In one aspect of the disclosure, a knitted component may have a medial part, a lateral part, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a rearfoot region. The rearfoot region may include a first zone having a first level of stretch and extending from a lower region of one of the medial part and the lateral part toward an upper heel region. The first zone may have an elongate portion. The knitted component may include a second zone adjacent the first zone and having a second level of stretch greater than the first level of stretch. The second zone may extend into the medial part and the lateral part and may substantially cover a calcaneus region.

Provided are, among other things, shoes having elastic tongue-securing straps. In one representative embodiment, a shoe includes: (a) a sole; (b) an upper, extending above the sole, that includes a front section, a left side, a right side, a rear section, and a tongue that originates from the front section and extends rearwardly between the left side and the right side; (c) a left elastic strap that extends from a left side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the left side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the left side of the upper; and (d) a right elastic strap that extends from a right side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the right side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the right side of the upper, with the left elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the left side of the tongue and the right elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the right side of the tongue.

The object of the invention is an elastic shoelace with an eye and a ring. The elastic shoelace of the invention can easily be passed through holes (B) in a shoe (A) and by increasing or decreasing the tightening of an elastic string (1) a ring (5) is hooked onto a threaded pin (4) thus achieving favorable shoe tying.

The object of the invention is an elastic shoelace with an eye and a ring. The elastic shoelace of the invention can easily be passed through holes (B) in a shoe (A) and by increasing or decreasing the tightening of an elastic string (1) a ring (5) is hooked onto a threaded pin (4) thus achieving favorable shoe tying.

Provided are, among other things, shoes having elastic tongue-securing straps. In one representative embodiment, a shoe includes: (a) a sole; (b) an upper, extending above the sole, that includes a front section, a left side, a right side, a rear section, and a tongue that originates from the front section and extends rearwardly between the left side and the right side; (c) a left elastic strap that extends from a left side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the left side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the left side of the upper; and (d) a right elastic strap that extends from a right side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the right side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the right side of the upper, with the left elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the left side of the tongue and the right elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the right side of the tongue.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

Described herein is a flexible but resilient material comprising a soft outside shell and an internal flexible but resilient support core, as well as a method for constructing such a flexible but resilient material that can have multiple applications, including being used to manufacture an improved shoelace to help young children, individuals who are physically challenged, and/or who have a limiting physical disability.

Described herein is a flexible but resilient material comprising a soft outside shell and an internal flexible but resilient support core, as well as a method for constructing such a flexible but resilient material that can have multiple applications, including being used to manufacture an improved shoelace to help young children, individuals who are physically challenged, and/or who have a limiting physical disability.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

The Slipper Sneaker basically describes itself. This shoe is fashion inspired and simply out performs old fashion house shoes and other slip-on shoes. The shoe's benefits include a secure fit when climbing steps, a sturdy sole for neighborhood trips, a knitted cuff for an added comfortable fit, and an arch support for the enthused wearer, and sweat absorbent cotton for our toes. The Slipper Sneakers are the ultimate blend for lounging around the house in flannel pajamas or in sporty muscle tops and jersey bottoms.