A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole having a ground engaging surface and a midsole member disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole member has a pocket extending from a heel region to a forefoot region and a sole plate disposed within the pocket. The sole plate extends from the heel region into the forefoot region. In the heel region, the sole structure is shaped to define an entry region that is configured to increase contact at the ground engaging surface during a heel strike. The entry region defines an angled portion that is angled at an entry angle relative to a flat ground surface. The midsole member is a supercritical foam.

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole having a ground engaging surface and a midsole member disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole member has a pocket extending from a heel region to a forefoot region and a sole plate disposed within the pocket. The sole plate extends from the heel region into the forefoot region. In the heel region, the sole structure is shaped to define an entry region that is configured to increase contact at the ground engaging surface during a heel strike. The entry region defines an angled portion that is angled at an entry angle relative to a flat ground surface. The midsole member is a supercritical foam.

A modular article of footwear has a shock absorbing insert placed between the insole and the outsole thereof, for example at the heel. The insert includes a spring carrier having upper and lower portions, each having a plurality seats for receiving a respective ends of respective coil springs. Each of the springs extends between said upper and lower portions and is captured therebetween. A pair of opposed permanent magnets generates a separating force which supplements the supporting force of the mechanical springs. The insert may also contain a device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a ladies shoe that is constructed of a heel comprising multiple designs, each design is attached as desired by the user to attain the preferred heel length. Thus, a convertible shoe is provided, and consists of a shoe top portion, bottom portion, and sole. The top portion could be changeable in colors and designs, as per the requirements of the users. Alternatively, each of the interchangeable top portions may include unique features, such that the features of the shoe may be modified by exchanging top portions. The interchangeable sole portions may include a common set of features (e.g., structure, design, color, etc.). This convertible shoe is especially useful for women as it has a strong grip and is noise free while walking.

The present invention discloses a weight-bearing structure of high-heel footwear that is coupled to an outsole of high-heeled footwear, or in which a sole cover part becomes an outsole of the high-heeled footwear to linearly contact the ground during a loading response. An embodiment of the present invention provides a weight-bearing structure of high-heeled footwear, including: a heel part linearly contacting the ground; a strut part extending from the heel part; and a sole cover part extending from the strut part.

The present invention discloses a weight-bearing structure of high-heel footwear that is coupled to an outsole of high-heeled footwear, or in which a sole cover part becomes an outsole of the high-heeled footwear to linearly contact the ground during a loading response. An embodiment of the present invention provides a weight-bearing structure of high-heeled footwear, including: a heel part linearly contacting the ground; a strut part extending from the heel part; and a sole cover part extending from the strut part.

An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. A connecting member connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component. The connecting member defines a groove at a lower side of the sole structure between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component. The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to one another at the groove between a use position and an access position. Confronting surfaces of the connecting member at the groove are closer to one another in the access position than in the use position so that the groove is relatively open in the use position, and the groove is relatively closed in the access position.

An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. A connecting member connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component. The connecting member defines a groove at a lower side of the sole structure between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component. The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to one another at the groove between a use position and an access position. Confronting surfaces of the connecting member at the groove are closer to one another in the access position than in the use position so that the groove is relatively open in the use position, and the groove is relatively closed in the access position.

An article of footwear includes a chassis, and the chassis includes a body having a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A distance from the top surface to the bottom surface is a thickness of the chassis, and the body defines a perimeter of the chassis. The chassis may include an aperture within the perimeter of the chassis that extends through the thickness of the chassis. A center region of the body between the toe end and the heel end may include a cored region having a cavity defined in the top surface of the body and at least one vertical support within the cavity. In some aspects, the body includes a non-uniform thickness.

An article of footwear includes a chassis, and the chassis includes a body having a toe end, a heel end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A distance from the top surface to the bottom surface is a thickness of the chassis, and the body defines a perimeter of the chassis. The chassis may include an aperture within the perimeter of the chassis that extends through the thickness of the chassis. A center region of the body between the toe end and the heel end may include a cored region having a cavity defined in the top surface of the body and at least one vertical support within the cavity. In some aspects, the body includes a non-uniform thickness.