Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components. The invented shoe component includes an upper layer of 1,4-polybutadiene and, optionally, a rubber such as natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber or polyisoprene. The first layer is attached to a resilient layer which extends substantially the length of the shoe. Optionally, a third layer or a coating may be attached to the resilient layer. The invented shoe components may be formed as shoe inserts, insoles, midsoles or shoe soles.

Abstract: An insert or inner sole for a shoe having as its purpose support of the metatarsal and arch portions of the foot to thereby reduce pressure on those areas and associated foot pain. The insert or inner sole has three layers that interface with one another to create and displace a metatarsal hump. As a foot strides, the flex plate layer rocks forward and back on its centrally located, relatively thicker hump portion. The flex plate may engage the bottom layer by way of serration or friction.

Abstract: An insole for use in a slipper is provided. The insole includes a first cushion layer and a second cushion layer. The first cushion layer includes a first foam layer and an air permeable membrane covering the first foam layer. The second cushion layer includes a second foam layer and an air permeable membrane covering the second foam layer. The first cushion layers are arranged so that the air permeable membrane of each layer faces outward, and the first cushion layer and the second cushion layer are attached together along their perimeter to provide a cavity between the first cushion layer and the second cushion layer. The insole can be referred to as pillow cushion because of the formation of a cavity between the first cushion layer and the second cushion layer. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are provided.

Abstract: A thin orthotic insert having a rigid rearfoot plate and a flexible forefoot cushion which are joined together without requiring a separate top cover. A connection is formed by a slot at the forward edge of the plate which receives and holds the rearward edge of the cushion layer. The rearfoot plate may be formed as a laminated structure, with forward edges of the upper and lower laminate layers being separated to form the wall portions above and below the slot. To form the slot, a spacer is inserted between the edges of the layers and then withdrawn after molding/curing. Because the need for a top cushion is eliminated, very low thicknesses can be achieved, on the order of 1.5 mm. The device is particularly advantageous for use in women's high-heeled shoes, where interior volume is extremely limited.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe comprises a pouch having a moldable, thixotropic material and a shell having a catalyst. The shell is capable of being ruptured by massaging the pouch to allow the catalyst to be released from the shell and mixed with the material. A pressure sensitive adhesive is on the bottom of the pouch to secure it to the inner sole of a shoe, and a nylon layer is on the top of the pouch to absorb moisture and provide an aesthetic appearance. In use, the pouch is massaged to mix the catalyst and moldable material and is then placed in a shoe. The user places a foot in the shoe and applies a light weight to the foot so that the pouch assumes the shape of the foot bottom and fills that space between the foot and the shoe. Then, the foot is removed to allow the material to cure. When the material is cured the insert prevents excessive collapse of the foot.

Abstract: Footwear is provided with a series of removable insoles, each being adapted to be detachably installed to the outsole. The insoles have a wearing surface which conforms to the shape of the user's foot, the wearing surface of each insole being configured to accommodate a progressively larger foot size, increasing the useful life of the footwear and optionally eliminating the sockliner. In the preferred embodiment the footwear comprises decorative lights of as many different colors as there are insoles in the series, and each insole is provided with an actuator positioned to activate a specific color of light. Each insole may be colored or color coded to match the color of the lights activated thereby, and can be identified by the color code applied to either the lights or the insoles. The insoles may alternatively be integrated into a single insole with tear-away layers.

Abstract: An insole assembly for a shoe or other article of footwear. The assembly includes a soft, cushioning foam blank having an upper surface which is contoured to engage the plantar surface of a foot, and a thin, substantially rigid, resiliently flexible cap which is mounted to the bottom of the blank so as to extend around the heel end and forwardly along the medial and lateral sides thereof. The rigid cap includes an upstanding wall which engages and buttresses the perimeter of the foam blank, and a series of medial and lateral flanges which extend across and support the bottom of the blank. The flanges are configured to cooperate with the foam blank to define zones of support in specific areas, with the maximum support and rigidity being provided for the rearfoot and midfoot areas of the foot.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: A shoe sole has cushioning in ball and heel regions of the sole. The sole includes an insole which has openings in the ball and heel regions which increase the flexibility of the insole. The insole openings are filled in by a soft insole pad so that the insole does not form a barrier to cushioning the ball and heel of the foot. The outsole also has openings in ball and heel regions which are closed by clear covers. The openings provide for good flexibility of the outsole. A soft cushion is held in the cover for further cushioning of the ball and heel of the foot.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe structure including at least part of a shoe, has an outer layer, a lining including a functional layer that is waterproof but permeable to water vapor, an insole, and an outsole. The lining containing the functional layer has a lower end area that is turned in and arranged parallel to the outsole, the turned-in end area lies in a common plane with the insole and has an inner edge and an outer edge, the outer edge of the insole runs at least approximately parallel to the inner edge of the turned-in end area, and the insole is joined to the turned-in end area. The outsole is applied by adhesive over a full surface thereof at least to the turned-in end area of the functional layer of the lining, and the lower end of the upper layer is arranged substantially perpendicular to the outsole and at least in a shank area thereof is joined to a retainer arranged parallel to the outsole, and/or at least in a toe area thereof a netting of monofilaments is joined to the lower end of the outer layer.

Abstract: A shoe insole is composed of a toe portion, a sole portion and a heel portion. The insole has a thickness of 2 mm or more. The toe portion and the sole portion have a hardness value ranging between 20 and 45 degrees in the Asker Type C, whereas the heel portion has a hardness value ranging between 30 and 50 degrees in the Asker Type C. The hardness values of the toe portion, the sole portion and the heel portion are decreased by at least 5 degrees for an increase in the thickness of the insole by 1 mm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for a shoe insole having multiple layers which form an air circulation system. A first layer is a fabric-like covering; a non-deformable second and deformable third layers forming together a layer with a cavity therein having offset apertures therein communicating by means of the cavity positioned underneath the fabric-like covering; a fourth layer made of foam rubber like material that deflates under the user's weight and re-expands when not under the user's weight; a bottom layer being a stiffer layer that forms a recess for receiving the other layers. A first and second exhaust conduit is formed in a side extension area for outward passage of stale air. The layers are joined to each other and the device is then inserted into the shoe of the user. The weight of the user is alternatively placed on and removed from the insole while walking or running. When the weight of the user is on the insole it compresses and stale air is forced out the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A scuff type slipper is produced so economically that it may be disposable, yet it has excellent cushioning properties and a sole with sufficient stiffness that the heel end will not fold under when in use. The slipper is produced from third web cushioning material. This has two planar thermoplastic webs spaced apart from one another by a middle thermoplastic web in the form of a plurality of bubbles hermetically sealed to the outer webs, trapping gas in the bubbles for cushioning and imparting stiffness. A vamp portion is formed by folding over a strip of the material at the toe end and fusion bonding it along the sides to the sole of the slipper and then cutting the slipper from the strip.

Abstract: An orthotic which comprises an upper section and a lower section which can be hinged to each other by a hinge. The facing surfaces of the sections are covered with sheets of loop material. Compressible cushion pads designed to contour to the specific needs of a patient containing a layer of hook material on both surfaces are releasably secured to the sheets of loop fabric forming a three layer assembly.

Abstract: An improved sole or insole for providing puncture resistance in boots and other types of shoes includes multiple layers of a tightly woven, puncture resistant fabric, formed from high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers, such as Kevlar.RTM., a polyaramid. The layers of puncture resistant fabric generally are not bonded together or adhered together by adhesives or the like. The layers of puncture resistant fabric may be secured together along the outer peripheries thereof, or they may be secured within a pocket formed from a covering material, such as foam, or in a pocket formed between an inner and outer sole of the boot or shoe.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a footpad or inner sole to be used and worn inside the boot or shoe of military or civilian personnel exposed to dangerous environments in order to prevent injury to the user from being in the vicinity of an explosive device while it explodes. The present invention consists of several layers of effectively strong material comprising approximately 30 layers in total. In one embodiment therein are about 15 layers of a first effectively strong fabric underneath about 15 more layers of the first effectively strong fabric alternating with the second effectively strong fabric. Test have shown this combination to be exceedingly strong and to provide protection to the user from explosive devices and, furthermore, tests have shown that one effectively strong combination results in an embodiment wherein the first fabric is KEVLAR and the second fabric is SPECTRA.

Abstract: A laminated insole (2) for a footwear has an upper layer (4) of a resilient foam material having an outline (6) shaped for incorporation in the footwear, and a bottom layer of a fibrous mat (10) and having a shape conforming with the outline (6) of the upper layer (4). The fibrous mat (10) includes a multiplicity of fibers (12), a number of which penetrate the foam material of the upper layer (4) for bonding the bottom layer (10) to the upper layer (4), and a stiffening portion (14) for providing stiffness to the insole (2). Preferably, each of the fibers (12) of those penetrating the foam material (4) emerges from the outer surface (16) thereof and thereby provides a pilosity (17) thereon. The laminated product (2) is suitable for use as an insole as well as a slip-in insole in any footwear. It takes advantage of the resilient properties of the foam, the stiffness and thermoformability of the fibrous mat and the comfort provided by the pilosity covering the upper layer of foam.

Abstract: A custom-made orthotic support unit including specific orthotic magnet elements formed into a unitary arch support for insertion, into and/or onto contemporary footwear for providing both postural corrections and magnetic therapy for the wearer.

Abstract: A composite material blank for an orthotic insert. The device is formed of layers of fiberglass and graphite fiber material. A first graphite fiber layer provides the overall structure with increased strength, while secondary graphite fiber reinforcement strips are arranged below the first and fifth rays of the foot to provide additional rigidity and control in these areas. The edges of the graphite fiber layers are recessed inwardly from the edges of the fiberglass layers so as to provide a graphite-free border which prevents cracks from propagating into the graphite fiber layers. The layers are bonded together by heat curing over molds.

Abstract: A method for producing a custom insole for a foot of a user, the method including the steps of providing a preformed insole precursor, the precursor being constructed of a solid material which is storable in an undeformed state and which is compressible to a deformed configuration under pressure substantially at room temperature and which retains the deformed configuration after removal of the pressure, and pressing the foot on the insole precursor, thereby compressing the insole precursor and forming an insole with a configuration in accordance with the configuration of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe with an outer layer and a ventilation layer positioned against the inside of the outer layer. The ventilation layer has a flat textile structure, at least on its side which is turned towards the inside of the shoe, which is held at a distance from the outer layer by spacers. The flat textile structure turned towards the inside of the shoe contains between 30 and 100 weight percent multifilament flat yarns made of synthetic polymers and between 0 and 70 weight percent other yarns. In particular, these flat yarns have a filament titre of at least 3 dtex. The flat textile structure which is turned towards the inside of the shoe is significantly more durable than those conventionally used.

Abstract: Products in the form of cushioning devices made from flexible membranes employing at least one layer including thermoplastic urethane and at least one layer of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol are inflatable to a relatively high pressure. The cushioning devices maintain the internal inflatant pressure for extended periods of time by employing a phenomenon referred to in the industry as diffusion pumping. Ideally, the cushioning devices of the present invention can be permanently inflated with gases such as nitrogen or air.

Abstract: A cushion for use inside footwear having an interior for receiving a foot of a wearer. The cushion includes a liner made of cushioning material. The liner is sized and shaped for reception on an interior surface of the footwear in a position for engaging the foot when the foot is inserted into the interior of the footwear for cushioning an interface between the foot and the interior surface of the footwear with which the liner is engaged. The liner includes a visual cushioning indicator for visually indicating the operability of the cushion to perform a cushioning function during an immediately prior use by the wearer and for subsequent use.

Abstract: A structural chassis includes a structural chassis and a foam chassis or sock liner sandwiched together to form an assembly that can be inserted into and substantially occupy a footbed of a shoe upper. Discrete sole elements are attached to a bottom side of the upper so as to expose certain portions of the bottom side therebetween. This absence of outsole material in those areas makes the upper collapsible about those areas since the outsole provides no support in those areas. Instead, the structure is provided by the chassis of the chassis, which is customized to the user's foot by placing one or more notches in strategic locations along the chassis where the foot naturally flexes. One such notch is located on the chassis in a position that allows the chassis to flex about a forward push-off axis of the foot that runs through the first and second MTP joints.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A variably flexible insert, or sets of inserts for an athletic shoe is provided which absorbs and distributes a portion of the user's weight. The insert is constructed of an injection molded plastic defining a plurality of horizontal slot or score lines which penetrate partially or completely through the insert. A series of perforations terminate the ends of the score lines which prevent or reduce cracking propagation of the score lines, and impart greater flexibility to portions of the insert. In one embodiment, the inserts are secured within the athletic shoe by adhesive pads. In another embodiment, foam friction pads are adhesively mounted or laminated on one or both sides of the flexible inserts, and this provides a non-skid surface within the running shoe and along the user's foot, as well as a certain amount of cushioning.

Abstract: A blank construction for a foot orthotic is formed of a first section and a second section smaller than the first section and which is joined to the first section. The first section has a shape generally the same as a bottom inside surface of a shoe. The blank construction is heat softened at a temperature between about 65.degree. C. and about 85.degree. C. at a pressure up to about 5 psig.

Abstract: A shoe with an improved cushioning insole containing perfluoropolyether. The perfluoropolyether resists breakdown, extending the useful life of both the insole and the shoe. Preferably, the insole contains both low- and high-viscosity perfluoropolyethers as well as a gas to enhance shock-absorbing capabilities.

Abstract: An sole includes a soft-elastic lower layer (2) of an atoxic and organically compatible material, a flexible cover layer (1), e.g. naturally tanned leather, and knobs (5) made of elastically deformable material, the knobs being arranged in groups on the sole surface, their location being selected according to the aspects of reflex zone therapy, and the knobs being fixed in the lower soft-elastic layer.

Abstract: A bladder usable in the sole of a shoe for supporting the plantar area includes a plurality of chambers designed to provide a resilient resistance force. In the fabrication of the bladder, each of the chambers is formed in fluid communication with each other, and fluid is supplied into the chambers at a selected location. After the chambers have been pressurized to the desired internal pressure, the fluid communication port(s) is sealed. Although certain of the chambers are pressurized to the same internal pressure, different resistance forces are provided by forming the chambers with different volumes.

Abstract: Footwear such as a shoe or boot has an upper, an outsole and an insole. The insole comprises a layer of thermoplastic material and a heater member. The heater member is capable of generating heat by being energized by electrical energy and is capable upon being energized of effectively heating and softening the thermoplastic material so that the insole may be conformed to the shape of the underside of a foot of a person, in order to provide a custom-fitting footbed and custom-fitting footwear. The heater member preferably includes an etched foil heating element which heats by electrical resistance.

Abstract: An insole comprising an absorptive flat paper base panel, and a corrugated paper cover panel covered on the absorptive flat base panel, the corrugated paper cover panel having a plurality of folds and furrows alternatively arranged together and defining with the absorptive flat paper base panel a plurality of ventilation spaces.

Abstract: An innersole for insertion into a shoe having a base of a flexible material with an upper and lower surface with a plurality of spaced rows of lugs extending upwardly from the upper surface. Each of the lugs has a base portion and a rounded top portion and an elongated axis. A cover is disposed over the upper surface of the base covering the lugs forming an undulating surface on the base and fixedly secured to the lugs and the upper surface of the base with no spacing between the cover, the lugs, and the upper surface of the base. A plurality of perforations are provided, each of the perforations extending through the cover, each of the lugs along generally the longitudinal axis thereof, and through the base. A plurality of spaced grooves may be provided on the underside of the base.

Abstract: A shoe insert that can be customized by the user to control pronation of the foot and to relieve or reduce stress at painful areas of the foot comprising a film of plastic capable of being deformed to the shape of the foot by the weight of the user. The film includes fastening hook or loop material on at least one surface whereby detachable cushioning elements can be attached to the film. The cushioning element is preferably a sheet of loop cloth that continuously covers one or both surfaces of the film. The cushioning pads also contain a sheet of loop or hook material on one or both surfaces. The pads can be inclined to affect pronation or can contain apertures to relieve stress. The outer edges of the pads and the upper edge of the aperture are preferably chamfered or rounded to reduce discomfort.

Abstract: A comfort in sole for use in a shoe or the like, wherein the comfort insole is composed of two strong, airtight and water-repellent sheets each of which has a shape corresponding to a shape of an inner sole of the shoe or the like, the two sheets being stuck to each other at their outer peripheral portions so as to form bag portions therein, wherein the comfort insole is sectioned into a frontmost portion, a tiptoe portion, a central portion, and a heel portion, wherein first fused lines are formed in the frontmost portion so as to form bag portions independently separated from each other, and wherein second fused lines are formed in the tiptoe portion, a third fused line is formed in the central portion, and a fourth fused line is formed in the heel portion, so that continuous bag portions are formed in a range including the second, third and fourth fused lines, and air is sealed in the continuous bag portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an orthopedic sort in shoes, in the case of which the top-part is provided along its borders with a continuous cut-out section, so that for the final form-imparting processes of the orthopedic support, merely a border-part and a bottom-part have to be subjected to the grinding operations. This ensures that, also after longer usage, the orthopedic support shows a stability of form, since a material thickness of only a small order of magnitude has to be subjected to the grinding operations, and in that consequently, the border-sections in the upper region of the orthopedic support, retain their retractility.

Abstract: A moisture absorbent material comprises a porous matrix of absorbent alumina, the volume of the pores of the matrix being between 60 and 90%, preferably 80 to 85% of the volume of the material. The average diameter of the pores is between 5.times.10.sup.-9 and 1.times.10.sup.-6 m. The pores contain a crystalline deliquescent compound, preferably calcium chloride, in an amount of between 4 and 20%, preferably between 8 and 12%, by weight, excluding any water of crystallization, with respect to the total weight of the material. The absorbent may be incorporated in a shoe insole and absorbs up to 1.5 ml moisture per gram of dry material whilst generating heat, thereby maintaining the feet of the user both warm and dry.

Abstract: An orthopedic insert (2) includes a stiffening base part (4) and thereupon a shock-absorbing upper part (8) extending substantially over the entire insert (2). At least backwards from a point about 1/3 from the forward edge of it, the shock-absorbing upper part is substantially uniformly thick. The base part (4) is formed with an upstanding wall (6) round the heel portion thereof for keeping the heel cushion in place. On its underside the insert has regions (14, 16) with material removed under the longitudinal and forward arches of the user's foot. A method of manufacturing such an insert is also a subject of the invention.

Abstract: The breathable liner includes an inner liner selected from highly advance fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. An in-line skate using such a liner is also disclosed. Furthermore, the applicability of the liner to snowboard boots, alpine and cross country boots, as well as clothing is disclosed.

Abstract: A removable insole is provided which includes a layer of thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material preferably including ethylene vinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate modified by the addition of carbonyl groups. A custom-fitting insole is preferably produced by heating a substantially flat insole in a microwave oven until the thermoplastic material softens, placing the heated insole in a shoe, and having a person insert their foot into the shoe and walk around to form an impression.

Abstract: A variable-height insole system for a shoe includes a soft-flexible insole and a plurality of heel supporting members in the shoe under the insole. The heel supporting members generally increase in hardness in a downward direction. Selectable lift inserts insertable between the heel supporting members have the greatest hardness.

Abstract: An insole for an article of footwear which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer(s) forming a laminate in which the non-woven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance of the insole depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: The invention provides an inlay for a shoe. The inlay extends at least within the forefoot region and comprises one piece of a hard plate material of uniform thickness. The plate material is formed with a profiling provided transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole of the shoe. The transverse profiling extends at least throughout substantially the entire forefoot region of the inlay. The profiling has a cross-section consisting of periodically repeating cross-sectional profile elements, each of the cross-sectional profile elements comprising a ridge and a recess. The plate material is a resilient plate material.

Abstract: A conforming sole construction for a walking shoe is characterized by a flexible PVC outsole containing in its upper surface a low density polyurethane insert for shock absorption. Mounted on the upper surface of the outsole and insert is a combined footbed and multilayered socklining. The footbed is formed of EVA and includes integral heel and arch support portions. The socklining has a lower layer of shock absorbing closed cell foam material, a layer of latex material containing humidity and odor absorbing carbon particles, an upper layer of open cell ergonomic foam material, and a cover layer of woven water absorbing and polyester fiber materials for wicking moisture from the foot of the wearer. The sole construction provides increased support for the heel and arch of the wearer's foot and improved cushioning over the length of the foot.

Abstract: A sheet material which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer forming a laminate in which the non-woven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components, and methods of making the same, comprising 1,4-polybutadiene and a rubber selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber, polyisoprene, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber and ethylenepropylene diene modified rubber. The shoe components are most advantageously placed in the user shoe beneath the ball of the foot to increase energy return and thereby enhance athletic performance. The shoe components may be formed as midsoles and parts of midsoles, insoles and parts of insoles, or shoe inserts.

Abstract: An insole is formed by the combination of two laminar bodies, one of split leather and another one of rubber material or the like, the latter provided with knobs forming support projections for the foot. The rubber body remains located under a window of the split leather body, the latter defining a wide perimetric raised strip with a transversal band in the area of the toe piece and an area set in the inside part of the shank. Both bodies can be connected by means of a seam or by means of gluing, to form a single body that will be superposed and fastened by any conventional system to a bottom support body to form a sole apt for receiving the assembly of the corresponding section of footwear. The split leather body provides the possibility of transpiration and knobs of the rubber body which provide therapeutic effects on the user's feet.

Abstract: A method of making integrally a composite material comprises a first fiber cloth, which is impregnated with a foaming agent before being joined with a second fiber cloth. The combination of the first fiber cloth and the second fiber cloth is treated in a heating device in which the composite material is formed integrally of the first fiber cloth, the second fiber cloth and foam layers formed by the foaming agent of the first fiber cloth and some of the foaming agent that have permeated into the second fiber cloth from the first fiber cloth. The composite material is provided with an excellent air permeability and a heat insulating capability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a footwear insole with an integral sock lining embedded therein; and to a method of making a sample comprising: preparing a board of a material selected from the group of porous and foamed cross-linked synthetic polymers; preheating the board to at least the softening point of said material; pressing the board and stamping into it a footprint shaped cavity while cooling by a stamping device having a stamping die and a stamping die bearing pressing plate; attaching a sock lining to said footprint shaped cavity; and suitably cutting the board. The sock lining may be fastened to the stamping die bearing pressing plate. Alternatively, said plate may carry an integral stamping die and the sock lining inserted after storing.

Abstract: A shoe sole having upper and lower layers movable relative to one another in a manner which promotes physiologically desirable movements of the subtalar joint of a shoe wearer's foot and thereby aids in the absorption of shock forces occurring when the shoe strikes the ground during a walking or running stride. The lower layer has an upper surface inclined downward and toward the lateral side of the sole, and a resilient intermediate layer separates the upper and lower layers. Application of weight to the hindfoot section of the upper layer at heel strike forces that section downward and laterally relative to the lower layer, placing the lateral edge of the upper layer in close proximity with a vertically oriented fulcrum formed in an upturned lip on the lateral side of the lower layer.