Abstract: The present invention is a press molded custom shoe plate, a method of making said plate, and a method of making a shoe using said press molded plate wherein said press molded shoe plate is formed of a piece of press molded material that is incorporated and used as the inner sole of a shoe and where an outer sole and uppers are attached to the press molded custom shoe plate.

Abstract: A foot support is disclosed. The foot support may be a shoe insert including a depression underlying the first proximal phalange and/or the first metatarsal head, a raised medial arch support, and a medial heel post.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a stability layer dimensioned to be positioned within a shoe. The apparatus may comprise a stability wall extending downward from a heel portion of the stability layer. The stability wall may comprise a back section dimensioned to curve around a back side of the heel portion. The stability wall may also comprise at least one of a lateral side section and/or a medial side section. The lateral side section may extend along a lateral side of the heel portion and the medial side section may extend along a medial side of the heel portion. A method may comprise providing a stability layer and a midsole layer. The method may also comprise positioning the stability layer on the midsole layer.

Abstract: An arch support footwear system for supporting an arch of a user includes footwear to be worn by the user, a flexible bladder member to expand and contract to provide variable support to the arch of the user, a pump member to communicate with the flexible bladder member to provide pressurized fluid to the flexible bladder member. The flexible bladder member is integral with the footwear, and the pump member is integral with the footwear. The pump member is external to the footwear, and the footwear system includes a release valve to release the fluid from the flexible bladder member.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.

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 foot portion positioned along a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The sole portion and the foot portion are in fluid communication. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradle a portion of the foot. The stability device can also include a plurality of finger-shaped elements that encircle the top of the foot and expand down onto the foot due to an increase in fluid pressure therein.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heel stabilizing technology that can be used on many kinds of footwear. This heel stabilizing technology can be incorporated during manufacture of the footwear. This heel stabilizing technology can also be manufactured as a separate component, and then added to many kinds of footwear. The heel stabilizer of the present invention increases the stability of the wearer when walking by minimizing the side-to-side teetering a person experiences when wearing flat heels to any height heel shoe, sneakers, boot, overshoe, galoshes or any combination thereof. Implementation of the heel stabilizing technology results in the heel of the footwear being set to a raised position and then flexed downward at heel strike. The resulting vertical stretch at the heel helps lessen side-to-side teetering of the wearer and thereby increases stability. The disclosed heel stabilizer includes at least one anchoring means, at least one heel lift means, a stretch segment, and a sole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for reducing friction, caused due to contact or rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner portion of footwear. The device is composed of a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction. The material of the device is molded into different shapes and sizes to fit different portions of a shoe of any shape and size. The device may be attached temporarily or embedded permanently to the inner heel portion of the shoes, or socks of the user. The device may also be used in any article of clothing or protective covering to reduce the effects of friction. Disclosed herein are various methods of attaching or affixing the device to the inner heel portion of the shoes, socks, and any other article of clothing or protective covering. Also, disclosed is a method to hold the device in place without using any kind of adhesive material on the device itself.

Abstract: As worn with a pull-on boot, a pair of pants has an outer shell and a liner, which has a leg-covering portion and a foot-covering portion. In a ready-to-don condition, the pull-on boot is placed onto a horizontal surface so as to open upwardly, the foot-covering portion is fitted into the pull-on boot. and the outer shell is fitted over the pull-on boot, whereupon the pair of pants is pulled downwardly, over the pull-on boot, toward the horizontal surface. The foot-covering portion of the liner may be detachably attached to and within the boot, as by hook-and-loop attaching means, when the combination has been manipulated to the ready-to-don position. The liner has a pair of pull-on loops, each of which is attached to and within the liner so as to be manually graspable when the combination has been manipulated into the ready-to-don condition.

Abstract: A sole unit for a shoe having at least one decoupling track between regions of sole unit allowing for the decoupling of the regions in response to forces from foot-ground contact; a plurality of bridge elements connecting opposite sides of the track so that when forces from foot-ground contact are alleviated, there is a recouping of the decoupled regions. The bridge elements may extend from a tendon element disposed on one side of a decoupling track to the other side of the track.

Abstract: A sole construction includes a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in different orientations. The sole may be inserted into low-profile footwear having an outsole with a receptacle for retaining a corresponding differentiated heel portion of the sole. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole portion capable of bending or pivoting to provide access to the cushion insert for adjustment thereof. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole that defines an opening, through which the cushion insert may be accessed and manipulated. The cushion insert may include at least one channel that varies in depth about the insert so that different regions of the insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics.

Abstract: A sole assembly for footwear supporting a foot over a ground surface. The sole assembly includes a sole made of insulating material. The sole has a top surface configured to support the foot, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface configured to contact the ground surface. At least one contact extends between the top and bottom surfaces and is generally surrounded by the sole. The at least one contact has a conducting material that is configured to allow a flow of electrical current between the foot adjacent the top surface and the ground surface adjacent the bottom surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a plate insert with plurality of longitudinally staggered, substantially lateral cutouts is described.

Abstract: A sole construction having a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in a plurality of different orientations. The cushion insert and the receptacle may include a plurality of lobes that are interfitted when the cushion insert is installed in the receptacle. The size, shape and configuration of the lobes may be varied between different regions of the cushion insert so that different regions of the cushion insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics. The cushion insert and the receptacle may be generally disc-shaped so that the sole is adjusted simply by rotating the cushion insert with respect to the receptacle. The lobes may be configured so that rotation of the cushion insert adjusts the sole between supination, pronation, soft and firm settings.

Abstract: An inflatable inner sole for footwear has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that may includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. The inflatable inclosure may include a plurality of chambers that are independently adjustable by selectively adding or removing a gas from each chamber. The inflatable enclosure may also include a pressure gauge and an improved pressure relief valve sleeve with a spring seat. The inflatable enclosure may be formed with one or both of first and second sheets formed as contoured prefabricated sheets. Alternatively, the sheets may be flat sheets. A recess is formed in the sheets so that the recess extends out of a plane of intersection between the first and second sheets. The recess may be formed by causing a portion of the first and second sheets to bend out of the plane of intersection of the first and second sheets.

Abstract: An item of wearware, such as a shoe, comprises a buffer configured for enabling to dynamically regulate an effect of a next impact on the item in operational use of the item, under control of the intensity of the previous impact.

Abstract: A shoe sole is described that provides both cushioning and stability. The sole has a plurality of layers, including a transition layer which allows relative motion between the layers adjacent to the transition layer. The relative motion between the layers of the sole reduces the impact of horizontal shear stresses on the wearer's feet and ankles. One such transition layer includes pliable material and deformable holes within the pliable material. Another transition layer includes at least two rigid plates held together by less rigid grommets or sidewalls. The transition layer may be disposed beneath the entire shoe or only portions of the shoe, with either a more conventional sole structure or rigid support members completing the sole.

Abstract: A foot and leg warmer or foot covering configured for wearing by a user, the foot and leg warmer having a sole portion, front portion, rear portion, upper front portion, and an adjustable attachment configured for allowing the user to fit the foot and leg warmer to the user's body. The foot covering configured for attaching above a wearer's calf muscle, thereby using the warmth of the wearer's calf muscle to heat air trapped within the foot covering and thereby heats the wearer's lower extremities.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least nine models of slippers, with at least three different sizes and at least three levels of firmness. Each of the slippers comprises a sole portion, an upper portion attached to the sole portion and configured for retaining the slipper on a wearer's foot, and a support portion located within the sole portion, wherein said models of slippers within the product line differ only in size and the cushioning properties of the support portion. In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least two different models of slippers, with at least two levels of firmness.

Abstract: A membrane designed to surround the front portion of the foot and protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the wearer's foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot caused by portions of the shoe is reduced. Additionally, the membrane is designed to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the wearer's foot. The membrane is worn on the front portion of the foot between the toes and the heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a reinforcing cage. In one exemplary embodiment, a reinforcing cage may comprise a base, a plurality of spaced ribs located along a wall of the cushioning component, each of said plurality of spaced ribs including a first end and a second end, a bottom rim attached a lower end of at least one of the plurality of spaced apart ribs, and a top rim attached a upper end of at least one of the plurality of spaced apart ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-ventilated, ergonomic footwear item and elastomeric sole. According to the invention, both sides of the sole comprise a plurality of longitudinal grooves, in the area corresponding to the sole of the foot, which are essentially parallel to the edge of the sole closest thereto and which have a depth equal to half of the height of the sole. Moreover, the grooves are disposed in an alternating manner in relation to one another on either side of the sole in the form of a bellows-type structure. The upper comprises a perforated elastic laminar body which is disposed beneath the insole in the area corresponding to the sole and the foot and which, together with the sole, forms a chamber having a volume that varies upon walking. In addition, three thick bands are solidly connected to the body and the upper in order to stiffen said elastic laminar body, namely: one longitudinal band and two transverse end bands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports boot (1) for walking or cross-country skiing, with a flexible shaft (2) receiving the foot, and a reinforcement (5) surrounding the shaft (2) on its external side by sections and being connected with the outsole (3). The shaft (2) is formed in this connection by a cushioned inner boot (6), and a coat (8) of fabric o some other material compatible with the skin. The reinforcement (5) is formed by a latticed or net-like support structure (12) for the inner boot (6), and composed of flexible ribbon elements (13) having, however, the highest possible tensile strength, and being made of plastic or textiles, said ribbon elements resting against external part sections of the inner boot (6), or surrounding the inner boot (6) on its external side within part sections. In this connection, the latticed or net-like support structure (12) is variable with respect to its delimiting or receiving volume as required by means of a lacing system (14).

Abstract: A support structure for footwear includes a longitudinally extending member to which a plurality of laterally extending supports members are secured at spaced apart locations along a length of the longitudinal member. The support structure may extend along the entire length of a footwear or may be specifically designed for the forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot areas of a footwear. The support structure may be combined with plate-like structures or may include a plurality of longitudinally extending members. The lateral supports may extend in a generally horizontal plane or may extend in an upward or downward direction out of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral members may be made of different materials, or each may be made of a plurality of different materials to provide the desired characteristics of the support structure at a given location in the footwear. Different portions of the longitudinal member may be more or less flexible than the lateral supports.

Abstract: The shoe, has a shoe upper part and a sole. The sole has a supporting part, which is designed for receiving the heel region of the wearer's foot and is connected to the shoe upper part, and a sole element, which is connected to the supporting part. In order to improve the damping behavior of the shoe, the supporting part and the sole element are spaced apart from each other, in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. The connection between the supporting part and the sole element is preformed at two spaced-apart points in such a way as to form, under the heel region of the wearer's foot, a gap. The gap extends at least in portions over the entire width of the sole. The sole element, in the rear end region of the shoe, is connected to the supporting part.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprising a foot engaging plate for accommodating a foot of a user and a ground engaging surface/plate. The foot engaging plate is sufficiently rigid so as to resist distortion of the foot engaging plate, during use of the shoe sole, so that the foot remains supported by the foot engaging plate during use of the shoe sole. A pivot member is located between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate to facilitate relative pivoting motion between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. A layer of resilient material is sandwiched between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. The resilient material may have one or more bores formed therein which accommodate a compressible material therein to facilitate programming of a desired compression characteristic for the shoe sole.

Abstract: A shoe comprising: an assembly of a shoe upper and sole unit for supporting a foot, the assembly defining a foot compartment that orients a foot in an objective (desired) tri-planar alignment to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously: (1) the sustentaculum tali; (2) the lateral calcaneus; and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot. In certain embodiments the shoe compartment is configured to correct an adverse internal rotation of the talus by: (1) vertical lift on the ST; (2) varus movement of the calcaneus; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot.

Abstract: Footwear including a foot support member and a sole assembly, the sole assembly having a first end and a second end, comprising a plurality of separate insole segments attached to the foot support member for bending the sole assembly, an outsole portion forming the base of the sole assembly, and a plurality of springs engaged between the insole segments and the outsole portion. The springs are arranged in a continuous series across the sole assembly from the first end to the second end, such that the springs exert a constant rebounding force on and across the sole of a user in series throughout a pace cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sprint shoe, including a plate arranged in a sole area of the shoe. The plate extends essentially over the complete length of the sole area and is substantially planar in a forefoot part and is constructed of a material and configured to allow for elastic bending of the plate in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to three-dimensionally encompasses a rearfoot part of the foot. Optionally, the plate includes a heel cup in the rearfoot part to cradle the foot. Further, a wedge- or rib-like raised part may be arranged below the heel cup.

Abstract: A skate boot for enclosing a human foot when in use, the foot having a heel, an ankle with a medial malleolus and a lateral malleolus, an Achilles tendon having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel, a plantar surface, medial and lateral sides and toes. The skate boot comprises an outer shell and a tendon guard affixed to the outer shell. The tendon guard is more flexible than the outer shell such that it allows backwards flexion of the ankle when the foot moves towards full extension.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear including a first sheet of a flexible fluid-impervious material and a second sheet of flexible fluid-impervious material. The first sheet and the second sheet are sealed along air-tight weld lines forming at least one narrow channel. The inflatable bladder includes an air passage device for maintaining air flow within the narrow channel. In one embodiment, the first sheet has an embossed interior surface to limit the contact between the first sheet and second sheet. Another embodiment includes the use of a mechanical device to separate the first sheet and the second sheet within a narrow channel. A method of manufacturing an inflatable bladder, a method of increasing localized air flow though a narrow channel of an inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear and an article of footwear incorporating the inflatable bladder are also described.

Abstract: A controllable footwear method and apparatus, comprising a structure which controls a splitting of a force exerted on a sole of the footwear between a first portion which is stored in an energy storage structure and later returned to the sole, and a second portion which is dissipated, and a control for controlling the structure in dependence on an activity of the wearer, to alter a relation between the first portion and the second portion, to thereby alter a dynamic characteristic of the footwear.

Abstract: A cushioning component for use in shoes including athletic shoes and, for example, running shoes includes a cushioning layer including a first zone and a second zone where the first zone comprises a progressive compression material. In one aspect, the first zone can comprise one or more areas defined within the second zone. For example, the first zone can comprise two areas, one area in a relative front portion of the shoe component and another area in a relative rear portion of the shoe component. Alternatively, in another aspect, the first zone and second zone can be arranged in a laminate-type relationship in the shoe component. In this regard, the first zone can be located either above or below the second zone. The shoe component can be employed as a traditional element of a shoe, such as a midsole or the outsole.

Abstract: A boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the boot and easy removal of a foot from the boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace.

Abstract: A sports boot including an upper extending above the ankle joint and at least one rigid collar extending around the wearer's lower leg, the boot including a device for adjusting the volume of the collar to better accommodate the shape of the user's calf. The adjustment device includes a wedge, or collar extension, positioned inside the collar, the wedge being fixed to the collar by means of at least one pivot and by means of a fastening mechanism enabling the relative displacement of the wedge with respect to the collar as well as a deformation of the wedge. The fastening mechanism includes a plate equipped with a cylindrical body having an axis Al and received in a first circular opening provided in the collar and a rivet received in a second circular opening provided in the wedge and received in a third circular opening having an axis A2 provided in the body, the axis A2 and the axis A1 being non-coaxial.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising an upper part (1) and a sole (2). Said sole (2) comprises a support or inner part (2?) which is joined to the upper part (1), an intermediate sole (2?) which is joined to the support or upper part (2?) and an outer sole (2??) which is joined to the intermediate sole (2?). According to the invention, the intermediate sole (2?) is embodied at least over one part of the base outlet surface as a damping element in order to maintain the simple production possibilities of the spring and dampening ratio of the shoe, said damping element comprising a plurality of first elements (3) which are arranged next to each other and which extend, essentially, in a load direction (R) over a pre-determined height (H) in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area (4) in which an associated second element (5) with a smaller cross-section then the first element (3) can at least partially penetrate.

Abstract: A shoe and boot sizing system includes within a shoe or boot, a first insole insert having a compactable material, wherein the first insole insert provides a first predetermined fit size range within the shoe or boot for a manufactured new condition and a second predetermined fit size range within the shoe or boot for an altered condition and a second insole insert is configured to be disposed beneath the first insole insert and upon the insole which when inserted provides approximately a half size decrease to the size of the respective shoe and boot.

Abstract: A shoe having an inner insole, an intermediate sole, or an outsole, characterized in that, the sole includes a bar running primarily in the longitudinal direction, which protrudes from an underside of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly is secured to the upper and includes a support assembly. The support assembly has a plurality of primary tubular members spaced from one another and extending laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly. A plurality of secondary tubular members extends laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly, with each secondary tubular member positioned between and interconnecting a pair of adjacent primary tubular members.

Abstract: A shoe with belts according to the present invention comprising an upper, a sole S that has a first and second roll-up portions S11, S10 rolling upwards along side faces of a foot, and first and second belts 51, 52. The first belt 51 is fixed to the first roll-up portion S11 at a first joined portion 58 on the medial side of the foot. The second belt 52 is fixed to the second roll-up portion S10 at a second joined portion 59 on the lateral side of the foot. The pair of belts 51, 52 cross each other at a position approximately above the navicular bone 91. The first belt 51 can be arranged in a tensioned state along a path extending from the medial side of the foot to the vicinity of an ankle on the lateral side of the foot through the crossing position 57. The second belt 52 can be arranged in a tensioned state along a path extending from the lateral side to the vicinity of the ankle on the medial side of the foot through the crossing position 57.

Abstract: An improved sole and upper for use with all types of footwear which provides adjustable shoe sizing, adjustable sole firmness for differing activities, allows the wearer to view and touch the technology contained in the footwear, while aiding in the facilitation of exercise and healthful movement, according to the use of the footwear for the purpose of comfortable standing, pleasurable walking, steadier running, safer cross-training, while adding extra comfort for the foot during all activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper part and a sole, a support and inner part of an intermediate sole and an outer sole. The intermediate sole contains a damping element which comprises a plurality of first elements which are arranged adjacent to each other and which are embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element having a smaller cross-section than the first element can at least partially penetrate. The elements are coaxial. At least one part of the second elements have a prism or cylindrical form and are embodied at least partially as a massive part. Both of the elements, which are associated with each other, are connected together by means of an elastic connection section which only extends between the first element and the second element and the first element, the connecting section and the second element are embodied as a single piece.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe that improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot and whose bottom side edge portion 31a is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom side edge portion 31a of the outside upper member 31 is located at the rear of the load centerline C of the calcaneus and the rear side edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 at the rear of the talus T of the foot. The instep side edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30 is provided a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a footwear construction with a heel compartment that has a sufficient height dimension and a sufficient width dimension to support from below the heel of a user and which is adapted to receive therein a removable locking surfboard wax roughing comb which in turn has sufficient height, width and depth dimensions for the storage of a bar of surfboard wax.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is footwear having an ankle support. The footwear has a sole, an upper, and a heel section. The ankle support is worn to surround part of the foot and part of the leg between which an ankle joint is located, wherein a lower portion of the ankle support is secured to an interior of the footwear. According to this invention, the wearer's ankle joint moves together with the ankle support without being constrained by the footwear, thus ensuring the flexible movement of the ankle, therefore allowing unrestricted motion. Further, the lower portion of the ankle support is attached to the interior of the footwear, thus allowing the wearer's ankle to be supported by both the footwear and the ankle support, therefore efficiently supporting the ankle, even when large shocks are applied to the ankle due to intense activity.

Abstract: In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an instep strap would be used to increase tension on a cord that would substantially encircle a circumference of an ankle portion of a shoe. In the exemplary embodiment, a first end of the cord would be attached to an instep portion of a first side of a shoe upper; a second end of the cord would be attached to an instep portion of a second side of the shoe; and the cord would pass through at least one channel substantially disposed around the circumference of the ankle portion of the shoe. In an alternative exemplary two-cord embodiment of the present invention, an instep strap would be used to increase tension on two cords. By tightening and fastening the instep strap, both cords would be somewhat distorted and a tension would be created, or increased, thereby causing a snug fit of the shoe.

Abstract: A foot covering, including a thin, flexible compartment for receiving a foot, the compartment having a forefoot section, a mid-section, and a heel section. The compartment has a top surface for securing the foot and a ground-facing surface having at least a forefoot outsole portion in the forefoot section. The forefoot outsole portion is disposed mainly in the forefoot section, and has a shape that is wider than it is long; corresponding approximately to the width of a foot and covering approximately the first to the fifth metatarsal heads. The mid-section of the compartment is mainly free of outsole material. The inventive subject matter is further directed towards a method for manufacturing such a foot covering.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided which contributes a dynamic stability of the shoe during several athletic activities. The athletic shoe comprises a tapered lateral wedge section and may further include a lateral heel stabilizer, a medial heel wedge and a tapered lateral forefoot section.

Abstract: Footgear with an inner sole (66) having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements (68) to provide relief to ulcerated or injured areas of the foot. An air bladder (64) may underlie sole (66), preferably with additional cushioning material (40) within the air bladder. A walker (12) with a soft support (20) may be provided with the inner sole within the support. Some of the removal resilient elements may have a higher density or height than others. The footgear may include an adhesively-backed resilient pad (212) to provide additional support to a region. The footgear may include means for reducing shear stress on a bottom surface of the foot. An edema patch (240) may be provided for covering an open space (248) left after a user has removed a removable section from the grid. The edema patch applies pressure to the afflicted zone of the foot (250) preventing fluids from building up.