A retractable piston cleat system which includes at least one inverted ramp in contact with and positioned to transition at least one piston cleat between a retracted and an extended position when a lever arm, or similar device, is moved between a first and a second position. In another embodiment, multiple inverted ramps are used to simultaneously transition multiple piston cleats between retracted and extended positions.

A base is provided for a ski boot comprising a sole and an outsole element that is positioned in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L). The outsole element is positioned on the sole by using two projections that are carried by one or other of the sole and the outsole element and that locate in holes or cavities defined by the other. Preferably, the projections are carried by the outsole element and locate in holes or cavities defined by the sole. The projections may be integrally formed with the outsole element or the sole. Alternatively, they may be formed by injected pins, rivets, fasteners, t-nuts, or screws.

A base is provided for a ski boot comprising a sole and an outsole element that is positioned in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L). The outsole element is positioned on the sole by using two projections that are carried by one or other of the sole and the outsole element and that locate in holes or cavities defined by the other. Preferably, the projections are carried by the outsole element and locate in holes or cavities defined by the sole. The projections may be integrally formed with the outsole element or the sole. Alternatively, they may be formed by injected pins, rivets, fasteners, t-nuts, or screws.

The present invention relates to a movable magnet type bicycle pedal, and a shoe coupling device equipped with a means for preventing attachment of metal powder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a movable magnet type bicycle pedal and a shoe coupling device equipped with a means for preventing attachment of metal powder, wherein the shoe coupling device and the pedal are respectively provided with a magnet, and are coupled to each other by magnetic force only during pedaling, and, when the pedaling is stopped or the running of a bicycle is stopped, the coupling between the magnets is released through a magnetic separation means and at the same time metal powder attached to a shoe is caused to fall so as to prevent the metal powder from being attached to the shoe.

The present invention relates to a movable magnet type bicycle pedal, and a shoe coupling device equipped with a means for preventing attachment of metal powder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a movable magnet type bicycle pedal and a shoe coupling device equipped with a means for preventing attachment of metal powder, wherein the shoe coupling device and the pedal are respectively provided with a magnet, and are coupled to each other by magnetic force only during pedaling, and, when the pedaling is stopped or the running of a bicycle is stopped, the coupling between the magnets is released through a magnetic separation means and at the same time metal powder attached to a shoe is caused to fall so as to prevent the metal powder from being attached to the shoe.

A footwear system for orthotic support comprising an insole region to which is affixed one or more detachable, repositionable receptacles that accommodate orthotic and/or foot support inserts, and optionally an additional heel receptacle. The footwear system may be usable to provide foot support in closed or open footwear.

A footwear system for orthotic support comprising an insole region to which is affixed one or more detachable, repositionable receptacles that accommodate orthotic and/or foot support inserts, and optionally an additional heel receptacle. The footwear system may be usable to provide foot support in closed or open footwear.

The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a knitted upper and means for cushioning. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a knitted upper and means for cushioning. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

A shoe including an upper comprising an outersole, a toe portion, and a rigid plate; and a heel comprising a threaded shaft upwardly extending therefrom, wherein the rigid plate comprises a threaded barrel comprising a lower open end and an upper closed end opposite therefrom, and wherein the heel is removably attached to the upper based on the threaded shaft threading into the threaded barrel from the lower open end to the upper closed end, and wherein the rigid plate extends over the heel when the heel is removably attached to the upper, and wherein the rigid plate extends past the heel towards the toe portion along the outersole.