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: 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: 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.

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 article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having an improved upper, and method of manufacture are presented herein. The upper is generally comprised of a forefoot panel extending over a portion of the sole corresponding to a forward area of a wearer's foot, a mid-section panel extending over a portion of the sole corresponding to a midfoot area of the wearer's foot, and a rear panel extending over a portion of the sole corresponding to a rearfoot area of the wearer's foot. The upper further comprises a first expansion joint joining the forefoot panel to the mid-section panel, and a second expansion joint joining the mid-section panel to the rearfoot panel.

Abstract: A changeable stripe for footwear, that can be applied to any segment of the shoe, or other clothing, or even a purse or backpack, and includes a changeable stripe that is held by means of a base, or through slots provided within the shoe, so that a pull tab connecting to the ends of the stripe can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, to change or vary the coloration or design of the shown stripe. The changeable stripe may be applied directly and integrally into the structure of the shoe component, or it may be held by an independent base structure and applied by stitching or adhesive to the shoe. Each stripe may have pivotal segments that allows for turning of a portion of a stripe, so as to display other coloration. Such changeable stripes can be applied to the surface of the shoe, can be applied over the vamp of a sandal, the vamp of a beach shoe, or to other clothing or items, as desired.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a shell (10) and preferably also a leg piece (20), and features, at least at some portions thereof that do not include the sole (15), a composite structure formed of two layers (30, 40; 30A, 40A) that are made of preferably synthetic materials having different mechanical properties. At least the interfacing surface (34, 34A) of the layer (30) made of mechanically stronger materials is provided with protruding elements (36) that remain inseparably adhering to the interfacing surface (42, 42A) of the other layer (40).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe body having a mottled outsole has steps of preparing first plastic pellets, preparing an upper member intermediate, preparing second plastic pellets of multiple colors, foam molding and shaping. A shoe body formed from the method has an upper member and an outsole. The upper member has multiple foam elements connected integrally to each other. The outsole is connected to the upper member and has multiple foam elements having multiple colors and connected integrally to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lasted footwear for enclosing a human foot having a heel, an ankle and medial and lateral sides. The footwear comprises an outer shell for receiving the foot and an inner lining mounted in the outer shell. The inner lining is less rigid than the outer shell and has an inner surface adapted to contact the foot in use and an outer surface being affixed to the outer shell. The outer shell is made of a multi-layer composite sheet that is thermoformed for defining a foot-receiving cavity having a three-dimensional geometry that conforms to the foot. The multi-layer composite sheet has a first layer of thermoformable foam having a core and first and second opposite surfaces and a second layer of fibers. One of the first and second opposite surfaces of the layer of thermoformable foam has a skin formed by exposing the surface to temperatures between 200° F. and 300° F. The invention also relates to a method of making a lasted skate boot comprising such an outer shell.

Abstract: An automatic manufacturing-vending machine for sandals according to the present invention comprises a sole housing portion housing a plurality of soles for sandals according to a plurality of sizes, an upper housing portion housing a plurality of uppers for sandals according to a plurality of sizes, a size selecting portion for a user to select a desirable size of soles and uppers, a size selecting portion for a user to select a desirable size of soles and uppers, a compensation paying portion for a user to pay compensation for manufacturing and vending desirable sandals, an attaching mechanism portion for attaching uppers desired by a user to soles desired by the user, and a sandal ejecting portion for ejecting sandals formed by attaching the uppers to the soles by the attaching mechanism portion into a takeout opening from which a user can take out the same, and these are housed in a housing.

Abstract: A footwear has a novel shoe upper. The shoe upper is soft and wear-resisting. The making of the shoe upper is simple and the cost is low.

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: 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 having a tongue opening and a sole assembly secured to the upper. A saddle has a first portion having a lower edge secured to at least one of the upper and the sole assembly in a midfoot portion of the upper and sole assembly, and an upper edge wrapped over the tongue opening. A second portion has a lower edge secured to at least one of the upper and the sole assembly in a midfoot portion of the upper and sole assembly, and an upper edge wrapped over the tongue opening and secured to the upper. A heel strap is connected to the first portion and the second portion and extends about the upper. The saddle is free from the upper at all locations other than the lower and upper edges of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A footwear upper having a collar assembly that is joined at its forward edge to the lower portion of the upper by a flexible region of material so that the collar may flex forward and rearward in relation to the lower portion of the upper. In one aspect of the invention, the upper includes a neck portion that is telescopically overlapped by the collar. In another aspect, the upper includes a gusset that extends between the lower portion and the collar, with at least a portion of the gusset being substantially hidden from view.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a woven region. A fit adjustment system includes a lace strap superimposed with strands of material forming the woven region. The lace strap is routed around the shoe and forms opposing pairs of lace holding elements such as lace loops. More specifically, the lace strap extends downwardly from a lace holding element on a first side of the upper, across and underneath the footbed, around the heel region, back across and underneath the footbed, and upwardly to form a lace holding element on the second side. By the routing of the lace strap, the lace strap is integrated with the heel and arch portions of the shoe. A shoe lace is routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to a foot of a user.

Abstract: A panel shoe is provided. The shoe has a blank having a heel and an insole; a shoe upper assembly comprising a first panel, a second panel and a foot base, the first and second panels extend upwardly from a periphery of said foot base and have an upper edge disposed on a side opposite said foot base, the foot base being disposed over the blank, the shoe upper assembly having a geometric dimension smaller than a peripheral edge of the blank; and center panel having a peripheral edge, the center panel being positioned over the upper edges of the first and second panels such that the upper edges of the first and second panels align with the peripheral edge of the center panel.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a variable support structure includes a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. At least one reservoir of magneto-rheological fluid is positioned in at least one of the upper and the sole structure. A magnet assembly is positioned proximate each reservoir, and a magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly transforms the magneto-rheological fluid from a fluid state to a near-solid state.

Abstract: An improved footwear structure having an upper and a sole, associated to such upper. The footwear structure also having fitting means, which are associated to such upper and such sole for accommodating the internal volume of such footwear structure to the size of a user's foot by means of co-operating resilient deformations of such upper and such sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of making it wherein a woven region is integrated with a lacing system. The woven region preferably is located in the forefoot/vamp region of the upper. The woven area may be formed by a diagonal weave or an alternative suitable weave. Lacing components extend from the woven region and are used in a lacing system. The lacing system further includes a pair of series of lace holding elements, such as eyelets or lace loops, on opposing sides of the upper. The lacing components are routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to the user's foot.

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: A closure system comprises a hook and pile material having hooks on one side and pile on the other side. With regard to footwear, the present invention is a shoe comprising this material allowing a wearer to adjust the point of attachment of closure straps on the exterior of the outer member of the shoe, thereby allowing every shoe wearer to wear the strap across the throat of the shoe at a different location. With regard to apparel, the present invention is a closure system comprising a single-ply hook and pile material in which the overlapped piece, or the exterior piece attaches to the underlapped piece, or the interior piece that provides the wearer with the ability to customize the fitting of the apparel, including the tightness of the apparel around an individual.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A plurality of ribs is positioned on an exterior surface of at least one of the upper and the sole assembly, with each rib including a plurality of faces and each face having an image thereon.

Abstract: A body for a skate boot includes a sole portion, a toe portion extending from a front end of the sole portion, two upper portions extending from two sides of the sole portion, and a heel portion extending from a rear end of the sole portion. The sole portion, toe portion, upper portions and heel portion are made of fiber laminations constructed by multiple layers of fiber fabrics and epoxy resin by means of hot-pressing in a die. At least one thermoplastic substratum is provided in the fiber laminations at the upper portions and heel portion, and has two sewn portions respectively formed at two distal ends at the upper portions and extending out from the fiber laminations inside the thermoplastic substratum. Thus, the body is light-weight, has good shock resistance, and can cover the user's foot well.

Abstract: A work boot has an anatomical tongue that is asymmetrical about a longitudinal line of the tongue extending vertically upward from a mind-point of a bottom of said tongue. The tongue contains memory foam and shapes itself to a particular user. The memory foam causes the tongue to retain its shape. The side walls of the boot have J-bars extending inward therefrom. The J-bars also contain memory foam to comfortably fit the foot of a particular user.

Abstract: The invention provides shoes for the elderly and disabled that are easy to put on and remove, that fit comfortably, and that are fashionable. This invention is a shoe with a slide fastener that zips open horizontally along the edge of the upper, with the upper being detachable along the edge of the outsole from the outside of the ankle to the base of the big toe, and with a slide fastener that is attached horizontally along the edges of the upper and the outsole from the base of the big toe to the outside of the ankle. Fastening tapes A and C (hook strips) are attached at the pull-tab of the slide fastener and the edge of upper, respectively, and second fastening tape (loop strip) is attached at the quarter in line with the other hook strips. A composite of polychloroprene rubber foam glued together with synthetic fabric is used as material for the upper. An ornamental design made of the same material as the upper, but in different color and texture, is attached to the upper.

Abstract: Protective foot wear having a shoe body, an elastomeric inner body, which has a sock portion and a sleeve, the sock portion being position in and attached to said shoe body. The sleeve extends from said shoe body. A shield is attached to the sleeve and the shield is sized to releaseably enclose the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a laser to etch a stratified material is disclosed. The method includes providing a stratified material having at least two layers that are secured together, the layers including a first layer and a second layer. An incision is then formed in the stratified material with a laser, the incision extending through the first layer to expose the second layer. The stratified material may then be incorporated into an upper of the article of footwear, for example. By exposing portions of the second layer, properties of the second layer may be exposed in the area of the removed first layer.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper material using a double raschel warp knitted fabric is provided. The upper material includes a first surface having a non-mesh structure and a second surface having a non-mesh structure part (A) and mesh structure parts (B, C). The burst strengths burst strengths A, B and C of the parts (A, B and C) satisfy the relationship: A>B>C. The non-mesh structure part (A) is disposed in a part surrounding the tiptoe, a part connecting to a shoe sole and disposed in both sides of the foot for example, in a stripe. The mesh structure part (B) is disposed in the vicinity of the surface of the toe and the mesh structure part (C) is disposed in the both sides of the foot for example, in a stripe. Thus, a shoe having lightweight, air permeability and durability and a double raschel knitted fabric used for the shoe are provided.

Abstract: A article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. At least a portion of the upper includes a substrate layer and a polymer layer. The substrate layer is formed of an air-permeable material, and may be a textile or mesh material. The polymer layer defines a plurality of apertures that expose portions of the substrate layer, and the polymer layer is formed of a polymer material that infiltrates the substrate layer and is thereby secured to the substrate layer. A method of forming the material for the upper includes casting a polymer resin to form the polymer layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

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: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe and a method of coating a shoe. The method includes assembling the upper on the sole; applying at least one layer of flexible or semi-rigid polymer in liquid state in predetermined areas of the upper; and allowing the polymer to dry. The polymer is applied with a brush or by spraying. Preferably, the polymer is applied so as to straddle the upper and the sole.

Abstract: Reinforcement element made of a composite material constituted of a layer of inextensible textile material and a layer of polymeric material assembled to the layer of textile material during a molding or vulcanizing step. The textile material is a woven or mesh material, and the textile material is a polyester, polyamide, polypropylene or glass fiber based material. The polymeric material can be a thermosetting material, such as rubber or silicone, or an injected thermoplastic, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. Advantageously, the polymeric material is at least partially transparent. The composite material can be incorporated in a boot or a binding using tightening straps. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such reinforcement element.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a knit upper and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The upper is formed through a knitting process to include a plurality of sections formed of different yarns and knits to provide the sections with different physical properties. In portions of the upper where sections formed of different yarns are in adjacent wales, a tuck stitch is utilized to join the sections. The method utilizes a circular knitting machine having multiple feeds that work together to knit the upper into a unitary, seamless structure. The multiple feeds, each of which provide multiple types of yarns, produce the sections to have varying physical properties.

Abstract: The invention is an upper for an article of footwear that includes a textile having fusible filaments or fibers. The textile is incorporated into the upper and specific areas of the upper are heated such that the fusible filaments or fibers fuse with other filaments or fibers to form fused areas. In comparison with unfused areas of the upper, the fused areas may impart properties that include greater stretch-resistance, stability, support, abrasion-resistance, durability, and stiffness, for example. In addition, the fused areas generally provide air-permeability without significantly increasing the weight of the footwear.

Abstract: Articles and products for preventing or minimizing temperature increase of a person or object (see the figure). The articles include a base material, and at least one temperature-stabilizing material integral with and dispersed throughout the base material. The temperature-stabilizing materials can be phase change materials and have phase change temperatures. Products can contain a plurality of articles and each article can have a phase change temperature the same as or different than those of other articles in the product. Products include footwear, protective apparel and the like.

Abstract: A laminate of a thermally pointbonded nonwoven base fabric and a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride on at least one surface of the base fabric, and a footwear upper made from the laminate and wherein the upper functions additionally as a lining for the footwear.

Abstract: A boot that includes a sole and an outer upper having an impervious portion, with at least one outer reinforcing element assembled to the upper by cementing at least in the impervious portion thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing element includes a heel reinforcement and lateral tightening flaps.

Abstract: A lasted skate boot for ice skates or in-line roller skates, the lasted skate boot comprising an upper having an outer shell molded of synthetic material and an inner lining mounted inside the outer shell. The outer shell comprises a heel counter, an ankle portion, medial and lateral quarters and reinforcing elements provided on the heel counter, ankle portion, medial quarter or lateral quarter. Each of the reinforcing elements comprises a ridge formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell and a groove registering with the ridge, the groove being formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell. The outer shell may also comprise an ankle portion having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel counter. The lower and upper parts of the ankle portion follow the rear profile of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and having a low upper that is at least partially elastic, with an instep portion provided with an elastic tightening system extending from the top of the instep to the area of the sole. The elastic tightening system has a central portion extending over the top of the instep and a series of branches extending radially from the central portion to the area of the sole. Additionally, the elastic tightening system has a branch extending toward the heel on at least a lateral and medial side of the footwear article, and a branch extending toward the toes on at least a lateral and medial side of the footwear article.