Abstract: A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate composite structure and an outsole. The composite structure underlies at least a portion of the upper and overlies at least a portion of the outsole. The composite structure includes cushion members with one cushion member being positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer and another cushion member being positioned to underlie the ball of the foot. The cushion member underlying the ball may be perforated. The composite structure can also include a relatively rigid lower member which can be perforated in the area of the ball of the foot underlying the cushion member for the ball of the foot. The composite structure can provide a flexure discontinuity in the shoe forward of the midfoot zone of the shoe.

Abstract: A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has an upper plate and a lower plate in a forefoot portion of the sole assembly, and a plurality of lower plate arms curving downwardly from the upper plate.

Abstract: Several sole components and a method of manufacturing those sole components are disclosed. In general, each sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing element extending around a portion of the bladder. The reinforcing element is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some configurations, the reinforcing element is die-cut from a sheet of polymer material, and the reinforcing element may exhibit a layered configuration. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing element may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing element during the molding process.

Abstract: The follow invention is a new product to protect skateboarder's sneakers. Moreover Stick Patch will not only extend the life of the sneaker, but also assist with a better skateboarding performance while providing a fashionable accessory.

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 sporting boot comprising a thermoformed outer shell having a heel portion for receiving the heel of a foot, an ankle portion for receiving the ankle and medial and lateral side portions for receiving the medial and lateral sides of the foot. At least one of the medial and lateral side portions comprises a skirt portion integrally formed with and extending therefrom, the skirt portion being folded inwardly to form a sole having an upper surface for facing the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole having a ground engaging surface; an upper having a toe region, heel region and a vamp portion. The upper has a first layer which is water impermeable and a second layer which is vapor and air permeable. The first layer extends in an upward direction from the featherline of the sole to a height on the upper which is at least 1.5 inches above the ground engaging surface of the sole and is attached to the second layer at height. The height at which the first layer extends and is attached to the second layer can vary along the upper in a toe-to-heel direction.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, having a molded top gasket and/or a fold-over thermal laminate. The molded top gasket may be a substantially annular unitary piece or multi-piece construction of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that snugly wraps around the wearer's lower leg or ankle when the footwear is worn. The fold-over thermal laminate is a piece of thermally resistant material on the outer surface of the footwear upper that extends over a portion of the rim and into the inside of the upper. One or more optional control pads also may be placed on the exterior surface of the thermal laminate.

Abstract: Articles of footwear are configured to provide functionally correct and predetermined amounts of stretch in functionally correct locations, thus providing comfort to a wearer, while retaining a pleasing aesthetic appearance in use. For example, an article of footwear includes an upper assembly having a first layer coextensive with a second layer. The first layer includes a first material having a first 30% modulus, and the second layer includes at least one first region (e.g., a stretch region) and at least one second region (e.g., a non-stretch region). The at least one first region includes a second material having a second 30% modulus lower than the first 30% modulus. The at least one second region includes a third material having a third 30% modulus higher than both the first 30% modulus and the second 30% modulus.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl terminated polyether intermediates and hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediates; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from a branched glycol or is comprised of at least 2 different repeating units; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 Daltons; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender; and wherein the hard segments represent from 10 to 40 weight percent of the total weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper; a bottom located below the upper and facing the ground; and a flexible plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an interior portion and peripheral portions is disclosed. The flexible plate is positioned between at least a portion of the bottom and at least a portion of the upper. The peripheral portions are restrained from movement in a substantially vertical direction relative to the interior portion, so that the interior portion is capable of being deflected relative to the peripheral portions in a substantially vertical direction. The flexible plate has a width that is greater than one-half the width of the upper. At least one opening is in the bottom of the shoe. The lower surface of the flexible plate is in air communication with the outside of the shoe through the at least one opening in the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: An improved shoe stretching apparatus is configured to facilitate ready operation of the apparatus inside a shoe while minimizing the hand strength required to use the apparatus.

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 including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: The current invention has been developed to provide apparel and accessory manufacturers an opportunity to capitalize on consumer's identification with its logo/trademark. Apparel and accessory manufacturers, especially athletic shoe manufacturers, have created a multi-billion dollar business selling shoes with a particular logo/trademark. Adults and youth often have several pair of athletic and other shoes which only the color of the logo/trademark varies in color. The current invention will allow manufacturers to produce a shoe that will allow the user to change the color and/or style of the logo/trademark. The shoe would come with a removable logo/trademark which can be interchanged with another logo/trademark of the same brand. To prevent an unauthorized manufacturer from selling the interchangeable logo/trademarks, each shoe is equipped with a female receptacle which will engage with a predetermined male post locking the logo/trademark into place.

Abstract: A shoe upper (11) including one or more resiliently deformable protrusions (17, 19) extending from an outer surface of the shoe upper and positioned for contact with a ball, each said protrusion (17, 19) forming at least an inner contoured shape portion and an outer contoured shape portion, said outer contoured shape portion being deformable to promote engagement of said protrusion with said ball.

Abstract: A shoe with an ultraviolet LED or LEDs in the insole and/or inside of the upper powered by a solar cell or solar cells on the outside of the upper.

Abstract: A boot (1) or other item of footwear is made up of a rubber sole unit (2) mounted to an upper comprising both leather and rubber components, for example a foot piece (3) of rubber and a shaft piece (4) of leather having a napped outer surface, such as suede, particularly pigskin suede. The boot (1) is assembled with an edge of the rubber foot piece (3) overlapping the outer surface of the leather shaft piece (4), and a rubber tape (11) binding the edges (13) of the shaft piece (4) together. The whole boot (1) is then vulcanised, bonding the leather and rubber components sealingly together. The boot (1) or other item of footwear is attractive, durable and waterproof.

Abstract: A manufacturing method may include forming incisions through an incision layer that is secured to a transfer layer. After defining the incisions, the incision layer is secured to a substrate layer, and the transfer layer is then separated from the incision layer. The manufacturing method may be applied to elements used in footwear, apparel, or a variety of other products.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly having a midsole having an upper surface, a frame recess and a first registration recess being formed in the upper surface. A frame member is seated in the frame recess, and has a first end secured to the midsole, a second end free of the midsole, and a first registration member extending downwardly from a lower surface of the frame member. The first registration member is received in the first registration recess. An upper is removably attached to the sole assembly, and has a pocket on a bottom surface thereof, with the second end of the frame member being received in the pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of footwear for use by firefighters in different activities such as emergency and rescue situations, as well as daily activity in and around the firehouse. Integrated handles enable the firefighter to quickly and easily put the article of footwear on while minimizing the possibility of accidentally catching on equipment, apparel or debris. Locking bands that wrap around the upper are used to adjust for comfort and a secure fit. A dual lacing and zipper system enables the firefighter to initially adjust for fit by selectively tightening the lace, while the zipper provides a quick means for securing the article of footwear. Different outsole lug configurations are suitable for different surfaces, wet, dry and of varying and extreme temperatures. Added protection is available with a tibia/shin protector and ankle protectors.

Abstract: Shoe uppers having smooth seams and methods for producing them are disclosed. In one embodiment the upper uses thermoplastic seam tape which forms bonds between contiguous upper sections after being subjected to heat and/or pressure. In another embodiment, different parts of the shoe can be joined using hidden seams. Close seams can also be covered with a transfer material adapted to give the interior and/or exterior of the upper a smooth surface. In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed which allows three-dimensional upper sections to be bonded on a last using thermoplastic seam tape.

Abstract: An item of footwear, particularly a motorcycle boot (1), includes a rigid shell (4) which defines a body that is designed to surround the foot of the user. The body consists of a lower sole-forming part (20), an upper vamp-forming part (22), an inner lateral part and an outer lateral part, the lateral parts connecting the aforementioned lower and upper parts. The inventive item of footwear includes an opening (16, 18) in one of the four constituent body parts, which passes through the rigid shell and which is sealed by a flexible half-sole (12, 14).

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The upper surface defines a plurality of depressions, and the lower surface defines a plurality of indentations extending toward the depressions. The outsole forms projections that extend into the indentations of the midsole, and the outsole has grooves located opposite the projections.

Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: An article of apparel having a substrate layer and an incised layer is disclosed. The substrate layer is at least partially formed from a material having a first degree of stretchability. The incised layer is secured to the substrate layer and at least partially formed from a material having a second degree of stretchability, the first degree of stretchability being greater than the second degree of stretchability. In addition, the incised layer includes at least a first incision and a second incision that are concentric, the first incision being positioned within the second incision.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, having a structure including a supporting layer which, at least in a preset macroportion, is made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material. A membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor is associated above the supporting layer at least in the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, which it covers. A tread made of plastic material, with at least one through macroperforation at the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, is joined hermetically to the membrane and to the supporting layer at least at the perimeter of the at least one macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material.

Abstract: A shoe according to embodiments of the present invention includes an upper, a footbed including a wing that extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the footbed, with the upper attached to the wing, and an outsole configured to receive the upper and the footbed. The wing may be bendable away from the footbed to permit easy and sturdy stitching of the upper to the footbed. The wing may extend beyond a bottom surface of the footbed, and an intermediate piece may be placed under the footbed before the footbed and upper are attached to an outsole, such that the intermediate piece substantially fills the space between the footbed and the outsole.

Abstract: There is provided a multilayer protective boot having means for flame resistance, electric shock resistance and chainsaw cut resistance. The boot is designed to meet all of the NFPA 1971:2007, CE/EN ISO 20345-2:1996, and CSA-? standards for firefighter protective footwear and the CE/EN ISO 20345-2 SB E, CSA Class 1/ANSI, CE Chainsaw Class 3, and CSA “Green Tree” Chainsaw Z195-02 standards for chainsaw operator protective footwear These standards are met through the use of layers of Kevlar®, rubber and polyamide tricot materials in the vamp, leg, sole, toe cap and back reinforcement regions of the protective boot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reduced abrasion shoe. The reduced abrasion shoe comprises strategically removing seams from the interior cavity of the shoe. In particular, the tongue traversing the throat is attached to the exterior surface of the upper about the toe box. A full liner between the upper and the interior cavity is coupled to the upper about the shoe mid-point. Finally, exterior surface patches are coupled to the exterior surface using a fusion bond instead of a stitch to remove the corresponding interior seam.

Abstract: A decorative vamp system for shoes. The decorative vamp system allows the appearance of the vamp of a shoe to be changed to match the clothing of the wearer. The decorative vamp system includes the shoe with a fixed vamp, a removable vamp insert, a tongue flap and a receiving lip. The removable vamp insert is held in place by the receiving lip and the tongue flap. The removable vamp insert is removable from the shoe to allow changing of the appearance of the vamp of the shoe. Additional materials can be used between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to provide a frictional force between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to further hold the removable vamp insert in place.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper may include one or more fluid systems with a pump chamber and a pressure chamber located adjacent to and below the pump chamber. In one configuration, at least a portion of a fluid within the pump chamber is separated from a fluid within the pressure chamber by a single layer of a polymer material. The fluid system may also include a fluid path extending between the pump chamber and the pressure chamber, and substantially all of the fluid path may be located between the pump chamber and the pressure chamber. In another configuration, at least one-half of a volume of the pump chamber may be located above a highest point of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear including a first sheet of a flexible fluid-impervious material and a second sheet of flexible fluid-impervious material. The first sheet and the second sheet are sealed along air-tight weld lines forming at least one narrow channel. The inflatable bladder includes an air passage device for maintaining air flow within the narrow channel. In one embodiment, the first sheet has an embossed interior surface to limit the contact between the first sheet and second sheet. Another embodiment includes the use of a mechanical device to separate the first sheet and the second sheet within a narrow channel. A method of manufacturing an inflatable bladder, a method of increasing localized air flow though a narrow channel of an inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear and an article of footwear incorporating the inflatable bladder are also described.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.

Abstract: Semimanufactured waterproofed products (1), particularly shoes, clothing items and accessories, are provided having a three-dimensional conformation with at least one inner surface (2) and one outer surface, provided by the following operative steps: turning inside out the semimanufactured product (1) so that its inner surface (2) is turned outwards; inserting at least one shaped member (4; 8) inside the semimanufactured product (1); pressing the semimanufactured product (1) provided with the shaped member (4; 8) between at least a pair of sheets (5) of a semi-permeable membrane whose surface turned toward the semimanufactured product (1) turned inside out is provided with a glue pattern; and turning the semimanufactured product (1) so that its inner surface is turned inwards.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly is secured to the upper and includes a support assembly. The support assembly has a plurality of primary tubular members spaced from one another and extending laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly. A plurality of secondary tubular members extends laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly, with each secondary tubular member positioned between and interconnecting a pair of adjacent primary tubular members.

Abstract: A footwear member is configured with an outer sole and an upper coupled together so as to define a forefoot area of and a rearfoot area of the footwear. An extending lip member couples the outer sole and the upper member and may extend from either one forming a non-visable or blind seam construction that may be further manipulated in multiple ways. The extending lip member or connection member are stitched together along a forefoot area of the assembled footwear and may optionally allow a portion of a tread member to be glued along a rearfoot area of the assembled footwear. The assembly presented enables optional construction techniques adaptable to a variety of fashion construction options.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper part and a sole, a support and inner part of an intermediate sole and an outer sole. The intermediate sole contains a damping element which comprises a plurality of first elements which are arranged adjacent to each other and which are embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element having a smaller cross-section than the first element can at least partially penetrate. The elements are coaxial. At least one part of the second elements have a prism or cylindrical form and are embodied at least partially as a massive part. Both of the elements, which are associated with each other, are connected together by means of an elastic connection section which only extends between the first element and the second element and the first element, the connecting section and the second element are embodied as a single piece.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe that improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot and whose bottom side edge portion 31a is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom side edge portion 31a of the outside upper member 31 is located at the rear of the load centerline C of the calcaneus and the rear side edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 at the rear of the talus T of the foot. The instep side edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30 is provided a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A Split-toed Shoe is disclosed. The shoe has a special upper that includes a split toe. In order to provide additional durability and stability, the sole of the shoe does not have a corresponding split in the toe. Furthermore, in order to add aesthetic appeal and versatility, the shoe may include a toe strap configured to accept exchangeable buckles thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides for multiple portions of a shoe structure and the method of making these portions wherein one or more of the portions comprise two or more flat perimeter edges. The present invention further provides faceted lasts for making faceted shoe portions. An exemplary embodiment (FIG. 9) of a shoe having a faceted outsole, rand, and shoe upper of the present invention features five separate straight-line facets (30-34) and six angled corners (40-45). Alternative degrees of the angle formed by the intersection of the various straight-line facets, and the number of the various straight-line facets, can be varied for different types of foot structures. For example, the angle degrees and number of outsole facets may vary as between shoes for adult males and for women and children's feet. Facet (30) and facet (32) contact exemplary edge formations (4a, 4b) respectively with outsole contact areas (7a-1, 7b-1).

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: Footwear is provided, including an upper portion and at least one design applied to the upper portion. The design includes at least one border. The border at least partially defines at least one region that is configured for selectively receiving at least one pigment.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for an easily interchangeable footwear component, such as an upper portion of an article of footwear. In one embodiment, an article of footwear can comprise a fixed upper portion of an article of footwear, a sole fixedly connected to the fixed upper portion, and an interchangeable upper portion. Both the sole and the interchangeable upper portion can include one or more releasable fasteners, which allow the interchangeable upper portion to be releasably fastened to the article of footwear.

Abstract: Liquidproof seams are formed between laminates, most preferably those having a complex textile structure on the sealing side of the laminate, where at least a portion of the complex textile in the sealing region is removed, such as by skiving, to reduce the thickness in the seam, or sealing region, prior to the creation of a durably sealed liquidproof seam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe and the manufacture thereof that includes an inner shoe with an upper side and a lower side and a stitch-free shell. The stitch-free shell encompasses the upper side of the inner shoe. The shell may be produced in two or more pieces and subsequently joined. The shoe can also include a sole attached to the lower side of the inner shoe.