Abstract: A foot positioning device is described. The device includes a strap, which can be utilized to place the foot in a desired position. The device can further include an article of footwear, such as a sock, which can assist with placement of the strap. The strap can include a first portion that is laterally offset from other portions of the strap adjacent to opposing sides of the first portion.

Abstract: An ankle bracing apparatus has a curved support plate shaped to fit on the medial aspect of a user's lower leg above the ankle, with a first end at the front of the user's leg and a second end at the back, a strut extending downward having a pivotal fastener near the lowermost end, a first strap wrapped around the user's leg, a second strap having a width, a first end and a second end, the second strap attached at the first end to the first end of the curved support plate and at the second end to the second end of the curved support plate, and lateral strut having a buckle or opening to accommodate the second strap, and a pivotal fastener enabling fastening of the lateral strut to the shoe or foot plate, such that adjusting the length of the second strap shortens separation of the lateral strut and the curved support plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper, a midsole, a lateral stabilizing rail, and a medial stabilizing rail. The lateral stabilizing rail may be coupled to the upper and the midsole and extend from a forefoot portion of the article of footwear to a heel portion of the article of footwear. The medial stabilizing rail may be coupled to the upper and the midsole and extend from the forefoot portion of the article of footwear to the heel portion of the article of footwear. The lateral stabilizing rail and the medial stabilizing rail may be separate pieces capable deforming independently of each other.

Abstract: A heel pad for placement within a shoe and a method of use. The heel pad includes a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body. In use, the heel pad is positioned in a heel section of the shoe. A longitudinal end of the heel pad is folded along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe. The folded longitudinal end of the heel pad is affixed to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.

Abstract: A ski boot assembly may include an outer shell having a relatively hard portion and a relatively soft portion. A cuff may be attached to the hard portion for pivot action relative to the outer shell. The cuff may extend around the outer shell, leaving an instep cover of the soft portion exposed. The cuff may include overlapping portions that are hinge coupled to the cuff. A flex bar may be inserted into a shaft of the hard portion. A bootboard may be situated above the sole plate, and be provided with ridges. A shoe can be inserted into the outer shell. The sole of the shoe may be provided with grooves that receive the ridges of the bootboard. A locking mechanism can be mounted on the hard portion of the outer shell to selectively engage with the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include one or more harnesses to restrain a wearer foot from transverse movement within an upper during a rapid sideways maneuver. One harness may be located in a lateral forefoot region. Another harness may be located in medial region and may include a midfoot and/or a hindfoot region.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

Abstract: Bodywear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user and attachable to footwear of the human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. In another aspect, footwear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. Such bodywear apparatus and footwear apparatus are configured to reduce the effort a user must exert and improve the user's performance during walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other activities. In an aspect, bodywear apparatus further comprises a supplemental power device configured to further augment the user's abilities by activating during portions of the user's gait cycle.

Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed. The second sleeve member is open at a forefoot portion and at a heel portion. The outer assembly includes an aperture on a sidewall of an outer sole portion, where the midsole inserted within the outer assembly is visible through the aperture.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis constructed of composite material to assist a person with a foot infirmity in walking comprising an upper arcuate convex shell to engage the anterior of the lower leg and a lower foot support member to engage and support the foot coupled together by an inverted substantially wishbone or Y-shaped intermediate interconnecting member including an upper elongated substantially vertical interconnecting member integrally formed with the upper arcuate convex shell and a lower arcuate convex lateral interconnecting member extending from the lower end portion of the upper elongated substantially vertical interconnecting member to each side of the lower foot support member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle and lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion. One structural element of such footwear may comprise a top collar yoke having anterior and posterior gussets forming a channel and a shoe comprising a rotation zone supporting the channel and an elastomeric zone forming a tension spring via an elastomeric overlay or otherwise providing a spring-like member approximately parallel to and to assist the Achilles tendon during locomotion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: The invention related to a shoe comprising: a sole assembly; an upper comprising a first envelope comprising: a lower portion designed to surround the foot of a user; and an upper portion designed to surround the ankle or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg of the user; and an information transmission band comprising: a first portion affixed to the sole assembly and/or the lower portion of the first envelope by a connection device, such as stitches; and a second portion designed to wrap around the upper portion of the first envelope, extending the first portion and comprising a first fastening device that cooperates with a second fastening device affixed to the upper portion of the first envelope.

Abstract: A system for providing a secure fit between feet and/or ankles of an individual and boot sections of wader pants may include wader pants including boot sections, and wader support pants configured to be positioned underneath or over the wader pants. The wader support pants may include inflatable membranes configured to be disposed within or on the boot sections of the wader pants, and a pump in fluid communication with the inflatable membranes. The pump is operable to inflate the membranes to provide a secure fit between the boot sections of the wader pants and the feet and/or ankles of the individual.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper. The insert system can include a lateral insert configured to be inserted into an upper and associated with an inner surface of the lateral side portion. The system can also include a medial insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with an inner surface of the medial side portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to therapeutic footwear such as sandals, conventional shoes, and corrective inserts that may be inserted into conventional shoes. Specifically, the therapeutic footwear may be used for maintaining, correcting, or repositioning the great toe to decrease pressure on the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint or bunion. Additional therapeutic features may include spreading of the wearer's toes, supporting the wearer's arch to control excessive pronation, and providing sustained heel cord stretch at rest, during ambulation, pedicure, and before, during, or after medical treatment.

Abstract: An Ankle-Foot Orthosis, or AFO, has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion joined together. The horizontal portion is fixed to a shoe, which is selected by a user, by separating at least part of the sole such that the horizontal portion can be adhered near or between a midsole of the sole of a shoe. The horizontal portion provides the necessary structure needed to connect a shoe to the vertical portion of the AFO such that a user suffering with a weakness or deformity can walk with a more normal gait. In an alternate embodiment, the AFO is removable from a shoe such that it can be replaced onto the same or a different shoe.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: The ankle flexi system consisted of a specific flexible construction that integrates the lower and upper part of the shoe using an innovative area of free movement. This allows the user a full range movement capacity of the foot (ankle area) without limiting mobility and performance on the practice of sports. On the upper area, the system is formed by a material base form that provides protection to both sides of the ankle join against impacts and is connected to the lower part using a flexible membrane or material, which works as a pivot point for the range of movement of the foot. The system innovative construction provides a solution to a foreseeing problem of the injuries cause by impact forces, objects or kicks, directly impacting the ankle area, during practice of contact sports and respecting the flexibility of movement necessary to keep high performance of players.

Abstract: An assembly includes a shoe and a device connected with the shoe to support the ankle, wherein the device includes a shaped piece which surrounds the ankle at least at the rear and is formed corresponding to the malleoli of the ankle. A shaped piece and a shoe suitable for use in the assembly and a set of the shaped piece and a fixing element for attachment to a shoe are also described.

Abstract: A pneumatic inflation device disposed within the sole of a shoe and comprising a pump with integral air release valve and which is entirely within the sole, a pump actuator which is entirely within the sole when not in use, and an inflatable bladder which is entirely within the sole and is operatively connected to the pump. Such a device can include a mechanism to lock the pump actuator within the sole such that the mechanism's cap is flush with the outer wall of the sole and finger-operable to allow the shoe-wearer to easily operate the inflation device and release air therefrom.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes stabilization mechanisms designed to inhibit ankle sprains while also providing comfort for a wearer. Such mechanisms include inner and outer straps that overlie the instep of the athletic shoe and wrap around the wearer's ankle to provide ankle support and inhibit inversion of the ankle during athletic activity. The athletic shoe also includes an inner boot liner that stabilizes the wearer's foot within the athletic shoe, provides a comfortable buffer between the wearer's foot and the inner and outer straps, and wicks perspiration away from the wearer's foot during athletic activity.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a size-adjustable system capable of adjusting the size of the artifice of footwear is provided. The size-adjustable system comprises three sets of removable inserts. The inserts engage the article of footwear in the heel region of the upper to provide both space-filling in the heel region as well as stabilization of the foot. When each set of sizing inserts are disposed within the article of footwear, the size of the foot the article of footwear is capable of receiving is different. By providing a size-adjustable system, the article of footwear is capable of receiving multiple foot sizes, such as that of a growing child.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person and which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

Abstract: A stability and comfort system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The stability and comfort system includes a bootie and a sock liner. The sock liner may include a heel counter that is contoured to fit a heel. The sole of the article may include an outrigger portion. The outrigger portion can be separated from a central portion of the sole to allow the outrigger portion to move substantially independently of the central portion of the sole.

Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.

Abstract: An orthotic foot brace for a person wearing a footwear includes: a lower leg holder; a lower leg strut extending downwardly towards the footwear; a foot strut having a rear section secured to the vertical strut, at least one of a median section and a lateral section located on a respective side of the footwear and extending outwardly thereof, and a front section securable to an instep section of the footwear; and a brace retaining member secured to the foot strut juxtaposed to the footwear, and extending from the median side of the footwear to the lateral side of the footwear, outwardly thereof, and restraining a rearwardly pivotal movement of the brace.

Abstract: A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein, boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material. The second material is more rigid than the first material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle and lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion. One structural element of such footwear may comprise a top collar yoke having anterior and posterior gussets forming a channel and a shoe comprising a rotation zone supporting the channel and an elastomeric zone forming a tension spring via an elastomeric overlay or otherwise providing a spring-like member approximately parallel to and to assist the Achilles tendon during locomotion.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a foot portion for receiving a foot and a leg portion for receiving at least a portion of a leg, and the sole structure is secured to a lower area of the foot portion. The footwear includes at least one of a plate system, a hinge system, and a sole structure formed from materials of different hardness, stiffness, or density. The plate system includes a plate that extends over a medial side of the footwear and may (a) be formed of materials of different hardness or (b) extend onto the sole structure and into an indentation in the sole structure. The hinge system includes a chassis secured to the foot portion and a beam secured to the leg portion, with a hinge rotatably-joining the chassis and beam.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray, a forefoot and an anatomical midline. A shoe last comprises an upper and a sole unit of a shoe for a foot are assembled. The last comprises a form defining a foot compartment for orienting a foot. A shoe formed around the form has a support includes the following. A first portion configured to support the sustentaculum tali on the medial side of the foot for providing an upward and outward force on the on the sustentaculum tali. A second portion configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third portion configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot.

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray and a forefoot. The support system for a foot comprises of a base. A first projection configured to support the sustentaculum tali on the medial side and, in use, to provide a force on the sustentaculum tali. A second projection configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third projection configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot. The first, second and third projections extend, in use, upwardly from the base, and the first and second projections define an approximated U-shape with inwardly arching sidewalls.

Abstract: An integral ankle support for a shoe has a support element and a cushioning element. The support element has horizontally elongated, generally parallel, and panel-like edge upstanding wings having corresponding front and rear ends joined at their rear ends by an integral, curved, and edge upstanding bight panel portion. The support element is constructed of semi-rigid, but partially flexible, material that is lightweight and moldable. The support element has a bottom tab that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the wings and that extends inwardly under the insole of the shoe. The ankle cushioning element is located on the inner surfaces of the rear ends of the wings and the central portion of the lower margin of the bight panel portion. The ankle support is incorporated as part of the internal structure of the shoe so as to remain fixed in place and provide enhanced support to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A device for generating power from a locomotion energy associated with leg muscles acting across an ankle joint. The device including: a cuff worn on the leg; a shoe; an energy absorbing element operatively connected to the cuff and shoe for absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.