An article of footwear, such as a high heeled shoe, has a resilient midsole layer having a thickness of at least about 5 mm which is formed in a lattice arrangement for providing comfort to the wearer.

A method for modifying a high heel shoe to reduce the angulation of the wearer's foot includes obtaining an external pad defining an outer contour and having a top surface, the external pad being at least as large as the area of the toe region outsole that contacts the ground when a wearer walks and having a thickness within the range of one half inch to two inches. The toe region of the shoe outsole is cleaned and the external pad is affixed to the toe region of the shoe outsole. The outer contour of the external pad is trimmed to conform to the outer contour of the outsole.

A method for modifying a high heel shoe to reduce the angulation of the wearer's foot includes obtaining an external pad defining an outer contour and having a top surface, the external pad being at least as large as the area of the toe region outsole that contacts the ground when a wearer walks and having a thickness within the range of one half inch to two inches. The toe region of the shoe outsole is cleaned and the external pad is affixed to the toe region of the shoe outsole. The outer contour of the external pad is trimmed to conform to the outer contour of the outsole.

There are disclosed high heel shoes where separate components combine to create load balancing internal footwear technology. A two-piece system includes interlocking toe bed and shank constructed of complex three dimensional curved surfaces which create an intricately sculpted volume to provide structural support down the length of the entire foot. The toe bed provides a wide base and keeps the big toe pointed straight (at an approximately 10 angle). A heel maximizes the surface area of the bottom of the heel at the point of strike with the ground while retaining a minimal and aesthetically appealing silhouette from the side view. The toe bed and shank feature a composition of layered materials which when combined work to provide both stability and shock absorption to the ball of the foot during the foot strike of walking. An internal support structure provides a padded barrier and intermediary between the rigidity of the shank and the softness of the shoe upper.

The present invention discloses a height adjustable modular heel (2) for use in a shoe, comprises a heel body (22) having a first end detachably attached to a heel base (21) that is affixed to the shoe and a second end detachably attached with a heel cap (23) to protect the heel body (22) from wear and tear, wherein the heel body (22) is formed by identical heel body pieces (22A) that are detachably attached together in a stacking manner to form a desired height for the heel (2) depending on a number of the heel body pieces (22A) stacked, and wherein the heel body pieces (22A) are interchangeable and stackable in any sequence to allow for customization of the heel height, characterised in that the heel (2), assembled by the heel base (21), the heel body (22) and the heel cap (23), forms an arc of a predetermined radius to achieve same or similar level of ergonomics at different heights.

The present invention discloses a height adjustable modular heel (2) for use in a shoe, comprises a heel body (22) having a first end detachably attached to a heel base (21) that is affixed to the shoe and a second end detachably attached with a heel cap (23) to protect the heel body (22) from wear and tear, wherein the heel body (22) is formed by identical heel body pieces (22A) that are detachably attached together in a stacking manner to form a desired height for the heel (2) depending on a number of the heel body pieces (22A) stacked, and wherein the heel body pieces (22A) are interchangeable and stackable in any sequence to allow for customization of the heel height, characterised in that the heel (2), assembled by the heel base (21), the heel body (22) and the heel cap (23), forms an arc of a predetermined radius to achieve same or similar level of ergonomics at different heights.

A process for fabricating shoes having an outer cork sole insert includes processing raw cork into sheets of predetermined thickness, adhering a thin fabric sheet to one side of the intermediate cork sheets, cutting out cork/fabric sole inserts and placing them into an injection mold, and cycling the plastic injection mold so as to form a cork insert into the plastic sole.

A platform shoe has a wearer-determinable configuration. The shoe comprises a footwear upper. A housing bottom member has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the housing bottom member defines a housing bottom member anchoring shape. A platform member has a top platform surface and a bottom platform surface, the top platform surface of the platform member defines a platform top anchoring shape. The platform top anchoring shape mates with the housing bottom member anchoring shape. The bottom platform surface of the platform member defines a platform bottom anchoring shape. A base member has a top base surface and a bottom base surface, the top base surface of the base member defines a base top anchoring shape. The base top anchoring shape mates with the platform bottom anchoring shape. The base member is configured to underlie and support the platform member.

A platform shoe has a wearer-determinable configuration. The shoe comprises a footwear upper. A housing bottom member has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the housing bottom member defines a housing bottom member anchoring shape. A platform member has a top platform surface and a bottom platform surface, the top platform surface of the platform member defines a platform top anchoring shape. The platform top anchoring shape mates with the housing bottom member anchoring shape. The bottom platform surface of the platform member defines a platform bottom anchoring shape. A base member has a top base surface and a bottom base surface, the top base surface of the base member defines a base top anchoring shape. The base top anchoring shape mates with the platform bottom anchoring shape. The base member is configured to underlie and support the platform member.