AU2025200515B2

AU2025200515B2 - Footwear counter for easier entry and removal

Info

Publication number: AU2025200515B2
Application number: AU2025200515A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Frank F. CHUANG; Scott Kelley; Pei-Chun Liao; Kurt Stockbridge; Johnson Tja; John Maxwell Weeks; Hui Xie
Original assignee: Skechers USA Inc II
Current assignee: Skechers USA Inc II
Priority date: 2021-10-15
Filing date: 2025-01-24
Publication date: 2026-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2042-10-14
Also published as: AU2025200516B2; TWM657263U; AU2025200518A1; AU2025200511A1; TWM661486U; AU2024202508B2; AU2023203319B2; AU2025200515A1; AU2024202508A1; AU2025200514A1; AU2025200518B2; AU2025200513A1; AU2025200517A1; AU2024204816B2; AU2024202506A1; AU2024202505B2; AU2024223994A1; AU2024223994B2; ES1322691Y; AU2024202505A1

Abstract

A shoe, comprising: a sole; an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, 5 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion; an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel cup, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer extends into the shoe opening, providing securement of the foot once inserted.

Description

FOOTWEARCOUNTER COUNTERFOR FOREASIER EASIERENTRY ENTRYAND ANDREMOVAL REMOVAL 24 Jan 2025

FOOTWEAR CROSS REFERENCE CROSS REFERENCETO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001]

[001] This application This applicationisisa adivisional divisional application application of Australian of Australian patent patent application application No. No. 5 5 2024223994, 2024223994, which which in turn in turn is a isdivisional a divisional application application of Australian of Australian PatentPatent Application Application No. No. 2024202505,which 2024202505, which in turn in turn is aisdivisional a divisional application application of Australian of Australian PatentPatent Application Application No. No. 2025200515

2022362306, which 2022362306, whichis isthethe nationalphase national phase application application of of PCT PCT Patent Patent Application Application No. No. PCT/US2022/046726 PCT/US2022/046726 filedfiled on October on October 14, 2022, 14, 2022, which which claims claims the benefit the benefit of priority of priority from from U.S. U.S. Provisional Patent Provisional Patent No. No. 63/256,521, 63/256,521,which whichwaswas filedonon filed October October 15,15, 2021. 2021. The The entire entire contents contents of of 10 10 the applications listed in this paragraph are hereby incorporated by this reference. the applications listed in this paragraph are hereby incorporated by this reference.

TECHNICALFIELD TECHNICAL FIELD

[002]

[002] The present disclosure generally relates to a heel counter or a component of a heel counter The present disclosure generally relates to a heel counter or a component of a heel counter

of a shoe, and in particular a heel counter that is designed to allow for easier entry of the wearer’s of a shoe, and in particular a heel counter that is designed to allow for easier entry of the wearer's

15 15 foot into the shoe. foot into the shoe.

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

[003]

[003] Anydiscussion Any discussionof of thethe prior prior artart throughout throughout the the specification specification should should in noinway nobeway be considered as considered as an an admission admissionthat thatsuch suchprior prior art art is is widely widely known orforms known or formspart partofofcommon common general general

20 20 knowledge in the field. knowledge in the field.

[004]

[004] Conventionally,when Conventionally, when donning donning footwear footwear suchsuch as sports as sports shoes, shoes, the user the user must must oftenoften use use one or both hands or operate a shoe horn separate from the shoe to properly insert the foot into the one or both hands or operate a shoe horn separate from the shoe to properly insert the foot into the

shoe and secure the quarter from collapsing under the heel. shoe and secure the quarter from collapsing under the heel.

25 25 BRIEF SSUMMARY BRIEF UMMARYOF DISCLOSURE OF DISCLOSURE

[005]

[005] Aspects of this invention relate to an article of footwear that has a structure capable of Aspects of this invention relate to an article of footwear that has a structure capable of

distortion to support easier foot insertion. distortion to support easier foot insertion.

[006] In In

[006] oneone aspectofofthe aspect theinvention, invention, aa heel heel cup cup may be uniformly may be uniformly molded molded with with an an upper upper portion, midportion, portion, andlower midportion, and lowerportion, portion,and andthe theupper upperportion portionhashasa asmaller smallermediolateral mediolateral length length

30 30 than the than the midportion. Themidportion midportion. The midportionand andlower lower portion portion may may form form a concave a concave structure structure configured configured

to receive the heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its native state to receive the heel. The upper portion of the heel cup has a first configuration in its native state

and is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of a user’s foot when the user and is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user

is donning the footwear. In the second configuration, at least part of the upper portion is lowered is donning the footwear. In the second configuration, at least part of the upper portion is lowered relative to relative to the first configuration the first and the configuration and theupper upperportion portion is is capable capable of returning of returning to first to the the first 24 Jan 2025 configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The midportion may include a peripheral configuration after the load of the user's foot is removed. The midportion may include a peripheral portion having portion havingaa first first thickness thickness and and a a central central portion portion having a second having a thickness, and second thickness, andthe the second second thickness is less than the first thickness. thickness is less than the first thickness.

55 [007]

[007] In another aspect of the invention, the upper portion of a heel cup has a first configuration In another aspect of the invention, the upper portion of a heel cup has a first configuration

in its native state and is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of a user’s in its native state and is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of a user's

foot when foot theuser when the userisis donning donningthe thefootwear footwear and and thethe heel heel cupcup is is capable capable of of returning returning to to thethe first first 2025200515

configuration after configuration after the the load of the load of the user's user's foot foot is is removed. In the removed. In the first first configuration, configuration, the the upper upper

portion has portion has aa downward downward incline incline with with a firstangle a first angle relativetotoa avertical relative vertical line line that that is is normal to aa normal to

10 10 horizontal surface horizontal surface of of the the floor, floor, and and the the upper upper portion portion in in the the second configuration has second configuration has an anincline incline with a second angle greater than the first angle. Additionally, in the second configuration, a lower with a second angle greater than the first angle. Additionally, in the second configuration, a lower

region of region of aa central central portion portion of of the the heel heel cup cup extends extendsoutward outwardin in a directionaway a direction away fromfrom the the shoeshoe

opening that causes opening that causes the the shoe openingto shoe opening to widen widenalong alongthe themediolateral mediolateraldirection. direction.

[008]

[008] In another aspect of the invention, an upper of an article of footwear includes a U-shaped In another aspect of the invention, an upper of an article of footwear includes a U-shaped

15 15 foamed ankle collar that is substantially tubular in shape and forms the topmost region of the foot foamed ankle collar that is substantially tubular in shape and forms the topmost region of the foot

receiving shoe receiving opening. The shoe opening. Thefoamed foamed ankle ankle collarmay collar may extend extend at at leastpartially least partially around and over around and over the the foot receiving foot receiving shoe shoe opening andmay opening and maybebecompressed compressed by the by the user’s user's heel heel during during foot foot insertion.The insertion. The ankle collar may exert pressure on the user’s ankle once the foot is inserted into the footwear. The ankle collar may exert pressure on the user's ankle once the foot is inserted into the footwear. The

ankle collar ankle collar may also have may also have aa flattened flattened region region along along its itslength lengthforming forming aadownward anglefrom downward angle fromthe the 20 20 topmost region toward the front of the article of footwear. topmost region toward the front of the article of footwear.

[009]

[009] In another In another aspect aspect of of the the invention, invention, aa heel heel counter counter support supportisis located located on onthe theupper upperand and abovethe above the sole sole structure. structure. The The heel heel counter counter support mayhave support may haveatatleast least two twohollow hollowreceptacles receptacleswith with backwardangles. backward angles.Additionally, Additionally,each each oneone of the of the two two hollow hollow receptacles receptacles receive receive one one end of end a of a compressiblecomponent. compressible component. The The compressible compressible component component has ahas a first first configuration configuration in itsnative in its nativestate, state, 25 25 and the and the compressible compressiblecomponent componentis is capable capable of of distortinginto distorting intoaa second secondconfiguration configurationunder undera aload load of a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear and is capable of automatically returning to of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear and is capable of automatically returning to

the first configuration after the user’s foot in fully inserted into the footwear. the first configuration after the user's foot in fully inserted into the footwear.

[0010]In In

[0010] a furtheraspect a further aspectofofthe the invention, invention, an an article article ofoffootwear footwear comprises: comprises:

an upper and sole structure; an upper and sole structure;

30 30 the upper the defining aa foot upper defining foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening;

a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at

least a portion of a rear ankle collar of the upper; least a portion of a rear ankle collar of the upper;

the heel the heel cup cup uniformly uniformly molded withan molded with anupper upperportion, portion, midportion, midportion, and and lower lower portion where portion whereininthe the upper upperportion portionhas hasa asmaller smallermediolateral mediolaterallength lengththan than

2 the midportion, the midportion,and andthethemidportion midportion and and lowerlower portion portion form aform a concave concave 24 Jan 2025 structure configured to receive the heel; structure configured to receive the heel; the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper the portion capable upper portion capableof of distorting distorting into into aa second configuration second configuration

5 5 under a load of a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear; under a load of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear;

wherein in the second configuration at least part of the upper portion wherein in the second configuration at least part of the upper portion

is lowered relative to the first configuration; is lowered relative to the first configuration; 2025200515

the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after

the load of user's foot is removed; the load of user's foot is removed;

10 10 the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion; the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion;

the peripheral portion having a first thickness; and the peripheral portion having a first thickness; and

the central portion having a second thickness; the central portion having a second thickness;

the second thickness being less than the first thickness. the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

[0011]InInanother

[0011] anotheraspect, aspect,ananarticle article of of footwear comprises: footwear comprises:

15 15 an upper and sole structure; an upper and sole structure;

the upper the defining aa foot upper defining foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening;

least a portion of the rear heel collar of upper; least a portion of the rear heel collar of upper;

the heel the heel cup cup uniformly moldedwith uniformly molded withananupper upperportion, portion,midportion, midportion,and andlower lowerportion portionwhere where 20 20 in the in the upper upperportion portionhashasa smaller a smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the midportion, the midportion, and and the the midportionand midportion andlower lower portion portion form form a concave a concave structure structure configured configured to the to cup cupheel; the heel; the the upper portion having a first configuration; upper portion having a first configuration;

the upper portion capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of the upper portion capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of

a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear; a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear;

25 25 the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after

the load of the user's foot is removed; and wherein the load of the user's foot is removed; and wherein

the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle

relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor; relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor;

the upper the portion in upper portion in the the second configurationhas second configuration hasananincline incline with withaasecond secondangle; angle; 30 30 and the second angle is greater than the first angle; and and the second angle is greater than the first angle; and

a lower region of the central portion extends outwardly in the second configuration a lower region of the central portion extends outwardly in the second configuration

in aa direction in direction away fromthe away from theshoe shoeopening openingthat thatcauses causesthe theshoe shoeopening opening to to widen widen

along the mediolateral direction. along the mediolateral direction.

[0012]InInanother

[0012] anotheraspect, aspect,ananarticle article of of footwear comprises: footwear comprises:

3 an upper and sole structure; an upper and sole structure; 24 Jan 2025 the upper the defining aa foot upper defining foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening; a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at a heel cup attached to the upper and extending from the sole structure to at least a portion of a rear ankle collar of the upper; least a portion of a rear ankle collar of the upper;

5 5 the heel the heel cup cup uniformly uniformly molded withan molded with anupper upperportion, portion, midportion, midportion, and and lower lower portion where portion whereininthe the upper upperportion portionhas hasa asmaller smallermediolateral mediolaterallength lengththan than the midportion, the midportion,and andthethemidportion midportion and and lowerlower portion portion form aform a concave concave 2025200515

structure configured to receive the heel; structure configured to receive the heel;

the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper portion having a first configuration;

10 10 the upper the portion capable upper portion capableof of distorting distorting into into aa second configuration second configuration

under a load of a user’s foot when the user is donning the footwear; under a load of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear;

is lowered relative to the first configuration; is lowered relative to the first configuration;

15 15 the load of the user's foot is removed; the load of the user's foot is removed;

the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion; the midportion defining a peripheral portion and a central portion;

the peripheral portion having a first thickness; the peripheral portion having a first thickness;

the second thickness being less than the first thickness; and the second thickness being less than the first thickness; and

20 20 the upper the upper portion, portion, midportion, midportion,and andlower lowerportion portionhashas an an overallvertical overall verticalcross-sectional cross-sectional"S" “S” wave shape, wherein the central portion is at least partially located at an inflection point of the wave shape, wherein the central portion is at least partially located at an inflection point of the

“S” wave "S" waveshape. shape.

[0013]In In

[0013] a furtheraspect, a further aspect,ananarticle article of of footwear footwear comprises: comprises:

an upper and sole structure; an upper and sole structure;

25 25 the upper the defining aa foot upper defining foot receiving receiving shoe shoe opening; opening;

a heel a heel cup cupattached attachedtotothetheupper upper and and extending extending fromsole from the thestructure sole structure to at to at least a portion of the rear heel collar of upper; least a portion of the rear heel collar of upper;

the heel the heel cup cupuniformly uniformly molded molded with with an upper an upper portion, portion, midportion, midportion, and and lower lower portion where portion whereinin the the upper upper portion portion has has aa smaller smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the the midportion, midportion, 30 30 and the and the midportion andlower midportion and lowerportion portionform forma aconcave concave structureconfigured structure configuredtotocup cupthe theheel; heel; the upper portion having a first configuration; the upper portion having a first configuration;

4 the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the load of the the upper portion capable of returning to the first configuration after the load of the 24 Jan 2025 user's foot user's footisisremoved; removed; and and wherein wherein the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle the upper portion in the first configuration has a downward incline with a first angle relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor; relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of the floor;

5 5 the upper the portion in upper portion in the the second configurationhas second configuration hasananincline incline with withaasecond secondangle; angle; and the second angle is greater than the first angle; and the second angle is greater than the first angle;

a lower region of the central portion in the second configuration extends outwardly a lower region of the central portion in the second configuration extends outwardly 2025200515

in aa direction in directionaway away from the shoe from the shoe opening that causes opening that the shoe causes the shoe opening to widen opening to widenalong alongthe the mediolateral direction; and mediolateral direction; and

10 10 the upper the upper portion, portion, midportion, midportion,and andlower lower portion portion has has an overall an overall vertical vertical cross- cross-

sectional “S” sectional waveshape, "S" wave shape,wherein wherein thethe central central portion portion is is at at leastpartially least partially located located atat an an inflection point of the “S” wave shape. inflection point of the "S" wave shape.

[0014]InIna afurther

[0014] furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe shoe comprising comprising aa heel heel counter; counter; the heel the heel counter counter comprising comprising aa heel heel cup; cup; 15 15 the heel the heel cup cup being being uniformly moldedwith uniformly molded withananupper upper portion,a amidportion, portion, midportion,and and a a lower lower

portion; portion;

whereinthe wherein the upper upperportion portionhas hasaa smaller smaller mediolateral mediolateral length length than than the the midportion; midportion;

wherein a thickness of the heel cup decreases gradually from a peripheral portion of the wherein a thickness of the heel cup decreases gradually from a peripheral portion of the

heel cup toward a central region of the mid-portion; heel cup toward a central region of the mid-portion;

20 20 wherein the central region of the mid-portion provides flexibility and bending of the heel wherein the central region of the mid-portion provides flexibility and bending of the heel

cup under a load of a user’s foot, and cup under a load of a user's foot, and

wherein the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical S wave cross-sectional wherein the rearmost portion of the heel cup has an overall vertical S wave cross-sectional

shape. shape.

[0015]InInanother

[0015] anotheraspect, aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe shoecomprising comprisinga aheel heelcounter; counter; 25 25 the heel the heel counter counter comprising comprising aa heel heel cup; cup; the heel the heel cup being uniformly cup being uniformlymolded molded with with an an upper upper portion, portion, a midportion, a midportion, and and a lower a lower

portion; portion;

whereinaamidpoint wherein midpointregion regionofofthe theheel heelcup cupisis thinner thinner than than the the surrounding regionsofof the surrounding regions the 30 30 heel cup, heel cup, such that the such that the thickness thickness of of the themidpoint midpoint region region compared compared totothe the surrounding surroundingregions regions of the heel cup provides flexibility in the heel cup under a load of a user’s foot, and of the heel cup provides flexibility in the heel cup under a load of a user's foot, and

shape. shape.

[0016]InInanother

[0016] anotheraspect, aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: a sole; a sole; 24 Jan 2025 an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper,

5 5 whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower portion; portion;

an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel 2025200515

cup, cup,

wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,

10 10 whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer into the extends into the shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing

securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0017]InIna afurther

[0017] furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

an upper, including at least a portion comprising elastic material positioned to stretch and an upper, including at least a portion comprising elastic material positioned to stretch and

15 15 create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;

a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper,

wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion; wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion;

an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel

cup, cup,

20 20 wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,

wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0018]InInanother

[0018] anotheraspect, aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: a sole; a sole;

25 25 an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create

tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;

wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,

the heel cup having a rearward facing upper concavity with a first amplitude, the heel cup having a rearward facing upper concavity with a first amplitude,

30 30 the heel the heel cup cup having having aa forward facing lower forward facing lowerconcavity concavitywith witha asecond secondamplitude, amplitude, the second amplitude being greater than the first amplitude; the second amplitude being greater than the first amplitude;

cup, cup,

6 wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 24 Jan 2025 securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0019]InIna afurther

[0019] furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

5 5 an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create

a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, 2025200515

whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup comprisesananupper cup comprises upperportion, portion, aa midportion, and aa lower midportion, and lower portion portion the heel cup including a plurality of reduced thickness regions oriented in a vertical the heel cup including a plurality of reduced thickness regions oriented in a vertical

10 10 direction at a rearmost portion of the heel cup; direction at a rearmost portion of the heel cup;

cup, cup,

wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 15 15 securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0020]InInanother

[0020] anotheraspect, aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: a sole; a sole;

an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create

20 20 a heel cup, comprised of thermoplastic elastomer material, affixed to the sole and upper, a heel cup, comprised of thermoplastic elastomer material, affixed to the sole and upper,

the heel the heel cup cupcomprising comprising a plurality a plurality of enhanced of enhanced flexibility flexibility regions regions oriented oriented

vertically along a rearmost portion of the heel cup; vertically along a rearmost portion of the heel cup;

an interior an interior foam foam layer, layer,comprised of at comprised of at least leastone oneofofEVA and polyurethane EVA and polyurethanefoam, foam,bonded bonded 25 25 to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel cup, to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel cup,

wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securementofofthe securement the foot foot once once inserted, inserted, and and

whereinthe wherein theinterior interior foam foamlayer layerisiscovered coveredby by an an elastic elastic textilehaving textile having wicking wicking

30 30 properties, the elastic textile form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer. properties, the elastic textile form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer.

[0021]InInyet

[0021] yetanother anotheraspect, aspect,there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, 24 Jan 2025 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, a vertical cross-sectional shape of a rearmost portion of the heel cup comprising an a vertical cross-sectional shape of a rearmost portion of the heel cup comprising an

S-wave; S-wave;

5 5 an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel an interior foam layer adjacent to at least an interior wall of the upper portion of the heel

cup, cup,

wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, 2025200515

10 10 [0022]InIna afurther

[0022] furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

15 15 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,

a profile of the heel cup having a pear-like shape; a profile of the heel cup having a pear-like shape;

cup, cup,

20 20 wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0023]InInanother

[0023] anotheraspect, aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: a sole; a sole;

25 25 tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe;

the heel cup including at least one reduced thickness region positioned at a rearmost the heel cup including at least one reduced thickness region positioned at a rearmost

portion of the heel cup with at least one vertically displaced thicker adjacent region and at least portion of the heel cup with at least one vertically displaced thicker adjacent region and at least

30 30 one horizontally displaced thicker adjacent region; one horizontally displaced thicker adjacent region;

cup, cup,

wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 24 Jan 2025 securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0024]InInyet

[0024] yetanother anotheraspect, aspect,there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

55 an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create an upper, including at least one layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create

wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a downward wherein, in a first configuration, the upper portion of the heel cup has a downward

10 10 incline with a first angle relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of a incline with a first angle relative to a vertical line that is normal to a horizontal surface of a

floor; and floor; and

the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load the upper portion is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load

of the of the foot foot when donningthe when donning theshoe, shoe,wherein whereinininthe thesecond secondconfiguration configurationthe theupper upperportion portionhas has a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line, a downward incline with a second angle relative to the vertical line,

15 15 the second angle being greater than the first angle; the second angle being greater than the first angle;

cup, cup,

wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing 20 20 securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

[0025]InIna afurther

[0025] furtheraspect, aspect, there there is is provided provided aa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

25 25 a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper, a heel cup, comprised of polymer material, affixed to the sole and upper,

cup, cup,

30 30 wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement of the foot once inserted, securement of the foot once inserted,

the interior foam layer also being adjacent to a midportion interior wall of the heel the interior foam layer also being adjacent to a midportion interior wall of the heel

cup and a lower portion interior wall of the heel cup, and cup and a lower portion interior wall of the heel cup, and

9 a portion of the interior foam layer that is adjacent to the interior wall of the upper a portion of the interior foam layer that is adjacent to the interior wall of the upper 24 Jan 2025 portion is thicker than portions adjacent to the midportion interior wall and the lower portion portion is thicker than portions adjacent to the midportion interior wall and the lower portion interior wall. interior wall.

[0026]InInanother

[0026] anotheraspect, aspect,there thereisis provided providedaa shoe, shoe, comprising: comprising: 55 a sole; a sole;

create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; 2025200515

a heel a heel cup, cup, comprised ofpolymer comprised of polymer material,affixed material, affixedtotothe thesole soleand andattached attachedtotoananinner inner lining of the upper, lining of the upper,

10 10 wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion, wherein the heel cup comprises an upper portion, a midportion, and a lower portion,

a vertical cross-sectional shape of a rearmost portion of the heel cup comprising an a vertical cross-sectional shape of a rearmost portion of the heel cup comprising an

S-wave, S-wave,

the heel the heel cup including at cup including at least least one one reduced thickness region reduced thickness region at at aa rearmost portion rearmost portion

of the heel cup, at least one upper thicker adjacent region oriented vertically above the at least of the heel cup, at least one upper thicker adjacent region oriented vertically above the at least

15 15 one reduced one reduced thickness thickness region, region, and and at at least least one lower one lower thickerthicker adjacent adjacent region vertically region oriented oriented vertically below the at least one reduced thickness region; below the at least one reduced thickness region;

cup, cup,

20 20 wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securement of the foot once inserted, securement of the foot once inserted,

wherein the wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer extends into into the the shoe shoeopening, opening,providing providing securementofofthe securement thefoot foot once onceinserted, inserted, the interior the interior foam foamlayer layerbeing being covered covered by anby an elastic elastic textiletextile having having wicking wicking

25 25 properties, wherein the elastic textile is form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer. properties, wherein the elastic textile is form fitted to the shape of the interior foam layer.

[0027]Unless

[0027] Unless thethe context context clearlyrequires clearly requiresotherwise, otherwise,throughout throughoutthethedescription descriptionand andthe theclaims, claims, the words the “comprise”,"comprising", words "comprise", “comprising”, and and thethe likeare like aretotobebeconstrued construedininananinclusive inclusive sense senseas as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not

limited to”. limited to".

30 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOFOFTHE DRAWINGS THEDRAWINGS

[0028]By By

[0028] wayway of example of example only,only, selected selected embodiments embodiments and aspects and aspects of the of the present present invention invention are are described below. described below.Each Each description description referstotoaafigure refers figure ("FIG.") ("FIG.") which whichshows showsthethe described described matter. matter.

Somefigures Some figuresshown shownin in drawings drawings or photographs or photographs that accompany that accompany this specification this specification may be may for be for

10 footwear that is for either the left or right foot. Each figure includes one or more identifiers for footwear that is for either the left or right foot. Each figure includes one or more identifiers for 24 Jan 2025 one ormore one or more part(s) part(s) or or elements(s) elements(s) ofinvention. of the the invention.

[0029] Various

[0029] Various embodiments embodiments are described are described with with reference reference to drawings, to the the drawings, in which: in which:

[0030] FIG.

[0030] FIG. 1 isa afront 1 is frontview viewofofa acompressible compressibleheel heelcup. cup. 5 5 [0031]FIG.

[0031] FIG. 2 is 2 is a a perspectiveview perspective view of of thecompressible the compressible heel heel cup cup of of FIG. FIG. 1. 1.

[0032]FIG.

[0032] FIG. 3 is 3 is a a sideview side viewofofthe thecompressible compressible heelcupcup heel ofof FIG. FIG. 1.1.

[0033]FIGS.

[0033] FIGS. 4A and 4A and 4Baare 4B are a side-by-side side-by-side front front perspective perspective viewview of the of the compressible compressible heel heel cup cup 2025200515

of FIG. of FIG. 1 1 in in its itscompressed compressed configuration configuration (4A) and its (4A) and its uncompressed configuration(4B). uncompressed configuration (4B).

[0034]FIGS.

[0034] FIGS. 4C 4D 4C and andare 4Da are a side-by-side side-by-side topofview top view the of the compressible compressible heel cupheel cup of Fig. of Fig. 11 10 10 placed within placed withinaashoe shoeininits its compressed compressed configuration configuration (4C) (4C) and and its its uncompressed uncompressed configuration configuration

(4D). (4D).

[0035]FIG.

[0035] FIG. 5 is 5 is a a frontview front viewofofa aheel heelcup cupconfigured configuredtotohave havea aseries series of of crisscross crisscross beams. beams.

[0036]FIG.

[0036] FIG. 6Aa isschematic 6A is a schematic illustration illustration of aof a cross-section cross-section of lengths of arc arc lengths of rearmost of the the rearmost portion of the heel cup of FIG. 1. portion of the heel cup of FIG. 1.

15 15 [0037] FIG.

[0037] FIG. 6B 6B is cross-sectional is cross-sectional view view of of thethe heelcup heel cup ofof FIG. FIG. 1 1 takenatatlines taken lines6-6 6-6in in FIG. FIG. 1. 1.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a side view of a heel counter with a heel cup located in the interior of the heel

counter. counter.

[0039]FIG.

[0039] FIG. 8 is 8 is a a topview top viewofof theheel the heelcounter counterofofFIG. FIG.7.7.

[0040]FIG.

[0040] FIG. 9 is 9 is a a perspectiveview perspective view of of theheel the heelcounter counterofofFIG. FIG.7.7. 20 20 [0041]FIG.

[0041] FIG. 10 aiscross-sectional 10 is a cross-sectional view view of the of the heel heel counter counter of FIG. of FIG. 8 taken 8 taken at lines at lines 10-10 10-10 in in FIG. 8. FIG. 8.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shoe with a heel counter incorporating a rigid heel cup.

[0043]FIG.

[0043] FIG. 12 12 is is a sideview a side view ofof theshoe the shoeofofFIG. FIG.11. 11.

[0044]FIG.

[0044] FIG. 13 13 is is a rearview a rear viewofof theshoe the shoeofofFIG. FIG.11. 11. 25 25 [0045]FIG.

[0045] FIG. 14 14 is is a bottom a bottom view view oftongue of a a tongue andand an instep an instep support. support.

[0046]FIG.

[0046] FIG. 15 15 is is a perspective a perspective view view of of a shoe a shoe with with a cushioned a cushioned lining. lining.

[0047]FIG.

[0047] FIG. 16 16 is is a sideview a side view ofof thecushioned the cushioned liningofofFIG. lining FIG.15. 15.

[0048]FIG.

[0048] FIG. 17 17 is is a perspective a perspective view view of of thethecushioned cushioned lining lining ofof FIG. FIG. 15. 15.

[0049]FIG.

[0049] FIG. 18 18 is is a topview a top view of of thecushioned the cushioned liningofofFIG. lining FIG.15.15. 30 30 [0050]FIG.

[0050] FIG. 19 19 is is a cross-sectionalview a cross-sectional viewofofthe thecushioned cushionedlining liningofofFIG. FIG.1818taken takenatatlines lines 19-19. 19-19. in FIG. 18. in FIG. 18.

[0051]FIG.

[0051] FIG. 20A20A is aislateral a lateralview view of of a a shoewith shoe witha aheel heelcounter countersupport. support.

[0052]FIG.

[0052] FIG. 20B20B is aisperspective a perspective view view ofshoe of a a shoe with with a heel a heel counter counter support. support.

[0053]FIG.

[0053] FIG. 20C20C is aisrear a rear view view of of thethe shoe shoe of of FIG. FIG. 20A. 20A.

11

[0054]FIG.

[0054] FIG. 21 21 is is a perspective a perspective view view of of thethebottom bottom of of thethe upper upper of of theshoe the shoeofofFIG. FIG.20.20. 24 Jan 2025

[0055]FIG.

[0055] FIG. 22 22 is ais perspective a perspective view view of the of the sole sole andand heelheel counter counter support support of the of the shoeshoe of FIG. of FIG.

20B. 20B.

5 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056]A shoe

[0056] A shoe maymay comprise comprise a sole a sole and and an upper. an upper. The sole The sole may comprise may comprise an outsole, an outsole, a midsole, a midsole,

and/or an and/or an integrally integrally formed outsole and formed outsole andmidsole. midsole.TheThe upper upper maymay comprise comprise a toeabox, toe box, a vamp, a vamp, a a 2025200515

tongue, a medial quarter, a lateral quarter, and a heel counter. The shoe has a forefoot portion, a tongue, a medial quarter, a lateral quarter, and a heel counter. The shoe has a forefoot portion, a

rear portion, a medial side and a lateral side. The upper may comprise an exterior layer, interior rear portion, a medial side and a lateral side. The upper may comprise an exterior layer, interior

10 10 layers or layers or interior interiorstructure, structure,and/or and/orananinner innerlining. lining.The The upper mayform upper may forma ashoe shoe opening opening that that is is capable of receiving a user’s foot when the user is donning the shoe. capable of receiving a user's foot when the user is donning the shoe.

[0057]TheThe

[0057] heelheel counter counter or rear or rear portion portion of the of the upper upper may may comprise comprise a structure(s) a structure(s) that that enables enables

easier insertion of the foot into the shoe opening. The structure(s) may also support easier removal easier insertion of the foot into the shoe opening. The structure(s) may also support easier removal

of the of the foot. foot. The heel counter The heel counter or or rear rear portion portion of of the the upper upper may further have may further haveaatransient transient widening widening 15 15 whenthe when theuser user is is donning or removing donning or the shoe. removing the shoe. The Thewidening wideningofof theshoe the shoeopening openingmay may be be initiated initiated

by the user placing a load on the heel counter or rear portion of the upper that may be exerted by by the user placing a load on the heel counter or rear portion of the upper that may be exerted by

the user’s the user's foot foot with with minimal to no minimal to noassistance assistance by bythe theuser's user’s hands. hands.InInother otherembodiments embodiments of the of the

invention, the invention, the heel heel counter counter may becompressible may be compressiblewhen when placed placed under under sufficient sufficient load load andand return return to to its uncompressed its stated. The uncompressed stated. Thelowering lowering of of theheel the heelcounter countermaymay also also allow allow easier easier insertionofofthe insertion the 20 20 user’s foot. Once a foot is inserted into the shoe, the heel counter may have a compressible layer, user's foot. Once a foot is inserted into the shoe, the heel counter may have a compressible layer,

such as such as aa foam component, foam component, thatsecures that securesororenhances enhances securement securement of the of the foot foot during during user’s user's normal normal

wear of the shoe. wear of the shoe.

[0058]Compressible

[0058] Compressible Heel Heel Cup. Referring Cup. Referring to theto the embodiments embodiments of1-10 of FIGS. FIGS. 1-10counter a heel a heel counter 32 32 maycomprise may comprisea acompressible compressible heel heel cup cup 52 52 which which may may be anbeinterior an interior component component ofupper of the the upper 16, a16, a 25 25 portion of the inner lining 46 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such portion of the inner lining 46 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such

that the heel cup 52 makes contact with the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper that the heel cup 52 makes contact with the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper

16 or an 16 or anattachment attachment of outer of an an outer surface surface ofexterior of the the exterior layer layer 42 42 upper of the of the16. upper 16.

[0059] Referring

[0059] Referring to to the the exemplary exemplary embodiment embodimentofofFIGS. FIGS.1-4, 1-4,the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 has has aa shape shape substantially corresponding substantially to aa heel corresponding to heel covering and having covering and havingaaprofile profile resembling resembling aa pear-like pear-like shape. shape. 30 30 The heel cup has a mediolateral width near the heel cup collar 84 that is less than the mediolateral The heel cup has a mediolateral width near the heel cup collar 84 that is less than the mediolateral

width of width of the the lower portion 54 lower portion as shown 54 as in FIGS. shown in FIGS.1-2 1-2

[0060]As As

[0060] shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 2, inner 2, the the inner wall wall 66 of66 theofupper the upper portion portion 64 of 64 the of thecup heel heel at cup the at the rearmost portion rearmost portion of of the the heel heel cup cup may haveaa downward may have downward incline incline ofof between between 0 to9090 0 to degrees degrees relative relative

to aa vertical to vertical line line 86 86 that that isisnormal normal to to the the horizontal horizontal surface surface 88 of the 88 of the floor. floor. In In this thisexemplary exemplary

12 embodiment,thetheupper embodiment, upperportion portion6666may may have have a downward a downward incline incline of 30ofdegrees. 30 degrees. The The innerinner wall wall 66 66 24 Jan 2025 of the of the upper portion 64 upper portion 64 of of the the heel heel cup cup52 52may may alsohave also have a convex a convex curvature curvature facing facing toward toward the the shoe opening shoe opening48. 48.TheThe toptop portion portion of of thethe convex convex curvature curvature has downward has the the downward inclineincline A1 A1 of 30 of 30 degrees. The degrees. Thelower lowerportion portionofofthe the convex convexcurvature curvatureextends extendsjust justabove abovethe theportion portionofof the the heel heel cup cup

55 52 that receives 52 that receivesthe theheel. heel.The Thelower lower portion portionof ofthe convex the convexcurvature curvaturemay may have have a a downward incline downward incline

less than less than the thedownward inclineof downward incline of A1 A1and andgradually graduallydecreases decreasesasasitit approaches approachesananincline incline equal equal to to the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave curvature that surrounds the rear portion of the the vertical line 86. The heel cup 52 has a concave curvature that surrounds the rear portion of the 2025200515

heel. The heel. Themedial medialand andlateral lateral sides sides of of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 may also extend may also extend and andform formsupport supportofofpart part of of the quarter and even as far as the vamp. the quarter and even as far as the vamp.

10 10 [0061]TheThe

[0061] thickness thickness of of thethe heel heel cup cup 52 52 maymay be reduced be reduced at various at various locations. locations. The The top top edgeedge lineline

88 may 88 mayhave havea atapering taperingofofthe theinner innersurface surfaceofofthe the heel heel cup cup5252and andouter outersurface surfaceofofthe theheel heelcup cup 52. 52. The heel cup The heel cup 52 52may mayhave have increased increased thickness thickness T1 T1 along along the the other other perimeter perimeter edges, edges, such such as 2as 2

to 33 mm. to In another mm. In anotherexemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the the thickness thickness T1 may T1 may be reduced be reduced in certain in certain areasareas to to provide greater provide greater flexibility flexibility toto the theheel heel cup cup 52 52 when donning when donning or or removing removing the the shoeshoe 12.oneIn 12. In one 15 15 embodiment,the embodiment, thethickness thicknessT1T1ofofthe theheel heel cup cup52 52may maydecrease decreasegradually graduallyfrom from a a peripheralportion peripheral portion 70 forming 70 formingananarea areaatat the the periphery periphery of of the the heel heel cup 52 toward cup 52 towardthe thecentral central portion portion or or region region 50 50 of of the mid-portion the 58. The mid-portion 58. Theminimum minimum thickness thickness T1 T1 in the in the centralregion central region5050ofofthe themid-portion mid-portion5858may may be approximately, but not limited to 1/4 to 1/6 the thickness relative to the thickest portions at the be approximately, but not limited to 1/4 to 1/6 the thickness relative to the thickest portions at the

periphery of periphery of heel heel cup cup52, 52,such suchasas0.5 0.5toto11mm. mm.The The thickest thickest region region of the of the top top portion portion may may be be 20 20 greater than greater than the the thickest thickest region region of of the the bottom portion. The bottom portion. Thereduced reducedthickness thicknessT1 T1 of of thethe central central

region of region of the the mid-portion 58 may mid-portion 58 mayallow allowfor forthe theheel heelcup cup5252totocompress compressunder under sufficientload. sufficient load.InIn an alternate an alternate embodiment, thethickness embodiment, the thicknessT1T1may maybe be reduced reduced across across thethe entire entire mediolateral mediolateral portion portion

or in multiple regions such as regions in the mid-portion 58 and/or regions of the upper portion 64. or in multiple regions such as regions in the mid-portion 58 and/or regions of the upper portion 64.

Thethinner The thinnerregions regionsmay may provide provide increased increased flexibility flexibility andand bending bending of heel of the the heel cup 52cup 52 which which 25 25 provides the provides the necessary necessary compressibility compressibility under underthe theload load of of aa user's user’s foot foot such such as as during during the the donning donning

of aa shoe of shoe 12. Suchcompression 12. Such compression may may allow allow the the upper upper portion portion 64 and/or 64 and/or the the mid-portion mid-portion 58the 58 of of the heel cup heel cup 52 52toto move moverearward rearward andand widen widen the the shoeshoe opening opening 48 to 48 to allow allow easiereasier entry entry offoot. of the the foot. The heel cup 52 is capable of distortion from a first configuration in its native state, to a second The heel cup 52 is capable of distortion from a first configuration in its native state, to a second

configuration under configuration underaa load load of of aa user's user’s foot foot when the user when the user is is donning the footwear. donning the footwear. For Forexample, example, 30 30 the heel the heel cup cup 52 52 may bepartially may be partially compressed suchthat compressed such thatthe the upper upper portion portion 64 64 and/or and/or mid-portion mid-portion5858 of the heel cup 52 is lowered sufficiently to allow the insertion of the user’s foot. See for example of the heel cup 52 is lowered sufficiently to allow the insertion of the user's foot. See for example

FIG. 9. FIG. 9. Once Once thethe user’s user's foot foot is inserted is inserted into into thethe shoe shoe 12, 12, the the heelheel cup cup 52 return 52 may may return to its to its uncompressed uncompressed configuration. configuration.

13

[0062]Further

[0062] Further to to thisembodiment, this embodiment, when when a user a user donsdons the the shoeshoe 12, 12, the the top top portion portion of of thethe convex convex 24 Jan 2025

curvature of curvature of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 or or the the uppermost segmentofofthe uppermost segment theheel heelcounter counter3232ofofthe theshoe shoe1212may may be lowered be loweredand andextend extendbackward backward away away from from the the foot foot as as theheel the heelcounter counter3232isis compressed compressedasasshown shown in FIG. in 4A.This FIG. 4A. This action action allows allows thethe user’s user's foot foot to to be be inserted inserted into into thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48 with 48 with a a 5 5 reduced degree of plantar flexion. During compression of the heel cup 52, portions of the heel cup reduced degree of plantar flexion. During compression of the heel cup 52, portions of the heel cup

52 may 52 maymove move forward forward toward toward the the direction direction of of thethe forefootportion. forefoot portion.TheThe distortionofofthe distortion theheel heelcup cup 52 may include the attached heel counter 32 widening with the medial and lateral sides of the heel 52 may include the attached heel counter 32 widening with the medial and lateral sides of the heel 2025200515

cup moving cup movingoutward outward thereby thereby widening widening the the opening opening of the of the shoe. shoe. The The mediolateral mediolateral widening widening of of the the shoe opening 48 allows easier entry such as easier insertion of the forefoot portion of the user’s shoe opening 48 allows easier entry such as easier insertion of the forefoot portion of the user's

10 10 foot. In foot. In one exemplaryembodiment, one exemplary embodiment,the the shoe shoe opening opening of 7.5 of 7.5 cm widen cm may may widen up to up to or 4 cm 4 cm or about about 50%.See 50%. SeeFIGS. FIGS.4C 4C andand 4D. 4D. The The widening widening may bemay beorless less or more more depending depending on the on theofsize size theofshoe the shoe and the and the flexibility flexibility ofofthe theheel heelcup. cup. In In some shoes, the some shoes, the desired desired widening wideningmay may be be less less or or greater greater

dependingononthe depending theneeds needsofofsecurement securement and and use. use.

[0063]In In

[0063] an an exemplary exemplary embodiment embodiment of theofheel the heel cupas52shown cup 52 as shown in FIGS. in FIGS. 1-4,thickness 1-4, the the thickness T1 T1 15 15 of aa heel of heel cup cup 52 made ofof aa polymer 52 made polymermaterial, material, such as Dupont such as Hytrel, may Dupont Hytrel, range from may range from 0.4 0.4 millimeters to millimeters to 44 millimeters. millimeters. The rangeof The range of thickness thickness T1 T1of of the the heel heel cup maybebethinner cup may thinnerororthicker thicker at various at various regions dependingononthe regions depending thedesired desiredelastic elasticand anddurable durableproperties propertiesofofthe thematerial. material.ForFor example,the example, themidpoint midpointregion regionmaymay be thinner be thinner thanthan the the surrounding surrounding regions, regions, andparticular and in in particular a a central portion central portion may be thinner may be thinner as as shown in FIG shown in 6B.The FIG 6B. Thecentral centralportion portionmay maybebespaced spacedaway away from from

20 20 the medial the medial and andlateral lateral edges edges wherein whereinthe theperipheral peripheraledges edgesmaymay have have a greater a greater thickness. thickness. Other Other

suitable materials suitable materials may mayinclude includeother other thermoplastic thermoplastic elastomers elastomers or other or other polymers polymers capablecapable of of providing the compressible characteristics of the heel cup. providing the compressible characteristics of the heel cup.

[0064]In In

[0064] another another exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the cup the heel heelmay cupbemay be configured configured to have to have aofseries a series of crisscross beams crisscross beams that that form form an egg crate an egg crate like like configuration. configuration. FIG. FIG. 5 shows ananexemplary 5 shows exemplary 25 25 embodiment embodiment with with beams beams thatthat are are indiagonal in a a diagonal configuration. configuration. In an In an alternate alternate embodiment, embodiment, the the beamsmay beams may alsobebeinina avertical also vertical and andlateral lateral configuration. The apertures configuration. The apertures between betweenthe thebeams beamsmaymay

be approximately be approximatelyuniformly uniformlysized. sized.The The beams beams maymay be uniform be uniform in dimensions in dimensions or vary or vary in thickness in thickness

and width. and width. Beams Beams thatarearethinner that thinnerororless less wide widemay may be be used used to enhance to enhance flexibilityand flexibility and compressibility in compressibility in designated locations while designated locations while thicker thicker or or wider beamsprovide wider beams providevarying varying degrees degrees of of

30 30 rigid support. rigid For example, support. For example,the thebeams beamsmaymay be thinner be thinner in the in the mid-portion, mid-portion, and and in particular, in particular, thethe

central portion central portion of of the the mid-portion that is mid-portion that is spaced spaced away fromthe away from theedges. edges.TheThe surrounding surrounding beams beams

maybebethicker may thickerthan thanthe thecentral central portion. portion. The Thecentral centralportion portionmay may allow allow forfor greaterflexibility greater flexibility in in order to distort under a load. order to distort under a load.

14

[0065]In In

[0065] anan exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the rearmost the rearmost portion portion of the of the heel heel cupcup 52 52 maymay havehave an overall an overall 24 Jan 2025

vertical cross-sectional vertical cross-sectional shape that resembles shape that resemblesapproximately approximatelyan an S wave S wave as shown as shown on a on a cross- cross- sectional diagram sectional of FIG. diagram of FIG. 6A. 6A.The The upper upper andand lower lower portions portions of of thethe S wave S wave may may be differentiated be differentiated

at the at the point point P1 P1 through through a a horizontal horizontal plane, plane, i.e. i.e.thethemidline midline90,90,which whichisis drawn drawnbetween between the the upper upper

55 arc and lower arc ends of the S wave and intersects the heel counter 52 and the inflection point of arc and lower arc ends of the S wave and intersects the heel counter 52 and the inflection point of

the SS wave. the Theamplitude wave. The amplitude (AUand (AU) ) and width width (Wof (WU) U) arc of arc of of thethe upper upper portion portion ofof theS Swave the wavemaymay be be different than different than the the amplitude (AL) and amplitude (AL) and width width(WL) (WLof ) ofthe thelower lower arcofofthethelower arc lower portion portion of of thethe S S 2025200515

wave.InInthe wave. theexemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the the WUapproximately WU is is approximately 0.44 times 0.44 times thatthe that of of WL. the W L. AU The The AU is approximately is 1/3that approximately 1/3 that of of the the AL. AL. InInone onepossible possible embodiment, embodiment, theisWapproximately the WU U is approximately 2 2 10 10 centimeters and centimeters and the the WL WLisis approximately approximately4.5 4.5centimeters. centimeters.The TheAUAUisisroughly roughly3 3millimeters millimetersand andthe the AL is AL is roughly 9 millimeters. roughly 9 TheSS configuration millimeters. The configurationdecreases decreasesboth bothin in Au/AL AU/ALand andWU/WL WU/WinL in thecross- the cross- sections in sections in the the areas areas extending extending from the rearmost from the rearmostportion's portion’scross-section cross-section of of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52and and mayonly may onlyconsist consistofofthe thelower lowerportion portionarc arcalong alongthe themedial medialandand lateralsides lateral sidesofofthe theheel heelcup cup52. 52. Themeasurements The measurementsat at thethe rearmost rearmost portion portion of of thethe heel heel cupcup 52 52 of the of the exemplary exemplary embodiment embodiment are are 15 15 intended to intended to be be exemplary. exemplary.

[0066]TheThe

[0066] central central region region of the of the mid-portion mid-portion of the of the heelheel cup cup may may have have a a single single aperture aperture or a or a plurality of apertures. Just as the central region of the mid-portion may be constructed with less plurality of apertures. Just as the central region of the mid-portion may be constructed with less

material than material than the the maximum thickness maximum thickness of of thecollar the collarand/or and/orthe themaximum maximum thickness thickness of the of the base, base, thethe

central region central region of of the the mid-portion of the mid-portion of the heel heel cup cup may maybebeconstructed constructed with with a material a material of of greater greater

20 20 flexibility than flexibility than the the material material forming its periphery. forming its periphery. The Theresulting resultingeffects effects ofofthe thecentral centralregion region comprising a single aperture, a plurality of apertures, a lesser thickness, and/or a material of greater comprising a single aperture, a plurality of apertures, a lesser thickness, and/or a material of greater

flexibility, may serve to facilitate entry and removal of the user’s foot from the shoe. flexibility, may serve to facilitate entry and removal of the user's foot from the shoe.

[0067]Further

[0067] Further to to thethe exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the cup the heel heel52cup may 52 be may be attached attached at least at toleast an to an interior foam layer 92, as shown in FIG. 10. The heel cup 52 may be located in the interior of the interior foam layer 92, as shown in FIG. 10. The heel cup 52 may be located in the interior of the

25 25 heel counter heel counter 32 32 of of the the upper upper1616asasshown shownin in FIGS. FIGS. 8-10. 8-10. The The foam foam layer layer 92 may92line mayboth linethe both the inner wall inner wall 66 66 of of the the heel heel cup cup 52 52 and and outer outer wall wall of of the theheel heelcup cup 52. 52. Around the upper Around the upperportion portionand and mid-portion, the mid-portion, the foam foamlayer layer9292may may protrude protrude andand extend extend further further into into thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48. 48. The The foam layer 92 may be thicker at or adjacent to the upper portion 64 and mid-portion 58 of the heel foam layer 92 may be thicker at or adjacent to the upper portion 64 and mid-portion 58 of the heel

cup 52 cup 52 thereby therebyforming formingpart partofofthe thecuff cuffof of the the shoe shoe opening opening48. 48.TheThe thicker thicker foam foam layer layer 92 92 may may

30 30 provide securement of the user’s foot once inserted within the shoe 12 as the foam would be located provide securement of the user's foot once inserted within the shoe 12 as the foam would be located

above the calcaneus bone region of the user’s foot and extend around at least portions of the ankle above the calcaneus bone region of the user's foot and extend around at least portions of the ankle

region of region of the the foot. foot.Since Sincethe thefoam foam isiscompressible, compressible,the foam the foammay may be be compressed bythe compressed by the heel heel during during

foot insertion or removal and hold the ankle of the user’s foot once the foot is inserted. foot insertion or removal and hold the ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted.

15

[0068]Rigid

[0068] Rigid Heel Heel Cup.Cup. In exemplary In one one exemplary embodiment, embodiment, a shoe a shoe 12 12 may may have have a heel a heel32counter counter 32 24 Jan 2025

located at located at the the rear rearportion portion36 36 of ofaashoe shoe upper upper 16 16 as as shown in FIGS. shown in FIGS.11-13. 11-13.TheThe heel heel counter counter 32 32 maycomprise may comprisea aheel heelcup cup5252which which maymay be interior be an an interior component component of the of the upper upper 16, 16, a portion a portion of of thethe

inner lining 46 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such that the heel inner lining 46 or an attachment adjacent to the inner lining 46 of the upper 16 such that the heel

5 5 cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment of cup 52 contacts the foot, or a portion of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16 or an attachment of

an outer surface of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16. an outer surface of the exterior layer 42 of the upper 16.

[0069]TheThe

[0069] heel heel cupcup may may have have a lower a lower portion portion that forms that forms a heel a heel cup configured cup configured to receive to receive the the 2025200515

heel of heel of the the foot. foot.The The lower lower portion portion of of the the heel heel cup cup may further have may further have side side extensions extensions around aroundboth both the medial the side and medial side andlateral lateral side. The heel side. The heel cup cupmay may have have a mid-portion a mid-portion located located above above the lower the lower

10 10 portion of portion of the the heel heel cup cup and andthat that curves curvesinward inwardabove above thethe heel heel bone bone or may or may be composed be composed of an of an aperture. The aperture. heel cup The heel cupmay mayhave have an an aperture aperture located located at at thethe rearofofthetheheel rear heelcup. cup.Further Further to to this this

embodiment, theheel embodiment, the heelcup cupmaymay berigid be a a rigid heel heel cupcup constructed constructed ofsubstantially of a a substantially incompressible incompressible

material under the load of the foot. material under the load of the foot.

[0070]At At

[0070] leastoneone least aperture aperture may may be be incorporated incorporated into into thethe mid-portion mid-portion of of thethe rigidheel rigid heelcup cupthat that 15 15 may be added to enhance the fit of the shoe around the foot of the heel. The upper material layers may be added to enhance the fit of the shoe around the foot of the heel. The upper material layers

covering the aperture may comprise an elastic material such that the material stretches around the covering the aperture may comprise an elastic material such that the material stretches around the

contours of contours of the the heel. heel. The tension created The tension created by the elastic by the elasticmaterial materialupon upon stretching stretchingmay may enhance the enhance the

securementofofthe securement the foot foot during during normal normaluse useofofthe the shoe. shoe.

[0071]TheThe

[0071] upper upper portion portion of the of the heel heel cupcup maymay be configured be configured withwith a smooth a smooth curvature curvature extending extending

20 20 from the from the top top edge edge of of the the heel heel cup cup curved downward curved downward towards towards thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48. 48. The The innerinner wall wall

of the of the upper upper portion portion has has an an overall overalldownward incline that downward incline that extends fromthe extends from the curved curvedtop top edge edgeof of the the upper portion upper portion toward towardthe theinterior interior of of the the upper upper 16. Theinner 16. The innerwall wallofofthe the upper upperportion portionmay mayhave have dimensionsakin dimensions akintotoaa shoehorn shoehornsuch suchthat thatthe thesmooth smoothcurvature curvatureand and angle angle ofof thedownward the downward incline incline

of the of the upper portion allows upper portion allows the the heel heel of of the the foot foot to to slide slide into intothe theshoe shoe12 12 with with greater greater ease. ease. The The

25 25 heel cup may be constructed of a rigid material that does not substantially compress under the load heel cup may be constructed of a rigid material that does not substantially compress under the load

of the of the user’s user's foot. foot. In In an an alternate alternateembodiment, the heel embodiment, the heel cup cup may mayhave havesome some flexibilitysuch flexibility suchthat that the upper the portion of upper portion of the the heel heel cup cup may mayhave have some some slight slight flexibilitysufficient flexibility sufficient to to bend benddownward downward and away and awayfrom fromthe theshoe shoeopening opening and/or and/or widen widen thethe shoe shoe opening opening 48 for 48 for easier easier footinsertion foot insertionand/or and/or removal. removal.

30 30 [0072]As As

[0072] shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 11, top 11, the the edge top edge 72 of72 ofheel the the heel counter counter 32also 32 may mayform alsoaform a resilient resilient

support structure support structure of of the the rear rearheel heelcollar collar74. 74.When the heel When the heel cup cup 52 52is is incorporated incorporated into into the the upper upper

16, a fabric 16, a material(s)orora asuitable fabric material(s) suitablematerial(s) material(s) known known in theinart themay artbemay usedbe toused coverto cover the heel the cup heel cup

52 thereby 52 thereby forming formingthe theexterior exteriorlayer layer4242and andinterior interiorlayers layersororstructures structures 44 44 ofof the the upper. upper. The The

16 fabric material fabric material may extendabove may extend abovethe theheel heelcup cup5252thereby therebyforming formingan an extension extension of of thethe heelcollar heel collar 24 Jan 2025

74. 74.

[0073]Foam

[0073] Foam material material or any or any inner inner lining lining material(s) material(s) known known in art in the the art may may be used be used as anasinner an inner compressiblelayer compressible layer of of the the upper 16 of upper 16 of FIG. FIG. 11. 11. The Thefoam foam material material 7676 may may be bonded be bonded to the to the inner inner

5 5 surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the rigid heel cup material. The thickness surface of the heel cup 52 to provide cushioning against the rigid heel cup material. The thickness

of the of the foam foammaterial materialmaymay be uniform be uniform or at or vary vary at certain certain locations locations depending depending on the on the desired desired cushioningoror support cushioning supporttoto the the foot. foot. In In one one exemplary exemplaryembodiment, embodiment, thicker thicker foamfoam material material may may be be 2025200515

located at the inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 and may further extend at least a portion along located at the inner wall 66 of the upper portion 64 and may further extend at least a portion along

the mediolateral the mediolateral length length of of the theinner innerwall wall66.66.The Thefoam foam material materialmay may be be configured to curve configured to curve around around

10 10 at least a portion of the ankle above the heel when the shoe 12 is worn similar to the foam material at least a portion of the ankle above the heel when the shoe 12 is worn similar to the foam material

configuration shown configuration shownininFIG. FIG. 10.10. In this In this embodiment, embodiment, the user’s the user's foot foot may compress may compress the foamthe foam material during foot insertion. Following foot insertion, the foam material may expand to its fully material during foot insertion. Following foot insertion, the foam material may expand to its fully

uncompressed uncompressed stateororpartially state partially expand therebyimproving expand thereby improving thesecurity the securityofofthe the foot foot within within the the shoe shoe

12. Athinner 12. A thinnerfoam foam material material may may be betoused used line to theline theportions other other portions of cup of the heel the 52. heel cup 52. 15 15 [0074]TheThe

[0074] rigid rigid heel heel cupcup 52 52 maymay be used be used in combination in combination with with a shoea shoe upper upper 16 having 16 having at at least least one elastic region 78 located on the sides of the upper between the heel cup 52 and the front portion one elastic region 78 located on the sides of the upper between the heel cup 52 and the front portion

of the foot receiving shoe opening 48. The elastic region 78 may have one or more elastic materials of the foot receiving shoe opening 48. The elastic region 78 may have one or more elastic materials

that allow that allow the the rear rearportion portionof ofthe theheel heelcounter counter32 32totobebetemporarily temporarilymoved moved back to widen back to the foot widen the foot receiving shoe receiving shoe opening opening4848for foreasier easier insertion insertion of of the the foot footinto intothe theshoe shoe12. 12.As As shown in FIG. shown in FIG. 11, 11, 20 20 the elastic material may be a gore piece 80 configured to be fixed within a void of the upper such the elastic material may be a gore piece 80 configured to be fixed within a void of the upper such

as in the form of a gusset on the medial quarter or lateral quarter or both. The elastic material may as in the form of a gusset on the medial quarter or lateral quarter or both. The elastic material may

be in any spacing between the heel cup 52 and the upper portion located at the quarters 30 or vamp be in any spacing between the heel cup 52 and the upper portion located at the quarters 30 or vamp

24 or possibly a tongue. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or 24 or possibly a tongue. The elastic material may also be configured as a series of elastic strips or

webbingextending webbing extending between between the the heelheel cup cup 52the 52 to to medial the medial and lateral and lateral sidessides of vamp of the the vamp 24 or 24 or 25 25 possibly aa tongue. possibly tongue.

[0075] Instep

[0075] InstepSupport. Support.InInsome some embodiments, embodiments, an instep an instep support support maymay be used be used to in to aid aid in preventing, in some instances, the instep of the user’s foot from dragging a portion of the instep, preventing, in some instances, the instep of the user's foot from dragging a portion of the instep,

or tongue partially into the throat area as the user dons the shoe. or tongue partially into the throat area as the user dons the shoe.

[0076]In In

[0076] some some embodiments embodiments havinghaving a tongue a tongue 126 as 126 as in shown shown FIG. in 14,FIG. the 14, the side medial medial of side the of the 30 30 upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of a medial elastic strap upper portion 132 of the tongue 126 is attached to the first or proximal end of a medial elastic strap

128 andthe 128 and thelateral lateral side side of of the the upper upperportion portion132 132ofofthethetongue tongue 126126 is attached is attached to the to the firstor or first

proximal end of a lateral elastic strap 130. The front lower portion of the tongue is attached directly proximal end of a lateral elastic strap 130. The front lower portion of the tongue is attached directly

to the upper. Each of the medial and lateral elastic straps may be attached to the upper directly to to the upper. Each of the medial and lateral elastic straps may be attached to the upper directly to

the inner lining of the upper at its second or distal ends. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic the inner lining of the upper at its second or distal ends. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic

17 straps may extend through an opening of the inner lining of the medial quarter and lateral quarter straps may extend through an opening of the inner lining of the medial quarter and lateral quarter 24 Jan 2025 respectively. The respectively. secondendend The second of of each each of the of the medial medial and lateral and lateral elastic elastic straps straps may terminate may terminate respectively at the sole, sockliner, or a region within the upper's interior lining. The elastic straps respectively at the sole, sockliner, or a region within the upper's interior lining. The elastic straps function to maintain the general positioning of the tongue when the user dons the shoe. function to maintain the general positioning of the tongue when the user dons the shoe.

5 5 [0077]In In

[0077] other other embodiments, embodiments, eacheach of medial of the the medial and lateral and lateral sides sides of the of the edge edge of the of the tongue tongue or or an upper an upper portion portion of of the the tongue tongueare areattached attachedbybyaagusset gussetwhich whichmaymay be be of elastic of elastic material,totothe material, the inner lining of the upper of the medial quarter and lateral quarter of the upper. The gusset similarly inner lining of the upper of the medial quarter and lateral quarter of the upper. The gusset similarly 2025200515

mayfunction may functiontotomaintain maintainthe thegeneral generalpositioning positioningofofthe thetongue tonguewhen when thethe user user dons dons thethe shoe. shoe. In In another embodiment another embodiment of of thethe tongue, tongue, thethe at at leasta aportion least portionofofthethemedial medial andand lateraledges lateral edges of of thethe

10 10 tongue may tongue maybebe directlyaffixed directly affixedororstitched stitchedtotothe theinterior interior portion portionofofthe theupper upperand andthethetongue. tongue. Furthermore,the Furthermore, the tongue tonguemay maybebeextended extended wider wider than than a a conventional conventional tongue tongue along along thethe mediolateral mediolateral

direction in the upper portion of the tongue and the edges or some portion of the extended portion direction in the upper portion of the tongue and the edges or some portion of the extended portion

may be affixed or stitched to the interior portion of the upper. may be affixed or stitched to the interior portion of the upper.

[0078]In In

[0078] other other embodiments, embodiments, an instep an instep or tongue or tongue support support which which may may be be constructed constructed of a sheet- of a sheet-

15 15 like material of greater hardness than the fabric of the instep or tongue may be attached to the outer like material of greater hardness than the fabric of the instep or tongue may be attached to the outer

surface of surface of the the tongue or embedded tongue or embedded between between an exterior an exterior tongue tongue layerlayer andinner and an an inner tongue tongue layer layer

facing the facing the shoe shoe opening. Theinstep opening. The instep or or tongue supportmay tongue support mayreduce reduceororprevent preventthe theinstep insteporortongue tongue from collapsing from collapsingduring duringthe theinsertion insertion of of the the foot. foot. In In one oneembodiment embodiment shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 14, tongue 14, tongue

support 134 support 134may maybebea amore more rigidmaterial rigid materialsuch suchasasa athermoplastic thermoplasticpolymer polymer configured configured to to be be more more

20 20 rigid than rigid than the the tongue. In some tongue. In someembodiments, embodiments,the the instep instep or or tongue tongue support support maymay havehave a thickness a thickness

of 0.2 of 0.2 mm mm toto11mm. mm.TheThe instep instep support support may may be coextensive be coextensive with with the instep the instep or tongue, or tongue, or itormay it may extend beyond extend beyondthe themedial medial or or lateralsides lateral sidesofof the the instep instep or or tongue. tongue. InInthe theembodiment embodiment shown shown in in FIG. 14, FIG. 14, the the tongue support 134 tongue support 134may maybebenarrower narrower andand shorter shorter than than theinstep the insteporortongue. tongue.

[0079]In In

[0079] oneone embodiment, embodiment, a reinforcing a reinforcing quarter quarter element element may extend may extend from from the thecounter heel heel counter to to 25 25 the instep or eyestay. When a gusset is incorporated such as gusset 80 in FIG. 11-12, a reinforcing the instep or eyestay. When a gusset is incorporated such as gusset 80 in FIG. 11-12, a reinforcing

quarter element quarter mayextend element may extendfrom from theheel the heelcounter counter5252along alongthethefront frontlower loweredge edgeofofthe thegusset gussetand and around the top edge of the collar to the instep, a region near vamp 24, or an eyestay adjacent to a around the top edge of the collar to the instep, a region near vamp 24, or an eyestay adjacent to a

tongue. A Areinforcing tongue. reinforcingquarter quarterelement element maymay be stiffer be stiffer thanthan the the upper upper or quarter or quarter material. material. The The reinforcing quarter reinforcing quarter element material may element material maybebeconstructed constructed of of leather,plastic, leather, plastic, or or rigid rigid fabric. fabric. The The

30 30 reinforcing quarter reinforcing quarter element elementmay maybe be attached attached to the to the upper upper through through bonding bonding or stitching. or stitching. The The reinforcing quarter reinforcing quarter element maybebeconfigured element may configuredasasananelongated elongated shape shape such such as as a stripthat a strip thatextends extends along the along the front front lower edgeof lower edge of the the gusset gusset and and the the collar collar portion. Thereinforcing portion. The reinforcingquarter quarter element element maybebelocated may locatedononthetheexterior exteriorsurface surfaceorormay maybe be an an interiorlayer interior layerofofthetheupper upper such such as as a layer a layer

embedded within the upper or along a portion of the inner lining of the upper. A reinforcing quarter embedded within the upper or along a portion of the inner lining of the upper. A reinforcing quarter

18 elementmay element mayprovide provide greaterstability greater stabilitytoto the the opening openingofofthe theshoe shoesuch suchthat thatitit provides provides resistance resistance 24 Jan 2025 against the against the quarters quarters and and instep instep region region collapsing collapsing or or moving inwardinto moving inward intothe theopening openingof of theshoe the shoe when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup rearward. when the foot is inserted into the shoe and pushes the heel cup rearward.

[0080]WhenWhen

[0080] the reinforcing the reinforcing quarter quarter element element is used is used in combination in combination with with an eyestay an eyestay layerlayer usedused

55 in laced in laced shoes, shoes, the the eyestay eyestay may addadditional may add additionalstructural structural support support in in providing providingresistance resistance against against the quarters the quarters and and instep instep from from collapsing collapsing or or moving inwardinto moving inward into the the opening openingofof the the shoe. shoe. Thus, Thus,asas aa foot pushes foot pushes against againstthe theheel heelcup cupandand thethe gusset gusset is is stretched stretched rearward, rearward, the the reinforcing reinforcing quarter quarter 2025200515

elementisis not element not significantly significantly pulled pulled rearward. Accordingly,the rearward. Accordingly, theshoe shoeopening openingmaymay attain attain a wider a wider

openingwhen opening whenthethefoot footisis inserted inserted into into the the shoe shoe and and pushes the heel pushes the heel cup cup rearward. rearward.

10 10 [0081]Compressible

[0081] Compressible lining. lining. In some In some embodiments, embodiments, thesurface the inner inner surface of the of thecounter heel heel counter and and heel/ankle collar heel/ankle collar may havea aportion may have portion having having a compressible a compressible layerlayer such such as a as a foam foam layer.layer. The The compressiblelayer compressible layer may mayextend extendinto intothe the shoe shoe opening. opening. The Thecompressible compressible layerisiscompressed layer compressed under under

a load during the donning or removal of the shoe. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam a load during the donning or removal of the shoe. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam

layer may layer expandfully may expand fully or or partially partially totoitsits uncompressed uncompressed state, state,and such and suchexpansion expansionmay may enhance the enhance the

15 15 securement of the foot within the shoe. securement of the foot within the shoe.

[0082]

[0082] In one In exemplaryembodiment, one exemplary embodiment,the the compressible compressible layer layer 100 100 is embedded is embedded at least at least within within

a portion a portion of of the the ankle ankle collar collar 140 140 and the upper and the region of upper region of the the heel heel counter 32. See counter 32. SeeFIGS. FIGS. 15-19. 15-19.

Thecompressible The compressiblelayer layer100 100extends extendsinto intothe theopening openingofofthe theshoe. shoe.During Duringthe thedonning donningofof theshoe, the shoe, the foot exerts a load onto the compressible layer thereby widening the opening of the shoe through the foot exerts a load onto the compressible layer thereby widening the opening of the shoe through

20 20 the transient compression of the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the the transient compression of the compressible layer. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the compressiblelayer compressible layerexpands expands partially partially or or fully fully back back to original to its its original shape. shape. Expansion Expansion of the of the compressiblelayer compressible layercauses causesthe thefoam foamtotoexpand expand around around the the footfoot which which may enhance may enhance comfort comfort and and securementofofthe securement the foot. foot. In In some some embodiments, thecompressible embodiments, the compressiblelayer layerextends extendsabove above and/oraround and/or around the calcaneus bone of the user's foot and around at least portions of the ankle region of the foot. the calcaneus bone of the user's foot and around at least portions of the ankle region of the foot.

25 25 [0083]TheThe

[0083] compressible compressible layer layer may may be constructed be constructed of aof a material material of of a foam a foam material material such such as as EVAEVA

or polyurethane or foam.The polyurethane foam. The shape shape of of thethe compressible compressible layer layer may may be pre-formed be pre-formed by molding by molding the the material, and affixing the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The material, and affixing the compressible layer between at least two layers of textile material. The

shape of shape of the the compressible compressiblelayer layermay may have have at at leastpartially least partially aa rounded roundedouter outersurface surfacethat thatextends extends into the into the opening of the opening of the shoe shoe and/or and/or the the ankle ankle collar collarof ofthe theshoe. shoe.The The volume of the volume of the compressible compressible 30 30 layer may be greater in the rear portion of the heel counter and taper along longitudinal direction layer may be greater in the rear portion of the heel counter and taper along longitudinal direction

of the of the inner inner portion portion of of the the foam layer at foam layer at both both sides sides of of the the shoe shoe as as shown shownininFIGS. FIGS. 17-18. 17-18. The The compressiblelayer compressible layer may mayalso alsotaper taperoror be be rounded roundedalong alongthe thevertical vertical axis axis and and that that the the compressible compressible

layer is greater in volume at the upper portion of the ankle collar 140 and less at the lower portion layer is greater in volume at the upper portion of the ankle collar 140 and less at the lower portion

of the of the ankle ankle collar collar 140. 140. See See FIGS. 18-19. The FIGS. 18-19. Thecompressible compressiblelayer layermay may be be used used to to form form the the entire entire

19 heel cup without the need of an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible heel cup without the need of an additional heel cup or heel counter. Alternatively, the compressible 24 Jan 2025 layer can layer can be be used used in in combination withaa compressible combination with compressibleheel heelcup, cup,such suchasas shown shownininFIG. FIG.1.1.The Theheel heel cup can define an exterior surface of the upper, the heel cup can define an interior surface of the cup can define an exterior surface of the upper, the heel cup can define an interior surface of the upper, or upper, or the theheel heelcupcup cancan define define an internal an internal layer, layer, for example, for example, if embedded if embedded within within the the 55 compressiblelayer. compressible layer.

[0084]In In

[0084] theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, a lower a lower flange flange 118extend 118 may may extend downward downward from thefrom anklethe ankle collar and collar is configured and is configuredtotoattach attachtotothe theupper. upper.TheThe lower lower flange flange may may be be configured configured in any in any 2025200515

dimensionsnecessary dimensions necessarytotosecure securethe theankle anklecollar collartoto the the upper. upper. The Thelower lowerflange flangemay may also also vary vary in in the length. the length. In In some embodiments, some embodiments, the the lower lower flange flange may may define define the portion the portion of theofankle the ankle collarcollar

10 10 attached toto the attached theupper upperwithout without extending extending downward downward from thefrom anklethe ankle collar collarIn atother at all. all. In other embodiments,the embodiments, thelower lowerflange flangemay may extend extend downward downward partially partially or fully or fully to to thebottom the bottomofof theupper. the upper. In some In someembodiments, embodiments,the the lower lower flange flange may may be be configured configured to formtothe form thecounter. heel heel counter. In otherIn other embodiments,a aheel embodiments, heelcup, cup,such suchasasshown shown in in FIG. FIG. 1, may 1, may be partially be partially or or fully fully embedded embedded in lower in lower

flange. flange.

15 15 [0085]TheThe

[0085] compressible compressible layer layer 100 100 may may be be covered covered by anyby anyoftype type of textile. textile. The textile The textile may bemay be elastic and elastic and may havewicking may have wickingproperties. properties.TheThe textilemay textile maybe be form form fitted fitted to to theexterior the exteriorshape shapeofof the compressible the compressiblelayer. layer. In In aa preferred preferred embodiment, embodiment,an an adhesive adhesive suchsuch as a as a thermoplastic thermoplastic basedbased

adhesive is applied to the compressible layer after which the compressible layer is inserted into an adhesive is applied to the compressible layer after which the compressible layer is inserted into an

elastic textile elastic textilesleeve. sleeve.The Theresulting resultingproduct product may also be may also be affixed affixed by byany anymeans means such such as glue as glue or or 20 20 stitching according stitching to the according to the desired desired pattern pattern of of the the ankle collar 140. ankle collar Thetextile 140. The textile may mayalso alsoinclude include thermoplastic material and after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the textile sleeve, heat thermoplastic material and after the compressible layer 100 is inserted into the textile sleeve, heat

may be applied to fuse the textile to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam may be applied to fuse the textile to the compressible layer 100. In a preferred embodiment, steam

maybebeapplied may appliedSOsothat thatthe thetextile textile conforms conformstotothe thepreformed preformed shape shape that that forms forms a portion a portion of the of the

ankle collar and/or heel counter. ankle collar and/or heel counter.

25 25 [0086]Further

[0086] Further to to theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the ankle the ankle collar collar 140 140 is devoid is devoid of stitchesororseams of stitches seams on its on its upper upper portion portion and and may havea aseam may have seamononthethebottom bottom portion portion where where it isattached it is attachedtotothe theupper upper 16. 16. The seamlessankle The seamless anklecollar collar140 140may may extend extend fromfrom the medial the medial quarter, quarter, around around the heel, the heel, to the to the

lateral quarter. lateral quarter. As As the user’s foot the user's foot is is inserted inserted into into the the footwear, the user's footwear, the user’s heel heel depresses depressesthe the compressiblelayer compressible layer100 100against againstthe theheel heelcup. cup.The Theheel heelcup cupmay may keep keep the the structural structural integrityofofa a integrity

30 30 portion of portion of the the heel heel region region of of the the upper upper1616from from collapsing collapsing when when the user’s the user's heelheel depresses depresses the the compressible layer 100, thus allowing for an easier entry into the shoe by the user’s foot without compressible layer 100, thus allowing for an easier entry into the shoe by the user's foot without

the use the user's hands or an external shoe horn. Once the user’s heel is fully inserted into the the use the user's hands or an external shoe horn. Once the user's heel is fully inserted into the

shoe, the shoe, the compressible layer may compressible layer mayrebound reboundandand may may exert exert force force against against thethe back back of of theuser's the user’sheel heel

20 abovethe above thecalcaneus calcaneusbone bone and and around around portions portions of the of the ankle ankle region region which which mayinaid may aid in providing providing 24 Jan 2025 comfort and securing the user’s foot within the shoe. comfort and securing the user's foot within the shoe.

[0087]Further

[0087] Further to to theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the cross-section the cross-section of the of the seamless seamless upper upper portion portion of of the ankle the ankle collar collar 140 140 is is substantially substantiallyround. round.The The ankle ankle collar collar140 140 may be separated may be separated into into aa forward forward

5 5 portion 142 portion 142and anda arear rearportion portion144. 144.Each Each of of thethe forward forward portion portion and and rear rear portion portion resemble resemble an an approximatelycircular approximately circularcross-section cross-section2222ororsemicircular semicircularcross-section cross-sectionwherein whereinthethe radius radius of of thethe

forwardportion forward portion is is greater greater than than the the radius radiusof ofthe therear portion. rear SeeSeeFIGS. portion. FIGS.18-19. 18-19.The The compressible compressible 2025200515

layer may be directly attached to the inner structure of the heel counter or via the textile sleeve layer may be directly attached to the inner structure of the heel counter or via the textile sleeve

covering the covering the compressible compressiblelayer layer material. material. 10 10 [0088] Compressible

[0088] Compressible Heel Heel Counter Counter withwith HeelHeel Counter Counter Support. Support. In another In another exemplary exemplary

embodiment,heel embodiment, heelcounter countersupport support 9696 maymay partially partially form form an an exterior exterior layerofofthe layer theshoe shoeand andextend extend around the heel portion of the upper 16 from the medial quarter of the shoe to the lateral quarter around the heel portion of the upper 16 from the medial quarter of the shoe to the lateral quarter

of the of the shoe shoe as as shown in FIGS. shown in 20-22.InInother FIGS. 20-22. otherembodiments, embodiments,thethe heelcounter heel countersupport support may may further further

extend along a portion of the quarter, along the entire quarter, or along the entire quarter and into extend along a portion of the quarter, along the entire quarter, or along the entire quarter and into

15 15 the vamp the portionofof the vamp portion the shoe. shoe. The Theheel heelcounter countersupport support9696may may vary vary in in heightatatdifferent height different regions regions of the of the shoe. shoe. In In the the exemplary exemplaryembodiment, embodiment, the the medial medial end lateral end and and lateral endtheofheel end of the heel counter counter

support 96 support 96 gradually graduallydecreases decreasesininheight heighttoto the the base base of of the the upper upper1616just just above abovethe thesole sole14. 14. The The heel counter heel counter supports supports 96 mayhave 96 may havea amedial medialregion regionofofaamaximum maximum height height on the on the medial medial sideside of of thethe

heel portion heel portion of of the the upper, upper, and and aa maximum maximum height height on lateral on the the lateral sideside on the on the heelheel portion portion of the of the

20 20 upper. The heel counter support 96 extends at least a portion of the height of the upper 16. In the upper. The heel counter support 96 extends at least a portion of the height of the upper 16. In the

exemplaryembodiment, exemplary embodiment,thethe height height of of thethe medial medial andand lateralside lateral sideheel heelportions portions9898ofofthe theupper upper1616 is roughly is roughly 5 5 cm abovethe cm above the lasting lasting surface surface 116 116 and and the the maximum height maximum height ofof theheel the heelcounter countersupport support 96 on 96 on the the medial medialand andlateral lateral sides sides of of the the heel heel portion portion is is roughly roughly 3 3 centimeters abovethe centimeters above thelasting lasting surface 116. surface 116. The Theheel heelcounter countersupport support9696maymay gradually gradually reduce reduce in height in height fromfrom the region the region of of its its 25 25 maximum maximum height height to to a region a region ofof roughly roughly uniform uniform height height along along thethe rearofofthe rear theheel heelportion portion98 98ofof the the upper 16. upper 16. In In the the exemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the height the height alongalong the heel the heel portion portion 98 of 98 theofupper the upper 16 16

extents up extents up to to roughly roughly 3 3 centimeters centimeters above the lasting above the lasting surface surface 116, 116, and and the the roughly roughly uniform height uniform height

of the of the portion portion forming rear portion forming rear portion of of the the heel heel counter counter support support 96 96 is isroughly roughly 22 centimeters centimeters above above

the lasting surface 116. the lasting surface 116.

30 30 [0089]TheThe

[0089] heel heel counter counter support support 96 96 may may partially partially formform an exterior an exterior surface surface of of thethe upper upper 16.16. TheThe

heel counter heel support 96 counter support 96 may mayhave have an an interiorsurface interior surfaceinincontact contactwith withananouter outersurface surfaceofof the the heel heel portion 98 portion 98 of of the the upper 16. The upper 16. Theheel heelcounter countersupport support9696may may have have a varying a varying thickness thickness across across its its

exterior surface exterior surface to to its its interior interiorsurface. surface.InInthe theexemplary exemplary embodiment, angular embodiment, angular strips102102 strips form form

portions of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 may provide portions of increased thickness of the heel counter support 96. The angular strips 102 may provide

21 increased rigidity increased rigidity to to the the heel heelcounter countersupport support 96 well 96 as as well as be as be configured configured to receive to receive the the 24 Jan 2025 compressiblecomponent compressible component 100. 100.

[0090]In In

[0090] thethe exemplary exemplary embodiments, embodiments, the angular the angular strips strips 102 102 have have hollowed hollowed protrusions protrusions on theon the medial and medial andlateral lateral sides sides of ofthe theshoe shoe12 12into which into whichthe theends endsofof thethecompressible compressiblecomponent 100are component 100 are 5 5 secured. The secured. compressiblecomponent The compressible component100100 may may be a be a pipe pipe wherein wherein each each end end of theofpipe the pipe is secured is secured

within the within the hollowed protrusions102. hollowed protrusions 102.AAhollowed hollowed protrusion protrusion ofof theangular the angularstrips strips 102 102may mayextend extend partially ororcompletely partially completely around the surfaces around the surfaces of of the thecompressible compressible component 100.InInthe component 100. theexemplary exemplary 2025200515

embodiment, the embodiment, the compressible compressible component 100 may component 100 maybebeformed formedfrom frompolyoxymethylene polyoxymethyleneororany any other material other material with with similar similar durability durability and andsufficient sufficient rigidity rigidity to to support the load support the load of of aa foot foot and and 10 10 flexibility totocurve flexibility curvefrom from medial to lateral medial to lateral sides sidesof ofthe theheel heelportion portionof ofthe theshoe shoe 12. 12. The central The central

segment104 segment 104ofofthe thecompressible compressiblecomponent component100 100 may may extend extend behind behind the ankle the ankle opening opening and and above above the heel the heel counter counter of of the the shoe shoe 12. 12. InInthe theexemplary exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the angular the angular strips strips 102bemay 102 may be designedtotoreceive designed receivethethecompressible compressible component component 100 at 100 at anSOangle an angle so that that the the compressible compressible

component100100 component extends extends from from inside inside thethe hollowed hollowed protrusions protrusions 102102 at at a rearward a rearward incline incline A2A2 toward toward

15 15 the back the of the back of the shoe shoe 12. 12. The The rearward rearward incline incline A2 A2 ofof the the compressible compressible component component100 100 is is

approximately4545degrees approximately degreeswith with respect respect to to a a levelplane level planeofofthe thefloor floor88. 88.SeeSee Fig. Fig. 20A. 20A. A foam A foam

layer 92 layer extending above 92 extending abovethe therear rearheel heelportion portion9898ofofthe theupper upper1616atatthe therear rear portion portion of of the the heel heel openingmay opening mayhave havea arearward rearwardincline inclineA2A2that thatisis coextensive with the coextensive with the compressible component compressible component 100. 100.

Therearward The rearwardincline inclineA2A2ofofthe thefoam foam layer9292 layer may may assist assist in in guiding guiding thethe user’sfoot user's footinto intothe theshoe shoe 20 20 12 12 when donningthetheshoe. when donning shoe.

[0091] The

[0091] Thecentral central segment segment104 104ofof the the compressible compressible component 100 may component 100 mayextend extendbehind behindthe the rearmost portion rearmost portion of of the the upper upper 16 16and andmay maybe be threaded threaded through through oneone or more or more guide guide tunnels tunnels 106 106 in in the upper the 16. In upper 16. In the the exemplary embodiment, exemplary embodiment, stripsofofleather strips leather material material are are sewed to the sewed to the foam layer foam layer

92 and 92 andextend extendabove above theupper the upper at at thethe rearportion rear portionofofthetheheel heelopening. opening. TheThe ends ends of the of the strip strip of of

25 25 leather are leather arestitched stitchedtogether toto together form guide form tunnels guide 106 tunnels through 106 throughwhich which the thecompressible compressible component component

is threaded. is threaded.

[0092]When

[0092] When donning donning the shoe the shoe 12, user's 12, the the user’s footfoot maymay depress depress the the compressible compressible component component 100 100 and/or the and/or the rearwardly rearwardly inclined inclined foam foam layer layer 92 92 downward andrearward downward and rearward from from thethe shoe shoe opening. opening. Once Once

the user's the user's foot foothas hasfully fullyentered enteredthe shoe the shoe12, 12,thethe compressible compressiblecomponent 100and component 100 andthe therearwardly rearwardly 30 30 inclined foam layer 92 return to their initial elevated positions. inclined foam layer 92 return to their initial elevated positions.

[0093]TheThe

[0093] additional additional interior interior heel heel support support 114 114 made made of material of foam foam material may may have have sufficient sufficient

thickness that thickness that may enhancesecuring may enhance securingthethefoot footatatthe theAchilles Achillestendon, tendon,and andonce once thethe userdons user dons thethe

shoe 12, shoe 12, the the calcaneus bonemay calcaneus bone maybe be located located below below thethe additional additional interiorheel interior heelsupport support114. 114.TheThe

22 interior heel support 114 may have a sufficient height to be located above the calcaneus bone once interior heel support 114 may have a sufficient height to be located above the calcaneus bone once 24 Jan 2025 the foot has been inserted into the shoe. the foot has been inserted into the shoe.

[0094]Further

[0094] Further to to theexemplary the exemplary embodiment, embodiment, the the shoeshoe may may have have a heel a heel cup cup 52 made 52 made of a of a flexible flexible

material configured material configured to to receive receive the the rear rear portion portion of of the the heel. heel.In Inone oneembodiment, theheel embodiment, the heel cup cupisis aa 5 5 thermoplastic material that provides sufficient support as a heel counter. The interior heel support thermoplastic material that provides sufficient support as a heel counter. The interior heel support

114 may 114 may be be foam foam material material lininglining to provide to provide the necessary the necessary comfort tocomfort to heel. the user's the user's heel.

[0095]Although

[0095] Although the present the present invention invention has described has been been described above byabove by referring referring to particular to particular 2025200515

embodiments,ititshould embodiments, shouldbebeunderstood understoodthat thatmodifications modificationsand andvariations variationscould couldbebemade madeto to thesole the sole structure without structure without departing departing from the intended from the scope of intended scope of invention. invention.

23

Claims

CLAIMS 24 Jan 2025 CLAIMS

1. 1. A shoe, A shoe, comprising: comprising:

a sole; a sole;

tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe; 2025200515

whereinthe wherein the heel heel cup cup comprises comprisesananupper upperportion, portion,aamidportion, midportion,and anda alower lower portion, portion,

10 10 the heel cup including at least one reduced thickness region positioned at a the heel cup including at least one reduced thickness region positioned at a

rearmost portion of the heel cup with at least one vertically displaced thicker adjacent rearmost portion of the heel cup with at least one vertically displaced thicker adjacent

regionand region andatatleast leastoneone horizontally horizontally displaced displaced thicker thicker adjacent adjacent region; region;

cup, cup,

15 15 wherein the interior foam layer is compressible, wherein the interior foam layer is compressible,

whereinthe wherein the interior interior foam layer extends foam layer into the extends into the shoe shoe opening, opening, providing providing

securement of the foot once inserted. securement of the foot once inserted.

2. 2. Theshoe The shoe of of claim claim 1, wherein 1, wherein the cup the heel heelincludes cup includes a plurality a plurality of enhanced of enhanced flexibilityflexibility

20 20 regionsand regions andthethe plurality plurality of of enhanced enhanced flexibility flexibility regions regions comprise comprise a plurality a plurality ofthickness of reduced reduced thickness regions. regions.

3. 3. Theshoe The shoe of of claim claim 1, wherein 1, wherein the interior the interior foamislayer foam layer also is also adjacent adjacent to a midportion to a midportion

interior wall interior wallofofthe theheel heelcup cup andand a lower a lower portion portion interior interior wall wall of the of thecup, heel heelandcup, and

25 25 a portion of the interior foam layer that is adjacent to the interior wall of the upper a portion of the interior foam layer that is adjacent to the interior wall of the upper

portionisisthicker portion thickerthan thanportions portions adjacent adjacent to midportion to the the midportion interior interior wall wall and the and lowerthe lower portion portion

interior wall. interior wall.

4. 4. Theshoe The shoeofof claim claim3, 3, wherein whereinthethe heel heel cup cupincludes includes at at least least one one reduced reduced thickness thickness region region

30 30 providing flexibility providing flexibility totothe heel the cup heel cupwhen when donning or removing donning or removing thetheshoe. shoe.

5. 5. Theshoe The shoeofof claim claim4,4, wherein whereinthe the at at least least one one reduced reduced thickness thickness region region comprises comprises aa

plurality of plurality ofreduced reduced thickness thickness regions. regions.

24

6. 6. Theshoe The shoeof of claim claim 5, wherein 5, wherein the plurality the plurality of reduced of reduced thickness thickness regions regions is isinoriented oriented a in a vertical direction at a rearmost portion of the heel cup. vertical direction at a rearmost portion of the heel cup.

5 5 7. 7. Theshoe The shoeof of claim claim 4, wherein 4, wherein the the at at least least one reduced one reduced thickness thickness region isregion is positioned positioned at a at a rearmost portion of the heel cup, with at least one thicker adjacent region. rearmost portion of the heel cup, with at least one thicker adjacent region. 2025200515

8. 8. Theshoe The shoeof of claim claim 7, wherein 7, wherein the the at at least least one thicker one thicker adjacent adjacent region region is is vertically vertically

displaced relative to the at least one reduced thickness region. displaced relative to the at least one reduced thickness region.

10 10

9. 9. Theshoe The shoeof of claim claim 7, wherein 7, wherein the the at at least least one thicker one thicker adjacent adjacent region region is is horizontally horizontally

10. 10. Theshoe The shoeof of claim claim 7, wherein 7, wherein the the at at least least one thicker one thicker adjacent adjacent region comprises region comprises at least at least 15 15 one vertically displaced thicker adjacent region and at least one horizontally displaced thicker one vertically displaced thicker adjacent region and at least one horizontally displaced thicker

adjacentregion. adjacent region.

11. 11. Theshoe The shoeofof claim claim3, 3, wherein whereinthe theheel heel cup cupincludes includes at at least least one one enhanced thickness enhanced thickness

region. region.

20 20

12. 12. Theshoe The shoeofof claim claim11, 11, wherein whereinthetheatat least least one one enhanced thicknessregion enhanced thickness regioncomprises comprisesa a plurality of plurality ofenhanced enhanced thickness thickness regions regions oriented oriented in a vertical in a vertical direction direction at a rearmost at a rearmost portion of portion of

the heel the heelcup. cup.

25 25

25