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.

An athletic performance shoe with an open toe and an open heal for improved ventilation and comfort. The body of the shoe should be of suitable flexible material, such as the Flyknit fabric used by Nike, Inc. The shoe should include standard laces for enclosing the user's foot in the shoe as the laces suitably secure the shoe about the foot. The interior of the shoe should include soft, malleable padding which forms to the user's foot such that users with wide feet, narrow feet, or other factors will be comfortable in the shoe and the shoe will form around their foot without slipping or uncomfortably compressing the foot. A preferred embodiment would have a thin, highly-flexible sole. The open toe and heel being the primary features of the shoe.

Disclosed are devices, kits and methods for an enhanced pointe shoe for ballet. In some embodiments, an enhanced pointe shoe includes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors that may activate the LEDs based on the ballet performers movements. For example, the sensor may be a pressure sensor that activates the LEDs when a ballet dancer stands en pointe. In other embodiments, a kit that includes a power source, LEDs, one or more sensors, a toggle switch and connecting wires may be used to enhance a pointe shoe. In yet other embodiments, a ballet pointe shoe cover, which for example, may be made from spandex, and that includes the power source, LEDs and sensors may be used to enhance a pointe shoe for ballet performances.

Disclosed are devices, kits and methods for an enhanced pointe shoe for ballet. In some embodiments, an enhanced pointe shoe includes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors that may activate the LEDs based on the ballet performers movements. For example, the sensor may be a pressure sensor that activates the LEDs when a ballet dancer stands en pointe. In other embodiments, a kit that includes a power source, LEDs, one or more sensors, a toggle switch and connecting wires may be used to enhance a pointe shoe. In yet other embodiments, a ballet pointe shoe cover, which for example, may be made from spandex, and that includes the power source, LEDs and sensors may be used to enhance a pointe shoe for ballet performances.

Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper, a midsole with a midsole core and a midsole rim, and an outsole. The midsole core may be manufactured from a plurality of portions that are arranged in a particular order before being placed in a mold. The plurality of portions may be arranged so that the portions at least partially overlap each other. The plurality of portions may be arranged in longitudinal strips. The plurality of portions may be arranged in lateral portions. The plurality of portions may be adhered to each other before being placed in the mold. The mold may apply heat and pressure for a predetermined amount of time to form the midsole.

Articles of footwear and soles are disclosed. The article of footwear may include an upper, a midsole with a midsole core and a midsole rim, and an outsole. The midsole core may be manufactured from a plurality of portions that are arranged in a particular order before being placed in a mold. The plurality of portions may be arranged so that the portions at least partially overlap each other. The plurality of portions may be arranged in longitudinal strips. The plurality of portions may be arranged in lateral portions. The plurality of portions may be adhered to each other before being placed in the mold. The mold may apply heat and pressure for a predetermined amount of time to form the midsole.

In described embodiments, the invention provides a foot pad having a generally planar substrate having a medial side and a lateral side and an upper surface extending between the medial side and the lateral side. A first toe loop extends upwardly from the medial side. The first toe loop has a first size. A second toe loop extends upwardly from the lateral side. The second toe loop has a second size, smaller than the first size. A third toe loop extends upwardly between the first toe loop and the second toe loop. The third toe loop is smaller than the first toe loop.

In described embodiments, the invention provides a foot pad having a generally planar substrate having a medial side and a lateral side and an upper surface extending between the medial side and the lateral side. A first toe loop extends upwardly from the medial side. The first toe loop has a first size. A second toe loop extends upwardly from the lateral side. The second toe loop has a second size, smaller than the first size. A third toe loop extends upwardly between the first toe loop and the second toe loop. The third toe loop is smaller than the first toe loop.