Reduction of body odors arising from microbial activity in moist areas of the human body, particularly the foot area, is achieved by providing a substrate that is treated with an amphoteric metal compound solution, especially those containing copper, which provides a stable material that can be placed in proximity to a part of the body that typically develops body odor, the treated material providing extended efficacy in the prevention of odor caused by microorganisms despite continuous and repeated exposure of the treated substrate to sweat or laundering.

An ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator for footwear treatment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV footwear illuminator includes an insert adapted for placement in an article of footwear. At least one UV radiation source is located in the insert and is configured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window region formed in the insert. A control unit is configured to control at least one predetermined UV radiation characteristics associated with the radiation emitted from each UV radiation source. A power supply is configured to power each UV radiation source and the control unit.

Provided herein are embodiments of a shoe component. The shoe component may include a toebox, an insole, an adhesive membrane, a thermal-resistant insert, a midsole, and an outsole. The insert may further include a footbed. The footbed may include an upper surface and a bottom surface. The insert may further include an upper laminate on the upper surface of the footbed and a lower laminate on the bottom surface of the footbed.

Provided herein are embodiments of a shoe component. The shoe component may include a toebox, an insole, an adhesive membrane, a thermal-resistant insert, a midsole, and an outsole. The insert may further include a footbed. The footbed may include an upper surface and a bottom surface. The insert may further include an upper laminate on the upper surface of the footbed and a lower laminate on the bottom surface of the footbed.

This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrates, and a method of making the same. The fiber may be a synthetic fiber, but can also be formed as a cellulosic (e.g., cotton). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrate can be made to have identical properties and characteristics of nylon-6 of nylon 6-6 polymer or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial, anti-viral, and/or flame retardant algal derived substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame-retardant properties, and can be used as described herein. Additionally disclosed are algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame resistant properties. Further, a process of manufacturing is presented wherein the process may include one or more of the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

An orthopedic boot liner is provided that is adapted to be inserted into an orthopedic boot to absorb moisture from the foot of a wearer therein. The boot liner comprises a cushioned, moisture absorbent material that absorbs moisture and also improves comfort while wearing an orthopedic boot, such as a walker boot. The liner comprises a body portion adapted to form along the sole of a wearer's foot, the body portion having an upper surface and an underside surface. The heel end of the liner has a curved edge with an upstanding lip extending upwards therefrom to support the wearer's heel, while the mid-body portion of the liner comprises a pair of lateral wings. The pair of wings extends from the sides of the liner and form over an upper surface of the wearer's foot when the wearer's foot is within the liner

The present disclosure relates to a dual-density insole (or sock liner) for a shoe. According to aspects set forth herein, the insole includes a carrier with two cavities. Two inserts with a density or hardness level that is different from that of the carrier are positioned in the cavities for increased performance. The disclosed insole further exhibits a molded geometry marked with shaped protrusions.

The present disclosure relates to a dual-density insole (or sock liner) for a shoe. According to aspects set forth herein, the insole includes a carrier with two cavities. Two inserts with a density or hardness level that is different from that of the carrier are positioned in the cavities for increased performance. The disclosed insole further exhibits a molded geometry marked with shaped protrusions.

Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.

There is a footwear combination system that has a wearable insole and an article of footwear. The wearable insole has an upper portion and a sole or inner sole, and the article of footwear has an outer sole and an upper covering. The article of footwear also lacks an inner sole, which is provided by the wearable insole. The wearable insole is sized to fit within the article of footwear to be worn in conjunction with the article of footwear. However, the wearable insole can also be worn on its own. When worn together, the sole of the wearable insole acts as the sole for the article of footwear, and functions as an inner sole/outer sole when worn without the article of footwear. The article of footwear may be any type of footwear including boots, athletic shoes, dress shoes, and high heels.