An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity.

A proprioceptor stimulation material includes a plurality of pyramid-shaped nodes that may be arranged to stimulate small nerve proprioceptors in a user. The plurality of nodes may be arranged in diamond-shaped patterns and may stimulate small nerves in a user. The material may provide a pattern and/or texture that may stabilize a user's balance. The material may also provide friction when pressure may be applied from the user on the plurality of pyramid-shaped nodes. The material and/or the plurality of pyramid-shaped nodes may provide a hardness that may activate a user's nerves. Further, the material may reflect and absorb vibration external to the material.

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 central sensory node element located in an aperture in the sole body portion. The central sensory node element has a bottom surface configured to contact the ground and move vertically within the aperture. The movement of the central 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 central sensory node element is arranged approximately centrally between lateral and medial sides and between the toe and heel ends of the sole structure. The central sensory node element acts as a home button to provide sensory feedback about movement and direction of forces to the foot of the wearer.

Disclosed herein are footwear and systems for reducing foot pain or discomfort. In one aspect, an article of footwear encompasses an upper; a sole, at least one vibration device disposed within the upper, the vibration device comprising at least one vibrational element capable of delivering vibrations to a user of the footwear; a controller communicatively connected to the vibration device and configured to control operation of the one or more vibration devices based on instructions regarding operation of the vibration device; and a control unit communicatively connected to the controller and configured to transmit instructions regarding the operation of the vibration device to the controller. Also disclosed herein are methods for reducing pain and discomfort using the disclosed footwear, devices and systems.

An article of footwear includes a sole system with a carrier member and a plurality of sensory node elements. The sensory node elements are received in recesses of the carrier member and can protrude through to the upper and/or an insole. The sensory node elements push against the foot to increase sensory perception of the surface underlying the sole system.

A method for manufacturing a massaging shoe comprises: during the manufacture, preparing a shoe sole (10) firstly, wherein the shoe sole (10) includes a shoe sole body (11) having a containing cavity and a top board (12) arranged on the shoe sole body (11), and a controlling element assembly (60) is arranged in the containing cavity; preparing a shoe vamp (20), wherein an inner side of the shoe vamp (20) is provided with an interlayer; preparing a first massaging air bag (30), a second massaging air bag (40), and a third massaging air bag (50); securing the shoe vamp (20) onto the shoe sole (10) to form a sole body, arranging the second massaging air bag (40) on the top board (12) in the shoe body, arranging the first massaging air bag (30) and the third massaging air bag (50) in the interlayer of the shoe vamp (20), and communicating the three massaging air bags with the controlling element assembly (60). In the method of the present invention, when assembly the shoe vamp (20) and the shoe sole (10), since there is no massaging air bag in the shoe vamp (20), the assembly between the shoe vamp (20) and the shoe sole (10) is more convenient and easier, such that the manufacturing process of the massaging shoe is simplified, and the massaging air bag is prevented from being damaged, thereby improving the yield rate; moreover, both assembly and disassembly of the massaging air bag are convenient, and it is also convenient to clean and repair the massaging shoe.

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 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 along perimeter edges of the sole structure to provide sensory feedback along the peripheral boundaries of the foot of the wearer.

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.

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.