Abstract: The present invention relates to a single lace boot with multiple compression zones. In one embodiment, the present invention is a boot having a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The boot also has an upper zone located near a top portion of the first side and the second side, a middle zone located below the upper zone, and a lower zone located below the middle zone. Furthermore, the boot has a plurality of lacing mechanisms located on the first side and the second side and a single lace with a first end secured to one of the plurality of lacing mechanisms in the upper zone and a second end secured to one of the plurality of lacing mechanisms in the lower zone.

Abstract: A modular footwear construction includes an upper with a removable outsole. The upper and the outsole both include bottoms having tread surfaces. A removable footbed fits inside the upper, and includes both a cushioning midsole and a structural plate. The outsole is removably secured to the upper without adhesives. In one embodiment, the midsole and the plate each have structure that enables a mechanical interlock therebetween. In another embodiment, a heel strap extends from the outsole and fits over a protrusion on the upper to removably secure the outsole to the upper.

Abstract: A multiple dimensional sandal having a multi-positional strap includes a sole having a heel portion, a forefoot portion, a lateral side and a medial side. A sandal includes a first strap portion having a fixed position with respect to the sole, and a pair of convertible strap portions having moveable positions with respect to one another and to the sole. The convertible strap portions are selectively positionable to define at least three sandal strap configurations. In a first configuration, the convertible strap portions coextend along the first strap portion to define a thong type sandal. In a second configuration, the convertible strap portions extend over the instep of the user's forefoot to define a thong sandal with an instep strap. In a third configuration, the convertible strap portions extend around the back of the heel to define a thong sandal having a heel strap.

Abstract: Boots with an integrated scent carrying system are provided. The boots include a vented scented material holder that can leave a scent trail during hunting and/or to mask one's own scent during hunting. The boots are configured to effectively deliver the scent to the hunter's environment.

Abstract: A cover for closing off access to the mouth of a boot. The cover is a generally tubular member that forms a cap at a first end and a skirt that extends outwardly away therefrom. The cap and skirt define a bore sized to receive the neck of the boot therein. At least one annular gripping region is provided in the cover and is expandable to allow the cover to receive the top end of the boot and contracts to sealingly grip the neck of the boot. The gripping region preferably includes an elastic material that is either retained in an annular pocket in the skirt or sewn directly onto the skirt fabric. When engaged with the boot, no part of the cover extends into the interior thereof. The cover is also provided with a removal strap and one or more elastic loops that are design to receive a sock therethrough.

Abstract: A sandal strap system for securing a foot of a wearer to a running sandal having a midsole assembly with a foot supporting surface. The sandal strap system includes a strap keeper attached to the midsole assembly and positioned adjacent to the foot supporting surface. An inner strap assembly includes a heel strap, an instep strap, and a forefoot strap, where the inner strap assembly is fixed to the midsole assembly. An adjustment strap attached to the heel strap extends through the strap keeper, and connects to an adjustment member, where the adjustment strap is adjustable at the adjustment member to simultaneously adjust the position of the heel strap, the instep strap, and the forefoot strap relative to the wearer's foot to tighten or loosen the strap system.

Abstract: The invention relates to clog and sandal-type footwear having a sole and a heel strap. The heel strap is pivotable to be selectively secure the sole to a foot of a user or to be selectively retained by a channel formed in a heel portion of the sole. The heel strap may be permanently or removably attached to the sole.

Abstract: A boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the boot and easy removal of a foot from the boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace.

Abstract: A sports boot including an upper extending above the ankle joint and at least one rigid collar extending around the wearer's lower leg, the boot including a device for adjusting the volume of the collar to better accommodate the shape of the user's calf. The adjustment device includes a wedge, or collar extension, positioned inside the collar, the wedge being fixed to the collar by means of at least one pivot and by means of a fastening mechanism enabling the relative displacement of the wedge with respect to the collar as well as a deformation of the wedge. The fastening mechanism includes a plate equipped with a cylindrical body having an axis Al and received in a first circular opening provided in the collar and a rivet received in a second circular opening provided in the wedge and received in a third circular opening having an axis A2 provided in the body, the axis A2 and the axis A1 being non-coaxial.

Abstract: An article of footwear with heel webbing is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an elastic member along a heel portion. The elastic member is associated with a heel protector. The heel protector is attached to the outsole of the article of footwear at one end and to a portion of the elastic member at another end.

Abstract: A closure for shoes having opposing shoe flaps with a plurality of spaced-apart eyelets therein, has flexible loops extending from respective eyelets to engage about respective portions of buttons or block members disposed on an oppositely positioned flap to urge the shoe flaps together, thus enabling a person to engage the loops on respective button members or blocks to retain the shoe on the person's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a dual lacing system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a first lace and a second lace. The first lace and the second lace include portions that are interdigitated, these portions being disposed towards an entry hole of the upper. The laces also include provisions for releasably fastening to the sides of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe with belts according to the present invention comprising an upper, a sole S that has a first and second roll-up portions S11, S10 rolling upwards along side faces of a foot, and first and second belts 51, 52. The first belt 51 is fixed to the first roll-up portion S11 at a first joined portion 58 on the medial side of the foot. The second belt 52 is fixed to the second roll-up portion S10 at a second joined portion 59 on the lateral side of the foot. The pair of belts 51, 52 cross each other at a position approximately above the navicular bone 91. The first belt 51 can be arranged in a tensioned state along a path extending from the medial side of the foot to the vicinity of an ankle on the lateral side of the foot through the crossing position 57. The second belt 52 can be arranged in a tensioned state along a path extending from the lateral side to the vicinity of the ankle on the medial side of the foot through the crossing position 57.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a mid-sole foot platform for supporting from below the foot of a user, an outer sole for providing the footwear item with turning traction and a stash assembly sandwiched between the mid-sole foot platform and the outer sole, wherein said stash assembly has disposed therein a slidably removable comb sufficient width, length and depth dimensions for storage therein of loose items.

Abstract: A sport or active shoe that can be stored in a compact configuration can be folded generally in half and secured closed with a closure connected to the heel and toe. The shoe includes a single layer upper to facilitate folding. The shoe can be folded into a very compact configuration and stored conveniently in a pocket, pack, purse, etc., allowing a user to keep a pair of the shoes handy for wearing before or after sports activities or specialized activities requiring specialized or bulky footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closure device for flexible and adjustable fastening between two edges located opposite or crosswise, in particular for footwear, clothing, textile, leathercraft and sportswear, consisting of at least one tongue (5) and two edges (1, 2), the tongue (5) being provided with a hook-and-loop textile (7) and being linked to a first edge (2).

Abstract: In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an instep strap would be used to increase tension on a cord that would substantially encircle a circumference of an ankle portion of a shoe. In the exemplary embodiment, a first end of the cord would be attached to an instep portion of a first side of a shoe upper; a second end of the cord would be attached to an instep portion of a second side of the shoe; and the cord would pass through at least one channel substantially disposed around the circumference of the ankle portion of the shoe. In an alternative exemplary two-cord embodiment of the present invention, an instep strap would be used to increase tension on two cords. By tightening and fastening the instep strap, both cords would be somewhat distorted and a tension would be created, or increased, thereby causing a snug fit of the shoe.

Abstract: A healing shoe includes a shoe sole, a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole, and at least one portion that folds over a wearer's foot. A strap is selectively attachable to the at least one portion and secures the shoe on the wearer's foot. At least one decorative attachment is secured to the strap.

Abstract: Footwear such as a shoe has a closure which includes a strap. The strap is releasably and removably secured at the toe of the upper and extends across an access opening down the access of the shoe and can be releasably and removably fastened to the upper adjacent to the ankle end by VELCRO™ secured between the strap and the upper. Other engagement devices can be used in place of VELCRO.

Abstract: A rope retainer comprises a body has a top surface, a bottom surface and a lateral surface; at least one main hole passed through the body; at least one wing extending from the body; the wing having at least one sub-hole. The rope retainer may have a long shape, a star like shape or a heart like shape. Furthermore the rope retainer can be used with a shoe for tying a shoelace.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is secured around a wearer's foot by adjustable fasteners such as lacing, and a second upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is separate from and overlaps the first upper on opposite sides of the shoe and at the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe that can be easily, but significantly, changed. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with an upper ankle portion that has an elongate length that extends upwardly from the shoe sole. The length of the ankle portion allows a top part of the ankle portion to be folded downwardly over a bottom part of the ankle portion to produce a first appearance of the shoe. The top part of the ankle portion can be unfolded to extend upwardly from the bottom part of the ankle portion to produce the second appearance of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a multi-layered upper. A bootie configured to fit snugly about the foot of the wearer forms the interior of the upper. An outer covering substantially encases the bootie and is attached to the bootie only along a lateral side of the upper. The outer covering includes a split forming an opening on the lateral side of the upper, with the split in the outer covering extending into the small toe region of the upper. The opening is adjustable to tighten the shoe around the foot of the wearer, so a lacing system is provided coincident with the opening. A flap is positioned between the outer covering and the bootie underneath the opening. The flap is secured to the outer covering and the bootie on a lateral side of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wraparound lacing system for use with footwear. The lacing system includes a lace which encircles the housing of the article of footwear in a spiral, helical, coiled or similar wound wraparound pattern. The housing includes finger members which independently adjust to the contours of the wearer's foot while providing a snug and secure fit. The housing of the upper and the midsole includes channels therein which receive the wraparound lace. The lace can be affixed at one or both ends to the midsole or to the upper. Removable lace end keepers on the upper permit the user to adjust the length of the lace. Recessed cavities may be positioned along the lacing channels to promote easy adjustment of the lace. The lace may run along channels formed between fingers and an overlying shell structure. The lace may run through a tube structure within the channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitted, supportive, comfortable shoe upper with a laceless closure device comprising one interlaced strap capable of rapid adjustment in multiple planes of movement.

Abstract: The first illustrative embodiment includes a lace or strap which runs behind the heel down the sides of the foot, under the sole of the foot, crosses to opposite sides of the foot, comes up over the toes ending in a cinch. Loops and slots are provided in the shoe to accommodate the additional strap. The second illustrative embodiment includes a heel strap which runs behind the heel, down the sides of the foot where it engages a loop near the bottom of the foot and loops over to the top of the foot where it engages opposite sides of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of this heel strap. The second embodiment also includes a toe strap which is attached to opposite sides of the sole, crosses over the sole to opposite sides of the toes, loops over the toes and engages the bottom of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of the toe strap.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a midsole frame having a forefoot base, a heel base and an intermediate frame section that connects the forefoot base and the heel base. The forefoot base and heel base can be separated from one another by a frame void. The forefoot base can include at least one forefoot base void extending across the width, of the footwear to improve flexibility of the footwear. The construction also can include a midsole including a lower surface housed at least partially within and/or joined with the midsole frame, with the midsole frame forefoot base and a heel base separated from one another below the midsole lower surface by the frame void, and connected above the lower surface by the intermediate frame section. Where the construction includes an outsole, that outsole can define an outsole forefoot void, which can be aligned with the forefoot base void.

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: The devices sole purpose is to keep the integrity of a knot once it is formed with the shoe lace to keep the shoe securely fastened about the foot. This will be accomplished by precluding the bows and excess laces on each side of the knot from movement or slippage in any direction. The semi attached properties of the device will allow its user to remove it from one shoe and place it on another.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe is provided where a tightening mechanism operates to cause automatic tightening of the shoe laces about a wearer's foot and which releases the laces to allow loosening of the shoe. The shoe laces travel to the interior of the tightening mechanism located at the heel whereat the laces are operatively associated in a tightening or a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. The tightening shoe further has a locking mechanism for locking said at least one lace in a tightened condition and a release mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism and releasing the shoe laces. The release mechanism includes a lever arm which projects rearwardly from the rear of said shoe. Depression upon the lever arm causes the locking mechanism to unlock and release the shoe laces from being in a tightened condition.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outer sole on which an outer upper is mounted, the upper including several pieces assembled together by stitching. The pieces of the upper are made of breathable-waterproof material, at least the visible assembly seams of the upper being covered by a waterproofing strip arranged on the outside of the upper. The upper includes a three-layered laminated material including a breathable-waterproof membrane, sandwiched between an inner lining fabric and an outer envelope fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wraparound lacing system for use in all manner of footwear. The lacing system includes a lace which encircles the upper and midsole of the article of footwear in a spiral, helical, coiled or similar wound wraparound pattern. The upper includes finger members which independently adjust to the contours of the wearer's foot while providing a snug and secure fit. The upper and midsole are integrally formed as a unitary structure. The housing of the upper and the midsole includes channels therein which receive the wraparound lace. The lace can be affixed at one or both ends to the midsole or to the upper. Removable lace end keepers on the upper permit the user to adjust the length of the lace. Siping and/or elongated, raised ridge members may be positioned along the bottom surface of the outsole for enhanced traction on wet surfaces.

Abstract: A laces tying device comprises a body (2) provided with one or more apertures (3) which receive the ends of a lace to be tied and with readily-releasable fastening means to fasten the ends of the lace in the apertures (3) of the body (2), and clip means (4) comprising a retaining arm mounted on a springloaded hinge provided on the surface of the body (2), the retaining arm serving to retain overlapped portions of the lace which, in use, extend from the apertures (3).

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

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: The Genie disposable pedicure slipper is formed from a single piece of material that consist of polyurethane foam fabric. The pedicure slipper is intended to be worn as slipper on the users foot. The sole of the slipper is designed to conform to the outline of the human foot. The bottom surface structure is designed to give support, comfort and rest for the users foot. There are two strap portions of the sheet material. One of the strap portions comes from the heel of the sole and is cut to form an appendage. The other strap portion comes from the toe of the sole and has a slit. The two straps when folded over serve as a buckle by inserting the appendage into the slit.

Abstract: An infant's bootie comprising a sole, an upper portion, including a tongue, attached to a toe region of the sole, and a back portion attached to a heel portion of the sole. The back portion is unattached to the upper portion except at the sole, thereby allowing the back portion to be folded down to a level of the sole for easy insertion of the infant's foot. The material of the bootie may be lined to provide comfortable protection to the infant, and to aid in retaining warmth.

Abstract: Amongst other things, a boot is provided having a foot portion for enclosing the foot of a user and a leg portion having a substantially circular cross-section and extending upwardly from the foot portion. A first strap portion is affixed to one or the foot portion and the leg portion, and extends more than 180° around the perimeter of the leg portion in a first circumferential direction. A second strap portion is affixed to one of the foot portion and the leg portion, and extends around the perimeter of the leg portion in a second circumferential direction substantially opposite to the first circumferential direction, to meet the first strap portion. A fastening means is provided for releasably joining the first and second strap portions in circumferentially adjustable relation, to cinch the strap portions around the perimeter of the leg portion in conjoined relation.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A footwear member includes a set of stretchable fastening members that allow a user to select and attach those fastening members that provide the best fit. Each selected fastening member is attached at its opposite ends to connection structures that are paired. For example, the paired connection structures may be two posts that have grooves in order to properly seat and retain the ends of the fastening members. Two acceptable materials for forming the fastening members are rubber and urethane. The fastening members may be referred to as “bungee cords.” There are at least two different lengths of fastening members in order to provide selection on the basis of the shape or size of a user's foot. Selection of the proper “bungee cord” also applies to an attachment at the Achilles area of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a fastening system. The fastening system can include a pull tab and one or more flaps that cooperate to provide a more secure and snug fit, eliminates the need for conventional laces and a conventional tongue, and is easy to operate, especially for children or people with disabilities.

Abstract: An article of footwear intended for use as a dance shoe is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper. The upper includes an opening with a periphery configured to expose the top of the instep of a foot, while covering the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In addition, the article of footwear includes a fastening system, comprising a first and second strap, configured to expand during insertion of the foot into the article of footwear and fasten the article of footwear to the foot.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an upper defining a heel, a strap adjuster member coupled to the upper, and a strap that extends across a portion of the upper. The strap is coupled to the adjuster member such that at least a portion of the strap is movable in one of a direction toward and away from the heel.

Abstract: A boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the boot and easy removal of a foot from the boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace.

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: The present invention provides a wraparound lacing system for use in all manner of footwear. The lacing system includes a lace which encircles the upper and midsole of the article of footwear in a spiral, helical, coiled or similar wound wraparound pattern. The upper includes finger members which independently adjust to the contours of the wearer's foot while providing a snug and secure fit. The upper and midsole are integrally formed as a unitary structure. The housing of the upper and the midsole includes channels therein which receive the wraparound lace. The lace can be affixed at one or both ends to the midsole or to the upper. Removable lace end keepers on the upper permit the user to adjust the length of the lace.

Abstract: A boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the boot and easy removal of a foot from the boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lacing system (2) for a shoe (1), in particular for an inner shoe, with a cord-type or lace-type tensioning means (12) and looping means (11) for the tensioning means (12) arranged on oppositely lying wall regions (8, 9) of a shoe cut-out (5) extending from an entry opening (3) approximately to as far as an ankle region (4) and having at least one fixing means (18) for the tensioning means (12).

Abstract: A shoe lace includes a lace body having a first end provided with a first connecting member and a second end provided with a second connecting member, and a third connecting member mounted on the second connecting member and detachably combined with the first connecting member. Thus, the two ends of the shoe lace can be combined with each other, so that a user needs not to bind the shoe lace, thereby facilitating the user wearing the shoes by the shoe lace. In addition, the two ends of the shoe lace can be detached from each other easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating the user releasing the shoe lace.