is formed of a strong composite fiber.

Abstract: A sole includes a base having a first gasbag and a second gasbag respectively received therein. The first gasbag and the second gasbag communicate with each other by multiple windpipes. Multiple through holes are respectively and laterally defined in two opposite walls of the base and respectively communicating with the first cavity and the second cavity. Each through hole has a check valve mounted therein. A first airtight cover is mounted to the first gasbag for closing the first gasbag and a second airtight cover is mounted to the second gasbag for closing the second gasbag. The first airtight cover has a blowing hole defined therein and communicates with the first gasbag. The second airtight cover has multiple blowing holes defined therein and communicating with the second gasbag. A ventilative insole connected to the first airtight cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent shoe insole intended to internally line the outsole or sole thereof in order to improve its comfort. The insole is formed from a first profusely perforated water-repellent layer (1) of natural leather or another similar material, a second layer (3) of an absorbent, microporous and hydrophilic material, only allowing the passage of perspiration in a downward direction, a third layer (4) of a purely absorbent material, based on micro-fibers collecting the moisture from the previous layer, a fourth layer (5) based on an open pore heat-formed material acting as a moisture conductor towards the fifth and final layer (6), also of an absorbent material based on micro-fibers and acting as a final moisture collector. An insole with a multi-layer structure is thus achieved, fulfilling the double function of being absorbent and transpirable in addition to forming a flexible, adaptable and shock-absorbing base for the foot of the user.

Abstract: The invention is a therapeutic device, manifest as an improvement to footwear generally. The improvement is the inclusion/affixing of a visual reference, for the purpose of suppressing the energy of that to which is referred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a customer with a footbed. A kiosk provides measurements of a consumer's feet with a self-guided display by using both pressure measurements and scanning of the feet. The measurement information is converted to identify which of the preselected and stocked components proximate the kiosk can be combined to provide an appropriate footbed for the consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a customer with a footbed. A kiosk provides measurements of a consumer's feet with a self-guided display by using both pressure measurements and scanning of the feet. The measurement information is converted to identify which of the preselected and stocked components proximate the kiosk can be combined to provide an appropriate footbed for the consumer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: A supporting pad for high heels has a heel part, an arc part, and a concave portion on the top surface of its body. Each part is designed according to the curve of the human foot, so as to in close contact with the heel, the foot arc, and the metatarsus between the foot arc and the toes. The bottom surface of the body is also tightly attached to the sole of the high heel. Such a support provides a stable and balanced surface at the bottom of user's feet. This complete support can effectively distribute pressure imposed on the foot and relieve discomfort due to the impacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional footwear which comprises an insole having a toe-seating portion, whose height is higher than that of the remaining portion thereof other than the toe-seating portion, for allowing a user's toe to be seated thereon. The toe-seating portion of the insole of the functional footwear is formed higher than the remaining portion of the insole other than the toe-seating portion, so that toes of a walker are placed higher than the other portions of the sole of the feet of the walker, thereby obtaining an effect of the backward walking even when the walker walks forwardly.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an orthopedic insole arrangement comprising a bottom insole (110), a top insole (112) and a set of overload tactile feedback elements, e.g. pins (115, 116, 117, 118, 119) forming an orthopedic insole kit. The assembled insole arrangement gives a tactile overload feedback to patients during rehabilitation, such as during walking, allowing an optimised healing process. The insole (913) may comprise a bottom insole (110) having at least one hole (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185), and a top insole (112) with matching hole/s (121, 131, 141, 151, 161, 166, 171, 176, 181, 186), wherein at least one pin (115, 116, 117, 118, 119) is installed to slide vertically inside the hole (121, 131, 141, 151, 161, 166, 171, 176, 181, 186), thereby protruding from the insole (913) at some compression of the insole (913).

Abstract: A method and device to provide support devices to distribute pressure over a contact area; for example, an insole support device to distribute pressure over the insole of a person's foot are described. The support device is a visco-elastic material having a sufficient density and thickness to provide a relatively uniform pressure to the insole when compressed.

Abstract: A dynamic cushioning assembly to be used on beds, seats, backrests, shoes or any other surfaces where a portion of a body is subjected to prolonged contact and pressure with a support surface. The arrangement is comprised of a pattern of spherical elastic lugs cooperating with an upper, elastomeric layer. When a force is applied to the upper layer, the cooperation of the lugs with the upper layer create an uneven but soft surface having undulating zone of higher and lower resistance which serve to enhance blood circulation.

Abstract: An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert 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 insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well 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. The insert preferably also extends vertically.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functional shoe, capable of applying micro current to the sole. The shoe includes a micro-current generating part, an acupressure part, and a conduction part. The micro-current generating part is inserted in a side of the shoe, thus generating predetermined micro current and voltage. The acupressure part is made of a conductive material, and is provided on a portion where nerve points of a sole connected to organs in a body are located, thus simultaneously performing physical acupressure action and conduction of micro current. The conduction part is connected between the micro-current generating part and the acupressure part, thus transmitting the generated micro current and voltage to the acupressure part. Thereby, the functional shoe simultaneously performs physical acupressure action on specific nerve points of the sole, and transmits micro current to the nerve points using external force applied when walking.

Abstract: A flexible foot-conforming shoe 10 has an upper assembly 18 attached to a bottom assembly 26. The upper assembly 18 includes a vamp 12 having an upper edge 34 to which an upper sock lining 14 is attached. An elastic strip 16 is also attached to the upper edge 34 of the vamp 12 to form an elastic collar for hugging the instep of a foot inserted in the shoe 10. The bottom assembly 26 has a bottom sock lining 20 including a perimeter edge 46. This perimeter edge 46 is fastened to a lower attachment edge 47 of the upper sock lining 14 to form a sock lining for surrounding the foot.

Abstract: A material adapted to regulate vibration by distributing and partially dissipating vibration exerted thereon.

Abstract: An orthotic insole assembly including a semi-rigid cradle extending forward from the metatarsal region of the foot to the heel, wherein medial and lateral sidewalls extend upward from the cradle. The cradle includes an aperture in the area of heel impact wherein a heel plug is disposed within the aperture. A resilient, foam, cushioning layer overlies the cradle and the heel plug. A riser is connected to the cushioning layer to provide an elevated region in the area of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: An insole (1) for use with open shoes like sandals, clogs and the like, comprising: a support (2) apt to envelop the sole and the back of the foot and having an elastic net-like structure apt to adhere to the latter so as to keep the insole (1) itself in position; and a plurality of bulges (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) filled with discrete elastic particles (9), which are integral to the support (2) and arranged at the portion (20) thereof contacting the sole of the foot when the insole (1) is worn on.

Abstract: A stimulator pad includes a layer of support material and at least one stimulator node secured to and supported by the support layer, the stimulator node comprising a housing having one end region secured relative to the support layer and the other end defining an aperture which in use confronts a body surface and in which at least one pressure member includes a plurality of pressure member components is resiliently located, resilient biasing means provided within the housing to act between the support layer or a base portion of the housing and at least some of the pressure member components to urge the at least some of the pressure member components to protrude through the housing aperture, and a layer of flexible cover material which extends over at least one of the pressure members.

Abstract: An anti-perforation insole (1) includes a multi-layer (10) consisted of at least four layers of a fabric (12), with a double-faced weft, made of high toughness polyester fibers coupled together by a thermoplastic film or an adhesive resin; each of the layers of fabric shows a surface treated by a coating (14) of polyurethane and/or acrylic resin enriched with micronized, ceramic: materials in form of silicates, for example of aluminium.

Abstract: An electrically heatable in sole may include at least one sole base body and one covering layer, at least one heating electrode, at least one rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the heating electrode, and a control circuit for controlling the heating process and the charging of the battery. Heating electrodes, rechargeable batteries and a control circuit are arranged in the base body of the sole and/or between the base body and the covering layer. The control circuit includes a remote control device for starting and stopping the heating process, and a protection circuit for disconnecting the rechargeable batteries in the event of an error.

Abstract: In a high heel shoe the heel seat is angled upwards approximately 3-5 degrees. The insole follows the natural shape of the inside long arch of the foot so that the medial arch of the foot is raised higher than the lateral arch of the foot in order to support the natural angle of the calcaneus, the navicular, the medial cuneiform and the first metatarsal. The angle of the heel seat is more acute relative to the ground looking from the lateral side of the shoe. A triangular dome bump on the insole of the shoe has one corner behind the second metatarsal head, a second corner behind the fourth metatarsal head and the final corner near mid-foot. Material is added beneath the sole of the insole so that the greatest thickness is beneath the metatarsal heads and tapers to zero at the end of the insole toward the toes.

Abstract: An orthotic insole usable in an article for footwear for aligning a foot with its lower leg to provide balance and support having a support base, an expandable rail section moveable between a receiving position and a grabbed position around an outer edge of the foot, and an expandable rail section moveable from the receiving position to the grabbed position when the foot is placed in the article of footwear.

Abstract: A footwear including, in the wear sole, a longitudinal channel that communicates with the exterior via lateral perforations and including, in the insole, traverse channels for directly communicating with the longitudinal channel and conveying the air from the channel towards the periphery of the insole.

Abstract: An arch support orthotic device comprises an upper surface facing a wearer's foot, and a lower surface facing a footwear, wherein the upper surface is formed of a deformable semi-rigid material responding flexibly to a weight of the wearer, and wherein the lower surface comprises an arch support section facing an inner sole surface of the footwear including a plurality of support structures that performs an arch supporting function, controls a deformability of the orthotic device so as to reduce loss of the arch supporting function when worn by the wearer, and prevents substantial deformation against the inner sole surface of the footwear.

Abstract: Ventilating insole boards, self-ventilating footwear devices and self-bailing footwear articles and devices are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole for footwear adapted to be received into a variety of footwear, the insole including: upper and lower plates made of a synthetic resin film and joined to each other by means of high-frequency bonding; a chamber formed between the upper and lower plates and having a shock-absorbing compression member embedded thereinto in such a manner as to be located at the rear side of the footwear upon the wearing of the footwear; air-introducing means adapted to communicate with the chamber in such a manner as to be located at the front side of the footwear upon the wearing of the footwear so as to introduce the internal air of the footwear to the chamber; and air-exhausting means adapted to communicate with the chamber so as to exhaust the air introduced to the chamber to the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear sole with massaging effect comprising an external sole configured for resting on the ground and at least an insole interposed between said external sole and the user's foot. In one embodiment, the footwear has one or more vertically movable pliable areas peripherally connected to the remaining portion of the sole by bridges of elastically pliable material, which project from the outer sole and are moved towards the foot during walking. Such pliable areas are provided with an extension passing through a slot of said insole and having at least a foot contacting end portion composed of a soft or elastically pliable material. In another embodiment, the inner vamp lining the outer vamp and the outer vamp are free to slide one with respect to the other.

Abstract: Toe-fortifiable footwear includes a sole portion and a step formation member of a constant thickness attached to an inside of the footwear. The step formation member has a forward end part that forms a step part for having an insole surface of the footwear divided into a first insole surface part for toes and a second insole surface part constituting a top surface of the step formation member for a plantar surface exclusive of the first insole surface. The first and second insole surface parts differ in height by the constant thickness. The step formation member may be used as a separate toe-forcible insole member.

Abstract: An insole (1) for reflexological stimulation of the sole of the foot, comprising a plurality of elastic elements (4) extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the sole of the foot and arranged at selected areas thereof to perform said stimulation by deforming elastically during a subject's walking, said elastic elements (4) having a first end (41) fixed on a support (2) and a second end (42) apt to act onto the sole of the foot, wherein the rigidity and the height of the elastic elements (4) is differentiated in different zones of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: As worn with a pull-on boot, a pair of pants has an outer shell and a liner, which has a leg-covering portion and a foot-covering portion. In a ready-to-don condition, the pull-on boot is placed onto a horizontal surface so as to open upwardly, the foot-covering portion is fitted into the pull-on boot. and the outer shell is fitted over the pull-on boot, whereupon the pair of pants is pulled downwardly, over the pull-on boot, toward the horizontal surface. The foot-covering portion of the liner may be detachably attached to and within the boot, as by hook-and-loop attaching means, when the combination has been manipulated to the ready-to-don position. The liner has a pair of pull-on loops, each of which is attached to and within the liner so as to be manually graspable when the combination has been manipulated into the ready-to-don condition.

Abstract: The insole has a number of flexible bulges on a first major surface, and a number of protruding ribs on a second major surface. The projections of the bulges fall within the regions bounded by the ribs. The bulges and their underlying bounding ribs therefore form a number of chambers. The insole further contains a number of through holes positioned between the ends of at least two ribs. The insole further contains a larger heel bulge provided on the first major surface in the heel section, and a concave on the second major surface, which is conducted to the other chambers via at least a duct.

Abstract: A sole construction having a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in a plurality of different orientations. The cushion insert and the receptacle may include a plurality of lobes that are interfitted when the cushion insert is installed in the receptacle. The size, shape and configuration of the lobes may be varied between different regions of the cushion insert so that different regions of the cushion insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics. The cushion insert and the receptacle may be generally disc-shaped so that the sole is adjusted simply by rotating the cushion insert with respect to the receptacle. The lobes may be configured so that rotation of the cushion insert adjusts the sole between supination, pronation, soft and firm settings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a silicone gel midsole for footwear with a durometer of approximately 50, layered and bonded between the outsole and insole for making a conformable shoe part using silicone gel material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance fit, support, comfort, and cushioning. The present invention can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles of footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear accessory which provides protection against water and moisture. The invention comprises a main part which is made from a water-repellent, moisture-repellent, resistant and flexible material and which is open at the upper part thereof. According to the invention, the main part is tightened around the ankle and fitted to the heel of the shoe by means of an opening through which the heel can extend (5). The invention also comprises two closure elements, namely a first upper element which secures the instep (4) and a second side element which secures the ankle (3). In addition, the invention comprises a rubber insole (2) and a rubber outer sole (1). The main part can be used to display advertising and to render a pedestrian visible.

Abstract: A sole construction includes a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in different orientations. The sole may be inserted into low-profile footwear having an outsole with a receptacle for retaining a corresponding differentiated heel portion of the sole. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole portion capable of bending or pivoting to provide access to the cushion insert for adjustment thereof. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole that defines an opening, through which the cushion insert may be accessed and manipulated. The cushion insert may include at least one channel that varies in depth about the insert so that different regions of the insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics.

Abstract: A draining insole for shoes that dislodges foreign objects therein is disclosed; the insole has a plurality of bridges projecting from the insole and with an upper surface on top of which the foot rests; the bridges extending wide-wise of the insole and separately distributed from each other alongside thereof. The insole also includes a plurality of channels, each one of the same separating a bridge from the other; each channel having a pair of open ends and a bottom with a gabled surface. In turn, these bridges are joined at areas where the foot might get hurt; each end of the channel is in fluid communication with one draining hole included in the shoe in order to dislodge foreign matter located at the insole.

Abstract: A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties.

Abstract: An inflatable inner sole for footwear has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that may includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. The inflatable inclosure may include a plurality of chambers that are independently adjustable by selectively adding or removing a gas from each chamber. The inflatable enclosure may also include a pressure gauge and an improved pressure relief valve sleeve with a spring seat. The inflatable enclosure may be formed with one or both of first and second sheets formed as contoured prefabricated sheets. Alternatively, the sheets may be flat sheets. A recess is formed in the sheets so that the recess extends out of a plane of intersection between the first and second sheets. The recess may be formed by causing a portion of the first and second sheets to bend out of the plane of intersection of the first and second sheets.

Abstract: An insole for insertion into footwear, comprising a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion; the midfoot portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion; said insole comprising a cushioning layer of a viscoelastic gel material which provides a cushioning function; and wherein the midfoot portion and the heel portion comprise a peripheral edge that curves upwards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least nine models of slippers, with at least three different sizes and at least three levels of firmness. Each of the slippers comprises a sole portion, an upper portion attached to the sole portion and configured for retaining the slipper on a wearer's foot, and a support portion located within the sole portion, wherein said models of slippers within the product line differ only in size and the cushioning properties of the support portion. In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least two different models of slippers, with at least two levels of firmness.

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 composite laminar structure treated to inhibit micro-organisms from thriving thereupon, comprising a suitable thickness of two or more expanses of woven or non-woven materials. A plurality of nano-particles, including materials such as silver, are distributed relatively uniformly across and sufficiently durably coupled with the two or more material expanses to resist removal during normal use and mild laundering. The nano-particles possess anti-microbial properties suitable to substantially inhibit population growth of one or more micro-organisms. The laminar structure may be configured as an insole for a shoe, or as other articles for wear or use in other applications where growth of micro-organisms is undesirable.