Provided are, among other things, shoes having elastic tongue-securing straps. In one representative embodiment, a shoe includes: (a) a sole; (b) an upper, extending above the sole, that includes a front section, a left side, a right side, a rear section, and a tongue that originates from the front section and extends rearwardly between the left side and the right side; (c) a left elastic strap that extends from a left side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the left side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the left side of the upper; and (d) a right elastic strap that extends from a right side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the right side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the right side of the upper, with the left elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the left side of the tongue and the right elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the right side of the tongue.

A closure mechanism for an article of footwear comprising a tongue, adjustable lace, toggle, and a tether is provided. The adjustable lace operatively connects the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall along a throat opening, the tongue extends between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall within the throat opening, the toggle is coupled to and movable along the adjustable lace and fixedly attached to the tongue, and the tether is operatively coupled to each of the tongue and the toggle. The closure mechanism provides ease of use with a single motion, one-handed, transition from an open position to a tightened position by exerting a traction force in a predetermined direction on the adjustable lace, and from a tightened position to an open position by exerting a traction force in the predetermined direction on the tether. This disclosure may be particularly beneficial to wearers having limited dexterity or mobility.

The Slipper Sneaker basically describes itself. This shoe is fashion inspired and simply out performs old fashion house shoes and other slip-on shoes. The shoe's benefits include a secure fit when climbing steps, a sturdy sole for neighborhood trips, a knitted cuff for an added comfortable fit, and an arch support for the enthused wearer, and sweat absorbent cotton for our toes. The Slipper Sneakers are the ultimate blend for lounging around the house in flannel pajamas or in sporty muscle tops and jersey bottoms.

Provided are, among other things, shoes having elastic tongue-securing straps. In one representative embodiment, a shoe includes: (a) a sole; (b) an upper, extending above the sole, that includes a front section, a left side, a right side, a rear section, and a tongue that originates from the front section and extends rearwardly between the left side and the right side; (c) a left elastic strap that extends from a left side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the left side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the left side of the upper; and (d) a right elastic strap that extends from a right side of the tongue and: (1) extends through a loop that is securely attached to the right side of the upper and has a distal end securely attached to the sole, and/or (2) has its distal end securely attached to the right side of the upper, with the left elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the left side of the tongue and the right elastic strap having a proximal end fixedly attached to the right side of the tongue.

An improved shoelace has an elastic inner core having a plurality of elastic members and a woven string covering the elastic inner layer. The woven string has a plurality of narrow sections and wide sections evenly disposed on two ends of the elastic inner core. Each narrow section wraps around the elastic inner core, each wide section is longer than each narrow section and separated from the elastic inner core. When the elastic inner core is not pulled, the wide sections overlap and fold onto the elastic inner core 10 and has a cone shape with at least three times thickness than the narrow section. When the elastic inner core is pulled, the wide sections are stretched straight.

An improved shoelace has an elastic inner core having a plurality of elastic members and a woven string covering the elastic inner layer. The woven string has a plurality of narrow sections and wide sections evenly disposed on two ends of the elastic inner core. Each narrow section wraps around the elastic inner core, each wide section is longer than each narrow section and separated from the elastic inner core. When the elastic inner core is not pulled, the wide sections overlap and fold onto the elastic inner core 10 and has a cone shape with at least three times thickness than the narrow section. When the elastic inner core is pulled, the wide sections are stretched straight.

An apparatus, system and method have a shoelace with a length defined between two ends. The shoelace is made from an elastic material that folds to join at a seam extending lengthwise along the shoelace. A hollow core is defined in the shoelace and extends along the length of the shoelace. An aglet is attached to an end of the shoelace to insert into an eyelet in a shoe. The shoelace stretches in response to tension applied to the aglet. The shoelace stretches to accommodate insertion of a foot of a wearer into the shoe. The shoelace contracts to retain a foot of a wearer in the shoe. The shoelace extends in a direction away from the shoe to loosen the shoe. The shoelace is made from a synthetic fiber material.

An apparatus, system and method have a shoelace with a length defined between two ends. The shoelace is made from an elastic material that folds to join at a seam extending lengthwise along the shoelace. A hollow core is defined in the shoelace and extends along the length of the shoelace. An aglet is attached to an end of the shoelace to insert into an eyelet in a shoe. The shoelace stretches in response to tension applied to the aglet. The shoelace stretches to accommodate insertion of a foot of a wearer into the shoe. The shoelace contracts to retain a foot of a wearer in the shoe. The shoelace extends in a direction away from the shoe to loosen the shoe. The shoelace is made from a synthetic fiber material.

A closure mechanism for an article of footwear includes a tongue, adjustable lace, toggle, and a tether. The adjustable lace operatively connects the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall along a throat opening, the tongue extends between the lateral sidewall and the medial sidewall within the throat opening, the toggle is coupled to and movable along the adjustable lace and fixedly attached to the tongue, and the tether is operatively coupled to each of the tongue and the toggle. The closure mechanism provides ease of use with a single motion, one-handed, transition from an open position to a tightened position by exerting a traction force in a predetermined direction on the adjustable lace, and from a tightened position to an open position by exerting a traction force in the predetermined direction on the tether.

Described herein is a flexible but resilient material comprising a soft outside shell and an internal flexible but resilient support core, as well as a method for constructing such a flexible but resilient material that can have multiple applications, including being used to manufacture an improved shoelace to help young children, individuals who are physically challenged, and/or who have a limiting physical disability.