Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole incorporating low friction surfaces for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and walking surfaces for other athletic pursuits, and a method of making same.

Abstract: An insole is capable of withstanding penetration of nails and other foreign objects. The insole is constructed of a substantially flexible, substantially puncture resistant material, such as a polymer fiber. The perimeter of the insole is curved upward, and includes a plurality of substantially v-shaped notches therein to enhance flexibility of the insole. A downwardly curved portion is embedded in a sole of an article of footwear. The downwardly curved portion substantially mirrors the portion of the perimeter of the insole which is curved upward.

Abstract: A method of making a grinding shoe involving constructing a sole of high friction material having a downwardly facing high friction surface interrupted medially by an upwardly raised recess having opposite sides curved outwardly to form flares and making a plate to conform to such recess and securing such plate thereto to provide a downwardly facing low friction grind surface.

Abstract: A gliding shoe having an upper and a sole in which a sliding zone is obtained. At least one referencing arrangement is obtained on the upper in correspondence with the sliding zone. The referencing arrangement enables the user to use his/her eyes to place the shoe in the position that is best suited to the alignment of the sliding zone with the long support on which he engages to glide.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole incorporating low friction surfaces for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and walking surfaces for other athletic pursuits, and a method of making same.

Abstract: A protective safety shoe insert includes a seamless puncture-resistant insole substantially conforming in shape to a sole of the shoe. The insole comprises a flexible steel plate coinciding with an area of greatest flexure of the insole and a layer of a puncture-resistant material secured to the ends of the plate. The insole is injection molded with an integral safety toe, an integral arch support, and an optional integral heel protector. A metatarsal guard is secured to the safety toe to add impact protection for the metatarsal area of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a footpad or inner sole to be used and worn inside the boot or shoe of military or civilian personnel exposed to dangerous environments in order to prevent injury to the user from being in the vicinity of an explosive device while it explodes. The present invention consists of several layers of effectively strong material comprising approximately 30 layers in total. In one embodiment therein are about 15 layers of a first effectively strong fabric underneath about 15 more layers of the first effectively strong fabric alternating with the second effectively strong fabric. Test have shown this combination to be exceedingly strong and to provide protection to the user from explosive devices and, furthermore, tests have shown that one effectively strong combination results in an embodiment wherein the first fabric is KEVLAR and the second fabric is SPECTRA.

Abstract: Articles of footwear incorporating one or more sliding elements are described. Such articles include shoes, sandals, boots, and appliances for attachment to any or all of the foregoing. In addition to serving the traditional functions of footwear lacking such sliding elements, such footwear can be used for recreational "grinding," or sliding across hard surfaces having edges, corners, etc.

Abstract: A shoe member is formed of a polymer composition comprising (A) a composite material having a low molecular weight material retained in a medium material and (B) a polymer material. The low molecular weight material has a viscosity of up to 5.times.10.sup.5 centipoise at 100.degree. C. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the medium material is up to 3.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/medium material is at least 1.0. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the polymer material is up to 4.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/polymer material is at least 0.5. The polymer composition is enclosed in a rubbery or elastomeric cover particularly when it is used in the outsole.

Abstract: An athletic shoe, particularly a tennis shoe, with wear-resistant parts provided in the area of the outsole to increase the wear resistance of the sole material. The wear resistance of the outsole, particularly in the toe area or in other peripheral areas of the outsole, is significantly increased and yet a sufficient braking effect is maintained by the material of the outsole or of the edge of the outsole. This is achieved by molding parts made of one of such materials as an oxide ceramic, metal carbide, metal nitride or hard metal into the outsole in an upwardly directed edge (3) of toe area (4) of outsole (2) or by subsequently inserting them into the outsole in such a way that the outer surface of the parts ends approximately flush with an outer side of the edge surface of outsole.

Abstract: A wear resisting member or pad is mounted in the undersurface of the heel of an article of footwear, such as a ski boot, to improve the wearability of the heel. When employed in a ski boot, the heel thereof is formed with a cavity for weight reduction, and an opening is provided in the bottom wall of the heel for receiving the pad. When mounted in the opening in the heel, an upstanding boss on the pad engages a depending boss on the underside of an inclined wall in the heel so that the pad strengthens the heel and supports the heel of the wearer's foot. The pad is releasably retained in the opening in the heel by a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs on the margin of the opening and a groove in the outer periphery of the pad into which the lugs extend. The pad is shiftable to different rotated positions in the opening to compensate for wear and can be replaced when worn out.

Abstract: An improved running shoe includes several means for stabilizing pronation and for promoting and maintaining favorable positioning of the foot while running or jogging. The bottom of the sole has cleats which resist inward rotation of the shoe during certain phases of weight bearing. The sole provides basic support through a wide shank, rigid longitudinal shank reinforcement and relative incompressibility in the medial arch region. The central part of the foot is contained and directly supported by a strong lateral counter and an insert which cooperates with the foregoing elements. A primary purpose of the invention is to provide stable support for the rear half of the first metatarsal bone in a practical and novel manner.