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.

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.

Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Shoe fastening assembly for a split vamp shoe having at least a pair of opposed eyelets on either side of the split and includes an elongated rigid member with an arcuate curved lower surface and a pair of spaced apertures at each end of the member and a throat extending outwardly from each aperture, and a continuous elongated elastomeric band located in each aperture and passing beneath the member and lying on the tongue of the shoe. The band cross-section at rest is larger than each aperture and when stretched readily passes through each throat. A plurality of members and bands are provided for additional pairs of eyelets on the shoe and methods of fastening a shoe are herein included.

Shoe fastening assembly for a split vamp shoe having at least a pair of opposed eyelets on either side of the split and includes an elongated rigid member with an arcuate curved lower surface and a pair of spaced apertures at each end of the member and a throat extending outwardly from each aperture, and a continuous elongated elastomeric band located in each aperture and passing beneath the member and lying on the tongue of the shoe. The band cross-section at rest is larger than each aperture and when stretched readily passes through each throat. A plurality of members and bands are provided for additional pairs of eyelets on the shoe and methods of fastening a shoe are herein included.

An article of footwear includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a plurality of first lace-receiving members on the medial portion, and a plurality of second lace-receiving members on the lateral portion. The first and second lace-receiving members are movable along the respective medial and lateral portions from a first position to a second position.

An article of footwear includes a fastening system including a guide element and a carriage member slidably coupled to the guide element. A lacing element is coupled to the carriage member such that the position of the lacing element changes as the carriage member moves along the guide element. In an embodiment, the footwear includes a lateral side rail and a medial side rail, each rail including a series of carriage members selectively movable along the rail for a predetermined distance. The lacing element extends repeatedly from the lateral side to the medial side, being captured by the carriage members. In operation, the carriage members move along the rail, adapting the positioning of the lacing element.

An article of footwear includes a fastening system including a guide element and a carriage member slidably coupled to the guide element. A lacing element is coupled to the carriage member such that the position of the lacing element changes as the carriage member moves along the guide element. In an embodiment, the footwear includes a lateral side rail and a medial side rail, each rail including a series of carriage members selectively movable along the rail for a predetermined distance. The lacing element extends repeatedly from the lateral side to the medial side, being captured by the carriage members. In operation, the carriage members move along the rail, adapting the positioning of the lacing element.