Abstract: A footwear system for providing enhanced protection and comfort to the foot of a wearer by reducing impact and shearing forces normally received by the foot. The footwear system has a knit sock and a shoe. The knit sock overlies and contacts the shoe and includes a ball portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion disposed between the ball and heel portions. Each of the ball and heel portions is formed of thicker knit fabric than the arch portion thereby providing a greater amount of protection and cushioning to the ball and heel of the foot of the wearer than to the arch portion. The shoe includes a sole having a ball portion, a heel portion, and a raised arch portion for contacting and interfacing with the respective overlying portions of the sock.

Abstract: A footwrap comprising a modified tubular body of elastic material wherein the body has an ankle opening and a plurality of toe openings. The ankle opening is positioned to extend from above the heel forward along both sides of the foot just below the ankle to the top of the foot. The toe openings are positioned forward of the ankle opening so that the body envelops the foot between the ankle opening and the toe openings and exerts a predetermined compressive force to support the arch of the foot. The body is adapted to envelope the heel below the ankle opening to form a heel cup, the heel cup being positioned so that a predetermined compressive force is exerted along the bottom of the foot between the heel and the toes.

Abstract: This split vamp athletic shoe (10) includes separated upper and lower vamp sections (18, 22) which are independently adjustable and provide the shoe with a hinge zone providing the shoe with flexibility. The shoe also includes an outsole (14) and a midsole (16), the outsole being unitarily formed to include upwardly extending instep support portions (36) which are attached to the upper vamp and extend substantially to the leading edge of the upper vamp to stiffen the shoe particularly in the instep area and provide stabilizing restraint against lateral motion and enhance the hinge action. The outsole also includes a second set of upwardly extending side support portions (38) which are spaced from said instep side support portions. In a second embodiment the midsole (116) includes unitarily formed side portions (166) recessed to receive the outsole side portions (136) and cooperating with said side portions to provide additional lateral stabilization and further enhancing the hinge action.

Abstract: An elastic footwrap for treating plantar fasciitis by relaxing and shortening the musculatures of the foot. The footwrap is made of elastic material having a body and an arch support. Both the body and the arch support are generally rectangular. The body covers the top and bottom of the foot and has an ankle opening and toe openings. The ends of the body are secured at the heel so that a predetermined compressive force is exerted along the bottom of the foot when the footwrap is in operative position on the foot. The arch support is positioned perpendicular to the body. The ends of the arch support are secured on the top of the foot so that the arch support envelopes and supports the arch when the footwrap is in operative position on the foot.

Abstract: A customized fit shoe, and particularly a high-top ice hockey skate, having a plurality of interior inflatable chambers. The chambers are configured and inflatable to different amounts to conform to the contours of the arch and the area below the malleoli of the foot in the shoe. The inflation of the chambers is accurately and easily adjusted through an upper push-to-deflate valve. When thereby adjusted, the concavities of the arch and ankle are filled without restricting the plantar or dorsi flexion of the foot.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight composite material having beneficial flexing characteristics is made using a unique reinforcement material. The reinforcement material comprises a fabric incorporating glass rovings with graphite tows in an architectural combination that retains the properties of both materials. Composite structures made using this reinforcement material with a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix are extremely lightweight, with desirable anisotropic flexing properties. The finished composite structure is extremely useful as an arch support in a shoe to absorb and distribute the forces generated by walking. In distributing forces on the foot such a support will provide the desired stiffness along the longitudinal axis while allowing increased flexibility along the transverse axis.

Abstract: An arch support is provided for treatment of problems arising from the displacement of the cuboid-navicular arch, the support comprising a base portion having a rear edge and a front edge, a top portion raised above the base, a first surface sloping upwardly and forwardly from the base rear edge to the top portion, and a second surface sloping downwardly and forwardly from the top portion to the base front edge, wherein the maximum depth of the arch support is in the region of the top portion adjacent the first surface for engaging the cuboid-navicular arch of the foot.

Abstract: In an orthopedic support pad with semi-permanent relief zones, an airtight bladder is filled with a material which retains its shape when air is evacuated from the bladder during the formation process. The afflicted areas of an appendage are temporarily covered with padding and the support pad is then conformed to the wearer's particular anatomy. When the padding is subsequently removed, areas of pressure relief for the afflicted areas are maintained in the support pad.

Abstract: A corrective foot insole for sufferers of an uncompensated forefoot varus, more commonly known as flexible flat foot. The corrective insole has a forefoot and a midfoot portion. The forefoot portion of the insole provides a lift for the two interior toes a distance back to, but not including the heel of the foot. The midfoot portion provides an additional lift to the metatarsal by use of a support arch which is located on top of the forefoot portion. The corrective foot insole allows the midfoot to rotate into supination. The entire first metatarsal and two interior toes are lifted into a position to compensate for the forefoot varus, and this insole also maintains the normal alignment position, motion and function of the entire foot during use of the corrective foot insole while maintaining the heel of the foot in its normal position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamically interactive combination of a shoe and an externally adjustable internal orthotic foot cradle formed of a fabric strap material. The disclosed combination attenuates and beneficially disperses the deforming forces experienced by the foot in weight bearing, limits the extent of pronation and excursions of the various joints of the mid and hind foot during weight bearing and the cradle can store mechanical energy absorbed during weight bearing and return at least a portion of such stored energy in the form of restorative forces applied to the mid and hind foot during the non-weight bearing phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is disclosed having a midsole which is substantially devoid of cushioning material in the arch region. An arch member is located in the arch region to provide support to the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing footgear with comfortable individualized custom support, said apparatus comprising mechanical means to selectively and seperately change the position of multiple areas of the inner sole of said footgear, said areas corresponding generally to the areas of the foot described as the inner heel, the lateral arch, and the metatarsal area, and, whereas such changing of positions involves movement in two different directions: (1) upward and downward, (2) forward and backward, said changes in position are achieved by two different and seperate structures, wherein the movement of each of said structures is controlled by the selective turning of a screw, the heads of said screws being located on the outside of said footgear, where they can be selectively turned at any time.

Abstract: A cross-countery ski boot comprising, at least in the area of the instep, an internal tightening device (17,18) for clamping the foot of the user, and a covering and closing upper (10) which envelops the entire foot and covers the internal tightening device. The internal tightening device (17, 18) is so conceived that is presses the uer's foot against the inner side (10a) of the boot, this inner side (10a) being preferably fitted with a reinforcing piece (11) at least in the area of the internal tightening device (17, 18) against which the foot is pressed.

Abstract: An orthopedic support including a layer of cushioning material is attached to the bottom surface of the arch portion of an article of footwear so that virtually all of the support for a wearer's foot is provided by the arch portion.

Abstract: An orthotic element for use in shoes is adjustable by the wearer in contour and/or support, and optionally includes structure for determining the degree and effectiveness of the adjustment. The adjustment mechanism also provides for variation of the axial canting of the bottom surface of the foot relative to the horizontal walking surface.

Abstract: An insole (10) for athletic shoes and the like. A first layer (12) of the insole is suitable for disposition toward a user's foot. A second molded layer (14) is comprised of a visco-elastic material. The visco-elastic material typically comprises a plasticizer, and, in minor portion, a resin material, and has the ability to flow, upon exertion of a force thereon, with sufficient elasticity to resume its original shape upon removal of the force. The second layer comprises a lower surface comprising recesses which make up less than 20% of the exterior surface in the absence of deforming forces. The recessed areas function to receive adjacent material of the second layer upon application of pressure representative of the presssure applied by the human foot. A third optional layer (16) of a foamed plastic material may be interposed between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A flexible high heel insert that is manufactured from a flat cushioning material. The flat cushioning material is cut so as to have a semicircular rear portion, a rectangular central portion extending at an acute angle from the rear portion, and a tapering end portion extending from the central portion. The insert generally has an adhesive back for placement in a high heel shoe. When the insert is placed in the shoe, the adhesive side of the rear portion is pressed into place in the heel area of the shoe, and the adhesive side of the tapering end portion is pressed against the inward side of the shoe so that the insert has an overall twisted configuration. The twisted configuration provides a ridge for support of a wearer's longitudinal arch and helps prevent sliding and toe pinch.

Abstract: This split vamp athletic shoe (10) includes separated upper and lower vamp sections (18, 22) which are independently adjustable and provide the shoe with a hinge zone providing the shoe with flexibility. The shoe also includes an outsole (14) and a midsole (16), the outsole being unitarily formed to include upwardly extending instep support portions (36) which are attached to the upper vamp and extend substantially to the leading edge of the upper vamp to stiffen the shoe particularly in the instep area and provide stabilizing restraint against lateral motion and enhance the hinge action. The outsole also includes a second set of upwardly extending side support portions (38) which are spaced from said instep side support portions. In a second embodiment the midsole (116) includes unitarily formed side portions (166) recessed to receive the outsole side portions (136) and cooperating with said side portions to provide additional lateral stabilization and further enhancing the hinge action.

Abstract: The normal oxford type shoe of a man or woman includes a sole and heel. A separate heel is usually attached to the back half of the sole. Most shoes have some arch support built in the shoe to conform to the arch of the foot. The improvement comprises a heel connected to a plate under the arch and a spring steel plate under the arch and the heel area. The original heel of the shoe is removed.

Abstract: A walking shoe is provided between its outer and inner soles, and substantially hidden by the ramp at the instep and toe, with a reverse wedge, i.e., one which increases in thickness in the forward direction. The reverse wedge terminates forwards of the shoe heel. The reverse wedge and the sole of which it forms a part remain flexible. The objective is the provision of a shoe which enhances the amount of exercise provided to the wearer's foot and leg muscles while walking.

Abstract: A shoe including an arch support device that operates under tension to cradle the foot and lift the arch. In a preferred embodiment, the arch support arrangement includes an elastic strap attached on one end to the lateral portion of the top surface of the sole and on the other end to the upper by means of the lacing structure of the shoe and held in tension when the foot of the wearer is in the shoe and the lace is tightened. The degree of arch support can be adjusted by adjusting the tightness of the lacing. In another preferred embodiment, an insole with arch support padding may be placed into the shoe between the elastic strap and the foot of the wearer so that the strap and insole cradle and support the arch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic splinting articles and methods for forming orthopedic splints at least part way around an animal body part. The splinting articles comprise a unitary blank formed of an open-celled foam sheet impregnated with a water curable, isocyanate functional, polyurethane prepolymer resin. The blank is dimensioned to extend the length of the body part to be immobilized and to partially, but preferably not completely, extend around the circumference of the body part. Upon activation of the resin impregnated foam sheet and molding the same around the body part, an orthopedic splint is formed. The present invention further relates to the use of such resin-impregnated foam materials as walking heels or laminates betweeen casts and walking heels, as supports for orthotic devices such as arch supports for foot orthotics, and as protective coverings for animal hoofs.

Abstract: An insole construction for shoe comprising an insole layer having a forward portion, an instep portion having upwardly flared walls defining a flexible support for the wearer's instep, and a heel portion having upwardly flared peripheral walls defining a heel cup and having an enlarged opening through which a segment of the heel portion projects, and an insert positioned below and secured to the insole layer.

Abstract: An inner-sole for footwear is constructed of resilient material with a heel portion thicker than the toe portion and a constant tapering angle from the outer lateral portion to the inner medial portion throughout and also a longitudinal slight angle from heel to toe.

Abstract: A personalized insole self made by a patient for relief of foot discomfort and which includes a plurality of corrective components each having a shape formed for a specific correction, an insole which has a surface that contains a plurality of shapes, each disposed for a specific correction and each shape of the plurality of shapes that are contained on the surface of the insole are substantially equivalent to a respective shape of a corrective component of the plurality of corrective components, hooks and loops for affixing the plurality of corrective components to the surface of the insole so as to allow the patient to modify the insole by affixing a corrective component for the specific correction of the plurality of corrective components to a substantially equivalent shape of the plurality of shapes that are contained on the surface of the insole so that a personalized insole can be self made by the patient for the relief of foot discomfort.

Abstract: A shoe pad or insole with areas of adjustable thickness for fitting various shapes of feet in a shoe, boot or the like. The insole comprises superimposed pad layers made of a flexible material, such as leather, for the top layer and cork for the remaining pad layers. A pressure adhesive, such as hot-melt glue, is used to releasably interconnect the superimposed pad layers, so as to allow repeated peel-off removal and reconnection thereof, for specific adjustment of the thickness of various insole areas of the insole for best fit of the foot inside the shoe. This includes discrete thickness adjustment of the arch-support portion of the insole and of the front and rear portions thereof.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described including a sole and a shoe upper attached to the sole and defining a cavity for receiving a foot. The shoe upper has a lacing portion defining lace openings for a shoe lace. The shoe upper further has sidewalls with first and second openings proximate the lacing portion. A supportive sling member is disposed in the cavity and has a widened central portion intermediate opposing side quarters. The side quarters each have a narrowed strap portion adapted to pass through the first and second openings in the shoe upper and extend outwardly therefrom. Means are provided for releasably securing, in an adjustable manner, the outwardly extending narrowed strap portions of the side quarters to the shoe upper, so as to suspend the widened central portion of the sling member in the cavity to provide support to the instep areas of the foot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insert for a shoe, boot, or the like which is capable of plural adjustments so as to adapt the insert to the unique physical conformation of the wearer's foot, to hold the foot in a neutral axis position substantially at all times, to return a foot into the neutral axis mode automatically, and to provide a wide range of support, resiliency, and angulation based on the needs of the user. The device as set forth lends itself to modification for various sports where lateral motion is of primary importance, shock absorption and longitudinal extension of the foot is of paramount importance, or for geriatric patients whereby a single insert and the modifying devices associated therewith address the vast spectrum of orthotic needs.

Abstract: A shoe construction for providing girthing support to the midfoot region of the foot is disclosed. The present invention provides for adjusting the perimeter of the transverse girth of a shoe in the midfoot region under varying conditions of loading. When the foot is in an unloaded condition, the dynamic girth of the present invention has no effect on the original girthing tension. Then as the foot is loaded and everted, girthing fibers or straps are forced into an undulating surface. When the everted foot becomes loaded completely, the girthing straps become mated with the undulating surface in close contiguous contact, thus pulling in the girth straps and producing maximum tension on the midfoot region. The undulating surface may be provided in the outsole so as to be positioned below the girthing straps or, alternatively, in a portion of the shoe positioned above the girthing straps.

Abstract: A custom-fit ski boot orthotic which efficiently transfers movement of the foot to the edges of the skis. The orthotic has a substantially rigid base plate attached to a rigid heel post. The base plate has an arch portion 20-40% shallower than the skier's actual arch which permits the limited movement necessary for foot comfort, without any significant loss in transfer efficiency. The base plate also has a heel cup portion to prevent heel roll. The orthotic of the present invention may be used as an insert or be built into the footbed of a ski boot.

Abstract: A skate boot assembly comprising a main skate boot member, a bladder positioned within the boot member, and an orthotic insert positioned within the bladder. The orthotic insert is formed with two downwardly extending protrusions which fit in recesses formed in a sole portion of the bladder. The bladder in turn has downwardly protruding members that define its recesses and also fit into matching recesses formed in the sole of the boot member. This arrangement properly aligns the foot with the skate blade and with the longitudinal axis of the boot assembly. Further, the bladder is formed with properly positioned relief areas to alleviate unwanted foot pressure in certain areas, and also engages the upper heel portion of the foot to properly maintain the foot in the boot assembly. Other protrusion and recess means are provided between the bladder and the boot member so as to properly position the same relative to each other.

Abstract: A footwear heel disposed between the foot contacting and ground contacting surfaces member, preferably part of a complete heel to toe device, comprising in transverse cross-section a lower posting portion at the bottom surface sloping upwards towards the medial side wall and being less elastically compressible than the remaining upper portion of said member, the lateral and medial sides of said cross-section being substantially symmetrical with each other whereby the thickness of the upper more elastically compressible portion increases as the thickness of the lower posting portion decreases towards the lateral side of said member.

Abstract: Ski boot of the type comprising an inserted inner sole (2) resting on the actual boot sole (3) through the intermediary of at least two pairs of chocks respectively located at the front and the rear of the boot. Each chock is attached to the lower face of the inner sole by an attachment enabling it to be emplaced or removed by simple 90.degree. rotation of the chock about an axis perpendicular to the inner sole.

Abstract: Adjusting device of the arch of the foot for the insole of shoes, boots and the like, formed by a deformable half-dome, shaped likewise the arch of the foot of a human foot, which is anchored to at least three slidable constraint points and is provided with height adjusting means, such as a wedge shaped element slidable inwardly and outwardly with respect to said half-dome.

Abstract: A method for casting in situ an insole on a foot comprising the steps of preparing a mold defining an open top recess, providing a casting material in the recess, placing the foot inside the recess at a predetermined angle and position relative to the mold, engaging the casting material by the plantar surface of the foot, permitting the casting material to conform to the shape of the plantar surface of the foot, and permitting the casting material to harden.

Abstract: An orthotic for controlling the motion of and supporting the foot of a person is disclosed. The flexural strength of the orthotic is variable or adjustable. The means to achieve the variable flexural strength is primarily located under the medial arch portion of the orthotic. A thinner rigid orthotic and a thinner semiflexible orthotic are thereby achieved, neither of which rely upon the arch portion of the shoe of the wearer for support. The thinness of the orthotic provides for a low fit within the shoe resulting in a proper fit of the person's foot within the shoe. In one embodiment, a formed shell of two layers of plastic of contrasting colors is machined to remove a substantial amount of the bottom layer primarily along the lateral side thereby leaving a thickened portion at the medial arch portion. Heel and forefoot posts are machined into the bottom layer. In another embodiment, thin strips of plastic are heat welded to the medial underside of a formed shell of plastic.

Abstract: An arch support unit (10) and a method of forming same for use with a shoe (11) having an inner sole (18) for receiving a person's foot, the unit (10) comprising a flexible support (19) to which is added a first pad (31) adhered to the heel area of the sole (18), the first pad (31) having an exposed first portion (34) of Velcro material, and a second pad (31) having on one side a second mating portion (41) of Velcro for releasable locking engagement with the first portion (34), and the second pad (32) having on the other side an adhesive material (42) adapted when exposed to releasably adhere to the shoe inner sole (18).

Abstract: A shoe-innersole material for use in providing cushioning and support in footwear, and a method of manufacturing the shoe-innersole material, the shoe innersole comprising a heel and an arch section composed of a molded, elastomeric polyurethane foam material of low compression set, the heel and arch sections directly bonded in the molding process to a full-sole material composed either of foam or a solid, flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A running shoe structure which complements the natural shock absorption function of the arches of the foot by redirecting downward forces through the foot both forward and backward during running and preventing the shortening and bunching up of the feet on impact by simultaneously absorbing vertical thrust and controlling excessive lateral motion. A first raised bar in the inner sole immediately in front of the heel serves to hold the heel back while allowing the rest of the foot to roll and pivot over this bar and to stretch forward away from the heel. Medial and lateral arch supports are provided along the two sides of the shoe to keep the mid-portion of the foot lengthened by preventing compression of the medial and lateral arches in the foot. A second raised bar is located immediately in front of the heads of the metatarsals. An outer sole mirrors the shape of the inner sole and with a is secured with a cleating connection to the mid sole.

Abstract: A wooden-shoe to treat hyperlordosis and lipodystrophia comprising: a top member (21) the upper surface of which has generally an orthopedic shape and serves to rest directly thereon the sole of the foot of the user, while under surface (26) is substantially flat and provided with short front and back end stretches (28, 28'), respectively, which are light bent upwards; a bottom member (22) forming the sole of this shoe and so shaped that its upper surface (25) fits together with the solidly connected under surface (25) of top member (21) of wooden-shoe (20), while its under surface has an intermediate substantially flat portion extended from a short light bent upwards rear stretch (30) to the so-called front metatarsal arc (29) and proceeds then forwards up to the tip of the wooden-shoe forming a gradually increasing rise from said front metatarsal arc (29) to tip (31) in respect to the deambulation plan (s) of the wooden-shoe (20), through the front end stretch (30a) of the shoe, which is highly arcuated upw

Abstract: A heel-lock support strapping system for use in sandals, slipper type shoes, low-cut shoes, boots, and like footwear. A heel support strap is wound from the heel end portion of the footwear and thence over the instep of the foot of a wearer and under the arch of said foot at least one time, and thence back over the instep, with the two ends of the strap then being releasably secured together. The heel support strap forms a figure eight from an anchored position at the heel end portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A foot supporting device for pulling the foot muscles back to a relaxation phase intermediate stress phases placed on the foot. The device includes a heel strap which is placed over the heel portion of the foot. An instep strap is placed around the lower instep portion of the foot. Elastic bands extend between the heel strap and the instep strap. The elastic bands pass through a connecting member and are received in an adjusting member whereby adjustment can be made to the tension in the bands, so as to control the pull between the instep strap and the heel strap. A toe strap is elastically coupled to the connecting member for placement around the big toe of the foot. A wire member is connected between the instep strap and the toe strap and placed between the big toe and the second toe of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe insert device comprises a pad of cushioning material having a forward portion for cushioning the forefoot of a user and a rearward arched portion which is thickened and shaped to conform substantially to the arch of a user's foot. The rearward portion terminates short of the heel region of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe-innersole material for use in providing cushioning and support in footwear, and a method of manufacturing the shoe-innersole material, the shoe innersole comprising a heel and an arch section composed of a molded, elastomeric polyurethane foam material of low compression set, the heel and arch sections directly bonded in the molding process to a full-sole material composed either of foam or a solid, flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A footwear insole member comprising a first portion the area of the upper surface of which approximately underlies the area of the longitudinal arch and a second portion the area of the upper surface of which underlies at least about 10% of the medial area of the heel and from 0 to about 50% of the lateral area of the heel, the border of the area of the upper surface of said second portion including about 10% to about 65% of the outer edge of the heel area, said first and second portions being less compressible than the remaining portions of said member.

Abstract: An insole (10) for disposal in a shoe adjacent the sole of the foot includes a cushioning layer (12) having one surface thereof for disposal adjacent the sole of the foot and having a profile around the perimeter thereof which generally conforms to the contour of the sole of the foot to better disperse forces thereabout. The cushioning layer (12) includes a heel portion (14), a mid portion (16) and a toe portion (18). A plurality of arcuate ridges (20) are disposed on the surface of mid portion (16) and are integrally formed therewith. Ridges (20) are disposed in spaced apart relationship on the surface of mid portion (16) and extend across the entire width of insole (10) to form arcs of concentric circles having their radial centers in the middle of the heel portion (14). Each of ridges (20) is triangular in shape with its apex located adjacent the arch of the foot. Ridges (20) are thus operative to create a raised portion (26) on the upper surface of insole (10) adjacent the arch of the foot.

Abstract: Foot supports for use in footwear are molded in polypropylene sheet and include a network of longitudinal and transverse reinforcing ribs integrally molded with the support and extending across an arch-supporting area thereof, the ribs resisting stresses on the support during wear and maintaining the shape of the support without adversely affecting its resilience. The supports can be shaped to an individual's foot by heating in boiling water.

Abstract: In an instep support for footwear, as for example in athletic shoes, strap or band member(s) extend upwardly and angularly forwardly from the insole, or the insole insert, for the shoe, and incorporate a fastening device at the band ends, so that they can be either secured together over the instep of the foot, or applied and held in place by connecting with the surface of a component of the shoe; the band members may also extend upwardly from an approximate central location for the insole, so that not only will the instep portion of the foot be embraced by the support, but the lateral portions of the arch will likewise be snugly retained by the elastic band members to assure full arch support in addition to a firm embracing of the instep of the foot as contained within the constructed shoe. In addition, a harness integrally connects with the band members and extends rearwardly therefrom for extending around the heel of the foot in order to enhance the support of the foot during application of the shoe.

Abstract: An insole includes an abrasion-resistant fabric top covering adhered to a layer of molded modified dense polyurethane contoured to provide maximum shock absorption under those areas of the foot most subject to impact loading and a minimum thickness of polyurethane under the remaining portions of the foot. In addition, a series of grooves extending primarily parallel to the axis of the foot are formed in the lowermost surface of the shock absorbing polyurethane. These grooves provide volume into which the polyurethane may deform during impact, thereby enhancing the shock absorbing qualities of the material.

Abstract: An exercise shoe (10) has an upper (14) and a sole (18) fastened to the upper. The sole (18) has first and second impervious, surface gripping portions (20, 22). The portions (20, 22) are separated by a third, moisture-penetrable fabric sole portion (24). The interior of the shoe (10) includes a terrycloth layer (54) for moisture absorption. An ankle strap (26) extends from upper rear (32) of heel (34), forward around a wearer's ankle (36) above the shoe (10). A body (56) of cushioning material is located between the terrycloth layer (54) and sole (18). Cushioning body (56) terminates at (58), behind a wearer's toes (60) and protects ball (62) of a wearer's foot (12).