A shoelace accessory and method of using the same is characterized by a shoelace accessory that provides for one or more portions of material containing one or more grommets that may be fastened to one or more eyelets in a shoe, the shoelace accessory thereby replacing shoelaces in the shoe. In some embodiments, one or more joining and unjoining element, such as a zipper, may be provided in the shoe accessory's middle portion that may allow the shoe accessory to separate and create a gap that may accommodate the entry of a user's foot into the shoe, and that may allow the shoe accessory to close the gap and tighten the shoe accessory to the user's foot, thereby securing the shoe to the user's foot. When in use, the present invention may provide that the user may put on or take off a shoe with ease and safety, or otherwise perform tasks in a desired way.

An adjustable elastic heel strap having first and second elastic closure elements that cooperate to adjustably close the heel. The first elastic closure element is elastic and may be manufactured from a length of elastic webbing. The first elastic closure element may be arranged to engage the wearer's foot. The second elastic closure element is elastic and may be manufactured from an elastic cord. The second elastic closure element may include a cord lock that allows a wearer to selectively vary the effective length and elastic tension of the heel strap. The second elastic closure element may be disposed along the outside of the first elastic closure element to facilitate access. The heel strap may also include a heel pull that is affixed to the first elastic closure element. The heel strap may also include upper and lower retainers that retain and guide the elastic cord and the cord lock.

An adjustable elastic heel strap having first and second elastic closure elements that cooperate to adjustably close the heel. The first elastic closure element is elastic and may be manufactured from a length of elastic webbing. The first elastic closure element may be arranged to engage the wearer's foot. The second elastic closure element is elastic and may be manufactured from an elastic cord. The second elastic closure element may include a cord lock that allows a wearer to selectively vary the effective length and elastic tension of the heel strap. The second elastic closure element may be disposed along the outside of the first elastic closure element to facilitate access. The heel strap may also include a heel pull that is affixed to the first elastic closure element. The heel strap may also include upper and lower retainers that retain and guide the elastic cord and the cord lock.

A waterproof boot is provided that has a waterproof upper, having a foot portion, a leg portion and an ankle region located between the foot portion and the leg portion. A pocket is provided in the upper at an anterior aspect of the ankle region. An expansion mechanism is provided in the upper and is adapted to allow the upper to expand in the ankle region. A selectively removable insert is also provided that is adapted to snugly fit within the pocket.

A waterproof boot is provided that has a waterproof upper, having a foot portion, a leg portion and an ankle region located between the foot portion and the leg portion. A pocket is provided in the upper at an anterior aspect of the ankle region. An expansion mechanism is provided in the upper and is adapted to allow the upper to expand in the ankle region. A selectively removable insert is also provided that is adapted to snugly fit within the pocket.

A shoe with removable portions wherein each removable portion can be separately washed or replaced. The shoe with removable portions comprises a sole portion, an insole portion, and an upper portion, wherein the sole portion and upper portion are removably secured to each other via a fastener. The sole portion includes a first fastener disposed at an upper edge around a perimeter thereof. The upper portion includes a base and a sidewall forming an interior volume with an open end, wherein a second fastener is disposed around a perimeter of the base. The insole portion includes a perimeter that fits within the perimeter of the sole portion, such that the insole portion can be placed between the base of the upper portion and the sole portion when the first fastener and second fastener are removably secured to one another.

A shoe with removable portions wherein each removable portion can be separately washed or replaced. The shoe with removable portions comprises a sole portion, an insole portion, and an upper portion, wherein the sole portion and upper portion are removably secured to each other via a fastener. The sole portion includes a first fastener disposed at an upper edge around a perimeter thereof. The upper portion includes a base and a sidewall forming an interior volume with an open end, wherein a second fastener is disposed around a perimeter of the base. The insole portion includes a perimeter that fits within the perimeter of the sole portion, such that the insole portion can be placed between the base of the upper portion and the sole portion when the first fastener and second fastener are removably secured to one another.

A locking device for sports footwear is adapted to lock two mutually hinged portions of sports footwear or to release them from each other. The locking device may be used in a ski boot for locking or releasing the shell and cuff relative to each other. The locking device comprises a male member and a female member, which members comprise respective engaging elements adapted to cooperate with each other, and actuating elements for moving the members from a configuration in which the male member is disengaged from the female member to a configuration in which the male member is engaged with the female member. The engaging elements of the male member and/or the engaging elements of the female member have a tapered or conical shape, whereby it is possible to make a coupling without clearance between the male member and the female member when the members are engaged.

A locking device for sports footwear is adapted to lock two mutually hinged portions of sports footwear or to release them from each other. The locking device may be used in a ski boot for locking or releasing the shell and cuff relative to each other. The locking device comprises a male member and a female member, which members comprise respective engaging elements adapted to cooperate with each other, and actuating elements for moving the members from a configuration in which the male member is disengaged from the female member to a configuration in which the male member is engaged with the female member. The engaging elements of the male member and/or the engaging elements of the female member have a tapered or conical shape, whereby it is possible to make a coupling without clearance between the male member and the female member when the members are engaged.

A shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion and first and second sides, the shoe including a sole, an upper and a closing mechanism extending from a top portion of the upper down along the first side of the shoe and then horizontally between the sole and the upper around the toe portion, around the second side and around the heel portion.