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.

An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.

Disclosed is an orthopedic medical device which includes an orthesis structure which is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material or it is made of an elastically yielding material and has at least one external wall to be anchored to a face or wall of an orthopedic guardian adapted to directly or indirectly contact an area of a body limb or body part to be protected.

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 cushion composite structure having a plurality of meshes is provided, including a support layer and a fabric layer. The support layer includes a support structure and a polymer layer. The polymer layer is disposed on the support layer and in the meshes, wherein the Tm point of the polymer layer is less than 70 C. The fabric layer is disposed on the support layer.

A bumper system for use in a shoe may include one or more elastomeric members having a curved top portion opposite a generally flat bottom portion; an adhesive layer on said bottom portion; and a peel-removable cover of said adhesive layer, wherein the one or more elastomeric members includes a first elastomeric member that is configured to be secured within a toe box of the shoe and is configured to match a foot-toe-gap arc of a user of the shoe. A method of using a bumper system in a shoe is also disclosed.

A method of forming a castless orthotic for a patient's foot in need thereof. The method comprises preparing an orthotic template for the foot wherein the template extends between a heel end and a toe end. In preparing the template the steps of attaching a three-quarter length or full length upper thermoplastic material to a or three-quarter length lower thermoplastic material, or providing a thermoplastic material having a variable thickness such that said thickness decreases from said heel end to said toe end is provided. Then attaching an outer lower layer to the lower thermoplastic material and attaching an outer upper layer to the upper thermoplastic material, or attaching an outer layer to each face of the variable thickness thermoplastic material and heating the prepared orthotic template for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature to soften the orthotic template. A wrap is then placed on top of the foot foam and the foot of the patient is placed on top of the wrap and foot foam. The patient's foot is lifted and the heated orthotic template is placed on top of the wrap and then placing the patient's foot on top of the heated orthotic template. The wrap is placed about the longitudinal axis of the foot to retain the heated orthotic template intermediate the sole of the foot and the foot foam whereby the sides of the orthotic template are particularly supported by the wrap. The method further includes ensuring the foot is positioned over a cuboid support and a medial longitudinal arch support wherein the cuboid support is disposed on the outside of the bottom of the foot and the cuboid support is moved to push the foot upwardly until a resistance is felt, and where the foot is also positioned over the medial longitudinal arch support which is then pushed and pulled upwardly until the foot is moved into a neutral position or if it is unable to be translated or rotated due to until it reaches its end range of motion. At this time, the heel of the patient's foot is lifted to place their weight substantially on the front of their foot and a coolant is applied to at least the heel end of the orthotic template.

A footwear stability and comfort system (footwear system) comprises an insole having an anatomic footbed, and footwear incorporating the insole. The disclosed footwear system is designed to provide a cradle around the bottom and sides of the foot for support during flexion while walking, and for proper placement of the foot within the shoe.

An arch support may include a base plate having a base plate top surface. The arch support may further include a contoured arch plate attached to the base plate at a joint. The arch plate may include an arch plate bottom surface. The arch plate bottom surface may face and be separated from the base plate top surface, with an extent of the separation increasing toward a medial side of the arch support.