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.

Abstract: A removable footbed is provided which circulates air and provides shock absorption. The footbed is constructed from a layer of moldable material molded with a concave bump in the heel area and a number of concave, intersecting channels in the remainder of the footbed. Both the concave bump and the channels have perforations which extend completely through the footbed and allow for the circulation of air in a shoe. The layer of moldable material is topped with a layer of anti-microbial foam for cushioning and bacteria prevention and which in turn is topped with a sock-contacting layer. The ventilation holes perforate the anti-microbial foam layer and the sock-contacting layer. A disc or cylindrically shaped open-celled foam sits within the concave bump to bias the bump in an upright position and a layer of shock absorbing material extends underneath the bump and the open-celled foam.

Abstract: A recyclable shoe midsole cloth is made from a recycled waste fabric material or a recycled rejected fabric product. The recycled material or product is processed such that the threads making up the recycled material or product are rehabilitated to become raw cotton materials, which are then processed to become the recyclable shoe midsole cloth.

Abstract: A cushion insert to fit inside a shoe of Oxford or boot character to support the foot of a wearer and provide comfort, shock absorption, and stability of foot position in the shoe to retain the optimum position of the foot. The cushion insert is molded of a ethylene vinyl acetate material in which there is an upper surface having a less dense characteristic than a bottom surface.

Abstract: A device contains a super absorbent hydrophilic polymer in combination with a compatible liquid to form a thick, viscous gel-like colloidal fluid to provide high durability, low cost, and ready manufacture in footwear, medical applications, including surgical padding, flotation sleeping devices, and other applications for the dissipation of shock or load over time and/or an area.

Abstract: A shoe and shoe sole insert having a heel portion slanted downwardly at a small acute angle from the medial side to the lateral side relative to the horizontal support surface, a forefoot portion slanted downwardly at a small acute angle from the lateral side to the medial side relative to the horizontal support surface, and a diagonally crossing ridge from the heel portion, across the midfoot portion to the forefoot portion. The heel portion has a central, resilient, compressible, calcaneal pad which is substantially unslanted, preferably with an air cavity therebeneath. The calcaneal pad protrudes upwardly above the upper surface of the heel portion. The metatarsal head pad extends upwardly above the upper surface of the forefoot portion. The pivot point or crossover point between the heel portion and the forefoot portion is preferably located a distance from the rear end of the insert equal to the insert length divided by 2.4.

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 nonwoven 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: A foot correction method comprises the steps of raising a plantar arch (15) and applying a pressure on either side of a foot (13) to thereby maintain a configuration of a longitudinal arch and a transversal arch of the foot (13) so as to prevent and correct a spraying phenomenon of the foot (13). A splint (11, 23) for practicing the method comprises shape memory alloy wires preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh (17), or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consists of a Ti-Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved insole that combines insulating and therapeutic properties. The insole consists of a sandwich of several materials, namely a mesh that is adapted to rest on the bottom of some footwear, an aluminum foil whose shiny face is fixed with an adhesive onto the top face of the mesh. A polyethylene film laminated against the dull face of the aluminum foil also serves as the external face of an air bubble sandwich made out of one or two rows of air cells, separated from each other by a central polyethylene film, and covered by another polyethylene film. A second aluminum foil has its dull face laminated against a polyethylene film, and a mesh is then fixed on the shiny surface of the aluminum film with an adhesive. Finally, a resting strip for a foot is then fixed, by adhesive, to the top of the mesh.

Abstract: There is provided complexes of antifungal or antimicrobial compounds having at least one site which is a quaternary ammonium, amine, a mixture thereof, or the salts thereof. The complexes are useful in compositions for deodorizing and/or preventing the growth of odor causing microbes or fungus. The compositions are particularly useful for deodorizing footwear.

Abstract: A sandal having a sole formed of a lower layer, an intermediate layer having openings formed therein, and a microporous upper layer with the layers sealed together to form air pockets. The sole is fastened upon a user's foot by three, separate, independently adjustable straps. One strap extends over the forward portion of the user's foot, and the other two straps loosely cross each other to extend over the front and rear of the user's ankles for securely holding the sandal in position upon the foot while allowing flexible and comfortable freedom of movement of the foot.

Abstract: A lightweight footwear article (100) providing improved traction has a sole (101) having a ground contact surface that has an area somewhat oversized in contrast to the foot of a wearer and constructed of a pliable, breathable, machine-washable fibrous material which provides good traction on slippery surfaces. The footwear article (100) may also have a removable, contoured, cushioned insole (102). Moreover, the footwear article (100) may have an upper (104) made of a lightweight, breathable, machine-washable material.

Abstract: 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 may be formed as shoe midsoles and parts of midsoles, shoe soles and parts of soles, shoe insoles and parts of insoles, and shoe inserts.

Abstract: A reversible insole having a composite structure in which a base insole layer of resilient cushioning material has fabric bonded to its opposite surfaces. Protuberances extend from one surface so the insole may be worn as either a massaging insole or a comfort insole. The insole may be printed with a representation of a reflexology chart and protuberances located to massage selected areas of the foot. Apertures are provided for air circulation. In an alternate embodiment the protuberances are selectively attachable to the base insole.

Abstract: An innersole for use in a shoe or the like and generally having a shoe-shape said innersole comprising a first region having a first hardness, said first region designed to underlie the periphery of the rearfoot, the centroid region of the foot and the periphery of the forefoot, and, a second region having a second hardness, said second region designed to underlie the calcaneal region and the metatarsal or transverse arch, wherein the first region is about 5 to about 15 Shore A durometer harder than the second region. The first region is preferably a second layer and the second region is preferably a first layer. The first layer is generally shoe-shaped and has a first hardness.

Abstract: An internally pressurizable lightweight high tensile strength multi-layered structure with an outer barrier layer envelope of elastomeric semi-permeable material for use as a cushioning device is provided. The barrier layer is bonded, at a multiplicity of sites, to substantially the entire distal surfaces of a double-walled drop-thread linked fabric wherein the filaments are a highly distorted, long chain, axially orientated crystalline molecular structure which has a low gas permeability. The bond between the barrier layer and the facing fabric is substantially increased by the presence of fibrils and texturizing. The drop threads which are likewise texturized, function to maintain the composite structure in either a substantially flat or planar or contoured configuration without weldments within the select load-bearing areas. This product is capable of withstanding substantial internal inflation pressures, under long-term steady state and cyclical compression and flexural fatigue conditions.

Abstract: A cushioning device for cushioning the contact load on a foot during gait. The cushioning device includes a tread of curvilinear shock absorbing elements substantially extending along a basic contact trajectory equivalent to the locus of substantially maximum contact stress during foot rolling. Each shock absorbing element has a triangular-shaped cross section having an inclined face oriented toward the contact trajectory such that each of the shock absorbing elements is flexed away from the basic contact trajectory during stance. As a result, the cushioning device deforms along the basic contact trajectory to a greater degree than on the rest of the device area, thereby equalizing the plantar contact stresses and improving the shock absorbing process.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a resilient shoe insole. The shoe insole is comprised of a resilient material having sufficient thickness in the heel and forefoot region to allow the resilient material to act as a spring, thereby absorbing the impact of a foot and then returning at least 70% of absorbed energy to the foot thereon and providing increased lift and response to the foot and reduced O.sub.2 demand in running relative to other insoles for a given activity. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe insole has a heel portion and a forefoot portion, wherein the heel portion is thicker than the forefoot portion. The heel portion is at least 3/8 inch thick and the forefoot portion is at least 1/4 inch thick. In another embodiment, the base is comprised of multiple laminations of the resilient material.

Abstract: Cleanliness insole for shoes comprising a first layer (10) positioned facing the foot and formed to promote the passage of perspiration from its upper to its lower surface, and a second rigid layer (20) whose upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the first layer, the second layer delimiting cavities (23) which open onto the upper surface of the second layer. These cavities form a moisture-storage volume and are filled with an absorbent material (30). The moisture is thus stored by the absorbent material, thereby avoiding its transfer to the rest of the shoe and preventing the moisture from rising under the effect of foot pressure.

Abstract: An arch support having an upper surface portion, a formed elastomeric lower cushion portion, and a stretch-resisting mat of interwoven nonelastic fibers integrally attached between the upper surface and lower cushion portions to resist lateral and longitudinal stretching during use. The stretch-resisting member may take a variety of shapes to conform to the needs of various foot arch shapes. The arch support has a preselected configuration with dimensions that fall within preselected ranges to complement and provide appropriate support for selected foot arch categories. The arch support may be fitted to an individual user using a system which has a plurality of arch supports of preselected configurations to complement the shape and positioning of the arches of a variety of users' feet and an open top cradle for simulating the fit of the inside of a shoe on which the arch support is rested to have the user try it for fit.

Abstract: A shoe insole comprising a layer for holding a shape of the insole and a hygroscopic multi-layer assembly including a ground pulp hygroscopic layer for absorbing humidity in an interior of a shoe in which the insole is used whereby the humidity is converted into water particle and a water absorbing polymer layer for absorbing the water particle.

Abstract: Described is an insole made of elastic material with recesses designed to accommodate replaceable elastic inserts. At least in the zone in which the inserts are located, the insole has, on the same side as the recesses, a first layer of Velcro.TM. fabric with apertures which fit over the recesses, the first layer acting as a supporting layer for another second layer of Velcro.TM. fabric which covers it completely, including the inserts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spun-laced fabric having improved water absorbency containing a blend of certain hydrophilic cellulosic and pack resistant fibers with a hydrophobic fiber material layer attached to one side of the blend. The fabric may be used as an absorbent layer in a multilayer or laminated structure.

Abstract: A lightweight athletic shoe with an ankle support system and a foot comfort and support system is provided. The ankle support system, which includes an integral brace with removable ankle support elements, may be modified by the wearer to vary the amount of support provided as needed. The foot comfort and support system includes a composite insole with a spongy, moisture absorbing layer and an air layer with an air-filled arch support and an air-filled upper foot comfort cushion located around the shoelace-holding eyelets. Air-filled pockets in the shoe upper provide design elements and contribute to the reduction in the weight of the shoe.

Abstract: A flexible and elongated composite material which is intended to be placed on a flat surface of an at least essentially rigid and also elongated composite material including a flat composite material which is designed to be placed on the rigid object. The composite material of the flexible object has a supporting layer. A stabilization layer is assigned to that one side of the supporting layer which is intended to face the rigid object. The stabilization layer is designed to give the composite material a necessary rigidity. Grooves are in at least one of the surfaces of the composite material. An adhesive agent is applied to certain points or areas of that surface of the composite material which is intended to be placed on the flat surface of the rigid object.

Abstract: A cushion insole for a shoe comprises a cushion insole member and a separate arch support member which may be secured to the insole member or shoe foundation and which includes an arch support section bearing against the arch of the foot. The arch support member is available in various sizes to conform to the arch of the foot of the individual user, and may be secured to the insole member or shoe foundation at adjustable locations. An appropriate size arch support member and insole member are inserted into the shoe, with the arch support member positioned at the desired location relative to the arch of the foot, whereafter the shoe is worn in the normal manner.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight composite material having beneficial flexing characteristics is made using a unique reinforcement material. The reinforcement material comprises a fabric incorporating glass rovings with graphite tows in an architectural combination that retains the properties of both materials. Composite structures made using this reinforcement material with a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix are extremely lightweight, with desirable anisotropic flexing properties. The finished composite structure is extremely useful as an arch support in a shoe to absorb and distribute the forces generated by walking. In distributing forces on the foot such a support will provide the desired stiffness along the longitudinal axis while allowing increased flexibility along the transverse axis.

Abstract: A relatively rigid cap is made of a material which is deformable at moderately elevated temperatures. A flexible blank contoured to fit a person's foot is placed against the cap which is at the elevated temperature, and these two are placed against the plantar surface of the foot. A plastic bag is placed around the cap, the blank and the foot, and a blank is applied to conform the cap and the blank to the person's foot so as to make a custom fit orthotic. Upon cooling, the cap remains properly contoured relative to the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: An insole for articles of footwear comprises an apertured top layer formed from a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material which is affixed to a stabilizing layer formed of a non-woven material. The stabilizing layer, in turn, is affixed to a barrier layer and/or a cushioning layer to form insoles for articles of footwear intended for different activities.

Abstract: Shoes are provided with soles and upper portions which conform to the configuration of the user's feet by the use of vacuum formable bladders in the sole of the shoes and/or in the sides of the upper portions of the shoes. The bladders are filled with material, such as small spherical particles, which retains a configuration conforming to the shape of the feet under reduced pressure conditions. A vacuum pump is provided, and it may be located in the heel area of the shoe to be actuated by walking or running to evacuate air from the bladders.

Abstract: A therapeutic arch support is described, more particularly intended for therapy of disorders of the circulation of the foot, for the treatment of venous insufficiency within the area of the leg or for bedding load-sensitive feet, especially for bedding the feet of diabetics suffering from foot detects. The arch support has a multi-layer construction with a highly resilient elastomer core layer standardized so as to be as soft as possible and a thin, top-side covering layer in the form of a smooth fibrous structure. On the side of the sole, a separate supporting layer of flexible, machinable and compression-resistant material may be provided.

Abstract: The functional forefoot orthotic of this invention comprises a shell plate that is conformed to the sole of the foot replica, a forefoot posting shim is applied to the upper surface of the shell plate. A stabilizing heel platform may also be applied to the bottom of the shell plate. The forefoot posting shim is applied at the level of the first to third metatarsals for a varum prescription. The shape, size and thickness of the posting shim is determined by the prescription. The forefoot posting shim will have a width that will be determined by the degree of deformity in the patient's forefoot. It will be wide enough to support at least the first metatarsal and may be wide enough to support two or all three of the first-to-third metatarsals. The forefoot posting shim will accommodate the patient's varum forefoot deformity so as to provide, in combination with the shell plate replica of the patient's foot, a stable forefoot platform for the patient's foot.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shoe insole is disclosed for cushioning a user's foot and for transferring electrical charges from the wearer's foot to a conductive shoe. The shoe insole includes a cushioned layer, which contains an electrically conductive material, and a fabric, which is bonded to the top surface of the cushioned layer by a nonconductive adhesive. The fabric contains a noncorrosive electrically conductive fiber interwoven therein. The adhesive is applied such that the electrically conductive fibers in the fabric contact the cushioned layer. This allows transfer of electrical charges from the fabric to the cushioned layer.

Abstract: A shoe having an insole with a forepart of leather having the characteristics of upper leather and a back part of fiberboard. A sheet layer of foam material, such as microcellular polyurethane, is cemented to the lower surface of the forepart and a foam cushion, preferably molded of microcellular polyurethane, overlies the back part. The back part of the insole has an opening through it and the foam cushion has a central portion that projects downwardly through the opening thereby providing a thickened foam at the central portion to maximize cushioning at the area of the heel strike. The invention is incorporated in shoes of both the welt-type construction and the cement-type construction.

Abstract: A ventilated boot or shoe is described wherein the boot or shoe is of conventional design having a sole, an upper portion, a toe, a heel, and instep portion, and sides forming an open top. Within the shoe, a spongy open-celled compressible insole is provided which has a pair of channels at each side entering the insole at the instep and at the heel portions. An impervious layer is sandwiched between upper and lower layers of spongy material to form said insole and an impervious material further forms the sides thereof. Ventilation pipes are provided which extend downwardly from the open top of the boot or shoe along the sides thereof and which form elbows at the lower end which enter the channels. As the wearer walks, the insole is compressed expelling air trapped in the open cells thereof and as pressure on the insole eases, the resilient insole expands drawing air through the ventilation tubes thereinto.

Abstract: A protective insole for use in safety footwear comprising a protective layer composed of plastic and including a flexible forepart portion having an insole board bonded to its bottom surface and a fabric liner bonded to its top surface during the process of molding the protective plastic layer. A fabric mesh may be embedded in the plastic layer for reinforcement. A further embodiment provides a steel forepart plate anchored to a plastic shank and heel about the region of greatest flexure.

Abstract: A removable, three quarters length, innersole for an article of footwear, adapted to provide cushioning and/or support to a foot. Said innersole comprises a forward toe portion having a radius edge, a rear heel portion having a radius edge and an intermediate arch cushion portion between said toe and heel portions. The forward toe portion, the rear heel portion and said intermediate arch cushion portion are one-piece. The innersole being resilient. The innersole including a first flat bottom surface, a second upper surface having an intermediate arch portion whose contour is generally convex-shaped and a third concave-shaped surface extending from said bottom surface to said upper surface to define with said upper surface an arched projection extending upwardly from said bottom surface and outwardly at a distance about equal to or greater than the tangent of said toe radius edge and said heel radius edge. The arched projection defining a space beneath said third surface.

Abstract: An article for the pressure-actuated release of the powder composition comprises a resilient layer having a plurality of discrete reservoirs therein. Each reservoir contains an isolated quantity of an active powder composition, and usually a permeable layer covers an open aperture from the reservoir. As the article is compressed, the powder is forced outward through the permeable layer and into the surrounding environment. In a preferred example, the article is a shoe insole and the active composition is an anti-microbial powder, usually being an anti-microbial agent which is absorbed into porous particles.

Abstract: A magnetherapy insole for a shoe, having a three layer design. A top, cushioning layer for the comfort of the user. A center layer having a distinct pattern of lengthwise strips of material, these lengthwise strips of material being a north pole oriented strip, a dialectric lengthwise strip, and a south pole oriented lengthwise strip. Further, each of these lengthwise magnetic strips are formed of a top layer of north pole oriented material, covering a layer of dialectric material, and then, a bottom layer of south pole oriented material covering the bottom of the dialectric material. These strips of magnetic material are installed alternately in the center layer, creating a pattern of north pole oriented strip, bordering a dialectric strip, bordering a south pole oriented strip. A bottom cushioning layer, having a plurality of protrusions on the bottom, provides additional cushioning effects to the user.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shoe insole is disclosed for cushioning a user's foot and for transferring electrical charges from the wearer's foot to a conductive shoe. The shoe insole includes a cushioned layer, which contains an electrically conductive material, and a fabric, which is bonded to the top surface of the cushioned layer by a nonconductive adhesive. The fabric contains a noncorrosive electrically conductive fiber interwoven therein. The adhesive is applied such that the electrically conductive fibers in the fabric contact the cushioned layer. This allows transfer of electrical charges from the fabric to the cushioned layer.

Abstract: An electrical insole or outsole is provided to increase foot support. The insole is attached to the top of the sole body, whereas the outsole is attached to the bottom of the sole body. The insole or outsole has a raised front portion to shift some weight rearward to the center of the foot. The back portion of the insole is either raised or lowered, depending on the shoe heel height, to shift some weight forward to the center of the foot.

Abstract: An odor adsorbing contoured laminate for footwear comprising an upper-most layer of perforated thermoplastic foam (20), a second layer of air permeable, water repellent textile fabric (22), a third layer of odor adsorbent material (24), a fourth partial layer of contoured solid thermoplastic (30), and a fifth bottom layer of odor adsorbent material (26).

Abstract: A conformable device (20) containing a conformable material (41) substantially comprising fluid matter which forms a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time is used in an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, comfort, fit, stability, cushioning and shock-absorption. The conformable material (41) is contained within a chamber (51) of suitable configurations. In addition, a foam material (66) of select shape generally conforming to a portion of the wearer's anatomy can be used in cooperation with the conformable material (41), as well as a void (40) containing a gas. The invention permits accommodation to a wide range of anatomical features and characteristics found amongst a large percentage of the general public and application within numerous types of footwear (44).

Abstract: A laminated paperboard product and a process for making the product and shoe insoles made therefrom. The product is formed of a first layer with a mixture of a predominance of a polyolefin fibers (preferably polyethylene) that has been treated to make it hydrophilic and long fiber softwood pulp, and a second layer formed of a mixture of the polyolefin fiber (again preferably polyethylene) and a predominance long fiber softwood pulp.When made into shoe insoles, the product has a second ply formed of a third and a fourth layer. The third layer has a composition that is similar to the second layer in that the quantity of polyolefin is greater then the quantity of wood pulp and the fourth layer has a composition that is similar to the first layer in that the quantity of polyolefin is less then the quantity of wood pulp.

Abstract: An orthotic appliance adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, the orthotic including a first upper, relatively flexible blank portion and an underlying, relatively rigid cap portion. The blank portion has a longitudinally-extending zone of disparate resiliency relative to first and second side areas of the blank; the zone of disparate resiliency deforms downwardly raeltive to the side areas as the foot begins to bear weight, so that the side areas cradle the foot and urge it into a neutral position as the foot transitions from heel strike to mid-gait. A relatively resilient pad portion and a moldable insert are positioned intermediate the blank and cap portions. The zone of disparate resiliency may be formed by a recess in the bottom side of the blank, and the pad may be complementally formed to fit into this and so modify the zone of disparate resiliency.

Abstract: Cushion to provide tripodal support at the three gait points of the human foot to alleviate pedal dysfunction and associated leg discomfort resulting from pregnancy, obesity, spinal deformity and the like. The cushion comprises support cushions positioned at points corresponding to the locations of the posterior calcaneus, the calcaneal-cuboid region and the base of the first metatarsal bone of a human foot. The support cushions are made of polymeric foam having a density greater than that of a surrounding insole and are positioned to form an obtuse triangle of support that directs the forces generated by walking across the foot so as to provide a near functionally perfect gait. The cushions may be separately adhered to the sock lining within a shoe or formed as part of an insole for temporary or permanent placement in incorporation as part of a shoe construction.

Abstract: A cushioning device includes a plurality of liquid cells encapsulated in a flexible substrate sheet wherein each liquid cell is filled with water therein and the cells are juxtapositionally disposed on the sheet so that a cellular sheet may serve as a cushioning device for a user's seating, leaning or wearing for comfortable cushioning purposes.

Abstract: Odor absorbing sheet material is formed from a thin flexible substrate sheet on which discrete spaced areas, for example dots, of bonding agent such as latex adhesive are applied. Odor absorbing granules are bonded to the surface of each adhesive area. Since only small portions of the surfaces of the granules adhere to the adhesive, the odor absorbing capacity of the granules is not impaired. A thin flexible permeable cover sheet is applied on the or each granule coated side of the substrate sheet and is attached in a manner which maintains permeability of the assembly so that access of air to the granules is preserved and which does not substantially affect the flexibility of the assembly so that a sheet product with a soft flexibility and drapeable hand is obtained. Preferably, the outer cover sheet of the assembly is an anti-friction porous polymer web such as for example the webs used as facing layers on non-stick or non-adherent wound dressings and bandages.

Abstract: A low friction shoe insert of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or the like having a coefficient of friction of 0.3 or less with an array of detachable discrete cushion elements on the shoe contacting lower surface to both frictionally anchor the insert to the shoe and permit the shape to be customized to the wearers foot and selectively relieve pressure on painful and sensitive areas.

Abstract: A footwear article for winter weather conditions, worn as a boot, overboot or overshoe, having a flat, unitary sole piece constructed of Papermaker's Wet Felt which provides good traction over ice and snow surfaces. The footwear article may also have an insole having layers of closed-cell foam insulation and which is oversized compared to the foot of the wearer. The article may further have an upper. The sole piece, upper and other external surfaces are of breathable, light-weight materials.