Abstract: A shoe is provided with a reversible heel counter so the shoe can be selectively used as either a slipper or a regular shoe. An inclined slit is placed in each of the quarters, running from the upper edge toward the lower corner of the quarters adjacent the edge that will be joined to the other quarter. The slit is restitched with a zigzag stitch to form a butt joint which acts like a hinge. The quarters are then joined. A generally parabolic shaped heel counter is fastened over the joint, at the upper edge of the quarters, with the tip of the heel counter depending towards the bottom of the quarters where the insole attaches. The hinge line in each of the quarters adjacent the heel allow the heel counter to be selectively positioned down against an insole of a shoe to be used as a heel seat to form a slipper. When the heel counter is positioned upright in a heel counter position, a regular shoe is provided.

Abstract: A midsole for athletic shoes, especially for medium and long distance track events, of soft elastic material, which in the heel area has, on its underside, a recess into which is inserted a stabilizing element of a material that is harder than that of the midsole is improved so that harmful supination positions are avoided. This is achieved by the fact that the stabilizing element (9) consists of a U-shaped part (10), covering the entire heel edge area, and a part which closes the U-shaped part at the middle part of the foot in a manner creating a window (13) into which an island of the full thickness of the midsole engages. The stabilizing element (9) also has a strip which extends along the lateral side of the midsole up to at least, approximately, the little toe area of a shoe provided with such a midsole.

Abstract: A method for the production of footwear is disclosed which comprises providing and attaching a midsole member with integrated toe and heel counters. The process provides for efficient use of labor and machinery by reducing the number of steps required in footwear production and by reducing the number of machines required. The method comprises placing the midsole over a liner, drawing a pre-formed upper over the midsole and attaching a sole to the upper. Attachment of the components is preferably by a heat-activated glue. The midsole component is adaptable to a number of applications by modifying such aspects as the size and shape of the toe and heel counters, the size, shape and/or presence of side walls, the contour and thickness of the bottom, and the attachment of shanks or other stiffening or resiliency modifying members.

Abstract: A walking shoe having a uniquely shaped platform along the rear peripheral edge of the insole, which is constructed of a rigid backpart material and flexible forepart material. By combining it with a construction of a specially molded outflange counter and using a sturdy stitched lasting construction fastening securely the outward flange of the counter with the specially lasted molded leather upper together with the outward extension of the specially shaped insole platform, a stable support system is formed to control the lateral and longitudinal orientation of the foot when walking.

Abstract: A pad (30) for the protection and support of the Achilles tendon of the foot is provided for an over-the-ankle shoe (10). The pad (30) is formed of resiliently yieldable material and is disposed between the exterior upper (26) of the shoe and an interior linear (28). The pad (30) extends vertically from the top (38) of the shoe downward sufficiently to cover the most exteriorly prominent section of the Achilles tendon, and extends horizontally at least far enough to protect the Achilles tendon from strain or injury, while allowing for flexure of same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to podiatric appliances for a person's foot, and more particularly, to a device for the heel of a person's foot, which, when worn, provides cushioning for the heel to minimize friction and discomfort to the heel and reduces stocking wear.

Abstract: In an athletic shoe, an external counter and cushion assembly includes a substantially rigid external counter extending medially to approximately the front flex line, and a rearfoot cushion member is mounted within the rigid counter. This assembly mounts externally to the heel and counter region of a lasted upper. The floor of the cushion member also extends forwardly toward the front-flex region of the shoe and is preferably wedge-shaped to serve as a heel-lift layer. The cushion walls are generally coextensive with the counter walls, insulating the upper from the rigid counter in this region. The external counter construction includes a base flange which mounts atop the midsole periphery on a plane substantially below the bottom surface of the foot.

Abstract: A sports shoe having a heel counter with a heel reinforcement wall shaped to include an inner surface which is in conformity with an outer surface of a heel portion of an upper of the sports shoe. An attaching portion is formed to project inwards from a lower end portion of the heel reinforcement wall. A flange portion formed to project outwards from the lower end portion of the heel reinforcement wall is provided in such a manner that the inner surface of the heel reinforcement wall is adhered to the outer surface of the heel portion of the upper. The attaching portion thereof is interposed between and adhered to an inwardly bent portion of the upper portion and a shoe sole. The flange portion thereof is adhered to an upper surface of an outer peripheral edge portion of the shoe sole. In this manner, the heel portion is prevented from rolling during running and the heel counter is prevented from peeling off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with a supple sole, notably a sports-shoe which comprises, incorporated in at least the portion of the uppers (18) corresponding to the calcaneum and the astragalus which are enclosed therein, a molded shell (9) extending at least underneath the heel up to the level of the plantar arch, and which is rigidly connected via its lower portion (13) to the thick molded sole (20) made of a supple material, preferably by anchoring structure such as studs (21).

Abstract: An improved construction of a shoe which permits the wearer to more readily step into the shoe without the use of his hands and which does not result in damage to the shoe. The shoe's counter incorporates a rigid shoe horn member generally conforming to the shape of the wearer's heel. The lateral edges of the foot receiving opening in the upper of the shoe is rolled and padded so that it does not become crushed as the wearer's foot is slipped into the shoe. The tongue member is reinforced with a stiffner which, too, precludes the tongue from wrinkling and/or rolling up as the foot is inserted into the shoe. Finally, an adjustable elasticized securing mechanism is adapted to bridge the metatarsal arch is included to allow the foot to spread the shoe during entry but which restores the shoe to a tight fit once the foot is inside.

Abstract: The specification discloses a shoe counter having a first leather counter portion (12) hingedly connected to a second leather counter portion (14) by a hinge (20). Hinge (20) is formed of synthetic plastic and is stitched to counter portions (12) and (14) in order to conform to the shape of the wearer's heel while providing support and flexibility.

Abstract: An improved golf shoe construction of the so-called "soft" variety. This golf shoe includes a sole comprised of an outsole layer and a midsole layer between which a plurality of spike retaining sockets are located. Attached to the midsole is a wedge shaped heel piece. According to one aspect of this invention, a cross shaped stabilizer shank is affixed between the midsole and heel piece. This shank design provides improved lateral arch aid support and enhances the torsional stiffness of the shoe. According to another aspect of this invention, the outsole and midsole are stitched and bonded together thus providing redundant attachment means thereby preventing delamination.

Abstract: A shoe of the moccasin type is made crush- and deformation-resistant toe by use of a premolded box toe stiffener for stiffening the toe region of the shoe upper. The stiffener is of flexible, resiliently stable character, characteristically remaining in or reverting to its original configuration, including an upstanding flange of curved configuration for lying against and providing securement to the corresponding interior surface of the upper. Principal and side tabs extend rearwardly from the bottom edge of the flange for securement to the sole part of the upper, or to an insole. Exterior foot-opposed surfaces of the stiffener are coated with heat-activated adhesive for adhesive securement to said shoe interior surfaces. The flange has a rear, foot-side inner surface devoid of adhesive, being exposed within the shoe. The method of making the shoe involves thermally forming the stiffener by molding from a blank of heat-formable material.

Abstract: Heat-activating shoe stiffeners containing magnetic material by means of a high-frequency magnetic field.

Abstract: A laced athletic shoe includes an external, cup-form counter having eyelets defined in its forwardly extending surfaces adapted to receive the ends of shoelaces extending from the laced portion of the shoe. The cup-form counter extends about the heel portion of the shoe upper along the rear and sides of the upper and also below the wearer's heel above the sole. When the laces are drawn tightly, the counter cupping the wearer's heel through the upper is drawn toward the laced portion to snug the shoe about the wearer's foot to restrict undesired movement of the foot within the shoe. The external cup-form counter with side eyelets is also claimed separately.

Abstract: An insert for the heel portion of a shoe in the form of a generally U-shaped, stiff but flexible plastic sheet member for conforming with and engaging the inner surface of the quarter portion of the shoe upper and extending from the heel seat to the upper edge of the quarter or vamp in those constructions in which the vamp extends partially above the heel quarter. The sheet member includes double faced adhesive strips to secure the insert securely in position within the shoe to prevent relative movement between the insert and shoe when the shoe is worn during normal activities such as walking. The sheet member includes a reversely curved top edge which extends outwardly and downwardly and overlies and receives the upper edge of the quarter portion or vamp depending upon the type of shoe construction.

Abstract: A stabilization device for controlling the degree of roll of a running shoe which includes at least upper and lower laminar sole elements including an upper plate superposed on and substantially conforming to the top surface of the upper sole element, a lower plate spaced from said and interposed between the upper and lower sole elements and a side wall extending between and connected to the upper and lower plates and substantially conforming to the side of the upper sole element.

Abstract: A heel-counter stabilizer is provided for attachment to an athletic shoe having a heel member of resilient material. The stabilizer is adhesively bonded to the exterior of the shoe in a manner which provides both vertical and longitudinal support and bracing between the shoe counter and heel member. The stabilizer is particularly effective to counteract counter "run-over" and heel wear caused by either pronation or supination. It also helps to prevent compression and blowout of the midsole and heel wedge.

Abstract: There are provided thermoplastic or through the action of solvent shapable, shoe stiffening and likewise non-slip inner material for the heel region in the form of continuous sheets or blanks consisting of an embedded fiber structure which is loaded or filled with at least one synthetic resin acting as a stiffening agent at normal temperature up to about 60.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 0.9 kg per square meter fiber structure in the course of which the loading in a given case can contain fillers, dyestuffs, pigments, plasticizers, propellants, stabilizers, processing aids and/or extenders in the customary amounts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe comprises the step of dry or moist heat setting a lasted shoe upper, with or without a protective coating as necessary, by total or partial immersion in a bath of heated liquid or fluidized solid material. The lasted shoe upper may contain a stiffener element and particularly a heel stiffener made of fibre reinforced thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material which becomes cured by the heat treatment.

Abstract: There are provided thermoplastic or through the action of solvent shapable, shoe stiffening and likewise non-slip inner material for the heel region in the form of continuous sheets or blanks consisting of an embedded fiber structure which is loaded or filled with at least one synthetic resin acting as a stiffening agent at normal temperature up to about 60.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 0.9 kg per square meter fiber structure in the course of which the loading in a given case can contain fillers, dyestuffs, pigments, plasticizers, propellants, stabilizers, processing aids and/or extenders in the customary amounts.

Abstract: A counter for footwear, such as athletic shoes mounted on the sole of the footwear within the region of the heel and superposed on the lasted upper to extend toward the instep. The counter has a body contoured to extend around the heel and along the sides of the footwear and tapers from a maximum height at the heel toward the sole. The counter is formed of a stiff, relatively unyielding material. The medial side extends to the instep and together with the material of the body encourages normal range of motion to reduce running related injury.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described having an external heel counter member made of a resilient material, such as rubber or other elastomer for greater stability and comfort. The external heel counter is bonded to the outer surface of both sides of the heel portion of the shoe upper and extends around the heel. A multi-layered shoe sole is provided including a heel wedge layer or other raised heel portion for raising the heel of the foot above the bottom surface of the toes. The shoe sole also employs a midsole layer which extends the entire length of the shoe. In one embodiment the bottom edge of the external heel counter member surrounds the rear portion of the midsole layer and is bonded to the top of the heel wedge layer. In another embodiment the bottom edge of the heel counter member is turned under the heel and is bonded between the shoe upper and the midsole layer.

Abstract: A machine for stiffening and forming a selected area of flexible sheet material, for instance an end portion of a shoe upper, comprises work support mechanism including a universal female preformer having work-accommodating dihedral surfaces, an applicator for depositing on a portion of the selected area a predetermined volume of molten resin substantially in proportion to that area, and a presser complemental to the cavity defined by said surfaces and relatively movable into and out of cooperative work-pressing relation with respect to the work support to spread the molten resin and impart appropriate thickness gradient thereto throughout the selected area whereby, upon cooling, it is formed three-dimensionally and stiffened a desired degree in different portions.

Abstract: A machine for stiffening and forming a selected area of flexible sheet material, for instance an end portion of a shoe upper, comprises work support mechanism including a universal female preformer having work-accommodating dihedral surfaces, an applicator for depositing on a portion of the selected area a predetermined volume of molten resin substantially in proportion to that area, and a presser complemental to the cavity defined by said surfaces and relatively movable into and out of cooperative work-pressing relation with respect to the work support to spread the molten resin and impart appropriate thickness gradient thereto throughout the selected area whereby, upon cooling, it is formed three-dimensionally and stiffened a desired degree in different portions.

Abstract: A counter stiffener for shoes is made from a thermoplastic base sheet, specifically a copolymer of ethylene and a vinyl monomer, laminated to a liner sheet. The liner sheet is a cross-linked copolymer of ethylene and a silane to which color has been added. The liner sheet is colorfast and wear-resistant.

Abstract: Formable or formed stiffening materials, especially for shoe capping, consisting of: at least one backing or layer of fibrous material and at least one thermoplastic synthetic resin, optionally containing fillers, plasticizers, dyes, pigments and/or stabilizers against light, heat and/or mechanical influences, which stiffening materials in a given case have an adhesive coating on one or both sides based on a thermoplastic synthetic resin, containing at least 3 parts of an active substance, e.g., carbon black, in 100 parts of thermoplastic synthetic resins.

Abstract: Formable or formed stiffening materials are prepared which are dry and free of fibrous materials and consisting essentially of a thermoplastic synthetic resin containing at least 3 parts of an active substance, preferably carbon black in 100 parts of the resin. Optionally, there are present conventional fillers, plasticizers, dyes, pigments and/or stabilizers against light, heat and/or mechanical influences.

Abstract: A shoe-stiffening material useful as a stock material to stiffen selected parts of a shoe, which material comprises: a flexible fabric material saturated with a latex composition comprising a natural or synthetic elastomeric polymer, such as styrene-butadiene rubber, and a cross-linking system comprising a peroxide agent, a vinyl polymeric activator and a metal oxide catalyst, which system is adapted to effect cross-linking of the polymer at a temperature and in a time period employed in the shoe-manufacturing process, the sheet material optionally coated on one or both sides with an adhesive thermoplastic polymer, whereby the flexible sheet material may be employed between an outer leather and an inner shoe liner, and forms a bonded, stiff stock material as a box toe stiffener or shoe counter.