A footwear sole obtained by molding a single polymeric material, the footwear sole includes a lower surface to contact the ground, and an upper surface to support an insole and, on the upper surface, at least one elastically deformable cushioning element. The cushioning element includes an elongated element cantileverly protruding from the upper surface, and a plurality of tabs extending from the upper surface that are arranged around the elongated element, thereby defining a dome. In an undeformed configuration of the cushioning element the tabs are upright, and there is a gap between the tabs and the elongated element, and in a deformed configuration of the cushioning element the tabs are each bent towards the elongated element and in abutment against it. The switching from the undeformed to the deformed causes the area of the bearing surface provided to the insole by each cushioning element to gradually increase.

A fiber-composite insert for footwear comprises a plurality of ribs arranged in a lattice structure, the ribs comprising a plurality of fibers in a resin-matrix.

The present invention relates to a method of forming an item of footwear (100) and an item of footwear (100). In particular, the item of footwear (100) is a boot formed of vulcanised rubber such as a Wellington boot. A method of forming an item of footwear (100) comprising the steps of providing a sole member (2) formed of a first rubber material having a first compressive resistance, the sole member (2) comprising a cavity (4) in an upper surface (2A) of a heel region of the sole member (2); placing an insert (6) into the cavity (4), the insert (6) having a second compressive resistance lower than the first compressive resistance; and then vulcanising to thereby attach an upper part (8) formed of a second rubber material to the sole member (2) at a first temperature, wherein the insert (6) is formed of a material which is solid at the first temperature.

A multi-purpose safety shoe, comprising an upper assembly provided, at the shoe toe, with a safety toe cap and a layered sole associated with the upper assembly. The layered sole comprises a lower layer adapted to come into contact with the ground, an intermediate layer associated with the upper assembly and the lower layer, respectively, and an upper layer. Below the upper layer and in the intermediate layer, exclusively at the rear zone of said multi-purpose safety shoe, is an antifatigue insert made of a material having a resilience greater than 25% and less than 35%. The intermediate layer is made of polyurethane having a resilience greater than 35% and less than 45%.

A shoe sole at least partially comprises a shock absorber, and the shock absorber that includes a shock absorbing portion and a cover portion that has a tread on a side opposite to the shock absorbing portion. The shock absorbing portion is provided with a plurality of pass-through portions passing through the shock absorbing portion as viewed in a direction of a normal to the tread, and the cover portion covers at least one of the plurality of pass-through portions. The cover portion is provided with a communication path having one end open to the pass-through portion and the other end open at the tread, and a condition of R<L is satisfied, where R represents a diameter of a largest virtual incircle of a contour line of an opening of the communication path located closer to the tread, and L represents a length of the communication path.

Describes are support elements for a sole of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, a sole and a shoe with such a support element, as well as a method for the manufacture of a support element. As examples, the support element includes a first partial member formed of a first material, and a second partial member formed of a second material. The first partial member is mechanically joined to the second partial member in a connection region, wherein the connection region is configured to allow the first partial member to rotate or slide relative to the second partial member. The first partial member, the second partial member, and the connection region can be co-molded and joined together in a single fabricating step.

Describes are support elements for a sole of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, a sole and a shoe with such a support element, as well as a method for the manufacture of a support element. As examples, the support element includes a first partial member formed of a first material, and a second partial member formed of a second material. The first partial member is mechanically joined to the second partial member in a connection region, wherein the connection region is configured to allow the first partial member to rotate or slide relative to the second partial member. The first partial member, the second partial member, and the connection region can be co-molded and joined together in a single fabricating step.

A sole structure includes a first cushioning element having a first top side and a bottom side formed on an opposite side from the first top side and defining a receptacle. The sole structure further includes a second cushioning element attached to the first cushioning element and having a second top side flush with the first top side of the first cushioning element. An upper plate is disposed within the receptacle and including a first end attached to the first cushioning element and a second end attached to the second cushioning element. A lower plate spaced is apart from the upper plate and includes a third end attached to the first cushioning element and a fourth end attached to the second cushioning element. A cushioning arrangement is disposed within the receptacle of the first cushioning element and attached to each of the upper plate and the lower plate.

Disclosed is a shoe having a compressible lattice structure in a heel portion to facilitate rapid, easy donning and doffing of shoes. In example embodiments, the lattice structure includes a plurality of interconnected, overlapping, intersecting and/or woven ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The lattice structure has an open position in which the shoe opening is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe, and a closed position in which the shoe opening is smaller to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe.

Disclosed is a shoe having a compressible lattice structure in a heel portion to facilitate rapid, easy donning and doffing of shoes. In example embodiments, the lattice structure includes a plurality of interconnected, overlapping, intersecting and/or woven ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The lattice structure has an open position in which the shoe opening is expanded to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe, and a closed position in which the shoe opening is smaller to retain the foot within the rapid-entry shoe.