Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: An article useful as an insert in a shoe for preventing undesirable motion of the foot of a human subject within the shoe. In one embodiment the article comprises a substantially-planar base portion having a length dimension, a width dimension, a thickness dimension, a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge. A first elevated portion is provided comprising at least one edge and having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the first elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the base portion sufficiently to have a closest edge that is closest to the toe end of the base portion. A second elevated portion is present having a top surface, an overall length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, with the second elevated portion being disposed on the top surface of the first elevated portion.

Abstract: An inner sole structure 3 for a sports shoe 1 includes an upper sheet member 30 disposed on an upper side of a heel region of the shoe 1, a lower sheet member 31 disposed below the upper sheet member 30, and a wavy corrugated sheet member 32 that is interposed between the upper sheet member 30 and the lower sheet member 31, that has at least two downwardly protruding protrusions 32a, 32b adapted to form voids V0, V1?, V1 with the upper and lower sheet members 30, 31, and that is in contact with an upper surface 31a of the lower sheet member 31. Each of downwardly convex portions 32a1, 32b1 of the protrusions 32a, 32b of the wavy corrugated sheet member 32 slides longitudinally on the lower sheet member 31 at the time of compressive deformation of the protrusions 32a, 32b.

Abstract: An insole for shoes comprising, associated one another, a resting layer for a sole of a user's foot, made of soft and breathable material, a padding layer, made of soft and breathable material that can adapt to the shape of the sole of the user's foot, a layer for absorbing impacts and vibrations, made of soft and elastically yielding material suitable to adapt to the shape of the sole of the user's foot while walking.

Abstract: Plantar (1) apt to the proprioceptive, exteroceptive, pressoceptive and/or reflexogen stimulation for correcting the muscle-skeletal, myo-facial and/or vascular troubles of the foot sole, comprising a plurality of stimulation members (11-13, 16-17, 18) arranged at selected areas of the foot sole in order to perform the stimulation by elastically deforming during the person's deambulation, wherein the stimulation members comprise a plurality of elastically deformable swellings (11-13, 16-17) and aplurality of helicoidal compression springs (18) extending in the direction substantially orthogonal to the foot sole (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: Provided is an arch support insole to be inserted into a shoe. The insole should satisfy tasks for a wearer as follows: (1) improvement of wearing feeling by maximally reducing the thickness of the insole, (2) reduction of fatigue on walking by maximally preventing transmission of shocks, and (3) sufficient support of the arch of the wearer by maintaining an original shape of the arch support part. In addition, these tasks should be solved by a minimum number of manufacturing processes and minimum cost.

Abstract: [Objects] It is an object to provide a foam having a low specific gravity and a small compression set, more preferably a foam having a low specific gravity, a small compression set and uniform quality, a foaming composition, and applications of the foam. [Means for Solution] The foam is obtained by foaming an olefin polymer, wherein the foam has a specific gravity (d) in the range of 0.03 to 0.30, and a compression set (CS, %) and the specific gravity (d) satisfy the formula of CS??279×(d)+95. The foam is preferably obtained from a foaming composition that includes an ethylene polymer (A) including a specific ethylene/?-olefin copolymer (A1) and an ethylene/polar monomer copolymer (A2) in a specific mass ratio, and a specific ethylene/C3-20 ?-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer (B).

Abstract: A cushion improved structure of shoe ventilating insole comprises a top insole having air inlet and outlet ports, a bottom insole and a middle smaller area foam pad, wherein said top insole adhered with a cloth or leather and made of plastic material is integrally formed with a raised face on top of the heel area at the top surface thereof, and a plurality of air inlet ports are made at lower peripheral edge of said raised face, further, several grooves in any arbitrary shapes having a plurality of air outlet ports at the inside bottoms thereof is integrally made on the front sole area, and a larger density foam pad is distributingly punched with several small holes while unpressed arch area of foot is densely punched with several big holes, whereby the enhanced smooth air flow and best air change effect due to increased air volume are obtained.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole.

Abstract: A plantar insole has bearing areas (6, 7, 8, 9) of the main surface which are provided with a rigidity or hardness which are less with respect to other areas (10-13) of the main surface. These areas (6-9) are arranged under the major bearing areas of a foot, i.e. under toes, under the metatarsal heads, under the heel and under the external bearing area of the foot, making it possible to attain a compromise between the necessity of an impact absorption and stabilization of the foot in a shoe. The insole may be adapted to any type of footwear.

Abstract: A cushioned insole includes a top cushion, a Texon brand or similar insole support layer, and a cushion insert that establishes a cushioned insole forepart through its entire thickness. The cushioning is established with the cushion insert positioned through an open forepart of the Texon. The cushion insert may either be positioned against the top cushion overlaying the open Texon forepart, or extending through an open forepart of the top cushion.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The orthopedic foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole. The insole includes a trim line allowing the insole to be adapted to a three quarters length of a full insole. The three quarters length may extend form from the back of the heel to the metatarsal heads. The support component may be constructed from any of a group of materials including polyethylene, polypropylene and polypropylene incorporating glass or silica.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent shoe insole intended to internally line the outsole or sole thereof in order to improve its comfort. The insole is formed from a first profusely perforated water-repellent layer (1) of natural leather or another similar material, a second layer (3) of an absorbent, microporous and hydrophilic material, only allowing the passage of perspiration in a downward direction, a third layer (4) of a purely absorbent material, based on micro-fibers collecting the moisture from the previous layer, a fourth layer (5) based on an open pore heat-formed material acting as a moisture conductor towards the fifth and final layer (6), also of an absorbent material based on micro-fibers and acting as a final moisture collector. An insole with a multi-layer structure is thus achieved, fulfilling the double function of being absorbent and transpirable in addition to forming a flexible, adaptable and shock-absorbing base for the foot of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a customer with a footbed. A kiosk provides measurements of a consumer's feet with a self-guided display by using both pressure measurements and scanning of the feet. The measurement information is converted to identify which of the preselected and stocked components proximate the kiosk can be combined to provide an appropriate footbed for the consumer.

Abstract: An orthotic foot device for footwear may include a flexible insole chassis adapted to extend substantially between the heel and the toe of the footwear and at least one support component attached at a lower side of the chassis. The chassis may include a cushioned layer composed of conforming resilient material overlying the upper side of the chassis.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an orthopedic insole arrangement comprising a bottom insole (110), a top insole (112) and a set of overload tactile feedback elements, e.g. pins (115, 116, 117, 118, 119) forming an orthopedic insole kit. The assembled insole arrangement gives a tactile overload feedback to patients during rehabilitation, such as during walking, allowing an optimised healing process. The insole (913) may comprise a bottom insole (110) having at least one hole (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185), and a top insole (112) with matching hole/s (121, 131, 141, 151, 161, 166, 171, 176, 181, 186), wherein at least one pin (115, 116, 117, 118, 119) is installed to slide vertically inside the hole (121, 131, 141, 151, 161, 166, 171, 176, 181, 186), thereby protruding from the insole (913) at some compression of the insole (913).

Abstract: A dynamic cushioning assembly to be used on beds, seats, backrests, shoes or any other surfaces where a portion of a body is subjected to prolonged contact and pressure with a support surface. The arrangement is comprised of a pattern of spherical elastic lugs cooperating with an upper, elastomeric layer. When a force is applied to the upper layer, the cooperation of the lugs with the upper layer create an uneven but soft surface having undulating zone of higher and lower resistance which serve to enhance blood circulation.

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: 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 orthotic insole assembly including a semi-rigid cradle extending forward from the metatarsal region of the foot to the heel, wherein medial and lateral sidewalls extend upward from the cradle. The cradle includes an aperture in the area of heel impact wherein a heel plug is disposed within the aperture. A resilient, foam, cushioning layer overlies the cradle and the heel plug. A riser is connected to the cushioning layer to provide an elevated region in the area of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: An insole (1) for use with open shoes like sandals, clogs and the like, comprising: a support (2) apt to envelop the sole and the back of the foot and having an elastic net-like structure apt to adhere to the latter so as to keep the insole (1) itself in position; and a plurality of bulges (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) filled with discrete elastic particles (9), which are integral to the support (2) and arranged at the portion (20) thereof contacting the sole of the foot when the insole (1) is worn on.

Abstract: A stimulator pad includes a layer of support material and at least one stimulator node secured to and supported by the support layer, the stimulator node comprising a housing having one end region secured relative to the support layer and the other end defining an aperture which in use confronts a body surface and in which at least one pressure member includes a plurality of pressure member components is resiliently located, resilient biasing means provided within the housing to act between the support layer or a base portion of the housing and at least some of the pressure member components to urge the at least some of the pressure member components to protrude through the housing aperture, and a layer of flexible cover material which extends over at least one of the pressure members.

Abstract: An anti-perforation insole (1) includes a multi-layer (10) consisted of at least four layers of a fabric (12), with a double-faced weft, made of high toughness polyester fibers coupled together by a thermoplastic film or an adhesive resin; each of the layers of fabric shows a surface treated by a coating (14) of polyurethane and/or acrylic resin enriched with micronized, ceramic: materials in form of silicates, for example of aluminium.

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear. The cushioning member is a flexible bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber. The bladder is disposed above the sole and beneath the wearer's foot to provided added cushioning to the wearer. The bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure and can be formed by thermoforming or by welding two sheets of resilient, flexible material together. A connecting passage fluidly connects the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber. The connecting passage is narrow to control the flow of air between the two chambers.

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 footwear system includes a shoe and a footbed. The shoe includes a sole assembly, an upper coupled to the sole assembly, and an interior space that is defined by the sole assembly and the upper. The footbed is movable with respect to the shoe between first and second arrangements. The first arrangement includes the footbed disposed in the interior space and the second arrangement includes the footbed disposed out of the interior space. The footbed includes a flexible layer that has first and second surfaces, and a puncture resistant layer that is coupled to the second surface of the flexible layer. The puncture resistant layer is disposed proximate to the sole assembly in the first arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole for footwear adapted to be received into a variety of footwear, the insole including: upper and lower plates made of a synthetic resin film and joined to each other by means of high-frequency bonding; a chamber formed between the upper and lower plates and having a shock-absorbing compression member embedded thereinto in such a manner as to be located at the rear side of the footwear upon the wearing of the footwear; air-introducing means adapted to communicate with the chamber in such a manner as to be located at the front side of the footwear upon the wearing of the footwear so as to introduce the internal air of the footwear to the chamber; and air-exhausting means adapted to communicate with the chamber so as to exhaust the air introduced to the chamber to the outside.

Abstract: In one embodiment a shoe insole includes a top ventilation fabric, a bottom ventilation fabric, and a plurality of spaced resilient pillars (e.g., EVA, PU, or PVC) with a channel network formed among the pillars. The invention can effectively remove air and condensation between a wearer's sole and the bottom ventilation fabric to the atmosphere through a plurality of escape paths through the channel network. In another embodiment, a mesh structure is completely filled in the channel network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to footwear for enhanced movement, comprising a footwear component and one or more reflex layers, in contact with a portion of the footwear component. The one or more reflex layers enhance the movement of the user during normal or athletic use of the footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a insole arranged on an upper surface of an innersole in a shoe. The insole includes: an intermediate supporting portion 41 coming into close contact with a center portion of a foot sole, including an arch, and having a plurality of elastic protrusions P formed on a lower surface of grids L defining grid-type thru-holes; and a rear supporting portion 42 extending from the rear end of the intermediate supporting portion 11 to a heel of the foot in order to make close contact with a rear portion of the foot sole, and having a plurality of stationary protrusions P? formed on the lower surface of the rear supporting portion 42 to protrude downward. The insole can improve air permeability through the thru-holes, and in addition always makes close contact with the foot sole through elastic protrusions formed on the lower surface thereof so as to buffer impact on the shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic insert (1) having a first (2) and second portion (3), the second portion being formed of a material of higher resistance to deformation than the first portion (2), wherein the insert (1) is heat mouldable to conform to a patient's foot. The first portion (2), which forms the main body of the insert (1) provides support for the fore foot, while the second portion (3) is substantially U or J-shaped and extends around the heel region and into the arch region of the patient's foot. Preferably both portions are formed from heat mouldable ethyl vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties.

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 inclosure 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: The invention is an extruded cushioning insole for footwear. The insole disperses the weight of an individual more evenly across the surface of their foot and reduces the impact forces on the feet when walking, running or jumping. The insole is integrally extruded in a one-piece construction. One insole embodiment includes a flexible upper pad with a plurality of downwardly extending tubes that each form a collapsible internal chamber. Another insole embodiment has a solid main body with a flat upper surface and a contoured lower surface formed by thinner and thicker regions of the insole. Another insole embodiment has a flat upper surface and a convex lower surface formed by a collapsible internal disc-shaped chamber. The convex surface is generally flat when compressed.

Abstract: Footwear includes an insole of low density polyurethane and an integral border for attaching the insole to the upper and having an integral support surface for attaching a steel shank. The footwear includes the insole and two contiguous cushioning layers.

Abstract: An insole assembly for increasing the weight of footwear and a heavy footwear having an outsole and/or a midsole made of a high specific gravity compressed resin to enhance exercise effect. The insole assembly includes a lower insole made of a compressed resin having a high specific gravity; an upper insole laid on the lower insole and a shock-absorbing member attached to a heel of the lower insole. The insole assembly is made of a compressed resin to increase the weight of the footwear to which the insole assembly is applied.

Abstract: An insole construction for footwear comprising a base member, an intermediate member formed of a foam and having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof, and a flexible cover member surrounding the intermediate member and extending beneath the base member. The intermediate member preferably is formed of a foam such as polyurethane foam. The raised cushioning elements are of a height of approximately 6 millimeters above the upper surface of the intermediate member and are spaced approximately 10-30 millimeters from each other.

Abstract: A composite laminar structure treated to inhibit micro-organisms from thriving thereupon, comprising a suitable thickness of two or more expanses of woven or non-woven materials. A plurality of nano-particles, including materials such as silver, are distributed relatively uniformly across and sufficiently durably coupled with the two or more material expanses to resist removal during normal use and mild laundering. The nano-particles possess anti-microbial properties suitable to substantially inhibit population growth of one or more micro-organisms. The laminar structure may be configured as an insole for a shoe, or as other articles for wear or use in other applications where growth of micro-organisms is undesirable.

Abstract: An accident prevention insole includes a base surface (2) and a top surface (3) opposite to the base surface (2). The accident prevention insole (1) consists of a multilayer fabric (4) which can be crossed-through from the base surface (2) to the top surface (3) and vice versa by needles with a diameter lower than 14 tenths of millimetres perpendicularly driven to the insole with a load of at least 90 N, for directly sewing the insole to an upper (101) of a footwear (100), preferably with a Strobel technique.

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: A shoe construction employs a midsole molded of flexible, resilient material around a rigid plate, where the midsole and encapsulated plate are insertable into a separately constructed outsole and shoe upper.

Abstract: A children's shoe (1) for the stimulation of the plantar arches to the ends of the prevention or cure of flat foot, comprising a cushion-shaped element (6) having a sandwich-shaped construction, extending in correspondence of the internal portion (4) of the sole (3) of the shoe (1) and exhibiting a substantial elastic deformability during a subject's walking cycle.

Abstract: A composite shoe sole, composed of an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein the upper layer is integrally formed of a soft material and the lower layer is integrally formed of a hard material, the lower layer being formed with a notch at a location corresponding to a right side of thenar, or right-side region of phalanx, the upper layer being formed with a projection at a location corresponding to the notch, such that the upper layer and lower layer are joined to each other by means of engagement between the projection and notch to form a shoe sole having a soft upper layer with elastic and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure, and a hard lower layer for providing upward support to the soft upper layer so as to prevent cave-in, thereby providing good bottom support, elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects.

Abstract: An insulating liner for an article of clothing includes a first layer, a second layer attached to the first layer, and an insulating layer sealed between the first and second layers, wherein the insulating layer is composed of an aerogel material. The first and second layers can be a PVC foam hermetically sealed about the aerogel material by welding. In a preferred embodiment, the insulating liner is a shoe liner that includes a polyester wearing material adhered to the top layer of PVC foam. A method of forming the insulating liner is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sprint shoe, including a plate arranged in a sole area of the shoe. The plate extends essentially over the complete length of the sole area and is substantially planar in a forefoot part and is constructed of a material and configured to allow for elastic bending of the plate in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to three-dimensionally encompasses a rearfoot part of the foot. Optionally, the plate includes a heel cup in the rearfoot part to cradle the foot. Further, a wedge- or rib-like raised part may be arranged below the heel cup.

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: Shoe inserts, including midsoles, footbeds, sockliners and/or upper components with a moldable outer membrane having an upper portion and a bottom portion, with the bottom portion being injected through an injection means with one or more layers of granular ethyl vinyl acetate through one or more compartments located inside of the outer membrane, the layers of granular ethyl vinyl acetate being of various densities to fit the particular application, the granular ethyl vinyl acetate being produced through the breaking down of the physical state of solid foam ethyl vinyl acetate and with the granular ethyl vinyl acetate optionally containing on or more variety of colors.

Abstract: A boot having a hinged shell assembly sized and dimensioned to receive a person's foot, and a customized insole. The shell assembly includes a lower shell, and an upper shell that overlaps the lower shell. The upper shell and lower shell are hinged together at or near a toe of the boot. In one instance, the upper and lower shell are hinged together by a tab that is part of the upper shell.

Abstract: A multilayered insole for footwear comprises a base layer having a first thickness, an intermediate layer having a second thickness and adhered to an upper surface of the base layer, and an upper layer having a third thickness and adhered to a free surface of the intermediate layer. The base and upper layers are both made of a first material formed by foamable polymeric resin compositions. The intermediate layer is made of a second material formed by foamable polymeric resin compositions mixed with recycled foamable polymeric materials. A sum of the first thickness of the base layer and the second thickness of said intermediate layer is larger than 0.5 mm. The third thickness of the upper layer can be from 2 mm to 5 mm.