The present invention relates to a professional work shoe (1) with a reinforced heel, comprising an upper (2) and a layered sole (3) associated with said upper (2). According to the invention, said professional work shoe (1) comprises a reinforced heel (10) made of a thermoplastic polymer associated respectively with said upper (2) and with said layered sole (3), said reinforced heel (10) comprising a plurality of through openings (11), wherein at least one waterproof and breathable membrane (12) is fixed to said reinforced heel (10) at least in correspondence with said through openings (11), said professional work shoe (1) further comprising an inner lining (13) adapted to cover at least the inner surface of said reinforced heel (10).

A shoe component includes a base structure which is substantially shaped so as to reproduce at least partially the sole of a foot of a user, the base structure having an upper surface which is designed to be directed toward the foot and a lower surface which is opposite the upper surface, the component comprising one or more through holes and one or more blind holes provided in the base structure. The one or more through holes are in communication with one or more of the one or more blind holes through one or more channels provided in the base structure.

A shoe component includes a base structure which is substantially shaped so as to reproduce at least partially the sole of a foot of a user, the base structure having an upper surface which is designed to be directed toward the foot and a lower surface which is opposite the upper surface, the component comprising one or more through holes and one or more blind holes provided in the base structure. The one or more through holes are in communication with one or more of the one or more blind holes through one or more channels provided in the base structure.

This disclosure represents a novel article of footwear that has a built-in toe drying system. The footwear is preferably in the form of a sandal having a sole and a strap attached to opposite sides of the sole and fastened to the top of the sole near forefoot region. More specifically, the footwear has a pair of micro fans releasably mounted in openings disposed in the strap. One micro fan is connected to a duct integrated in strap and the other micro fan is connected to a duct positioned along the side of the sole. The airflow generated by the micro fans are directed towards respective connected ducts such that the airflow is expelled through holes to dry moisture and water on foot of a wearer of the footwear. The sole has a plurality of ripples on top surface thereof and the ripples facilitate drainage of water.

An upper includes an upper body covering the instep of a foot. An upper body includes a first layer, a second layer disposed with a gap from the first layer, and a third layer connecting the first layer and the second layer. A part of the upper body is disposed with a low stiffness region having lower stiffness than an adjacent region. At least a part of the low stiffness region has a point in which the third layer is not disposed. A plurality of holes is disposed in at least a part of a portion of the first layer and the second layer of the low stiffness region corresponding to the point in which the third layer is not disposed.

A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

This disclosure represents a novel article of footwear that has a built-in toe drying system. The footwear is preferably in the form of a sandal having a sole and a strap attached to opposite sides of the sole and fastened to the top of the sole near forefoot region. More specifically, the footwear has a pair of micro fans releasably mounted in openings disposed in the strap. One micro fan is connected to a duct integrated in strap and the other micro fan is connected to a duct positioned along the side of the sole. The airflow generated by the micro fans are directed towards respective connected ducts such that the airflow is expelled through holes to dry moisture and water on foot of a wearer of the footwear. The sole has a plurality of ripples on top surface thereof and the ripples facilitate drainage of water.

Computer based systems and methods for designing (e.g., customization) of consumer products, articles of footwear, knit footwear uppers, and the like. In some embodiments, a user may generate and/or modify footwear designs using a footwear design interface. Additionally or alternatively, the footwear design interface may be configured to simulate the layout and/or operation of a knitting machine to provide the user with the impression of physically designing and/or manufacturing an article of footwear. In other embodiments, the system may disallow prospective footwear design changes based on limitations associated with inventory availability and the footwear design characteristics.

Computer based systems and methods for designing (e.g., customization) of consumer products, articles of footwear, knit footwear uppers, and the like. In some embodiments, a user may generate and/or modify footwear designs using a footwear design interface. Additionally or alternatively, the footwear design interface may be configured to simulate the layout and/or operation of a knitting machine to provide the user with the impression of physically designing and/or manufacturing an article of footwear. In other embodiments, the system may disallow prospective footwear design changes based on limitations associated with inventory availability and the footwear design characteristics.

An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.