Abstract: A shoe insole element includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a plurality of upper projections and a plurality of voids located alongside the upper projections. The lower portion includes a plurality of lower projections which extend into the voids to resist flexing of the upper projections toward one another under the action of a wearer's foot. The lower portion can be made selectively separable from the upper portion by the wearer to release the resistance to such flexing, or the lower portion can be permanently bonded to the upper portion. The stiffness of the upper and lower projections can be mutually different. The insole element can be configured for use in different regions of a shoe, such as the heel and/or arch regions, or it can constitute the entire insole.

Abstract: A triple density replacement insole which has at least two coextensive layers of different densities which are adjacent one another and extending the length of the insole comprising a first top cloth layer and a second gel layer and a third density layer comprising a stability cradle adjacent said gel layer is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the stability cradle, which extends from the arch area to the heel area and secures to the gel layer, defines a first metatarsal region gap which exposes the gel layer and a second heel region gap which exposes the gel layer, In the preferred embodiment, a heel cushion is positioned in the second heel region gap adjacent to said gel layer and is secured to said gel layer exposed in that region and a metatarsal arch support is integrally formed in the first metatarsal region gap area from the first top cloth and second gel layer.

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

Abstract: A shoe insert for adjusting the fit of a shoe on a person's foot, and the combination of such insert and a shoe with elements providing for removable securement of the insert within the shoe. The shoe insert may be formed from a stable, resilient, and biodegradable material such as a molded mixture of polyurethane and cork, and may be removably secured within the shoe via a cooperating slot and rail system to prevent slippage of the insert within the shoe. The shoe or insert or both may be contoured to provide a custom anatomical fit to the person's foot.

Abstract: A removable insert for footwear has a slot placed in its medial edge which extends below the arch. An insert placed into the slot has a height which establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. Multiple inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied.

Abstract: A biomechanics medical corrective shoe pad with far infrared ray energy fibers includes a bacteriostasis surface cloth layer, an inner foamed layer, a far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer, a polythene layer, and a bacteriostasis cloth layer, which are positioned one on another in sequence, and heat-pressed and joined together with a mold; the far infrared ray energy emitting fiber layer includes a fiber, and far infrared ray energy containing mineral granules joined on the fiber; the shoe pad includes a peripheral area, a supporting area, and a cambering area, which undergo different-temperature heat-pressing processes; the supporting area and the cambering area are shaped according to ergonomics and human dynamics and in such a manner as to match pressure-responsive points of a man's sole; therefore, the shoe pad can absorb shock, reduce pressure, provide sufficient protection and support, and massage the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Footwear sole with anti-stress and slight massaging effect comprising an external sole (1) resting on the ground and at least an inner sole, interposed between said external sole and the user foot, which inner sole is composed of at least two layers a first layer directly contacting the foot, so called cleaning insole (4) and a second layer placed between said cleaning insole and said external sole (1) called intermediate layer (2), and in which said intermediate layer (2) is at least partially composed of at least a soft layer (3) made of soft material, said cleaning insole (4) having at least partially slots (104) through which said soft layer (3) penetrates and contacts the foot.

Abstract: A point shoe insole for a ballet slipper with a two layered co-molded plastic sheet having a top layer made of semi-rigid plastic and a bottom layer made of four of rigid plastic members. The top sheet has a plurality of horizontally and downwardly facing ribs. The first and second downwardly facing ribs fit tightly between the first, second and third rigid plastic members of the bottom sheet. A third set downwardly facing ribs are located between the third rigid portion and the forth rigid portion. The area above the first and second downwardly facing ribs form hinges that allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in an upward direction during the progression of movement of a user's foot between a flat plane and on pointe, but does not allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in the opposite direction when the user's foot is on pointe.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of footwear adapted for use in extreme and hazardous environments by members of the military, law enforcement personnel and others who require durable and functional footwear. The footwear include protective coverings that may be proof, puncture proof, fire retardant or water repelling. Drainage holes can be positioned in the toe region and along the outsole to enable a wearer to quickly drain water from the article of footwear. Single use or replaceable drainage plugs may cover the holes to prevent entry of water into the boot or other article of footwear. Removable and/or replaceable footbeds may be employed, and such footbeds may provide adjustable sizing of the article of footwear using interchangeable cartridges. A support saddle may be employed with the footbed to enhance foot support under heavy loads. These and other features herein are suited for use in a wide variety of footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a massaging and reflexology system for an article of footwear comprising a core body generally configured in the shape of a shoe insole, a plurality of cups disposed on a top surface of the shoe insole, and a respective bump or pressure nub disposed within each of the cups. The cups may be disposed on a bottom surface of the core body. The shoe insole may define toe, intermediate, heel and arch portions, or any combination thereof. Each cup may define a substantially concave surface projecting outwardly from the top surface with the cup perimeters being generally circular. The pressure nubs may be centrally disposed on the concave surface of each one of the cups on the top surface. The core body, the cups, the cup spacers and the pressure nubs may be formed as a unitary structure of resilient, elastomeric material such as silicone gel.

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: The present invention is a disposable cushion inserts for shoes designed to temper forces imparted on a foot during activities such as walking and running. The cushion insert in one embodiment has first and second layers conjoined by a bonding method taken from the group of adhesive and ultrasonics. The first layer is constructed of fibrous material taken from the group of fiber crops and polymers that will be treated to have a low moisture content and absorbency with a plurality of air passages apertures passing between the second layer and the cushioned insert exterior. The second layer is manufactured from a cross-linked open cell silicone material having a plurality of conjoined truncated-apex square pyramids where the walls enclose a central cavity with open bottoms providing a structure that is mostly ambient air-filled space that when released from a compressed state returns to its original form.

Abstract: An insole includes an upper foot contacting substrate and a lower substrate, wherein openings are provided in both the upper foot contacting substrate and the lower substrate. These openings are at least partially kept in alignment with each other to receive a flexible, shock absorbing unit therein. The insole according to the invention provides a good absorbance and at the same time improves the air flow inside the insole. Therefore, the moisture around the wearer's foot can easily escape, thus keeping foot dry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a footwear insole for alleviating arthritis pain of the foot, knee, and/or hip by providing a rigid shell layer for arch support, and a topcloth, an upper cushioning layer, and a lower cushioning layer for cushioning. Further, the rigid shell layer includes a shell aperture, and the lower cushioning layer includes a lower layer aperture, through which a portion of the upper cushioning layer extends for cushioning.

Abstract: Disclosed is a footwear insole for increasing comfort in high heel shoes by providing a base layer extending from a heel to a forefoot of a foot, and a raised portion prominent from the top of the base layer and situated substantially under an arch of the foot, in which the raised portion is configured to increase support of the plantar fascia of the foot.

Abstract: A footwear sole includes a shank with a honeycomb reinforcement structure, heel aperture and rib receptacle in the bottom side of a front region of the shank. A fabric sheath surrounds the shank. Polymers are formed in the rib receptacle, in the heel aperture and on the top side of the shank. A foot bed insert is used with the shank. The foot bed insert includes a fabric upper layer, a foam forefoot component, a foam matrix connected to the foam forefoot component, a heel cradle and a heel strike region.

Abstract: A foot-bed, also called an innersole or sock liner, having a two-piece molded innersole with an upper section, a lower section, and an optional mesh cover (or top liner). The lower surface of the upper section of the innersole has a specific contour that follows the bottom surface of the foot. The upper section of the innersole fits into a cavity in the lower section of the innersole. The lower section is cupped in the cross-section and provides support and stability.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a base. A lateral border and a medial border cooperate to align and support the foot. The lateral border and medial border are firmer than the base.

Abstract: A shoe footbed 10 made by first molding a shape-retaining layer 12 into a contoured condition. After the shape-retaining layer 12 has been molded, a layer of thermal insulation 14 is placed on top of the molded layer 12. A conforming layer 16 and a fabric top layer 18 may be placed over the thermal insulation 14 and the shape-retaining layer 12. The inventive method of manufacture is particularly suited for making insulated footbeds that contain nonwoven webs of polymeric microfiber because damage to the fibrous web from heat and compression may be avoided.

Abstract: A web comprising a matrix fiber containing a non-elastic polyester based short fiber and an elastic composite fiber which is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a melting point of at least 40° C. lower than a melting point of a polyester polymer constituting the short fiber and a non-elastic polyester, with the former being at least exposed on a surface of the fiber, and optionally a hygroscopic and exothermic fiber is heat molded such that the fibers are aligned in a thickness direction thereof, thereby obtaining a mat layer, onto which is then stuck a surface skin material to form an internal material of shoe, and a shoe insole and a boot are obtained by using the internal material of shoe.

Abstract: An example orthotic is described which may include a cushioning first layer and a shell layer. The shell layer may be configured to extend longitudinally from at least the talus-navicular joint to the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint and laterally under at least the medial cuneiform bone when the orthotic is in use. The shell layer may be configured to receive a removable insert that alters an amount of arch support provided by the orthotic. A set of inserts may be provided to allow the example orthotic to be customized based on user support preferences.

Abstract: An inner sole for a shoe, the inner sole having a heel portion, a mid-area portion, a metatarsal portion, a metatarsal/toe transition portion and a toe portion. Force absorbing, compressible blisters, each having a perforation, extend across the heel portion, the mid-area portion and the metatarsal portion. There are truncated blisters in the metatarsal portion and no blisters in the toe portion. Orifices are disposed between the blisters and truncated blisters, and are in the toe portion. The orifices dissipate moisture from a user's foot. Also disclosed is a shoe arrangement including the foregoing inner sole, and layers including a breathable and/or moisture permeable layer and a fluid-absorbing layer.

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: Footwear, footwear inserts and socks that include a cavity adapted to receive a portion of an individual's heel foot to reduce contact forces. The cavity can be adapted to contain a liquid, a solid or two layers of material in which the stiffness of the layers differ.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for an insole for use in an article of footwear. The insole includes a bottom cushion layer; a lower intermediate layer; a middle flexible layer; an upper intermediate layer; and an upper cushion layer. The layers are coupled together by either lamination or gluing. The lower intermediate layer and the upper intermediate layer are respectively embedded with a first array of magnet elements and a second array of magnet elements, such that the first array of magnet elements and the second array of magnet elements generate a repelling magnetic field that results in a repelling mechanical force that pulls the upper intermediate layer away from the lower intermediate layer. This invention is not affected by material fatigue due to prolonged pressure or temperature stress that is common in insoles for use in articles of footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer laminate footwear insole with a top layer and a bottom layer with at least one cushioning layer, in which a channel transects the top layer of the insole and one or more punctuations in the channel transect the bottom layer of the insole.

Abstract: An insole for insertion into footwear, comprising a mid-foot portion and a heel portion; the mid-foot portion and heel portion being formed by a cushioning layer of a resilient material having a first hardness and which provides a cushioning function; and a cushioning insert comprised within a recess in said cushioning layer and extending down from said cushioning layer; said cushioning insert comprising a resilient material having a second hardness that is less than the hardness of the hardness of the cushioning layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear configured for use as a dance shoe is provided. The article of footwear can include an upper and a two-piece sole connected to the upper. The article can also include a cage support that surrounds a portion of the upper and aids in flexibility of the shoe. The article can also include a single piece liner with an integrated toe box. In addition, the shoe can include an offset lacing system. In another arrangement, the shoe can include an elastic wrap, connected to the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the upper. The wrap can act as a tongue to minimize contact between the offset lacing system and the dancer's foot. In yet another arrangement, the shoe can include different types of outsole supports.

Abstract: A method for making an insole includes a step (1) for preparing a base, attaching at least two reinforcement layers on a top of the base and a top layer attached on the base and covering the at least two reinforcement layers, the respective peripheries of the reinforcement layers being attached to the base so as to form a combination unit, and a step (2) for pressing and cutting the combination unit to obtain insoles, the reinforcement layer being enclosed between the base and the top layer. The method is suitable for mass production of the insoles. The insole includes a reinforcement layer which is enclosed between the base layer and the top layer.

Abstract: A low cost, easy to manufacture scent-dispersing mat apparatus has a flexible closed cell foam mat containing a plurality of blind holes extending from its upper surface. These blind holes are partially filled with a fragrant liquid scent, creating air spaces thereabove. The upper surface of the flexible closed cell foam mat is sealed with a polymeric sheet that entraps the air spaces in the blind holes, causing entrapped air to become saturated with fragrant scent vapor. The polymeric sheet is perforated by one or more fine needles at the blind hole locations. The perforations permit escape of fragrant scent-saturated air to the ambient when pressure is applied to the top surface of the mat. Upon release of pressure, the foam mat and the blind holes recover their shape; the entrapped air pressure decreases, drawing fresh ambient air into the entrapped air spaces.

Abstract: A universal adjustable insole with an arch support said insole and arch support is positioned under a foot and is sized and shaped to be removable placed within a foot support enclosure worn by a user. The insole comprises a top layer, a lower layer, a pocket between top and bottom layers corresponding to the arch-of-the-foot portion of the top pad layer for the arch support and one or several inserts free disposed inside said pocket.

Abstract: A first thin insole (2) having an arch insole (2a) configured with a recess (2b) in the metatarsal region (1b) is provided on the sole body (1) of a shoe, which extends from the heel region (1a) across the metatarsal region (1b) to the front ball/toe region (1c). A foam insert (3), which has a cutout (3a) corresponding to the size of the arch insole (2a), is disposed on the first insole (2), the insert extending from the heel region (1a) to the front ball/toe region (1c). A second insole (4) in the form of a support, which has a spherical segment-shaped or ellipsoid segment-shaped hollow body (4c), which protrudes in the metatarsal region (1b) from the bottom of the insole (4) and is adapted to the arch insole recess (2b), is provided on the foam insert (3).

Abstract: An assembly insole impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor, with a structure including a membrane impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and arranged in an upward region, and a supporting layer arranged below the membrane, made of a material resistant to hydrolysis and vapor-permeable or diffusely perforated, and capable of acting as a support for the foot, as a manufacturing base for the shoe, as an element for protecting the membrane against the penetration of blunt objects, and of withstanding the stresses induced in the shoe during use. The membrane and the supporting layer are mutually joined so as to make, as a whole, the assembly insole impermeable to the passage of water and not compromise the vapor permeability of the membrane.

Abstract: A composite footwear insole has a front portion (2) designed to interact with the foot at the metatarsal region and at least partly at the plantar arch, and a rear portion (3) designed to interact with the heel. The rear portion (3) has at least one layer (4) of gel material whose size is at least substantially equal to that of the rear portion (3) to uniformly support the heel and absorb stresses acting thereon.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a stability cradle and a number of pods on the underside of the insole core or base. Some of the pods have different material properties selected to help control foot motion.

Abstract: An insole according to the present invention includes an upper layer defining at least one well containing a chemical indicator that gradually changes colors upon exposure to salt or sulfur. The insole includes a lower layer connected to the upper layer that includes an adhesive for stacking multiple insoles together in packaging and for holding the insole in place in a shoe. The insole includes an absorbent material for absorbing perspiration. Perspiration produces salt and bacterial and fungal degradation of keratin skin cells produces sulfur, leading to foot odor. The insole includes fungicide and deodorant for controlling this odor and the color change of the chemical in the well provides a visual indication of when a new insole (with it fungicide and deodorant) needs to be replenished through replacement.

Abstract: The Disposable Insole Sock functions as a flat, soft, absorbent sock. Used for daily wear, it is disposable and biodegradable. It goes between the bottom of the bare foot and the insole of the shoe. It lightly and temporarily adheres to the insole of the shoe. The purpose is to provide flat socks that cover or partially cover only the insole of the shoe. The objective is to aesthetically and ornamentally provide the comfort and cleanliness of a sock worn on shoes with exposed insoles and to provide the comfort and cleanliness of a sock worn on shoes with unexposed insoles. The main components are 1) the soft, durable, absorbent paper; 2) the adhesive; and 3) the protecting peel away paper used only with packaging.

Abstract: An inner sole board having varying regions of flexibility is provided for use in an article of footwear. The inner sole board may include different materials along its length at different locations that vary its flexibility. An inner sole board is manufactured in an injection molding process requiring only one mold. The process includes a first step of providing a mold, a second step of providing an injection molding assembly, a third step of preparing an injection molding assembly and mold, a fourth step of injecting material into the mold, and a fifth step of establishing the dimensions of a first portion. During the injection molding process, the flow rate of at least one material may be controlled by a nozzle gate to control the shape and size of the flex zone it creates. In this manner, the inner sole board may be customized for a specific sport or individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing insole for a footwear and a method of manufacturing the same wherein the shock-absorbing insole is disposed on the bottom surface in a footwear for absorbing and reducing the shocks applied from the ground to a wearer's sole during running, jogging, walking, etc. The shock-absorbing insole includes: a bottom plate made of a synthetic resin and having fabric attached on the top surface thereof; and a shock-absorbing member made of an elastic synthetic resin for absorbing shocks applied to the footwear in such a manner as to be contracted and restored from/to its original state in accordance with the load applied during walking, the shock-absorbing member being formed integrally with a bottom surface of a heel portion of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A custom moldable personal insert composed of a thin, transparent, flexible, elastic, and tear resistant pouch embodiment, filled with a homogeneous radiation curable polymer, flow-able in its pre-cured state, that when placed in between ones body and an apparatus in use can readily and in detail, conform and fill between the two, and subsequently be quickly and easily cured by exposure to radiation. The then post cured insert provides greatly improved personal comfort and fitment when using the aforementioned apparatus.

Abstract: A cushioning device comprising a sticky surface, the device comprising a gel material bound to a thermoplastic film material having a polarity compatible with the gel material, wherein the thermoplastic film material further comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive located on a surface of the film material opposite to the surface that is bonded to the gel material.

Abstract: An insole for footwear that is capable of providing a protective layer between a plantar surface of a human foot and an upper surface of a sole of the footwear. The insole can have a first portion positioned in a rearfoot region of the insole and a second portion positioned at a forefoot portion of the insole, wherein the second portion can be more flexible than the first portion. The insole may further include a toe piece positioned in a toe region of the insole and a footbed that overlays the first portion of the insole, the second portion of the insole, and the toe piece of the insole.

Abstract: An insole for placement in or on an article of footwear to support all or a portion of a wearer's foot, comprising: a base shell support layer having an upper surface, wherein the base layer includes a heel support portion, a plurality of substantially rigid particles disposed on the heel support portion, and an upper layer, the upper layer overlying and being secured to the base layer, the upper layer overlying the particles and maintaining them in an area between the upper layer and the base layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disposable shoe insole strip which includes top and bottom layers, each layer having outer edge portions and may include a deodorizing and/or antiperspirant agent impregnated within. The shoe insole strip may be clear, transparent, colored transparent or may include designs and patterns to add interest to a shoe's insoles. The top layer is preferably formed into a thin, transparent strip in the shape of at least a portion of a foot sole with a non-slippery, sweat absorbent surface for providing protection from sweat, dust, dirt and/or other stains e.g. spilt liquids, colored juices, etc., which discolor a shoe's insoles. The bottom layer includes a transparent layer of adhesive for removably attaching the shoe insole strip to a shoe's interior and/or the easy removal of the shoe insole strip from the footwear once the shoe insole strip is worn and/or ready to be discarded after use.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided for improving athletic performance of a user, including a flexible insole (40), adapted for insertion into a shoe, the insole shaped so as to define one or more chambers (22, 24). The apparatus also includes a stimulator (50) and a control unit (30). The control unit is adapted to detect respective pressures in the chambers, and to drive the stimulator to apply a stimulation to the user responsive to the detected pressures and a desired parameter of athletic performance.

Abstract: A cushioning system for a shoe includes an insert having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, the bottom surface having a heel portion, an arch portion, and a ball portion. At least one spring is connected to the heel portion of the bottom surface, and an arch support is connected to the arch portion of the bottom surface. In an embodiment of the invention, an arch support module covers the heel and arch portions of the bottom surface, and carries a plurality of heel springs and the arch support.

Abstract: A foot pad for shoes comprised of an insert that has a toe section and a heel portion connected. A pad is disposed inside the shoe and is angled to lift the toe portion therein. The lift extends angularly from the heel area of the shoe sole forwardly towards the toe portion of the shoe at a 35 degree angle. The foot pad has an angle designed to lift the toe portion higher than the heel portion to allow better posture and health.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: A nano-silver footwear orthotic includes at least two removable inserts. The footwear orthotic and/or the at least two removable inserts are composed of a nano-silver copolymer being copolymer with silver nano-particles therein. In one aspect, the copolymer is a thermoplastic elastomer. The nano-silver copolymer has anti-microbial effects and ensures biocompatibility with known undesirable microorganisms. Corresponding manufacturing processes prepare the silver nano-particles with a silver nitrate solution and a sodium borohydride solution and add the silver nano-particles to a master batch and a base material to form the nano-silver copolymer in a mold cavity. The mold cavity may be constructed to form the nano-silver footwear orthotic and/or a removable insert therein. Alternatively, the nano-silver copolymer may be formed within the nano-silver footwear orthotic itself to form a removable insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inlay sole for shoes, consisting of sole parts of different Shore hardness, wherein, at abutting edges, the width of which abutting edges corresponds to the thickness of the sole parts, said sole parts are interlocked with each other in sinuously conjoining manner by means of projections and matching recesses, such that the projections form extensions that engage undercuts in the recesses, the inlay sole consisting of a plurality of layers of thus assembled sole parts. The respective abutting edges are offset with respect to each other from layer to layer.