Abstract: A shoe has an ergonomic foot pad disposed inside a cavity formed at an upper side of an outsole and connected to a bottom margin of an upper. The foot pad has a heel part which has a concave upper surface conforming to the contour of the bottom of the wearer's heel, and an upward flange extending along the periphery of the heel part. The thickness of the heel part decreases from the upward flange toward a mid part of the heel part.

Abstract: A comfortable heel counter for a dress shoe is provided. The dress shoe includes an upper that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion to define a heel counter pocket. A heel counter insert is disposed between the first portion and the second portion in the heel counter pocket. The heel counter insert is disposed in spaced relation to a calcaneus bone of a wearer. The heel counter insert provides comfort to the wearer and an improved fitting of the dress shoe.

Abstract: A heel cushioning device with a cavity with a plurality of voids located within the cavity, the cavity conformed to accommodate a cushion formed with a terrace at the top of the cushion followed beneath by a plurality of generally concentric terraces or partial terraces increasing in area until reaching a lower portion of the cushion resting on a plurality of springs located in the voids.

Abstract: An orthotic insert having an angled lateral surface that engages the insole so as to pivot the insert in a lateral direction and invert the rearfoot at heel strike, and a medial bottom surface that freely interfits within the heel counter and insole of the shoe so as to avoid limiting pivoting motion in the medial direction as the weight on the foot shifts forwardly and medially. Pivoting motion in the medial direction is arrested by engagement between a distal medial portion of the rigid plate member and the insole along the transverse plane of the shoe. The distal medial portion of the plate member is located generally proximal and beneath the first metatarsal head of the foot. The upwardly angled medial surface of the post permits the post to fit optimally within the heel area of the shoe and also avoids interference between the heel counter/insole and the post that would impair proper operation of the insert.

Abstract: A shoe has an ergonomic foot pad disposed inside a cavity formed at an upper side of an outsole and connected to a bottom margin of an upper. The foot pad has a heel part which has a concave upper surface conforming to the contour of the bottom of the wearer's heel, and an upward flange extending along the periphery of the heel part. The thickness of the heel part decreases from the upward flange toward a mid part of the heel part.

Abstract: A climbing shoe with a sling shot band that wraps around the heel part of the climbing shoe and is connected to the toe part. The sling shot band is set at an angle substantially the same as the sole to increase comfort and fitness of the climbing shoe.

Abstract: A shoe includes an ergonomic insole unit, and an upper with a bottom margin attached directly to the insole unit via a lasting process. The insole unit has a heel part which includes a bottom face, a rear upward flange extending upward from the heel part and a concave top surface conforming to the heel of the wearer's foot. In order to permit the bottom margin of the upper to be lasted over the heel part, the bottom face is coplanar at least in a peripheral region which extends along a corner defined by the bottom face and the upward flange.

Abstract: A shoe includes an ergonomic insole unit, and an upper with a bottom margin connected directly to a periphery of the insole unit. The insole unit has a heel part which includes a planar bottom face, a rear upward flange extending upward from the heel part and a concave inner surface which extends gradually upward and outward from a mid part of the heel part to the upward flange. The thickness of the heel part decreases gradually from the upward flange to the mid part and thus substantially conforms to the contour of the bottom face of the wearer's heel. The ergonomic insole unit contacts and supports sufficiently all part of the wearer's heel for better distribution of the weight of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for incorporating a medial/lateral counter foot stabilizer into shoes. In an embodiment, the medial/lateral counter foot stabilizer of the invention comprises a plantar aspect which extends the length of the sole of a foot, side walls, a metatarsal arch support, a lateral arch support, a medial arch support, and a heel cup counter. The stabilizer of the invention mimics a preferred foot shape, provides support for the metatarsal, medial, and lateral arches, and restricts pronation and supination of the foot. The stabilizer of the invention is designed to be integrated into commercial shoes during the manufacturing process as a method of providing foot support which is currently unavailable in commercial shoes.

Abstract: A modular cushioned insole support system that comprises a plurality of forefoot pieces, each having a dorsally disposed tongue capable of being disposed within a corresponding channel formed in each of a plurality of heel pieces, and optionally a heel cup disposed underneath the heel piece such that the heel piece is supported by the heel cup. The universal tongue-and-channel construction of each forefoot and heel piece enables selection by the user of the desired combination from the respective pluralities of forefoot and heel pieces. The forefoot pieces optimally vary in their construction to have certain sizing and differing cushioning effects. Similarly, the heel pieces optimally vary in their construction to have different alignment, cushioning, and/or anti-pronation effects.

Abstract: A sole includes a strengthener in the form of a closed loop which surrounds the zone on which the heel rests and is extended forward in the form of two branches extending along the two edges of the sole at least as far as the zone of the first and fifth metatarsal heads.

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 footbed system is disclosed which includes at least one sole pad and at least two heel cups. Each heel cup including a base and a side wall extending from the base on the medial and lateral sides thereof. The volume of the side walls of each heel cup is varied to accommodate different width heels of users. The volume is modified by changing the height and/or thickness of the heel cup side walls. A cushion is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a forefoot region and a damper is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a heel region. The sole pad is detachably connectable to the heel cup that best accommodates the user's heel width.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a forefoot portion extending at least to metatarsals of a foot, with a second recess at an undersurface thereof with a plurality of cylindrical protuberances in the recess; a cupped heel portion including a relatively flat central portion and a sloped side wall surrounding the relatively flat central portion; a mid-foot portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion, the mid-foot portion including a medial arch portion defined by an extension of the sloped side wall, the sloped side wall extends to lateral and medial sides of the mid-foot portion, and the forefoot portion, heel portion and mid-foot portion formed from a unitary resilient material; a shell that extends along an underside of the insole, the medial arch portion and the sloped side wall at the heel portion and the mid-foot portion, the shell having an opening beneath the relatively flat central portion of the cupped heel portion and a gap at a rearmost end of the shel

Abstract: An article of footwear, e.g., a shoe for running, jogging, and walling, that is designed to provide a better and more anatomical fit to the wearer's foot to enhance performance and provide better arch support. The shoe includes an articulated arch that is independent from the main sole unit to provide better arch support, optimal comfort, and enhanced articulation. A heel notch is cut in the medial and lateral quarter panels to enable the shoe to move in a manner more like the human foot. A heel clip is provided, in lieu of a traditional heel counter, to provide a secure fit in the heel region without the inflexibility and discomfort of a traditional heel counter.

Abstract: A foot heel massaging device is located in the heel of a shoe to massage the foot heel of a person wearing the shoe. The device consists essentially of a fixed member located fixedly in the shoe heel, a movable member located movably on the fixed member and provided with a plurality of massaging knobs, a confining member for confining the fixed member and the movable member, and two magnets located respectively in the fixed member and the movable member such that the like magnetic poles of the two magnets are opposite to each other to bring about a repulsion force to cause the movable member to move away from the fixed member at the time when the movable member is relieved of an external force exerting thereon.

Abstract: Boot of the type including a rigid frame including of at least one rigid sole portion and a heel reinforcement affixed to the sole, and including an upper that is at least partially flexible, wherein it includes a part forming a cover that takes the shape of at least a portion of the rigid frame and is intended to is pulled on over at least the portion of the frame, the cover being equipped with connecting elements to the rigid frame. Advantageously, the boot includes a liner affixed to the part forming the cover, the outer wall of the liner constituting the inner wall of the part forming the cover.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe comprising a midsole and a corrugated sheet. The midsole is formed of soft elastic material. The corrugated sheet is disposed in at least a heel portion of the midsole. Either or both amplitude and wavelength of wave configuration of said corrugated sheet are made different either or both between a front end portion and back end portion, and between an medial portion and lateral portion of said heel portion.

Abstract: The orthosis is formed of a monolithic semi-rigid resilient shell and is engaged inside a footwear to conformingly fit against the plantar portion of a person's foot, extending from the anterior metatarsal region to the heel portion. The rear end portion of the orthosis has inner and outer rearwardly-extending resiliently deformable arms defining a rearwardly-opened notch therebetween for partial engagement of the heel in the notch. Upwardly arcuate inner and outer flanges are provided respectively on the inner and outer arms, opposite the notch, for forming a cup-like seat for the heel. The front end portion of the orthosis engages the metatarsal plantar region of the foot, and has a sinuous front edge having five frontwardly-facing arcuate concavities each for registering engagement thereagainst of a corresponding one of the five metatarsal anterior portions of the user's foot.

Abstract: Footwear having one or more reinforcement features is disclosed. Footwear having two independent components constructed from a woven material with the strands oriented at specified angles to the plane of the sole of the footwear is disclosed. The footwear may also incorporate a substantially rigid structural collar in the area of the ankle or lower leg. Heel and/or forefoot straps that wrap downwardly and laterally around the heel and/or forefoot may be provided to limit flexing of the ankle and the footwear in a forward or backward direction, respectively. An internal reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of support strips arranged transversely to one another in a criss-cross arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: The shoe construction of the present invention includes an upper and a sole comprised of a lower portion which is mobile with respect to the upper portion, and at least one leaf spring which resiliently resists forces tending to bring closer together the lower and upper portions of the sole. The leaf spring or springs are arranged outside the space taken by the user's foot, and advantageously bend in a manner similar to buckling.

Abstract: A drop foot brace includes an upper support bearing against the rear lower leg and a lower support bearing against the rear heel. A springed hinge couples the upper and lower supports and biases the upper and lower supports against the rear of the user's leg and rear of the user's heel, respectively. A shoe maintains the springed hinge against the rear of the user's leg in the vicinity of the user's ankle whereby the user experiences a lifting force in opposition to drop foot. The brace needs no coupling to the body and includes sufficient flexibility to facilitate comfort when not in use while still providing aid against foot drop. One form of the foot brace includes the heel or foot support integrally formed within a shoe and including a slot formation receiving the remaining portions of the brace whereby the brace may be easily removed from the shoe when not needed.

Abstract: A shoe sole having an outer sole with a heel section and a ball section and providing buttons in the peripheral area of the ball and heel sections and pods in the interior area of the ball section. The peripheral area of the sole is stiffer than the interior portions of the sole.

Abstract: A skate boot is described in which a one-piece plastic ankle and heel counter insert is employed, positioned between the various layers which make up the skate boot. In sequence from outside to inside, the boot includes a conventional outer, the one-piece plastic insert, suitable cushioning, and a lining. The insert has a heel counter portion which is generally U-shaped and which cups around the heel area from along the lateral side, across the heel, and along the medial side, and an integral ankle portion which extends upwardly from the heel area of the heel counter portion and which includes forwardly projecting wing portions which cup around the ankle area from over the area of the lateral malleolus, across the rear and over the area of the medial malleolus. Preferably, the plastic insert extends up most of the height of the back of the boot, and includes lateral and medial cuff portions which extend partially forward along the sides of the skater's upper ankle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe lacing configuration for an article of footware such as a boot, where the boot is provided with two rings, one ring supported on either side of the boot proximate an ankle supporting portion of the boot. A long strap is looped through the two rings such that the long strap defines an elongated C-like shape. Each end of the long strap is formed with eyelets. A lace extends through eyelets formed in the boot in a traditional criss-cross manner, and the lace further extends through the eyelets formed in the long strap. The long strap has the effect of doubling the force applied to the lace in a manner similar to that of a block and tackle thus improving the lace tightening characteristics of the boot.

Abstract: A weight-training method uses a shoe insert to elevate the user's heel while performing weight-training exercises, such as squats. The method entails placing a wedge-shaped shoe insert into the user's shoe at the start of a weight-training exercise to raise the user's heel. The wedge-shaped insert is made of a relatively hard rubber or thermoplastic material and is shaped to fit into the heel portion of the user's shoe.

Abstract: A midsole system for a running shoe or foot prosthesis have a sole spring, a heel spring and/or a forefoot spring stores energy of foot impact and releases it during the running cycle. A preferred embodiment provides bending beam sole systems for shoes or foot prostheses comprising a bending beam heel spring, a bending beam forefoot spring, a two coupled spring sole system, and a three coupled spring sole system. The sole systems of this invention maximize stability, cushioning, and walking or running economy.

Abstract: A shoe construction is described in which a molded cup is provided with a flange extending outwardly from a top edge of the molded cup. A lasting margin of the upper of the shoe is wrapped around the outwardly extending flange and terminates on an exterior surface of the molded cup. The shoe is constructed such that the wearer's foot rests on an upper surface of a base of the molded cup. The outwardly extending flange is located some vertical distance above the bottom of the wearer's foot. The outwardly extending flange improves lateral stability by resisting the torque created by the horizontal component of the wearer's weight acting against a friction or other force acting at the bottom of the shoe. The variable location of the outwardly extending flange also provides a variety of aesthetic designs for the shoe.

Abstract: A boot including, on the one hand, a bottom assembly made of at least two layers, or one wearable layer and a core layer, and, on the other hand, a reinforcement element which is coupled to the core layer of the bottom assembly, wherein the reinforcement element is coupled to the core layer in a region located between the heel and the fore end of the bottom assembly, and it extends freely along at least one side of the upper into the rear region, and wherein a comfort layer is inserted between the user's foot and the core layer. The boot provides excellent lateral foot retention without there being any interference with shock absorption on the comfort layer, and this is achieved while allowing the heel of the bottom assembly free to bend.

Abstract: The construction of a shoe which includes shock attenuating members in the forefoot and heel thereof. The shock attenuating members in the heel of the shoe are in the form of a pair of vertically spaced, resilient cantilevered members, each of which comprises a substantially U-shaped air chamber having a load alignment surface for centering loads at heal strike while concurrently transferring peak loads to the outer perimeter of the cantilevered shock attenuating members. The forefoot shock attenuating member comprises a plurality of segmented air chambers in a planar relationship with each other disposed between the midsole and outsole at the forefoot thereof to properly balance and stabilize loads during running and concurrently maximize durability, cushioning and comfort.

Abstract: The snowboard boot having a flexible shaft that consists of a soft, padded material. Originating from the sole-proximal center or toe region, a strap which has low flexibility in the longitudinal direction extends around the rear side of the shaft within its upper, sole-distant region and back to the sole-proximal center or toe region of the other side. Similarly, a second strap extends from the sole-proximal heel region over the instep of the boot. The length of both straps can be adjusted.

Abstract: A shoe member is formed of a polymer composition comprising (A) a composite material having a low molecular weight material retained in a medium material and (B) a polymer material. The low molecular weight material has a viscosity of up to 5.times.10.sup.5 centipoise at 100.degree. C. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the medium material is up to 3.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/medium material is at least 1.0. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the polymer material is up to 4.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/polymer material is at least 0.5. The polymer composition is enclosed in a rubbery or elastomeric cover particularly when it is used in the outsole.

Abstract: A composite shoe bottom is disclosed comprising a lower layer of firm material and an upper softer layer superposed thereon. Each layer has an upper contoured surface such that the total compressibility of the shoe bottom, as determined by the relative thicknesses of the layers, is predetermined and differs along the surface. The upper layer has an uppermost surface which is shaped to fit against and be complemental to the bottom of the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: A tightening member for a shoe having two straps disposed on the inner and the outer sides of the shoe and an adjuster disposed on the heel reinforcement portion. One end of the strap has lace holes. The strap is divided into two branches at the other end; one of the branches passes through a hole in the adjuster, and is connected to one end of a lateral strip member of a skeleton-shaped reinforcement portion. The other branch is attached to a stretchable member located on the heel reinforcement portion.

Abstract: A sport shoe is disclosed which provides a highly flexible, yet supportive shoe which enhances both wearer comfort and shoe performance, and virtually eliminates shoe break-in time. The shoe includes a two piece sole system, each sole having a plurality of flex areas which provide optimum flexibility in the metatarsal and phalanges regions of the wearer's foot during walking or running activities. The shoe further includes a three-point support system about (i) an adjustable heel counter, (ii) the arch region of the wearer's foot, and (iii) the lace region of the shoe, providing balanced support about the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe upper is provided having a tongue strapping system. A tongue is provided having two or more straps which extend through apertures formed in the sides of the shoe upper. When the tongue strapping system is implemented, the straps serve to create pressure between different portions of the shoe upper, resulting in a secure and enhanced fit.

Abstract: An orthotic device for insertion into a high-heeled shoe is provided. An orthotic device made in accordance with the instant invention virtually eliminates the problems associated with the wearing of high-heeled shoes, particularly pronation effects, general foot discomfort, posture problems, toe pain, and arch pain. The orthotic device comprises a right or semi-rigid shell for positioning beneath the heel of the foot and extending forwardly towards the toes of the foot. The shell terminates behind the five metatarsal heads of the foot, and is shaped whereby to permit the first metatarsal head freely to evert and plantarflex under load, and is shaped such that the heel of the foot is carried substantially parallel to or slightly backwardly inclined relative to the ground plane.

Abstract: A heel stabilizer is provided for the midsole of a shock absorbing sole in footwear. The stabilizer may be provided on a side of a shoe or may surround the entire heel area of the shoe. A stabilizer which surrounds the heel area may be formed as a single piece which wraps around the heel area or may be formed of several pieces joined to form a frame. The stabilizer includes cells when viewed in vertical cross section which provide lightweight, stable cushioning to the foot along the periphery of the midsole. The cells may take a variety of geometric configurations.

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: The present invention is directed to an athletic shoe including a heel strap for securing the foot in the shoe. The shoe includes an upper and a sole. The upper includes a quarter and a relatively stiff counter disposed at the periphery of the shoe. The quarter includes a lacing eyestay having a plurality of lacing eyelets. The counter has an opening formed through each side thereof and located such that when the shoe is worn on a foot, the openings are disposed below the malleolus. The upper also includes a relatively thin, flexible inner sleeve disposed interiorly of the quarter and counter. The shoe includes a heel strap having a heel tab fixed to the rear of the inner sleeve, and side straps extending laterally forwardly on both sides of the shoe. Side tabs including one or more eyelets are disposed on the forward end of each of the side straps.

Abstract: Foot securing device, particularly usable in trekking boots, including a traction element which has a first portion which embraces the upper heel and malleolar region and a second portion which is curved at the foot instep region and defines grip loops for laces. The device furthermore includes a third portion which passes below approximately the median region of the sole of the foot. The device allows, once the boot has been closed, to optimally support the foot while walking, since the foot is secured in the regions overlying the heel and the foot instep.

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 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 heel cushion composed of silicone rubber having a region which can be centrally or eccentrically located directly below the heel spur and composed of a softer silicone rubber than the balance of the heel cushion so that in heel regions subjected to higher pressure, that higher pressure will be absorbed by the softer material and the pressure throughout the back bottom part of the foot will be more uniform.

Abstract: An insert with a wedge shaped cushion portion of greater resiliency than the remainder of the insert which is designed and arranged to be inserted through the foot opening of a shoe into an upwardly opening cavity in the posterior portion of the shoe. The cushion wedge portion is positioned to control the range of rotation of the heel of a wearer upon heel-strike and is provided in different resiliencies so that the insert may be used to properly address the impact resulting from heel-strike in different weights of wearers.

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 improved composite for absorbing and dispersing impacting forces is disclosed. The composite includes a flexible plastic enclosure defining an internal cavity. The flexible enclosure is generally impermeable to air and capable of having its internal pressure changed. The composite further includes a foam core filling the cavity and retained within the cavity and adhered on substantially all of its external surface to the internal surface of the cavity. The cavity can be pressurized for higher impact absorbance. Methods for fabricating the composites are disclosed, as well. These methods include forming the outer enclosure by applying a solution/suspension of the prepolymer of controlled solids content to the core and also can include the step of preheating the core prior to coating it.

Abstract: Ski boot comprised of a rigid shell at least partially surmounted by an upper (4) and at least one padding element (9) inside the boot intended to block the skier's foot. The boot comprises a blocking device (12) having a block (16, 16') extending from each side of the zone of the Achilles tendon into the hollow of the malleoli located above the protuberance of the calcaneum, and the block is attached to a block holder (14) provided with a height adjustment device (17, 17'), arranged along the median vertical axis of the back of the upper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pronation correcting device designed to provide three important functions to correct excessive pronation and eliminate the adverse affects thereof. The wedge comprises a substantially flat cushion portion, a wedge cushion portion and a horseshoe shaped cushion portion. The device provides heel lift, outward heel rotation and stabilization of the heel.

Abstract: 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: 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.