Abstract: A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise an elastic member extending between two lace guides of the plurality of lace guides, an elastic member extending between first and second portions of the upper, an elastic member extending between a portion of the upper and a lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, a heel channel connected to a heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to an interior space, an elastic member coupled to the footwear assembly that functions to smooth out a torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable.

Abstract: A rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and both snap back for fit. The rapid-entry shoe directs a user's foot into or otherwise accommodates a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening, and thereafter secures a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.

Abstract: A cycling shoe cover is disclosed for protection of a cycling shoe when a cyclist dismounts and desires to walk in the cycling shoe. The cycling shoe cover includes a pair of side panels. A toe is coupled to one end of each of the pair of side panels forming a front pocket mateable with the toe of a cycling shoe. A heel is coupled to the opposite end of each of the pair of side panels forming a back pocket mateable with the heel of a cycling shoe. A sole member has a bottom surface and is joined to the pair of side panels. The bottom surface of the sole member is interposed between the cycling shoe and a ground surface when the cycling shoe cover is worn over the cycling shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a sole cover. The sole cover is configured to be removably attached to a sole of a shoe to cover the sole of the shoe. The sole cover includes a first covering section and a second covering section, where the first covering section is configured to cover the sole of the shoe at a toe box portion of the shoe. The second covering section is configured to cover the sole of the shoe at a waist portion of the shoe. The first covering section angles upwardly and away from the second covering section at an angle relative to the second covering section at an angle relative to the second covering section when the second covering section lies flat on a horizontal plane in an undeformed state. The sole cover is of a sufficient elasticity that enables the first covering section to bend downwardly when the sole cover is attached to the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A wearable cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a shoe type assembly adapted to be worn on a user's foot, and a sole assembly attached to the shoe type assembly. The sole assembly is adapted to engage a ground surface, comprises at least partially raised heel portion and a scraper extending between a metatarsal portion and a toe portion of the sole assembly. The heel portion comprises a plurality of grooves, and the scraper comprises a plurality of bristles. The partially raised heel portion having a plurality of grooves is adapted to provide stability to the user while using said apparatus. The apparatus is adapted to easily move in a direction parallel to the ground surface while applying pressure with user's body weight whereby the plurality of bristles of the apparatus frictionally engage the ground surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A shoe cover for covering a shoe to present the look like the wearer is wearing a different pair of shoes. The shoe cover includes an upper piece configured to cover the shoe of a wearer, the upper piece sized to cover a specific shoe without being attached to the shoe while the shoe is worn. The shoe cover includes a sole piece coupled to a bottom of the upper piece and configured to grip surfaces as the wearer uses the shoe cover and a gripping insert secured within the cavity created of the upper piece to guard against slippage of the cover on the shoe with the intent of ensuring the safety of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a side portion that has a first material composition at an exterior surface of the side portion. The exterior surface has a first coefficient of friction. The sole structure has a second material composition at an exterior surface of the sole structure that underlies the side portion of the upper. The exterior surface of the sole structure has a second coefficient of friction. The first coefficient of friction is substantially equal to the second coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and both snap back for fit. The rapid-entry shoe directs a user's foot into or otherwise accommodates a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening, and thereafter secures a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.

Abstract: A protective shoe cover includes a shoe-shaped main body that is constructed from two complementary shaped sides that form a toe section, a heel section, and an ankle section which define a hollow interior space. Each of the two sides are removably secured together along the back end of the main body via a fastener which extends between the heel section and the ankle opening. A bottom opening is positioned along the bottom end of the main body for receiving the outsole of an inserted shoe, and a plurality of ledges extend along the bottom opening to engage the outsole and secure the same within the protective cover.

Abstract: A rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and both snap back for fit. The rapid-entry shoe directs a user's foot into or otherwise accommodates a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening, and thereafter secures a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.

Abstract: An elastomeric shoe is provided that comprises a curved sole, an upper portion thereof having a vamp and curved top line. The upper portion and curved sole are molded from an elastomeric material, allowing the curved top line to stretch in tension, enabling the shoe's sole to achieve a substantially planar orientation when placed upon a wearer's foot to both enhance user comfort and provide better adherence to a wearer's foot without the need for an unsightly, elasticized, gathered topline.

Abstract: A progressive compressive zipper for attaching an at least partially compressible first component, such as a foam-core punching or training bag, to a second component, such as a weighted base. The first component has a first zipper half that encircles the first component near, but not adjacent to, the surface along which it connects to the second component and then angles downward toward the connecting surface, forming a ramp. The second component has a corresponding second zipper half attached to its connecting surface. A user may place the first component against the second component and zip the first zipper half and the second zipper half together, starting with the ramp. As the zipper is engaged, the first component is compressed against the second component due to the angle of the ramp.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, a partial length slit is introduced in the inwardly facing wall of a boot in both the exterior and corresponding interior portions of the boot. Included in the midst of the slit, between the exterior and corresponding interior portions, is a piece of elastomeric fabric which preferably is stitched in.

Abstract: A boot bra for securing an upper portion of a boot while worn by a user can include an elastic band in the form of or configurable as a ring. The elastic band can be in the form of a continuous ring or can have a first wrap engagement member (e.g., hooks) mounted at a first end and a second wrap engagement member (e.g., loops into which the hooks can be latched) mounted at a second end of the elastic band and configured to securely engage the first wrap engagement member when the elastic band is wrapped around a human leg to form the ring. A first boot-to-band engagement member (e.g., snap member) is mounted to the elastic band; and a boot mount includes a second boot-to-band engagement member (e.g., snap member) configured for secure engagement with the engagement member on the elastic band.

Abstract: A detachable, flexible shoe protector is disclosed cover for protecting shoes against inclement weather conditions and for protecting carpet and indoor flooring from dirt carried in on shoes used outdoors. In various embodiments, the shoe protectors may be fabricated from transparent or translucent polymers such that the aesthetic appearance of the underlying shoe is still visible. The rigidity and/or thickness of the shoe protector vary from one embodiment to another depending upon the intended use of that embodiment. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise tread to minimize slipping between the shoe protector and an underlying floor or subgrade. Various embodiments of the shoe protector comprise a forward lip and/or an aft cantilevered tab to facilitate ease of use. The shoe cover has a front portion, a rear portion and a sole portion.

Abstract: A shoe cover having a covering sized to receive a shoe and a sole coupled to the covering. In one example embodiment, the covering is made of an elastic material and the sole includes a serrated edge for expanding a perimeter portion of the sole.

Abstract: A crampon capable of being worn on general footwear for golf shoes and climbing irons is disclosed, in which because of small volume and light load, the crampon has a cheap and conveniently portable advantage.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A rainproof shoe cover capable of being rapidly put on and taken off includes front and rear cover sheets that are fused together to form a main body of the shoe cover. A fixture is also fused to a joint of the front and rear cover sheets. Slip resisting elements are disposed on two wings of the fixture. A framing strip is embedded along an interior circumference of the front cover sheet to maintain the profile of the shoe cover. A fastening element is laid on a respective side of the rear cover sheet. By use of the fixture, framing strip and fastening elements, the shoe covers can be formed to cover and maintain their outline comprising the side portion, rear portion thereof and a trunk portion on a user thereof.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: An overshoe unit for indoor use made up of soft, flexible yet durable material consisting of a sole component, walling circumferentially affixed thereto, an overarching roofing component affixed to lateral portions of the walling and flexible anchoring flange components with upwardly inclined extension components extending from the topsides thereof, with all anchoring flange components and upwardly inclined extension components being affixable to the inner aspect of the roofing component with each flexible anchoring flange component being featured by the presence of upwardly inclined slits in each, thereby serving to create flexible fingerlike extensions in each, all functioning to dependably, hold the overshoe unit about footwear inserted therein and with a tail component posteriorly affixed thereto.

Abstract: A cleat protector shoe cover. The cleat protector shoe cover has an upper portion formed of either engagements or an elastic material and having a shoe opening formed in a top thereof. The cleat protector shoe cover is stretchable and engages with a cleated shoe to prevent the cleats from being damaged or damaging a floor surface by providing seating areas.

Abstract: A shoe system includes a shoe having a sole with forward and rearward portions, the forward portion having opposed sides and including a plurality of spike elements and the rearward portion being void of spike elements. The shoe system includes a cover configured to span between the opposed sides of the forward portion lowerly adjacent the spike elements; the cover having opposed sides and including a lower layer, an intermediate layer, and an upper layer. The lower, intermediate, and upper layers are removably coupled to the shoe. The lower layer is constructed of flooring-friendly material, the intermediate layer is constructed of a yielding material, and the upper member is constructed of a porous material. The spike elements interact with the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer when the cover is lowerly adjacent the spike elements.

Abstract: Slip resistant covers are presented. An especially preferred slip-resistant cover includes an elastic shoe cover comprising a latticed surface that allows the shoe cover to stretch further than would ordinarily be possible if the shoe cover had a uniform thickness. Contemplated shoe covers can also comprise cleats on the bottom surface to provide slip resistance.

Abstract: A skate assembly has a boot having a substantially completely open base with a sole plate of more rigid material than the boot secured over the open base. The base has an opening extending along at least substantially the entire length of the boot from the heel to the toe, with side rims extending along opposite sides of the base opening. The sole plate may be releasably or permanently secured to the boot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heel stabilizing technology. In one embodiment, when incorporated in footwear or a footwear cover, the heel stabilizing technology includes an adjustable heel tension fastener that is used in conjunction with an upper stabilizing means. Once adjusted, the heel tension fastener provides an upwards tension vertical to the upper stabilizing means.

Abstract: The present invention includes a removable shoe cover and method for using the same. The removable shoe cover includes a front part and a strap that can be used by placing the front part on the anterior of a shoe and securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves the heel of a shoe substantially exposed. The removable shoe cover may also include removable sections on the top side, traction for enhanced protection and performance, and one or more connections for the strap to the front part or within the strap itself.

Abstract: A sole device or attachment for shoes, boots, athletic shoes, and similar footwear. The device comprises an undershoe attachment made of a lightweight material, including but not limited to rubber or foam, or a combination thereof. The device may come in various sizes to correspond to footwear sizes currently known, and may be of larger size than the corresponding footwear. The device may be attached to the sole of footwear directly by operation of spikes on the bottom of the footwear, or may be secured by one or more straps that extend across the footwear, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A Shoe Cover is disclosed. Also disclosed is a cover that allows a user to decorate their athletic footwear with an outer cover. The cover has an open bottom surface to enable it to be most easily donned and doffed from the shoe. The cover further has a plurality of apertures dispersed on its bottom surface through which cleats can pass when the cover is installed. A version of the cover is provided that reaches to up the wearer's calf area. Another cover is disclosed as having a cushioned area over the laces of the shoe to prevent bruising when the user presses the top of the foot against a rigid object. Finally, a version of the cover is provided that has a reinforced tip portion, such as for soccer players.

Abstract: An anti-slip overshoe includes a contoured outer band, a gripping pad disposed interior to the contoured outer band for providing traction, and a web structure connecting the gripping pad to the contoured outer band. The gripping pad can include gripping ridges for providing traction. The gripping pad can include ridge spaces for providing traction. The gripping pad can include removable grip devices for providing traction. A method of making an ant-slip overshoe includes providing a contoured outer band, providing a gripping pad disposed interior to the contoured outer band, and providing a web structure connecting the gripping pad to the contoured outer band.

Abstract: A cover for an athletic shoe includes an elastic fabric upper member sized to snugly conformally fit over an athletic shoe covering at least the mid-foot region of a shoe upper portion and extending above and encircling the wearer's ankle. An elastic lower member extends under at least a portion of the shoe sole spanning the inboard and outboard side panels of the upper member without covering the gripping surfaces of the shoe sole. A zipper is provided in the fabric upper member to form an openable seam enabling the wearer to remove the athletic shoe and attach the cover on the wearer's foot without removing the cover from the shoe.

Abstract: Protective footgear are provided which are fabricated of stiff but flexible fabrics such as canvas with the sole and at least lower portions at least partially impregnated with a rubbery waterproof material. The footgear or “booties” are designed to be worn over work shoes or boots to protect them from dirty environments or to permit the wearer to enter “clean” areas without removing dirty boots. Optional leggings, extending as high as the knee, can be provided as a removable or permanent part of the footgear. Patterns, materials and instructions can be assembled and provided as a kit for fabrication of personal footgear.

Abstract: A shoe cover has an upper and a sole connected to the upper. The upper includes at least one, self-supporting and resilient shoe admission portion connected to the sole. The shoe admission portion has an inwardly inclined lead-in surface extending toward the sole, and an overhang surface extending from the lead-in surface toward the sole portion. The overhang surface is adapted to form an undercut area so that a shoe to be held to the shoe cover first engages and slides along the inclined lead-in surface to resiliently expand the admission portion outwardly without being crushed, and then slides into engagement with the overhang surface to enter the undercut area. A length adjusting mechanism may be provided for adjusting the length of the sole.

Abstract: An overshoe that is removably disposable on a user's shoe and provides a tread surface that enhances the user's footing on slippery surfaces. The tread surface has removable spikes that penetrate surfaces and forward-oriented and rearwards-oriented gripping ridges that grip the surface. The ease of pulling on and removing the overshoe is enhanced by using stretch zones that are placed to allow stretching of the overshoe to fit over a shoe or the like without compromising the snugness of the overshoe fit. A spike assembly for use with an overshoe that fits over a person's shoe and enhances a person's contact with the ground, includes a spike having a head operably coupled to a shank; and a button overmolded on the spike and having a neck for removable engagement in a bore defined in the overshoe. A method of minimizing slippage on a ground surface is further included.

Abstract: A shoe or foot covering with slip-resistant properties is disclosed. The shoe cover includes a slip-resistant material that is applied to the bottom portion of the shoe cover. The slip-resistant material may be a substantially amorphous atactic olefin polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking sole for converting any athletic shoe into a walking shoe. The sole includes an outer sole for conforming generally to the sole of an athletic shoe to provide traction for the wearer, and an elasticized upper for securing the outer sole to the lower exterior portion of the shoe. The outer sole is defined by a bottom layer of a durable material suitable for the sole of a walking shoe, and an upper layer sufficiently resilient to absorb the impression caused by a cleat when the walking sole is worn on a shoe with cleats and to return substantially to its original shape when the walking sole is removed from the shoe. The sole is used to convert any athletic shoe into a walking shoe so that athletic shoes can be worn throughout the day rather than requiring the wearer to carry a second pair of shoes when the wearing of athletic shoes will be required.

Abstract: Winter boots and shoes can be equipped with a removable traction attachment that facilitates easy non-slip motion on ice, snow, dirt, gravel, etc. The traction attachment can include an elastomeric panel fitting the sole of the boot or shoe, an integral front strap system fitting over the toe of the boot, and an integral rear strap system fitting snugly on the heel of the boot. The panel and strap systems have controlled elasticity, so that a given size attachment can fit a range of different size boots or shoes. Replaceable metal cleats are carried on downwardly protruding sections of the elastomeric panel, to provide traction assistance.

Abstract: A foot cover comprising an elastically stretchable, homogeneous moulding having a foot-insertion opening which seals elastically to the leg above the foot in use.

Abstract: Full or partial footwear attaching anti slip surface grippers that one would wear over footwear to prevent slipping on slippery surfaces (comprising snowy, icy, watery, oily, greasy, waxy, soapy surfaces, etc . . . ) comprising, a footwear attaching mechanism that partially or fully covers footwear and secures the surface gripping mechanism to the full or partial bottom sole of footwear. The full or partial footwear attaching anti slip surface grippers are easily/conveniently detached or attached to footwear, are inexpensive, lightweight, cosmetically appealing, adjustable, easy to store, makes it possible for the people to have surface gripping ability outside of the sports arena where special purpose or sporting surface gripping shoes (mountain boots, snow shoes, snow sandals, football, baseball, or golf cleats) are worn and reduces the number of injuries from falls on ice in the winter.

Abstract: A disposable, elastic shoe cover for protecting shoes against inclement weather conditions and sharp or abrasive objects. The shoe cover material may be translucent and does not significantly detract from the aesthetic appearance of the shoe. The elasticity of the material allows the shoe cover to hug the shoe to minimize slipping between the shoe and the shoe cover. The shoe cover has a front portion, a rear portion and a sole portion. The shoe cover comes pre-disposed in folded or rolled form and associated packaging which allows for convenient transport or storage of the shoe cover. The shoe cover may be pulled onto a shoe or may be in part unrolled directly onto the shoe.

Abstract: A removable and flexible anti-fatigue sole enhancer which is attached by a variety of integrated releasable securement apparatuses to the user's primary footwear. The enhancer is convenient and easy to use. The enhancer is interchangeable with a variety of footwear. The enhancer provides an alternative to anti-fatigue floor mats that are often impractical and or are too costly.

Abstract: The present invention provides new softspike overshoes for wearing over an existing shoe. The new softspike overshoes are suited for use in playing sports and are particularly suited for playing golf. The softspike overshoes are flexible yet sufficiently form retentive to securely hold their proper position on the shoe while playing golf. The softspike overshoe is a one-piece overshoe with soft spikes integrally molded into the bottom of the sole of the overshoe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally covering footwear of various sizes and shapes is provided. In one embodiment an overshoe, having an upper portion with an inside portion and a heel portion is provided. A first inwardly protruding deformable absorber, which is adapted to restrain footwear placed within the overshoe, is then located within the upper portion of the overshoe.

Abstract: A foot floor cleaning device with a scrubbing portion thereof is disclosed. The system is comprised of a slipper that the user wears on the feet while cleaning the floor. The bottom of the slipper device has a section at the heel and/or toe that is of an abrasive, scrubbing material which is attached to or attached over a section of absorbent material. This invention allows the user to scrub scuff marks and particles off the floor and dry the floor without bending to use the hands.

Abstract: A boot comprises an upper, an outsole affixed to the upper, and an insole affixed within the boot. The upper includes a vamp, a counter, and a shaft. A flexible but substantially inelastic liner is affixed to the insole and to the upper, to and around an upper portion of the shaft, but is not affixed to the vamp, to the counter, or to a lower portion of the shaft. An ankle strap and an instep strap are affixed within the boot. The instep strap is affixed below the ankle strap. Being elastic, the ankle and instep straps are adapted to restrain a foot of a wearer so as to limit movement of the foot away from the counter, further into the vamp.

Abstract: A disposable, elastic shoe cover for protecting shoes against inclement weather conditions and sharp or abrasive objects. The shoe cover material may be translucent and does not significantly detract from the aesthetic appearance of the shoe. The elasticity of the material allows the shoe cover to hug the shoe to minimize slipping between the shoe and the shoe cover. The shoe cover has a front portion, a rear portion and a sole portion. The shoe cover comes pre-disposed in folded or rolled form and associated packaging which allows for convenient transport or storage of the shoe cover. The shoe cover may be pulled onto a shoe or may be in part unrolled directly onto the shoe.

Abstract: A cover for an athletic shoe includes an elastic fabric upper member sized to snugly conformally fit over an athletic shoe covering at least the mid-foot region of a shoe upper portion and extending above and encircling the wearer's ankle. An elastic lower member extends under at least a portion of the shoe sole spanning the inboard and outboard side panels of the upper member without covering the gripping surfaces of the shoe sole. A zipper is provided in the fabric upper member to form an openable seam enabling the wearer to remove the athletic shoe and attach the cover on the wearer's foot without removing the cover from the shoe.

Abstract: An auxiliary sole includes a ball portion, a heel portion, scent dispensing means, and attachment means for releasably attaching the heel portion to the ball portion. The ball portion and the heel portion include a base having a plurality of projections depending from the base. The scent dispenser may be made of an absorbent material impregnated with the scent of an animal that is positioned within a recess formed in one of the projections of the ball portion or the heel portion. The base of the ball portion has an elongate opening and the base of the heel portion has a pair of opposed end tabs that are received within the opening of the base of the ball portion. The base of the ball portion and the base of the heel portion may be provided with hook and loop fasteners to releasably attach the heel portion to the base portion.

Abstract: An overshoe that is removably disposable on a user's shoe and provides a tread surface that enhances the user's footing on slippery surfaces. The tread surface has removable spikes that penetrate surfaces and forward-oriented and rearwards-oriented gripping ridges that grip the surface. The ease of pulling on and removing the overshoe is enhanced by using stretch zones that are placed to allow stretching of the overshoe to fit over a shoe or the like without compromising the snugness of the overshoe fit. A spike assembly for use with an overshoe that fits over a person's shoe and enhances a person's contact with the ground, includes a spike having a head operably coupled to a shank; and a button overmolded on the spike and having a neck for removable engagement in a bore defined in the overshoe. A method of minimizing slippage on a ground surface is further included.

Abstract: An overshoe that is removably disposable on a user's shoe and provides a tread surface that enhances the user's footing on slippery surfaces. The tread surface has removable spikes that penetrate surfaces and forward-oriented and rearwards-oriented gripping ridges that grip the surface. The ease of pulling on and removing the overshoe is enhanced by using stretch zones that are placed to allow stretching of the overshoe to fit over a shoe or the like without compromising the snugness of the overshoe fit. A spike assembly for use with an overshoe that fits over a person's shoe and enhances a person's contact with the ground, includes a spike having a head operably coupled to a shank; and a button overmolded on the spike and having a neck for removable engagement in a bore defined in the overshoe. A method of minimizing slippage on a ground surface is further included.