Electromagnetic boots for walking in a zero-gravity environment such as in outer space, wherein a pathway made from a magnetic material can be provided. Each boot in includes an electromagnet in a sole of the boot and a control unit configured to magnetize and demagnetize the electromagnet. The control unit can synchronize the pair of electromagnetic boots for walking.

A last is provided for shaping a shoe upper, such as a custom-made last tailored to a user's foot. Embodiments include a last for shaping a shoe upper including at least an outer peripheral portion comprising an aggregate of a plurality of blocks, the plurality of blocks being joinable together to form a portion of the last and shape the shoe upper, and separable from each other after being joined together. The plurality of blocks includes a first plurality of blocks which are identical to each other. Embodiments also include a method for producing a last for shaping a shoe upper, the method including forming the last by joining a plurality of blocks together to form an aggregate, the plurality of blocks including a first plurality of blocks which are identical to each other.

An article of footwear comprises a sole structure, and an upper including a front section and a rear section. The front section is fixed to a forefoot region of the sole structure and partially defines a foot-receiving cavity. The rear section is operatively secured to the sole structure at least partially rearward of the front section, and includes medial and lateral wings. A medial set of magnets includes at least one front medial magnet secured to a medial side of the front section and at least one rear medial magnet secured to the medial wing. A lateral set of magnets includes at least one front lateral magnet secured to a lateral side of the front section and at least one rear lateral magnet secured to the lateral wing. The rear section is movable relative to the front section between an access position and a use position.

A fastening element configured for attachment to a wearable clothing or accessory substrate whereby ornamental elements are configured for removable fastening thereto for changeable decorative appearance of the clothing or accessory wherein the fastening element is ornamental in appearance whereby it is aesthetically viewable with or without ornamental elements fastened thereto and whereby the fastener is able to be integrated with appearance of the ornamental element or completely hidden by the ornamental elements.

The application provides for a vibrating foot massager that resembles a common shoe. This vibrating foot massager has a number of vibrating motors which can be placed in a variety of combinations within the sole of the shoe. Preferably, the vibrating foot massager will be equipped with a power source so the entire device will be portable. This will enable a user to enjoy the benefits of receiving a foot massage while on the go. The vibrating foot massager is also equipped with a power switch such that when the motors are not in use, the device operates as a functional shoe.

The invention relates to a system for adjusting pressure locally acting on the skin. Said system includes a set of adjacent modules distributed so as to form a layer. Each module includes a cushion capable of changing shape and comprising a cavity, a valve, a tank, and a pressure sensor, wherein the cavity and the tank are in communication with each other by means of the valve, and the sensor is placed so as to sense pressure directly or indirectly acting on the cushion. The system also includes a feedback loop arranged such as to increase or decrease the change in the shape of the cushion on the basis of the pressure detected by the sensor. The system according to the invention can be built into a shoe so as to re-establish normal plantar pressure under the entire sole of the foot, which is particularly desirable for athletes or for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or leprosy. It is also possible to incorporate the system according to the invention into a (bed or wheelchair) mattress so as to prevent decubitus ulcers in patients with neurological diseases (hemiplegia, paraplegia, tetraplegia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and any other sensory and/or motor deficit diseases.

A force or pressure sensing device comprises one or more magnets resiliently held spaced from one or more magnetic sensors such that pressure on the device displaces the magnets relative to the magnetic field sensors. The device may be incorporated into an insole of a shoe, or integrated into a shoe, or integrated into a seat, cushion, mattress or saddle. The device includes one or more magnetic focussing elements on the opposite side of the magnetic field sensor from the magnets to focus and condition the magnetic field passing through the sensor. The magnetic focussing elements may be permanent magnets or magnetic materials having a high magnetic permeability such as mu-metals. Additional magnetic focussing elements may be placed adjacent to the magnets. Plural magnetic field sensors can be arranged in a symmetrical arrangement in a plane below the one or more magnets so that shear forces applied to the device causes lateral relative displacement of the magnet and magnetic field sensors changing the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensors. The device can also include a motion detector such as an accelerometer which may be integral with the magnetic field sensor.

The present invention relates to a movable magnet type bicycle pedal, and a shoe coupling device equipped with a means for preventing attachment of metal powder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a movable magnet type bicycle pedal and a shoe coupling device equipped with a means for preventing attachment of metal powder, wherein the shoe coupling device and the pedal are respectively provided with a magnet, and are coupled to each other by magnetic force only during pedaling, and, when the pedaling is stopped or the running of a bicycle is stopped, the coupling between the magnets is released through a magnetic separation means and at the same time metal powder attached to a shoe is caused to fall so as to prevent the metal powder from being attached to the shoe.

A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear, A charging system may include a charging unit with one or more components configured for use with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. The components can be magnetically joined to the article in some cases. Upon connection with a power source, the article may be configured to unlace automatically. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in an automated tensioning system.

A pair of footwear, such as boots, with integrated magnets includes a left footwear, a right footwear, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The first magnet is mounted adjacent to an opening of the left footwear. The second magnet is mounted similarly on the right footwear. When the left footwear and the right footwear is worn, the first magnet and the second magnet are positioned in an area above the inner arch of the left foot and the right foot. When not worn, the first magnet is attached to the second magnet so that a shaft portion of the left footwear and the right footwear remain in an upright position. The upright position is beneficial for storing footwear and the longevity of the footwear.