Abstract: A selectively height adjustable platform shoe assembly for increasing perceived height and actual reach of a user includes a pair of articles of footwear, each comprising a sole to which an upper is attached. The upper and the sole define a cavity, into which a respective foot of a user is insertable. A recess extends into a lower face of the sole and from proximate to a first end and second ends of the sole. A plurality of nested rings is attached to the sole and is positioned in the recess. An actuator is attached to the sole, is operationally engaged to the plurality of nested rings, and can selectively extend the nested rings from the recess. A controller is attached to the sole and is operationally engaged to the actuator. The controller is enabled to selectively actuate the actuator to extend the nested rings from the recess.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a recess defining a first opening in the peripheral surface. The sole structure for an article of footwear also includes an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value. The second material is at least partially disposed within the first opening.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method may include the steps of selecting a family of article types, selecting a customized article type, manufacturing an article of footwear with the customized article type and shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. The customized article type can be configured with a user selected characteristic. The method can also include limiting the number of article types displayed to a user at any time.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole system with a plurality of cushioning units, each having multiple cushioning layers configured to work together as a system to absorb a compressive load, such as a dynamic compressive load due to impact with the ground, in stages of progressive cushioning according to the relative stiffness values of the layers. Various midsole systems disclosed include isolated cushioning units, linked cushioning units, sole layers having stanchions interfacing with the midsole system, midsole systems with sole layers having keyed and unkeyed portions overlying a bladder, and midsole systems with vertically-stacked cushioning units disposed in inverted relationship to one another.

Abstract: Extruded components for articles of footwear and methods of making such articles of footwear are disclosed. A carrier can be formed from a first material, the carrier including an attachment surface configured to attach to an upper and a receiving surface having a plurality of receptacles. A second material can be extruded into a plurality of the receptacles to form cushioning elements of a sole.

Abstract: A foot orthotic designed to unweight the ball of the foot, or more precisely the foot region of one or more of the five metatarsal heads, to alleviate pain while walking or standing. Using a connector from the foot orthotic to a sulcus bar provides a reproduceable front to back position of the sulcus bar relative to the foot orthotic. In certain aspects of the invention the connector provides further unweighting of the metatarsal heads, and also ensures a specific custom position of the sulcus bar throughout the foot orthotic fabrication process. Various methods of manufacturing an orthotic are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a fluid-filled segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second fluid-filled segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.

Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear is provided and includes a first barrier member defining a first compartment and a second compartment and being formed from a first material. A second barrier member is attached to the first barrier member, covers the first compartment to define a first interior void, and covers the second compartment to define a second interior void. The second barrier is formed from a second material different than the first material. The cushioning member also includes a first quantity of particulate matter disposed within the first interior void and a second quantity of particulate matter disposed within the second interior void.

Abstract: Shoe outsoles having anti-infective properties are provided herein, as are methods and materials for making shoes and shoe outsoles having anti-infective properties.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a first portion comprising a generally flexible fabric, and a second portion or layer comprising a gel material formed in a generally planar rectangular shape. Positioned below the second layer is a third portion or a damping layer having a series of dampers positioned thereon, where the dampers are elastomeric flexible and compressible. The three portions are laminated together.

Abstract: A silicone insole is provided and includes a lower insole layer, a polymer adhesive layer, a surface treatment agent layer and an upper silicone flat layer sequentially arranged from bottom to top in that order, the upper silicone flat layer is made of a food-grade silicone, and an upper end surface of the upper silicone flat layer is a flat structure without grooves and protrusions. An overall connection of the silicone insole is more solid and durable. The silicone insole can disperse pressure on foot to be more suitable for long standing or sporting under a protection of the food-grade silicone, it is suitable for shoes needing insoles to improve performance, and makes full use of advantages of silicone materials such as high friction, waterproof, slightly air permeability, better absorb moisture and perspiration, soft, environmentally protection, non-toxic, odorless, guaranteed rebound touch, quality, ageing resistance, and anti-static.

Abstract: An insertable skate outsole shim for increased attack angle is installable between the outsole heel of a skate and the rear post of a blade or wheel holder. The outsole shim raises the heel of the skater and postures the skater with weight forward decreasing dorsiflexion of the ankle and accommodating deeper knee bend. The outsole shim dampens vibrations and absorbs forces applied during skating. The outsole shim is producible at different sizes adapted for different skating performance. The outsole shim may be produced with an angled surface to correct for overpronation or oversupination.

Abstract: A custom foot orthotic and a system and a method for designing of a custom foot orthotic. The method includes: receiving 3D scan data of the patient's foot; receiving plantar pressure scan data of the patient's foot; establishing a desirable pressure distribution; generating an underfoot elevation profile relative to an elevation profile of the patient's foot in the 3D scan data; determining an internal density profile of the resulting foot orthotic 3D model by superimposing the desirable pressure distribution over the resulting foot orthotic 3D model and reducing or increasing density in regions of the foot orthotic 3D model based on the difference between an expected pattern of support and the desirable pressure distribution; and outputting the 3D model of the custom foot orthotic.

Abstract: An apparatus for a shoe sole with an air pump for adjusting pressure levels in air chambers distributed throughout the sole, and a battery. A sole system cloud based application remotely connects to and adjusts the air chambers according to user preferences.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a shoe sole member capable of achieving comfort when using shoes and exhibiting excellent shape-recovering properties after using the shoes. Provided is a shoe sole member formed using a polymer foam, and the polymer foam contains fibers dispersed therein.

Abstract: Disposable insole pads and use thereof are disclosed. The disposable insole pads are multilayer structures comprising a topsheet and a pressure sensitive adhesive, and optionally a backsheet, silicone coating and liner layers. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer allows the disposable insole pads to be positioned, repositioned and removed, making them well suited for daily use and disposal.

Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system.

Abstract: Dual-layer insole apparatuses for diabetic foot lesion prevention and related methods are provided. Some insole apparatuses have a body defining a plurality of cavities configured to be coupled to a fluid source. The fluid source can deliver fluid to vary internal pressures of the cavities. The body further defines an insole-shaped structure.

Abstract: A footbed having at least one of a thickness adjustment panel and a lateral adjustment fin, each configured to be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first and second configurations providing different fits of a shoe into which the footbed is inserted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a midsole for an article of footwear is described that includes a first foaming cord made of a first material and a second foaming cord made of a second material. The first material is different than the second material. The first foaming cord and the second foaming cord are embroidered into a shape of the midsole. The first foaming cord and the second foaming cord may be embroidered to a substrate material by thread. A midsole can include multiple layers of foaming cords. Customized midsoles may be formed by selective placement of one or more foaming cords in different locations or layers to provide different properties or characteristics to the midsole.

Abstract: An insole and/or outsole for a shoe such as an athletic shoe or cleat that includes a multilayer channeled assembly designed at preventing the transfer of heat from extremely hot ground surfaces, most notably synthetic turf, to the foot. In one embodiment, the insole includes a channeled layer of solid material with a very low thermal conductivity, preferably silicon or cork, as the base material beneath a layer of heat resistant felt preferably made of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers. The channeling in the base layer allows for air pockets to be created within the insole itself that makes the heat resistant felt more resistant to (i.e., efficient at preventing) the transfer of heat. In another embodiment, the outsole for a shoe such as an athletic shoe or cleat includes a base layer of channeled solid material with low thermal conductivity, silicon, cork, or polystyrene, below a layer of heat resistant felt.

Abstract: Extruded components for articles of footwear and methods of making such articles of footwear are disclosed. A carrier can be formed from a first material, the carrier including an attachment surface configured to attach to an upper and a receiving surface having a plurality of receptacles. A second material can be extruded into a plurality of the receptacles to form cushioning elements of a sole.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method for forming foamed shoe insoles as well as related shoe and shoe component articles. A foamed polymer having an open-cell foam interior structure and a continuous outer layer or skin can be formed conveniently such as by injection molding. The foamed polymer has a shape corresponding to two opposing shoe insole portions such that it can be cut or otherwise separated into two corresponding complementary foamed shoe insoles. The resulting open-cell foam interior structure and a continuous outer layer of the foamed shoe insoles can provide enhance spring or bounce effect when the insoles are incorporated into a shoe or sole component thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe sole member including: a first foam member containing a first resin; and a second foam member containing a second resin, wherein the first foam member and the second foam member are fused, and the second resin has a melting point higher than that of the first resin by 20° C. or more.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to collecting data to generate specifications for an orthosis. In example implementations, data may be collected from a plurality of pressure sensors. Histograms may be generated that characterize collected data. Specifications for an orthosis may be generated based on the histograms.

Abstract: A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

Abstract: Provided is a shock absorber formed by a resin composition and provided in a shoe, the shock absorber satisfying all formulas (1) to (4) below when changes in storage elastic modulus between 20° C. to 50° C. are linearly approximated by a least-squares method: Y=aX+b . . . (1); ?0.1?a??0.02 . . . (2); 1.0?b?16.0 . . . (3); and R2?0.75 . . . (4), where X represents a temperature (unit: ° C.) of the shock absorber, Y represents a storage elastic modulus of the shock absorber, and R represents a correlation coefficient in the least-squares method.

Abstract: A system, method and device employs sensor arrangements and an e-system in designing, manufacturing, and monitoring custom human-interfacing devices.

Abstract: A puncture resistant material is made from high modulus continuous filament polypropylene yarns which are twisted and woven into a tight weave. Batting materials are placed adjacent the woven layer (which may comprise one or more individual woven layers) to form a stack and the stack is needlepunched to form a consolidated material. The material is heat treated and calendared and the finished product may be used in applications where puncture resistance is required, such as in a shoe insole material.

Abstract: Protective garment for environments having high radiant heat loads and/or high conductive heat loads is described. A protective footwear article and method of making includes an upper with an opaque outer layer; an inner layer; and a thermally reflective layer positioned between the outer layer and the inner layer, the thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface facing the outer layer.

Abstract: A biodegradable and disposable shoe liner is made of a first layer impregnated with a deodorant and an absorbent, a second layer made of a moisture-resistant material, and an adhesive layer on the bottom side of the second layer for temporary attachment to the foot bed of a shoe. A peel-off layer of paper covers the adhesive layer to prevent the shoe liners from sticking to each other or other objects before use.

Abstract: A sole member for an article of footwear includes a composite sole structure and a reinforcing member. The sole structure may comprise two layers of woven composite material. The two layers have substantially similar woven patterns. The sole structure includes bulging portions with centrally recessed portions. The reinforcing member fits into channels associated with the bulging portions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel shoe sole including a specific layered sheet, an insole of a shoe, an out sole of a shoe, and a shoe including the shoe sole. The object can be fulfilled by a shoe sole formed of a layered sheet of a plurality of cloths wherein; the cloths formed of a strand of an oriented thermoplastic resin; and the plurality of cloths are integrated by heating and compressing.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe for a human foot which enables a person wearing it to stand and walk in an anatomically correct (suitable) position, i.e. to walk just like when she walks with heelless flat shoes; enables the body to stand in balance and the foot to rest on all points. The high-heeled shoe is formed with a curving inclined supporting sole which extends into the heel with the curve being adjusted with arctangent values and a correction factor and toe and heel angles appropriate for a human foot to provide perfect conformity with the human foot for straight body posture suitable to anatomy.

Abstract: An insole having a top sheet and a base layer with three pieces that include a base layer, a forefoot pad and a midfoot-to-heel support cushion. The mid-foot/heel surface has a raised medial arch and longitudinal curvilinear indentations, a flattened mid-foot area with a metatarsal mid-foot tear-drop raised area, and a surrounding the heel pod that cups the exterior back by a heel cup. A heel pad opening goes through the entirety of the thickness of base layer of the insole body and a heel pad is affixed to the bottom surface of the base layer. There is also a supersoft heel dome and a metatarsal raised dome on the top (foot contact) surface of the insole which would be directly above the heel pod and the metatarsal midfoot area, respectively.

Abstract: In one aspect, artificial turf systems are described herein. In some embodiments, an artificial turf system comprises an artificial turf mat and artificial turf fibers disposed on a surface of the artificial turf mat, the artificial turf mat comprising at least one energy management material. An energy management material, in some embodiments, is disposed in a backing of the artificial turf mat, a binding agent of the artificial turf mat, and/or an infill material of the artificial turf mat. In addition, in some embodiments, the artificial turf fibers also comprise at least one energy management material.

Abstract: A multi-ply shockproof, hygroscopic and breathable shoe pad includes, from bottom to top in succession: a support bottom layer (1), wherein a lower end face of the support bottom layer (1) is provided with a plurality of protruding portions (5), an upper end face of the support bottom layer (1) is provided with air holes (6), and the protruding portions (5) and the air holes (6) are alternately arranged; an elastic interlayer (2), wherein the elastic interlayer (2) is provided with air holes (6), and is coated with an antibacterial deodorization layer; a hygroscopic interlayer (3), wherein the hygroscopic interlayer (3) is provided with air holes (6), and is coated with an antibacterial deodorization layer; and a breathable waterproof layer (4) coated with an antibacterial deodorization layer; and the support bottom layer (1), the elastic interlayer (2), the hygroscopic interlayer (3), and the breathable waterproof layer (4) are successively bonded.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for designing and manufacturing customized footwear, and components thereof. An example method includes a method of designing at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear customized for a user. The method includes the steps of determining at least one input parameter related to a user, analyzing the at least one input parameter to determine at least one performance metric of a foot of the user, and determining at least one customized structural characteristic of at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear for the user based on the performance metric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preparation of latex pads, comprising natural latex, artificial latex, sliver nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and active carbon mixed in a specified proportion. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing latex pads from the composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an item of footwear with sole protection. The footwear has an upper adapted to receive a foot of the wearer; a sole secured to the upper and adapted to be the interface between the wearer and the ground; and a puncture resistant layer embedded into the sole so as to provide the sole protection for the foot of the wearer, the puncture resistant layer having an outer edge exceeding an inner perimeter of the item of footwear defined by a junction between the upper and the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an elevated plate structure incorporated in the sole structure and optionally including a fluid-filled chamber. The elevated plate structure can include an upper plate and a plurality of legs extending downward toward the outsole. End portions of the legs can engage an upper region of the outsole. The elevated plate structure can form a cage region that can optionally include a fluid-filled chamber substantially disposed therein. The elevated plate structure can further include a lower plate disposed at an upper region of the outsole, which can form a lower portion of the cage region. Portions of the legs can be integrated with impact-attenuating members in the heel region in various configurations and can provide features for the impact-attenuating members, such as support, impact-attenuation and adjustable impact-attenuation features.

Abstract: An odor impregnated shoe insert assembly includes a panel that has a size and shape to conform to and cover an insole of a shoe. The panel has an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter edge. A covering is mounted on completely covers the upper surface of the panel. The covering is impregnated with a scent. The panel is positioned within the shoe and the shoe placed on a foot to transfer the scent to the foot.

Abstract: A sole is formed of a body portion and an insert. The body portion has a front and a rear, interior and exterior edges, and upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface being formed with a recess having forward and rearward and intermediate regions. The recess has a circular aperture in the rearward region. The insert is formed with upper and lower surfaces and is positioned within the recess. The recess is formed with a cylindrical portion positioned in the circular aperture. Next provided is an upper adapted to hold the sole and insert to the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate various elements that are at least partially formed through a knitting process, such as a circular knitting process or a flat knitting process. Examples of the elements include tongue elements, collar elements, and collar-throat elements. In some configurations, the elements include compressible areas and flange areas. The compressible areas may include free yarn sections that impart compressibility, and the flange areas may be utilized to join the components to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A pad having upper and lower surfaces. The pad has front, back, interior and exterior edges forming a pad periphery. The pad includes an aperture for coupling with foot wear. The pad includes indoor/outdoor carpet formed of a bottom layer of backing material and a top layer of pile. A binding strip around the pad periphery. The binding strip covers portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the pad. The pad also includes over-edge stitching extending downwardly through the binding strip, the carpet and the binding strip. An adhesive on the lower surface of the pad is for coupling to footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is an insole topper pad adapted to provide an absorbent perspiration barrier between the bottom surface of the bare human foot and the top surface of a shoe's insole or footbed. The insole topper pad enables a user to easily transition from going barefoot to wearing shoes in a sockless manner, while further retaining a relatively hygienic environment within the shoe. The insole topper pad may be easily inserted in, or removed from, articles of footwear, and conveniently laundered on a daily basis. Further, the worry of unhealthy and embarrassing odors produced from prolonged bacteria build-up within a shoe may be substantially reduced. While eliminating the need for traditional socks, the insole topper pad allows the user to comfortably and sanitarily adapt to fashion and lifestyle trends which have significantly shifted, exposing the bare lower leg and ankle portion of the foot while wearing low rise shoes.

Abstract: A shoe sole can comprise one or more resiliently compressible elements received in a foundation and located by the foundation to underlie a portion of a foot, such as metatarsal heads, when the shoe is worn. The resiliently compressible element or elements can be shaped to reduce coupling of compression of adjacent regions of the resiliently compressible element. One or more plate elements can be positioned between the resiliently compressible elements and the foot, e.g. under the metatarsal heads. The plate elements can be separated from each other by spaces, such as slots, to reduce coupling of movement of adjacent plate elements. The plate elements can be elastically interconnected at the spaces between them. A plurality of lugs configured to contact the ground can be located on a lower surface of the foundation such that they are generally aligned with the plate elements. The plurality of lugs can be elastically interconnected.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses three-dimensional articles comprising flexible-composite materials and methods of manufacturing said three-dimensional articles. More particularly, the present system relates to methods for manufacturing seamless three-dimensional-shaped articles usable for such finished products as airbags/inflatable structures, bags, shoes, and similar three-dimensional products. A preferred manufacturing process combines composite molding methods with specific precursor materials to form fiber-reinforced continuous shaped articles that are flexible and collapsible.