Pressure Distributing Side Entry Footwear

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing an article of footwear having a sole and an upper coupled to the sole, the upper comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, and an open inner portion. The open inner portion is disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion and is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper. The open inner portion provides an opening in the upper that allows sliding the toes of a user's foot inwardly at an angle into the toe portion, whereafter the footwear and/or the heel of a user's foot can be rotated to engage the heel of the user's foot with the heel portion. The footwear optionally includes an open outer portion and a fastening mechanism which articulates to provide even pressure distribution across a user's foot for maximum comfort and stability.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the article of footwear; and an upper coupled to the sole, the upper comprising a toe portion, an open inner portion and a heel portion, wherein the open inner portion is disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion and configured to allow a user to slide a heel of the user through the open inner portion to put the article of footwear onto a foot of the user.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the toe portion is open toe portion configured to at least partially expose one or more toes of the foot of the user, and wherein the heel portion is configured to receive a heel of the foot of the user when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the open inner portion is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, further comprising: an open outer portion, wherein the open outer portion is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

5. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the open inner portion is configured to expose an instep of the foot of the user when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

6. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the open outer portion is configured to expose a lateral border of the foot of the user when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the open inner portion, the open outer portion, or both provides an opening in the upper that allows ingress and egress of the foot of the user into and out of the article of footwear.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a fastening band, a first fastening component disposed in proximity to a first distal end of the fastening band and a second fastening component disposed in proximity to a second distal end of the fastening band.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the fastening band comprises a stretchable elastic band, and wherein the first fastening component and the second fastening component comprise snap fasteners.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the first fastening component is configured to engage with a first upper fastening component disposed on the upper and in proximity to the open inner portion, wherein the second fastening component is configured to engage with a second upper fastening component disposed on the upper, and wherein the fastening band is configured to extend from the first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the user.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the second upper fastening component is disposed on the upper in proximity to an open outer portion of the upper, and wherein the fastening band is configured to extend from the first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, across the open outer portion, to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the user.

13. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the heel portion comprises a heel loop disposed on an outer portion of the heel portion, and wherein the fastening band is disposed through the heel loop, such that the heel loop captures the fastening band to allow the fastening band to articulate through the heel loop.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein articulation of the fastening band through the heel loop distributes pressure applied by the fastening band on the foot of the user to maximize comfort and stability of the article of footwear.

15. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the article of footwear; an upper coupled to the sole, the upper comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, an open inner portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion, and an open outer portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion opposite from the open inner portion; and a fastening mechanism comprising a flexible or stretchable fastening band, a first fastening component disposed in proximity to a first distal end of the fastening band, and a second fastening component disposed in proximity to a second distal end of the fastening band, wherein the first fastening component is configured to engage with a first upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open inner portion, wherein the second fastening component is configured to engage with a second upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open outer portion, and wherein the fastening band is configured to extend from the first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, across the open outer portion, and to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear onto a foot of a user.

16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the open inner portion and the open outer portion are void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the open inner portion, the open outer portion, or both provides an opening in the upper that allows ingress and egress of the foot of the user into and out of the article of footwear.

18. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the heel portion comprises a heel loop disposed on an outer portion of the heel portion, and wherein the fastening band is disposed through the heel loop, such that the heel loop captures the fastening band to allow the fastening band to articulate through the heel loop.

19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein articulation of the fastening band through the heel loop distributes pressure applied by the fastening band on the foot of the user to maximize comfort and stability of the article of footwear.

20. A method of putting on an article of footwear, comprising: providing an article of footwear comprising a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the article footwear, an upper comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, an open inner portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion, and an open outer portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion opposite from the open inner portion, and a fastening mechanism comprising a flexible or stretchable fastening band, a first fastening component disposed in proximity to a first distal end of the fastening band, and a second fastening component disposed in proximity to a second distal end of the fastening band; sliding toes of a user's foot inwardly at an angle into the toe portion through the open inner portion or the open outer portion; and rotating the footwear, a heel of the user's foot, or a combination thereof to engage the heel of the user's foot with the heel portion.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: fastening the first fastening component to a first upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open inner portion and the second fastening component to a second upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open outer portion, wherein the flexible or stretchable fastening band extends from first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, across the open outer portion, and to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear onto the foot of the user and allow articulation of the fastening band to distribute pressure applied by the fastening band on the foot of the user to maximize comfort and stability of the article of footwear.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: repeating the method for a second article of footwear.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and so that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments can be understood in more detail, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0004] FIG. 1 shows an inner side view of an article of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows an inner side view of an article of footwear according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B show oblique views of an article of footwear according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6 shows a top view of an article of footwear showing illustrative steps to putting on the article of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method of putting on an article of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inner side view and a top view of an article of footwear 100 are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A pair of footwear 100 generally comprises a left shoe (shown in FIG. 1) and a right shoe (shown in FIG. 2). The article of footwear 100 may generally comprise any suitable shoe, sandal, boot, or other athletic, business, dress, casual, or fashion footwear. Each article of footwear 100 may comprise a sole 102 that forms a footbed 104 along an interior of the footwear 100. The footbed 104 (commonly referred to as the insole) may represent the inside of the shoe that runs along the bottom of a user's foot when worn by a user. Each article of footwear 100 may also comprise an upper 106 coupled to the sole 102. In some embodiments, the upper 106 may be stitched to the sole 102, adhered to the sole 102 by an adhesive, or otherwise affixed to the sole 102.

[0013] The upper 106 may comprise a toe box or toe portion 108 that extends over or around and/or covers or receives a front portion of a user's foot (e.g., toes, ball of foot, or combination thereof) and a heel or heel portion 110 that extends around and/or receives a rear portion of a user's foot (e.g., heel, portion of the heel) when the article of footwear 100 is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the upper 106 may also comprise an outer portion 112 that connects the toe portion 108 to the heel portion 110 and extends along an outside portion of a user's foot when the article of footwear 100 is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the toe portion 108, the outer portion 112, and the heel portion 110 may be integrally formed or manufactured to provide a seamless, uniform appearance. However, in some embodiments, the upper 106 may not comprise an outer portion 112, such that the toe portion 108 and the heel portion 110 are not connected by any other portion of the upper 106 and are only connected by the sole 102.

[0014] The upper 106 may also comprise an instep or inner portion 114. The inner portion 114 may generally be open and void of any material that forms a portion of the upper 106 and/or connects the toe portion 108 to the heel portion 110 across the inner portion 114. As such, each of the toe portion 108 and the heel portion 110 may connect to and/or end at the sole 102 on the inner portion 114 of the upper 106 of the footwear 100. Additionally, the openness of the inner portion 114 may expose an inside portion (e.g., instep, arch) of a user's foot when the article of footwear 100 is worn by a user. In some embodiments, the inner portion 114 may provide an opening in the upper 106 between the toe portion 108 and the heel portion 110 that allows ingress and/or egress of a user's foot into and/or out of the article of footwear 100. In alternative embodiments, the outer portion 112 may also, or alternatively, be open and void of any material that forms a portion of the upper 106 and/or connects the toe portion 108 to the heel portion 110 across the outer portion 112. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the open portion 112 may also allow ingress and/or egress of a user's foot into and/or out of the article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the upper 106 may also comprise a reinforcement extending across the upper 106. The reinforcement may be concealed within the upper 106 and/or may comprise an ornamental reinforcement such as stitching around the edges of the upper 106. The reinforcement may provide structural rigidity to the upper 106, such that it maintains its shape when not worn to further enable ingress and/or egress of a user's foot into and/or out of the article of footwear 100.

[0015] The heel portion 110 may connect to and/or end at the sole 102 and an inner portion of the footwear 100. In some embodiments, the heel portion 110 may comprise a rear portion 116. The rear portion 116 may generally form a rear section of the heel portion 110 that extends around at least a portion of a user's heel when the article of footwear 100 is worn by the user to maintain or otherwise secure the article footwear 100 on a user's foot when the user is walking, running, fidgeting, or otherwise wearing the article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the rear portion 116 may extend around the entirety of a user's heel when the article of footwear 100 is worn by the user. In other embodiments, the rear portion 116 may only extend around a portion of a user's heel when the article of footwear 100 is worn by the user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heel portion 110 may also comprise a movable or flexible side portion 118 coupled to the rear portion 116 and that intersects with the rear portion 116 at a transition 120. In some embodiments, the rear portion 116 may comprise a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the flexible side portion 118. In some embodiments, the rear portion 116 may comprise a reinforcing material or component dispersed within the rear portion 116, such as a plastic heel cap disposed within the material that forms the heel portion 110 of the upper 106. In some embodiments, the rear portion may comprise a reinforcing component, such as a structural component formed from a plastic or metal, throughout the rear portion 116, at the transition 120, or a combination thereof. However, in some embodiments, the rear portion 116 may also be flexible. Further, in some embodiments, the heel portion 110 may be void of the flexible side portion 118, such that only the rear portion 116 forms the heel portion 110.

[0017] To aid in the ingress/egress of a user's foot into the article of footwear 100, the flexible side portion 118 may generally be movable and/or pliable and be displaceable with respect to the rear portion 116 by a user's heel when inserted into the article of footwear 100 to allow the heel of the user to slide into the article of footwear 100 after the user has inserted his/her toes through the opening in the inner portion 114 of the upper 106 and into the toe portion 108 of the upper 106 of the article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the flexible side portion 118 may be movable and/or pliable, such as made from elastic or other material. In some embodiments, the flexible side portion 118 may be hinged at the transition 120.

[0018] Accordingly, the flexible side portion 118, in combination with the opening in the inner portion 114 may provide an easy access side-entry mechanism for the article of footwear 100, which may make it easier to put on the footwear 100 as compared to other traditional footwear. In some embodiments, the side-entry mechanism may facilitate a simpler, easier, or more accessible method for putting on the footwear 100 when a user is seated and/or has one leg crossed over the other leg. In some embodiments, the side-entry mechanism may allow a user to put on the footwear 100 using only a single hand. Further, the side-entry mechanism may also enable users having low flexibility or mobility to more readily put on the article of footwear 100.

[0019] The article of footwear 100 may also comprise a fastening mechanism 122. The fastening mechanism 122 may comprise a first fastening component 124 and a second fastening component 126. In some embodiments, the first component 124 of the fastening mechanism 122 may be coupled to the toe portion 108 of the upper 106, and the second component 126 of the fastening mechanism 122 may be coupled to the heel portion 110 of the upper 106. In some embodiments, the second component 126 of the fastening mechanism 122 may be coupled to the rear portion 116 of the heel portion 110 of the upper 106. In other embodiments, the second component 126 of the fastening mechanism 122 may be coupled to the flexible side portion 118 of the heel portion 110 of the upper 106.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first component 124 may be configured to stretch or extend across the inner portion 114 and engage the second component 126 when the article of footwear 100 is worn by a user, which may aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 100 to the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the first component 124 of the fastening mechanism 122 may comprise a pliable or stretchable elastic cord or band extending from the toe portion 108 (e.g., side or top), and the second component 126 of the fastening mechanism 122 may comprise a prong, nub, slit or other functional receiving means coupled to, formed in, and/or extending from the heel portion 110, wherein the elastic cord or band is configured to engage the prong or nub to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 100 to the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the elastic cord or band may comprise a coupling device 128 disposed at a distal end or the elastic cord or band to engage the prong or nub to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 100 to the foot of the user. As will be discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the second component 126 of the fastening mechanism 122 may be disposed on an opposing side of the toe portion 108, such that the first component 124 of the fastening mechanism 122 may extend from one side of the toe portion 108, around the heel portion 110, and to an opposing side of the toe portion 108 when fastened. In some embodiments, the elastic cord or band may be selectively removable, such that a user may customize the look of the footwear 100 by swapping out different colored elastic cords or bands or may choose to not have a fastening mechanism 122. In some embodiments, multiple elastic cords may be used to have cords of various colors or braided elastic cords for a functional, yet aesthetic look suitable to the user. In some embodiments, the elastic band may have sufficient width capable of displaying a brand name, a sports team or logo, or the like.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first component 124 of the fastening mechanism 122 may comprise a first strap portion extending from the toe portion 108, and the second component 126 may be a second strap portion comprising a buckle extending from the heel portion 110, wherein the first strap portion is configured to engage the buckle to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 100 to the foot of the user. Further, in some embodiments where the outer portion 112 is also open and void of any material that forms a portion of the upper 106 and/or connects the toe portion 108 to the heel portion 110 across the outer portion 112, a second fastening mechanism may extend over an open outer portion.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an inner side view and a top view of an article of footwear 300 are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The article of footwear 300 may generally be substantially similar to the article of footwear 100. A pair of the article of footwear 300 generally comprises a left shoe (shown in FIG. 3) and a right shoe (shown in FIG. 4). However, the article of footwear 300 comprises a different fastening mechanism 322. The fastening mechanism 322 may comprise a first fastening component 324 and a second fastening component 326. In some embodiments, the first component 324 of the fastening mechanism 322 may be coupled to the toe portion 108 of the upper 106, and the second component 326 of the fastening mechanism 322 may be coupled to an opposing side of the toe portion 108 of the upper 106. In some embodiments, the first component 324 of the fastening mechanism 322 may be disposed on an outer side of the toe portion 108 of the upper 106 and extend completely around the heel portion 110 to fasten to the second component 326 disposed on an inner side of the toe portion 108 of the upper 106. In some embodiments, the first component 324 of the fastening mechanism 322 may be disposed on an inner side of the toe portion 108 of the upper 106 and extend completely around the heel portion 110 to fasten to the second component 326 disposed on an outer side of the toe portion 108 of the upper 106.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first component 324 may be configured to stretch or extend around the heel portion 110 and across the inner portion 114 to engage the second component 326 when the article of footwear 300 is worn by a user, which may aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 300 to the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the first component 324 of the fastening mechanism 322 may comprise a pliable or stretchable elastic cord or band extending from the toe portion 108 (e.g., side or top), and the second component 326 of the fastening mechanism 322 may comprise a prong, nub, slit or other functional receiving means coupled to, formed in, and/or extending from the opposing side of the toe portion 108 of the upper 106, wherein the elastic cord or band is configured to engage the prong or nub to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 300 to the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the elastic cord or band may comprise a coupling device 328 disposed at a distal end or the elastic cord or band to engage the prong or nub to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear 300 to the foot of the user.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the second component 326 of the fastening mechanism 322 may be disposed on an opposing side of the toe portion 108, such that the first component 324 of the fastening mechanism 322 may extend from one side of the toe portion 108, around the heel portion 110, and to an opposing side of the toe portion 108 when fastened. In some embodiments, the elastic cord or band may be selectively removable, such that a user may customize the look of the footwear 300 by swapping out different colored elastic cords or bands or may choose to not have a fastening mechanism 322. In some embodiments, multiple elastic cords may be used to have cords of various colors or braided elastic cords for a functional, yet aesthetic look suitable to the user. In some embodiments, the elastic band may have sufficient width capable of displaying a brand name, a sports team or logo, or the like.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, oblique views of an article of footwear 500 are shown according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure. The article of footwear 500 may generally be substantially similar to the articles of footwear 100, 300. Article of footwear 500 comprises a sole 502 that forms a footbed 504 along an interior of the footwear 500. The footbed 504 (commonly referred to as the insole) may represent the inside of the shoe that runs along the bottom of a user's foot when worn by a user. The article of footwear 500 may also comprise an upper 506 coupled to the sole 502. In some embodiments, the upper 506 may be stitched to the sole 502, adhered to the sole 502 by an adhesive, or otherwise affixed to the sole 502. A pair of the article of footwear 500 generally comprises a left shoe (shown in FIG. 5A) and a right shoe (shown in FIG. 5B). The article of footwear 500, specifically the upper 106 of the article of footwear 500, comprises an open toe portion 508 that may expose at least a portion of one or more of the toes of the foot of the user and a heel or heel portion 510 that extends at least partially around, surrounds, and/or receives a rear portion of a user's foot (e.g., heel, portion of the heel) when the article of footwear 500 is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the heel portion 510 may form a heel cup that conforms to the heel of the foot of a user.

[0026] The article of footwear 500 may also comprise an open inner portion 512 and/or an open outer portion 514, which are generally open and void of any material that forms a portion of the upper 506 and/or connects the upper 506 (e.g., or toe portion of the upper) to the heel portion 110, such that the toe portion 508 and the heel portion 510 are not connected by any portion of the upper 106 and are only connected by the sole 102 of the article of footwear 500. As such, each of the upper 506 and the heel portion 510 may connect to and/or end at the sole 102 at the open inner portion 512 and the open outer portion 514 of the footwear 100. Additionally, the openness of the open inner portion 512 may expose an inside portion (e.g., instep, arch) of a user's foot, and the openness of the open outer portion 514 may expose an outside portion (e.g., lateral border) of the user's foot when the article of footwear 500 is worn by the user.

[0027] The article of footwear 500 may also comprise a fastening mechanism 516. The fastening mechanism 516 may generally comprise a pliable or stretchable elastic fastening band 518 used to secure the article of footwear 500 to each of the feet of the user. The fastening mechanism 516 may comprise a first fastening component 520 and a second fastening component 522. The first fastening component 520 and the second fastening component 522 may be disposed at or in proximity to distal ends of the fastening band 518. In some embodiments, the first fastening component 520 and the second fastening component 522 may comprise stylized snap buttons or snap fasteners configured to fasten, interact, interlock, or snap with a corresponding first upper fastening component 524 and a second upper fastening component 526 that are disposed on the upper 506. In some embodiments, the first upper fastening component 524 and the second upper fastening component 526 may be disposed on an outer portion of the upper 506 and adjacent to or in proximity to the open inner portion 512 and the open outer portion 514, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the first fastening component 520 and the second fastening component 522 may comprise the female or receiving end of a snap button, and the first upper fastening component 524 and the second upper fastening component 526 may comprise the male or studded portion of the snap button.

[0028] When the fastening mechanism 516 is used to secure the article of footwear 500 to the foot of a user or is fastened (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B), the first fastening component 520 may interlock with the first upper fastening component 524 adjacent to the open inner portion 512, and the second fastening component 522 may interlock with the second upper fastening component 526 adjacent to the open outer portion 514, while the fastening band 518 extends completely around the standalone heel portion 510 of the article of footwear 500. In some embodiments, the fastening band 518 may be crisscrossed over the top of a foot of a user, such that the first fastening component 520 may interlock with the second upper fastening component 526 adjacent to the open outer portion 514, and the second fastening component 522 may interlock with the first upper fastening component 524 adjacent to the open inner portion 512, while the fastening band 518 extends completely around the standalone heel portion 510 of the article of footwear 500.

[0029] As stated, when the fastening mechanism 516 is used to secure the article of footwear 500 to the foot of a user or is fastened, the fastening band 518 may extend from the first upper fastening component 524, around the standalone heel portion 510 of the article of footwear 500, and to the second upper fastening component 526. In some embodiments, the heel portion 510 may comprise a heel loop 528 disposed on a rear or outer portion of the heel portion 510. The fastening band 518 may be disposed through the heel loop 528, so that the heel loop 528 captures the fastening band 518 to prevent the fastening band 518 from sliding off the heel portion 510 and contacting a back of the foot or leg of the user when the user is walking, running, fidgeting, or otherwise wearing the article of footwear 500. The heel loop 528 may also allow the fastening band 518 to articulate through the heel loop 528 and towards the open inner portion 512, the first upper fastening component 524, the open outer portion 514, and/or the second upper fastening component 526. The articulation of the fastening band 518 through the heel loop 528, coupled with the stretchability of the fastening band 518, may evenly distribute the pressure of the fastening band 518 on the foot of the user, which may enhance and/or maximize the comfort of the article of footwear 500 to the user as compared to other footwear where a stationary, non-articulating, non-stretchable strap may rub the leg or ankle of the user and cause so-called hot spots, or otherwise cause discomfort to the user.

[0030] In some embodiments, the open inner portion 512 and/or the open outer portion 514 may provide an opening between the upper 506 and the heel portion 110 that allows ingress and/or egress of a user's foot into and/or out of the article of footwear 500 when the fastening mechanism 516 is unlatched from one or more of the first upper fastening component 524 and the second upper fastening component 526. This allows the article of footwear 500 to be put on the user's foot from the side by placing the user's toes into the upper 506 and then rotating the article of footwear 500 until the heel portion 510 engages the heel of the user's foot, where the user's foot should then be aligned with the footbed 504 of the article of footwear 500. The fastening mechanism 516 may then be latched or secured by coupling the first fastening component 520 to the first upper fastening component 524 and coupling the second fastening component 522 to the second upper fastening component 526, where the article of footwear will be secured to the foot of the user.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, a top view of the article of footwear 100, 300, 500 showing illustrative steps for putting on the article of footwear 100, 300, 500 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The article of footwear 100, 300, 500 comprises a side-entry mechanism that allows the user to put the footwear 100, 300, 500 onto his/her foot 600 from the side. This may be accomplished when seated, when one leg is crossed over the other, or enable users have low flexibility or mobility to put the footwear 100, 300, 500 on his/her feet 600. Particular applications could include those with low flexibility in a user's feet and/or ankles, such as a person diagnosed with diabetes or a person with a prosthetic leg, that may have trouble in putting on traditional footwear. The article of footwear 100, 300, 500 comprises an opening formed by the absence of material on the open inner portion 114, 512 (and in some embodiments the open outer portion 514, such in article of footwear 500). This allows the toes 602 of the user's foot 600 to slide into the upper 106, 506 through the open inner portion 114, 512 (or, alternatively through the open outer portion 514 in article of footwear 500) at an angle indicated by arrow 604.

[0032] Once the toes 602 of the user's foot 600 are inserted into the upper 106, 506, the user may rotate the heel 606 of the user's foot 600 towards the heel portion 110, 510 of the upper 106, 506 in the direction indicated by arrow 608, and/or the user may rotate the footwear 100, 300, 500 towards the heel 606 of the user in the opposing direction as indicated by arrow 610. In some embodiments free of the flexible side portion 118, the heel 606 may slide into alignment with the rear portion 116 of the heel portion 110, 510 in response to this rotation. In some embodiments comprising the flexible side portion 118, the heel 606 may contact the flexible side portion 118 and at least partially displace the flexible side portion 118 (being pliable or movable) with respect to the rear portion 116 that remains stationary. As the heel 606 and/or the footwear 100, 300, 500 are continually rotated, the flexible side portion 118 may continue to displace until the heel 606 traverses over the flexible side portion 118 and into alignment with the rear portion 116 of the heel portion 110, 510. Once the heel 606 is aligned with the sole 102, 502 and the heel portion 110, 510 of the upper 106, 506, the force exerted on the flexible side portion 118 may lessen, and the flexible side portion 118 may return to its natural nondisplaced, stationary position where it can function to aid in retaining or securing the footwear 100, 300, 500 to the user's foot 600. Optionally, and in embodiments comprising a fastening mechanism 122, 322, 516 (not shown in FIG. 6 for clarity), the fastening mechanism 122, 322, 516 may be secured (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) once the entire foot 600 is aligned with the sole 102, 502 and/or footbed 104, 504 and enveloped by the upper 106, 506 to be properly worn by the user.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a method 700 of putting on an article of footwear 100, 300, 500 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Method 700 may begin at block 702 by providing an article of footwear 100, 300, 500. The article of footwear 100, 300, 500 may comprise a sole 102, 502 that forms a footbed 104, 504 along an interior of the footwear 100, 500, an upper 106, 506 comprising a toe portion 108, or alternatively an open toe portion 508, and a heel portion 110, 510. In some embodiments, the heel portion 110, 510 may comprise a rear portion 116 and a flexible side portion 118. Method 700 may continue at block 704 by sliding toes 602 of a user's foot 600 inwardly at an angle into the upper 106, 506 of the footwear 100, 300, 500. Method 700 may continue at block 706 by pivoting or rotating the footwear 100, 300, 500, the heel 606 of the user's foot 600, or a combination thereof to engage the heel portion 110, 510 of the footwear 100, 300, 500. In some embodiments, engaging the heel portion 110, 510 of the footwear 100, 300, 500 with the user's heel 606 may displace the flexible side portion 118 of the heel portion 110, 510 and allow the user's heel 606 to traverse over the flexible side portion 118 and into alignment with the rear portion 116 of the heel portion 110, 510. Method 700 may continue at block 708 by fastening the fastening mechanism 122, 322, 516 of the footwear 100, 300, 500. Method 700 may be repeated for a pair of footwear 100, 300, 500 to put on each of a left article of footwear 100, 300, 500 and a right article of footwear 100, 300, 500.

EMBODIMENTS

[0034] It will be appreciated that an article of footwear 100, 300, 500, and/or a method 700 disclosed herein may include one or more of the following embodiments:

[0035] Embodiment 1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; and an upper coupled to the sole, the upper comprising a toe portion, an open inner portion, and a heel portion, wherein the open inner portion is disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion and configured to allow a user to slide a heel of the user through the open inner portion to put the article of footwear onto a foot of the user.

[0036] Embodiment 2. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toe portion is configured to receives toes of a user's foot, and wherein the heel portion is configured to receives a heel of the user's foot when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0037] Embodiment 3. The article of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the upper comprises an outer portion that connects the toe portion to the heel portion on and extends along an outside portion of the user's foot when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0038] Embodiment 4. The article of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toe portion, the outer portion, and the heel portion are integrally formed or manufactured.

[0039] Embodiment 5. The article of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open inner portion is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

[0040] Embodiment 6. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open inner portion is configured to expose an instep of a user's foot when the article of footwear is worn by a user.

[0041] Embodiment 7. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open inner portion provides an opening in the upper that allows ingress of a user's toes into the article of footwear.

[0042] Embodiment 8. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heel portion comprises a rear portion and a flexible side portion coupled to the rear portion, and wherein the rear portion forms a rear section of the heel portion.

[0043] Embodiment 9. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear portion comprises a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the flexible side portion.

[0044] Embodiment 10. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear portion comprises a reinforcing component dispersed within the rear portion.

[0045] Embodiment 11. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the reinforcing component comprises a plastic heel cap disposed within the heel portion, a structural component formed from a plastic or metal, or a combination thereof.

[0046] Embodiment 12. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible side portion is movable or pliable and displaceable with respect to the rear portion.

[0047] Embodiment 13. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible side portion is configured to be displaced by a user's heel to allow the user's heel to rotate into the heel portion after a user's toes have been inserted into the toe portion.

[0048] Embodiment 14. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the article of footwear comprises a side-entry mechanism formed by the open inner portion and a flexible side portion of the heel portion.

[0049] Embodiment 15. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism.

[0050] Embodiment 16. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first component coupled to the toe portion and a second component disposed on the heel portion.

[0051] Embodiment 17. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component comprises an elastic cord or band comprising a coupling device disposed at a distal end, wherein the second component comprises a prong, and wherein the elastic cord or band is configured to extend across the open inner portion for the coupling device to engage the prong to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear to a foot of the user.

[0052] Embodiment 18. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first component coupled to the toe portion and a second component coupled to an opposing side of the toe portion.

[0053] Embodiment 19. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component comprises an elastic cord or band comprising a coupling device disposed at a distal end, wherein the second component comprises a prong, and wherein the elastic cord or band is configured to extend around the heel portion and across the open inner portion for the coupling device to engage the prong to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear to a foot of the user.

[0054] Embodiment 20. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component comprises a first strap portion extending, wherein the second component comprises a second strap portion comprising a buckle, and wherein the first strap portion is configured to engage the buckle to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear to a foot of the user.

[0055] Embodiment 21. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; and an upper coupled to the sole, the upper comprising a toe portion, an open inner portion, and a heel portion, wherein the open inner portion is disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion, wherein the heel portion comprises a rear portion and a flexible side portion coupled to the rear portion, and wherein the flexible side portion is configured to displace with respect to the rear portion to allow a user to slide a heel of the user through the open inner portion and over the flexible portion to put the article of footwear onto a foot of the user.

[0056] Embodiment 22. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toe portion is configured to receives toes of a user's foot, and wherein the heel portion is configured to receives a heel of the user's foot when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0057] Embodiment 23. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the upper comprises an outer portion that connects the toe portion to the heel portion on and extends along an outside portion of the user's foot when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0058] Embodiment 24. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toe portion, the outer portion, and the heel portion are integrally formed or manufactured.

[0059] Embodiment 25. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open inner portion is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

[0060] Embodiment 26. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open inner portion is configured to expose an instep of a user's foot when the article of footwear is worn by a user.

[0061] Embodiment 27. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open inner portion provides an opening in the upper that allows ingress of a user's toes into the article of footwear.

[0062] Embodiment 28. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear portion forms a rear section of the heel portion.

[0063] Embodiment 29. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear portion comprises a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the flexible side portion.

[0064] Embodiment 30. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear portion comprises a reinforcing component dispersed within the rear portion.

[0065] Embodiment 31. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the reinforcing component comprises a plastic heel cap disposed within the heel portion, a structural component formed from a plastic or metal, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Embodiment 32. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible side portion is movable or pliable and displaceable with respect to the rear portion.

[0067] Embodiment 33. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flexible side portion is configured to be displaced by a user's heel to allow the user's heel to rotate into the heel portion after a user's toes have been inserted into the toe portion.

[0068] Embodiment 34. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the article of footwear comprises a side-entry mechanism formed by the open inner portion and the flexible side portion of the heel portion.

[0069] Embodiment 35. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism.

[0070] Embodiment 36. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first component coupled to the toe portion and a second component disposed on the heel portion.

[0071] Embodiment 37. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component comprises an elastic cord or band comprising a coupling device disposed at a distal end, wherein the second component comprises a prong, and wherein the elastic cord or band is configured to extend across the open inner portion for the coupling device to engage the prong to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear to a foot of the user.

[0072] Embodiment 38. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first component coupled to the toe portion and a second component coupled to an opposing side of the toe portion.

[0073] Embodiment 39. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component comprises an elastic cord or band comprising a coupling device disposed at a distal end, wherein the second component comprises a prong, and wherein the elastic cord or band is configured to extend around the heel portion and across the open inner portion for the coupling device to engage the prong to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear to a foot of the user.

[0074] Embodiment 40. The article of footwear of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component comprises a first strap portion extending, wherein the second component comprises a second strap portion comprising a buckle, and wherein the first strap portion is configured to engage the buckle to aid in retaining or securing the article of footwear to a foot of the user.

[0075] Embodiment 41. A method of putting on an article of footwear, comprising: providing an article of footwear comprising a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the footwear, an upper comprising a toe portion and a heel portion, and an open inner portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion; sliding toes of a user's foot inwardly at an angle into the toe portion; and rotating the footwear, a heel of the user's foot, or a combination thereof to engage the heel of the user's foot with the heel portion.

[0076] Embodiment 42. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein engaging the heel portion with the user's heel displaces a flexible side portion of the heel portion to allow the user's heel to traverse over the flexible side portion and into alignment with a rear portion of the heel portion that is coupled to the flexible portion.

[0077] Embodiment 43. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: fastening a fastening mechanism.

[0078] Embodiment 44. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: repeating the method for a second article of footwear.

[0079] Embodiment 45. The article of footwear or the method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: an open outer portion that is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

[0080] Embodiment 46. The article of footwear or method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: a fastening mechanism that extends over the open outer portion.

[0081] Embodiment 47. The article of footwear or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a first component coupled to the toe portion and a second component coupled to the heel portion.

[0082] Embodiment 48. The article of footwear or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first component is configured to extend across the open outer portion and engage the second component when the article of footwear is worn by a user.

[0083] Embodiment 49. The article of footwear or the method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: an open toe portion.

[0084] Embodiment 50. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the article of footwear; and an upper coupled to the sole, the upper including a toe portion, an open inner portion and a heel portion, wherein the open inner portion is disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion and configured to allow a user to slide a heel of the user through the open inner portion to put the article of footwear onto a foot of the user.

[0085] Embodiment 51. The article of footwear of embodiment 50, wherein the toe portion is open toe portion configured to at least partially expose one or more toes of the foot of the user, and wherein the heel portion is configured to receive a heel of the foot of the user when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0086] Embodiment 52. The article of footwear of embodiment 50, wherein the open inner portion is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

[0087] Embodiment 53. The article of footwear of embodiment 52, further comprising: an open outer portion, wherein the open outer portion is void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

[0088] Embodiment 54. The article of footwear of embodiment 52, wherein the open inner portion is configured to expose an instep of the foot of the user when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0089] Embodiment 55. The article of footwear of embodiment 53, wherein the open outer portion is configured to expose a lateral border of the foot of the user when the article of footwear is worn by the user.

[0090] Embodiment 56. The article of footwear of embodiment 55, wherein the open inner portion, the open outer portion, or both provides an opening in the upper that allows ingress and egress of the foot of the user into and out of the article of footwear.

[0091] Embodiment 57. The article of footwear of embodiment 50, wherein the article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism.

[0092] Embodiment 58. The article of footwear of embodiment 57, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a fastening band, a first fastening component disposed in proximity to a first distal end of the fastening band and a second fastening component disposed in proximity to a second distal end of the fastening band.

[0093] Embodiment 59. The article of footwear of embodiment 58, wherein the fastening band comprises a stretchable elastic band, and wherein the first fastening component and the second fastening component comprise snap fasteners

[0094] Embodiment 60. The article of footwear of embodiment 59, wherein the first fastening component is configured to engage with a first upper fastening component disposed on the upper and in proximity to the open inner portion, wherein the second fastening component is configured to engage with a second upper fastening component disposed on the upper, and wherein the fastening band is configured to extend from the first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the user.

[0095] Embodiment 61. The article of footwear of embodiment 60, wherein the second upper fastening component is disposed on the upper in proximity to an open outer portion of the upper, and wherein the fastening band is configured to extend from the first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, across the open outer portion, to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear to the foot of the user.

[0096] Embodiment 62. The article of footwear of embodiment 58, wherein the heel portion comprises a heel loop disposed on an outer portion of the heel portion, and wherein the fastening band is disposed through the heel loop, such that the heel loop captures the fastening band to allow the fastening band to articulate through the heel loop.

[0097] Embodiment 63. The article of footwear of embodiment 62, wherein articulation of the fastening band through the heel loop distributes pressure applied by the fastening band on the foot of the user to maximize comfort and stability of the article of footwear.

[0098] Embodiment 64. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the article of footwear; an upper coupled to the sole, the upper comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, an open inner portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion, and an open outer portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion opposite from the open inner portion; and a fastening mechanism comprising a flexible or stretchable fastening band, a first fastening component disposed in proximity to a first distal end of the fastening band, and a second fastening component disposed in proximity to a second distal end of the fastening band, wherein the first fastening component is configured to engage with a first upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open inner portion, wherein the second fastening component is configured to engage with a second upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open outer portion, and wherein the fastening band is configured to extend from the first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, across the open outer portion, and to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear onto a foot of a user.

[0099] Embodiment 65. The article of footwear of embodiment 64, wherein the open inner portion and the open outer portion are void of any material that forms a portion of the upper and connects the toe portion to the heel portion.

[0100] Embodiment 66. The article of footwear of embodiment 65, wherein the open inner portion, the open outer portion, or both provides an opening in the upper that allows ingress and egress of the foot of the user into and out of the article of footwear.

[0101] Embodiment 67. The article of footwear of embodiment 64, wherein the heel portion comprises a heel loop disposed on an outer portion of the heel portion, and wherein the fastening band is disposed through the heel loop, such that the heel loop captures the fastening band to allow the fastening band to articulate through the heel loop.

[0102] Embodiment 68. The article of footwear of embodiment 67, wherein articulation of the fastening band through the heel loop distributes pressure applied by the fastening band on the foot of the user to maximize comfort and stability of the article of footwear.

[0103] Embodiment 69. A method of putting on an article of footwear, comprising: providing an article of footwear comprising a sole that forms a footbed along an interior of the article footwear, an upper comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, an open inner portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion, and an open outer portion disposed between the toe portion and the heel portion opposite from the open inner portion, and a fastening mechanism comprising a flexible or stretchable fastening band, a first fastening component disposed in proximity to a first distal end of the fastening band, and a second fastening component disposed in proximity to a second distal end of the fastening band; sliding toes of a user's foot inwardly at an angle into the toe portion through the open inner portion or the open outer portion; and rotating the footwear, a heel of the user's foot, or a combination thereof to engage the heel of the user's foot with the heel portion.

[0104] Embodiment 70. The method of embodiment 69, further comprising: fastening the first fastening component to a first upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open inner portion and the second fastening component to a second upper fastening component disposed on the toe portion of the upper and in proximity to the open outer portion, wherein the flexible or stretchable fastening band extends from first upper fastening component, across the open inner portion, around the heel portion, across the open outer portion, and to the second upper fastening component to secure the article of footwear onto the foot of the user and allow articulation of the fastening band to distribute pressure applied by the fastening band on the foot of the user to maximize comfort and stability of the article of footwear.

[0105] Embodiment 71. The method of embodiment 70, further comprising: repeating the method for a second article of footwear.

[0106] In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0107] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to one or more specific embodiments. After reading the specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range and include sub-ranges that overlap from one preferred range to another preferred range.