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.

The present disclosure generally relates to shoes configured to receive custom fit orthotics and techniques and methods for preparing the same. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods relate to the production of a custom orthotic insole in conjunction with the use of a proprietary last to produce a custom fit shoe from a non-unique last.

The present disclosure generally relates to shoes configured to receive custom fit orthotics and techniques and methods for preparing the same. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods relate to the production of a custom orthotic insole in conjunction with the use of a proprietary last to produce a custom fit shoe from a non-unique last.

In aspects of the invention, a footwear sole can include a sole member formed of a single unitary layer, wherein the sole member is formed of a compound including ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) and rubber. The compound can further include a bulking agent. The compound can further include a foaming agent, a color master agent and a bridging agent. The sole member can include a top surface, the top surface including a plurality of apertures defined in a rear portion of the top surface. The plurality of apertures can define a tapered shape, and a first aperture of the plurality of apertures can have a depth that is less than a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures can be arranged in a plurality of rows.

In aspects of the invention, a footwear sole can include a sole member formed of a single unitary layer, wherein the sole member is formed of a compound including ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) and rubber. The compound can further include a bulking agent. The compound can further include a foaming agent, a color master agent and a bridging agent. The sole member can include a top surface, the top surface including a plurality of apertures defined in a rear portion of the top surface. The plurality of apertures can define a tapered shape, and a first aperture of the plurality of apertures can have a depth that is less than a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures can be arranged in a plurality of rows.

Removable rubberized pointe shoe caps are provided for using ballet pointe shoes on non-traditional studio and other flooring. An exemplary removable cap for a ballet pointe shoe comprises a rubberized material having a shape that is a substantial replica of an exterior portion of a particular ballet pointe shoe of a dancer, wherein the rubberized material removably covers only (i) a front portion of the particular ballet pointe shoe that includes a box portion, and (ii) a portion of a bottom of the particular ballet pointe shoe, and wherein the rubberized material has a substantially tight fit with respect to the front portion and the bottom portion of the particular ballet pointe shoe. The rubberized material may be, for example, Silicone rubber.

Removable rubberized pointe shoe caps are provided for using ballet pointe shoes on non-traditional studio and other flooring. An exemplary removable cap for a ballet pointe shoe comprises a rubberized material having a shape that is a substantial replica of an exterior portion of a particular ballet pointe shoe of a dancer, wherein the rubberized material removably covers only (i) a front portion of the particular ballet pointe shoe that includes a box portion, and (ii) a portion of a bottom of the particular ballet pointe shoe, and wherein the rubberized material has a substantially tight fit with respect to the front portion and the bottom portion of the particular ballet pointe shoe. The rubberized material may be, for example, Silicone rubber.

Footwear soles, footwear items and associated methods of manufacturing are provided. Some aspects of the invention provide a footwear sole in a form of a single unitary layer composed of a composition having unique and beneficial qualities. Some aspects of the invention provide a footwear sole wherein the composition comprising: ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and rubber. Some aspects of the invention provide a footwear sole wherein the composition comprising: EVA, rubber, and at least one agent selected from a bulking agent and a foaming agent. Some aspects of the invention provide a method of preparing a footwear sole composed of a single unitary layer, comprising: forming, by mixing while heating, a molten composition comprising: EVA, rubber, and at least one agent selected from a bulking agent and a foaming agent; inserting the molten composition to a mold; and forming the sole while curing the molten composition in the mold.

Footwear soles, footwear items and associated methods of manufacturing are provided. Some aspects of the invention provide a footwear sole in a form of a single unitary layer composed of a composition having unique and beneficial qualities. Some aspects of the invention provide a footwear sole wherein the composition comprising: ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and rubber. Some aspects of the invention provide a footwear sole wherein the composition comprising: EVA, rubber, and at least one agent selected from a bulking agent and a foaming agent. Some aspects of the invention provide a method of preparing a footwear sole composed of a single unitary layer, comprising: forming, by mixing while heating, a molten composition comprising: EVA, rubber, and at least one agent selected from a bulking agent and a foaming agent; inserting the molten composition to a mold; and forming the sole while curing the molten composition in the mold.

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.