JP2008519647A - Fitting systems for children's footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

  Allow the adult to visually determine if the shoe fits the child properly and can adjust within its effective size if the shoe is determined to be too small, Footwear products.

Description

[Background of the invention]
Footwear directly affects the growth of the child's legs. Failure to fit footwear can cause physical problems that can remain until adulthood. Many of the children's shoes on the market are small versions of adult shoes, known in the fashion industry as “take down”. These little shoes can vary fitting and styling to fit the child's feet, but are not designed specifically for the child from the start, so they do not meet the special needs of the child . For example, growing children have three characteristics associated with their feet, and special needs for their footwear resulting from such characteristics.

  With regard to the first characteristic, a proper fit of the shoes is essential for the child to walk, run and play comfortably. If a child wears shoes in an improper or inadequate fit, such as continuing to wear shoes that are no longer fit due to a large foot, it can be painful to the growing child's feet. For example, a small child under 3 years old will not be able to tell you when his shoes are getting tight. For example, an older child, such as six years old, will not let parents know that he has started to suffer from his favorite pair of sneakers.

  Normally, an adult can only determine the fit of a shoe by pressing the toe to see if the child has the appropriate room for the shoe when wearing it. However, such a determination is almost unreliable, especially when the toes are stiff. Thus, a major problem in obtaining and maintaining a proper fit for a child's shoe arises from the difficulty in knowing the exact location of the outer edge of the toe when the foot is in the shoe.

  In the prior art, for example, attempts to address such fitting problems by visually sizing a child's footwear by providing a transparent area on the upper or bottom of the footwear, as described in the prior art documents below, for example. Has been done.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,773 describes a shoe in which at least one transparent area is provided with fitting indices on the sole so that the contour of the foot in the shoe can be compared with the fitting mark. It is described.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,988 describes a shoe having a transparent area provided on the inside of the sole and extending over at least about 1/3 of the sole. The front part of this transparent range serves as a support for the scale to be measured.

  WO 01/93712 (WO 01/93712 A1) describes footwear having a shoe sole and at least one substantially transparent window provided in the shoe sole.

  U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009907 is associated with the upper portion of the shoe and has a window portion through which the foot inserted into the shoe can be viewed and an insole liner that fits properly. The shoes which have the reference mark which shows that are described.

  U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0025373 is associated with an upper portion of a shoe, a window portion through which a foot inserted into the shoe can be viewed, and a tab portion that covers or exposes the window portion. A shoe having

  However, none of the above-described transparent ranges in the shoe for visually adjusting the size is particularly satisfactory and is not satisfactory. The clear area located within the sole or outsole cannot determine the fit of the shoe when the wearer is standing upright, while the clear area located within the upper of the shoe is It is inevitable that the protective properties are impaired. Accordingly, there remains a need for children's footwear that allows for the visual fitting of shoes without compromising the aesthetic and protective properties of the shoe.

  With regard to the second characteristic, children's feet grow faster, so it is necessary to purchase increasingly large sized shoes frequently to keep up with the growth of the feet. The frequent purchase of children's shoes is expensive and time consuming. In order to avoid frequent purchases of shoes, many parents either purchase larger sized shoes or keep their children wearing shoes that have become too large to fit. As a result, children often wear shoes with inadequate or inadequate fit, which not only affects the child's motor function but can also cause medical problems related to the foot. Absent.

  Several attempts have been made to solve this problem, for example by adding an adjustable sizing system to children's athletic shoes, as described in the following prior art documents.

  US Pat. No. 6,442,874 describes an athletic shoe having a sizing member attached to the rear end of the shoe upper. The size adjusting member has a weakening separation line formed in advance. The sizing member can be selectively positioned on the inside or outside of the shoe and can be completely removed from the shoe by tearing or severing the sizing member with a pre-formed weakening separation line.

  US Pat. No. 6,584,707 describes an athletic shoe with a sizing system attached to the rear end of the shoe upper. The sizing system has a first sizing element and a second sizing element that are removably attached together. At least one of the first element and the second element is removably attached to the shoe upper. This sizing system allows the wearer to wear shoes with three different effective lengths.

  However, the size adjusting member and size adjusting system described above are not fully satisfactory. When the sizing member or sizing system is separated from the shoe by breaking a pre-formed separation line, if the wearer does not have the sizing member or sizing system, the shoe is still too large, When it feels later, it cannot be attached to the shoe again. There is no sizing member or sizing system while avoiding the permanent separation of the sizing member or sizing system from the shoe and allowing the sizing member to be used again if necessary. In order to be able to wear shoes, the wearer must leave the sizing member or sizing system in place outside the shoe, which is not only aesthetically undesirable. May interfere with wearer activity. Accordingly, there remains a need for children's footwear that allows the effective size of the shoe to be adjusted conveniently and reversibly to extend the useful life of the footwear.

  Regarding the third characteristic, children's footwear is usually soft and flexible so as not to give discomfort and restraint to the child's feet. However, this soft and flexible material for shoes can be used to prevent injuries caused by hard objects such as pebbles and rocks commonly found in parks, campsites, and other outdoor fields where children often go out. Does not protect children properly. Such hard objects can cause considerable pain when stepped on, and worse, can cause injury to the child's feet.

  For example, as described in the following prior art documents, insoles have been developed in the prior art that can withstand the penetration of nails and other sharp objects.

  U.S. Pat. No. 2,808,663 describes a synthetic resin binder that extends into all stacks across a plurality of stack fiber layers impregnated with a synthetic resin and a small range of inner soles to keep these stacks in a stack relationship. A laminated protective sole having

  US Pat. No. 5,996,255 describes a puncture resistant insole for boots and other shoes. The puncture resistant insole includes a plurality of layers of puncture resistant fabric woven from the eyes, formed from high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers.

  US Pat. No. 6,151,803 describes a puncture resistant insole composed of a material that is substantially flexible and substantially puncture resistant, such as polymer fibers. The outer periphery of the insole is curved upward and has a plurality of substantially V-shaped notches to increase the flexibility of the insole.

  However, all of the above insoles are designed for adult shoes, and more specifically for adult heavy-duty shoes, such as safety shoes for workers at manufacturing, construction, and demolition sites. Designed. These prior art protective insoles are usually stiff, heavy, complex in construction and therefore not suitable for children. This is because children are usually involved in mild activities and require high flexibility and flexibility in their shoes so that they are comfortable and easy to exercise.

  Accordingly, there is a need for children's footwear that provides protection from injuries from hard objects without reducing the comfort of the child's feet or without interfering with the child's activities.

  In short, there is still a need for a footwear product that meets all of the above special needs for children's footwear that is specially designed for children and does not have any of the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention provides footwear products that are specifically designed for children. More specifically, the shoe according to the present invention not only allows an adult to visually determine whether or not the child is properly fitted, but also if the shoe is determined to be too small. The effective size can also be adjusted, thereby extending the useful life of the shoe. Furthermore, the shoe according to the invention may have a protective plate that protects against injuries from hard objects.

[Summary of Invention]
One object of the present invention is to allow an adult to visually determine whether a shoe is properly fitted to a child and to adjust its effective size if it is determined that the shoe is too small It is to provide a shoe with a fitting system that can.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a viewing window that is appropriately sized and positioned in the shoe upper so that it is visually useful for shoe fitting without interfering with the kinematic and protective properties of the shoe. It is to provide shoes provided.

  It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoe sizing member that is removable and reattachable to a shoe to reversibly adjust the effective size of the shoe.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe protection plate, preferably removable from the shoe, to protect the wearer's foot from pain and injury caused by hard objects.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a sole including an insole and an outsole, and an upper or shell fixed to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the upper having a bump and a buttock An upper or shell and a fitting system comprising: (1) a substantially transparent window provided in place on the bump, whereby a wearer having a foot that fits properly within the footwear product; A substantially transparent window through which a portion of the wearer's toes can be seen from the window when wearing the footwear product; and (2) a sizing member attached to the upper, A size that is disposed in the opening against the heel to form a first effective size of the product and is removable to form a second effective size of the footwear product. Having an adjustment member, and a fitting system, article of footwear is provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an article of footwear comprising a sole including an insole and an outsole, an upper secured to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the inner front portion and An upper having a bump with an outer front, and a substantially transparent window provided in place on the inner front of the bump, whereby a wearer having a foot that fits properly within a footwear product A footwear product is provided that includes a substantially transparent window that is substantially circular and allows a portion of the wearer's toes to be seen through the window when wearing the footwear product.

  According to a further aspect of the present invention, a sole including an insole and an outsole, an upper fixed to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the upper having a buttock, and attached to the upper A sizing member, disposed in the opening in contact with the heel to form a first effective size of the footwear product, and removable to form a second effective size of the footwear product; An article of footwear is provided comprising a sizing member that is detachable to the upper when removed.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a sole including an insole and an outsole, an upper that receives a wearer's foot and is secured to the sole, and is under the insole to provide protection from injury caused by a hard object. An article of footwear is provided comprising a protective plate made of a material that is more resistant to hard objects than an outsole. The protective plate can be combined with any of the above aspects of the invention.

  According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining when to adjust the effective size of a footwear product and adjusting the effective size of the footwear product, the footwear product being secured to the sole, the sole, and the wearer An upper for defining an opening for receiving a foot of the apparatus, comprising: an upper having a bump and a flange; and a fitting system having a substantially transparent window and a sizing member provided at a predetermined position of the bump. (1) positioning the sizing member within the opening; and (2) looking into the wearer's toes through the substantially transparent window, thereby providing a location for the toes relative to the footwear product. Determining, peeking, and (3) removing the size adjustment member when the tip of the toe extends beyond a predetermined position of the substantially transparent window. There is provided.

Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention is an article of footwear comprising a fitting system, the fitting system being (1) a substantially transparent window provided in place on the upper so that it fits properly within the article of footwear. A substantially transparent window through which a portion of the wearer's toes can be seen from the window when the wearer with the foot to wear is wearing the footwear product; (2) the first of the footwear product; Footwear comprising a size adjustment member removably attached to the upper heel to form an effective size, the size adjustment member being removable to form a second effective size of the footwear product Providing products. Optionally, the footwear product has a protective plate under the insole, the footwear product is a protective plate that protects against injury by a hard object, and is made of a material that is more resistant to hard objects than the outsole. Prepare.

  The invention can be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the invention recited herein are exemplary only and not limiting. All features disclosed in this description can be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purposes unless otherwise specified. Accordingly, many other embodiments of variations of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and its equivalents.

  1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 1 has a sole 2 and an upper 3. The upper has bumps 4 and flanges 6. The bump has an inner front portion 4 ′ and an outer front portion 4 ″. The shoe is provided with a substantially transparent window 7 at the inner front 4 ′ of the bump 4. Preferably, the window 7 is provided at a predetermined location on the inner front portion 4 ′ of the bump 4 so that the wearer having a foot that fits properly in the shoe is wearing the shoe from the window. You can see a part of your toes. As used herein, the term “wearer having a foot that fits properly in a shoe” means that the shoe is approximately the same size or at most 1.5 size, preferably 1 size, than the shoe. , More preferably means a person with a foot that is 0.5 size larger or smaller. Preferably, the window is provided at a place corresponding to the tip of the thumb of the wearer's toe so that a part of the thumb can be seen. However, the window is also provided at a location corresponding to the second finger, or at least a location corresponding to one or more other toes as long as a portion of the wearer's toes can be seen. be able to. If the wearer is wearing socks, the socks covering the toes can be viewed through the window. The substantially transparent window 7 has a border 8. This border 8 is decorative and optional for the shoe of the present invention. The upper 3 has a Velcro® fastening system 20 that secures the shoe.

  The shoe of the present invention has a front portion, an inside portion, and a bottom portion. The substantially transparent window is about 10-30 mm from the front, preferably about 15-25 mm, more preferably about 19-21 mm, most preferably about 20 mm, about 2-22 mm from the inside, preferably about 7-17 mm. More preferably about 11-13 mm, most preferably about 12 mm, about 15-35 mm from the bottom, preferably about 20-30 mm, more preferably about 24-26 mm, and most preferably about 25 mm.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substantially transparent window is circular with a diameter of less than about 20 mm, preferably about 3-10 mm, more preferably about 6-8 mm, and most preferably about 7 mm. In the most preferred embodiment, the diameter of this circular window is approximately equal to one shoe size. Although a substantially circular window is preferred, the window may be oval, square, triangular, or any other shape as long as the wearer's one or more toes can be viewed through the window. Is possible and intended.

  The substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 0.3-3 mm, preferably about 0.5-2.5 mm, more preferably about 1-2 mm, and most preferably about 1.5 mm.

  The substantially transparent or translucent window can be made from any substantially transparent or translucent material that is flexible, durable, and flexible. Preferably, the material is resistant to wear and wear without significant loss of optical properties over time. Examples of suitable materials for windows include plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefins, polystyrene, polymethacrylates, polycarbonates, thermoplastic polyacrylonitrile, vinyl polymers such as polyurethane, and synthetic and natural rubber. Including but not limited to rubber. A suitable material for the window is vulcanized rubber.

  The window can be made by compression molding using any suitable material such as vulcanized type rubber, castings with silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or PVC. Alternatively, windows can be made by die-cutting extruded thermoplastic films such as TPU, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and PVC.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a size adjusting member 9. The size adjusting member 9 is detachably attached to the upper extension portion 17 of the upper 3 by a snap 13 and is disposed in the shoe opening 11 in contact with the heel portion 6 so as to reduce the effective size of the shoe 1. Is done. Preferably, the sizing member engages the wearer's heel to provide a comfortable fit. The upper part of the size adjusting member may have an extension part (for example, the loop extension part 10). In this preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the corresponding male part 13 ′ and female part 13 ″ of the snap 13 are the loop extension part 10 of the size adjusting member 9 and the flange part of the upper 3. 6 corresponding positions are provided. The extension is a loop extension in a preferred embodiment, but can be any configuration, for example, a strap connected to the top of the size adjustment member.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, snaps are used, but other attachment mechanisms may be used as long as the sizing member is detachably attached to the shoe upper. Preferably, the size adjustment member can be removed and reattached to the shoe by an attachment mechanism to reversibly adjust the effective size of the shoe. Suitable attachment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, hook / loop closure systems, adhesives, and other mechanical locking systems such as snaps and buttons.

  Preferably, the attachment mechanism is provided at a position corresponding to the extending portion of the size adjusting member and the extending portion of the upper flange portion. However, such an extension is optional. The attachment mechanism can be provided anywhere on the size adjustment member and in the corresponding location of the upper.

  The shoe may further include a stabilization mechanism that holds the sizing member in place within the shoe opening. FIG. 4 shows an example of a stabilization mechanism. This stabilization mechanism includes a hook / loop system marketed under the name Velcro®. The size adjusting member 9 has a loop extending portion 10 having a snap 13 which is removably attached to the flange portion 6 of the upper 3. The sizing member 9 has a stabilizing mechanism in the form of a strip that is part of the Velcro® 19, and the ridge 6 of the upper 3 is the mating portion of the Velcro® 19 ′ at the corresponding location. With strips. Preferably, the hook / loop strip is located below the sizing member 9 and below the heel 6 of the upper 3 so that the strip can be provided to the wearer when the sizing member 9 is not attached to the shoe. Try to avoid discomfort.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of the stabilization mechanism. The size adjustment member 9 has a loop extension 10 having a snap 13 and a rigid element 18 that extends from the lower portion of the size adjustment member 9 and engages with the insole 14. Preferably, the rigid element is a plastic element sewn along the lower end of the size adjusting member 9. When the shoe is put on, the insole 14 pushes the rigid element 18 to stabilize the size adjusting member 9. Preferably, the rigid element is a plastic element that is sewn along the lower end of the sizing member. When the shoe is put on, the insole pushes up to the rigid element and fixes the size adjusting member in place.

  In another alternative embodiment, the stabilization mechanism is an extension located below the insole. Specifically, the sizing member includes a flat element that is disposed below the insole so as to stabilize the sizing member and connected substantially vertically to a lower portion of the sizing member.

  In addition to the above, the sizing member may also be stabilized by being coupled to the insole as an integral part of the insole or using stitching or the like, and between the sizing member and the insole. It may be separable from the insole by breaking a pre-formed weakening separation line, such as a line. Further possible stabilization mechanisms include adhesives and other mechanical locking systems.

  The size adjusting member includes a cushion that is soft and substantially corresponds to the inner contour of the upper heel portion. The size adjusting member may include a compressible core in the outer skin. Alternatively, the sizing member may comprise a soft and compressible multilayer material.

  When attached to the shoe use position, the sizing member is about 0.5 to 1.5 size of the shoe, preferably about 0.5 to 1 size of the shoe, more preferably about 0.5 size of the shoe. Thickness that can reduce the effective size of shoes is desirable. As used herein, the term “shoe size” refers to the size of a shoe used in the American standard children's shoe size system, and the shoe size of other size systems known in the art. Can be converted to size.

  Optionally, the shoe of the present invention is provided with a protective plate under the insole to protect against pain and injury caused by hard objects such as pebbles and rocks. The protective plate is constructed from a material that is configured substantially the same as the insole and is more resistant to hard objects than the outsole.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sole 2 includes an insole 14 and an outsole 15, and a protective plate 16 disposed under the insole 14. Preferably, the protective plate is removable from the shoe and re-insertable into the shoe. Since the protective plate can be removed from the shoe by lifting the end of the insole, the protective plate under the insole can be removed. Alternatively, the protective plate can be removed from the shoe after the insole has been completely removed from the shoe. Optionally, a layer of double-sided tape or any other conventional means may be provided on the bottom side of the insole to help hold the protective plate in place when the protective plate is placed under the insole. Good. Alternatively, a layer of double-sided tape or other conventional means for holding the protective plate in place may be provided on the top surface of the outsole.

  Optionally, the protective plate may be at least partially perforated to facilitate ventilation. In a preferred embodiment, a range of the central inner region of the protective plate has perforations 12 as shown in FIG. It is also possible to have perforations over the entire surface of the protective plate as long as the number and size of the holes is not too large or too large to reduce the protective properties of the protective plate. Preferably, ventilation is better achieved by perforating the insole corresponding to the protective plate.

  The protective plate can be manufactured from any semi-rigid material that can provide acceptable protection. Examples of suitable materials for the protective plate include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, eg vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefins, polystyrene, polymethacrylates, polycarbonates, thermoplastic polyacrylonitrile, and polyurethanes. Not. A preferred material for the protective plate is TPU. It is also possible to manufacture the protective plate from a combination of the above materials. The protective plate may be configured as a single layer or multiple layers bonded together.

  The protective plate is preferably configured substantially the same as the insole so that the entire bottom surface of the foot is protected from injury by a hard object, but the protective plate is of any size and shape that protects a selected portion of the foot It is also possible to configure.

  7-9 illustrate the use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 shows the preferred position of the wearer's foot in the shoe when the shoe is new. It is assumed that the size adjusting member 9 is used in this first stage of the useful life of the shoe. When looking into the foot from above the substantially transparent window 7, the tip of the toe can be seen at the rear edge of the window. In this first stage, the shoe has a good fit to the foot with room for the foot to grow.

  FIG. 8 shows the second stage of the useful life of the shoe. After a certain period of time, the feet usually do not fit the shoes. When looking through the substantially transparent window 7, the tip of the toe extends to the front edge of the window. In this second stage, the shoe is too small and has an inadequate fit to the foot. This time is when the size adjusting member 9 should be removed.

  FIG. 9 shows the third stage of the useful life of the shoe. When the sizing member 9 is removed, the shoe again exhibits a perfect fit. Therefore, the shoe of the present invention can extend the useful life of the shoe by eliminating the size adjusting member.

  While various embodiments and individual features of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. . Also, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various combinations of the embodiments and features taught in the above description are possible, and the combination can provide a suitable implementation of the present invention. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

It is a perspective view which shows the shoe which has the observation window by this invention, and the size adjustment member attached. It is the figure which looked at shoes from the front. It is sectional drawing along line AA of FIG. It is a perspective view of 1st Embodiment of the size adjustment member by this invention. It is a perspective view of 2nd Embodiment of the size adjustment member by this invention. It is a top view of the protection plate by this invention. The foot of the wearer within the shoe of the present invention at the first stage of the useful life of the shoe to which the sizing member is attached, when the shoe has a good fit with room for growth. FIG. It is a figure which shows the wearer's leg | foot in the shoes of this invention in the 2nd step of the useful life of the shoes to which the size adjustment member is attached when a shoe becomes small. FIG. 6 shows a wearer's foot in a shoe of the present invention at a third stage of the useful life of the shoe with the sizing member removed so that the shoe again exhibits a perfect fit.

Claims (88)

Footwear products,
Saul and
An upper fixed to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the upper having a bump and a buttock;
A fitting system,
A substantially transparent window provided in place on the bump so that a wearer with a foot that fits properly in the footwear product is wearing the footwear product from the window. A substantially transparent window through which a portion of the wearer's toe can be seen, and a sizing member attached to the upper for forming a first effective size of the footwear product An article of footwear comprising a fitting system having a size adjustment member disposed in the opening against the heel and removable to form a second effective size of the article of footwear. The bump has an inner front and an outer front,
The substantially transparent window is provided in place on the inner front of the bump so that a wearer with a foot that fits properly in the footwear product is wearing the footwear product. The footwear product of claim 1, wherein a portion of the wearer's toes can be seen through the window.   The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided at a location on the bump so that a portion of the wearer's thumb can be seen through the window. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 10-30 mm from the front, about 2-22 mm from the inside, and about 15-35 mm from the bottom. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 15-25 mm from the front, about 7-17 mm from the inside, and about 20-30 mm from the bottom. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 19-21 mm from the front, about 11-13 mm from the inside, and about 24-26 mm from the bottom. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 20 mm from the front, about 12 mm from the inside, and about 25 mm from the bottom.   The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window is substantially circular.   The article of footwear recited in claim 8, wherein the substantially transparent window has a diameter of less than about 20 mm.   9. An article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the substantially transparent window has a diameter of about 3-10 mm.   9. An article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the substantially transparent window has a diameter of about 6-8 mm.   The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 0.3 to 3 mm.   The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 0.5-2.5 mm.   The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 1-2 mm.   The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 1.5 mm.   The article of footwear recited in claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent window comprises compression molded rubber. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
The substantially transparent window is a substantially circular window having a diameter of about 6-8 mm, and the center of the circular window is about 19-21 mm from the front and about 11-13 mm from the inside. 2. The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the footwear product is provided about 24 to 26 mm from the bottom, and allows a part of the thumb and / or second finger of the wearer's foot to be seen.   The size adjustment member is attached to the upper by an attachment mechanism, and the attachment mechanism allows the size adjustment member to be reattached to the upper even if the size adjustment member is removed. Footwear products.   The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the size adjustment member has a thickness that reduces an effective size of the footwear product by about 0.5 to 1.5 sizes of the shoe.   The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the size adjustment member has a thickness that reduces an effective size of the footwear product by about 0.5 to 1 size of a shoe.   The footwear product of claim 1, wherein the size adjustment member has a thickness that reduces an effective size of the footwear product by about 0.5 size of a shoe.   The article of footwear recited in claim 18, wherein the attachment mechanism is a snap.   The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the size adjusting member has an upper portion and a lower portion, and an extending portion extending from the upper portion of the size adjusting member.   The footwear product according to claim 23, wherein the extending portion is a loop connected to the upper portion of the size adjusting member.   The article of footwear according to claim 22, wherein the attachment mechanism is provided in the extension portion.   The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a stabilization mechanism that holds the size adjusting member at a predetermined position in the opening.   27. An article of footwear according to claim 26, wherein the stabilization mechanism is a hook / loop closure system. The sizing member has one strip of hook / loop;
28. The article of footwear recited in claim 27, wherein the heel portion of the upper has the other strip of hooks / loops in a corresponding location.   29. The article of footwear recited in claim 28, wherein the strip is located at the lower portion of the size adjusting member and the lower portion of the heel portion of the upper. The sole includes an insole;
27. An article of footwear according to claim 26, wherein the stabilization mechanism is a rigid element extending from the lower portion of the sizing member that contacts the insole.   32. The article of footwear recited in claim 30, wherein the rigid element is a plastic element attached along a lower end of the size adjustment member. The sole includes an insole and an outsole,
The footwear product further includes
The protection plate according to claim 1, wherein the protection plate is provided under the insole for protection from injury caused by a hard object and is made of a material that is more resistant to the hard object than the outsole. Footwear products.   33. An article of footwear according to claim 32, wherein the protective plate is removable from the article of footwear.   33. An article of footwear according to claim 32, wherein the protective plate is made from a plastic material.   35. The article of footwear of claim 34, wherein the plastic material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).   36. An article of footwear according to claim 35, wherein the protective plate is at least partially perforated to facilitate ventilation.   33. An article of footwear according to claim 32, wherein the protective plate is configured substantially the same as the insole. Footwear products,
Saul and
An upper fixed to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the upper having a bump having an inner front and an outer front;
A substantially transparent window provided in place on the inner front portion of the bump, whereby a wearer having a foot that fits properly in the footwear product is wearing the footwear product A footwear product comprising: a substantially transparent window that is substantially circular and allows a portion of the wearer's toes to be seen from the window.   39. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided at a location on the bump, whereby a portion of the wearer's thumb can be seen from the window.   39. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided at a location on the bump so that a portion of the wearer's second finger can be seen through the window. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
39. The article of footwear recited in claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 10-30 mm from the front, about 2-22 mm from the inside, and about 15-35 mm from the bottom. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
39. The article of footwear recited in claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 15-25 mm from the front, about 7-17 mm from the inside, and about 20-30 mm from the bottom. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
39. The article of footwear recited in claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 19-21 mm from the front, about 11-13 mm from the inside, and about 24-26 mm from the bottom. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
39. The article of footwear recited in claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is provided about 20 mm from the front, about 12 mm from the inside, and about 25 mm from the bottom.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window is circular.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a diameter of less than about 20 mm.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a diameter of about 3-10 mm.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a diameter of about 6-8 mm.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 0.3 to 3 mm.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm.   40. The article of footwear of claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 1-2 mm.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window has a thickness of about 1.5 mm.   40. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein the substantially transparent window comprises compression molded rubber. The footwear product has a front, an inner side, and a bottom;
The substantially transparent window is a substantially circular window having a diameter of about 6-8 mm;
The center of the circular window is about 19-21 mm from the front, about 11-13 mm from the inside, and about 24-26 mm from the bottom, and the thumb and / or the second of the wearer's foot. 39. An article of footwear according to claim 38, wherein a portion of two fingers can be viewed. The sole includes an insole and an outsole, and the footwear product further includes:
40. A protective plate under the insole, comprising a protective plate that provides protection from injury by a hard object, made from a material that is more resistant to the hard object than the outsole. Footwear products.   56. An article of footwear according to claim 55, wherein the protective plate is removable from the article of footwear.   56. An article of footwear according to claim 55, wherein the protective plate is made from a plastic material.   58. The article of footwear of claim 57, wherein the plastic material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).   56. An article of footwear according to claim 55, wherein the protective plate is at least partially perforated to facilitate ventilation.   56. The article of footwear recited in claim 55, wherein the protective plate is configured substantially the same as the insole. Footwear products,
Saul and
An upper fixed to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the upper having a buttock;
A size adjusting member attached to the upper, wherein the size adjusting member is disposed in the opening in contact with the heel so as to form a first effective size of the footwear product; An article of footwear comprising a sizing member that is removable to form and, when removed, reattachable to the upper. The size adjusting member is attached to the upper by an attachment mechanism,
62. The article of footwear recited in claim 61, wherein the attachment mechanism allows the size adjustment member to be reattached to the upper even if the size adjustment member is removed.   62. The article of footwear of claim 61, wherein the size adjustment member has a thickness that reduces an effective size of the article of footwear by about 0.5 to 1.5 sizes of the shoe.   62. The article of footwear of claim 61, wherein the size adjustment member has a thickness that reduces the effective size of the article of footwear by about 0.5 to 1 size of the shoe.   62. The article of footwear of claim 61, wherein the size adjustment member has a thickness that reduces an effective size of the article of footwear by about 0.5 size of a shoe.   64. An article of footwear according to claim 62, wherein the attachment mechanism is a snap.   62. The article of footwear recited in claim 61, wherein the size adjustment member has an upper portion and a lower portion, and an extension extending from the upper portion of the size adjustment member.   68. The article of footwear according to claim 67, wherein the extending portion is a loop connected to the upper portion of the size adjusting member.   68. The article of footwear recited in claim 66, wherein the attachment mechanism is provided in the extension.   64. The article of footwear recited in claim 61, further comprising a stabilization mechanism that holds the size adjustment member in place within the opening.   71. An article of footwear according to claim 70, wherein the stabilization mechanism is a hook / loop closure system.   72. An article of footwear according to claim 71, wherein the sizing member comprises one strip of hooks / loops and the buttocks of the upper have the other strip of hooks / loops in corresponding locations.   73. The article of footwear recited in claim 72, wherein the strip is located at the lower portion of the size adjustment member and the lower portion of the heel portion of the upper.   71. An article of footwear according to claim 70, wherein the sole includes an insole, and the stabilization mechanism is a rigid element extending from the lower portion of the size adjustment member that contacts the insole.   75. An article of footwear according to claim 74, wherein the rigid element is a plastic element attached along a lower end of the sizing member. The sole includes an insole and an outsole,
The footwear product further includes
62. A protection plate for protecting against injury by a hard object under the insole, comprising a protection plate made of a material that is more resistant to the hard object than the outsole. Footwear products.   The footwear product of claim 76, wherein the protective plate is removable from the footwear product.   77. An article of footwear according to claim 76, wherein the protective plate is made from a plastic material.   79. An article of footwear according to claim 78, wherein the plastic material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).   77. An article of footwear according to claim 76, wherein the protective plate is at least partially perforated to facilitate venting.   77. An article of footwear according to claim 76, wherein the protective plate is configured substantially the same as the insole. Footwear products,
A sole including an insole and an outsole;
An upper fixed to the sole for receiving a wearer's foot;
An article of footwear comprising a protective plate under the insole for protecting against injury by a hard object, made from a material that is more resistant to the hard object than the outsole.   The footwear product of claim 82, wherein the protective plate is removable from the footwear product.   83. The article of footwear of claim 82, wherein the protective plate is made from a plastic material.   85. An article of footwear according to claim 84, wherein the plastic material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).   83. An article of footwear according to claim 82, wherein the protective plate is at least partially perforated to facilitate ventilation.   83. An article of footwear according to claim 82, wherein the protective plate is configured substantially the same as the insole. A method of determining when to adjust the effective size of a footwear product and adjusting the effective size of the footwear product, comprising:
The footwear product is:
Saul and
An upper fixed to the sole and defining an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, the upper having a bump and a buttock;
A fitting system,
A substantially transparent window provided at a predetermined position of the bump and a fitting system having a size adjusting member,
The method
Positioning the size adjustment member within the opening;
Looking into the wearer's toes through the substantially transparent window, thereby determining the location of the toes relative to the footwear product;
Removing the sizing member when a tip of the toe extends beyond a predetermined position of the substantially transparent window.

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