Systems and methods of the present invention provide for one or more server computers communicatively coupled to a network and configured to make and use an article of manufacture, and the associated method steps for making and using a soft-shelled foot covering.

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing shoes that includes: (a) preparing a midsole material and performing a multi-functional treatment by irradiation of a defined amount of UV energy to provide adhesive-friendly properties; (b) molding the midsole material from the UV irradiation step to form a midsole having a defined shape; (c) preparing a multi-functional adhesive primer used to provide stable adhesive strength for the molded midsole and secure surface modification and adequate applicability of the midsole material; (d) applying the multi-functional adhesive primer to the molded midsole; (e) irradiating UV radiation to the midsole coated with the multi-functional adhesive primer to perform a curing; and (f) bonding an outsole, an upper, and other shoe parts to the midsole from the step (e) to complete a shoe. Unlike the conventional method for manufacturing shoes, the present invention enables to skip the steps of washing and using an additional primer for midsole to reduce the process, enhance the adhesion and increase productivity.

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing shoes that includes: (a) preparing a midsole material and performing a multi-functional treatment by irradiation of a defined amount of UV energy to provide adhesive-friendly properties; (b) molding the midsole material from the UV irradiation step to form a midsole having a defined shape; (c) preparing a multi-functional adhesive primer used to provide stable adhesive strength for the molded midsole and secure surface modification and adequate applicability of the midsole material; (d) applying the multi-functional adhesive primer to the molded midsole; (e) irradiating UV radiation to the midsole coated with the multi-functional adhesive primer to perform a curing; and (f) bonding an outsole, an upper, and other shoe parts to the midsole from the step (e) to complete a shoe. Unlike the conventional method for manufacturing shoes, the present invention enables to skip the steps of washing and using an additional primer for midsole to reduce the process, enhance the adhesion and increase productivity.

A shoe sizing assembly for measuring and constructing custom shoe sizes includes a panel that is positionable on a support surface for having a person's foot placed thereon. A scanner is coupled to the panel and the scanner emits a measuring signal upwardly from the panel thereby facilitating the scanner to detect the sole of person's foot. In this way the scanner measures the size of the person's foot. A heating element is coupled to the panel and the heating element heats the panel when the heating element is turned. Thus, the heating element melts an adhesive between the shoe sole and the shoe upper for bonding the shoe sole to the shoe upper.

An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper including one or more elastic portions and one or more substantially inelastic portions. The footwear may further include a plurality of lace receiving members fixedly attached to an outer surface of the upper on the inelastic portions of the upper. Also, the footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper. In addition, the footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a motorized tightening device and a tensile member extending through the plurality of lace receiving members, the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear by drawing two or more of the plurality of lace receiving members closer to one another.

An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper including one or more elastic portions and one or more substantially inelastic portions. The footwear may further include a plurality of lace receiving members fixedly attached to an outer surface of the upper on the inelastic portions of the upper. Also, the footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper. In addition, the footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a motorized tightening device and a tensile member extending through the plurality of lace receiving members, the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear by drawing two or more of the plurality of lace receiving members closer to one another.

A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe comprising the steps of providing an upper and a lining comprising at least one functional layer of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, providing an insole comprising a functional support sheet of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, coupling the peripheral edge of the functional layer of the lining to the peripheral edge of the functional sheet of the insole by way of a sealing waterproof adhesive so as to shape a sock of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, couple the upper to the outer surface of the lining by way of a vapor-permeable adhesive; and couple a sole to the upper and/or to the lining and/or to the insole.

A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe comprising the steps of providing an upper and a lining comprising at least one functional layer of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, providing an insole comprising a functional support sheet of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, coupling the peripheral edge of the functional layer of the lining to the peripheral edge of the functional sheet of the insole by way of a sealing waterproof adhesive so as to shape a sock of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, couple the upper to the outer surface of the lining by way of a vapor-permeable adhesive; and couple a sole to the upper and/or to the lining and/or to the insole.

A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe comprising the steps of providing an upper and a lining comprising at least one functional layer of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, providing an insole comprising a functional support sheet of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, coupling the peripheral edge of the functional layer of the lining to the peripheral edge of the functional sheet of the insole by way of a sealing waterproof adhesive so as to shape a sock of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, couple the upper to the outer surface of the lining by way of a vapor-permeable adhesive; and couple a sole to the upper and/or to the lining and/or to the insole.

A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe comprising the steps of providing an upper and a lining comprising at least one functional layer of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, providing an insole comprising a functional support sheet of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, coupling the peripheral edge of the functional layer of the lining to the peripheral edge of the functional sheet of the insole by way of a sealing waterproof adhesive so as to shape a sock of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, couple the upper to the outer surface of the lining by way of a vapor-permeable adhesive; and couple a sole to the upper and/or to the lining and/or to the insole.