An article of footwear including a sole structure attached to an upper defining an internal void configured to receive a foot of a wearer is described. The sole structure includes a sole body portion having a plurality of sensory node elements located in apertures in the sole body portion. The sensory node elements have a bottom surface configured to contact the ground and move vertically within the apertures. The movement of sensory node element pushes a top surface of the sensory node element attached to a portion of the upper against the foot of the wearer. The sensory node element provides sensory feedback to the foot of the wearer about the condition of the ground. The sensory node elements are arranged at discrete locations across the sole structure to provide sensory feedback at desired portions of the foot of the wearer.

Disclosed are insoles and footwear having embedded pods elevated above a top surface of the insole to provide pressure to certain areas of a user's foot and to help provide pressure and stimulation to fascia to help restore or relieve foot pain, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal pain, heel spurs, neuromas, pinched nerve and aching feet. The pods can be arranged according to anatomical structures of the foot (e.g., based on common locations of plantar fasciitis or sciatica conditions and/or symptoms) and/or according to a theory of reflexology or other therapeutic theory.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer; and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

The present disclosure provides a footwear technology system including a multilayer shoe sole system. The multilayer shoe sole insert can include a lower outsole layer, a midsole layer, and an upper insole layer, wherein the midsole layer includes a plurality of pins extending from the bottom surface of the midsole layer, wherein the pins engage with the pin holes in the outsole layer. The system can include a dynamic upper foot retention system that moves in harmony with the foot's optimal natural movement. The dynamic upper foot retention system can include a top component connecting the lace area to the sole system, and back component that connects the upper heel area to the sole system, wherein when the laces are tightened, the force is directed towards the heel securing the foot to the shoe without forcing the arch down or constricting the raising of the foot arch.

Insole apparatus for use in footwear is provided, comprising a planar insole base positionable on top of a base interior surface of the footwear, and at least one attachment accessory removably attachable to the insole base by way of a plurality of attachment elements distributed on at least one of an upper surface of the insole base and a lower surface of the attachment accessory. The plurality of attachment elements define attachment points, which are arranged with a predefined consistent spacing to enable interchangeability of the attachment accessory with other attachment accessories having similarly arranged attachment points. The interchangeability and removability of attachment accessories allows for customization of the insole apparatus for a user's needs and size and shape of foot.

A method of treating a patient suffering from pain in the lower limb or a lower limb musculoskeletal disease is provided. The method includes placement of at least two calibrated, differential disturbances or protuberances under the patient's feet.

An interlocking mechanism for a shoe can provide the ability for the shoe sole to be attached or removed. For example, a shoe wearer may want the ability to change his or her shoe soles for aesthetic purposes. The shoe sole can also comprise additional functionality for the shoe wearer. For example, the shoe sole itself provide storage and/or lighting capabilities.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer, and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

An article of footwear that is adjustable so as to optimize the pressure distribution and pressure equalization on the foot surfaces. The footwear is configured to adjust to a user's anatomy so as to optimize pressure distribution and equalization on the foot, where the footwear is capable of adjusting the pressure distribution on the foot substantially in real time.

A wearable system is directed to neurological stimulation of a human foot, and includes a controller with at least one bias signal generator for outputting a driving signal. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the controller, including providing electrical energy to the bias signal generator. The system also includes a platform in the form of an insole insert of a shoe, the insole insert having a plurality of actuators positioned in a medial arch region of the foot. The plurality of actuators stimulate the medial arch region in response to receiving the driving signal from the controller. The stimulation of the plurality of actuators provides a subthreshold bias signal to target cells with a subthreshold bias signal magnitude that is below a threshold where the target cells are activated by a stimulus. The plurality of actuators is surrounded with a vibration dissipating material.