The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for efficiently and rapidly cleaning the bottom of a shoe. The system includes a base having a plurality of alternating, complementary shaped cleansing portions separated by grooves. The configuration of the cleansing portions provides for a sturdy and efficient device for cleaning the bottom of a shoe.

Disclosed is a shoe having a compressible lattice structure in a heel portion to facilitate rapid, easy donning and doffing of shoes. In example embodiments, the lattice structure includes a plurality of interconnected, overlapping, intersecting and/or woven ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The lattice structure has an open position in which the shoe opening is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe, and a closed position in which the shoe opening is smaller to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe.

Disclosed is a shoe having a compressible lattice structure in a heel portion to facilitate rapid, easy donning and doffing of shoes. In example embodiments, the lattice structure includes a plurality of interconnected, overlapping, intersecting and/or woven ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The lattice structure has an open position in which the shoe opening is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe, and a closed position in which the shoe opening is smaller to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe.

The present invention relates to a lacing system for tightening a shoe upper, comprising: at least one strap, and a first and a second guiding element for coupling the strap to the shoe upper, wherein a first end of the strap is attached to a tongue portion of the shoe upper and a second end of the strap is configured to receive a portion of a shoelace, and wherein the first guiding element is arranged in a throat area of the shoe upper and the second guiding element is arranged in a sole area of the shoe upper opposite to the throat area.

An article of footwear includes an upper that has a body extending over at least a portion of a first side and a second side of the upper. A laceless fastening system includes a strap having an anchored end fixed at the second side and a distal end selectively remote from the upper. A first fastener is fixed to an outer surface of the body on the first side. The first fastener is less elastic than the body. A segmented second fastener is fixed to the inner side of the strap. The segmented second fastener includes a proximal segment and a distal segment closer to the distal end of the strap than the proximal segment and spaced apart from the proximal segment along the strap by an exposed portion of the strap. The segmented second fastener is less elastic than the strap.

An article of footwear includes an upper having a tensioning element operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state. The tensioning element includes a first strand having (i) a first portion extending along a lateral side of an ankle opening of the upper to a first turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the first turn and along the lateral side of the ankle opening to a second end at an anterior end of the ankle opening. The tensioning element also includes a second strand having (i) a first portion extending along a medial side of the ankle opening to a second turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the second turn and along the medial side of the ankle opening to a fourth end at the anterior end of the ankle opening.

The present invention generally relates to golf shoes having a lace tightening system. The shoe includes an upper, midsole, and outsole. The upper includes various lace guides that are separated by gaps. The lace is threaded through these guides and the lace can be tightened or loosened by a rotary dial mounted on the shoe. The lace tightening system can be used to close the instep region around the foot to secure the shoe and provide a comfortable fit. The midsole provides cushioning to the shoe. The outsole preferably contains multiple traction members to provide good stability and ground contact. The shoes of this invention help provide the golfer with stability and balance.

A footwear article includes a tongue and a tongue reinforcer, which helps the tongue maintain a shape and position when the tongue is subjected to forces or adjustments, such as from other footwear-article elements or from a wearer. For example, the tongue reinforcer may help the tongue maintain a shape and position when a wearer is inserting his or her foot into the footwear article or when medial and/or lateral quarters press inward on the tongue.

A cable lock includes a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The cable lock also includes a locking member slideably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and including a first lock element opposing the first engagement surface and a second lock element opposing the second engagement surface. The first lock element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth. The first lock element is operable to engage a first portion of a cable. The second lock element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth of the second lock element. The second lock element is operable to engage a second portion of the cable.

A tension member guide that is configured to direct or route a tension member about a path of an article includes a cover member and a guide member that is partially covered by the cover member. The cover member is attachable to the article and includes a pair of slits or incisions. The guide member is folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel within which the tension member may be inserted. The guide member is positioned in relation to the cover member so that opposing end portions of the loop or channel are inserted through the slits or incisions such that the opposing end portions are positioned on an opposite side of the cover member from a remainder of the guide member.