Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a knitted structure (100) for an actuation element. The knitted structure (100) comprises: an elastic fabric layer (102); an inelastic fabric layer (104), the elastic fabric layer (102) being knitted with the inelastic fabric layer (104) along their respective joint edges; and a channel (106) formed between the elastic fabric layer (102) and inelastic fabric layer (104), the channel (106) configured for receiving the actuation element, wherein upon actuation of the actuation element, the elastic fabric layer (102) is stretched by the actuation element while the inelastic fabric layer (104) is undeformed.

Abstract: A sole structure for a shoe includes an upper wall portion disposed on the upper side, a lower wall portion disposed below and away from the upper wall portion, and a sidewall portion that is disposed between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. The upper and lower wall portions and the sidewall portion are formed of resin-made wall-shaped members. A three-dimensional elastic fiber structure formed of resin fibers is provided in the interior region between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion. The interior region includes a hollow portion that is in contact with the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure via a partition wall formed of a resin-made wall-shaped member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper with an outer layer, an elastic layer, and a lacing system. The outer layer extends through a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear and covers, at least partially, a medial side and a lateral side of the article of footwear. The elastic layer extends through the midfoot region and the heel region of the article of footwear and covers, at least partially, an instep region of the article of footwear. The lacing system extends, at least partially, across the instep region, and the outer layer includes a first elasticity and the elastic layer includes a second elasticity at least three times greater than the first elasticity.

Abstract: A shoe may include various features to improve performance, increase manufacturing efficiency, and provide environmental benefits over traditional shoes. In some cases, a shoe includes an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. The upper portion may define a cuff region and a flex region adapted to expand to allow a wearer to put on the shoe and to contract to retain the shoe on the wearer's foot. The shoe may further include a heel retainer adapted to conform to a shape of the wearer's foot and retain the shoe on the wearer's foot. Eyelets of the shoe may be positioned along an external surface of the upper portion to improve comfort and simplify manufacturing.

Abstract: A combination, comprising: a shoe having an upper and a sole, wherein the shoe is configured to cover an instep of a foot of a wearer; and a heel integration system including an insert having a front end and a back end, the insert configured to be disposed in the shoe, and configured to receive an ankle-foot orthoses brace while the shoe is worn, the insert having a heel portion and an ankle portion, the ankle portion having a curved wall with at least one bulge formed therein, wherein the bulge is created from an indentation formed on an interior surface of the ankle portion which forms a protrusion on an exterior surface of the ankle portion.

Abstract: A moisture-permeable waterproof shoe includes an upper unit, an inner sleeve unit, and an outsole unit. The upper unit defines an inner space having a top open end and a bottom closed end. The inner sleeve unit is fixedly disposed in the inner space, and includes a moisture-permeable waterproof shoe-like inner sleeve and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheet. The moisture-permeable waterproof shoe-like inner sleeve has an inner sleeve bottom surface and defines a wearing space having a top open end and a bottom closed end. The TPU sheet has a top surface fixedly connected to the inner sleeve bottom surface by a high-frequency welding method. The outsole unit is fixedly connected to an underside of the upper unit.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a quarter having a lower edge having a first slit defined therein and a vamp having an upper edge having a second slit defined therein. The quarter and the vamp are joined along a seam extending along the lower edge of the quarter and the upper edge of the vamp with the first slit and the second slit cooperating with one another. At least a portion of the lower edge of the quarter is adhesively sealed to an inner surface of the vamp.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe comprising the steps of providing an upper and a lining comprising at least one functional layer of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, providing an insole comprising a functional support sheet of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, coupling the peripheral edge of the functional layer of the lining to the peripheral edge of the functional sheet of the insole by way of a sealing waterproof adhesive so as to shape a sock of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, couple the upper to the outer surface of the lining by way of a vapor-permeable adhesive; and couple a sole to the upper and/or to the lining and/or to the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear (10) that includes a liner (30), an upper (14), and an insert (50). The liner has an inward surface (31) that encloses an inner void (18) for accommodating a foot, and an outward surface (32) that defines a rear shaft portion (38), a heel portion (36), and a sole portion (35). The upper has a midsole portion (42), and surrounds the rear shaft portion, the sole portion, and the heel portion of the liner. The insert is formed as a single body of material with increased hardness and stiffness relative to the upper. This insert is arranged between the liner and the upper, and includes a protruding portion (54), a heel counter (56), and a shank (58). The protruding portion extends upwards from the heel counter and along the rear shaft portion, and provides a guiding trajectory for a heel during insertion into the inner void.

Abstract: Footwear or other foot-receiving devices include various conforming fit, stability, and/or “locked down” feel features. The uppers (or foot-covering components) for such articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) may include one or more of: (a) an upper shell defining an interior chamber, wherein the upper shell includes a plantar support surface and sidewalls extending from an outer perimeter of the plantar support surface; (b) a bootie component (e.g., formed as a sock or sock-like garment) received in the interior chamber; (c) one or more foot wrapping bands; and/or (d) an interior midsole within the bootie component. The bootie component and/or the foot wrapping band(s) may be secured to the upper shell at a location inside an outer perimeter of the plantar support surface of the upper shell and beyond the bight line between the sidewalls of the upper and the plantar support surface.

Abstract: A disposable waterproof bootsock is worn over foot and sock to protect from exposure to liquids, dirt and other contaminants in an environment that can penetrate footwear or reach above the ankle. The bootsock is secured about the wearer's calf and ankle using fasteners that accommodate a range of calf and ankle sizes and allow adjustment to the wearer's desired fit while maintaining the bootsock in position upright. One or more sealed compartments are provided to hold essential supplies.

Abstract: A sports shoe, including a sole and an upper that rises up from said sole, wherein the upper includes an inner part or core, in which the sports shoe and/or the inner part or core has an inner housing volume (RZ) for a foot of a user defined, during use, by an inner surface of the upper and by an inner surface of the sole and/or by the inner volume of the inner part or core, positioned inside the upper, including an upper-shaped portion and a ground resting portion, the latter adapted to come into contact with the ground or with the inner surface of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an insert configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The insert may consist essentially of a casing configured to at least partially enclose a foot of a wearer and including a casing material and a high heat capacity material. The article of footwear may also include an outer assembly configured to receive the foot of the wearer when the foot is received within the insert.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extend underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members are configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shoe including an outsole, an upper, and a lining member integrated into the shoe. The sling includes a receptacle portion and a fastener assembly portion. The receptacle portion, which generally lines the interior of the shoe, is secured along the collar of the upper such that the sock is movably suspended within the foot cavity. The fastener assembly is includes a central web and fasteners that wrap around the ankle of a wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper. The insert system can include a lateral insert configured to be inserted into an upper and associated with an inner surface of the lateral side portion. The system can also include a medial insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with an inner surface of the medial side portion.

Abstract: The present application relates to an insulation pack in a wearable article, such as a footwear article. In one example embodiment, the insulation pack includes a perforated air retention and communication layer, an insulating compressible layer, and a reflective layer. In a compressed state, when the wearable article is worn by a wearer, the perforated air retention and communication layer and the insulating compressible layer maintain a lofted air space which is in air communication with an inner body space of the wearable article and acts as an insulating layer. Further, the reflective layer reflects radiated body heat. Thus, the insulation pack may provide a heat retention and insulation system for the wearable article by reducing body heat lost via radiation and conduction.

Abstract: An expandable shoe has a top portion, a pair of side portions, a back portion, a sole, a heel and a first elastic member. The first elastic member joins the top portion to the pair of side portions at a critical location which is at the junction of the top portion and the side portions. The first elastic member is in the shape of an inverted “U” extending along the front of the shoe. The expandable shoe may further have a second elastic member joining the back portion to the side portions at the critical locations at the junctions of the back and side portions and the junctions of the back and the rear of the sole. The second elastic member is in the shape of an upright “U”.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and a polymer layer. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction and extends along a lateral side of the upper, along a medial side of the upper, over a forefoot region of the upper, and around a heel region of the upper. The polymer layer is bonded to the knitted component and may form a majority of an exterior surface of the upper. The polymer layer may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material.

Abstract: Footwear, and a process for manufacturing the same, the footwear having at least one lower portion of an upper joined by one or more seams to an upper portion that is lined internally with at least one waterproofing membrane, whose lower edge is fixed to the inner surface of the lower portion of the upper by a layer of adhesive arranged at least under the seams.

Abstract: Footwear fabrication methods are disclosed, having reduced material consumption and/or waste requirements, compared to conventional methods, as well as the footwear articles made by such methods. The fabrication methods and articles are characterized by the selective use of a bonding agent, in the form of a powder or tackified (e.g., preheated) powder, to bond various material panels, such substrate, mesh, and/or skin panels in the formation of a composite panel (e.g., a bonded mesh composite panel), which may in turn be used to provide a footwear upper and ultimately an article of footwear. The bonding agent is particularly applicable to fabrication processes utilizing a combination of heat and pressure for bonding or fusing material panels, each having a suitable composition, size, shape, and thickness, into the particular configuration of the footwear upper.

Abstract: The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe includes an upper body and an outside upper member that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body to cover the foot's talus and that has a bottom edge portion fixedly attached to a bottom surface of the upper body. A rear end portion of the bottom edge portion is located rearwardly of the calcaneus load centerline. A rear edge portion of the outside upper member is separate from the upper body rearwardly of the talus. An instep edge portion of the outside upper member is connected to the shoelace. The upper structure includes a region that is expandable and contractible in a longitudinal direction. A top end of the region extends to the opening of the upper body, and a bottom end of the region is disposed in front of the calcaneus load centerline and below 55% of the foot's lateral ankle height.

Abstract: The invention comprises articles of footwear that have a conforming upper to provide comfort and support to the wearer. The upper portion may comprise a cushioning layer of polyurethane foam or other materials having similar characteristics. In addition to the cushioning layer, the shoe upper is also composed of a fabric layer. In preferred embodiments, the stretch fabric is 4-way elastic fabric. 4-way stretch fabric may be comprised of e.g., nylon or other elastane or spandex material or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article of footwear including: a footwear upper formed of one or more pieces, each piece comprising one or more layers; and a footwear lower attached to the footwear upper to provide a sole supporting member to the article of footwear; wherein the one or more pieces used to form the footwear upper are molded into a three dimensional configuration. Also provided is a method for forming the same and an inner lining for an article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular footwear to provide a variety of footwear comprising: an outer enclosure, where the outer enclosure includes a base portion, a front portion, side portions and a rear portion, where the front portion includes an expansion joint and side portions include a first expansion joint and a second expansion joint; an inner enclosure, where the inner enclosure removably inserts within the outer enclosure through a first cavity; and a fastening mechanism, where said fastening mechanism secures the footwear to a foot of a user. In one exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a plurality of eyelets along an edge of the side portions and laces, where said laces pass through the eyelets. The rear portion may include a peripheral portion, where said peripheral portion includes a first attachment mechanism for enabling a detachable engagement of the outer enclosure with the inner enclosure.

Abstract: A waterproof and water vapor-permeable shoe, including a bottom shoe part with a sole perforated through from the tread toward a foot resting region, a top part surrounding the foot and including a vapor-permeable or perforated lining, a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane surrounding the foot, and a vapor-permeable or perforated upper. The outer bottom portion of the top shoe part, which is superimposed on the perforated area of the sole, is constituted by a portion of the membrane. A vapor-permeable or perforated protective element for the portion of the membrane is provided below the portion of the membrane and above the tread of the sole. A water sealing region provided between the portion of the membrane and the sole, around the perforated area of the sole, separates flaps of the upper from the perforated area of the sole.

Abstract: Footwear including an upper sized and shaped for covering a human foot of a predetermined size. The upper has a lower edge defining a lower boundary of the upper and an upper edge defining an opening through which the foot is inserted when positioning the footwear on the foot. A waterproof vapor-permeable sheet having an outer edge defining a shape corresponding to the foot is stitched to the lower edge of the upper. An interior surface of the upper and an upper surface of the sheet define an interior of the footwear into which the foot is inserted, with the upper surface of the sheet forming a bottom surface of the interior of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.

Abstract: A covering for providing watertight protection to an appendage comprises a hollow enclosure, an adhesive band, a first liner, and a second liner. The hollow enclosure is dimensioned to slide over the appendage and defines an open end surrounded by a region of the hollow enclosure that is folded back on itself to form a cuff. The adhesive band runs along substantially the entire cuff. Lastly, the first liner covers a first portion of the adhesive band, and the second liner covers a second portion of the adhesive band.

Abstract: An impact absorbing material for a footwear article includes a first sheet having a plurality of projections for dispersing the force of an impact and a second sheet, having a lower durometer than the first sheet, that is bonded to the first sheet for absorbing the force from the projections. The projections are arranged on the first sheet such that nonlinear gaps are formed between adjacent pairs of projections. The impact absorbing material may be positioned between an upper and an inner liner of the footwear article and may be selectively positioned on the footwear article to protect an area on the wearer that is vulnerable to impact, such as the wearer's feet, ankles, heels or calves.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boot comprising an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein an intermediate layer which can comfort the user better while wearing is arranged between the outer layer and inner layer. When a user is wearing the boot, such boot can make the user's foot more comfortable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (1) comprising a leg (2) in rubber combined with a textile lining (4), the lining (4) comprising a first textile layer (6) able to evacuate moisture (10) and a second textile layer (7) intended to be in contact with the foot (5) of a user, forming a layer to protect the foot against moisture. The first textile layer (6) is made by using a resilient fabric with a thickness greater than 3 mm, and the second textile layer (7) is bamboo viscose based.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, and shoe comprising an electronic chip. In order to provide a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with an electronic chip in a more cost efficient way compared to the prior art, wherein the chip can easily be replaced or removed in case of failure or for recycling, the invention provides an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, wherein the insole comprises an electronic chip. The insole may be fitted into any kinds of shoes and may be readily replaced or removed, as is not an inherent part of the shoe.

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

Abstract: A safety shoe includes a sole unit, an upper body, a protective toe cap, and a welt unit. The upper body includes an upper open end portion, a lower open end portion connected to the sole unit, and a vamp portion disposed between the upper and lower open end portions. The protective toe cap is disposed in the vamp portion of the upper body. The welt unit is mounted on the sole unit, surrounds the vamp portion, and has a stack of welt layers having different colors. A lowermost one of the welt layers has a bottom surface contacting the sole unit. An uppermost one of the welt layers has a top surface opposite to the lowermost one of the welt layers. A vertical distance between the top surface and the bottom surface is not smaller than 6 mm.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soccer shoe molded in one piece, of which the sole and/or the upper are manufactured from transparent materials. The soccer shoe is manufactured from environment-friendly materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurethane. In the present invention, the upper and the sole may be molded in one piece through one-step injection procedure or multi-step injection procedure, depending on the specific requirement of each part of the soccer shoe on materials and hardness and so on. Lines, figures, or patterns are fitted on the surface of the shoe lining towards the upper, and/or the surface of the insole towards the sole. The soccer shoe provided in the present invention can cut down the production cost and the using of labor force greatly, and decrease the environmental pollution considerably, and a case of glue failure will never occur.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a footwear construction and method of constructing footwear that may include an outsole having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the outsole. The footwear construction may also include an upper coupled to the sidewall around the perimeter of the outsole, wherein the sidewall overlaps the upper by less than the critical distance for at least 60% of the perimeter of the outsole.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a shoe upper, the method for preparing the same and the use thereof. This invention provides a method for preparing shoe upper by spraying polyurethane reaction system, avoids the complicated steps of cutting, shaping, stitching and bonding, simplify the production process, reduces the equipment requirements, saves cost and improves the production efficiency.

Abstract: A panel for use as quarter panel or quarter liner comprises a panel body formed of various layers of material pressed into a generally flat state. It also comprises a generally uniform outer surface for the panel body, the outer surface being flat in a malleolus region when the panel body is in the flat state. One or more concavities are defined in the inner surface of the panel body in the flat state and positioned in the malleolus region so as to received at least one malleolus of a wearer when the panel body is formed from the flat state into a boot shape. A method for forming a quarter panel or liner of a boot is also provided.

Abstract: An improved waterproof shoe incorporates several improvements. All layer-edges are connected to a net-typed insole. Neighboring layers are glued together to reduce leaking tunnels formed by crinkles therebetween. An ethylene vinyl acetate with a broad melt transition is added as a spacer to ensure sufficient injection spaces. Net-typed material is used for the material insole to ensure tension stress and mesh size. A water-absorbent and durable lining is added inside the waterproof functional layer to protect the functional layer from the damage by foot. Different materials are used for the sole to distinguish an inner sole which has the best injecting character and an outer sole which is commonly used for touching the ground.

Abstract: A shoe structure having an exterior upper, an interior upper, an insole and an outsole. The interior upper has an upper opening with a peripheral edge at the upper end of the interior upper and a lower opening with a peripheral edge at the lower sole-side end of the interior upper, with the interior upper also having a rear or heel area, two side areas and a front area with a seam running between the upper and lower openings. The seam runs from the upper opening on the one side over the front area to the lower opening on the other side.

Abstract: A shoe structure having an exterior upper, an interior upper, an insole and an outsole. The interior upper has an upper opening with a peripheral edge at the upper end of the interior upper and a lower opening with a peripheral edge at the lower sole-side end of the interior upper, with the interior upper also having a rear or heel area, two side areas and a front area with a seam running between the upper and lower openings. The seam runs from the upper opening on the one side over the front area to the lower opening on the other side.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shoe including an outsole, an upper, and a lining member integrated into the shoe. The sling includes a receptacle portion and a fastener assembly portion. The receptacle portion, which generally lines the interior of the shoe, is secured along the collar of the upper such that the sock is movably suspended within the foot cavity. The fastener assembly is includes a central web and fasteners that wrap around the ankle of a wearer.

Abstract: The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.