A corrective shoe insole system is configured to produce and promote a positive forefoot. A corrective shoe insole system includes an insole having a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The forefoot portion is be thicker than the heel portion to promote forefoot striking when walking or running. An insole may have one or more forefoot risers coupled thereto to provide a specific positive forefoot insole for the user. A user may gradually increase the thickness of live forefoot portion of the insole by adding or changing out forefoot risers. This gradual increase in forefoot thickness of the insole may prevent injury and muscle strain from the adjusted foot striking position. A forefoot riser may be detachably attachable to the forefoot portion of the insole and an attachment feature may provide positive and secure attachment to prevent movement of the forefoot riser.

A corrective shoe insole system is configured to produce and promote a positive forefoot. A corrective shoe insole system includes an insole having a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The forefoot portion is be thicker than the heel portion to promote forefoot striking when walking or running. An insole may have one or more forefoot risers coupled thereto to provide a specific positive forefoot insole for the user. A user may gradually increase the thickness of live forefoot portion of the insole by adding or changing out forefoot risers. This gradual increase in forefoot thickness of the insole may prevent injury and muscle strain from the adjusted foot striking position. A forefoot riser may be detachably attachable to the forefoot portion of the insole and an attachment feature may provide positive and secure attachment to prevent movement of the forefoot riser.

Systems and methods for forming a custom fitted shoe insole. The method includes placing a shoe insole template plate proximate a heating element that heats the shoe insole template plate to a temperature sufficient to make it deformable. The method further includes placing the sufficiently heated shoe insole template plate onto a foam structure, placing a foot of a user on the heated shoe insole template plate, and applying foot pressure to the heated shoe insole template plate, causing it to deform to match a topology of the sole of the user's foot. The shoe insole template plate is then removed from the foam structure, cooled and hardened, and inserted into a shoe as the custom fitted shoe insole.

A sole structure includes: a base having a plate-like shape, and disposed near a ground; a plurality of pillars protruding upward from the base, and spaced apart from each other, the pillars being elastically deformable; and an upper plate portion disposed above the base. The pillars are disposed between the base and the upper plate portion with lower end portions of the pillars fixed to the base and with upper end portions of the pillars fixed to the upper plate portion.

A customizable sole insert for a shoe, the sole insert comprising: a top layer having a first plurality of holes through the top layer; a middle layer having a conforming and curable hardening material; a bottom layer having a second plurality of holes through the bottom layer; wherein the top layer, middle layer, and bottom layers are fastened together by a fastener; wherein a fluid applied to the middle layer causes the middle layer to cure; wherein the middle layer conforms to a plantar aspect area or sole of a foot of a user. Further comprising: a top cover attached to to a top outside surface of the top layer; and, a bottom cover attached to a bottom outside surface of the bottom layer. The customizable sole insert has a method for constructing the sole insert and a method for activating the sole insert.

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.

The present invention is for a footwear apparatus for improved gait bio mechanics. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the footwear apparatus may comprise a heel cup that provides a valgus tilt to a user's good and provides a deep heel cup to adequately support the user's heel. It may also be comprised of a medial arch support member and a midfoot lateral support member, wherein the heel cup, the medial arch, and the midfoot lateral support member stabilize the user's foot in a lateral direction to minimize pronation and heel inversion.

The present invention is for a footwear apparatus for improved gait bio mechanics. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the footwear apparatus may comprise a heel cup that provides a valgus tilt to a user's good and provides a deep heel cup to adequately support the user's heel. It may also be comprised of a medial arch support member and a midfoot lateral support member, wherein the heel cup, the medial arch, and the midfoot lateral support member stabilize the user's foot in a lateral direction to minimize pronation and heel inversion.

Systems and methods for supporting an object to be printed in an additive manufacturing process are disclosed. Support structures (202, 302, 402, 502, 602) are prefabricated and positioned in the build area of a 3D printing device prior to printing the 3D object. When the object has been printed, the support is removed and can be reused to print another object by repositioning the support structure in the building area of the additive manufacturing device.

A high heel shoe that contains a sole insert that includes a forward region supporting the forefoot and a reduced thickness or cut out area disposed beneath the first metatarsal head. The reduced thickness or cut out area provides less support to the first metatarsal head than is provided to other areas of the forward region that support the forefoot. The rear region supports the midfoot and the rearfoot including the heel, with the rear region extending from the forefoot to the back of the optional heel. An arch support may also be provided. Also disclosed are the sole insert itself, methods of making the sole insert and methods of making shoes that contain the sole insert.