Abstract: A shoe includes an upper having a heel portion that has a rear wall adapted to extend around the heel of a foot. At least one adjustment pad is attached loosely to the rear wall within the heel portion. The adjustment pad includes an intermediate part, first and second ends on two opposite sides of the intermediate part, a first surface confronting the rear wall, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A strap passage unit is provided on the rear wall. A strap is attached to the adjustment pad, and passes movably through the strap passage unit. When the strap is pulled to move through the strap passage unit, the strap is tensed, and the adjustment pad is moved inward so as to abut against the foot in the shoe.

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: Foot-receiving devices, such as articles of footwear, include a foot-covering member and a foot-supporting member defining a foot-receiving chamber. One or more strap members may be provided for securing the device to a user's foot. At least one strap member may wrap at least one time around the top of the foot-receiving chamber and at least one time around the bottom of the foot-receiving chamber. Methods for providing such foot-receiving devices also are described.

Abstract: A midsole structure for an athletic shoe includes an upper midsole (3) formed of a soft elastic material, a lower midsole (4) disposed under the upper midsole (3) and formed of a soft elastic material, and a wavy plate assembly (5) interposed between the upper midsole (3) and the lower midsole (4). The wavy plate assembly (5) includes a wavy board (50) and a pair of sidewall members (51) provided discretely from the wavy board (50) and disposed on opposite Bides of the wavy board (50). Each of the sidewall members (51) includes a wavy bottom portion (51b) overlapping the wavy board (50) and an upraised portion (51a) extending upwardly from the wavy bottom portion (51b) to face a side surface of the upper midsole (3). Provision of the wavy board (50) and the sidewall members (51) discretely from each other simplifies a layout of a mold for forming the wavy plate assembly (5), thereby reducing a manufacturing cost.

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: A boot having a sole and an upper, the boot extending longitudinally between a heel and a tip, the upper having an outer envelope and an inner envelope, the boot having a mechanism for tightening the inner envelope, the mechanism for tightening the inner envelope having keepers affixed to the inner envelope and at least one lace. The mechanism for tightening the inner envelope has at least one rear keeper affixed to the outer envelope, the rear keeper being located substantially toward the heel of the boot.

Abstract: The present invention provides footwear pieces having a sole and an upperportion extending from the sole. The upper portion is adapted to cover the top of the user's foot and includes a rear opening of receiving the user's foot. An adjustable strap is provided across the rear opening to engage the back of the user's foot.

Abstract: A laced boot having a boot lace and sections of the boot lace run in a continuous one-piece manner as follows: a first section runs from the metatarsal area of the sole over the instep of the boot; a second section runs from the metatarsal area of the sole around the outside of the upper above a heel area of the boot; and a third section runs from the same position of the upper to the instep and back to the cited position of the upper and the three named sections form a triangle, viewed from the side of the boot that covers the ankle joints of the foot.

Abstract: An upper has a front shell portion and a rear shell portion which includes a rear wall part, a front wall part, left and right wall parts that cooperate to confine a receiving space to receive the leg of the wearer. A leg support member is attached to an inner surface of the rear shell portion and extends from the rear wall part to the left and right wall parts. At least one of two end portions of the leg support member extends forwardly and outwardly from the rear shell portion and is manipulatable to tighten the leg support member around the wearer's leg so as to support and comfort the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A slide fastener and related pull are disclosed. The pull is formed of an elongate strip of material defining a handle portion between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the pull is attached to the article bearing an elongate set of engaging structures for the slide fastener. A slide for operably engaging the set of engaging structures is attached to the pull toward the opposite second end. Accordingly, the handle portion forms an easily graspable quasi-pull chord for opening and closing the pull fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a tab portion of the pull extends from the slide attachment point on the pull to the second end of the pull, and it is detachably secured to the article when the slide fastener is in its closed position. Accordingly, the pull itself can be used as a storage device to hang objects such as a towel, a pair of shoes or the like therefrom. The pull can also serve as a protective cover for the pull fastener and have surface ornamentation thereon.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with crisscrossed laces and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe where a tightening mechanism is actuated which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the shoe about a wearer's foot and which releases to allow loosening of the shoe. Shoe laces are led to the interior of the tightening mechanism in the heel whereat the laces are operatively associated in a tightening or in a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism includes a rotatable central shaft which may have drums mounted thereto, a ratcheted coupling collar or ratcheted cam disk, a ratcheted actuator spool, a compression spring, a return spring, a ratchet wheel, and a release lever including a pawl and a cam actuator bar, all of which extend along the central shaft and operate to tighten as well as to allow loosening of the shoe laces.

Abstract: Variable tension footwear lacing systems and methods permit and facilitate adjustment of selected zones by a user. In an embodiment, stop devices are used with a footwear lacing system to prevent opposing closure edges of a footwear article from advancing towards each other. The stop device includes a stop guide configured for fastening to a portion of the footwear article, and a stop element. In an implementation, the stop element includes a stop head and a releasable affixing member. The stop head is configured to be manipulated by a user to releasably secure the affixing member to a selected position across the length of the stop guide. The stop head is operable to contact a first closure edge of the footwear article. In an embodiment, during use first and second stop devices contact first and second opposing closure edges of the footwear article and prevent them from advancing towards each other.

Abstract: A clasp particularly for a cord or lace. The clasp can be used in connection with shoe laces or tightening cords for various garments, for example. The clasp has a male portion and a female portion having mutual connecting structures. Each of the male and female portions has a structure for connecting to an associated end of the cord/lace, and the male and female portions have complementary guiding structures so as to facilitate their engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided which may include a base area for receiving the sole of a foot, a first strap projecting out from a first side of the base and having a first mating portion and a second strap projecting out from a second side of the base opposite to the first side and having a second mating portion. The base, first strap and second strap are integral with one another being constructed from a single piece of material and upon the first mating portion being mated with the second mating portion, thereby forming a mating area, the first and second straps traverse the base forming an opening for receiving and retaining a foot to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoelace tightening device for making it easier for the wearer to tie shoelaces of shoelace-type shoes, including sports shoes. The shoelace tightening structure includes a tightening lace, a pair of locking devices, and a shoelace. The tightening lace is successively threaded upward at both ends thereof through first and second row loops arranged in parallel along eyelet lines defined at left and right vamps of a shoe. The locking devices are fixed at opposite side positions above the eyelet lines. Through the locking devices are inserted both the ends of the tightening lace, respectively. The shoelace is tied on the tightening lace as both ends thereof alternately pass through portions of the tightening lace between the respective first row loops, and portions of the tightening lace between the respective second row loops so as to crisscross each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, having a flexible upper surrounding a foot, a closure panel arranged on an instep area of the flexible upper, and a tightening element arranged at the heel of the shoe. The tightening element is connected to the closure panel such that the closure panel, through the use of the tightening element, can be tightened against the instep area of the flexible upper to retain the shoe on the foot.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a foot in a footwear item and a footwear item using the apparatus are provided. Pivot members are disposed on opposing sides of a closure configured to secure an opening in an upper of the footwear item, the pivot members being positioned on a surface of the footwear item between the opposing sides of the closure and a heel section of the footwear item. A securing including end sections and a force member is provided. Each of the end sections includes a fastener-receiving opening configured for a fastener to pass therethrough. The force member extends from the end sections and curves around the pivot members to engage the closure. Tension applied to the fastener applies force to the end sections resulting in tension in the force member causing a securing force being applied against the closure.

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: A shoe tightening device is provided for use with a shoe that includes a pair of eyelet tabs each having eyelets. The shoe tightening device includes a pair of lace units, a clamp unit, and a pull lace. Each of the lace units includes connecting end portions, operating end portions, intermediate portions, and anchoring elements adapted to be anchored removably on the eyelet tabs at corresponding ones of the eyelets. The clamp unit removably clamps at least one of the lace units, and includes at least one flexible string section, and at least one clamp member. The clamp member is slidable along the flexible string section between a clamping position and a releasing position. The pull lace is connected to the flexible string section for pulling the flexible string section so that the clamp member can slide along the flexible string section to the releasing position.

Abstract: A shoe with improved lacing means includes a shoe, shoe laces (14) and a hook and loop element pouch (10). On the underside, the side making contact with the shoe, are two openings (16) that are used to slide the shoelaces through. With the pouch (10) open, the shoelaces (14) are pushed through the holes (16), pulled firmly and then tied as usual. Place the tied shoelaces (14) down into the pouch (10). There is a hook and loop element strip (22) on the opening making it easy to close, while keeping laces (14) secure. The pouch (10) can be attached to the shoe by hook and loop element strips (18) on both the right and left underside of the pouch (10). The pouch (10) will keep the shoelaces (14) from loosening, snagging and untying.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides various footwear pieces, and methods for manufacturing such pieces. In various cases, the footwear pieces are molded from a lofting material. Further, in various cases, the footwear pieces include one or more ventilators formed in the footwear piece that are surrounded by liquid conductors capable of channeling liquid spilled on the surface of the footwear pieces away from a foot within the footwear pieces.

Abstract: A snowboard boot strap anchor is described. The strap anchor includes a raised portion having at least three mounting locations, and a thin base portion associated with the raised portion for attachment to an upper portion of the snowboard boot. Also described is a snowboard boot strap mounting system. The system includes a first strap anchor having a raised portion containing at least three mounting locations, the strap anchor including a base portion for attachment to the snowboard boot upper, an ankle strap arrangement having a first distal end for attachment to the first strap anchor, and a fastener device for connecting the first distal end of the ankle strap arrangement to the first strap anchor by mating with a selected mounting location.

Abstract: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole connected to an upper having a toe portion, a heel portion, a foot insertion opening and a tongue which defines two, opposed sides of the upper extending between the heel and toe portions. One end of each of a number of straps is fixed to one side of the upper, and the free end of each strap is formed with a tab having a unique indicia such as a different shape, number and/or color. A series of patches are mounted to the other side of the upper, opposite the straps, and each patch includes a matching indicia corresponding to one of the tabs on the straps. The tabs and patches have cooperating hook and loop fastening material or other fasteners to connect them together and secure the straps on the article of footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for holding together, adjusting, fitting or fastening parts of a garment, shoe or any other accessory. It contains a first part (2) comprising a sheath (3) in which a first magnet or ferromagnetic element (4) is inserted, these being movable inside the first sheath, and a second part (5) containing a second magnet or ferromagnetic element (6) subject or submitted to the magnetic attraction of the first magnet or ferromagnetic element of the first part, and is used to hold together, adjust, fit or fasten the garment, shoe or accessory when one of the said first and second parts (2, 5) is activated by a user to work in conjunction or alterations is thus possible through the sliding (7) of the first magnet or ferromagnetic element (4) in the first sheath (3).

Abstract: A boot liner is configured to adequately obtain a desired sensation of an upper part fitting around the ankle. The boot liner has a sole, an upper part, and a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism has a main strap having a first fixed strap part, a pair of movable strap parts, and a second fixed strap part. The movable strap parts extend forwardly from the ends of the first fixed strap part along the side surfaces of the upper part, and are folded back such that an insertion element through which a shoelace can be inserted is formed in the vicinity of the front ends of the upper part, and the distal ends extend through the rear portion to the side surfaces on the opposite sides of the upper part. The movable strap parts intersect each other at the rear portion and can move in relation to the upper part.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear that includes a retainer for securing end portions of the laces and limiting superfluous lace movement. The retainer is a strip of elastic material that is positioned on an upper of the footwear and secured in first and second locations, thereby leaving an unsecured area between the first and second locations. The end portions of the lace may be placed under the unsecured area to restrain movement of the end portions. The retainer may be utilized with a mechanical fastener, rather than a conventional knot, to preserve the selected tension in the laces.

Abstract: A lacing system having a lace loop that forms multiple segments that extend from a strap and criss-cross each other in an adjustable opening. The lace is threaded through eyelets of a sneaker, in such a manner that, a single arcuate pull on the strap(s), causes the multiple lace segments to move through the eyelets of the sneaker opening in unison, so that the entire length of the opening contracts simultaneously. This pull also lifts the entire arch area, thus providing better support. The lace segments converge at the strap(s), near the ankle, thus providing better support at the ankle. Additional lace segments could be disposed above the arch to provide better arch support. A strap or fastening member may attach to the sneaker by either a ratchet buckle, clasp, hook, snap, clamp, or locking tape such as hook-and-loop. The sneaker opens to its' maximum width, automatically when the user steps out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having an arch support extending from an interior of a shoe to an exterior of a shoe. The arch support can be adjusted from the exterior of the shoe. The arch support includes straps which each have a slide groove formed therein. On one end of each strap are strap eyelets. The shoe includes an upper having a slit opening separating an upper paneling and a lower paneling. The arch support is located within the shoe, and extends through the slit opening. Rivets connect the upper paneling and the lower paneling. The rivets are also aligned with and extend through the slide grooves on the arch support. Accordingly, the arch support straps may slide along the rivets to tighten or loosen the arch support within the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe having a canopy and laterally mounted tightening apparatus. The canopy has a fixed end attached to the shoe and a free end not attached to the shoe. The free end of the canopy has lobes (or the canopy is a plurality of straps) that are moveable relatively independently of each other such that a lace attached to a tightening apparatus and the free end of the canopy tightens the shoe allowing the free ends of the canopy to facilitate the canopy molding the foot of the user.

Abstract: A football boot with a zip replacing laces. Easy on/off capability and no time wasted due to tying and retying laces. No pressure point and also eliminates injury risk of players tripping over undone laces.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes flexible clothing sheet material having first and second sheet material ends which separate to pass a portion of a wearer body into and out of the article of clothing; and first and second magnetic fasteners which are magnetically attracted to each other and are secured to respective first and second sheet material ends for releasibly securing the sheet material ends together and thus securing the article of clothing around a portion of the wearer body.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The midsole defines a plurality of upper and lower channels intersecting in a waffled construction to define openings. The channels and openings allow passage of water from the interior of the article of footwear. The upper channels extend across the upper half of the midsole in one direction and the lower channels extend across the bottom half of the midsole in another direction. The channels are of sufficient depth so that the upper and lower channels intersect one another to define the openings through which the water may pass from the upper channels to the lower channels. The outsole forms the wear surface and covers a majority of the undersurface of the midsole, preferably defining a plurality of outlets or ports through which water may drain from the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: Shoe lacing kits, laced shoes, and methods of lacing shoes. First and second lacing elements are used to create lacing loops on the exterior of the shoe body. An end of each lacing element is anchored to the shoe body. The loops are threaded through a clasp. Pulling the loops in different directions draws the clasp toward the shoe, and tightens the lacing elements on the shoe. When the tightening force is released, one or more gripping elements in the clasp grip the lacing elements and hold the lacing elements in the tightened position. Releasing the gripping elements on the clasp releases the lacing elements from the tightened position such that the lacing elements can be loosened on the shoe.

Abstract: A tightening device adapted to equip an article of footwear, which makes it possible to hold the foot laterally, while distributing on the foot the pressure generated by the tightening device. The tightening device includes an upper flap that partially covers a lower flap. The flaps hold the foot by the tightening device which includes at least one anchor positioned on each of the flaps. The upper flap is more flexible than the lower flap.

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: A shoelace fastener is provided for a shoe that includes a shoelace having a pair of distal lace segments. The shoelace fastener includes a substantially rigid fastener body formed with a pair of lace exit holes, a pair of lace entry holes disposed between the lace exit holes, and a pair of anchor portions, each of which is disposed between a respective adjacent pair of the lace entry and exit holes. Each of the distal lace segments is extendable through a respective lace entry hole, over a respective anchor portion, and into a respective lace exit hole. Tension applied by the shoe on the shoelace enables forces the distal lace segments against the fastener body. Pulling of the fastener body through a flexible pull unit on the fastener body results in loosening of the shoe.

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

Abstract: A shoe (1), especially an athletic shoe, with an upper (2) which has a tongue (4) in the area of the instep (3). Such a shoe (1) is improved such that it can be put on and taken off while avoiding lacing effort, nevertheless the shoe (1) being held on the foot in the best possible manner. This is achieved in that the tongue (4) and the area (5, 6) of the shoe upper (2) located laterally from the tongue (4) are connected via at least one flexible-elastic flat part (7, 8) and that the two areas (5, 6) of the shoe upper (2) which are located to the side of the tongue (4) are interconnected by at least two tightening straps (9, 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″).

Abstract: A laced boot having a boot lace and sections of the boot lace run in a continuous one-piece manner as follows: a first section runs from the metatarsal area of the sole over the instep of the boot; a second section runs from the metatarsal area of the sole around the outside of the upper above a heel area of the boot; and a third section runs from the same position of the upper to the instep and back to the cited position of the upper and the three named sections form a triangle, viewed from the side of the boot that covers the ankle joints of the foot.

Abstract: A clasp particularly for a cord or lace. The clasp can be used in connection with shoe laces or tightening cords for various garments, for example. The clasp has a male portion and a female portion having mutual connecting structures. Each of the male and female portions has a structure for connecting to an associated end of the cord/lace, and the male and female portions have complementary guiding structures so as to facilitate their engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: A shoelace fastener is provided for a shoe that includes a shoelace having a pair of distal lace segments. The shoelace fastener includes a fastener body formed with a pair of through holes. Each of a pair of clamp members has a pivot portion partitioning a respective through hole into a lace entry side and a lace exit side. The distal lace segments are extendable through the lace entry side, over a respective clamp member, and into the lace exit side of a respective through hole in the fastener body. Tension applied by the shoe on the shoelace enables the clamp members to clamp the distal lace segments against the fastener body. Pulling of the fastener body through a pull unit results in loosening of the shoe.

Abstract: A skate boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter and defining a first pair of parallel fastening rows around the front edge of each quarter, at least in the vamp area of the boot. The median axis of the rows extends between the third and the fourth metatarsal bones of the foot.

Abstract: The invention is the mechanism of tying of footwear using one or more girth laces, which are led in predetermined directions around the foot across the instep of the shoe and through the sole of the shoe. Eyelets are located at the ends of the girth laces. The usual lace is wound through these and any other eyelets of the shoe. By tying up the tying mechanism, the girth laces slide around the foot and, together with the usual lace (if used), circumferentially embrace the foot within the shoe.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a foot in a footwear item and a footwear item using the apparatus are provided. Pivot members are disposed on opposing sides of a closure configured to secure an opening in an upper of the footwear item, the pivot members being positioned on a surface of the footwear item between the opposing sides of the closure and a heel section of the footwear item. A securing including end sections and a force member is provided. Each of the end sections includes a fastener-receiving opening configured for a fastener to pass therethrough. The force member extends from the end sections and curves around the pivot members to engage the closure. Tension applied to the fastener applies force to the end sections resulting in tension in the force member causing a securing force being applied against the closure.

Abstract: First and second shoe lacing elements are threaded through eyelets of a shoe. An end of each lacing element is anchored to the shoe body, preferably at or adjacent an end of the expansion opening on the shoe. Each lacing element optionally defines a lacing loop on the exterior of the shoe body. The lacing elements, optionally lacing loops, are threaded through clasp structure. Pulling the lacings, which exit the clasp structure tightens the lacing elements on the shoe body. The lacing elements are brought into gripping engagement with gripping elements of the clasp. When the tightening force is released, with the gripping elements engaged, the gripping elements grip the lacing elements and hold the lacing elements in tightened position relative to the shoe body. Releasing the gripping elements from the lacing elements releases the lacing elements from their tightened positions relative to the shoe body.

Abstract: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a lace locking system that eliminates the inconveniences of a conventional lacing system. The design reroutes laces behind the ankle to a “T pull” handle that incorporates a “lace lock” that allows length adjustment to the laces. When the “T-pull” handle is pulled upon, the laces cinch and the handle is then placed into its rest. This provides the user with a “memory lace system” so the laces do not have to be adjusted and tied every time a shoe or skate is placed onto a foot.