An article of footwear can include a ferromagnetic body disposed in the article, and a magnetometer to measure a strength or direction of a magnetic field that is influenced by a position of the ferromagnetic body. One of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer can be configured to move relative to the other one of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer, for example according to movement of a foot in the article. In an example, the ferromagnetic body is disposed in a compressible insole and the ferromagnetic body moves in response to compression or relaxation of the insole. The magnetometer can be disposed in a platform or sole portion of the article that is relatively stationary compared to the ferromagnetic body. Rate of change information about the magnetic field can be used to control article functions or to provide information about a foot strike or step rate.

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.

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.

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 or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot or about the footwear.

An adjustable, interchangeable, and customizable shoe fastening device and its methods of use, to be used in articles of footwear designed for shoelaces, but not limited to such. The shoe fastening devices are comprised of an elongated looped cord with a removable one-piece holding device or a non-removable one-piece or two-part holding device, and an adjusting device to cater to different types of feet, footwear, and activity. The shoe fastening device offers users the ability to customize, interchange, decorate, and adjust the user's shoe fit to make it just right. The shoe fastening devices come as a set, package, pre-assembled kit, or a do-it-yourself kit. The shoe fastening and holding devices can be decorated with paint, nail polish, stickers, glitter, or the like, and can be easily removed, replaced or swapped with family and friends.

An adjustable, interchangeable, and customizable shoe fastening device and its methods of use, to be used in articles of footwear designed for shoelaces, but not limited to such. The shoe fastening devices are comprised of an elongated looped cord with a removable one-piece holding device or a non-removable one-piece or two-part holding device, and an adjusting device to cater to different types of feet, footwear, and activity. The shoe fastening device offers users the ability to customize, interchange, decorate, and adjust the user's shoe fit to make it just right. The shoe fastening devices come as a set, package, pre-assembled kit, or a do-it-yourself kit. The shoe fastening and holding devices can be decorated with paint, nail polish, stickers, glitter, or the like, and can be easily removed, replaced or swapped with family and friends.

An elastic coreless rope belt is a tubular braided rope of no core with stretch elasticity. Wherein the center part of the elastic rope belt along its length keep the same hollow shape, and at the periphery of the rope, it is provided with protruded knot parts of plural middle segment. At the plural middle segment, the diameter of the protruded knot can be changed with the changing of the axial tension. Once the axial tension is relived, the diameter and the shape will return to the origin. Thereby, it is convenient to make position limited buckling and loosening to the object hole.

An elastic coreless rope belt is a tubular braided rope of no core with stretch elasticity. Wherein the center part of the elastic rope belt along its length keep the same hollow shape, and at the periphery of the rope, it is provided with protruded knot parts of plural middle segment. At the plural middle segment, the diameter of the protruded knot can be changed with the changing of the axial tension. Once the axial tension is relived, the diameter and the shape will return to the origin. Thereby, it is convenient to make position limited buckling and loosening to the object hole.

An article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper attached to the sole structure. The upper has a vamp disposed at a forefoot region and a mid-foot region of the article of footwear; an ankle opening; a throat extending from the ankle opening toward the vamp; and a closure mechanism to adjust the maximum size of the ankle opening and tightness of the upper. The closure mechanism has an adjustable lace with a first end adjacent the ankle opening and a second end adjacent the vamp, the adjustable lace connects a lateral portion of the article of footwear and a medial portion of the article of footwear. The closure mechanism also includes: a first toggle; a second toggle; a loosening portion to transition the upper to the loosening position, and a tightening portion to transition the upper to the tightening position.

The present invention extends to removable shoe securing straps. A strap includes one or more portions of hook material on an end and/or on a side of the strap. The strap also includes one or more portions of loop material on another end and/or on another side of the strap. The strap can be inserted through eyelets on both sides of a shoe. The one or more hook portions can then be placed in contact with (e.g., folded over onto) the one or more loop portions to hold the strap in position. Thus, the strap secures the shoe onto the human foot. When secure, a human wearer is essentially prevented from walking out of the shoe. Accordingly, a human wearer can secure shoes to their feet in a more efficient manner.