Abstract: A heel strap apparatus for securing the rear portion of a strapless shoe to the ankle of a wearer foot includes a linking strap segment having a linking strap segment first end and a linking strap segment second end, for wrapping around the back of a wearer heel; an ankle engaging portion extending from the linking strap segment for wrapping around the front of the wearer ankle to engage the ankle; and a shoe engaging portion extending from the linking strap segment for fitting around the bottom of the shoe to engage the shoe.

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: The present invention is directed to a 3-D insert to be disposed in a skate boot so as to eliminate or reduce the gap between the posterior section of the Achille's heel and the boot liner.

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: A footwear base (320) and a structurally designed footwear bracing system (340) including a footwear base is provided. The footwear bracing system reduces the likelihood of ankle injuries when incorporated in a variety of footwear. The footwear bracing system permits the production of a very high structurally designed footwear base (320) by coupling it to and working in unison with a simple articulated but structurally designed support system (340). Very large forces can exist with this footwear and moderate but very injurious forces can be experienced in many types of footwear and these forces cannot be controlled by the ankle alone. Using the principles of the present invention these forces can be transferred to and resisted by the lower leg. The support system controls the forces generated by the footwear height or ground unevenness and relieves the ankle of this task.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an ankle support, and a sole structure. The upper receives a foot of an individual and includes a tab that is convertible from a folded first position to an extended second position. The ankle support is configured to extend around an ankle of the individual, and the ankle support is positioned proximal the tab. The sole structure is secured to the upper. The footwear is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The tab is in the folded first position and separate from the ankle support in the first configuration, and the tab is in the extended second position and joined with the ankle support in the second configuration.

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: A shoe is provided with an ankle support member to reduce the risk of ankle injury. The ankle support member is a stiff resilient piece of bendable sheet material including a base portion, and a plurality of lateral and medial strips which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly. The ankle support member is bound together with artificial spider web silk for additional strength and flexibility. The base portion has a U-shaped horizontal cross section which extends into and is bonded to the shoe sole. Some lateral strips are connected to medial strips to form inverted support loops behind the wearer's heel. Other lateral and medial strips have free upper ends which are curved toward each other in a transverse direction, and their stiffness deters lateral movement of the ankle to reduce a risk of ankle injury.

Abstract: A flex control device, for the quarter of a motocross boot, which comprises a soft upper provided at the rear with a semirigid cuff and a semirigid counter, which are connected respectively to the upper and to the upper and/or sole. The device is constituted by a first rod shaped element and a second rod shaped element, the first rod shaped element being rigidly coupled to the counter, the second one being selectively associable with the quarter, the first and second rod shaped elements being slidingly associated in contrast with at least one elastically deformable element.

Abstract: A supinator strap integrated with an athletic shoe, sock, or brace for preventing foot and ankle injuries. In the shoe, the supinator strap includes an arch support band that extends from the bottom of the shoe, just under the arch area, around the inner side of the shoe and over the top of the shoe, toward the outer side of the shoe. The supinator strap further includes a rear ankle support band that extends laterally from the arch support band and wraps from the inner side of the shoe, around the rear ankle/heel and toward the outer side of the shoe. In a preferred embodiment, both the foot and rear ankle support band and the arch support band are fully adjustable. The supinator strap provides additional support and stability to the foot and ankle when the shoe is worn, thereby helping to prevent injuries caused by excessive supination or pronation of the foot and ankle. A bridge support helps cushion the foot.

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: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: A ankle and foot stabilization support apparatus and method that provide stability while the user's foot is in the neutral, dorsiflexed, and plantarflexed positions. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a support foundation and two adjustable lateral tension bands. One band extends from the support foundation to a location on an item of footwear that is proximate to the lateral heel counter and provides support in the neutral and dorsiflexed position. The second band extends from the support foundation to a location on the item of footwear proximate to the lateral quarter and provides support in the plantarflexed position. Another embodiment includes medial stabilization tension bands. The invention can be readily moved from footwear to footwear, may be integrated into an item of footwear, and may contain a combination of lateral and medial tension bands.

Abstract: An upper has a front shell portion and a rear shell portion which includes a rear wall part, a front wall part, left and right wall parts that cooperate to confine a receiving space to receive the leg of the wearer. A leg support member is attached to an inner surface of the rear shell portion and extends from the rear wall part to the left and right wall parts. At least one of two end portions of the leg support member extends forwardly and outwardly from the rear shell portion and is manipulatable to tighten the leg support member around the wearer's leg so as to support and comfort the wearer's leg.

Abstract: An article of footwear for sand sports includes an outsole and an upper secured to the outsole. The upper has a first toe pocket configured to receive a big toe of a user and a second toe pocket configured to receive at least some of the remaining toes of the user. A wrap extends around a midfoot portion of the outsole and the upper, and around a heel portion of the upper. A plurality of cleats may be secured to a lower surface of the outsole.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole for supporting a foot and an upper attached to the sole for covering the foot and adjoining ankle. The sole and upper define an interior of the footwear and is sized and shaped for receiving the foot and ankle. The upper has an outer shell that forms an exterior of the footwear and an inner lining that is adjacent the foot and ankle when they are received in the interior of the footwear. A compressible generally U-shaped pad is positioned between the shell and the lining of the upper. The pad has a bottom section and a pair spaced-apart side sections extending up from the bottom section. The pad is sized and positioned in the upper such that when the foot and ankle are received in the footwear, the bottom section of the pad is disposed immediately below a medial malleolus of the foot and the side sections of the pad extend up along opposite sides of the medial malleolus up to at least about the distal neck of the tibia.

Abstract: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, a sole structure, and a leash secured to the upper. The leash is formed of a flexible material and includes a connector strap that extends from a heel portion of the upper. A pair of straps extend from the connector strap and are configured to extend around opposite sides of an ankle. A fastener is secured to opposite sides of the straps and is utilized to secure the leash to the ankle. The leash secures the footwear to the individual, thereby limiting inadvertent removal of the footwear from the foot.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for a boot, such as a snowboard boot. An oily chalk like substance consisting of 90% sweet starch, 9% lubricant, and 1% stearate is included between two sheets of plastic that make up bladder of the liner. The bladder is attached to the EVA of the liner before the EVA is folded, stitched, heated and molded. This allows the bladder to be attached while the EVA is still flat and allows attachment to be performed by machine stitching. The bladder is partially inflated before the EVA is heated and molded. The oily chalk like substance and the partial inflation of the bladder allows the installed bladder to pass through the heating and molding steps of the EVA without the two sheets that make up the bladder melting together. The design and installation of the bladder minimizes the amount of slipping of a wearer's foot and heel within the boot.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A structure associated with a motorcycle boot which is designed to restrict, in the event of accidental falls followed by contact at high speed with the ground, the movements of a leg-piece of the boot with respect to the axis of a heel-piece, comprises a first hinge, which is angularly movable in a substantially unlimited manner and axially movable between two stopping means, and second hinge which is movable only angularly in a restricted manner. Alternatively, the first and second hinges can be formed of elastomeric materials.

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: An article of footwear of the type that includes upper, an outer sole, and the following elements, listed below from the inside toward the outside of the article of footwear:

Abstract: A sports shoe, comprising a soft upper provided with a cuff and with a rear counter which are semirigid and are separately connected to the upper, an additional semirigid element that is associated with the upper or monolithically coupled thereto, in an intermediate region, between the cuff and the counter, the additional semirigid element having, at the rear and/or laterally, at least one first tab and at least one second tab for sliding engagement in first guides formed in the cuff and in the counter.

Abstract: Use of compositions prepared with organic coupling agents carrying epoxy groups for preparing applications requiring simultaneously improved mechanical properties and low viscosity.

Abstract: A skate boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter and defining a first pair of parallel fastening rows around the front edge of each quarter, at least in the vamp area of the boot. The median axis of the rows extends between the third and the fourth metatarsal bones of the foot.

Abstract: A structure associated with a motorcycle boot which is designed to restrict, in the event of accidental falls followed by contact at high speed with the ground, the movements of a leg-piece of the boot with respect to the axis of a heel-piece, comprises a first hinge, which is angularly movable in a substantially unlimited manner and axially movable between two stopping means, and second hinge which is movable only angularly in a restricted manner. Alternatively, the first and second hinges can be formed of elastomeric materials.

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

Abstract: Articulated structure for the reinforcement of footwear articles, comprising a first rigid part (110), which comprises a sole (111) and an uprising portion (112) for the heel of the user, and a second and a third part (120, 130), arranged on opposite sides of said first part (110) with respect to the longitudinal center-line plane. Each one of these parts is separately joined to said uprising portion (112) of the first part (110) so as to obtain independent forward movements (FA, FB) and rearward movements (FC, FD) of a limited extent thereof. USE: Sports footwear, work-shoes and the like. ADVANTAGES: improved movement freedom of the foot, while maintaining the desired side support function unaltered; improved manufacturability of the footwear.

Abstract: A stabilization device for an athletic shoe or sneaker having two elongate straps for wrapping around a foot within the shoe. The straps are attached to the inside sidewalls of the shoe and exit the shoe through lateral slits adjacent to the sole. Each strap then passes through a buckle, and the two straps are attached to each other with a VELCRO material. Two lateral support bumpers, integral with the shoe near the sole and which project outwardly on the lateral sidewall, provides further projection against foot injuries. The upper shoe component having a sufficiently stiff consistency to prevent acute angles that form during inversion stresses.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for a boot, such as a snowboard boot. An oily chalk like substance consisting of 90% sweet starch, 9% lubricant, and 1% stearate is included between two sheets of plastic that make up bladder of the liner. The bladder is attached to the EVA of the liner before the EVA is folded, stitched, heated and molded. This allows the bladder to be attached while the EVA is still flat and allows attachment to be performed by machine stitching. The bladder is partially inflated before the EVA is heated and molded. The oily chalk like substance and the partial inflation of the bladder allows the installed bladder to pass through the heating and molding steps of the EVA without the two sheets that make up the bladder melting together. The design and installation of the bladder minimizes the amount of slipping of a wearer's foot and heel within the boot.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole for supporting a foot and an upper attached to the sole for covering the foot and adjoining ankle. The sole and upper define an interior of the footwear and is sized and shaped for receiving the foot and ankle. The upper has an outer shell that forms an exterior of the footwear and an inner lining that is adjacent the foot and ankle when they are received in the interior of the footwear. A compressible generally U-shaped pad is positioned between the shell and the lining of the upper. The pad has a bottom section and a pair spaced-apart side sections extending up from the bottom section. The pad is sized and positioned in the upper such that when the foot and ankle are received in the footwear, the bottom section of the pad is disposed immediately below a medial malleolus of the foot and the side sections of the pad extend up along opposite sides of the medial malleolus up to at least about the distal neck of the tibia.

Abstract: In a sports footwear that comprises also a rigid reinforcement structure (200), a shoe (100) of soft, flexiable material comprises two superimposed sub-assemblies (110, 150). The upper sub-assembly (150) slides, jointly with a leg-portion (120) that is a part of the lower sub-assembly (110), with respect to an upper (111) which is also a part of the said lower sub-assembly. USE: skates with in-line rollers, boots for cross-country skiing, snowboard and the like. Advantages: improved flexibility of the user's ankle. Improved manufacturability.

Abstract: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: A comfort upper for footwear adapted in particular to equip a sports boot and an inner liner for a sports boot. The upper includes a stiffener, positioned between the inner lining and the outer covering, which is made of a thermoformable material. The upper also includes a comfort element, positioned between the inner lining and the stiffener, which is softer than the stiffener and which is possibly made of thermoformable material. This comfort element includes perforations enabling the thermoforming of the stiffener by propulsion of hot air within the footwear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.

Abstract: Structure, associated with a motorcycle boot, which is designed to restrict, in the event of accidental falls followed by contact at high speed with the ground, the movements of the leg-piece (12) of the boot with respect to the axis of a heel-piece (14). First hinge (16) which are angularly movable in a substantially unlimited manner and axially movable between two stops and second hinge (18) which are movable only angularly in a restricted manner. Alternatively, the first and second hinges can be formed by elements (176, 178) made of elastomeric materials.

Abstract: Described are shoes, orthodic appliances, and anatomic braces containing superelastic support members for enhanced performance. The superelastic supports provide dynamic response to deflection. As such, the superelastic supports incorporated in the soles of shoes enhance walking, running, jumping, kicking, or other motion involving the foot. The superelastic supports may be incorporated in the body of shoes to reinforce the ankle joint. The embodiments of the invention also provide superelastic supports in braces to reinforce or stabilize the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, shoulders, back, neck, hips, or other anatomy commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The braces also intensify the motion of anatomic structures, apply a specific resistance at the joint to strengthen the muscles during training or rehabilitation, and/or immobilize or stabilize joints, bones, or other anatomic structures during healing of an injury.

Abstract: Disclosed are unidirectional support devices and articles incorporating such devices. The devices are substantially flexible in one direction while substantially rigid in an opposing direction. The devices can be manufactured in essentially any shape or size and can be incorporated into a variety of articles of sports equipment, such as sport shoes, elbow braces, gloves, etc. The devices disclosed are typically made of polymeric materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a sole, an upper, a plurality of band-shaped members, and a fastening member. The upper has a toe portion, a heel portion, a forefoot portion and a lower periphery. The upper is secured to the sole and has a plurality of elongated through holes at regions except the toe portion and the heel portion. The band-shaped members are secured to the sole or the lower periphery of the upper and extend upwardly toward an instep of a foot of a shoe wearer. The fastening member is connected to each upper end of the band-shaped members.

Abstract: A method for protecting the ankle against injury, limit subtalar joint motion of the ankle by controlling the motions of segments of the subtalar joint fore and aft of the subtalar joint while permitting motion of the foot about the ankle joint with an improved athletic shoe, ankle orthosis. A supporting structure a part of or connected to the shoe or orthosis is preferably in the form of a heel-sole counter provided about the heel and at least a portion of the foot forward of the subtalar joint which includes a split toe sole extension. The supporting structure has a semi-rigid shape retaining character which is not collapsible vertically and which together with the shoe or orthosis limits torsional movement of the foot about the longitudinal axis of the subtalar joint as seen in a top plan view thereof by an upwardly extending portion thereof which acts as a torsion bar that is, in turn, secured to the lower leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe, especially for downhill skiing, ski-touring, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, roller-skating or ice-skating. The inventive shoe essentially comprises a rigid underframe (11), which is located below the ankle of the wearer, two connecting links (30, 31) between the underframe and the leg of the wearer, and two casings (14, 15), which are arranged in such a way that they can firmly link the leg of the wearer to the connecting links. The underframe (11) comprises a front housing (18) and a rear housing (19). The housings are arranged in such a way that they can receive a soft inner boot (12). The underframe (11) also comprises shoulders (17, 17′), which enable the shoe (10) to be fixed in a conventional binding. The inner boot (12) is able to move inside the underframe.

Abstract: A sport boot that allows for a reduced resistance plantar extension coupled with a controlled, resistive plantar flexion motion. The preferred embodiments provide a one-piece boot made of a flexible material, such as leather. A triangular portion of the boot material, from a point just posterior to the ankle opening to a larger area anterior of the ankle on both sides of the boot, is cut out. One or more piston assemblies are attached to the boot material on both sides of the cut away portion of the boot. The piston assemblies provide resistance to compression during flexion of the boot but offer no resistance to extension during plantar extension.

Abstract: A highback includes a wing-shaped leg support adjustably extending therefrom that cooperates with a rider's leg to transmit forces from the rider's leg to the highback. The support is movable between a plurality of positions relative to the highback so that the position of the support may be selectively adjustable by the rider to accommodate the rider's particular riding preferences. The adjustable support facilitates the selection of desired force transmission to the board and may enhance board control.

Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially limiting 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 having 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 extending in a fore/aft direction of the orthotic plate corresponding to a fore/aft direction of a wearer's foot, and a width W. The axial length extends beyond the wearer's ankle, but should not extend beyond the shoe upper, such that the internal ankle brace is not exposed.

Abstract: Disclosed are unidirectional support devices and articles incorporating such devices. The devices are substantially flexible in one direction while substantially rigid in an opposing direction. The devices can be manufactured in essentially any shape or size and can be incorporated into a variety of articles of sports equipment, such as sport shoes, elbow braces, gloves, etc. The devices disclosed are typically made of polymeric materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Structure, associated with a motorcycle boot, which is designed to restrict, in the event of accidental falls followed by contact at high speed with the ground, the movements of the leg-piece (12) of the boot with respect to the axis of a heel-piece (14). First hinging means (16) which are angularly movable in a substantially unlimited manner and axially movable between two stopping means and second hinging means (18) which are movable only angularly in a restricted manner. Alternatively, the first and second hinging means can be formed by elements (176, 178) made of elastomeric materials.

Abstract: Articulated structure for the reinforcement of footwear articles, comprising a first rigid part (110), which comprises a sole (111) and an uprising portion (112) for the heel of the user, and a second and a third part (120, 130), arranged on opposite sides of said first part (110) with respect to the longitudinal centre-line plane. Each one of these parts is separately joined to said uprising portion (112) of the first part (110) so as to obtain independent forward movements (FA, FB) and rearward movements (FC, FD) of a limited extent thereof. USE: Sports footwear, work-shoes and the like. ADVANTAGES: improved movement freedom of the foot, while maintaining the desired side support function unaltered; improved manufacturability of the footwear.

Abstract: Apparatus, particularly adapted to covering and protecting the ankles of off-road bicycle riders from injury, has an ankle-length sock made of elastic knitted fabric covering each of the rider's feet and a pair of bicycling shoes having low-cut uppers. A thin guard of a hard, flexible material passing around the rider's ankle is retained at the outside of each sock, extending from the top of the sock to a line proximate the top of the shoe upper so as to protect the inside and outside of the ankle joint.