A medical shoe having an overmolding layer with a non-uniform density is provided. The medical shoe may include a midsole configured to support a foot, and a frame surrounding the midsole. The midsole may include a foot receiving portion forming a substantially planar surface for supporting the foot and a frame receiving portion opposite the foot receiving portion. The frame may include an overmolding layer extending from a side of the frame opposite the midsole so as to form a ground contacting surface. The overmolding layer may have a non-uniform density. The sole assembly may be secured to the frame by a self-locking fit between the sole assembly and the frame.

A method of forming a traced element is disclosed. The method may include printing layers of a traced element and incorporating a textile strand in overlapping polymer layers of the traced element. In some embodiments, the traced element may be formed on a base layer. The traced element may be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear.

A waterproof shoe structure includes a sole, a vamp mounted on the sole, and a waterproof lining mounted on the vamp. The vamp is provided with a plurality of vent holes. The waterproof lining has a surface provided with a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions between the convex portions. Each of the convex portions is higher than each of the concave portions. Each of the convex portions is provided with a through hole connected to each of the vent holes of the vamp. The through hole of each of the convex portions and each of the vent holes of the vamp are integrated to connect an inner space of the vamp to an ambient environment.

The present invention relates to a professional work shoe (1) with a reinforced heel, comprising an upper (2) and a layered sole (3) associated with said upper (2). According to the invention, said professional work shoe (1) comprises a reinforced heel (10) made of a thermoplastic polymer associated respectively with said upper (2) and with said layered sole (3), said reinforced heel (10) comprising a plurality of through openings (11), wherein at least one waterproof and breathable membrane (12) is fixed to said reinforced heel (10) at least in correspondence with said through openings (11), said professional work shoe (1) further comprising an inner lining (13) adapted to cover at least the inner surface of said reinforced heel (10).

An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.

A shoe insert is configured as a single component with a specifically-configured shape that provides internal shoe structural support while enhancing airflow within the shoe. The shoe insert is comprised of a rigid structure, such as plastic, that engages with the inner and outer sides of the shoe to provide sufficient support. The shoe insert's inner and outer sides, which engage with the shoe's inner and outer sides, have a grip portion with an upper opening substantially positioned at the shoe's ankle opening. This upper opening enables air to flow therethrough and provide breath to the shoe's interior cavity. Airflow holes spread sporadically throughout the shoe insert's body enables air to flow through the shoe insert and engage the shoe to provide breathability, thereby preventing moisture, mold, and stench.

An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is coupled to the sole structure to at least partially defining an internal volume that is operative to receive a foot of the wearer. The upper includes an enlarged throat opening that is in communication with the internal volume and a forwardly extending flap section that defines a portion of the enlarged throat opening. The flap section is operative to fold laterally across an instep portion of the upper to reduce the size of the throat opening. Additionally, a plurality of perforations extend through a portion of the upper on a first side of the flap section. Folding the flap section laterally in a first direction covers the plurality of perforations to provide selective water resistance. Conversely, folding the flap section laterally in a second direction exposes the plurality of perforations to provide ventilation to the interior volume.

A shoe has an air pump device comprising a bellows formed in a cavity in a heel area of the sole structure. The cavity has an average height of at least 4 mm and extends horizontally over most of the surface of the heel area, so that a support strip of the compressible material of the at least one intermediate layer remains between the cavity and the outside edges of the sole structure on the sides and at the heel, wherein the support strip extends vertically over the full height of the cavity and the average width of the support strip is not more than 20% of the maximum width of the heel area measured transversely to the walking direction. The compressible material has an average hardness between 30 and 55 Shore-A at least in the area of the support strip.

An upper for a shoe includes a knitted fabric including a first region including a continuous series of stitches with a yarn having a thickness of 0.1 mm or more, in which 4.0<nR<12.7 is satisfied in the first region, where n is the number of stitches per inch along at least one direction, and R is the thickness of the yarn.

A method of forming a traced element is disclosed. The method may include printing layers of a traced element and incorporating a textile strand in overlapping polymer layers of the traced element. In some embodiments, the traced element may be formed on a base layer. The traced element may be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear.