Abstract: An article of footwear including a footwear upper and a sole assembly secured to the footwear upper. The sole assembly has a forefoot portion and a heel portion, and includes an outsole, a midsole disposed on the outsole and an instability insert disposed between the outsole and the midsole in the forefoot portion of the sole assembly. The instability insert causes a forefoot protrusion to be defined by the outsole in the forefoot portion of the sole assembly.

Abstract: A shoe (2) for attachment of at least one decorative accessory (4) is provided. The shoe (2) includes an upper (6) for covering a foot of a wearer, At least a portion of the upper (6) has a loop fabric (8). The loop fabric (8) is configured to removable attach the at least one decorative accessory (4) with a hook fabric (10) to the upper (6). A system including the shoe (2) and the at least one decorative accessory (4), and a related method for customizing an appearance of the shoe (2), are also provided.

Abstract: An upper made of a composite material is disclosed. The composite material comprises a layer of carbon fiber material and a flexible substrate. The composite material also includes a thin outer coating of TPU. The upper is generally flexible and lightweight.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a shell and a core. The shell has a ground portion and a footbed portion, with a periphery of the footbed portion being secured to the ground portion to define a cavity between the ground portion and the footbed portion. The core is located within the cavity. Whereas the shell may be formed from a composite material, the core may be formed from a polymer foam material.

Abstract: A sport boot includes a sole, an upper associated with the sole which extends substantially continuously to cover, in use, at least the instep, the sides of the foot and a back of the heel, and has an upper edge which defines an opening for insertion of the foot. The upper includes a rear insert which in use covers the back of the heel and is made of a foldable and/or yielding material to be folded towards an inside of the boot to enable insertion of the foot into the boot from the rear part of the boot. A front insert which in use covers the instep, is also made of a yielding material to bind the upper part of the foot uniformly without use of laces and loops and improving comfort and foot-to-ball sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of footwear (1) comprising an upper (5). At least one ventilating groove (3a-i) is formed in the upper (5). The at least one ventilating groove (3a-i) is open to an interior of the article of footwear (1) to facilitate ventilation. The ventilating groove (3A-i) is preferably open along its length. The present application also relates to a method of forming at least one ventilating groove (3a-i) in an article (1).

Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel of an upper includes a substrate layer formed from a substrate material, a mesh material layer and one or more skin material layers. The mesh composite can be fabricated by first arranging panels of substrate, mesh and skin layer material into an assembly corresponding to the locations of those panels in a completed upper. The assembly may include separate layers of hot melt bonding material interposed between the substrate, mesh and skin layers. The assembly is pressed at an elevated temperature so as to melt the bonding material and the skin layers and bond the elements together. Before the pressed assembly completely cools, it is then pressed a second time in an unheated press. A heat-conductive compressible pad can be used in the pressing process to create a surface effect in the skin layers that reveals a patterns of an underlying mesh layer.

Abstract: Footwear having a textured surface. The footwear may have an upper, where at least a portion of the footwear upper has a textured surface. The textured surface may be formed, at least in part, by contoured structures. These contoured structures may define a group of alternating peaks and troughs extending in two orthogonal directions. The textured surface may optionally include apertures that will allow air to pass through the upper into the shoe, and allow moisture to expire from the inside of the shoe into the air.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe with a replaceable screw-on heel.

Abstract: A footwear customization kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear in a steam environment.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a foot portion for receiving a foot and a leg portion for receiving at least a portion of a leg, and the sole structure is secured to a lower area of the foot portion. The footwear includes at least one of a plate system, a hinge system, and a sole structure formed from materials of different hardness, stiffness, or density. The plate system includes a plate that extends over a medial side of the footwear and may (a) be formed of materials of different hardness or (b) extend onto the sole structure and into an indentation in the sole structure. The hinge system includes a chassis secured to the foot portion and a beam secured to the leg portion, with a hinge rotatably-joining the chassis and beam.

Abstract: A rubberless neoprene boot waterproofed from the inside comprised of a composite sock fabricated from a neoprene foam, coated with a polyurethane film sandwiched by an inner boot liner and a stretchable external layer that may be stretched and formed upon a shoe last. A composite upper shaft section made of neoprene foam, polyurethane film and an inner boot liner, and a semi-stretchable external durable fabric extending from said sock. An external foot jacket jacketing the sock forming an upper boot unit having internal seams with a series of thermoplastic heat sealing tapes to collectively seal all said internal seams against the penetration of moisture and a toe reinforcing stiffener and a heel reinforcing stiffener located between the stretchable external layer of said sock and the foot jacket. An inner sole secured to the sock and an outer sole securely anchored to a bottom end of the inner sole.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The midsole may include multiply layers of differing rigidity.

Abstract: A slipper includes a sole, a vamp, and a strap that extends from one side of the vamp to the other. The strap has a generally curved shape with an upper arc, lower arc, and rounded first and second ends. The ends of the strap are connected with the vamp such that the strap is positionable in either a rearward position or a forward position. In the rearward position, the strap supports the heel or ankle of a user. In the forward position, the strap is a vamp cuff. In some versions the strap may be detachable from the vamp altogether. Thus users can choose which strap configuration they desire. In some versions the strap is rotatably positionable and in some other versions the strap is detachable and re-attachable for positioning.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to a lower portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within to the upper and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper

Abstract: A method and system is provided which utilizes shear thickening fluids to enhance athletic performance. A shear thickening fluid composite is used on a golf club face to reduce the amount of side spin imparted onto a golf ball thus reducing the amount of slice or hook on the golf ball's flight path. Upon impact between the shear thickening fluid composite and the golf ball, the shear thickening fluid moves laterally away from the direction of the side spin imparted on the ball, thus reducing the amount of side spin imparted onto the golf ball. After this lateral motion, the shear thickening fluid hardens and transfers the remaining energy from the club face to the golf ball. A similar process occurs when the shear thickening fluid composite composes the outside of a golf ball. A shear thickening fluid composite is also used on an athletic shoe so as to transfer more force into a kicked ball thus having the ball travel at higher velocities.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having a direct attach sole component includes providing an upper and a receptacle shell that defines a receptacle adapted to receive a cushion insert. A molding insert is placed into the receptacle, and the upper is joined with the receptacle shell. A mold is closed about the receptacle shell and at least a portion of the upper to form a mold cavity corresponding to the direct attach sole component. Material is introduced into the mold cavity to form the direct attach sole component. The mold insert protects the shell from deformation during the molding process. The mold insert is removed and replaced with a cushioning insert after the molding process. The footwear can optionally include a partially transparent shell that supports a sole component that receives a cushion insert, such that the cushion insert and/or sole component are visible through the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first surface configured to attach the apparatus to a second surface of another object, and a plurality of elongated nanofibers. Each nanofiber has one end connected to the first surface and an opposite end extending away from the first surface. The plurality of elongated nanofibers is configured to adhere to the second surface by nanoadhesion when brought into contact with the second surface.

Abstract: A sports shoe is proposed which comprises an upper and a sole, the latter having its bottom side provided with a pattern of traction assisting means for penetrating the surface of a lawn or hard court, in which the walking sole is directly bonded to the interior of the upper by injection-molding for reducing the weight and simultaneously maintaining the mechanical strength and flexibility, and only the traction assisting means project towards outside through the upper.

Abstract: Articles of footwear that include a flexible or rigid sole portion with a shape and size as to correspond to a foot of a wearer, a sole portion having a periphery, a toe region in the front area of the sole portion, a heel region in the back area of the sole portion, and an instep region between the toe and heel regions. Also included is an upper portion connected to the sole portion to form a partially open enclosure for receiving and containing a part of the foot of the wearer and a flexible tubular sleeve which is attached to the sole portion's instep region. The flexible sleeve includes an attachment portion for attaching the flexible sleeve to the instep region of the sole portion, an outwardly opened toe portion for containing the front part of the foot and the toes of the wearer, an outwardly opened heel portion for containing the back part of the foot and the heel of the wearer, and an insertion portion for enveloping the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Abstract: A shoe comprises: an upper 7 wrapping an instep; an outsole 3 contact with a floor or a road; a front roll-up portion 32 formed as the outsole 3 is rolled up upward along a front end portion 71 of the upper 7 and fixed to the upper 7; through hole means running through the front end portion 71 and the front roll-up portion 32; and a clamper 1 running through the through hole means to clamp together the upper 7 and the outsole 3 and keep them clamped therein, thus strengthening a fixing strength between the upper 7 and the outsole 3, wherein the clamper 1 is made of a resin and includes: first flange means engaging with the front roll-up portion 32 on a front surface 31 of the front roll-up portion 32; second flange means engaging with the upper 7 on an inner surface of the front end portion of the upper 7; and pipe means connecting the first and second flange means and running through the through hole means for ventilation between an inside and an outside of the shoe.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.

Abstract: A method for treating an item which, in use, is subjected to flexing, to reduce its susceptibility to water penetration over time during use, said method comprising forming a water repellent coating or surface modification on the surface of the item by ionisation or activation technology.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a frame having a plurality of elongate members formed of a first polymer. A plurality of links is formed of a second polymer, with a portion of each link co-molded about a portion of at least one elongate member, and at least one link movable with respect to a corresponding elongate member.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The midsole may include a base portion including at least one receptacle and an insert disposed in the receptacle.

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 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: An ornamental shoe which is constructed of an upper shoe portion and a lower shoe portion, wherein the upper shoe portion includes a body portion, a tongue and a heel portion; while the lower shoe portion includes a sole portion; wherein the upper and lower shoe portions are woven of strips of material selected from the group consisting of cardboard and transparent plastic film of different color sewn together by nylon threads.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

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 of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: An overshoe unit for indoor use made up of soft, flexible yet durable material consisting of a sole component, walling circumferentially affixed thereto, an overarching roofing component affixed to lateral portions of the walling and flexible anchoring flange components with upwardly inclined extension components extending from the topsides thereof, with all anchoring flange components and upwardly inclined extension components being affixable to the inner aspect of the roofing component with each flexible anchoring flange component being featured by the presence of upwardly inclined slits in each, thereby serving to create flexible fingerlike extensions in each, all functioning to dependably, hold the overshoe unit about footwear inserted therein and with a tail component posteriorly affixed thereto.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The article of footwear comprises an upper with a first size and an outsole with a second size that is different from the first size. A midsole of the article of footwear may be configured with an upper portion that fits the first size of the upper and a lower portion that fits the second size of the outsole.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided comprising the combination of an article of footwear and a self-propelled toy vehicle whose operation may be rudimentarily controlled by the actuation of one or more sensors mounted to the outsole or upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an injection foam molding apparatus for manufacturing one-piece shoes or soles and one-piece shoes manufactured using the same. A thermoplastic resin is injected into top and bottom molds in a state in which the top and bottom molds are coupled with a middle mold and is then pressed to form the upper and lower parts of a shoe, the middle mold is separated therefrom, and then the top mold and bottom mold, including the upper part and lower part of the shoe, respectively, are pressed, thereby forming the upper part and lower part of the shoe into one body. The injection foam molding apparatus is advantageous in that, since functional one-piece shoes or soles, having various colors, hardnesses and specific gravities, and having excellent feeling and durability, can be manufactured using different materials by one apparatus, working time is decreased, and productivity can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and more particularly to a shoe including a mid-sole groove formed at a mid-sole, a texon hole formed at a texon, and an impact absorption member inserted between the mid-sole and the texon hole so that the shoe can absorb impact exerted on user's knees and ankles while the user walks or exercises, thereby protecting them.

Abstract: A semimanufactured product including footwear, clothing items and accessories, which has a three-dimensional conformation with at least one inner surface and one outer surface. At least one waterproofing sheath entirely or partially covers the inner surface of the semimanufactured product, adheres to the inner surface by means of at least one glue layer and includes at least one piece of semi-permeable membrane. The at least one piece of semi-permeable membrane is cut with a size of the inner surface of the semimanufactured product and is folded so as to superimpose two edges which are welded to form at least one strip and to give the waterproofing sheath a three-dimensional conformation similar to the semimanufactured product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from 1,3-propylene glycol and a dicarboxylic acid; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate has a number average molecular weight from 500 to 10,000; and wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender. This thermoplastic polyurethane is unique in that it has a greatly reduced tendency to bloom. This is highly desirable in applications where high clarity is desired because blooming causes articles containing the thermoplastic polyurethane to be hazy or foggy in appearance.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of multi-functional footwear. In one example, an article of footwear includes a climbing arch configured to receive at least a portion of a climbing surface. The climbing arch also includes a plurality of engagement members extending from the arch and configured to engage a climbing surface. The article of footwear may also include a protective plate, a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions that form a receiving area configured to receive a portion of a second body, a drainage system configured to drain liquid from within the article of footwear, and/or an anti-rope burn upper. The described, multi-functional footwear may be designed with significantly less mass than known footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: According to the principles of the first embodiment of the present invention, a midsole of a shoe comprising an integral midsole, an outer sole with transparent discs, a board last of tractable stiffness; a mechanical spring located within the midsole; and, an upper shoe body. The shoe being capable of providing line-of-sight viewing of the internally mounted contrivances for structural monitoring throughout the life of the shoe so as to improve durability, process of making comfort and acceptability.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention generally relates to shoe and boot systems. More particularly the invention relates to a shoe or boot system and method for using the shoe or boot system that has one or more interchangeable components. The system includes a shoe that has utility alone. In addition, each of the components may be optionally reversible. The inside of the shoe or boot may also have an optional lining which may be removable. These components may also have hidden or exposed pockets for securing some articles.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness.