EP2131692A2

EP2131692A2 - Footwear cushioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP2131692A2
Application number: EP07804385A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julie Pelusi; Mark Shepherd
Original assignee: ITSOLES Ltd; Itsoles Ltd
Current assignee: Itsoles Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-27
Filing date: 2007-09-26
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Also published as: GB0711377D0; WO2008037977A3; WO2008037977A2; GB0619032D0; GB2442293A

Abstract

The cushioning apparatus for use in high heeled or other footwear to combat pain in the user's feet, comprises: a first cushioning pad (1) shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole of a user's item of footwear and the ball of the foot of the user, and a second cushioning pad (2) shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole and a portion of the foot of the user extending from an end nearer the heel to an end nearer the arch. The undersurfaces of both cushioning pads have thereon engagement means (such as hook and loop type fasteners) to releasably secure the respective pad to the insole. An end (10) of the second cushioning pad is adapted to overlap an edge of the first cushioning pad.

Description

Footwear cushioning apparatus

The present invention concerns cushioning apparatus for use in high heeled or other footwear to minimise discomfort and pain - particularly discomfort and pain to the user's feet, but also to other anatomical areas.

It is well established that high heeled footwear (generally shoes or boots), while being fashionable, are frequently uncomfortable and painful when worn for protracted periods. This is primarily because of the unnatural angle at which the wearer is forced to hold her feet (the wearer being usually a woman, although that is not always so in all circumstances as high heeled shoes may be worn by male performers such as drag artists, or other cross-dressers). Specifically, the heel is inevitably higher that the ball of the foot, with the result that the majority (typically about 70%) of the user's weight is borne by the balls of the feet for a high heeled shoe wearer, compared to a much more even distribution when wearing flat footwear. Similar problems can arise with other types of footwear, particularly when worn for protracted periods.

Various proposals have been made to make wearing of high-heeled footwear and other footwear more comfortable, such as by providing cushioning inserts for use between the insole of the footwear and the wearer's foot. Cushioning inserts to fit between the foot and the user's shoes have been proposed for many years - see, for example, GB patent specification 260006 (published in 1927) through to the very recently published US patent application publication number 2006/0086005. The latter document, which shows a gel insert intended to fit under the ball of the user's foot, is however sketchy in detail and does not solve many of the problems inherent in inserts for high heeled footwear.

We have now devised improved apparatus for cushioning high heeled or other footwear. Such apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises: a first cushioning pad shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole of a user's item of footwear and the ball of the foot of the user, the undersurface of the first cushioning pad (that is the surface intended to be closer to the item of footwear) having thereon first engagement means to releasably secure the cushioning pad to the insole, and a separate second cushioning pad shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole and a portion of the foot of the user extending from a first end nearer the heel to a second end nearer the arch, the undersurface of the second cushioning pad having thereon second engagement means to releasably secure the second cushioning pad to the insole, the second end of the second cushioning pad being adapted to overlap an edge of the first cushioning pad.

The latter edge of the first cushioning pad is generally an edge remote from a toe end of the first cushioning pad.

By ensuring that the second end of the second pad is adapted to overlap an edge of the first pad, a single apparatus according to the invention (that is a combination of a single first pad and a single second pad) can be used in a range of shoe sizes. The apparatus may, accordingly, be "universal" fitting, for sizes from the equivalents of UK size 2 or 3 (or even smaller) to equivalents of UK size 9 or 10 (or even larger). For example, the first and second pads may be spaced from one another for larger shoe sizes, or in overlapping arrangement when used in smaller shoe sizes.

In some embodiments, the second end of the second cushioning pad and/or the edge of the first cushioning pad may have a removable portion (for example a removable edge strip) adjacent the area of overlap, in order to enable the degree of overlap to be controlled.

The first engagement means may be, for example, of releasable temporary adhesive or bonding material such as a gel (especially a releasable material known as a TP gel, or thermoplastic gel). Alternatively, the first engagement means may comprise a multiplicity of shaped elements arranged to engage with a complementary multiplicity of shaped elements provided on the insole; the shaped elements constituting the first engagement means may be mushroom-shaped stems (typically of polypropylene or the like) and arranged to engage with a similar multiplicity of mushroom-shaped stems (again typically of polypropylene or the like) provided on the insole. Such complementary engagement means are commercially available as reclosable fastening systems, for example, from 3M, under the trade mark "Dual Lock". Alternatively, the first engagement means may comprise a multiplicity of fibrillar hook elements arranged to engage with a complementary multiplicity of fibrillar loop elements provided on the insole (an example of such a material being commercially available under the trademark "Velcro").

The second engagement means may be, for example, of releasable temporary adhesive such as a gel (especially a releasable material known as a TP gel, or thermoplastic gel). Alternatively, the first engagement means may comprise a multiplicity of shaped elements arranged to engage with a complementary multiplicity of shaped elements provided on the insole. Such shaped elements may be as described above with reference to the first engagement means. Again, the shaped elements constituting the second engagement means may be a multiplicity of mushroom-shaped stems arranged to engage with a similar multiplicity of mushroom shaped stems provided on the insole. Alternatively, the second engagement means may comprise a multiplicity of fibrillar hook elements arranged to engage with a complementary multiplicity of fibrillar loop elements provided on the insole.

The first and second engagement means may be of a similar nature, or different to one another.

The second end of the second cushioning pad (that is the part adapted to overlap with the first cushioning pad) is preferably relatively thin, and thereby acts in the manner of a tab which permits the pad to be "peeled" from the insole of the item of footwear. Furthermore, the overlapping end can provide extra comfort and support to the ball of the user's foot.

It is particularly preferred that the apparatus according to the invention comprises a pair of each of the first and second cushioning pads (that is, one pair for each shoe of a pair of shoes or the like).

The provision of the first and second engagement means on both the undersurface of the first pad and the undersurface of the second pad allows both pads to be fixed securely to the insole of the item of footwear, so avoiding unwanted slippage of the pads in use. In a preferred embodiment, in order to fix the pads securely to the insole, it is preferred to provide a reclosable fastening system. Such a system may comprise a multiplicity of engagement elements, such as loop elements, on the insole, engageable with complementary hook elements.

A typical example of such a combination of hook and loop type elements is a commercially fastener available under the trade mark "Velcro". It is a particular advantage of the present invention that when such loop elements are employed (which combine together to form a plush or velvet type structure), they can be used in footwear even without the cushioning pads as the plush or velvet structure is relatively comfortable underfoot. When loop elements are employed, they may therefore be substantially permanently (or semi-permanently) secured to the upper surface of the insole of an item of footwear, without detracting from the wearer's perceived comfort when the cushioning pads are omitted for whatever reason. A preferred way in which the loop elements are to be secured to the insole is by means of an adhesive.

The cushioning pads forming the apparatus according to the invention can readily be secured to, and selectively removed from, the insole of the item of footwear, typically using the well known "quick-release" properties of fasteners similar to those commercially available under the "Velcro" trade mark. On removal, the cushioning pads may, if desired, be cleaned or wiped for hygienic reasons, before being returned to service in the same or a different item of footwear.

It is preferred to supply the pads in a kit also containing one or more wipes for cleaning the pads.

In one embodiment, the first engagement means (such as hook elements) provided on the undersurface of the first cushioning pad are located on an area in which the longitudinal and lateral dimensions are substantially equal (the area being typically substantially circular or square, or, in some embodiments, an equilateral triangle). Such an area is typically provided in a recess within the undersurface of the first cushioning pad, the recess typically having a depth substantially matching the depth of the engagement means (such as hook elements and any backing therefor); in this arrangement, the engagement means on the undersurface of the first cushioning pad sit flush with that undersurface.

In a further embodiment, the area occupied by engagement means (such as loop elements) provided on the upper surface of the insole is preferably substantially of the same shape as the area occupied by the engagement means (such as hook elements) provided on the undersurface of the first pad; the area occupied by the engagement means (such as loop elements) on the upper surface of the insole is preferably the larger area such that, in use, the last mentioned engagement means overlap the area covered by the engagement means on the upper surface of the insole

It is further particularly preferred that the second engagement means (such as hook elements) provided on the undersurface of the second cushioning pad are located on an area which is longitudinally extending from near the first end towards the second end, the longitudinal dimension thereof being of substantially greater than the lateral dimension. Such an area is typically provided in a recess within the undersurface of the second cushioning pad, the recess typically having a depth substantially matching the depth of the engagement means (such as hook elements and any backing therefor). By this arrangement, engagement means on the undersurface of the second pad sit flush with that undersurface.

In one embodiment, the area occupied by engagement means (such as loop elements) provided on the upper surface of the insole is preferably substantially of the same shape as the area occupied by engagement means (such as hook elements) on the undersurface of the first cushioning pad; the area occupied by the engagement means (such as loop elements) on the upper surface of the insole is preferably the larger area such that the last mentioned engagement means overlap the area covered by the engagement means on the upper surface of the insole. In another embodiment, the area occupied by the heel end of the engagement means on the underside of the second cushioning pad has a larger lateral dimension than the end thereof adjacent the arch. This latter arrangement can provide improved comfort to the user in the area of the heel. As mentioned, the second end of the second cushioning pad is adapted to overlap an edge of the first cushioning pad; the second end of the second cushioning pad is therefore preferably of tapered thickness so as to avoid the sensation of a lump beneath the ball of the user's foot. The second end may be gel-filled, typically with a gel which is relatively soft compared to the remainder of the second cushioning pad, or alternatively with a gel which is the same as that in the remainder of the cushioning pad.

Various cushioning materials may be employed in the cushioning pads employed in the apparatus according to the invention; among these materials are flexible foams (for example, shaped polyurethane foams or the like) or gel materials.

It is particularly preferred that the first and second cushioning pads each contain gel cushioning material; in this embodiment, the first and second pads are each in the form of a sealed enclosure acting as an envelope for the gel material. When such gel material is used, it may be cooled in a freezer or the like prior to use; by this means the apparatus according to the invention may be helpful in alleviating or stopping uncomfortable burning sensations or pain in the user's foot, especially in the ball of the foot. Examples of materials suitable for use in such gels include synthetic polymer-based materials which are generally aqueous (that is hydrogels, such as acrylic-based hydrogels), or silicone-based gels or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first cushioning pad is transparent and/or the second cushioning pad is transparent, to ensure that they are as visually unobtrusive as possible when worn (as women's high heeled shoes often have at least part which is open, such that the apparatus according to the invention might be visible or unsightly if not of transparent material). Thus it is preferred that the above- mentioned envelopes are each of transparent material.

It is further preferred in some embodiments of the invention that the engagement means provided on the undersurface of the pad and/or on the insole should be transparent, which can be achieved by using releasable adhesives or reclosable fasteners employing mushroom-shaped elements, as described above. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the upper surface of the first cushioning pad and the upper surface of the second cushioning pad has a series of laterally extending ribs on the respective upper surface thereof.

The first cushioning pad preferably includes a ridged portion running transverse thereto, at or near the toe end. Such a ridged portion is preferably arcuate or otherwise curved (concave when viewed from the heel end of the footwear), and preferably also contains gel, both of which features permit the user to grip more satisfactorily with her (or his) toes. The curved ridged portion preferably extends substantially across the full width of the first cushioning pad. The gel provided in such a ridged portion may be relatively soft compared to the gel in the remainder of the first cushioning pad, or of the same or similar gel. It is also preferred to provide gel in the region intended to receive the ball of the user's foot; this gel may be relatively soft compared to the gel in the remainder of the first cushioning pad, or of the same or similar gel.

There is also preferably a series of laterally extending corrugations on at least some parts of the first cushioning pad not covered by such a ridged portion.

The second cushioning pad preferably also includes a further ridged portion running transverse thereto, at or near the heel end. Such a further ridged portion is preferably also arcuate or otherwise curved (concave when viewed from the heel end of the item of footwear). The curved further ridged portion preferably also contains gel, and acts to inhibit sliding of the heel forwardly and down the slope of the high heeled shoe. The gel in this further ridged portion may be slightly harder compared to the gel in the remainder of the second cushioning pad or of a gel which is substantially the same as the remainder of the gel in the second cushioning pad. This transverse ridged portion preferably crosses a textured surface of the second cushioning pad which provides enhanced grip for the heel; such a textured surface may be pimpled over most, or all, of the surface thereof.

An insole having both a curved ridge at or near the toe portion and a curved ridge at or near the front end of the ball of the user's foot is believed to be novel per se. In this modification of the invention, the first and second cushioning pads can be integral with one another (that is, not separate pads and not arranged to overlap one another), or alternatively may be separate pads as described previously.

According to this latter modification of the present invention, there is therefore provided apparatus for cushioning high heeled or other footwear, which apparatus comprises a cushioning element shaped and dimensioned to fit between a user's foot and an item of footwear, the cushioning element including a first integral curved ridge extending transversely of the element in a region to fit under a user's toes, and a second integral curved ridge extending transversely of the element and arranged to engage with the front end of a user's heel, both said first and second ridges being concave when viewed from the heel end of the item of footwear.

In such apparatus, the cushioning element may comprise a) a first cushioning pad shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole of a user's item of footwear and the ball of the foot of the user, the first cushioning pad having thereon first engagement means to secure the cushioning pad to the insole, and b) a second cushioning pad shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole and a portion of the foot of the user extending from a first end nearer the heel to a second end nearer the arch, the undersurface of the second cushioning pad having thereon second engagement means to secure the cushioning pad to the insole, wherein each of the first and second cushioning pads has a curved raised ridged portion extending transversely of the respective part, the curved ridged portion on the first cushioning pad being engageable by a user's toes and the curved ridged portion on the second cushioning pad being engageable by a the front of a user's heel.

In the modification of the invention described above, it is not necessary for the pads to be releasably engageable with the insole of the user's shoe, and in some embodiments of the invention, the engagement means may be such that the pads are secured permanently (or semi-permanently) to the insole. When the engagement means are releasable, however, they may be as described above with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.

The second cushioning pad preferably also includes one or more additional ridged portions running longitudinally of the second cushioning pad. Such additional ridged portions may also be gel-filled. These may include gel which is relatively soft compared to the filling for the remainder of the second cushioning pad, or gel which is substantially the same as the gel for the remainder of the second cushioning pad. Such additional ridged portions or ribs, which may be shaped in the manner of an arch to provide additional support to the arch of the user's foot, can provide improved comfort for the wearer. This improved comfort can be enhanced even further when there are two or more such ribs, laterally spaced from one another. Such two or more laterally spaced ribs can permit air flow beneath the arch of the user's foot, between the foot and the undersurface of the second pad. There is also preferably a series of laterally extending ribs on at least some parts of the second cushioning pad not covered by the longitudinally extending ridged portions.

At least one of the first cushioning pad and the second cushioning pad preferably has a textured undersurface, so as to provide auxiliary grip on the upper surface of an insole of a wearer's shoe.

The apparatus according to the invention is preferably selectively shaped to fit either a right foot or a left foot. It is particularly preferred to provide a pair of such apparatus, one for a right foot and one for a left foot.

The present invention further extends to a kit comprising a plurality of apparatus according to the invention, optionally together with at least one reclosable fastening system (such as a strip of material comprising a multiplicity of fibrillar loop elements suitable for use on a shoe insole), and optionally one or more disinfectant wipes.

The kit may, if wished, include more of the first cushioning pad than of the second cushioning pad as it is envisaged that the first cushioning pad, being under the ball of the user's foot, will wear out faster than the second cushioning pad.

Further preferred features of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of exemplary high heeled footwear cushioning apparatus including a cushioning pad for the ball of the user's right foot and a cushioning pad extending from the heel towards the ball of the foot;

Figure 2 is a view of the apparatus of Figure 1 , when seen from underneath; Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing on an enlarged scale a preferred construction of a first cushioning pad forming part of cushioning apparatus according to the invention, the first pad to be located under the ball of a user's foot; apparatus of Figure 1 ; Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a preferred construction of a second cushioning pad forming part of cushioning apparatus according to the invention, the second pad to be located under the arch and heel of a user's foot; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modification of the invention, in which the insole is a single body rather than two overlapping pads.

Referring now to Figure 1 , there is shown a first cushioning pad 1 to fit between the ball of the user's foot and an item of footwear and a second cushioning pad 2 to fit between the arch and heel of the user's foot and the item of footwear.

The length (that is, dimension A) of pad 1 is only slightly greater than its width (dimension B), and the pad 1 is shaped to fit in the toe portion of a shoe. The main body of pad 1 consists of a gel filled cushion; towards the toe end 20 is a generally transverse raised ridge 3 for gripping by the user's toes. There are also two slightly raised curved ridges 4, 5 extending generally lengthwise of the pad and part of the upper surface of pad 1 is covered by an array of pimples 21

The length (that is, dimension C) of pad 2 is significantly greater than its width (dimension D), and the pad 2 is shaped to fit in the arch and heel portion of a shoe. The main body of pad 2 consists of a gel filled cushion; towards the heel end 22 is a generally transverse raised ridge 6 which inhibits forward movement of the heel in use. There are also two slightly raised ridges 7, 8 extending generally lengthwise of the pad leaving a longitudinally extending channel 23 between the ridges for flow of air beneath a user's feet, as shown by the arrows). Channel 23 has a free end 24 slightly forward of transverse ridge 6, to permit air flow beneath a user's feet as shown by the arrows in channel 23. The ridges 7, 8 provide support beneath the arch of a user's foot.

The longitudinal edges 25a, 25b of the pad 2 are slightly bevelled or tapered (not shown), and there is a series of substantially parallel transversely extending ripples or corrugations 26 along the length of the pad 2. The toe end portion 9 of pad 2 in the arrangement illustrated overlaps with the rear end portion 10 of pad 1, to enable the pads to fit smaller sizes of high-heeled footwear. Arrow E shows a typical area of overlap. Of course if the pads are used in larger sizes, the free ends of end portions 9 and 10 may be longitudinally spaced from one another.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals. Again there is shown a first cushioning pad 1 to fit between the ball of the user's foot and an item of footwear and a second cushioning pad 2 to fit between the arch of the user's foot and the item of footwear.

Pad 1 has a generally circular recess 11 in its undersurface; this receives a sheet 12 of the hook element part of a "Velcro"-type fastener, which in turn is to engage with the loop element part of a "Velcro'-type fastener provided on the upper face of the insole of an item of footwear. Pad 2 has a generally longitudinally extending recess 13 in its undersurface; the recess has an enlarged rear portion 14 intended to fit beneath the user's heel. The recess 13 receives a pad 15 of the hook element part of a "Velcro"-type fastener, which in turn is to engage with the loop element part of a "Velcro"-type fastener provided on the upper face of the insole of an item of footwear.

The arrangement of the "Velcro"-type fasteners can be seen more clearly in Figure 3 where again like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

Reverting to Figure 2, pads 1 and 2 are as shown both slightly textured with an array of small protrusions 16, 17, respectively, which serve to provide auxiliary grip in areas where the pads do not engage with the "Velcro"-type fasteners.

Referring now to Figure 4, in which again like parts are denoted by like reference numerals, there is shown a cushioning pad 1 to fit between the ball of the user's foot and an item of footwear. Towards the toe end of the pad is a raised gel ridge 3, to be gripped by the user's toes,

Referring now to Figure 5, in which again like parts are denoted by like reference numerals, there is shown a cushioning pad 2 to fit between the arch and heel of the user's foot and the item of footwear. Pad 2 has a transverse raised ridge 6 towards the heel end and a pair of longitudinally extending ridges 7 and 8 extending from ridge 6 towards the toe end 7.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a high heeled shoe 20 in which there is positioned a cushioning insole pad 21 extending from heel to toe, the pad including a toe pad end 21a and, integral therewith, a heel pad end 21b. The pad 21 is a unitary body with a transverse curved ridge 22 near the toe end, arranged to be gripped by the user's toes and to inhibit the foot sliding forwards in the shoe.

Just in front of the ball of the heel is a second transverse curved ridge 23 arranged to inhibit the heel sliding forwards in the shoe. Integral with the ridge 23 is a longitudinally extending ridge 24, which extends along the arch region of a user's foot thereby acting as a foot arch support to relieve pressure on the foot. Spaced from ridge 24 is a further longitudinally extending ridge 25 adjacent the edge of the insole; the ridge 25 provides further arch support. The ridges 24 and 25 define between them a longitudinally extending channel 26, which has an open end 27 at the side of the insole. The channel 26 helps to provide air circulation beneath the user's foot.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the insole pad can be a single unitary element permanently fitted into the shoe.

Various modifications of the apparatus described and illustrated are possible; for example, in some embodiments one or both of the cushioning pads may be provided with a raised rim around the entire periphery thereof, or just part thereof.

Claims

1. Apparatus for cushioning high heeled or other footwear, which apparatus comprises: a) a first cushioning pad shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole of a user's item of footwear and the ball of the foot of the user, the undersurface of the first cushioning pad having thereon first engagement means to releasably secure the cushioning pad to the insole, and b) a separate second cushioning pad shaped and dimensioned to fit between the insole and a portion of the foot of the user extending from a first end nearer the heel to a second end nearer the arch, the undersurface of the second cushioning pad having thereon second engagement means to releasably secure the cushioning pad to the insole, the second end of the second cushioning pad being adapted to overlap an edge of the first pad.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement means comprises a multiplicity of fibrillar hook elements arranged to engage with a complementary multiplicity of fibrillar loop elements when provided on the insole.

3 Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the loop elements provided on the upper surface of the insole occupy a first area substantially of the same shape as a second area occupied by the hook elements on the undersurface of the first pad, the first area being larger than the second area such that the first area overlaps the second area in use.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second engagement means comprises a multiplicity of fibrillar hook elements arranged to engage with a complementary multiplicity of fibrillar loop elements when provided on the insole.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second end of the second cushioning pad is thinner than at least the majority of the second cushioning pad and provides a tab which permits said second cushioning pad to be peeled from the insole of the item of footwear.

6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first engagement means provided on the undersurface of the first pad are located on an area in which the longitudinal and lateral dimensions are substantially equal.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said area is provided in a recess within the undersurface of the first pad.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second engagement means provided on the undersurface of the second pad are located on a zone which is longitudinally extending from near the first end towards the second end, the longitudinal dimension of said zone being of substantially greater than the lateral dimension.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said zone is provided in a recess within the undersurface of the second pad, the recess having a depth substantially matching the depth of the respective engagement means.

10 Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the first and second pads provide a sealed enclosure acting as an envelope for gel cushioning material.

11 Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the first and second pads is transparent.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first cushioning pad includes at least one ridged portion running transverse thereto, at or near the toe end thereof.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first cushioning pad includes a series of laterally extending corrugations on parts not covered by the respective ridged portion.

14. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second cushioning pad includes a ridged portion running transverse thereto, at or near the heel end.

15 Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the transverse ridged portion in said second cushioning pad crosses a textured surface of the second cushioning pad, said textured surface providing enhanced grip for the user's heel.

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second cushioning pad includes one or more additional ridged portions extending longitudinally of the second pad.

17. Apparatus for cushioning high heeled or other footwear, which apparatus comprises a cushioning element shaped and dimensioned to fit between a user's foot and an item of footwear, the cushioning element including a first integral curved ridge extending transversely of said element in a region to fit under a user's toes, and a second integral curved ridge extending transversely of said element and arranged to engage with the front end of a user's heel, both said first and second ridges being concave when viewed from the heel end of the item of footwear.