Abstract: The first illustrative embodiment includes a lace or strap which runs behind the heel down the sides of the foot, under the sole of the foot, crosses to opposite sides of the foot, comes up over the toes ending in a cinch. Loops and slots are provided in the shoe to accommodate the additional strap. The second illustrative embodiment includes a heel strap which runs behind the heel, down the sides of the foot where it engages a loop near the bottom of the foot and loops over to the top of the foot where it engages opposite sides of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of this heel strap. The second embodiment also includes a toe strap which is attached to opposite sides of the sole, crosses over the sole to opposite sides of the toes, loops over the toes and engages the bottom of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of the toe strap.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

Abstract: An inner boot able to be inserted inside a rigid boot, which comprises a rear zone having a lower portion, or heel zone, comprising a first insert made of flexible and/or elastic material, to allow an at least partial flexion of the inner boot and to facilitate the insertion and/or removal of a user's foot into/from inside the inner boot.

Abstract: A heel cup can be inserted into a shoe in order to define a posterior upward projection and lateral wings which surround the posterior and lateral faces of the calcaneum and which, through lateral notches, define a preferential deformation zone at, and in the direction of, the subtalar cone of the tibiotarsal joint. Moreover, a sufficiently-rigid connecting zone connects the posterior upward projection and the lateral wings, thus providing the shoe with good stability while enabling inversion and eversion foot movements. In this way, comfort is increased considerably, while the risk of articular injuries is reduced since the subtalar articulation is contained correctly upon reaching the limit thereof.

Abstract: The shoe strap changing system of the present invention consists of a base shoe, which includes an upper and a sole. The sole includes a slot, which has a height, a width extending from near the heel portion of the sole across the middle portion of the sole toward the toe portion of the sole, and a depth extending from the medial side of the sole to the lateral side of the sole. The position and size of the slot enables various size straps to encircle the upper of the base shoe, thereby providing stability for the user's foot and versatility of the appearance of the base shoe. Since the slot accommodates various size straps, the base shoe may form the basis for a shoe strap changing system. A user can remove a first strap from the base shoe, and place a second strap through the slot. The second strap may have the same or different characteristics of the first strap.

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: An orthotic device is designed to be reused and reapplied in open shoes include an adhesive layer which securely, but temporarily, bonds the insole to a shoe. In some embodiments, the insole both supports and cushions a foot. In other embodiments, the insole solely cushions the foot. The supporting insoles include an arch support and a heel lift. The cushioning insoles include a flat sole pad, a contoured sole pad, a ball of foot pad and a heel spur pad. In some embodiments, a textile covering is included over the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A sole plate is positioned between the upper and the sole assembly. The sole plate includes a midfoot member comprising a medial member having a base plate and at least one medial pillar extending upwardly from a medial edge of the base plate; with the base plate having a substantially planar finger extending forwardly and configured to extend under a foot of a user; and a lateral member having at least one lateral pillar extending upwardly from a lateral edge thereof. A forefoot member has at least one finger extending upwardly along an exterior surface of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a woven region. A fit adjustment system includes a lace strap superimposed with strands of material forming the woven region. The lace strap is routed around the shoe and forms opposing pairs of lace holding elements such as lace loops. More specifically, the lace strap extends downwardly from a lace holding element on a first side of the upper, across and underneath the footbed, around the heel region, back across and underneath the footbed, and upwardly to form a lace holding element on the second side. By the routing of the lace strap, the lace strap is integrated with the heel and arch portions of the shoe. A shoe lace is routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to a foot of a user.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole contour which follows a theoretically ideal stability plane as a basic concept, but which deviates outwardly therefrom to provide greater than natural stability. Thickness variations outwardly from the stability plane are disclosed, along with density variations to achieve a similar greater than natural stability.

Abstract: A medical shoe for use in supporting a patient's foot and a method of using same, the medical shoe comprising an out sole, an upper assembly secured to and partially surrounded by the out sole and an insole assembly substantially enclosed by the outsole and the upper assembly. The outsole having a base portion generally corresponding with the plantar aspect of a human foot and of varying thickness and having a substantially rectangular opening in a top surface of the base portion thereof adapted for accommodating a metatarsal shank. The out sole having a circumferential counter portion extending upward circumferentially from the top surface of the base portion thereof around the base portion of the outsole thereby providing a cavity in the outsole. The upper assembly adapted to surround at least the heel, sides and dorsal portions of the human foot.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper having a heel portion that has a rear wall adapted to extend around the heel of a foot. At least one adjustment pad is attached loosely to the rear wall within the heel portion. The adjustment pad includes an intermediate part, first and second ends on two opposite sides of the intermediate part, a first surface confronting the rear wall, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A strap passage unit is provided on the rear wall. A strap is attached to the adjustment pad, and passes movably through the strap passage unit. When the strap is pulled to move through the strap passage unit, the strap is tensed, and the adjustment pad is moved inward so as to abut against the foot in the shoe.

Abstract: A method for controlling footwear, comprising cushioning a transient force during use of the footwear at a first period of a gait cycle, storing energy from said cushioning, and releasing the stored energy during use of the footwear at a second period of the gait cycle, and after said transient force has subsided. The control can be electronic, mechanical or hydraulic, and is preferably dependent on a sensed gait cycle phase. The control may be adaptive to the user or the use of the footwear. The stored energy can be used to assist in locomotion, to generate electrical energy, to drive a heat pump, or simply dissipated.

Abstract: An exemplary shoe support system is provided to facilitate a support of an ankle of a foot. The support system can include a sole inliner, a coupling, a back inliner, and an upper. The coupling allows movement between the sole inliner to the back inliner, while the upper adjustably secures the sole inliner and back inliner to the foot. The upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, and the back inliner are operable to resist lateral movement of the ankle while permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movement in the foot, and can be configured for integration within a shoe or serve as the shoe. In another configuration, the support system can include a cover, which surrounds the upper, the sole inliner, the coupling, and the back inliner. Additionally, a biasing member can be incorporated with the coupling to urge a predetermined angle between the sole inliner and back inliner.

Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a footwear or shoe includes a chamber with a magnetically responsive fluid therein for absorbing and/or dampening vibrations and/or shocks. A magnetic member, such as an electromagnet, is provided for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to thereby vary the viscosity thereof.

Abstract: A modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outsoles, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and a plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midsole, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outsole. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outsole. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the rear portion.

Abstract: In its simplest conceptual form, the applicant's invention is the structure of a conventional shoe sole that has been modified by having its sides bent up so that their inner surface conforms to a shape nearly identical but slightly smaller than the shape of the outer surface of the sides of the foot sole of the wearer (instead of the shoe sole sides conforming to the ground by paralleling it, as is conventional). The shoe sole sides are sufficiently flexible to bend out easily when the shoes are put on the wearer's feet and therefore the shoe soles gently hold the sides of the wearer's foot sole when on, providing the equivalent of custom fit in a mass-produced shoe sole. This invention can be applied to shoe sole structures based on a theoretically ideal stability plane as a basic concept, especially including structures exceeding that plane.

Abstract: A reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe includes at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy and at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the at least one energy absorber, wherein the kinetic damping elements are adapted to rub against each other causing friction and absorbing shock energy.

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: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole for a shoe has side portions with concavely rounded inner and outer surfaces, as viewed in at least a heel area and a midtarsal area of the shoe sole. The rounded surfaces increasing at least one of lateral and medial stability of the sole. The concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface located at the heel area extends substantially continuously through a sidemost part of the sole side. The rounded portion of the sole outer surface located at the midtarsal area extends up the sole side to at least a level corresponding to a lowest point of the sole inner surface. A midsole component of the shoe sole extends into the sidemost section of the sole side and also extends up the sole side to above a level corresponding to a lowest point of the sole inner surface. The concavely rounded portions of the sole midtarsal area are located at least at the sole lateral side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material with a substrate and a plurality of compressible projections connected to the substrate. The projections may be formed in a thermoplastic substrate to have a variety of shapes, including a shape that defines a base portion and a spring portion. The spring portion may have a structure of a belleville spring that exhibits a non-linear and bi-stable response to compressive forces. The material may be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear, thereby providing the footwear with enhanced fit and comfort characteristics.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a bottom assembly, the bottom assembling including at least a wear sole and an element for reinforcing the bottom assembly, and an upper including a reinforcement element coupled to the reinforcement element of the bottom assembly. The coupling of the element for reinforcing the bottom assembly and of the element for reinforcing the upper is flexible at least in a transverse direction.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable inner sole for footwear which has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that preferably includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. In this invention the inner sole has a sheet and/or foam cover or surround on the flexible enclosure for enhanced comfort. Useful sheet covers can be plastic, including rubber, films in solid or foamed state, or fabric which are applied against the upper, wearing surface of the inflatable enclosures. The covers can be bonded only to the edges of the inflatable enclosures to permit relative movement between the covers and enclosures, or can be bonded to the top surface of the enclosures, or formed as surrounds which encapsulate the inflatable enclosures.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a concave element, a footbed, and a core. The concave element has a structure that includes a base portion and sidewalls extending upward from the base portion to define a cavity within the concave element. The footbed is secured to the sidewalls and suspended above at least a portion of the cavity. The footbed includes a plurality of beams that extend across the cavity. The beams are separated by spaces in the footbed, and the beams may be oriented parallel to each other. In this configuration, at least a portion of the beams are independently deflectable into the cavity. The core is positioned within the cavity and below the footbed, and the core may be formed of a compressible material.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: A boot provided with a tongue, the tongue having a lower portion and an upper portion joined by an intermediary portion. The tongue has a main flexible panel to which a semi-rigid reinforcement is affixed, the reinforcement having an elongated body that extends substantially along a longitudinal median line and over the length of the panel, the reinforcement having at least one lateral extension, each extension originating from the elongated body in the area of the lower and/or upper portion, and extending at least partially up to the area of the intermediary portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of footwear having a stabilizing element incorporated into a sole structure. The stabilizing element is located primarily in the midfoot region of the footwear but extends into both the forefoot and heel regions. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes five stabilizing members that extend from a connecting member. The function of the stabilizing members is to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in the midfoot and heel regions; permit the forefoot to axially flex in relation to the heel; and permit forefoot flexion.

Abstract: The invention is an elastomeric, energy-management cushion formed of at least one or more spaced, expandable, geometrically shaped cushioning elements disposed in a pattern on supporting base. The cushioning elements each have a plurality of angularly spaced projections, the projections of each cushioning element being interspersed between and spaced from the projections of the adjacent cushioning elements. The interspersed projections absorb and distribute compression forces applied to the cushioning elements as triangulated vector forces within the projections forming the respective cushioning elements, to which the compression forces are applied thereby providing an elastomeric, energy-management cushion.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole with a chassis constructed to provide, in a pre-selected manner, comfort, flexibility, support, and power transfer by varying the configuration, thickness, and/or material of the chassis in various areas of the chassis, thereby providing for varying degrees of stiffness in the footwear.

Abstract: Anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal footwear components formed from various thermoplastic polymers and additives in fibers in a mono-component form or a bi-component form in either a core-sheath or side-by-side configurations. The anti-microbial synthetic fibers include inorganic anti-microbial additives, distributed in certain areas to reduce the amount of the anti-microbial agents being used, and therefore the cost of such fibers. In certain embodiments, high tenacity polymers (e.g. PET) are employed in one portion and hydrolysis resistance polymers (e.g. PCT) in another portion with the additives. The fibers can further be blended with non-anti-microbial fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, acrylic, nylon etc. to provide anti-microbial finished fabrics. In one embodiment, binder fibers are used which are mixed with other fibers.

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 relates to a shoe having an arch support extending from an interior of a shoe to an exterior of a shoe. The arch support can be adjusted from the exterior of the shoe. The arch support includes straps which each have a slide groove formed therein. On one end of each strap are strap eyelets. The shoe includes an upper having a slit opening separating an upper paneling and a lower paneling. The arch support is located within the shoe, and extends through the slit opening. Rivets connect the upper paneling and the lower paneling. The rivets are also aligned with and extend through the slide grooves on the arch support. Accordingly, the arch support straps may slide along the rivets to tighten or loosen the arch support within the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe midsole (1) for shoes with exceptional walking comfort, eg hiking shoes. The shoe midsole is provided with a shock absorber (6) in its heel zone (4) and a bead (8) behind and adjacent the heel zone, said bead completely or partially following a U-shape and forming a side support for the heel of the wearer. The sole is flexible about at least two slightly curved bending lines (12,14), which are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (10) of the sole, said lines being defined by channels or grooves (12,14) in the sole material. The bending lines do not intersect each other and their cavities face away from each other. The sole (1) has a particularly elastic portion (16) of a hand-like shape with at least two finger-shaped zones (18a,18b,18c) pointing towards the toe end (30) of the midsole. As a result the shoe midsole offers a considerable degree of flexibility during the wearer's walking motion.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole contour which follows a theoretically ideal stability plane as a basic concept, but which deviates, outwardly therefrom to provide greater than natural stability. Thickness variations outwardly from the stability plane are disclosed, along with density variations to achieve a similar greater than natural stability.

Abstract: A lasted skate boot for ice skates or in-line roller skates, the lasted skate boot comprising an upper having an outer shell molded of synthetic material and an inner lining mounted inside the outer shell. The outer shell comprises a heel counter, an ankle portion, medial and lateral quarters and reinforcing elements provided on the heel counter, ankle portion, medial quarter or lateral quarter. Each of the reinforcing elements comprises a ridge formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell and a groove registering with the ridge, the groove being formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell. The outer shell may also comprise an ankle portion having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel counter. The lower and upper parts of the ankle portion follow the rear profile of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.

Abstract: A sports shoe sole has a cushioning layer, a frame and a tread. The frame has through openings housing corresponding projections of the cushioning layer. The tread has a number of rocking locks located to correspond with the openings, and each having differently deformable portions located one in front of the other to provide uphill and downhill grip.

Abstract: A tightening device adapted to equip an article of footwear, which makes it possible to hold the foot laterally, while distributing on the foot the pressure generated by the tightening device. The tightening device includes an upper flap that partially covers a lower flap. The flaps hold the foot by the tightening device which includes at least one anchor positioned on each of the flaps. The upper flap is more flexible than the lower flap.

Abstract: A boot provided with a tongue, the tongue having a lower portion and an upper portion joined by an intermediary portion. The tongue has a main flexible panel to which a semi-rigid reinforcement is affixed, the reinforcement having an elongated body that extends substantially along a longitudinal median line and over the length of the panel, the reinforcement having at least one lateral extension, each extension originating from the elongated body in the area of the lower and/or upper portion, and extending at least partially up to the area of the intermediary portion.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that is constructed according to the applicant's prior invention of a theoretically ideal stability plane. Such a shoe sole according to that prior invention conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections; the thickness of the shoe sole sides contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion.

Abstract: Bi-level methods of customizing orthotics are provided. In a first level of customization, orthotics are selected based upon the needs and personal characteristics of an individual. In a second level of customization, inserts are added to the orthotics based upon at least the individual's foot type.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a foot in a footwear item and a footwear item using the apparatus are provided. Pivot members are disposed on opposing sides of a closure configured to secure an opening in an upper of the footwear item, the pivot members being positioned on a surface of the footwear item between the opposing sides of the closure and a heel section of the footwear item. A securing including end sections and a force member is provided. Each of the end sections includes a fastener-receiving opening configured for a fastener to pass therethrough. The force member extends from the end sections and curves around the pivot members to engage the closure. Tension applied to the fastener applies force to the end sections resulting in tension in the force member causing a securing force being applied against the closure.

Abstract: A footbed for insertion into a shoe. The footbed includes an insole with a heel area, a metatarsal area and an arch area between the heel area and the metatarsal area. The insole also includes a lateral side and a medial side. A support is attached to the insole and extends between the arch area and the heel area of the insole. The support extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the insole to reduce pronation in a foot that is supported by the footbed.

Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially constraining side-to-side motion of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a semi-rigid orthotic plate shaped to receive a wearer's ankle thereon and a rear support portion. A longitudinally extending blade element is fixedly attached to the rear support portion at a proximal end thereof and substantially fixed relative to a leg of the wearer by at least one support member at a distal end thereof. The support member may be the shoe upper itself, or a separate element. The blade element has an axial length, a thickness T and a width W. The ratio of T to W is selected so that the distal end is free to flex about the proximal end in the fore/aft direction and the blade element is substantially constrained from flexure in the width direction.

Abstract: An orthopaedic shoe has an outsole and a special insole including an array of independently vertically movable sections or elements which are heat moldable to retain the contour of the users foot and which serve to reduce or avoid peak pressures and evenly distribute pressure during walking. The resilient sections preferably have a height which is substantially equal to or greater than the lateral extent of the sections, to permit swaying action and to reduce shear forces on the users feet.

Abstract: An inner tightening mechanism adapted to equip an article of footwear having a flexible or semi-rigid upper, and an article of footwear incorporating such tightening mechanism. The inner tightening mechanism includes a retention band that is connected to the inner surface of the upper by at least two anchoring points fixed on the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the flexion in the direction of the heel, and at least one anchoring point is positioned substantially above the sole.