A shoe may comprise an upper and a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure. The shoe may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to measure force exerted in a footbed region of the article of footwear, as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors. The processor may be configured to receive input indicative of forces measured by the sensors and to transmit data based on that input. Methods utilizing the article may include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.

Modular shoe systems include an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and several midsole inserts. Each midsole insert is positionable in overlying relationship with the outsole and can operatively engage the outsole to form an assembled shoe. The outsole can include a receptacle, such as a depression or opening, configured to receive a protrusion in the midsole insert. Multiple midsole pieces can be cooperatively engaged to form the midsole insert. The midsole pieces are selected based on their properties and the needs of the user. Methods for customizing a shoe include selecting a midsole insert based on a property and positioning the midsole insert in overlying relationship with the outsole to operatively engage the midsole insert and outsole. The midsole insert can be removed and a different midsole insert can be selected and positioned based on another property. The midsole insert(s) can be assembled using several midsole pieces.

This invention provides for individualized adjustment to a user's specific needs through the use of multiple variable size, thickness and rigidity components that can be placed or integrated into an insole. The current invention is an insole that incorporates, but is not limited to: (1) a base layer with various depressions, (2) a metatarsal dome, (3) a first metatarsal head pad, (2) a forefoot wedge to create a pronation moment around the midfoot joint, (3) a heel cushion, (4) a heel lift to raise the heel area of the foot, (5) a rearfoot wedge to increase the supination moments around the subtalar joint, and (6) an arch support of a specific stiffness or with varying stiffness.

The invention relates to footwear comprising a multi-layer structure of the sole, with said sole being composed of at least one outsole (3), an optional insole as well as a midsole (2), wherein the midsole (2) is made of an elastic material having an open-cell structure provided with a gas- and liquid-tight outer skin, with said cell structure being filled with at least one fluidic medium.

A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.

A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

A customizable arch support system for use in fashionable high heeled shoes, designed to provide superior configurability and comfort for the wearer. More particularly, the system provides configurability so that it will provide superior support and comfort for the wearer, while maintaining minimal cross section profile which causes less limitations for the shoe designer.

A customizable arch support system for use in fashionable high heeled shoes, designed to provide superior configurability and comfort for the wearer. More particularly, the system provides configurability so that it will provide superior support and comfort for the wearer, while maintaining minimal cross section profile which causes less limitations for the shoe designer.

An adjustable footbed system comprising a removable arch support and a footbed configured to receive the removable arch support.