Abstract: This invention discloses an interchangeable midsole for use in the manufacture of shoes. The embodiments of the invention allow for greater rigidity, durability, and comfort for shoes to be used in every day life and in extreme sports as well as impact and abrasion protection for the wearer's feet, no matter what the wearer is doing. One or more embodiments of the invention are adapted to provide skateboard riders with increased durability and comfort in their riding shoes. Furthermore, because the novel midsole design is interchangeable among various shoe soles and uppers, the manufacturer is able to adapt various shoe designs and configurations around the common midsole.

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 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: Disposable, anti-pathogen, anti-contamination barrier membrane structure characterized with drape, and adapted to be interposed the sole of the foot and a walking surface including (a) gossamer-thin, flexible, pathogen-blocking, sheet-like barrier material having an adhesion face, placeable, adhesively and removably, with light pressure, onto, and fully covering, from a perimetral point of view, the sole of a person's foot, and (b) low-tack, re-positionable adhesive structure resident on the adhesion face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner sole for a shoe, comprising a base body, a covering layer and several cushioned layers arranged on the surface of the sole. A first cushioned layer is provided in the ball area of the forefoot, a second cushioned layer is included in the transition area of the metatarsus and the tarsus and a third cushioned area is provided between the metatarsus and the heel. The cushioned layers are subdivided into individual, separate plateau-like fields which are located close to each other in the transversal direction of the sole surface. This provides an inner sole which brings about a substantial improvement in the transport of fluids in the venous and lymphatic vessel system in the legs during movement of the foot joints and ankle joints by means of synergistic support of the muscle structure.

Abstract: A foot insert is provided that is capable of providing protective cushioning to an area at the front of a wearer's foot including an area extending from the front tips of the toes to the metatarsal region of the ball portion of the foot. The foot insert includes a half-sock formed from a stretchable fabric material and is capable of extending over a toe portion up to about a mid-point of a length of a wearer's foot. A cushioning pad is attached to a lower sole portion of the half-sock and is formed from a shape-memory material that is capable of substantially permanently molding into a shape of a bottom portion and toes of the wearer's foot upon use.

Abstract: A custom moldable insole comprising a first chamber containing a silicone base and a second chamber containing a catalyst. Both fluids are forced to pass though a shared static mixing channel where they will thoroughly mix and flow into a third chamber. The third chamber is a continuation of the mixer that opens up into a bag to hold the silicone as it flows to the arch and metatarsal areas of the foot in the upper layer of the insole. Within a few minutes as the user stands wearing the shoe the silicone cures to the shape of the bottom of the wearers foot providing increase support and comfort.

Abstract: A sole component for footwear combining the desirable response characteristics of a fluid filled chamber and an elastomeric material. The chamber can be formed as a single bladder chamber in contact with an elastomeric midsole, or a single chamber formed by a sealing a void in elastomeric material. The interface between the chamber and elastomeric material is sloped and gradual so that the shape of the chamber and its placement in a midsole determine the combination of response characteristics in the sole component. The chamber has a relatively simple shape with one axis of symmetry with a rounded portion and a narrow portion.

Abstract: A health-promoting insole includes bamboo charcoal powder mixed with filament fibers. Via the bamboo charcoal powder added at the upper and bottom layers of the insole, the insole thereof is equipped with strong moisture absorbent capabilities as well as anti-bacteria and deodorization effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insole for use in footwear, and is comprised of a plurality of sections that are removably or securably attachable to a bottom layer. The sections can be made of different materials to provide different types of support, e.g. rigid or shock absorbing. The sections may also have different surface characteristics, which for example grip a portion of the foot or are slick to enable the toes to move. The insole can be used to at least partially abate and/or prevent foot and related ailments commonly suffered by diabetics and others with pathologic or painful foot conditions. A kit for making an insole is also contemplated wherein a variety of insole sections are provided that have different cushioning or support features and/or different surface characteristics. The user can choose the preferred insole sections and assemble the sections onto the bottom layer, thereby constructing a customized insole.

Abstract: A removable ball of the foot insert for placement into footwear at a position in correspondence with a forefoot portion of the footwear includes a substantially planar member made from a viscoelastic gel, the planar member including a lower surface and an upper surface, and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, sinusoidally shaped spring walls formed from a viscoelastic gel and extending from the lower surface of the planar member at a predetermined area corresponding to a ball of the foot when the insert is inserted into the footwear, for separating bones of second and third metatarsals of the foot, the spring walls having heights that generally decrease outwardly from a center of the predetermined area, and the viscoelastic gel of the planar member having a hardness greater than a hardness of the viscoelastic gel of the spring walls.

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: A comfortable, supportive odor absorbing insole covering the inner sole of footwear has a bottom inner sole engaging open cellular resilient cushion layer, impregnated with odor adsorbing chemicals such as activated charcoal zeolites, or silica gel, and a natural pile top layer such as lambskin shearling providing comfortable support and loft while protecting the foot or sock of the wearer against discoloration or irritation from the absorbent chemicals. The layers of the insole are laminated into integral unitary relation by heat sealing or by glue or binders which do not impede flow of air. The layers may also be simply stretched together. The alternating application and release of foot pressure on the insole, as when walking, will circulate air in the footwear into intimate contact with the chemical for absorption of moisture and destruction of foot odors.

Abstract: A disposable shoe liner that is formed from a first substrate, a second substrate, and discrete regions of a functional material sandwiched therebetween is provided. In particular, the first and second substrates contain are fused together at certain portions such that fused portions and unfused portions are formed. The unfused portions form pockets that contain the functional material. In some embodiments, for example, the pockets contain activated carbon granules to provide comfort to the foot and to absorb odors exuded therefrom.

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: A shock absorbing bladder for use in the sole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder includes a plurality of inflated chambers at different pressure levels. The bladder includes a first sealed chamber formed of a barrier material. The first chamber contains a fluid at a first fluid pressure. A second sealed chamber also forms part of the bladder. The second chamber is formed of a second barrier material and contains an inflation fluid at a second fluid pressure that is greater than said first fluid pressure. The second chamber is operatively coupled to the first chamber so that the inflation fluid from the second chamber moves into the first chamber to replenish fluid leaving the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for orthopedic treatment including a top surface, a bottom surface, and an angle of inclination formed between the top surface and the bottom surface is disclosed. In addition, the apparatus, in some embodiments, may be integrally formed as part of a piece of footwear. A method for providing stability during ambulation including providing and insert and elevating a toe using the insert is also disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment wherein the angle of inclination is between approximately 1 and 60 degrees. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment manufactured from an elastomeric material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for orthopedic treatment, where the top surface further includes at least one fastener.

Abstract: The invention includes a shoe having an outsole with an upper surface, a vamp placed on top of the upper surface, and a pad placed between the upper surface and the vamp. The pad has odor and moisture adsorbing properties and the vamp includes at least one aperture proximate to the pad for permitting moisture and odor to diffuse through the at least one aperture and contact the pad.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.

Abstract: A laminate of a thermally pointbonded nonwoven base fabric and a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride on at least one surface of the base fabric, and a footwear upper made from the laminate and wherein the upper functions additionally as a lining for the footwear.

Abstract: A stability device that increases foot security on the footbed of a shoe, provides lateral or medial stability, shock dampening, and optimizes flexibility. The stability device includes a resilient bladder insert having a horizontal sole portion underneath a wearer's foot, and a vertical foot portion positioned to a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The horizontal sole portion and the vertical foot portion are in fluid communication and are proximal the first or fifth metatarsal regions of the foot. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradles a portion of the foot. A compression force of a foot landing onto horizontal sole portion causes an increase in fluid pressure in the foot portion which stiffens the veridical foot portion forming a bumper-like wall for absorbing side impacting force from the foot and serving to keep the foot on the footbed.

Abstract: A custom conformable device that supports and cushions a user's anatomical part, such the foot. The device is self-inflating, conforms to the shape of the user's foot, utilizes an inflatable bladder with a valve, and contains an expandable material such as an open cell foam. When the valve is open the expandable material expands, causing the bladder to inflate and to conform to the shape of the user's anatomical part. Once the desired shape is achieved, the valve is closed, sealing the bladder. Once the bladder is sealed, the expandable material retains the shape of the user's anatomical part. The user may open the valve to adjust the level of support provided by the device by allowing more fluid to enter the bladder, or by forcing fluid to exit the bladder.

Abstract: A cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, said barrier material comprised of an elastomer, said elastomer being at least semi-permeable to at least a first reactant compound, a second reactant compound disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant compound, and wherein a rate of diffusion of said resultant compound through said barrier material is less than a rate of diffusion of said first reactant compound through said barrier material. An article of footwear including a cushion, said cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, at least a first and a second solid or liquid reactant compounds disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant gaseous compound.

Abstract: A skate boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter and defining a first pair of parallel fastening rows around the front edge of each quarter, at least in the vamp area of the boot. The median axis of the rows extends between the third and the fourth metatarsal bones of the foot.

Abstract: A midsole includes a thick plate-shaped or column-shaped cushioning portion. A plurality of grooves is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cushioning portion. The respective grooves are helically formed around a substantially vertical line. The respective grooves are arranged substantially parallel with each other. A range &agr; in which each of the grooves is formed is larger than a range of 15 degrees around the axial line and is smaller than a range of 180 degrees around the axial line.

Abstract: A moldable article that can be custom-fitted to a particular user. Such an article comprises a thermoplastic material such as ethylene vinyl acetate modified by an antistatic agent selected from the group consisting of polyol amines such as ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, phosphoric acid esters, quaternary ammonium salts, and amphoteric compounds such as betaine. The article is heated until the thermoplastic material softens, then pressed against a user's body part. The article is allowed to cool, resulting in a custom-fitted article. Such articles may be repeatedly re-heated and re-molded and may include, e.g., moldable footbeds, racquet handles, shin guards, helmets, and seats.

Abstract: Apparatuses, a system, and a method for engaging a wearer's toes within an interior of a footwear item are provided. A panel is configured to extend at least partially across a toebox of the interior of the footwear item. An attachment mechanism is configured to position the panel in the interior of the footwear item so that the panel is positioned inside the toebox to engage an edge of at least one of the wearer's toes. The panel includes a flexible or stretchable material such as neoprene. The attachment mechanism includes at least one of stitching, adhesive bonding, and thermal welding. The attachment mechanism joins the panel to the interior of the footwear item at a plurality of points along at least one of a lower edge of the panel and side edges of the panel, such as by joining the panel to an insole.

Abstract: The invention includes a shoe having an outsole with an upper surface, a vamp placed on top of the upper surface, and a pad placed between the upper surface and the vamp. The pad has odor and moisture adsorbing properties and the vamp includes at least one aperture proximate to the pad for permitting moisture and odor to diffuse through the at least one aperture and contact the pad.

Abstract: A dressing support (1) is comprised of a flexible, resilient spacing sheet, which is stuck firmly to the patient and has an opening for receiving an ulcerated area. A compress (9) is applied in the opening (2). A foot bed (30) includes a recess (32) which is complementary to the support (1) and which receives said support when the foot rests on the foot bed, said support being stuck to the bottom or plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shell to cover the wearer's foot and a pocket provided at an inner surface of the shell to receive a filling material so that the pocket and the filling material project into an interior space of the shoe and provide better fit for the wearer. The filling material is removable from the pocket for replacement and may be configured to have any shape and thickness so as to fit the foot of an individual. The filling material may be a foam, a fluid, a moisture absorbent, a heat-generating element, or a stiffener.

Abstract: An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, or for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, includes inserts 1, 6, 10, 22 which are adapted and which can be located in use to provide a tactile indication to the user that a predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from. In the case of golf, the device is particularly adapted such that when not swinging, no such tactile indication to the golfer is provided.

Abstract: A dance shoe is provided that includes a flexible upper and a toe box configured to surround at least a portion of a dancer's foot. The dance shoe further includes a viscoelastic padding layer that is provided between the toe box and the dancer's foot to shield the foot from the rigidity of the toe box. The viscoelastic padding layer dissipates the pressure and friction exerted upon the dancer's foot, particularly when the dancer is executing a “sur le pointe” dance step, without decreasing the dancer's ability to “feel” the floor. The viscoelastic padding layer is also capable of lubricating, softening and medicating the dancer's foot. The viscoelastic padding layer may also be used in other areas of the shoe to provide additional comfort for the dancer.

Abstract: A metatarsal arch support is described, in which the support has a raised section of such a size and shape as to roughly match and fill the open space that exists between the insole of the shoe and the portion of the foot that spans the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, which normally constitutes an arch when the foot is supporting body weight. Shoes typically exert pressure, causing the metatarsal arch to flatten. Use of the arch support prevents this undesirable effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the appearance of a dancer's feet. By attaching a pad that has a curved top surface to the top of a dancer's foot, the shape of the top of the dancer's foot is more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the arch on the bottom of the foot appears more marked. The present invention can be employed with a wide variety of dance shoes and outfits to improve the appearance of a dancer's feet. The pad is formed from a resilient and deformable material and is sized to substantially cover the top of the foot. The pad has an edge portion sized to be concealed under the border and ribbons of a dance shoe so that the existence of the pad cannot easily be detected. When worn, the shape and thickness of the pad augments the appearance of the top and bottom of the foot.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention is directed to comfortable insert that prevents a foot from slipping while remaining thin enough to be hidden when worn with open toed footwear, shoes or sandals. When used with open toed footwear, the insert prevents a person's toes from extending over a front edge of the footwear. The insert may be used for men and women's footwear, and it may be made in a variety of colors and shapes. Furthermore, the insert may be made in a variety of sizes to correspond to small, medium, and large shoe sizes. The insert may be made out of a number of different materials that provide traction to inhibit foot sliding in footwear.

Abstract: Footwear including a sole for supporting a foot and an upper attached to the sole for covering the foot. The sole and upper define an interior of the footwear sized and shaped for receiving the foot. The upper has an inner surface adapted for engaging the foot when it is received in the interior of the footwear and an outer surface forming an exterior of the footwear. The upper also includes compressible cushioning permitting the upper to conform to the foot when it is received in the interior of the footwear to improve the fit of the footwear. The compressible cushioning is sized, shaped and positioned in the upper to at least partially surround a protrusion extending from the foot and is at least partially omitted from an area of the upper corresponding to the protrusion. Thus, a recess is formed in the upper for accommodating the protrusion to relieve pressure applied to the foot by the upper at the protrusion.

Abstract: Structural formations and formulations of a silicon foam, for example, used in high performance shoes, as, for example, mid-sole materials of excellent energy efficiency (measured as a ratio of energy returned/energy absorbed) of 8050D IMEVA of excellent (151 mJ/cm3) shock absorption qualities foreseeably embodied in orthoses, shoes, midsoles, inserts and other molded forms.

Abstract: Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or in addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

Abstract: Footwear for protecting a wearer's foot includes an upper an upper that defines an opening for receiving a wearer's foot and an outsole attached to the upper, the upper further including a vamp having a proximal and a distal region, an elastic instep guard positioned on an instep portion of the upper to protect a metatarsal region of the foot, the elastic instep guard extending from the distal region to the proximal region of the vamp which is attached to the toe portion of the steel toe. The instep guard has a plurality of hollow passages.

Abstract: A cushioning device that imparts both stability and cushioning to the midsole of an athletic shoe. The cushioning device includes a bladder that has a plurality of separate fluid chambers positioned around a perimeter. The chambers define an open central portion of the bladder arrangement. Each of the chambers has an inner side, an outer side and a height that increases from a minimum adjacent the inner side to a maximum toward the outer side thereof.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided that includes a sizing apparatus to allow the shoe size to be adjustable by the wearer. The article of footwear in the form of a shoe includes a sole, an upper extending from the sole, and a sizing apparatus located within the upper, in which a sizing member is attached to the upper at the rear end of the shoe. The sizing apparatus may include a composite inner core, a detachment feature, and a dual selective fastening system. The inner core may be substantially enclosed in a lining. The sizing apparatus enables a user to adjust the effective length of the shoe to at least three effective lengths. A method of adjusting the size of the article of footwear is provided to make the shoe at least three effective lengths.

Abstract: An orthotic pad is disclosed for reducing pressure and shear stresses on dermal and muscle tissue in treatment areas extending over bony prominences. This pad includes a hydrocolloid-containing adhesive body having oppositely-facing non-parallel first, and second major surfaces. The pad is formed of a soft, deformable and shape-recoverable adhesive material in which particles of at least one moisture-absorbing and moisture-swellable hydrocolloid material are dispersed. The first surface of the pad is contoured to match that of the treatment area for adhesively engaging and covering such area, and the second surface has a developed shape for corrective redistribution of external forces exertable against the treatment area to prevent further damage from pressure or shear forces, promote the healing process and, in appropriate cases, provide orthopedic correction.

Abstract: A boot with a resilient pad fixed inside the cloth and foam layers forming the toe box.

Abstract: Orthopaedic insole with a top cover and a bottom cover, which covers enclose a support core, the top cover and the bottom cover projecting beyond the support core via an edge area and being connected to each other in the edge area. Both the top cover and bottom cover and also the support core are made of a thermoplastic material, the melting points of the three component parts of the insole, namely support core, top cover, and bottom cover, having approximately the same value, and these component parts being permanently connected to one another by pressing and shaping, with melting-on of the contiguous surfaces.

Abstract: An exchangeable and disposable shoe insert contains a commercially available panty liner for inserting into a shoe. The panty liner has a number of layers formed of an at least partially moisture-absorbing material and a side directed toward an inside sole of a shoe. The panty liner has moisture-storing constituents in at least one of the layers and partially or wholly covers over an inside sole of the shoe. A self-adhering coating is disposed on at least a subregion of the side directed toward the inside sole of the shoe. The self-adhering coating is releasable from the shoe without any residues being left behind.

Abstract: A supportive, lightweight athletic shoe construction is described which includes an inflatable upper and a sole. The upper includes a foot conforming support member, an inflatable exoskeleton and an overlay which inhibits outward bulging of the exoskeleton. The sole includes a rigid carrier element, a forefoot unit and a heel unit. The forefoot unit includes a plurality of components which are arranged to work with the biomechanics of the foot. The athletic shoe is structurally minimalistic and functionally efficient.

Abstract: The invention features a lining material for footwear. The material includes a non-woven felt including up to 80% by weight of grooved or multi-lobed cross section transport fibers and the remainder of thermally bondable fibers arranged to secure the transport fibers against abrasion and excessive mechanical stretch presented during incorporation of the lining material into a product during that product's manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the appearance of a dancer's feet. By attaching a pad that has a curved top surface to the top of a dancer's foot, the shape of the top of the dancer's foot is more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the arch on the bottom of the foot appears more marked. The present invention can be employed with a wide variety of dance shoes and outfits to improve the appearance of a dancer's feet. The pad is formed from a resilient and deformable material and is sized to substantially cover the top of the foot. The pad has an edge portion sized to be concealed under the border and ribbons of a dance shoe so that the existence of the pad cannot easily be detected. When worn, the shape and thickness of the pad augments the appearance of the top and bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A novel insole orthoses pad that may be inserted into a shoe alleviates the formation of ulcers aggravated by plantar shear forces and vertical forces. The insole orthoses pad, has vertically aligned strips of a material that support and cushion vertical forces alternated with a more flexible material that allows the supporting material to move from proximal-lateral to distal medial in response to shear forces without abrading the plantar surface. The combination of alternating strips of material are aligned so as to anticipate the orientation of the shear forces generated during the execution of a step by the wearer. Arcs of cushioning material are provided on a pad to protect likely sites of ulcer formation, having an orientation direction that is the average of the locus of maximum pressure in order to reduce the rubbing of the cushion material due to shear forces.