Abstract: A wear monitor for footgear can indicate when a shoe or component may have exceeded its expected useful life. The indication can be triggered by a measure of use, such as steps taken or distance accrued in the shoes, either through estimation or actual measurements. The monitor can take into account varies parameters related to the individual wearer of the shoe and environmental factors to more accurately determine when a pair of shoes has reached a wear out period. By employing sensors, the monitor can also be measure certain operating parameters of the shoe, such as the loss of a critical amount of resilience, and indicating to the wearer that the shoes are no longer adequate to protect the wearer from injury. The wear monitor can be fabricated into the shoe during manufacturing or can be a portable stand-alone device and can employ various technologies to provide a status indication to the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles with cavities capable of receiving objects as a result of extending an opening into a cavity capable of receiving the objects. For example, the opening in an article of footwear can be extended into the toe box to allow for the easier insertion and removal of a foot. The present invention also relates to systems that permit the article to be secured to the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: A construction of an oxford type, lace up athleisure shoe enables the shoe to be slipped on the wearers foot and held securely on the foot without the need for lacing on the shoe. This provides the shoe with the appearance of a lace up shoe that is worn without lacing.

Abstract: A shoe vamp has a front end, a rear end, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and an opening. The longitudinal axis extends longitudinally from the rear end to the front end. The transverse axis is perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The opening is defined through the shoe vamp and has an inclined front edge inclined to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis and has an inside end and an outside end being closer to the front end of the shoe vamp when compared to the inside end. The shoe vamp with the inclined front edge of the opening corresponds entirely to the shape of the instep of a foot to prevent the foot from rotating or moving on the shoe. Therefore, the shoe vamp effectively prevents varus or talipes valgus.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: An athletic shoe particularly suited for kicking sports comprises an outsole, and upper section and an insole. The insole has at least three compressible layers, the outsole has relatively straight inside and outside edges, as well as a grooved bottom surface. The inner and outer sides of the upper section may also be relatively flat. The shoe may further comprise a padded inner tongue and a flat outer tongue.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide a boot that can be fastened with great ease. The boot is configured so that belt insertion parts (A, B, C, D) are provided to the upper-side left and right sections and the lower-side left and right sections, respectively, of the boot main body (1) that are disposed along the front-side opening section (4), and the belt insertion parts (A, B, C, D) are positioned on the front side of the tongue member (5).

Abstract: Footwear assemblies that include a sole assembly and an upper portion secured to the sole assembly. The upper portion includes a tightening structure that extends up a portion of the height of the footwear assembly, and an extension of snakebite material positioned above the tightening arrangement. The extension of snakebite material is typically loose fit around the user's lower leg. The tightening arrangement provides adjustable tightening of the footwear assembly about the user's foot and lower leg at locations below the extension of snakebite material. The footwear assembly can include snakebite resistant material that covers substantially all of the surface area of the upper portion. Additional support, waterproofing, insulating and padding layers or materials can be used throughout the footwear assembly.

Abstract: Footwear is provided having a tongue pivotally coupled to the footwear upper. The tongue may be constructed to pivotally move relative to the upper between a first position and a second position. At least one resilient member may be coupled to the tongue for urging the tongue in either the first position or the second position. The tongue may be a spring-loaded tongue such that when the tongue is positioned in an intermediate position between the first and second position, the tongue will spring towards either the first position or the second position.

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

Abstract: A padded shoe for use in mixed martial arts and similar activities. The padded shoe may have a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; an inner padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer padded tongue to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer padded tongue such that the outer padded tongue substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearers instep. A bladder containing air or a gel-like material can be included in at least one of the inner and outer padded tongues.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; a padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer protective flap attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer protective flap such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearer's instep.

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: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper that is adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue and other components. The sole may be formed from a material having a shore durometer reading between about 40 and about 60 such that the shoe is lightweight yet provides appropriate support.

Abstract: Described is a shoe (10) including an upper member (12) attached to a bottom sole member (14), the upper member (12) has a opening (16) therein in which is located a foot securing member (18) and a decorative tongue member (24), which decorative tongue member is fixedly attached at a first end (26) to the opening in the upper member, and a distal end (25) of the decorative tongue member which is unattached to the upper member.

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

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

Abstract: Footwear incorporating a shoe tongue, or gusset, and opposite rear tab, various overlays, one or more of structure, attached to the upper end of the tongue, and may be folded over, individually, so as to disclose different coloration, appearance, or designs, upon the upper surface of the shoe tongue, to add to its aesthetics. In addition, fasteners may be used for holding the overlays onto the upper surface of the tongue, and additional fasteners, such as a strap, or pouch, may be employed adjacent the underside of the tongue, to hold the unused overlays into storage, as when not in usage.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. A padded tongue is attached to the shoe upper and includes an inner padded tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Retaining structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion, with the engagement structure located at least partially under the outer padded tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure and/or the engagement structure.

Abstract: A boot which has a tongue structure which includes at least first and second cables attached to the sides of the tongue, a guide channel associated with each cable, and a cable tensioning device connected to the cables and which is movable between first and second positions to respectfully tighten and loosen the cables. The tongue structure acts to maintain the foot in the boot and in a preferred embodiment, the tongue includes an outer somewhat rigid shell and an inner elastic layer.

Abstract: A padded shoe, comprising a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper, adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue; a means to retain the shoe on the foot of a wearer; an outer protective flap, the outer protective flap being located such that the outer protective flap covers at least a portion of the retaining structure; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure, whereby the wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure, the engagement structure, or the wearer's ankle.

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 tongue that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and across the forefoot opening in the front of the shoe upper, and a second tongue that is separate from the first tongue and extends upwardly from the shoe sole beneath the first tongue.

Abstract: A sports boot tongue, which comprises a comfort element (5) positioned directly on its surface (4) designed to be oriented toward the inside of the sports boot in order to come into contact with the foot or the leg of a user, this comfort element (5) fulfilling a first technical function of absorbing shocks and a second technical function of reducing friction and sliding by shearing.

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

Abstract: 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: 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: It is constituted on the basis of a tongue (1) which is conveniently attached to the boot, which is divided into a number of sectors (3), in which are some receptacles (5) which hold sheets (6) of material resistant to impact and ductile in order to facilitate the adaptation thereof to the form of the boot when closed. The sectors (3) are delimited by some lines of stitching (4) which facilitate the relative inclination between sectors (3) and therefore the articulation of the tongue (1) when the boot is flexed achieving greater user comfort.

Abstract: A structural element for a sports shoe provided with a casing able to be selectively configured between a first rigid condition and a second flexible condition. The structural element comprises a tongue, shaped and provided at least with a first segment, or lower segment, attached to the casing, and a second segment, or upper segment, pivoted to the first segment, so as to be selectively taken to a first operating position in which the second segment is rigidly aligned with the first segment, and a second operating position in which the second segment is free to incline with respect to the first segment and substantially follows the movement of the tibial zone of the user's leg.

Abstract: A skate boot for enclosing a human foot having a forefoot and a front ankle portion. The skate boot has a tongue comprising a first section and a second section. The first section covers the forefoot of the foot and the second section is connected to the first section via a flexing zone that enables the second section to be movable in relation to the first section between a first position and a second position. In the first position the second section covers a portion of the front ankle portion of the foot, and in the second position, the second section overlaps a portion of the first section.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or 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: An article of footwear having a street shoe configuration and a dance shoe configuration is provided. The shoe includes a sole and an upper having a lacing system, lace and a tongue. The tongue is removably attached to the upper. The tongue may be removed to convert the shoe from a street shoe configuration to a dance shoe configuration. The tongue may also be secured via a lace strung through an apertures formed in the tongue. This configuration provides for easier conversion from street shoe to dance shoe.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to footwear where the tongue may be reversed in order to open and close vents in the upper of a shoe. Secondarily, the reversible tongue changes the aesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the footwear. A shoe has an upper upon a sole. On the sides of the upper, generally vertical stripes have vent between them. The reversible tongue has a symmetric shape and it rotates upon a longitudinal axis. Placed within the upper upon a swivel, the tongue rotates to extend across the vents to close them and to retreat from the vents to open them. In rotating, the tongue changes the coloration, indicia, design, or other appearance aspects of the shoe. Rotation of the tongue occurs with shoe laces loosened or with removal of a foot from the shoe.

Abstract: Inner boot, particularly for a sports shoe such as a ski boot, an in-line roller skate or an ice skate, comprising a front portion, that covers the toes and part of the forefoot of the user, and a rear portion, that extends at the region of the plantar's arch up to the heel; the front portion is connected to the rear portion by way of one or more interconnection bellows having, in a rest position, its maximum elongation.

Abstract: A device including a cover and a shaft inserted in the thickness of the front portion of the sole, and constituting a journalled system, adapted to ensure control of the flexural rigidity of a shoe, in particular a snowboard boot, or adapted to ensure the protection of the front surface of the shoe, partially or in its entirety. All of the elements forming the system can be removable. The journal which it determines provides the cover with a front-to-rear mobility which is presented, in closed position, against the front surface of the shoe. Connected to the latter by a retaining mechanism specific to the shoe, the cover offers, due to the properties and the shaping of its constituent materials, a resistance to the crushing and flexural and torsional deformation of the shoe in its front portion during use.

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: Foot-receiving devices, such as athletic or other footwear, may be modified to provide different aesthetic looks. Such foot-receiving devices may include: a housing member at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber; a closure system for at least partially holding the foot in the chamber; a tongue member located between at least a portion of the closure system and the foot, the tongue member including a first engagement element; and a cover member for at least partially covering the closure system, the cover member including a second engagement element that engages with the first engagement element to removably engage the cover member with the tongue member. The user can freely engage or disengage the cover member to change the aesthetic appearance of the device, e.g., depending on personal preference.

Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.

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: 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 boot provided with a tongue, the tongue having a lower portion and an upper portion joined by an intermediary portion. The tongue has a main flexible panel to which a semi-rigid reinforcement is affixed, the reinforcement having an elongated body that extends substantially along a longitudinal median line and over the length of the panel, the reinforcement having at least one lateral extension, each extension originating from the elongated body in the area of the lower and/or upper portion, and extending at least partially up to the area of the intermediary portion.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue including an inner tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Fastening structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the fastening structure and the engagement structure.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having an inflatable tongue which can be slightly deflated or inflated after lacing up or otherwise closing the shoe to conform to the user's foot and the lacing to provide a more comfortable fit of the shoe. The tongue includes an inner bladder of an expandable foam material with a valve on the tongue fluidly communicating the exterior of the tongue with the interior of the bladder to selectively inflate and deflate the same upon introduction and release of air to the bladder.

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: With the advent of the protective shoelace storage compartment incorporated within the new designs of the sports footwear, the shoes will appear less cluttered with the bow and lace ends concealed or all the laces, the bow and lace ends concealed. Without the laces dangling those individuals engaged in active sports like skateboarding will not have to worry about the laces of their shoes getting tangled in the wheels of the skateboard. The shoelace storage compartment may be closed by means of a zipper on the preferred embodiment or the hook loop fastening means on the alternate embodiment. The novelty of this invention is the added benefit of the concealed storage compartment for articles like identification, driver's license or money for those in sportswear not having any pockets or those traveling where additional precautions are necessary.

Abstract: A boot including an upper overlaying a sole, the upper having an opening extended by a slit, the slit extending between a lateral quarter and a medial quarter. An elastic panel of the boot blocks the slit at least partially, the elastic panel being stretched between the lateral quarter and the medial quarter.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper which has a substantially U-shaped first notched edge, a first cutout confined by the first notched edge, and a connection seam spaced apart from and extending around the first notched edge, an inner lining which is disposed inside the upper and has a second notched edge corresponding in position to the first notched edge; and a tongue which is waterproof and which has a marginal end. The marginal end of the tongue is attached to the upper along the connection seam and is attached to the inner lining along the second notched edge.

Abstract: A boot provided with a tongue, the tongue having a lower portion and an upper portion joined by an intermediary portion. The tongue has a main flexible panel to which a semi-rigid reinforcement is affixed, the reinforcement having an elongated body that extends substantially along a longitudinal median line and over the length of the panel, the reinforcement having at least one lateral extension, each extension originating from the elongated body in the area of the lower and/or upper portion, and extending at least partially up to the area of the intermediary portion.

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″″).