A shock absorber includes a three-dimensional structure composed of a unit structure repeatedly, regularly and continuously arranged in at least one direction, the unit structure being a three-dimensional shape formed by a wall having an external shape defined by a pair of parallel planes or curved surfaces. In the shock absorber, a differently shaped portion which does not correspond to the wall defining the unit structure is locally provided in a shock absorbing region which is a region in which the three-dimensional structure has the unit structure disposed.

A shock absorber includes a three-dimensional structure composed of a unit structure repeatedly, regularly and continuously arranged in at least one direction, the unit structure being a three-dimensional shape formed by a wall having an external shape defined by a pair of parallel planes or curved surfaces. In the shock absorber, a differently shaped portion which does not correspond to the wall defining the unit structure is locally provided in a shock absorbing region which is a region in which the three-dimensional structure has the unit structure disposed.

A heel integration system for a shoe includes an insert configured to be disposed in the shoe and to receive an AFO brace. The insert has a heel portion and an ankle portion. The ankle portion has at least one recess formed on an interior surface thereof. The recess is configured to receive at least one projection of the AFO brace. Advantageously, the heel integration system allows wearers with AFO braces to utilize properly sized shoes. It should be appreciated that the insert provides a predetermined clearance within the shoe for the AFO brace. Additionally, the insert of the heel integration system may militate against damage to the interior of the shoe that may otherwise be caused by friction between the AFO brace and the shoe where the insert is not utilized.

A heel integration system for a shoe includes an insert configured to be disposed in the shoe and to receive an AFO brace. The insert has a heel portion and an ankle portion. The ankle portion has at least one recess formed on an interior surface thereof. The recess is configured to receive at least one projection of the AFO brace. Advantageously, the heel integration system allows wearers with AFO braces to utilize properly sized shoes. It should be appreciated that the insert provides a predetermined clearance within the shoe for the AFO brace. Additionally, the insert of the heel integration system may militate against damage to the interior of the shoe that may otherwise be caused by friction between the AFO brace and the shoe where the insert is not utilized.

A shoe having a bimodal structure at a sole, the bimodal structure configured to selectively snap to at least one of a second position and a first position. The bimodal structure is a bendable structure that selectively snaps into the first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, and that selectively snaps into the second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, where the first bending force has an opposite direction to the second bending force. A downward force applied to a heel counter of the bimodal shoe while holding portions of the shoe forward from the bimodal structure stationary causes the bimodal structure to snap out of the second position.

A shoe having a bimodal structure at a sole, the bimodal structure configured to selectively snap to at least one of a second position and a first position. The bimodal structure is a bendable structure that selectively snaps into the first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, and that selectively snaps into the second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, where the first bending force has an opposite direction to the second bending force. A downward force applied to a heel counter of the bimodal shoe while holding portions of the shoe forward from the bimodal structure stationary causes the bimodal structure to snap out of the second position.

A shoe device having bimodal structures, configured to selectively snap the device to at least one of a second position and a first position, which selectively snaps the shoe into a first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, apt for placement or removal of a foot, and selectively snaps the shoe into a second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, apt for securement of a foot or having no foot. A forward leaning, flexible stadium arch structure, assembled to form a heel notch mechanism, connects to a sole. A morphing shoe collar portion connects to a heel. These are combined via vector changing devices for greater functionality.

A shoe device having bimodal structures, configured to selectively snap the device to at least one of a second position and a first position, which selectively snaps the shoe into a first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, apt for placement or removal of a foot, and selectively snaps the shoe into a second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, apt for securement of a foot or having no foot. A forward leaning, flexible stadium arch structure, assembled to form a heel notch mechanism, connects to a sole. A morphing shoe collar portion connects to a heel. These are combined via vector changing devices for greater functionality.

An article of footwear includes a strobel having an interior surface and an exterior surface formed on an opposite side from the interior surface, the strobel defining a footbed and a peripheral wall extending transversely from the footbed to a terminal edge. The article of footwear additionally includes an upper attached to the terminal edge of the strobel along a peripheral seam to define an interior void for receiving a foot, the peripheral seam configured to extend along a side of the interior void.

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.