A rapid-entry shoe includes an actuator arm, having a pivot point, and a closure system. Movement of the actuator arm from an uncollapsed position to a collapsed position opens the closure system and movement of the actuator arm from the collapsed position to the uncollapsed position closes the closure system, according to various embodiments.

A system and method for footwear with a handless entry construction. A heel band may be provided in the footwear that is sufficiently deformable and sufficiently resilient to handlessly a) facilitate insertion of a wearer's foot into the footwear and b) move upward relative to a ground surface to engage a heel of the wearer's foot in order to aid in securing the wearer's foot within the footwear.

A sole assembly for an article of footwear comprises a midsole, a sole having a heel region, and a first wave spring disposed within a vacuity located within the heel region. The wave spring includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plate, resting upon the top surface of the wave spring, is unsecured to the midsole and sized to permit movement within the vacuity along with the wave spring responsive to a rolling foot strike.

A support is configured such that a bulge is allowed to deform toward a deformation space due to the deformation space when the deformation space is in an open state, and that the bulge is allowed to deform upward and a buffer member is compressively deformed when the deformation space is in a closed state.

A support is configured such that a bulge is allowed to deform toward a deformation space due to the deformation space when the deformation space is in an open state, and that the bulge is allowed to deform upward and a buffer member is compressively deformed when the deformation space is in a closed state.

Foot support components include plural foot support members (e.g., arched slats or other support members) forming at least a portion of a footbed for a sole structure/article of footwear. Spacings between individual foot support members enable selective activation of one or more individual members, thereby providing support where needed and enhancing overall comfort without overly stiffening the footbed. When made from sufficiently rigid/resilient materials, the foot support components may apply return energy to the wearer's foot. This may occur, for example, by vertically deflecting (e.g., flattening out) one or more foot support members under applied force, and then the deflected foot support member(s) will spring back to and/or toward its/their original shape when the force sufficiently abates/relaxes.

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 heel counter for an article of footwear is disclosed. The heel counter includes an outer frame member and an inner elastic member. The heel counter may also include wing portions that extend up to a lacing region of the article of footwear. The wing portions may have eyelets that can be engaged by a lace. As the lace is tightened, the outer frame member is pulled forward to lock down the foot while the inner elastic member stretches and conforms to the heel to provide increased support.

A heel counter for an article of footwear is disclosed. The heel counter includes an outer frame member and an inner elastic member. The heel counter may also include wing portions that extend up to a lacing region of the article of footwear. The wing portions may have eyelets that can be engaged by a lace. As the lace is tightened, the outer frame member is pulled forward to lock down the foot while the inner elastic member stretches and conforms to the heel to provide increased support.