Abstract: An insole for footwear includes at least one flexible base member for forming a foot supporting surface. The at least one flexible base member has a circumferential outline that corresponds to a predefined footprint. The insole further includes a stabilizing member that coextends along the at least one flexible base member for substantially a full length of the predefined footprint. According to a further aspect of the invention the at least one flexible base member defines a forefoot region and a heel region and preferably the stabilizing member extends between the forefoot region and the heel region. Thereby the stabilizer member preferably extends from an area for the big toe of the forefoot region. Stabilizer members with such features enhance pressure distribution and stability during walking for the users of footwear. In particular support along the longitudinal axis of a foot is important for running and walking.

Abstract: An insole especially advantageous for arthritic or diabetic patients comprises three layers and is shaped in a form which provides and arch support and an integral heel receiving area. It is made from a generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the bottom layer preferably further comprises one to three indentations formed integrally therein. Insert layers are secured to each of said indentations. Preferably, the bottom layer is made from an EVA foam. A middle layer having a first and second side is secured to the top surface of the bottom layer adjacent the middle layer's second side. The middle layer is preferably made of a synthetic rubber layer. The middle layer takes the shape of the bottom layer. A top layer is coextensive with and secured to the first side of the synthetic rubber layer. The top layer composition is selected according to the intended use.

Abstract: A shoe insert to be used for heating or cooling the foot. They are to be manufactured and sold as pairs of left and right shoe inserts. The insert has a number of components forming a sandwich within a sandwich. The outer sandwich has the shape of a shoe, and is partly adjustable in size to fit a range of shoe sizes. So, the inserts may be sold in sizes, for example, small, medium, and large, and these sizes may then be fine tuned to fit a sub-range of shoe sizes. The inner sandwich is smaller than the outer sandwich. The inner sandwich is a pouch positioned at the instep which ruptures when pressure is applied. This pouch contains a liquid that can then flow into a cushioned region. The cushioned region contains a chemical, which when combined with the liquid from the pouch, emits heat (exothermic reaction) or absorbs heat (endothermic reaction). An exothermic reaction would heat the foot while an endothermic reaction would cool the foot.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an insole having a multilayered construction with openings and ribs sized, shaped, and positioned to provide desired areas of stiffness and flexibility. The multi-layered construction may include a chassis defining a support member opening and a support member covering the opening and positioned between the chassis and a cushioning layer. The chassis may define a plurality of apertures in the forefoot portion, which, in a direction from the forefoot end to the heel end, progressively increase in size to a point at which maximum flexibility is desired in the forefoot portion. The bottom of the support member may include protruding ribs that extend generally in a longitudinal direction from the midfoot to the heel, and include a straight middle rib, a medial side rib convex with respect to the middle rib, and a lateral side rib convex with respect to the middle rib.

Abstract: Antistatic footwear for man, woman and child comprising an upper portion, an outer sole (3) and an insole (1, 2) disposed between the outer sole (3) and the upper portion. One or more electrical conductors positioned within the outer sole and contacting one or more electrically conductive regions of the insole (1,2) provide an electrical contact between the foot of the user and the ground.

Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot.

Abstract: An insole is configured to underlie the rear portion (i.e. the area behind the toes) of the foot of a wearer and includes a para-aramid insert in the arch. The insole improves cushioning and support. The insole includes a shock absorber layer, a heel insert, a woven para-aramid polymer fiber insert, and a fabric cover. The shock absorber layer has a cutout formed in a section configured to underlie an arch of a foot of a wearer. The heel insert is disposed beneath the shock absorber layer. The woven para-aramid polymer fiber insert is inserted in the cutout. The fabric cover overlies the airfoam layer.

Abstract: A sheet adapted for juxtaposition adjacent to a region of an animal, such as a human foot, for relieving pressure at a selected sub-region such as a particular part of a foot sole or a foot heel. The sheet possesses an upper surface and a lower surface substantially coplanar with the upper surface. An array of sealed cells are filled with a flowable substance. Selected cells may be punctured such that they collapse in the region to be disposed next to a sore area. The healthy region around the sore area absorbs any pressure, and pressure is relieved from the sore area. Methods of creating the sheet and methods of utilizing the sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a footbed made of cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyester and thermoplastic gel rubber. The invention also provides footwear which includes a footbed as described herein.

Abstract: An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneus bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and pods secured to the underside of the insole core or base. A lateral heel pod and a medial heel pod have differing material properties selected to help control foot pronation.

Abstract: A shoe midsole has a sole plate, a plurality of blades integrally standing on the sole plate, a cover bonded to the circumference of the sole plate, and a fluid sealed between the sole plate and the cover. A first concave part in a shape equivalent to a sole of a foot is formed on the surface of the sole plate, on which the plurality of blades stand, wherein the plurality of blades are accommodated within the first concave part. The plurality of blades are aligned at a predetermined interval in a direction nearly orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, and some of the plurality of blades are tilted toward the toe.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable puncture protective footwear insert with an insole with an orthotic shape that includes an arch support and a heel cup made of a cellular foam product, a multiple layer protective material where the layers are bonded together and held within the insole and a cushioning and shock absorption material that helps maintain the insole orthotic shape. The cellular foam product is Poron or ethylene vinyl acetate, Poron and ethylene acetate and the insole can be with or without the heel cup. The multiple layer protective material is a SWEN FLEX material or Lenz Egisto puncture proof material. There are also two or more separate methods for manufacturing a removable puncture protective footwear insert.

Abstract: An article with refreshing/warming effect for user is disclosed. Said article comprises a support that contains a composition comprising mineral salts and an active substance with refreshing/warming effect.

Abstract: An article of footwear, including a sole assembly and an upper, the article of footwear extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the article of footwear including a first fitting element as well as a second fitting element. The first fitting element includes a first envelope and a first sole of the strobel type, the first envelope being fixed to the first strobel sole at least with stitching. The second fitting element includes a second envelope and a second sole of the strobel type, the second envelope being fixed to the second strobel sole at least with stitching.

Abstract: The present invention is a shoe that incorporates a custom insole and method of making the shoe with insole, where a press molded foot plate, the insole, is formed from a positive mold of a foot with the foot at an elevated height corresponding to a height of a high heel shoe, the press molded foot plate extends the length of the shoe to receive the shoe uppers, the shoe outer sole and the desired heel. Alternatively, the shoe, with the incorporated insole, can be a non-customized product that would allow for mass production of the shoe with insole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, midsole or unified outsole-midsole-insole device for use with an article of footwear, displaying significant improvement over conventional similar insole type products through its ability to offer to the wearer an adjustable biofeedback component for the rehabilitation and strengthening of the foot's muscles, as well as an adjustable motion control component for the purpose of controlling the pronation and arch deflection of the human foot during gait. Through this means wearers of the device gradually strengthen their foot while simultaneously decreasing their dependence on secondary motion control structures.

Abstract: A method of improving perspiration absorbency in a shoe or boot using particulate amorphous silica as an absorbent in insoles for shoes and/or boots, as well as a shoe insole containing an absorbent which contains particulate amorphous silica, and footware containing the insole.

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

Abstract: An insole of the present invention includes a first layer, and a second layer integrally and continuously formed with the first layer. The second layer is mold-injected on the first layer to bond the second layer with the first layer, so as to form the stable bonding therebetween for securely and integrally bonding the first and second layers in a glue-less manner.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe includes a body that is configured to fit within the shoe. A heel recess in a heel area of the insole extends partially through the body. A metatarsal opening in a metatarsal area of the insole extends completely through the body. A heel insert is secured in the heel recess, and a metatarsal insert is secured in the metatarsal opening. A method is disclosed for making an insole by mixing a reactive resin with a quantity of cork particles to form a body mixture. The mixture is injected into an injection mold to form a body portion of the insole that includes a heel recess and metatarsal opening. A heel insert and metatarsal insert are molded and provided in the heel recess and metatarsal opening, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides electromagnetic fitness shoes with a conductor structure and an insole. The shoes include a vamp, an inner space, a heel portion and a sole. The sole includes a big sole body, a middle sole and an insole. The insole is provided with conducting members, and the conductor structure electrically connects to a conducting member. The conducting member includes a conductive terminal and electric wire. The conductive terminal fitted with an electric connecting portion. The conductive terminal is assembled into the interleaving space formed by the heel portion and arranged along the interleaving space. The electric connecting portion is exposed upwards, and the conducting member of insole is made of conductive fabrics. The robustness is improved, and the service life of the electromagnetic fitness shoes is prolonged with better comfort and applicability.

Abstract: The present invention provides individual solutions to workplace fatigue and stress by determining the specific support needed for each individual. Specifically, the present invention defines and utilizes an ergonomic interaction factor to enable selection of a proper fitting shoe. Such selection occurs in one embodiment by dividing a person's weight by the contact area of the bottom of their feet.

Abstract: A system of constructing a pair of devices to provide lateral or medial corrections of a desired degree includes a right foot orthotic shell (20R) and a left foot orthotic shell (20L). A first angled wedge (40A) is connectable to the right shell (20R) and a second angled wedge (40B) is connectable to the left shell (20L) to provide lateral correction. The second wedge (40B) is connectable to the right shell (20R) and the first wedge (40A) is connectable to the left shell (20L) to provide medial correction. A plurality of pairs of wedges (40) can be provided with each pair providing a different angle of correction.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and pods secured to the underside of the insole core or base. A lateral heel pod and a medial heel pod have differing material properties selected to help control foot pronation.

Abstract: An insole or insertable sole (1), which encompasses at least one base insole layer (2), as well as an upper sole (13) attached thereabove is proposed. Preferably, provision is made between the upper sole (13) and the base insole layer (2) for a massage layer (10). According to the invention, the base insole layer (2) has a first functional zone (20), which in particular serves the purpose of shock absorption and a second functional zone (30), which serves the purpose of ventilation. Different measures are proposed for promoting the air circulation from the second functional zone to the foot through the different layers.

Abstract: An insole which is individually adaptable for insertion in footwear is disclosed. The insole has an upper cradle having an upper surface for contact with a foot. The upper surface is a ETC material. A lower interlocking surface is molded of EVA for cushioning of the foot. A lower cradle having an upper surface with an arch depression and a lower surface with flow domes provided. The flow dome has a flow hole fluidly communicating with the arch depression. A gel layer is placed in the arch depression, the gel layer being moldable via heat. The insole is heated to allow the gel layer to soften. The user then places their foot in on the insole allowing the gel layer to conform to the user's feet. The gel layer then cools and sets in the shape. Excess gel in the gel layer runs out through the flow holes and fills the flow domes. The excess gel is removed and the flow dome is plugged.

Abstract: A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.

Abstract: Methods of making molded articles and the articles formed by the method, particularly viscoelastic gel articles.

Abstract: A laminated foam sockliner for use in combination with footwear. The sockliner has a forward part generally underlying and supporting toes and metatarsal heads, a middle part generally underlying and supporting an arch, and a back part generally underlying and supporting a heel of the wearer. The sockliner includes a porous upper layer made from a flexible air permeable material. The upper layer provides support for at least a portion of the foot of the wearer including a heel and an arch of the foot. The sockliner also includes a shockfoam layer positioned generally at the back part of the sockliner below the upper layer. A top surface of the shockfoam layer being permanently bonded to at least a portion of a bottom surface of the upper layer underlying the back part of the sockliner. The forward part of the sockliner substantially lacks the shockfoam layer.

Abstract: A gel construct includes a viscoelastic gel pad with migratory oils or also synthetic or triglyceride fluids, emollients, waxes, vitamins, humectants, pharmaceutical actives, and other hair or skin conditioning or treatment agents. The gel construct also includes a body, hair or skin-side layer on one major side surface of the gel pad which is permeable to the migratory agents of the gel. The gel construct optionally includes a barrier layer on the opposite major side surface of the gel pad to prevent the migratory agents of the gel from penetrating that layer. The gel construct may find use as, for example, an insole.

Abstract: Methods of making molded articles and the articles formed by the method, particularly viscoelastic gel articles.

Abstract: The present application refers to a conductive, resistive and anti-triboelectric footwear comprising a footwear body or cut, a semiconductor sole, a resistive conductive insole, a common insole, a bottom of sole having contacting the floor made of the same material as the unloading devices and the semiconductor insole and unloading devices, with the purpose of contacting the human body with the ground and achieve the release of the stored static electricity on which the footwear body is fixed, characterized in that the unloading devices pass through the common insole and the footwear bottom making contact between the resistive conductive insole and the ground at least through the portion or the whole sole when it is resistive conductive; and its manufacturing method.

Abstract: An orthotic device is designed to be reused and reapplied in open shoes include an adhesive layer which securely, but temporarily, bonds the insole to a shoe. In some embodiments, the insole both supports and cushions a foot. In other embodiments, the insole solely cushions the foot. The supporting insoles include an arch support and a heel lift. The cushioning insoles include a flat sole pad, a contoured sole pad, a ball of foot pad and a heel spur pad. In some embodiments, a textile covering is included over the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear intended for use with a left foot and a right foot is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an interior space configured to fit a left for and a right foot. Additionally, the article of footwear may be associated with an insert that deforms during use.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing shoe soles, as well as shoes and shoe soles manufactured using such techniques. In one embodiment, a shoe sole includes: a main structure, made of at least one base material, forming a shape of a shoe sole; and an insert embedded within the main structure and made of sheets of material layered on top of each other.

Abstract: A foot support device where the first metatarsal is raised with respect to the second through fifth metatarsals with a substantially horizontal support surface, the foot support device further having an arch support portion, the first metatarsal support allowing for a proper foot and ankle alignment for bipedal motion as well as standing.

Abstract: Methods of making molded articles and the articles formed by the method, particularly viscoelastic gel articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a insole which is mainly made by the following process: reeling off single thread filament from recycled materials such as PET bottle, PET plastic material, waste fabric, recycled yarn into fiber; intermingling plastic fiber with the above fiber of recycled material and then conducting needle punching to form air-permeable thick layer of nonwoven fabric having 3-10 mm thickness; adhering nonwoven fabric or cover layer made by general fabric onto the air-permeable thick layer of non-woven fabric; conducting heat forming and cutting into suitable size. In this manner, not only the insole made by recycled material possesses environment protection feature but also the air-permeable thick layer of nonwoven fabric, which is needle punched from fiber, has excellent air permeability and appropriate elastic effect. Therefore, users have snug feeling achieved by good air permeability and shock absorption so that it has better performance in its total application.

Abstract: A footbed for use in footwear. The footbed includes a first molded layer having a size and shape adapted to support at least a first portion of a foot of a wearer of the footwear. The first layer has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. A second molded layer has a size and shape adapted to support at least a second portion of the foot of the wearer of the footwear. The second layer also has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. A foam layer is attached to the top surface of the second molded layer. The foam layer and the second molded layer are positioned over at least a portion of the top surface of the first molded layer.

Abstract: A shoe insole apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel has a shape for being positioned within a shoe. The panel includes a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A cushion member is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge and the front edge. The cushion member is positioned between the top and bottom sides. The cushion member is resiliently compressible. The cushion member extends between 1 inch and 3 inches toward the back edge along the first lateral edge. The panel is positioned within a shoe.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a supporting member that continuously and flexibly supports and bounds a plurality of small sized hard surfaced force members that support a user's foot during movement without clumping. The force members are slidable relative to each other and require no additional lubrication although dry or non-tacky liquid lubrication may be added. The support member is positioned on a support surface of a shoe sole and a shoe is constructed including the same. Alternative designs include structural members or positioning stitches relative to the supporting member minimizing undesirable movement of force members during use.

Abstract: An insole is described that can be placed with an insole receiving area of a slipper. The insole can be prepared by compression molding a structure comprising a foam layer having a first foam side and a second foam side. The insole includes a heel region, an arch region, and a toe region. The heel region includes a heel cushioning portion and a heel perimeter portion. The heel perimeter portion includes a retaining wall that extends above the top surface of the heel cushioning portion. The arch region includes an arch cushioning portion and an arch perimeter portion. The arch perimeter portion includes an arch support that extends above the top surface of the arch cushioning portion. The toe region includes a toe cushioning portion and a toe perimeter portion. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are described.

Abstract: A shoe insole is injection molded from composite materials, the composite materials includes 62%-80% by weight of nylon and 20%-38% by weight of short fiber material.

Abstract: Individually formed footwear such as shoes and insoles for correcting the feet position and alleviate related problems. The shoe or insole comprises at least one layer made of thermoplastic material, which material is advantageously chosen from a group of ABS, PVC, A-PET and PETG. A method for providing such footwear to a client at a retail store is likewise presented.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for footwear that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties, which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic insole comprising a curve support for the metatarsus. Provided in the region of the greatest height of the curve support on the underside of the insole are a plurality of longitudinally extending stiffening ribs as well as grooves, said grooves extending from the toe region in the direction of the heel as far as the metatarsal region and so curving round in the metatarsal region to the lateral side of the insole and terminating in said region that extending between the grooves are spring strips issuing from each of the toes, wherein material can be removed from the spring strips and stiffening ribs in order individually to adapt the thickness thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of a multi-elastic insole for shoes wherein a plurality of polyurethane foams having different elasticity from one another are sequentially laminated on the concaved portion of the bottom surface of an insole abutting against a wearer's heel portion, thereby excellently absorbing the impacts generated from a foot sole to make the wearer feel comfortable while in use, which reduces the work load of the leg and foot and the muscle fatigue in the workers standing up for long hours on a hard floor and prevents the muscular skeletal diseases to make the workers healthy.

Abstract: A triple density heel cup is disclosed which comprises a generally heel-shaped substrate having a length extending from a heel portion of an integral wall to a front border, which front border in use is adapted to underlie a portion of the arch area of a human foot. The heel-shaped substrate comprises a structural gel layer having a foot receiving surface and a shoe side surface. A generally flat portion of the foot receiving surface will lie adjacent the bottom of a wearer's foot in use and the integral wall which is adapted to lie adjacent the back of wearer's heel and portion of the side of a wearer's heel in use, said integral wall having an apex of maximum height, said wall tapering down in height from said apex toward said front border; The shoe side surface defines a channel formed in said structural gel adapted to receive a reinforcing component which is secured to said structural gel in said channel and is made of a denser material than said structural gel.