Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

An insole/sole structure contains: a top pad, two massage column modules, a form pad, and a bottom pad. The top pad includes at least one accommodation groove. A respective one of the at least one massage column module includes a holding portion and multiple flexible massaging columns. The respective one massage column module is connected on the top pad by using the holding portion. The multiple flexible massaging columns are held on the holding portion to correspond to a profile of a respective one accommodation groove. A profile of the foam pad and a profile of the bottom pad correspond to a profile of the top pad, such that when the foam pad and the bottom pad are connected, the foam pad and the bottom pad are closed, and the respective one massage column module is limited between the top pad and the foam pad.

An insole/sole structure contains: a top pad, two massage column modules, a form pad, and a bottom pad. The top pad includes at least one accommodation groove. A respective one of the at least one massage column module includes a holding portion and multiple flexible massaging columns. The respective one massage column module is connected on the top pad by using the holding portion. The multiple flexible massaging columns are held on the holding portion to correspond to a profile of a respective one accommodation groove. A profile of the foam pad and a profile of the bottom pad correspond to a profile of the top pad, such that when the foam pad and the bottom pad are connected, the foam pad and the bottom pad are closed, and the respective one massage column module is limited between the top pad and the foam pad.

A sole for sports shoes is provided including a base or tread component, a top or midsole component and a least one intermediate or elastic cushioning component. Advantageously, the sole if able to provide high cushioning, elastic yield and stability thanks to the mechanical or structural characteristics of the sole.

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a set of pinpoint apertures that are formed along the outer surface of the sole member to form at least a first distribution of apertures associated with a first density and a second distribution of apertures associated with a second density, wherein the first density is greater than the second density.

A footwear insole system for use with an article of footwear including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured to an article of footwear or the insole system may be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from an article of footwear by a user.

According to the present invention there is provided a training shoe with a rigid sole plate 6 situated on top of and attached to a highly compliant soft sole part 7. It is used as a training and racing tool for a person who aims to increase the resilience of their leg muscles and joints, through running and walking. The shoe is configured to receive the foot of a wearer with the plate having one or more grooves directly underneath the distal part of the calcaneus 20, the navicular bone, the cuboid 21, the cuneiform bones and the metatarsal bones 22 of the wearer. On impact, during such activities as running, the sole plate enhances the function of the wearer's leg muscles and plantar fascia. It supports the arch of the foot and provides both shock absorption and energy return. It assists in training programmed to provide optimal loading. In this way it is instrumental in the prevention of overstrain on the musculoskeletal structures of the legs and lower back of the wearer during standing, walking, running and jumping.