The invention relates to a closure buckle for closing a ski boot, which buckle comprises a main lever (2) hinged to a base (1) and having a longitudinal notch (20) in which a tie rod (3) is mounted that is connected to a fastener hook and that has an end carrying an auxiliary lever (4), said buckle being characterized in that the main lever (2) is provided with a protective plate (21) laterally defining a housing (24) for receiving the auxiliary lever (4), and the invention also relates to a downhill ski boot equipped with such buckles.

An article of footwear includes an upper defining a throat configured to receive a foot. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure coupled to the upper. The article of footwear further includes a panel having a first side coupled to the upper for movement between an open position and a closed position. The panel exposes a portion of the throat in the open position and covers the portion of the throat in the closed position. The article of footwear also includes a strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end are disposed on a first side of the upper with a body portion of the strap disposed between the first end and the second end surrounding the upper.

A shoe that grows comprises a sole having a toe, medial side, lateral side, and heel. The toe of the sole extends outwardly to form a toe cap. A vamp member is adjustably connected to a free end of the toe cap. At least one medial strap connects the vamp member to the medial side of the sole. At least one lateral strap connects the vamp member to the lateral side of the sole. An adjustable heel strap connects to the medial and lateral sides of the sole and extends around the heel of the sole.

A shoe that grows comprises a sole having a toe, medial side, lateral side, and heel. The toe of the sole extends outwardly to form a toe cap. A vamp member is adjustably connected to a free end of the toe cap. At least one medial strap connects the vamp member to the medial side of the sole. At least one lateral strap connects the vamp member to the lateral side of the sole. An adjustable heel strap connects to the medial and lateral sides of the sole and extends around the heel of the sole.

The present invention provides a wire tightening device which is installed in shoes or the like and structured so that a tightening operation for tightening a wire can be performed with ease, and the position of a part winding the wire is lifted inside a housing. The present invention comprises: a winding wheel which is positioned in the inner space of the housing and has a vertical through hole formed in the center; and an ascending/descending member that is positioned in the through hole of the winding wheel and coupled to the winding wheel through ratchet coupling, and is provided with engagement teeth which are formed in the lower portion and interlock with locking teeth of the housing.

A closure system for an article of footwear includes a track, a knob, and a cord that is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear. The cord is attached to the knob and the knob is configured to be moved within the track to tighten and loosen the footwear.

A closure system for an article of footwear includes a reel and a cord that is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear. A first segment of the cord is attached to the reel, and the reel is configured to be actuated by pulling the first segment of the cord to tighten the footwear.

A fastener having two strap ends connected by an elastomeric member is described. The elastomeric member has sufficient elasticity to allow a user to increase the distance of separation between the two strap ends by applying a separation force, while providing enough tension to return the two strap ends to close proximity when the user releases the separation force. The elastomeric member may also have an adjustable elasticity to accommodate different applications with different load forces. The two strap ends may each be attached to two connectors.

The application provides for a vibrating foot massager that resembles a common shoe. This vibrating foot massager has a number of vibrating motors which can be placed in a variety of combinations within the sole of the shoe. Preferably, the vibrating foot massager will be equipped with a power source so the entire device will be portable. This will enable a user to enjoy the benefits of receiving a foot massage while on the go. The vibrating foot massager is also equipped with a power switch such that when the motors are not in use, the device operates as a functional shoe.

A device and method to facilitate the opening and closing and closing of a ski boot. The devices includes a buckle attachment section, a ski pole cooperation section and a securing member. The buckle attachment section has a cavity which is dimensioned to receive a free end of the buckle therein to prevent unwanted movement of the buckle attachment section relative to the buckle. The ski pole cooperation section has a ski pole receiving opening. The ski pole receiving opening extends through the ski pole cooperation section and is dimensioned to receive an end of a ski pole therein. The securing member secures the device to the buckle of the ski boot. The device allows the buckles of the ski boot to be latched and unlatched with minimal twisting of the skier's body.