A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.

A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.

In one aspect, methods of making a knitted shoe component are described herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises knitting one or more fibers to form a toe portion; knitting one or more fibers to form a first wing portion; and knitting one or more fibers to form a second wing portion. The first and second wing portions extend from the toe portion and are knittingly connected to the toe portion. The method further comprises reducing the lateral separation between the first and second wing portions from an initial separation distance to a knitting separation distance such that the wing portions can be knitted together to form a seamless heel portion of the shoe component, including using a series of stitch transfer, racking, and knitting steps.

This invention is a one-use, disposable hygienic shower sock for wearing in showers, locker rooms, or other similar areas where bare feet come into contact with damp or wet floors. The shower sock is made of a biodegradable plastic or fabric material with a water permeable upper portion and a water-proof sole. The inside of the shower sock may be treated with one or more preventative or treatment applications, such as an anti-fungal agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a plantar wart guard, a foot detox product, an anti-microbial agent, or an anti-viral agent. Essential oil based deodorizers, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender may also be applied inside the shower sock. The bottom of the sole may have an anti-slip gripping element to prevent the wearer from slipping on wet floors.

A shoe with a superior wearing sensation is equipped with an anti-slip structure to forward comfort and safety in a watery place. The shoe includes an upper that covers an instep from above, an insole part that connects to the lower part of the upper and an outsole part which is integrated by adhesion with the insole part and the upper and which is supported by an outsole surface, wherein the outsole part is equipped with an anti-slip structure in which a plurality of suction parts are arranged while a suction part includes a cup that tightly contacts along the cup rim to the ground surface to provide, by being compressed, suction force and a protuberance that protrudes downward from the center of the cup.

A shoe with a superior wearing sensation is equipped with an anti-slip structure to forward comfort and safety in a watery place. The shoe includes an upper that covers an instep from above, an insole part that connects to the lower part of the upper and an outsole part which is integrated by adhesion with the insole part and the upper and which is supported by an outsole surface, wherein the outsole part is equipped with an anti-slip structure in which a plurality of suction parts are arranged while a suction part includes a cup that tightly contacts along the cup rim to the ground surface to provide, by being compressed, suction force and a protuberance that protrudes downward from the center of the cup.

A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed.

A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed.

Flip flop sandals with a barrier around a perimeter of a sole. The barrier forms a continuous loop, thereby protecting the feet from wind and water in all directions. The flip flops comprise a medial strap, a lateral strap and a toe strap attached to the sole at locations interior to the barrier. The barrier protects the feet from water splashes, puddles, wet grass and wind. The barrier height can be in the range of 0.5-4 inches or 0.7-3 inches. Alternatively, the barrier height can be at least 40% or a length of the toe strap. The barrier can be made of closed cell foam or plastic film. The attachment between the sole and barrier can be water tight.

This invention is a one-use, disposable hygienic shower sock for wearing in showers, locker rooms, or other similar areas where bare feet come into contact with damp or wet floors. The shower sock is made of a biodegradable plastic or fabric material with a water permeable upper portion and a water-proof sole. The inside of the shower sock may be treated with one or more preventative or treatment applications, such as an anti-fungal agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a plantar wart guard, a foot detox product, an anti-microbial agent, or an anti-viral agent. Essential oil based deodorizers, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender may also be applied inside the shower sock. The bottom of the sole may have an anti-slip gripping element to prevent the wearer from slipping on wet floors.