JP2001518334A - Improved tongue for footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: Footwear having a single or double cuff, comprising a rear tongue, which is firmly attached to the inner cuff of the shoe along one side thereof. ) Footwear having a split tongue portion. The rear tongue is rigidly connected to the inner cuff, but this connection may be permanent or replaceable. The front tongue may be formed integrally with the front upper, or may be an extension of the front upper, or along the lateral edge to the front upper and / or one of the claw portions. Or it can be fixed to both or to only one of the cuffs. One or both tongues may be formed with pockets for receiving cushioning members and / or saddle members to reduce pressure on the instep. The front end of the rear tongue in its working position lies over the rear end of the front tongue. The split tongue arrangement (particularly, the rear tongue attached to the inner cuff) provides protection and comfort to the footwear while providing cushioning and / or saddle members. In use, the tongue will not slide out of the foot.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Braided footwear is at least partially similar to footwear having other means for fastening the cuff to a tongue extending above the instep. There is a long-standing problem that this tongue slides down to the side of the foot as a result of the shape of the upper. This problem is particularly exacerbated in athletic shoes (eg, tennis shoes, basketball shoes) and other sports shoes, in which the feet are subjected to extreme forces from the outside.

[0002] When a shoe tongue slides off the outside of the foot, shoelaces, clasps, metal rings or other fastening members of the shoelace holes are directly engaged with the instep and tend to cause discomfort and injury. is there. Furthermore, as the tongue slides out of the foot, the shoe tends to become loose on the wearer's foot. Sports shoes and special athletic shoes, in particular, tend to have this tongue slip. In many cases, dressing shoes also have the above-mentioned slippage, especially after an average period of wearing to a long period of time, which not only causes discomfort to the wearer, but also increases the Impair aesthetic appeal.

[0003] One of the attempts to avoid the slippage described above is to reduce the number of rows of seams in order to eliminate the tendency of the tongue to bend outward to the slip position described herein. This tongue may be attached to the shoe decoration leather or the front nail leather, while increasing the weight of the tongue. However, this solution is not very satisfactory in that the increased seams are not attractive and can cause discomfort to the wearer of the shoe. Increasing the stiffness of the tongue is also not an attractive option, especially in athletic shoes, since the tongue does not follow the movement of the foot.

[0004] Other attempts to avoid tongue slip have included the use of a single, unitary tongue with an elastic or extensible member (which usually causes the tongue to have its favorable effect. Holding in position) may provide footwear attached to the inner cuff. However, due to the elasticity or extensibility of the mounting member, the tongue may slide out of the foot during use, thereby not solving the tongue slip problem.

[0005] In addition, conventional footwear has been developed, wherein a single integral tongue (
During use of the footwear), along one side of the tongue, it may be secured to the inner cuff by hook or loop fastener strips. The front end of the tongue remains fixed to its front vamp, and the rear end of the tongue is usually removed while unscrewing the shoe. This type of non-replaceable hardware of integral tongue attached to footwear is also likely in that this hook or loop fastener strip tends to catch on stockings or socks when putting on, taking off, and wearing shoes. Not satisfactory. Furthermore, the use of such fittings inevitably causes the tongue to come off sooner or later due to the accumulation of lint or other substances in the hook or loop during use of the footwear. Thus, these prior art single-tongue tongue fittings are not satisfactory in one or the other.

[0006] The present invention provides an improved tongue structure for single and double claw lace-up shoes and for shoes that use other types of fastening means between opposing cuffs or uppers. To overcome the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention relates to footwear and provides an improved shoe configuration, including a tongue attached to the shoe in a manner that eliminates slipping either to the outside or the inside of the shoe. . The tongue of the present invention is a split tongue, the top and back of which are either permanently or interchangeably rigidly connected to the vamp.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an improved footwear, which includes a shoe having an upper characterized by a double opposed leather structure as well as a single opposed cuff portion, wherein: A split tongue is provided which is attached to the shoe in a manner that eliminates slippage of the tongue while wearing the shoe. In a shoe having a single cuff configuration, the split tongue may be configured such that the front of the tongue is secured to the front cuff across the front end of the front cuff. In such a configuration, the front tongue may also be secured to the inner cuff. The front tongue may also be formed integrally with the front toe, or may be an extension of the front toe and secured to the inner toe. That is, the front tongue may be formed as an extension of the garment, or as a separate part attached to the garment by sewing or other means. The rear or top of the split tongue is rigidly connected to the cuff, preferably the inner cuff, either permanently or replaceable, along one longitudinal side of the tongue. ing. Therefore, the tongue is completely less prone to slipping out of the wearer's instep and the shoe retains its intended appearance, and the shoe becomes loose during its wearing And the comfort of the wearer of the shoe is not reduced.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a double shoelace or double cuff shoe structure having upper and lower cuffs, wherein a tongue structure is provided. Also
It has a lower or front tongue, which is also located below the lower or front cuff and is connected to or as an extension of the upholstery or front upper. The front tongue is also permanently connected to the inner front cuff along one side of the tongue. The upper or rear tongue is either permanently or interchangeably connected to one of the upper or rear cuffs (preferably the inner cuff). The tongue arrangement also minimizes or eliminates the tendency of these tongues to slide outward during wearing of the footwear. In a preferred arrangement for either the single or double claw structure, the upper tongue lies at least partially over the lower tongue. Alternatively, the lower end of the upper tongue may intersect the upper end of the lower tongue.

As used herein, “front tongue connected to the footwear” means that the front tongue is an extension of the front upper (but not to the front upper or the decoration). In leather,
Does not form an integral tongue) or is permanently attached to the front upper and / or the cuff. In addition, the nail leather used in this specification "
A "rigidly connected" back tongue is defined as the back tongue being, for example, sewn (or other means provided herein or other means known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure). That is permanently attached using, or this rear tongue,
It is meant to be interchangeably mounted using hook and loop fastener means (or other means provided herein or other means known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure). The rear tongue is firmly connected when attached to the cuff, either permanently or interchangeably.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shoe structure, wherein one or both of the split tongues is characterized by a cushioning member or a piece of material such as a thin graphite-plastic composite. It has a pocket for releasably receiving a layer or pad of a member to be applied, which, when depressed by tying a lace or securing other fastening means, allows the lace or other footwear fastening device to Tends to protect the underlying part of the foot by resisting or dispersing the resulting pressure. Or, 1 with the title of FOOTWEAR SADDLE
Footwear in accordance with the invention disclosed and claimed in the inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,912, filed Dec. 10, 996, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. A saddle may be used.

By permanently and firmly connecting the upper or rear tongue to the nail leather, the non-detachable or non-separable and non-detachable nail during normal use of the shoe. An upper or rear tongue that maintains its position is obtained. The exchangeable and rigid connection of the upper or rear tongue to the claw provides an upper or rear tongue that can be removed and replaced by a different tongue; The connection is firm. The present invention further provides a tongue structure for footwear that is more comfortable to the wearer than conventional structures, easier to assemble during shoe manufacture, and that includes advantages recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, there is illustrated footwear made in accordance with the present invention, which characterizes an athletic shoe (eg, a tennis or running shoe), and is generally numbered 12. Indicated by The shoe 12 is, in some respects, a 19
Inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,796, issued Dec. 15, 1970 (
The disclosure is similar to the special athletic shoe described in US Pat. The shoe 12 has a conventional sole 14, which is made of a suitable material for athletic shoes and has a bottom friction surface (not shown). The shoe 12 includes a front upper or upholstery 16 (also made of the usual materials used in athletic shoes) and a normal heel 18 (which is an opposed upper or quarter 20).
And 22). Quarters 20 and 22 are joined in a conventional manner to form heel 18 and are attached to sole 14 in a conventional manner.
The front facing sides of the uppers or quarters 20 and 22 are formed as opposed upper or rear claw portions 24 and 26. Although the left foot shoe 12 is shown by way of example, the right foot shoe components (not shown) are effectively mirror images of the components shown and described herein. Since this shoe for the left foot is shown as shoe 12,
The cuff 24 is an inner rear cuff and the cuff 26 is an outer rear cuff. The cuffs 24 and 26 have lace holes 24a and 26a for receiving laces, which are spaced along the cuffs in the usual manner as shown. ing.

The shoe 12 also includes an opposing portion having lower or forward claw portions 28 and 30,
These are each fixed to the sole 14 in the usual manner and lie on a part of the front upper or upholstery 16. The claw portions 28 and 30 extend rearward below the front ends 24b and 26b of the rear cuff portions 24 and 26, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, shoe 12 includes a front or lower tongue, generally indicated by the numeral 32, which includes a decorative or front upper 16. It is fixed (by sewing or other means) to the rear extension 34 as shown, or is formed in part by the rear extension. The tongue 32 is adapted to be positioned below the opposing front claw portions 28 and 30 as they are pulled toward each other by a normal shoelace. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the tongue 32 uses, as one layer of material, a portion 34 of the upholstery or front upper 16 with a suitable padding or layer of elastic cushioning material 35 attached thereto. Let's make it. The tongue 32 includes a second layer of material 36 to which a padding or cushioning material inner layer 37 is adhered and includes at least an insert 38 (see US Pat. A thin sheet-like space or pocket remains for receiving an elastomeric foam pad or saddle consistent with that described in US Pat. No. 581,912. The insert 38 may also include a member characterized by a thin layer of graphite-plastic composite, which when deflated or depressed, protects a portion of the underlying foot, and a lace or other The pressure created by the fasteners of the footwear is distributed over a large area of the foot, so that the footwear 12
Reduce the discomfort of the wearer. Alternatively, pockets or spaces formed between the cushioning material layers 35 and 37 may remain empty.

The lateral rear end 32 a of the front tongue 32 may remain open so that the foam pad or saddle 38 can be inserted into or removed from the tongue 32. At the lateral rear end 32a, a suitable releasable fastening means 40 (eg, strips of hook or loop type fasteners, for example, material layers 34 and 3).
6, each being fixed thereto). This arrangement is described in more detail with respect to the rear portion of the split tongue of the present invention, which is described in more detail herein with reference to FIGS. The material layers 34 and 36
Preferably, the front end (which is generally parallel to the rear end 32a and
9) and fixed to each other.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the front tongue 32 also preferably includes a seam 39 a
As a result, it is fixed to at least the inner front claw portion 28. The front tongue 32 may also be secured to the outer front cuff 30 by a seam (not shown), which is generally parallel to the seam 39a. As previously mentioned, the tongue 32 may be separately formed and secured to the front upper 16 by a row of seams, which generally coincides with the seam row 39. In this regard, the front upper 16
Is required to extend rearward beyond the seam row 39 just enough to allow the tongue 32 to be secured thereto.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-4, the footwear or shoe 12 includes a second separate rear or upper tongue 42, which is made similarly to the tongue 32 and which is made of external material. It includes a layer 44, on the inner surface of which a padding or cushioning material layer 45 is adhered. Tongue 42 includes an inner layer 46 of a material similar to the material used for layer 44,
Also, a padding or cushioning material inner layer 47 is adhered thereto. In the meantime, a thin pocket is formed for receiving a foam pad or saddle of the type described above, which is designated by the numeral 49. Material layers 44 and 4
6 may be secured to each other by a suitable adhesive or seam 43 other than the lateral rear end 42a. The seam 43 preferably extends along the front lateral end 42b of the tongue 42 as well as along the opposing longitudinal end. As further shown in FIG.
Material layers 44 and 46 are preferably attached to each other so that foam pad or saddle 49 can be inserted into pockets formed between 4 and 46 and between cushioning layers 45 and 47. While not, they are folded at their rear ends 44a and 46a and secured appropriately by stitching or adhesive. Alternatively, releasable fastener means, such as hook or loop fastener strips 44b and 46b (or other means provided herein or other means known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure), respectively, It may be secured along rear ends 44a and 46a and releasably secured to each other to close the pocket and retain the foam pad or saddle in a pocket formed in tongue 42.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, the front end 42 b of the tongue 42 preferably overlaps the rear end 32 a of the tongue 32 and the cuff 28 or May overlap with 30. The tongue 42 is formed along the longitudinal end 42d by the shoelace hole 24a.
Affixed to the inner cuff 24 along the seam line 50 at a suitable distance spaced from. The seam line 50 may end at a location such that the inner front vamp 28 can be received between the inner rear vamp 24 and the lower end 42 b of the rear tongue 42. The opposite side end 42c is not mounted. Therefore, the rear tongue 42 is the rear tongue 2.
4 are rigidly mounted and therefore resist any warping or movement toward the outside of the foot when the footwear 12 is put into use. Furthermore, the rigid attachment of the tongue 42 to the claw 24 ensures that the tongue 42 does not separate, stretch or undergo other movements. The tongue 42 is permanently and firmly attached to the claw 24 by the seam 50, but depending on the material used for these components, the tongue 42 may be other rigid attachment means (e.g., , Adhesive, or thermal or chemical bonding of the tongue to the tongue, or other permanent and rigid fixation (this is due to the warping of the tongue 42 towards the outside of the foot) The person skilled in the art knows that this claw can be attached by means such as rivets to prevent movement completely. Alternatively, the tongue 42 may be interchangeably secured to the tongue 24, for example, by hooks or fasteners attached to the tongue 24 and tongue 42.
Preferably, the hook or loop fastener means may extend the entire length of the end 42d, and the mating loop or hook fastener means may include
Along 4, a similar length is extended. In this configuration, the tongue 42, including when undressing the shoe, until the wearer replaces the tongue 42 with another tongue 42 (e.g., one of a different color). It remains fixed at 24.

Thus, the split tongues 32 and 42 have some advantages in the double toe or double shoelace arrangement 12. The tongue 32 is relatively short and warps to either side of the foot, whether formed as an extension of the upholstery 16 or sewn there along a seam line 39 as a separate piece. There is no tendency. This lack of side deflection tends to be due to the short stiffness of the tongue 32 as a result of its short length, the flatness of the front of the instep of a typical wearer, and the tongue 32 attributable to the fact that it can be securely attached to one or the other or both of the cuffs 28 or 30. further,
As described above, by firmly attaching the upper or rear tongue 42 to the inner cuff 24, the upper cuff cannot slide or move to the outside of the foot when worn by the wearer. . The tongue 42 can also be attached to the shoe along its side edge 42c and to the outer rear claw 26 in one of the manners described, instead of the cuff 24, if desired. However, just because the attachment point of the tongue portion 42 to the outer rear claw portion 26 is determined, the tongue portion 42 is held by attaching the tongue portion 42 to the inner back claw portion 24. It is not always the case that the part 42 tends to be held in the preferred or correct working position.

When the shoe or footwear 12 is worn with its pair of shoes, the lower or forward tongue 28
And 30 are attracted together by laces or other fastening means after placing the shoe on the wearer's foot. These shoelaces are tied and tongue 42 is attached to tongue 3
2 on its lateral rear end 32a so that the tongues 42 and 32 overlap at their ends 32a and 42b. Alternatively, the tongue 42 may be positioned at the lateral rear end 32 of the tongue 32 so that the tongues 42 and 32 meet at their ends 32a and 42b.
placed adjacent to a. The front end 42b of the tongue 42 may be positioned above or below the rearward extension of the cuff 28 and above or below the rearward extension of the claw 30.
The ends 32a and 42b may be provided with a thickness by tapering the overlapping tongues to minimize the thickness of the overlapping tongues, for example, in order to enhance appearance and comfort. Can be changed. Rear or upper claw portions 24 and 2
6 are then attracted together by a suitable shoelace means (eg, shoelace 41) so that the claw portions 24 and 26 lie snugly over the tongue portion 42.
During use of the footwear 12, due to the configuration of the tongues 32 and 42, the tendency of the tongues 32 or 42 to slip out of the foot or to move in any direction from its correct working position. Absent. When the footwear 12 is removed from the wearer's foot, the rear claw portion 24 is removed.
The laces pulling together and 26 are first unwound and then loosened, followed by the laces pulling forward cuffs 28 and 30 together. This latter step may not be necessary when taking off or putting on the shoe if the shoe has been loosened sufficiently by unwrapping the laces associated with the cuffs 24 and 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, a first alternative embodiment of an improved footwear in accordance with the present invention is illustrated, generally designated by the numeral 52. Footwear 52 is characterized as an athletic shoe having a sole 54 and opposing uppers or quarters 56 and 58, which are connected to form a heel 60. The front upper or upholstery 62, like the quarters 56 and 58,
It is connected to the. The rear portion 63 of the decorative leather 62 forms an integrated front tongue portion of the footwear 52. The front tongue 63 may include a pocket similar to the pocket of the front tongue 32. The opposing upper having claw portions 64 and 66 is a quarter 56
And 58 or are formed as part thereof. Toe leather part 6
4 and 66 are also secured to sole 54, for example, by gluing or sewing along flanges 65a and 65b in a conventional manner. The claw portions 64 and 66 have respective shoelace holes 64a and 66a, respectively, for receiving the shoelaces 41, respectively. The front tongue 63 ends at a lateral edge 63a, which is slightly behind the front ends 64b and 66b of the cuffs 64 and 66. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the improved split tongue is provided with footwear 52 and includes a tongue 68, which may include, for example, a normal seam 70
As a result, it is firmly and permanently fixed to the inner claw portion 64 along one vertical end 68a.
The seam 70 may be between the shoelace hole 64a and the end or flange 65a of the cuff, which is fixed to the sole 54. As in the previous embodiment, by firmly attaching the tongue 68 to the inner claw 64, the claw 68 is completely prevented from slipping toward the outside of the foot. Further, by permanently attaching with the seam 70, there is no possibility that the tongue portion 68 is separated or that the tongue portion or the claw portion 64 is caught on the stocking of the wearer. As previously mentioned, this mounting means may be used instead of or in addition to the stitching to adhesively attach the tongue 68 to the tongue 64, or the tongue 64 and tongue 68 Or other mechanical fastening means, such as rivets. Alternatively, the tongue 68 may be interchangeably secured to the tongue 64, for example, by hook or loop fastener means attached to the tongue 68 and the claw 64. As described above, the rear tongue 68 remains fixed to the claw 64 until the wearer intentionally shifts its position.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the tongue 68 is preferably characterized as a flexible cushioning material similar to the tongues 32 and 42, and Material layer 72 (which has an inner cushioning material layer 74) and inner material layer 76
(This is similar to layer 72, to which a layer of cushioning material or backing layer 78 is secured) so that a thin but somewhat sheet-like space between these material layers Alternatively, a pocket 80 is provided. The space or pocket 80 is adapted to leave a void as shown in FIG. 7 or to receive a pad or saddle of an elastomeric foam material as described above for the tongues 32 and 42. I have. The layers of material 72 and 76 are folded around them and sewn together by conventional seams 77. The lateral rear end 68d of the tongue 68 is
It may be left unsewn and provided with releasable fastener means for accessing pocket 80 (eg, those described above in connection with tongue 32). Referring briefly to FIG. 9, saddle member 81 is shown positioned within pocket 80 and is characterized by a relatively thin but somewhat rectangular member,
This member is formed from a graphite-plastic composite material, which has a certain degree of elasticity and rigidity, and during normal wearing of the shoe 52, the cuff 64
And 66 act to distribute the pressure applied by the lace or other fastening device to secure each other.

As with the tongue 42, the tongue 68 may be formed to promote a comfortable mesh with the wearer. The front end 68b of the tongue portion 68 is disposed adjacent to the end portion 63a so as to overlap with the end portion 63a or to intersect with the end portions 68b and 63a when the tongue portion 68 is fixed to the claw portion 64. To be positioned. Like footwear 12, footwear 52 is advantageously used to prevent this tongue from slipping out of the foot, particularly when used in shoes used for sports or athletic purposes. A nail leather part 68 fixed to the inner nail leather part 64 is provided. However, the arrangement of the tongue 68 that is fixedly secured to the claw 66 only along the opposite longitudinal edge 68c (as opposed to only along the cuff 64) is also present in this book. It enjoys the advantages of the invention, where it has little tendency to slide down to the side of the foot. FIG.
The embodiment shown at 10 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.
Is exemplified. The right foot shoe paired with it is created in substantially the same manner.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a second alternative embodiment of an improved footwear in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and is generally designated by the numeral 84. Footwear 8
No. 4 is shown as a shoe for the left foot, and
It is characterized as an r) type shoe, which comprises a sole 86, a front upper or garment 88 and rear quarters 90 and 92, which are joined to form a heel 94. Footwear 84 also includes inner or outer cuffs 96 and 97.
, Which are generally made like a cuff to footwear 12. However, rather than being split like footwear 12, the cuffs 96 and 97 are instead continuous, integral parts. The shoelace holes 96a and 97a are formed along the upper ends of the claw portions 96 and 97 to receive a normal shoelace (not shown). The footwear 84 includes the front tongue 8
9 which are formed or sewn into the extension of the upholstery or front upper 88. The tongue 89 has a lateral rear end 89a, and the front tongue 89 can be made in a manner similar to the tongue 32 or 63.

The footwear 84 also has a second rear tongue 98 having an inner longitudinal edge 98a, which in a manner prevents the tongue from moving toward the outside of the wearer's foot. (Preferably with normal seams 100), it is rigidly attached to the inner cuff 96. The tongue 98 has a front lateral end 98b which is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the split tongue structure of the footwear 84 is in its working position, the lateral rear end of the front tongue 89. 89a. Alternatively, ends 89a and 98b may be positioned adjacent to each other such that they intersect rather than overlap. The rear tongue 98 also has a vertical end 98c and a horizontal rear end 98d. The back tongue 98 can be made substantially similar to the back tongue 42 or 68 as desired. The illustrated tongue 98
Is not attached to the nail leather 97 along the end 98c. Preferably, tongue 98 is attached to inner claw 9 in the manner described above in connection with tongues 68 and 42.
By attaching the tongue 6 only, the slip of the tongue portion 98 is substantially eliminated. Tongue part 4
The tongue 98 may be rigidly connected to the outer cuff 97 such that the tongue 2 and the tongue 68 may be firmly connected to the outer cuff. The tongue portion 98 includes the tongue portion 42 or the tongue portion 68.
Can be created in a manner similar to.

The footwear described herein is used not only for athletic footwear, but also for attire footwear, outdoor footwear or bad weather footwear, while enjoying the advantages of the invention described above. Can be made from conventional materials.

Although the tongue for footwear of the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific shapes described herein, but, on the contrary, It is intended to have such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a double shoelace or double claw shoe illustrating a split tongue structure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view generally cut along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
Figure 3 shows the upper or rear tongue located between the upper or rear tabs.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view generally taken along line 4-4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the double lace shoe shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a single lace shoe having a tongue structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 8-8 in FIG. 6;
Shows the upper or rear tongue located between the cuffs.

FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the shoe shown in FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a complete brute-type shoe having a split tongue structure in accordance with the present invention.

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Claims (28)

[Claims] Claims 1. A sole, a front upper, connected to the sole, and forming a decorative leather, the front upper and the opposite claw portion, connected to the sole. Wherein each of said opposing cuffs comprises fastening means formed thereon for attracting said opposing cuffs toward each other during use to secure said footwear to the foot. A front tongue portion, a front tongue portion, and a rear tongue portion connected to the footwear, the front tongue portion being firmly connected to one of the opposed cuff portions; And a rear tongue adapted to lie on the upper of the foot disposed on the footwear without slipping toward the outside and inside of the foot during use. 2. The opposed cuff portion comprises a pair of opposed cuff portions, and the front and rear tongue portions fix the opposed cuff portion to each other when the opposed cuff portions are fixed to each other. 2. Footwear according to claim 1, adapted to be placed together below. 3. The footwear of claim 2, wherein the rear tongue portion is rigidly and permanently connected to one of the opposing cuff portions. 4. Footwear according to claim 3, wherein the rear tongue portion is rigidly and permanently connected to the inner cuff portion of the opposing cuff portion. 5. The footwear according to claim 2, wherein the rear tongue portion is rigidly and interchangeably connected to one of the opposed cuff portions. 6. The footwear according to claim 5, wherein the rear tongue portion is rigidly and replaceably connected to an inner cuff portion of the opposing cuff portion. 7. The at least one tongue portion includes means for forming a pocket, the pocket being for receiving one of a cushioning member and a saddle member within the pocket. Footwear described in. 8. The footwear of claim 7, wherein the pocket is at least partially occupied by the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member. 9. The pocket has an opening formed at one end of the one tongue portion for opening and removing the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein 10. Footwear according to claim 7, wherein the saddle member comprises a member operative to distribute the force applied to the wearer's foot by the fastening means for tightening the footwear to the wearer's foot. . 11. The one tongue portion includes a closure member for releasably closing the pocket to retain the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member in the pocket. Footwear described in. 12. The opposing cuff portion comprises a pair of opposing front cuff portions and a pair of opposing rear cuff portions, wherein the front tongue portion secures the opposing front cuff portions to each other. , Adapted to be positioned below the front opposing cuff, and wherein the rear tongue secures the opposing rear cuff with respect to each other. 2. Footwear according to claim 1, adapted to be placed below. 13. Footwear according to claim 12, wherein the rear tongue is rigidly and permanently connected to one of the opposing rear toe portions. 14. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein the rear tongue is rigidly and permanently connected to the inner rear toe of the opposite rear toe. 15. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the rear tongue portion is rigidly and interchangeably connected to one of the opposing rear toe portions. 16. Footwear according to claim 15, wherein the rear tongue is rigidly and interchangeably connected to the inner rear toe of the opposite rear toe. 17. The at least one tongue portion includes means for forming a pocket, the pocket being for receiving one of a cushioning member and a saddle member within the pocket. Footwear described in. 18. The footwear of claim 17, wherein the pocket is at least partially occupied by the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member. 19. The pocket has an opening formed at one end of the one tongue portion for opening and removing the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member. 18. The footwear according to claim 17, wherein: 20. Footwear according to claim 17, wherein the saddle member comprises a member operative to distribute the force applied to the wearer's foot by the fastening means for tightening the footwear to the wearer's foot. . 21. The one tongue portion includes a closure member for releasably closing the pocket to retain the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member in the pocket. Footwear described in. 22. A sole, a front upper, connected to the sole, and forming a decorative leather, the front upper, a pair of opposed claw portions, connected to the sole. Wherein each of the opposed cuffs includes a fastening means formed thereon for attracting the opposed cuffs toward each other during use to secure the footwear to the foot. A claw portion, a front tongue portion, the front tongue portion, and the rear tongue portion integrated with the front upper, wherein one of the opposed claw portions is A rear tongue that is interchangeably connected and adapted to lie on the instep of the footwear, without slipping toward the outside and inside of the foot during use. Footwear, comprising: 23. Footwear according to claim 22, wherein the rear tongue portion is rigidly and replaceably connected to the inner cuff portion of the opposing cuff portion. 24. At least one of said tongues has means for forming a pocket, said pocket being for receiving one of a cushioning member and a saddle member in said pocket. Footwear described in. 25. The footwear of claim 24, wherein the pocket is at least partially occupied by the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member. 26. The pocket includes an opening formed at one end of the one tongue portion for opening and removing the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member. The footwear according to claim 24, wherein: 27. Footwear according to claim 24, wherein the saddle member comprises a member operative to distribute the force applied to the foot of the wearer by the fastening means for tightening the footwear to the foot of the wearer. . 28. The one tongue portion includes a closure member for releasably closing the pocket to retain the one of the cushioning member and the saddle member in the pocket. Footwear described in.