Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A shoe that is conveniently put on and taken off includes an outsole, an upper, a supporting piece, and a guiding piece. The upper is attached on the outsole and has a counter and a collar extending upward from the counter and configured as a shoehorn. The supporting piece is attached to the counter and the collar of the upper. The guiding piece is attached to an instep of the upper. Because of the supporting piece having a predetermined hardness and the collar having a shape like a shoehorn, the rear of the upper can be served as a shoehorn for helping a user's foot in slipping into the shoe. In addition, the guiding piece can avoid the instep of the upper from becoming crease and unsmooth. As a result, the shoe is convenient for the user to put on without bending his back and using his hand.

Abstract: A shoe that is conveniently put on and taken off includes an outsole, an upper, a supporting piece, and a guiding piece. The upper is attached on the outsole and has a counter and a collar extending upward from the counter and configured as a shoehorn. The supporting piece is attached to the counter and the collar of the upper. The guiding piece is attached to an instep of the upper. Because of the supporting piece having a predetermined hardness and the collar having a shape like a shoehorn, the rear of the upper can be served as a shoehorn for helping a user's foot in slipping into the shoe. In addition, the guiding piece can avoid the instep of the upper from becoming crease and unsmooth. As a result, the shoe is convenient for the user to put on without bending his back and using his hand.

Abstract: A rowing shoe includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper portion. The shoe sole has a cleat mounting portion configured so that a cleat structure is mountable thereto for releasably attaching to a binding structure of a rowing boat. The shoe upper portion includes at least one fixing strap configured to secure the shoe upper portion to a wearer's foot. The fixing strap has a proximal end fixed to the shoe upper portion and a free end having at least one aperture configured so that a pull rope can extend therethrough.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of footwear for use by firefighters in different activities such as emergency and rescue situations, as well as daily activity in and around the firehouse. Integrated handles enable the firefighter to quickly and easily put the article of footwear on while minimizing the possibility of accidentally catching on equipment, apparel or debris. Locking bands that wrap around the upper are used to adjust for comfort and a secure fit. A dual lacing and zipper system enables the firefighter to initially adjust for fit by selectively tightening the lace, while the zipper provides a quick means for securing the article of footwear. Different outsole lug configurations are suitable for different surfaces, wet, dry and of varying and extreme temperatures. Added protection is available with a tibia/shin protector and ankle protectors.

Abstract: A sports boot that includes a tightening device cooperating with a series of return elements for tightening an upper portion, and a return element itself. Each return element includes a closed loop made of a flexible and traction-resistant material, wherein the return element includes a guiding portion connected to the loop and has a sliding surface for the passage of the tightening device within the loop along a passage plane, the guiding portion having sufficient stiffness in the passage plane to resist deformation when the tightening device is placed under tension. The tightening efficiency is thus optimized by reducing friction. The size of the return element is limited in order to provide greater comfort in case pressure is exerted by an external element.

Abstract: A shoe donning enabler adapted for use with a dressing stick but which can be used without a dressing stick by some patients. The enabler can be attached to an ordinary pair of shoes and may be supplied as a conversion kit. The enabler has a ring supported at the back of a shoe on a lace, a first end of which is attached to the ring and a second end of which is threaded through a pair of holes provided in the back of the shoe. The second end of the lace passes from the inside of the shoe through one of the holes, passing back through the second hole into the inside of the shoe and is attached to the ring. The lace is long enough that the ring hangs outside the shoe where it can be hooked with a dressing stick or finger.

Abstract: Boots, particularly cowboy boots, having a looped pullstrap. A reinforced and welted pullstrap is personalized by the attachment of a pullstrap plate to the pullstrap exterior, such that a name panel insert may be inscribed with the wearer's name and affixed to the pullstrap plate.

Abstract: A sports shoe or boot having an upper and a shaft or leg plate is provided with a tightening system comprising a tightening member and a pull cord. The pull cord is arranged in turns over the openable closing flaps of the upper and is protected by a covering tongue. A turn of the pull cord is guided out of the area of the covering tongue by means of a slot in the latter and is held on the shaft by means of a tubular guide piece with a cover strap. Placing the turn on the upper part of the covering tongue ensures that no additional fastening means are required for the tongue. The boot can be completely tightened with a single tightening member.