GB2511878A

GB2511878A - Heel Stabilizer for footwear

Info

Publication number: GB2511878A
Application number: GB1313166.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Howard DANANBERG; Brian G R Hughes
Original assignee: HBN Shoe LLC
Current assignee: HBN Shoe LLC
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2013-07-24
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-24
Also published as: US20140259770A1; GB2511878B; GB201313166D0; HK1199695A1

Abstract

A heel stabilizer 1 for use with footwear comprising first 10 and second 20 gripping portions, the gripping portions protruding away from the inner surface of the footwear, the first gripping portion adjacent to a medial surface of a wearers heel and the second gripping portion adjacent to a lateral surface of the wearers heel when the footwear is worn. The heel stabilizer preferably comprises a notch 26 in the second gripping portion, for accommodating the sural nerve of a wearer. The gripping portions may comprise a convex top side and a concave bottom side. The first gripping portion may be larger than the second gripping portion. The stabilizer may be moulded into the inner surface of the footwear 66, or attached by an adhesive portion. Also claimed is an item of footwear comprising such a heel stabilizer.

Description

HEEL STABtLIZER FOR FOOTWEAR

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to iootwear, and more specifically lo a heel motion stabilizer for footwear having features that improve comfort and pcrformanee for the wcarer during slanding, walking, running, and other activities in which lootwear is used.

Background of the Invention

Footwear of all types and sizes are known to slip in the heels. Typically, there are Iwo types ui molion, up and dow-n, and side-lu-side. The resuhing rubbing of the wearer's heels against the footwear is therefore a common problem, causing discomfort for the wearer and sometimes even painful blisters, bruises, or other injuries. The problem is particularly acute in the ease ol men's and women's dress shoes. Addilionally, and in the case of footwear used for athletic activities, such as ski boots, heel slippage may not only result in pain and discomfort, hut also in a loss oi control br ihe wearer, thereby reducing the performance level of the footwear.

Various products exist to prevent this problem, many of which are either ineffective or offly partially effective. These products, which typically are used in women's dress shoes, often simply consist of a thickened pad located across the entire back of the heel.

Others producis use a pad located at the longue of the shoe ihal his across the lop of the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. These products essentially prevent slippage by effectively making the footwear smaller in length from the heel to the toes. As a result, these products may cause additional discomfort and/or pain for the wearer. Accordingly, new solutions to this problem are required that can effectively reduce or eliminate the heel rubbing against looiwear withoul causing any addilional pain or discomfort, thereby increasing overall comfort and performance for the wearer.

Summary of the tnvention

The prcscnt invention overcomes the disadvantages of thc prior art by providing a heel slahilizer for lootwear ihal "grips" Ihe wearer's heel at the medial and lateral surfaces of thc hcel, thereby providing rcduccd up and down and side-to-side movcmcnt without pain or discomfort. The prior art solutions to heels rubbing against footwear primarily focused on the top part of the heel near the top of Ihe cenler hack counter of the fooLwear, where the rubbing often occurs against thc Achillcs tcndon of thc wcarcr. Howcvcr, because those products do not properly focus on reducing heel movement, they simply don't work, and may resull in more rubbing and therefore more discomibri.

Wc havc discovcrcd that the true causc of thc problcm typically lics in the movcmcnt of the hollom porlion of Ihe heel within the fooLwear. This movement may resull from a variety of causcs including, for example, thc footwear's design and/or its fit, the sizc and/or shape of the wearer's foot, or a combination of these and similar issues. Thus, the heel slahilizer disclosed herein primarily reduces movement of the hotlom porlion of Ihe heel, preferably by stabilizinga narrower portion of the heel. By "gripping" the heel at the medial and laLerál surfaces, and particularly at a location above Ihe widesi pan of the heel, overafl heel movement is more effectively reduced or eliminated, as is thc rcsulting rubbing of the heel against the footwear and the accompanying pain and discomfort.

Accordingly, the heel stabilizer disclosed herein compriscs a first portion and a second portion, or a first part and a second part, each of which protrudes away from an inner surface ol IooLwear adjacent Ihe medial and lateral porlions of Ihe heel. When the fooLwear is worn, Ihe lirsi porlion or part will he adjaceni lo and in direct or indirect conlaci with the medial surface of the wearer's heel. The second portion or part will he adjacent to and in direci or indireci contact wiih the laleral surFace oF the wearer's heel. Rilher or hoLh portions or parts may havc a top sidehaving a generally convex shape and a bottom side having a generally concave shape. The size oF each portion or part may vary depending on, br exampic, the size and shapc of the wearer's foot and the typc and design of the footwear with which the stabilizer is used. The first portion or part also should he larger than the second portion or pan to accouni br difFerences in the sites of the medial and laleral surfaces of the wearer's heel. The sccond portion or part ideally preferably should also include a notch of sufficient depth, length, and width to accommodate, and prevent irritation lo the wearer's sural nerve. A variely ol malerials ol diliering stiffness, hardness, flcxibility, density, and other characteristics may be used, dcpending on, for example, the lype and design of the Footwear, the wearer's individual foot, andlor the intended use of ihe footwear.

In one embodiment, the heel stabilizer may be manufactured into the footwear itself.

Accordingly, ihe slahiliter maybe molded mb an interior surface of Ihe footwear. For instance, the stabilizer may he molded into an interior surface of the heel counter of the booLwear.

In anothcr embodiment, the heel stabilizer may be manufactured as a separate article or articles that may he inserted into footwear during footwear manufacturing. Thus, the first and sccond portions or parts of the stabilizer insert may protrude from a common backing which may be inserted into footwear so that when the footwear is worn, the first and second porlions or paris are adjaceni to and in direct or indireci contaci with the medial and lateral surfaces ol the wearer's heel, respectivdy. A variety ol malerials ol diliering Ilexihility, textures, and other characteristics may he used, depending on, for example, the type and design of the lootwear, the wearer's individual 1001, and the intended use of the Iootwear with which the insert will be used. Positioning the inscrt in the shoe is important.

Accordingly, the portions or paris should include an adhesive to allow the siahifizer insert to be sccurely affixed in position to thc insidc of the footwcar. the stabilizer inscrt may also include markings or other indicators to aid in properly aligning the insert within the lootwear.

I'hc size and matcrial of the stabilizcr may be varied as described above to providc the desired level of comfort and stabilization.

Brief Description of the Fiuures

FIGURE 1 illustrates an embodiment of the heel stabilizcr positioncd on a human right 11)01 when in use.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an embodimcnt of thc heel stabilizer molded into a right shoe.

FTGURE 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heel stabilizer insert.

FIGURE 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a heel stabilizer insert.

FTGURE 5 is a Lop view of an embodiment of a heel stabilizer insert.

FIGURE 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a heel stabilizer insert.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of heel stabilizcr 1 positioned on a human right foot 70.

The stabilizer 1 includes a first gripping portion or part 10 and a second gripping portion or part 20. In use, the heel stabilizer maybe positioned within a shoe or other type of footwear such that, when the lootwear is worn, the first gripping portion or part 10 will he positioned adjacent to the medial, or "inside," surface 72 of the wearer's heel and the second gripping portion or part 20 will he positioned adjaceni to the laleral, or "outside," surface 74 olthe wearcr's heel, as dcpictcd in FIG. 1. For a human left foot, thc rclativc positions of thc first and second gripping portions or parts woffid he a mirror image of the positions shown in FIG. 1. That is, from a similar rear view of a human left foot, thc mcdial surface and first gripping portion or part would appear on the "inside" or right side of the foot, and the lateral surface and second gripping portion or part would appear on the "outside" or left side of the foot.

As shown in FIG. 1, the human heel has a "pear-shaped" appearance when viewed from the rear of heel. Accordingly, the heel is widest in thickness near the bottom of the foot, whcn thickncss is mcasured from thc mcdial surfacc to thc latcral surfacc.'I'hc thickness of the heel decreases near the top of the heel. Accordingly, the heel stabilizer shotfid he positioncd abovc the widest portion 76 of thc heel, as depicted in FIG. 1. This positioning will allow the heel stabilizer to grip the widest part of the heel from above. Also, the heel stabilizer will he positioned below the top line of the footwear, such that it is not visible from or otherwise protruding to the exterior of the footwear. Accordingly, the proper positioning of the!irst and second gripping portions or parts on the medial and lateral surfaces of the wcarcr's heel may need to bc adjusted up or down dcpending on thc footwcar used and the specific size and shape of the wearer's foot.

the first and sccond gripping portions or parts may vary in size and shape.

Variations in size and shape may he due to specific physical characteristics of the footwear and the wearer's foot. However, as a practical malter, there is actually little varialion in the anaiomical shape of the heel of a human's fool other than, ol course site, which varies primarily with shoe size. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping portions or parts 10 and will he shaped to generally maieh ihe analomieal shape of ihe medial and laleral surfaces of the wearer's heel. Accordingly, the first gripping portion or part 10 includes a top sidc 12 having a generally convex shape and a hotiom side i 4 having a generally concave shape.

Similarly, the second gripping portion or part 20 includes a top side 22 having a generally convex shape and a bottom side 24 having a generally concave shape.

The lirsi and second gripping portions or paris vary in site and shape relative Lu each other to accommodate for thc shape of the heel. Accordingly, the first gripping portion or part should be larger in size than the second gripping portion or part. This is primarily due lo ihe larger site of the medial surface of the heel relalive lo ihe laleral surface. For example, the first gripping portion or part may be approximately 30 to 70% larger, preferably about 50% larger in size ihan the second gripping poriion or part.

I'hc gripping portions or parts 10 and 20 protrudc a sufficient distance away from the hacking such that they will he positioned adjacent to and in contact with the medial and lateral surfaces of ihe wearer's heel when in use, as described above. If the wearer is wearing socks or other hosiery when using the heel stabilizer, the gripping portions or parts will indireelly contaci the wearer's heel through the wearer's hosiery. Ahernatively, if ihe wearer is not wearing socks or othcr hosiery whcn using the heel stabilizer, the gripping portions or parts will directly contact the wearer's heel. The two situations are deemed equivalent for the purposes of this disclosure and both fall within thc scope of this disclosure. The first and second gripping portions or parts may protrude sufficiently far that they are compressed heiween ihe fooiwear and the wearer's heel when in use.

The second gripping portion or part 20 ideally should further comprise a notch 26 to acconmiodate the wearer's sural nerve. The sural nerve is generally positioned on the lateral or "outside" surface of the foot, under and behind the ankle hone. Discomfort may he caused by any pressure placed on the nerve, thus, in a preferred embodiment, the second gripping portion or part wifl indude a noich of sufficient lengLh, width, and depth 10 accommodate the wearer's sural nerve, and thereby alleviate any undesired pressure on the nerve. The notch should be located on the surface or surfaces of the second gripping portion or part that contacts the wearer's loot, as is depicled in FIG. 2. The notch should a'so he of a sufficient length, width, and depth to accommodate any part of the sural nerve that may come into contact with the second gripping portion or part. For example, a deep notch that is 3mm wide and runs from Ihe top surface of the second gripping portion or part to the bottom surface may sufficiently accommodate a wearer's sural nerve. Other sizes, positions, and orientations br the notch may be selected, depending on such considerations as the type of footwear used and the specific size and shape of the wearer's foot.

The gripping portions or parts 10 and 20 of the heel stabilizer I maybe made from a variety of materials. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping portions or paris will be a foam material. For example, a firm neoprene/vinyl/Buna-N blend may he used. Other materia's ol dillering l'irmness, liexihilily, density, stillness, and hardness maybe used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Preferably, the material used will provide sufficient flexibility such that it may he compressed between the footwear and the wearer's shoe when in use to allow for a comfortable fit. in addition, the material, if installed in a shoe during manufacture must also take into account the lasting process, and be able to recover to a usefifi con!'iguration alter the last is removed. How-ever, the material also should he sufficiently flrm to efieetivdy reduce or eliminate movemenl @1 the wearer's heel within the footwear.

In another preferred embodiment, al least one additiona' material may he used to cover the hcel stabilizer. Various materials may be used, but the matcrial should be sclected In increase or maximize comlorl and durability, among oLher characierislics. In one embodimcnt, a thin laycr of matcrial 50 may cover the hccl stabilizer, as shown in FIGS. 5- 6. For example, a thin layer of suede, leather, silk, or cotton may he used to cover the heel slahilizer. Synihetic materials, such as nylon or polyester may also he used, as well as blends of the foregoing materials, without departing from thc scope of this disclosurc.

In a preferred embodiment, heel stabilizer I may be integrated directly into the !ooLwear wiLh which ihe siahilizer is Lobe used. Tn one embodiment, the heel slahilizer may be molded dircctly into the shoe or othcr footwcar. Altcrnativcly, the heel stabilizer may bc securdy lasLened to the shoe or other!oolwear Lhrough means commonly known in the art, such as, for example, staples, screws, or adhcsivcs.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, heel stabilizer 1 maybe integrated into shoe 60.

Righi shoe 60 has an insole 62 on which the wearer's foot resis when Ihe shoe is worn. An upper portion 64 rises above the insole 62 and surrounds a top portion of the wearer's foot.

The rearmosL part of Ihe upper porlion 64 is a heel counler 66, which is typically stiffer ihan the rest of thc uppcr portion, thereby providing additional support for thc wcarcr at thc rear of the shoe. First gripper portion or part 10 and second gripper portion or part 20 protrude into thc intcrior of the shoe from a surfacc of uppcr portion 64 such that when thc shoe is worn, first gripper portion or part 10 will he adjacent to the medial surface of the wearer's heel and second gripper porlion or part 20 will he adjacent Lo Ihe huLeral surface of the wearer's heel. The lirsi and second gripping porlions or paris may he posilioned wiihin ihe shoe such that they overlap or partially overlap heel counter 66. In a preferred embodiment, ihe firsi and second gripper poriions or parts will coniacl Ihe wearer's hed at positions abovc thc widcst portion of thc wearer's heel, but will not risc abovc thc top cdgc of thc shoe 68. Second gripping poriion or part 20 may also include a nolch 26, as described abovc, to accommodate thc wearer's sural nerve.

In one embodiment, heel stabilizer icomprises a single piece or insert that can be inserted mb lootwear, as is depicied in FIGS. 3-6. The lirsi gripping porlion or part 10 and thc second gripping portion or part 20 protrude outward and away from a bridging matcrial 30. Since the position of its insert is important, the insert should be permanently affixed to ihe Iooiwear alter initial inserbion, using, e.g. a pressure sensitive adhesive.

I'hc bridging matcrial 30 providcs a supportive structurc for thc first and sccond gripping poriions or parts 10 and 20. Ti should he sufficiently large enough 10 mainiain ihe first and second gripping portions at a proper distance from cach othcr and from thc insolc of the footwear such that each gripping portion may he in contact with the medial and lateral surfaces of the wearer's heel when the hed stabilizer is in use. However, ihe preferred site of the bridging material may depend on the type of footwear with which it is used. In a preferred embodiment, ihe hacking will lii entirely within ihe inierior of ihe fooiwear such that no part of the hccl stabilizer protrudes outsidc of the footwear or is visible whcn the footwear is worn.

Alternatively, the heel stabilizer may comprise separate gripping portions, or parts, such that the two gripping portions or parts may he inserted separately into the footwear, i.e. as shown in Fig. 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the heel stabilizer may also include at kasi one alignment indicator 40 to assist the wearer with properly aligning the stabilizer within the lootwear. The indicator may comprise indicia or graphical markings, such as lines, circles, and arrows, textual markings, physical markings, such as a hole or a protrusion, or a combination of the loregoing.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the heel stabilizer may further include labels 42 to assist the wearer with placing the stabilizer appropriately within the footwear. The labels 42 may, for example, include terms such as "medial" and "lateral," "inside" and "outside," or "right" and "left" to indicate the proper placement of the stabilizer within the footwear.

Bridging material 30 further comprises a rear surface 32, as shown in FIGS. 5-6.

Rear surface 32 may comprise an adhesive portion 34. The adhesive portion comprises an adhesive that will allow the wearer to securely affix thc insert to the interior of the footwear.

Various adhesives may he used, including, lbr example, tape, double-sided tape, glue, chemical adhesives, etc. The heel stabilizer may he used with all of types of footwear, including but not limited to slip-on shoes, ace-up shoes, hools, high heels, low heels, flats, loafers, oxiords and any other type of shoe or boot. The heel stabilizer may also be used with all types of athletic shoes including specialized footwear, including hut not limited to ski hools, golf shoes, track shoes, bike shoes, bowling shoes, roller skatcs, icc skates, and the like. Further, any type of footwear in which stabilization of the wearer's heel within the footwear is desirable is cncompassed by the scope of this disclosure.

It should he emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly any "preferred" embodiments, are merely possible examples of implemenlations, merely sd forlh br a clear understanding oF the principles of Ihe disclosed system and method. Many variations and modifications may he made to the above-described emhodimenls oF the disclosure wiihout departing suhslanLially 1mm (be spirit and principles of thc disclosurc. All such modifications and variations arc intended to bc included herein within the scope of Ihis disclosure and prolected by Ihe following claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A heel stabilizer for human footwear, said stabilizer comprising a first gripping porlion or pan and a second gripping porlion or pan, wherein said lirsi and second gripping portions or parts protrudc away from an inner surface of the footwcar, and wherein said first gripping porlion or part is adjaceni to a medial surface of a wearer's heel and said second gripping portion or part is adjacent to a latcral surface of thc wcarcr's hcel when thc footwear is worn.
2. The heel stahifizer of claim I, furiher comprising a noich in the second gripping portion or part for accommodating the sural nerve of thc wcarer.
3. The heel stabilizer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second gripping ponlions or paris contaci Ihe medial and lalera] surFaces of the wearer's heel above Ihe widest portion of thc wearcr's heel.
4. The heel stahither of any of claims 1-3, wherein said!irst gripping portion or pan comprises a top side and a bottom sidc, said top sidc having a generally convcx shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.
5. The heel stahifizer of any of claims 1-4, wherein said second gripping ponlion or part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said holiom side having a generally concave shape.
6. the heel stabilizer of any of claims 1-5, wherein said first gripping portion or part is larger than said second gripping portion or part.
7. the heel stabilizer of any of claims 1-6, wherein the stabilizcr is molded into an inner surface of the footwear.
8. A heel stabilizer br insertion into human booLwear, said siahilizer comprising a hacking, a first gripping portion or part protruding away from the backing and a second gripping porlion protruding or pan away Irom ihe hacking, wherein said lirsi gripping portion or part is adjaccnt to a mcdial surface of a wearer's hccl and said sccond gripping poriion or pan is adjaceni io a laleral surface of a wearer's heel when the stabilizer is inscrtcd and thc footwcar is worn.
9. The heel stabilizer of claim 8, further comprising an adhesive portion.
10. The heel siahilizer of claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a notch in the second gripping portion or part.
11. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 8-10, wherein the first and second gripping porlions or paris are localed below a lop edge of the looiwear when Ihe slahilizer is inserted.
12. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 8-11, wherein the first and second gripping porlions or paris contaci the medial and laieral surfaces of the wearer's heel above the widest portion of the wearcr's heel when thc stabilizer is inserted and the footwear is worn.
13. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 8-12, wherein said first gripping portion or pan comprises a lop side and a hottom side, said lop side having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.
14. The heel slahilizer ol any ol claims 8-13, wherein said second gripping ponlion or part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top sidc having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.
15. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 8-14, wherein said first gripping portion or part is larger than said second gripping portion or part.
16. The heel slahiliier oF any oF claims 8-15, litrlher comprising al least one footwear alignment indicia or indicator.
17. The heel slahiliier oF any oF claims 8-16, wherein Ihe lirsi gripping portion or part comprise separate parts.
18. Human!ooLwear comprising a heel sLabiliíer, said slahiliier comprising a firsi gripping portion or part and a sceond gripping portion or part, wherein said first and second gripping portions or parts protrude away from an inner surface of the footwear, and wherein said Firsi gripping portion or pan is adjaceni Lu a medial surface of a wearer's heel and said second gripping portion or part is adjacent to a lateral surface of thc wcarcr's heel when thc footwear is worn.
19. The Iooiwear of claim 18, wherein (be heel sLahiliíer Further comprising a noLch in the sceond gripping portion or part for accommodating the sural nerve of thc wcarer.
20. The Iooiwear of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein ihe lirst and second gripping portions or parts contact the mcdial and lateral surfaces of the wcarcr's heel above the widest portion of the wearer's heel.
21. The Iooiwear of any oF claims 1 S-20, wherein said firsi gripping portion or pan comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said holLom side having a generally concave shape.
22. The footwcar of any of claims S-21, wherein said second gripping portion or part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said bottom sidc having a generally concavc shape.
23. The footwear of any of claims 18-22, wherein said first gripping portion or part is larger than said second gripping portion or pan.
24. The Iooiwear of any oF claims 1 S-23, wherein the first gripping portion or pan and the second gripping portion or part comprise separate parts.
25. The Iooiwear of any oF claims 1 S-24, wherein said looLwear is a shoe.
26. The footwcar of any of claims IS-24, wherein said footwear is a boot.
27. The Iooiwear of any oF claims 1 S-24, wherein said looLwear comprises aihletie footwear selectcd from thc group consisting of a ski boot, a golf shoe, a track shoe, a bikc shoe, a bowling shoe, an ice skate, and a roller skate.
28. A heel stabilizer for human looLwear substantially as herein described wiLh referencc to and as illustratcd in any combination of the accompanying figures.
29. A heel stabilizer for insertion into human footwear substantially as herein described with relèrenee In and as illusiraled in any combination of Ihe accompanying figures.
30. Human lootwear comprising a hed slahiliier subsianlially as herein descrihed with rcfercnce to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying figurcs.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A heel stabilizer for human footwear, said stabilizer comprising a first gripping portion or part and a second gripping portion or part, wherein said first and second gripping portions or parts protrude away from an inner surface of the footwear, and whereill said first gripping portion or part is adjacent to a media' surface of a wearer's heel and said second gripping portion or part is adjacent to a lateral surface of the wearer's heel when the footwear is worn, and, wherein the second gripping portion or part has a notch for accommodating the sural nerve of the wearer.2. The heel stabilizer of claim 1, wherein the first and second gripping portioiis or parts contact the medial and lateral surfaces of the wearer's heel above the widest portion of the wearer's heel.3. The heel stabilizer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first grippillg portion or 0 part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape L.C) and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.4. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 1-3, wherein said second gripping portion or part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.5. The heel stahifizer of any of claims 1-4, wherein said first gripping portion or part is larger than said second ippillg portion or pan.6. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 1-5, wherein the stabilizer is molded into an iniler surface of the footwear.7. A heel stabilizer for insertion into human footwear, said stabilizer comprising a hacking, a first gripping portion or part protruding away from the hacking and a second gripping portion protruding or part away from the hacking, wherein said first gripping portion or part is adiacent to a medial snrface of a wearer's heel and said second gripping portion or part is adjacent to a lateral surface of a wearer's heel when the stabilizer is inserted and the footwear is worn, and, wherein the second gripping portion or part has a notch for accommodating the sura nerve of the wearer.8. The heel stabilizer of claim 7, further comprising an adhesive portion.9. The heel stabilizer of either claims 7 or 8, wherein the first and second gripping portions or parts are located b&ow a top edge of the footwear when the stabilizer is inserted.10. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 7-9, wherein the first and second gripping portions or parts contact the medial and lateral surfaces of the wearer's heel above the widest portion of the wearer's heel when the stabilizer is inserted and the footwear is worn.0 I I -The heel stabilizer of any of claims 7-10, wherein said first gripping portion or L.C) part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.12. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 7-I I, wherein said second gripping portion or part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.13. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 7-12, wherein said first gripping portion or part is larger than said second gripping portion or part.14. The heel stabilizer of any of claims 7-13, further comprising at least one footwear alignment indicia or indicator.15. The lice] stabilizer of any of claims 7-14, wherein tile first gripping portion or part comprise separate parts.16. Human footwear comprising a heel stabilizer, said stabilizer comprising a first gripping portion or part and a second gripping portion or part, wherein said first and second gripping portions or parts protrude away from an inner surface of the footwear, and wherein said first gripping portion or part is adjacent to a medial surface of a wearers heel mid said second gripping portion or part is adjacent to a lateral surface of the wearer's heel when the footwear is worn, and, wherein the second gripping portion or part has a notch for accomlnodatillg the sural nerve of the wearer.17. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the first and second gripping portions or parts contact the medial and lateral surfaces of the wearer's lice] above the widest portion of the wearer's heel.0 I 8. The footwear of claim I 6 or claim 17, wherein said first gripping portion or part L.C) comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.19. The footwear of any of claims 7-18, wherein said second gripping portion or part comprises a top side and a bottom side, said top side having a generally convex shape and said bottom side having a generally concave shape.20. The footwear of ay of claims 7-19, wherein said first grippilig portion or part is larger than said second gripping portion or part.21. The footwear of ay of claims 7-20, wherein the first gñppillg portioll or part and the second gripping portion or part comprise separate parts.22. The footwear of any of claims 7-2 I, wherein said footwear is a shoe.23. The footwear of any of claims 7-21, wherein said footwear is a hoot.24. The footwear of any of claims 7-24, wherein said footwear comprises athletic footwear selected from the group consisting of a ski hoot, a golf shoe, a track shoe, a hike shoe, a howling shoe, an ice skate, and a roller skate.25. A lice] stabilizer for hLlman footwear suhstantia]]y as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying figures.26. A heel stabilizer for insertion into human footwear substantially as herein described with reference to and as il]ustrated in any combination of the accompanying figures.27. Human footwear comprising a heel stabilizer substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying figures. (4LO