Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vapor-permeable composite insole, comprising the steps of gluing at least one pad of vapor-permeable textile material to a respective work area of a first layer of flexible material, and applying a second layer of relatively soft material to area or areas of the first layer, not affected by the pad or pads. The method comprises also the step of obtaining at least one through opening at the or each work area of the first layer. The step of gluing at least one pad to a respective work area of the first layer is realized on at least a work area located at the ball or sole portion of said insole. A composite insole obtainable with such a method.

Abstract: An outer sole for footware, having a rounded outer circumference and a plurality of concentric separate zones that are separated from one another by lanes which are incised into the sole. The lanes are incised from one side only and the side of the sole opposite that one side is covered with an adhesive layer for adhesion to the underside of footwear. The adhesive layer is covered by a protective foil adapted to be peeled off before the sole is applied to footwear.

Abstract: A freeze-resistant fluid composition has the capacity to deform in response to continuously applied pressure and has the ability to maintain its shape and position in the absence of continuously applied pressure. The composition contains a freeze point depressant effective to make the composition resistant to freezing as measured by a penetrometer measurement of at least 13 millimeters at 25° F. (−4° C.). In another embodiment, the composition comprises a fluid mixture of a relatively saturated oil, a relatively unsaturated oil, a block copolymer, and a freeze point depressant. In another embodiment, the composition comprises a fluid mixture of 20%-70% of a relatively saturated oil, 20%-70% of a relatively unsaturated oil, and 0.3%/-10% of a block copolymer.

Abstract: A boot comprising a sole with an upper which includes an asymmetrical medial and lateral quarter. Strategically located pads are provided on the inner of the upper on opposite sides of the metatarsal in the vamp area and around the ankle. Flexible compressible inserts are provided in the medial dorsal area and in the posterior lateral area, providing compression and extension in the sagittal plane. A scewered lacing arrangement is provided with the lower segment of the lacing extending with the median axis of the lacing approximately at the fourth metatarsal bone and the upper segment of the lacing being provided in the anterior area of the ankle. A light-weight tongue follows the contours of the gap formed by the lacing and is connected to the lateral quarter of the upper along the side thereof and at the front is anchored to a toe box which has a rear edge forming a parabolic outline coincident with the joints between the metatarsus and the phalanges.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a sizing system 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 member located within the upper, in which the sizing member is attached to the upper at the rear end of the athletic shoe. The sizing member includes an inner core, a separation feature, a fastening system, and locking feature. The inner core is substantially enclosed in a lining and the separation feature includes a plurality of perforations at the top of the sizing member. The sizing member enables a user to adjust the effective length of the shoe. The article of footwear may also include separable sockliner layers. This enables a user to adjust the effective height of the shoe.

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 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: A boot comprising a sole with an upper which includes an asymmetrical medial and lateral quarter. Strategically located pads are provided on the inner of the upper on opposite sides of the metatarsal in the vamp area and around the ankle. Flexible compressible inserts are provided in the medial dorsal area and in the posterior lateral area, providing compression and extension in the sagittal plane. A scewered lacing arrangement is provided with the lower segment of the lacing extending with the median axis of the lacing approximately at the fourth metatarsal bone and the upper segment of the lacing being provided in the anterior area of the ankle. A light-weight tongue follows the contours of the gap formed by the lacing and is connected to the lateral quarter of the upper along the side thereof and at the front is anchored to a toe box which has a rear edge forming a parabolic outline coincident with the joints between the metatarsus and the phalanges.

Abstract: A pad for supporting a portion of the human body is made of two substantially non-stretchable or non-elastic layers that are joined together along a peripheral edge and then are joined together in local regions to form individual capsules in the pad. The layers are “quilted” in the areas defined by the capsules to control where and how much the pad can bulge. The pad is filled with a wax material that is plastic but does not flow readily. By repeated applications of loads the wax will flow or migrate slowly to change the configuration of the wax to conform to and support the surface contacting the pad.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a shoe insole. First, high density thermoplastic material and low density thermoplastic material are conveyed through two feed pipes respectively into a heated pressing machine. When the high and low density thermoplastic materials are conveyed through a mold head of the pressing machine, they are heated and pressed to bond with each other to form an elongated flat dual density plastic plate structure which is then rolled by rollers of a rolling machine so as to fit the thickness of a shoe insole.

Abstract: An inner liner adapted to equip an article of footwear, and a process for manufacturing such inner liner. The liner includes wedging elements positioned between the upper and the lining. These wedging elements are connected to the upper by mechanical assemblies such as seams, i.e., by stitching. The liner thus obtained can be washed in a hot fluid whose temperature is within a range of about 40 to 100 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a shock absorbing device for a shoe sole comprising a lower layer 2 having an upper face 21 and an upper layer 3 having a lower face 30. The two layers 2, 3 are both made of an elastomer. The faces 21, 30 are each formed to have substantially a corrugated section. The corrugated faces 21, 30 each have a plurality of top portions 22, 32, bottom portions 23, 33, and inclined portions 24, 34 joining the top portions 22, 32 and bottom portions 23, 33, with the corrugated faces 21, 30 each being formed from essentially a smooth surface. The corrugated faces 21, 30 mate with each other. The two mating faces 21, 30 are spaced apart from each other at the top portions 22, 32 and/or at the bottom portions 23, 33, with gaps 4 being formed at the spaced-apart portions.

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: An insole which extends from the toes to the heel includes at least one fluid-filled container; a control unit for enabling a user to increase or reduce an amount of fluid in the container; and a stirrup-shaped device for immobilizing the talocalcaneonavicular joint and for controlling and/or stabilizing the ankle joint. The insole is a prefabricated insole selectable from a range of differently shaped insoles for the various forms of foot prophylaxis and the various shoe sizes. This enables users to adapt the prefabricated insoles suitable for their shoe size and form of foot prophylaxis to their own personal needs.

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: Protective footwear includes a metatarsal guard for providing protection of the metatarsal region of the wearer. The guard, which internal of the footwear, of integral nonrigid assembly having mutually overlying multiple layers each extending both longitudinally and transversely in overlying relation to the metatarsal region of the wearer. Each layer is nonrigid and flexible. Different materials make up the different layers to within the footwear both energy absorbing and force dissipating capability for absorbing and dissipating impact forces throughout the multiple layers in order to protect the metatarsal region of the wearer from impact forces and from being cut by sharp objects.

Abstract: A bellows pneumatic system including a pneumatic inflating device (12) disposed within the sole of a shoe (100) which is comprised of a plurality of bladders or bladder sets within the sole of the shoe, each bladder being connected to a flow switching device (18) via conduits.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe or boot produced by molding together a stiff outer plastic shell, a dual foam inner layer of rubber-like material and a fabric upper layer engaged by the foot. A more dense foam is provided for the inner layer at the arch of the foot. The shell is feathered or thinned toward the fore foot area and extends only to the ball of the foot. The shell is provided with a cut out at the heel and a pad secured to the insole at the cut out cushions the heel at the strike position.

Abstract: A device comprising an article coated with paralyne wherein an adhesive is adhered to said parylene coating is claimed. The adhesive can be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a non-pressure sensitive adhesive. The device, which has improved stay-on time, can be useful for applications to the body, such as sheet padding, a finger pad, a corn pad, a callus pad, a blister pad, a heel pad or a toe pad.

Abstract: A corrective appliance, as an insole insert, and method of manufacture thereof, an improved insole design of this invention can be used as an insert or sole construction to evert the foot with a raised area having inclined sloping edges at the first metatarsal area with support in the region of the ball of the foot and the first metatarsal head to evert or support the foot by raising the ball of the foot, thereby causing the foot to rotate outwardly, and relieving, reducing and diminishing irritation, inflammation and pain associated with the lower leg ailment commonly known as shin splints.

Abstract: A deodorizer for masking foot and shoe odors through controlled release of fragrance and which utilizes releasable interlocking surfaces for retaining the deodorizer in contact with the shoe is claimed.

Abstract: A shoe pad assembly has a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and an elastic base layer. The first layer is an air permeable fabric. The second layer has a gauze dipping in a solution containing activated carbon, alum, resin and ceramic powders producing far-infrared to form two web-shaped films on the gauze to become an air permeable layer. The third layer is a water absorbing polyethylene terephthalate non-woven fabric layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air cushion having a support pin structure for absorbing shock, a method for manufacturing the air cushion, and footgear comprising the air cushion which does not exhibit any bulging effect, even upon application of an external pressure, to thereby improve the stability thereof. The air cushion includes: an upper plate having a plurality of support pins arranged at the same height or different height in a downward direction on the bottom surface thereof; a lower plate having a plurality of pin receiving bodies on the top surface thereof opposite to the upper plate, each of the pin receiving bodies having a groove into which each of the support pins is inserted; and a cushion body adapted to surround the coupled state of the upper plate with the lower plate where the support pins are received and fixed into the pin receiving bodies, thereby maintaining the air-tightness therein.

Abstract: Podalic foot pads of various shapes and configurations which utilize a padding material that is primarily an A-B-A triblock copolymer and a plasticizer. A-B diblock copolymers may be compounded into the padding material. An anti-bleed agent is preferably employed. The plasticizer may be a resin, mineral oil or otherwise. A detackifier may be employed such as grape seed oil or another slip agent. Antioxidants, pigments and micropsheres may be added to the material. The material has good cushioning properties.

Abstract: A demi pointe equalizer, exerciser, and tensioning device that is a small pad in the general shape of a common big toe. The equalizer pad extends from the tip of the big toe to a point behind the metatarsal parabola. The equalizer pad is designed to support only the big toe. The support system is also designed to be applied in layers, so that correction can be built up slowly, as needed. By using layers of equalizer pads, the ideal thickness of pad can be achieved. This equalizer pad may be attached directly to the bottom of the big toe, or to the sole of a shoe, slipper, sock, sandal, or to an insole to form a system. The pad or system may be constructed from a variety of materials that are matched to a particular activity.

Abstract: A apparel stain protector for protecting a user's garments from perspiration staining. The apparel stain protector includes an absorbent pad comprises a pair of flexible outer plies and a flexible middle ply interposed between the outer plies, Ideally, the plies are substantially coextensive with one another. The outer plies each comprise a mesh fabric material having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The middle ply comprises a water absorbent fabric material for absorbing moisture and perspiration.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance is provided having a pad with a wedge. The wedge is located on the pad in the area where the big toe would rest on the pad. The wedge provides a means to elevate the big toe up from the top planar surface of the pad. The relation between the pad and the wedge is defined by an angle. The angle is preferably in the range of from 20 to 30 degrees for normal ambulation. A method of providing for improved stability of the foot structure during ambulation comprising the steps of providing an orthopedic shoe appliance having a pad, said pad being provided with a wedge, said wedge being located on said pad in an area where a big toe would rest on said pad, said wedge providing a means to elevate said big toe up from a top planar surface of said pad during ambulation, and, said wedge providing an angle.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes one or more first fluid containing cushion devices in direct or elastomeric load transmitting contact with a foot to provide superior comfort. One or more second, preferably thicker, fluid containing cushion devices are positioned in a load transmitting portion of the sole, between the foot and ground engaging surface of the footwear. The first cushion device(s) at least partially overlap a portion of the second cushioning device(s) and the two cushion devices are at least partially separated in any overlapping areas by a load distributing element.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole wherein the flow of fluid is matched to the anatomical structure of functionally normal feet comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one, preferably between two and six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; and two transverse walls, one in the proximal end of said proximal forefoot region and the other in the distal end of the hindfoot region, each transverse wall having an opening forming a longitudinal passageway.

Abstract: A foot gripping device is provided which utilizes a combination of a heel cup outsole formed of a semi-rigid material that stabilizes an orthotic or orthotic insert within a shoe in order to receive the heel of the wearer during a normal gate of the individual. Pockets are created on the inner side portions of a last for the shoe within which air/foam inserts are positionable and are securable by a sheeting member which is secured by adhesives and/or stitching to the inner side portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A balancing disc or appliance for use in with a shoe insole, or biomechanical device, such as an ankle or foot brace, for balancing the gait of a user is defined by a substantially circular disc or body element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are angularly inclined with respect to each other in an angle ranging from about 2.degree. to about 6.degree.. Optimally, an adhesive is deposited onto one of the surfaces for facilitating affixation of the disc to an insole or similar orthotic device. The disc is, preferably, formed from a flexible material. Since the device is substantially circular in nature, it may be rotated about a vertical axis through a 360.degree. arc to facilitate minute adjustments in the balance of the user.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one, preferably between two and six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; and a flow controller matched to the border between the lateral and medial longitudinal arch.

Abstract: Size-adjustable footwear includes an outer shell and a liner disposed within the shell. The liner has an upper, a heel, and a toe. An insert is releasably receivable within the toe of the liner. The liner has a first size which is defined between the heel and the insert when the insert is received within the toe, and a second size which is defined between the heel and the toe when the insert is not received within the toe. The first size is less than the second size. A user may select footwear based on the smaller first size, and then as his or her feet grow, remove the insert to accommodate the larger feet.

Abstract: Footwear including a sole having a front and a back for supporting a bottom of a foot. A heel cup at the back of the sole receives and supports a heel of the foot. The heel cup has a bottom for further supporting the bottom of the foot and a side wall extending up from the bottom. The side wall has a generally concave rear section for receiving and supporting the back of the heel and opposite side sections extending forward from the rear section. The recess in the rear section of the side wall of the heel cup is offset laterally from a longitudinal central vertical plane of the heel cup. The recess is sized for accommodating the rearwardly protruding lateral posterior portion of the calcaneus of the foot.

Abstract: A sports shoe insert is provided which includes a plurality of elastically deformable elements which extend vertically within a heel portion of a shoe wherein the deformable elements are shaped such that a substantially horizontal plane cross-section taken through each of the deformable elements is of a polygonal shape and a plurality of arm members respectively interconnect the deformable elements. The maximum cross-sectional area of the deformable elements is located in a central region thereof and at least the top portion of the deformable elements as a group form a concave seat for contact a heel portion of the person wearing the shoe. The arm members lie in a single substantially horizontal plane and interconnect the central portion of each of the deformable elements. The arm members and deformable elements form a plurality of interconnected triangular-shaped groupings as viewed from above. In addition, both the top portion and bottom portion of the deformable elements as a group may form a concave seat.

Abstract: A weight-training method uses a shoe insert to elevate the user's heel while performing weight-training exercises, such as squats. The method entails placing a wedge-shaped shoe insert into the user's shoe at the start of a weight-training exercise to raise the user's heel. The wedge-shaped insert is made of a relatively hard rubber or thermoplastic material and is shaped to fit into the heel portion of the user's shoe.

Abstract: A shoe insole is composed of a toe portion, a sole portion and a heel portion. The insole has a thickness of 2 mm or more. The toe portion and the sole portion have a hardness value ranging between 20 and 45 degrees in the Asker Type C, whereas the heel portion has a hardness value ranging between 30 and 50 degrees in the Asker Type C. The hardness values of the toe portion, the sole portion and the heel portion are decreased by at least 5 degrees for an increase in the thickness of the insole by 1 mm.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inflatable lining for selected inner surfaces of footwear, such as a shoe, boot or sandal. The inflatable lining is formed of first and second plastic sheets having the shape and size of the selected inner surfaces, e.g., a sole, or any portion of the upper surfaces of the footwear. The sheets are bonded together in a continuous seam about their peripheral edges thereby forming a sealed interior chamber. A plurality of discontinuous seams are formed between the first and second sheets to create within the sealed interior chamber a plurality of interconnecting tubular passageways, and at least one continuous seam can also be provided that subdivides the interior chamber into two or more subdivided interior chambers. The inflatable liner is provided with an air pump that preferably is a flexible bulb with an inlet valve which discharges into a flexible tube which extends to a pressure control valve and then to the interior chamber of the inflatable inner sole.

Abstract: A machine and method for producing a material web, e.g., a paper or cardboard web. The machine includes a dryer group having a plurality of dryer cylinders and web guide rolls. A dryer (or guide) belt may guide the material web around the dryer cylinders and web guide rolls in a meandering or winding path. The dryer group may include a cooling device that cools the dryer belt by exerting an air current on the dryer belt after separation from the material web. The method may include drying the material web in a region of the dryer group in which the material web is held and guided between the dryer belt and each drying cylinder, and substantially preventing drying of the material web in a region of the dryer group in which the material web is transferred from one drying cylinder onto a subsequent one.

Abstract: A sweat-absorbing, disposable hygienic insert having a permeable inner film in contact with the foot, an outer film, and an absorbent layer intermediate the inner and outer films. The inner film is provided with a plurality of openings produced without removal of material. The absorbent layer has a flexible hygienic pad including absorbent material, hygienic additives and treatment additives. The outer and inner films are attached to one another at their edges, and are attached by at least one bond which passes through the hygienic pad, the bond located inside a boundary defined by the attached edges of the outer and inner films.

Abstract: A sports shoe insert is provided which includes a plurality of elastically deformable elements which extend vertically within a heel portion of a shoe wherein the deformable elements are shaped such that a substantially horizontal plane cross-section taken through each of the deformable elements is of a polygonal shape and a plurality of arm members respectively interconnect the deformable elements. The maximum cross-sectional area of the deformable elements is located in a central region thereof and at least the top portion of the deformable elements as a group form a concave seat for contact a heel portion of the person wearing the shoe. The arm members lie in a single substantially horizontal plane and interconnect the central portion of each of the deformable elements. The arm members and deformable elements form a plurality of interconnected triangular-shaped groupings as viewed from above. In addition, both the top portion and bottom portion of the deformable elements as a group may form a concave seat.

Abstract: An adaptive, energy absorbing body includes a plurality of fluid filled cells joined together by fluid flow passageways so as to establish an intercommunicating structure which provides effective cushioning. The cells also include pressure responsive seals which restrict fluid flow between the cells when the cells are subjected to a mechanical force above a pre-selected level. Closure of the seals converts the material from open cell, to a closed cell structure, allowing it to absorb and dissipate high levels of kinetic energy. The structure is particularly useful as a shock absorbing element for footwear.

Abstract: A combinable sneaker with a replaceable male cushion has a sole provided with a female cushion formed integral with the sole. The female cushion has a plurality of chambers lengthwise and transverse, crossing each other to form corners. A male cushion is provided to releasably fit in the female cushion, having a plurality of projecting hollow cell bodies to fit in the chambers of the female cushion and then the male cushion is inflated to force the cell bodies to be expanded a little for firmly engaging the corners of the female cushion. The male cushion has a cross-section of three dimensional and hollow shape, with the projecting cell bodies sealed and a hollow tube connected to an air valve.

Abstract: A variably flexible insert, or sets of inserts for an athletic shoe is provided which absorbs and distributes a portion of the user's weight. The insert is constructed of an injection molded plastic defining a plurality of horizontal slot or score lines which penetrate partially or completely through the insert. A series of perforations terminate the ends of the score lines which prevent or reduce cracking propagation of the score lines, and impart greater flexibility to portions of the insert. In one embodiment, the inserts are secured within the athletic shoe by adhesive pads. In another embodiment, foam friction pads are adhesively mounted or laminated on one or both sides of the flexible inserts, and this provides a non-skid surface within the running shoe and along the user's foot, as well as a certain amount of cushioning.

Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of concave pads adapted to be externally attached to the foot or to athletic or other footwear for use in foot game sports.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least two but no more than six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; at least one but no more than five transversely spaced hindfoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the hindfoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot and hindfoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; a flow controller matched to the border between the lateral and medial longitudinal arch, whereby liquid flows from the hindfoot region to the forefoot region and vice versa.

Abstract: A shoe insert for adjusting the fit of a shoe on a person's foot. The insert is formed from resilient material and is secured within the heel area of a shoe. The insert is elongated and has a narrow central portion for engaging a person's heel between the heel bone and the achilles tendon, and a pair of enlarged lateral portions for engaging the sides of the heel. The insert also has a tapered thickness which decreases from a thick upper part toward a thin lower part of the insert.

Abstract: A sole insert including: an iridescent film translucent or transparent lined on or in a transparent outer wall of an air-cushioning pad of a sole insert inserted in a shoe sole, and a color sheet covering and combinable with the air-cushioning pad, whereby upon a molding process of the pad with the color sheet to form a recess recessed in the pad and to form an inner wall revealing a background color inside the pad in contrast to the outer wall reflecting the iridescent colors from the iridescent film as lined on or in the outer wall. It will greatly enhance a decorative effect and visual interest for the wearer.

Abstract: An improved composite for absorbing and dispersing impacting forces is disclosed. The composite includes a flexible plastic enclosure defining an internal cavity. The flexible enclosure is generally impermeable to air and capable of having its internal pressure changed. The composite further includes a foam core filling the cavity and retained within the cavity and adhered on substantially all of its external surface to the internal surface of the cavity. The cavity can be pressurized for higher impact absorbance. Methods for fabricating the composites are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of concave pads adapted to be externally attached to the foot or to athletic or other footwear for use in foot game sports.