NZ788290B2 - Split-sole footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

shoe comprising: an upper, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot of a woman, the interior portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a midsole, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein a perimeter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a first seam; an insole that is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion; an outsole, the outsole having (i) a toe portion disposed on the toe end of the midsole, and (ii) a heel portion disposed on the heel end of the midsole; wherein there is a region between (i) the heel portion of the outsole and (ii) the toe portion of the outsole, the region extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end of the midsole and the heel end of the midsole, thereby permitting the shoe to fold about the region; and the heel portion of the outsole has a durability coefficient between 0.8 and 1.5, wherein the durability coefficient is a thickness of the heel portion of the outsole divided by a distance between an edge of the heel portion of the outsole and the first seam.

Description

SPLIT-SOLE FOOTWEAR D APPLICATION The present application claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 13/207,397, ?led August 10, 2011, ed "Split-Sole Footwear".

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to ar and more speci?cally, split-sole shoes.

BACKGROUND Conventional footwear has structural limitations that force the wearer to make dif?cult choices between style and comfort. As a result, many individuals endure signi?cant foot pain, or elect to wear less attractive shoes or styles that may not be appropriate for the occasion. To address this problem, some women carry additional footwear in a car or large bag. However, a spare pair of tional shoes is less than ideal because of size and bulk limitations on portability. Lightweight rollable or foldable shoes are available that offer increased portability. However, such products do not contain the support, lity, comfort or style desired in a ldable shoe.

Moreover, prior art foldable shoes have outsoles that do not adequately protect the shoe midsole and upper, leading to premature wear of the shoe including tearing and damage to the shoe. Furthermore, such shoes are typically ?imsy or, in other words, do not provide adequate support or tion of the foot. For instance, many foldable shoes have an overall spring constant that is, depending on the brand and model, between 0.14 kilogram-force / inch and 0.34 kilogram-force / inch. Such shoes provide little or no resistance, protection and support, and thus are inadequate to wear for repeated or extended use, particularly outside or on rough terrain (e.g., dirty nt, stones, eta). Moreover, such shoes are not durable enough to last a normal shoe lifespan even with only moderate use. Therefore, while some footwear designs have ted to bridge the gap between full time and portable shoes, there remains no practical solution.

In prior art shoe cturing ses, outsoles are sewn onto a midsole. These outsoles are at the bottom of the shoe and protect the midsole and upper from wear and tear and ?arther provide support and rigidity to the entire shoe. After the outsoles have been sewn on, the midsole is sewn to the upper and an insole thereby forming a single seam. This single seam traverses the perimeter of the shoe and essentially delineates the shoe upper from the midsole. While such processes are advantageous because facturing ef?ciencies, the drawback with such approaches is realized when one considers the properties of the outsoles.

The sewing wheel of the sewing machine used to sew the midsole, the upper, and the insole together interferes with the outsoles previously sewn onto the midsole. As a result, a dilemma arises. The ideal outsole patches serve to 1) protect the foot, 2) provide comfort, and 3) provide durability by protecting the seam ing the midsole, outsole and insole. Thus, the ideal outsole patches are thick and wide such that the ter of the outsoles is close to the seam. Yet, as the outsole becomes thicker and is brought closer to the seam that attaches the upper, midsole and insole, the seam becomes more dif?cult and eventually impossible to . Thus, prior art shoes are constructed with either (i) thin and wide or (ii) narrow and thick outsole patches. Moreover, prior art shoes are limited on their ability to add cushion inserts below the insole because such cushion inserts make the seam even less manageable and force more narrowing and thinning of the outsole patches leading to greater instability and/or lower durability of the shoe and protection of the foot. Thus, in prior art shoes, shoe comfort and lity is traded off for shoe stability. Thus the dilemma become apparent. If the outsole is made thick and narrow, the lack of support due to the gap between the perimeter of the outsoles and the seam s able and uncomfortable and the seam, upper and midsole are left exposed to the ground. If the outsole is made thin and wide, the lack of support due to the gap between the perimeter of the outsole and the seam is not as able.

However, in such ces, the upper, midsole and seam are d to the , the outsole wears more quickly and the shoe provides limited protection and comfort.

Given the above background, what is needed in the art are improved foldable shoe designs and improved shoe manufacturing processes.

SUMMARY The present disclosure ses the preceding and other shortcomings of the prior art by providing an improved foldable shoe. The disclosed shoes are a sole class of women’s shoe that allows for the shoe to be folded and placed in a drawstring pouch. The split sole is de?ned by a heel outsole patch and a toe outsole patch with a spacing between the patches. Advantageously, the disclosed shoes combine an upper and a midsole at a seam with an insole added in separately. Thus, the insole is not concurrently stitched into the seam that joins the midsole to the upper. This allows for (i) the perimeter of the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch to be much closer to the seam joining the midsole to the upper, and (ii) the outsole s to be thicker, thereby ing better protection of the seam, midsole, and upper, greater support and comfort to the foot, a more rigid footbed, and allows for the insertion of thicker more substantial cushioning.

In some embodiments, the e patches are sewn on. In some embodiments, the outsole patches are both sewn and glued on. To facilitate sewing the patches on, deep grooves near the perimeter of each outsole patch are afforded. These deep grooves are used to form the seam between the patches and the midsole. The thread used to form this seam is better protected by the deep grooves thereby improving the durability of the shoe and preventing wear on the seam.

The disclosed shoes have an improved spring constant relative to known shoes in the women’s split sole class. In some embodiments, the spring nt of the overall shoe is between 0.40 kilogram-force / inch and 0.70 am-force / inch or between 0.55 kilogram- force / inch and 0.65 kilogram-force / inch. This improved spring force constant lends greater support and allows for ged periods of wear.

In some embodiments, in addition to providing a foam inlay that is often found in women’s shoes, the disclosed shoes allow for the insertion of a cushion insert in the heel portion of the shoes to provide additional t and comfort. Moreover, this heel portion has greater thickness at the heel end of the shoe than at a position intermediate the heel and toe ends of the shoes. Such a tapered thickness provides additional comfort, support, and style.

While it is known to place an elastic ction at the edge of the upper that receives a woman’s foot, the disclosed shoes provide an improved design by terminating the elastic restriction in the heel portion of the shoe. There, rather than using the elastic restriction, an embedded cushion les’ cushion) is provided in order to provide greater comfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 2 is a side view of a shoe in ance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 3 is a top view of a shoe in ance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 4 is a front view of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 5 is a rear view of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side View of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view taken about region 6A—6A of Figure 6.

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken about region 6B-6B of Figure 6.

Figure 7 is a perspective View of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure showing a cushion insert in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 8 is a cutaway perspective view of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an extended state.

Figure 9 is a bottom view of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in an ed state.

Figure 9A is an inset ctive view taken about line 9A-9A of Figure 9.

Figure 9B is an inset cross-sectional view of Figure 9B, taken about line 9B—9B of Figure 9.

Figure 10 is a compact box having a lid in which a pair of shoes of the instant disclosure can be stored in the folded state.

Figure 11 is a ctive of a shoe in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure in which the shoe is in a folded state in which the shoe is bent about an axis such that a portion of an upper comprising a toe cavity is tucked into a heel cavity.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a ring pouch that may be used to store the shoes of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 is a perspective View of a tote bag that may be used to store shoes and other items in accordance with the present sure Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 through 5 respectively provide perspective, side, top, front and back views of a shoe in accordance with the disclosure. From the ctive and side views of Figures 1 and 2, and when worn, the shoe s no different from a conventional rigid sole shoe. Yet the shoe affords ?exibility in , foldability, and comfort without dressing down the wearer's out?t. In some embodiments, a cushion insert absorbs impact to the foot from walking on hard surfaces. An elastic ction 60 runs around the top ofthe upper 2 to grip the foot and form a snug ?t on feet of various sizes and shapes. However, the elastic restriction 60 is designed to not encircle the entire foot, by stopping short in the back where it would otherwise uncomfortably grip the Achilles tendon area. Instead, an Achilles cushion 56 is embedded in the upper fold that would otherwise surround the elastic restriction 60 to increase comfort. Moreover, in some embodiments, the Achilles heel portion of the upper 2 is skived so as to reduce its depth. By skiving this n of the shoe, the seam that would normally protrude and come into contact with the foot is reduced, resulting in greater comfort.

Elastic restriction 60 is af?xed to the opening of the upper 2 so that, when worn, the opening of the upper 2 will stretch to the size of the foot. In some embodiments, the elastic restriction 60 is sewn and glued to the upper 2 so as to most securely af?x the two materials.

In some embodiments, the elastic restriction 60 is sewn but not glued to the upper 2. By sewing the elastic restriction without glue, the maximum amount that the elastic can be stretched is increased. This allows for a more comfortable ?t on more foot sizes. In addition, by not gluing the elastic the natural rebound rate of the elastic restriction is preserved, adding comfort and extending the useful life of the c. ing to Figure 6, a ?exible insole 30 provides added comfort without mising ility, and may be ?xed or removable. Optionally, the e insole 30 provides arch support. The shoe further comprises a foam inlay 44 that is af?xed by glue to the insole 30. In some embodiments, a ?exible arch support provides added comfort without compromising portability. The e arch support does not restrict folding of the shoe, and may be ?xed or removable. In some embodiments, the midsole 8 is reinforced by g ?exible material on the inside of the midsole, beneath the insole 30 (e.g, between midsole 8 foam inlay 44). Reinforcement of the midsole 8 in this manner has several bene?ts. First, the ?ex points of the footwear are strengthened without compromising portability. Second, the portions of the midsole 8 most likely to suffer from ctive friction from contact with the walking e are strengthened to better withstand that stress. Third, the portion of the midsole 8 that comes in contact with the edge of the toe outsole patch is made more resistant to tearing. In some embodiments such a reinforcement is in instead of foam inlay 44. In some embodiments such a reinforcement is in addition to foam inlay 44.

In some embodiments, a rigid insert is inserted in between foam inlay 44 and the midsole 8. This rigid insert extends the width of the midsole 8, and from the toe of the midsole 8 to no further than midpoint 32 at which the footwear is folded. By inserting the rigid insert in this manner, greater space is maintained when worn n the delicate portions of the footwear (e.g., upper 2) and the walking surface. By increasing this space, durability is improved.

Continuing to refer to Figure 6, the shoe comprises three uniquely shaped elements: a midsole 8, a heel outsole patch 24, and a toe outsole patch 26. In some embodiments, the midsole 8 is made of a e but durable material, such as high quality leather. In some embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and toe outsole patch 26 are constructed from all weather, non-skid material. In l embodiments, the heel e patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are individually sewn to the midsole 8. Materials required for the necessary durability and safety of a full time shoe are too rigid to afford the ary ?exibility to be folded. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are distinct, and individually stitched to the midsole 8 with a spacing 32 between them for the shoe to be folded. The size and shape of the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are ed to optimally balance durability, t, and practicality, with compact size and minimal weight. The shape of the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 maximize protection for the foot in a space efficient manner. In some embodiments, the contours of the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are sloped to provide attractive onal height when worn, and increase the clearance between the midsole 8 and the ground when worn. In such embodiments, the slope is designed so that when two shoes are d, large meets small so as to signi?cantly reduce the combined thickness of the compressed pair for sed portability.

The upper 2 of the shoe is made of a high quality ?exible but durable al designed to withstand repeated folding at the center of the shoe, as well as long periods of storage in the folded on. Such materials reduce or ate cracking at the surface of the joint, and damage from contact with surfaces. The upper 2 is constructed and stitched in a manner to wrap around the top and sides of the foot. The specific proportion of upper to outsole also allows the soft upper 2 to mold to wide and narrow feet, molding to the unique shape of each wearer's foot, and adding comfort and style bene?ts. The proportion also reduces the bulk of the shoes in the folded state for storage and portability. A rounded toe cavity 6 and ?exible ound upper design ses commercial appeal by reducing or eliminating the need for costly half-size and/or variable width inventory, while maintaining a durable and comfortable design. The design allows great ?exibility for fashionable elements via the upper such as distinctive colors, es and ornamentation. When worn, the shoe appears no different from tional ?xed sole footwear, adding style and the ability to be worn with more formal attire.

Referring to Figure 13, a lightweight, durable, reusable, self-contained collapsible tote bag with handles that may be folded and compressed, and then stored in the compacting pouch (Figure 12) adds utility to the foldable shoe system. In typical embodiments pouch is made out of a two—way stretch al and is capable of self—folding into a shape that minimizes volume (e.g., an approximately spherical shape). In some embodiments, the stitching of the pouch facilitates this stretching (e.g., using a zigzag stitching). In some embodiments, a h thread material is used in such stitching.

Advantageously, the tote bag may be collapsed into a pocket of the tote bag. In some ments, this pocket is in the interior of the tote bag when the tote bag is in the unfolded state. In some embodiments the pocket is made out of an elastic al so that the tote bag is compressed when in the folded state. When desired, the tote expands to carry an alternate pair of shoes with suf?cient volume for additional items. In some embodiments this pocket is made out of a two-way stretch material and is capable of olding into a shape that minimizes volume (e.g, an approximately spherical shape).

Referring to Figure 12, a pouch made of stretch nylon, ter or r material adds functionality by safely and cleanly storing the foldable footwear and related items. The pouch compresses the ar in their folded configuration for minimal size when stored or transported. A rounded edge on the bottom of the pouch further decreases volume and increases compression. The pouch is sized just smaller than the footwear to minimize bulk. A drawstring around the opening of the pouch further aids compression, and seals dirty shoes from purse or pocket contents. A pocket located on one side of the pouch allows for compressed storage of the tote bag and/or other items.

The disclosed foldable shoe design allows for footwear to be worn in a normal manner, consistent with conventional rigid sole products, and suitable for s surfaces, weather, fashions, etc. When storage or portability is desired, the shoes are folded manually at approximately their nt, thus reducing their length in half. In their folded configuration, the shoes can be stacked and placed in the compacting pouch for maximum compression and portability. Once stowed in the pouch, the pair requires roughly the space of a wallet, and may be carried in a purse or pocket.

Now that an overview of the inventive shoe has been disclosed, c features and various embodiments of the disclosed shoes will now be described. Referring to Figure 7, illustrated is a shoe in accordance with the present disclosure. The shoe ses an upper 2.

The upper 2 forms an interior portion 62 for receiving a foot of a woman. The interior portion includes a toe cavity 4 and a heel cavity 6.

Referring to Figure 9, the shoe further comprises a midsole 8. The midsole 8 has (i) a toe end 10, (ii) a heel end 12, (iii) an inner side 14 and (iv) an outer side 16. A perimeter of the e 8 is stitched to the upper 2. The stitching of the midsole 8 to the upper 2 thereby forms a bottom to the interior n 62 that is bounded by a ?rst seam 22. A heel outsole patch 24 is stitched onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of the midsole 8. A toe outsole patch 26 is stitched onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole 8.

In typical embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are stitched onto the midsole before the e 8 has been stitched to the upper 2.

Referring to Figure 6, there is a spacing 32 between (i) the heel outsole patch 24 stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole 8 and (ii) the toe outsole patch 26 stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole 8. The spacing 32 extends from the inner side 14 to the outer side 16 of the midsole 8 and occupies a position intermediate the toe end 10 and the heel end 12 of the midsole 8 thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis 34 in the g 32 running between the inner side 14 and the outer side 16. In some embodiments, the spacing is between 4/8 of an inch and 6/8 of an inch. In some ments, the spacing is about 5/8 of an inch. In taking these measurements, an ge" distance between the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 across the region bounded by the inner side 14 and the outer side 16 may be taken. For example, at several different points in the region bounded by the inner side 14 to the outer side 16, the distance n the edge of the heel outsole patch 24 and the edge of the toe outsole patch 26 may be measured and these measurements may be averaged together to determine the distance between the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26. In some embodiments the spacing is simply a break between the heel e patch 24 and the toe e patch 26.

Continuing to refer to Figure 6, the insole 30 is af?xed by glue to the bottom of the interior portion.

The shoe is con?gured to fold n (i) an extended state wherein the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are coplanar or approximately coplanar (Figures 1 through 9) and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis 34 such that a portion of the upper 2 comprising the toe cavity 4 is tucked into the heel cavity 6 (Figure 11).

In some embodiments, the insole 30 is not stitched to the upper 2. Thus, in such embodiments, the ?rst seam 22, illustrated in Figure 9, only joins the upper 2 and the e 8, not the insole 30. Referring to Figure 9, this affords a substantial advantage because it allows a perimeter (edge) of the heel and toe outsole s 24, 26 to be brought closer to the ?rst seam 22 than in instances where the ?rst seam binds the upper 2, midsole 8 and the insole together, and allows for thicker heel and toe outsole patches, and more substantial er, and more rigid) cushioning in the insole. This distance is illustrated as distance 104 in Figure 9A. Accordingly, in embodiments where the ?rst seam 22 only joins the upper 2 and the midsole 8, the edge of the back comer 64 of the toe outsole patch 26 is within 1/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam 22. This proximity to the seam 22, along with the thickness of the outsole patches, advantageously serves to protect the ?rst seam 22 as well as the region of the midsole 8 in the spacing 32 from wear and tear. In some embodiments, an edge of front comer 66 of the toe outsole patch 26 is within 1/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam 22.

In typical embodiments, the distance 104 between the edge of the toe outsole pouch 26 and the ?rst seam 22 is uniform. In some embodiments in which this distance 104 is uniform, (i) the edge of the back comer 64 and (ii) the edge of the front comer 66 of the toe outsole patch 26 are tively within 4/8 of an inch, 3/8 of an inch, or 2/8 of an inch of a corresponding portion of the ?rst seam 22.

In some embodiments, an edge ofthe back comer 68 of the heel outsole patch 24 is within 3/16 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam 22. In some embodiments, an edge of the front comer 70 of the heel outsole patch 24 is between 2/4 of an inch and 3/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam 22. In some ments, the distance 104 between the edge of the heel outsole pouch 24 and the ?rst seam 22 is uniform. In some embodiments in which this distance 104 is uniform, (i) the edge of the back corner 68 and (ii) the edge of the front comer 70 of the heel outsole patch 24 are respectively within 4/8 of an inch, 3/8 of an inch, or 2/8 of an inch of a corresponding portion of the ?rst seam 22. In some embodiments, the distance 104 between the edge of the heel outsole pouch 24 and the ?rst seam 22 is not uniform. In some embodiments in which this distance 104 is not uniform, the edge of the back comer 68 of the heel outsole patch 26 is within 3/8 of an inch, or 2/8 of an inch of a corresponding portion of the ?rst seam 22.

Such proximate distances 104, ed with the thickness of the rubber and rigidity of the ning d by the described method of assembly, facilitate the protection of the midsole 8 and the upper 2, thus ng the durability of the shoe while at the same time ng for a foldable design that s ?exible and comfortable.

Referring to Figure 9A, a unique and improved feature of the present shoes is the value of a durability coef?cient. As used herein, the term "durability ient" is de?ned as the thickness 106 of an outsole patch divided by the distance 104 between the edge of the outsole patch and the ?rst seam 22. In some ments, the distance 104 is 4 mm and the thickness 106 is also 4 mm and thus the durability coef?cient is unity. In some embodiments, the distance 104 is 4 mm and the thickness 106 is 5 mm and thus the durability coef?cient is 1.25.

In some embodiments, the durability coef?cient is between 0.8 and 1.5. In some embodiments, the durability coef?cient is between 0.9 and 1.4. In some embodiments, the durability ient is between 1.0 and 1.3.

In some embodiments, advantageously, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each at least 3/32 of an inch thick. In some embodiments, advantageously, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each at least 4/32 of an inch thick. In some embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each at least /32 of an inch thick. In some embodiments, the heel e patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each at least 6/32 of an inch thick. In some embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each at least 7/32 of an inch thick. In some embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each at least 8/32 of an inch thick.

Such thickness increases the spring constant of the soles, leading to greater support for the foot and increased durability of the shoe. Referring to Figure 1, because of the thickness of the outsole s, and their proximity to the edge, it is le to view a side of the outsole patch at least at a 45 degree angle 100 from the horizontal 102 when the shoe is worn on a woman’s foot when the woman is standing upright with respect to the ntal. In some embodiments, it is possible to view a side of the outsole patch at least at a 50 degree angle, at least a 55 degree angle, or at least a 60 degree angle 100 from the horizontal 102 when the shoe is worn on a woman’s foot when the woman is standing upright with respect to the horizontal. This visibility of the outsole patches is described herein solely to set forth a ption of the ions and shapes of the disclosed shoes.

In some embodiments, the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 are each made out of an elastomer. Exemplary elastomers that may be used include but are not limited to, for example, natural rubber, vulcanized natural rubber, a butadiene-styrene copolymer such as GR-S, neoprene, nitrile rubbers, butyl, polysul?de rubbers, ethylene—propylene rubbers, ethane rubbers, and silicone rubbers as described in Marks ’ Standard Handbookfor Mechanical Engineers, 1987, Avallone and Baumeister, eds., McGraw-Hill, New York, pp. 6— 161 through l-l63, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments the midsole 8 is made out of leather.

Referring to Figures 6, 6A, and 6B, in some embodiments the shoe is Characterized by a midsole 8. A heel outsole patch 24 and a toe outsole patch 26 are sewn onto a ?rst face of the midsole 8. The midsole 8 comprises a second face having a heel portion 68 and a toe portion 70. In some embodiments, a cushion insert 46 is glued to the heel portion 68 of a second face of the midsole 8. The insert 46 absorbs impact to the foot when walking on hard surfaces. The insert 46 molds to the foot over time. A foam inlay 44 is glued to (i) the n insert 46 and (ii) the toe portion 70 of the second face of the midsole 8. Next an insole 30 is af?xed by glue to the foam inlay 44. The cushion insert 46 is characterized by a ?rst end 76 and a second end 78. The ?rst end 76 of the cushion insert 46 is glued to a ?rst part 72 of the heel portion 68 and the second end 78 of the n insert 46 is glued to a second part 74 of the heel portion 68. The ?rst part 72 of the heel n 68 is closer to the toe portion 70 of the second face of the midsole 8 than the second part 74 of the heel portion 68. In some embodiments, the ?rst end 76 of the cushion insert 46 has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the second end 78 of the cushion insert 46. In some embodiments, the n insert 46 has a thickness that increases along the cushion insert 46 as a function of a distance away from the toe portion 70 of the second face of the midsole 8 so that a portion of the cushion insert that is closest to the toe n 70 of the midsole is thinner than a portion of the cushion insert 46 that is farthest away from the toe portion 70 of the midsole 8. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the cushion insert 46 is 3 millimeters or more, 4 millimeters or more, 5 eters or more, 6 millimeters or more, 7 eters or more, or 8 millimeters or more. This advantageously serves to improve the support provided by the shoe, particularly at the heel, provides desired lift, and increases ty and thereby lity.

In addition to providing a graduated thickness to e foot support, the cushion insert 46 is made out of a rigid material such as a rigid ethylene vinyl acetate or similar cushion material. In some embodiments, the cushion insert 46 has a Shore A hardness of between 45 and 70 or between 60 and 70. In some embodiments, the cushion insert 46 has a density of between 0.30 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3, between 0.40 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3, n 0.45 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3, or between 0.50 g/cm3 and 0.70 g/cm3.

The thickness of the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 together with the materials used to make these s, the proximity of these patches to the seam 22 and the ability to add the cushion insert, contributes to a greatly improved spring constant ve to known foldable shoes. In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the shoe taken lengthwise in the heel portion 68 of the shoe (z'.e., in the region of the heel e patch 24) is n 0.40 am—force / inch and 0.70 kilogram-force / inch. In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the shoe taken wise in the heel portion 68 of the shoe is between 0.45 kilogram-force / inch and 0.65 kilogram-force / inch, or n 0.55 kilogram- force / inch and 0.65 kilogram-force / inch. In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the shoe taken lengthwise in the heel portion 68 of the shoe is about 0.6 kilogram-force/ inch. Referring to Figure 6, to arrive at the spring constant measurement, the portions 68 and 70 are measured separately. For each region, with the shoe held in an upright on one end (z'.e., one end of portion 68 or 70 going the long way and with shoe facing up as it would be worn) is anchored and then the other end of the portion 68 or 70 of the shoe being measured is forced down a set distance (e.g, 1 inch) and the force exerted by the pushed down end is then measured.

In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the shoe taken lengthwise in the toe portion 70 of the shoe (i.e., in the region of the toe outsole patch 26) is between 0.40 kilogram-force / inch and 0.70 kilogram-force / inch. In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the shoe taken lengthwise in the toe portion 70 of the shoe is between 0.45 kilogram-force / inch and 0.65 kilogram-force / inch or between 0.55 kilogram-force / inch and 0.65 kilogram-force / inch. In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the shoe taken lengthwise in the toe portion 68 of the shoe is about 0.6 kilogram-force / inch.

Another advantageous feature of the shoes in accordance with some embodiments of the present sure are deep grooves in the heel outsole patch 24 and the toe outsole patch 26 that facilitate the stitching of the patches to the midsole 8 while at the same time protecting the stitching. The deep grooves 48 are d by the advantageous design in which thick outsole patches are employed that, at the same time, are proximate to the ?rst seam 22 which attaches the upper 2 to the midsole 8. The deep grooves 48 protect the stitching that attaches the outsole s to the midsole 9 from contact with the ground, which would cause the stitching to wear and thereby cause the outsole patches to become detached. These advantageous features are related. By only stitching the upper 2 to the midsole 8 to form the ?rst seam, rather than further stitching insole 30 to the midsole 8, it is possible to both minimize distance 104 and increase thickness of the outsole patches 24/26 while still being able to stitch the midsole 8 to the upper 2 using conventional ses such as a sewing machine. Because distance 104 is minimized, it is possible to make the outsole s 24/26 thicker (i.e., increase distance 106) without destabilizing foot support. Because the e patches 24/26 are r, it is possible to make the ?rst groove 48 deeper thereby better protecting the stitching within the groove. Moreover, e the e patches are thicker, the shoe is ?rm and allows for use for longer periods of time and a greater spectrum of terrain (e.g., on asphalt, concrete, dirt roads, etc.) Referring to Figure 9, one such advantageous embodiment has a ?rst groove 48 having a depth of at least 3/64 of an inch that is formed proximate to a perimeter of the heel outsole patch 24. The heel outsole patch 24 is stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole 8 with a ?rst thread that occupies the ?rst groove 48. Further, a second groove 50 having a depth of at least 3/64 of an inch is formed proximate to a perimeter of the toe outsole patch 26. The toe outsole patch 26 is stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole 8 with a second thread that occupies the second groove 50. In some embodiments, the ?rst groove 48 is about 3/32 of an inch. In some embodiments, the second groove 50 is about 3/32 of an inch.

Referring to Figure 5, the upper 2 is formed as a single piece having a ?rst end and a second end, where the ?rst end and the second end are united by a second seam 52 at the heel cavity. In some embodiments upper 2 is formed of two or more pieces.

Referring to Figures 3 and 9, in typical embodiments, the upper 2 is formed as a single piece having (i) a ?rst end (80), (ii) a second end (82), (iii) a ?rst edge (84) (visible in Figure 9), and (iv) a second edge (86). In some embodiments, upper 2 is formed of two or more pieces sewn together. ing to Figure 3, in typical embodiments, upper 2 is a single piece having ends 110A and 1 10B. Of , upper 2 may be formed by any number of pieces sewn together into a single piece having ends 110A and 110B. less of r upper originates as one or multiple pieces, ends 110A (?rst end) and 110B (second end) are united by a second seam 52 at the heel cavity 6 to complete the upper 2. Referring to Figure 9, the ?rst edge 84 of the upper 2 is stitched to the perimeter of the e 8 thereby forming the second seam 22 and the bottom to the interior n of the shoe. Referring back to Figure 3, a ?rst portion of the second edge 86 is characterized by an elastic restriction 60, where the portion of the second edge does not extend to the heel cavity 6. In some embodiments, the second portion of the second edge 86 is characterized by an Achilles cushion 56 that provides an upper boundary to the heel cavity 6. Further, referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, a half-moon piece 58 covers a lower portion of the second seam 52 whereas a strip portion 54 covers an upper portion of the second seam 52.

Referring to Figure 11, in some embodiments, the shoe is in a folded state. In this folded state, the shoes can be tucked into a stretch nylon or similar material compacting pouch (Figure 12), having a drawstring. This es for the advantageous transport of the shoes in a clean and compact state, while compressed into a minimal size. In some embodiments, the pouch includes a pocket for holding a tote bag, where the tote bag is red to accommodate a pair ofwomen’s shoes, or other items and personal effects. This allows for the possibility of ng the shoes of the present disclosure in the pouch, while on the road, and switching to wearing the shoes of the present sure by storing unwanted previously worn shoes in the tote bag after it has been removed from the pocket of the pouch, and expanded from its collapsed form.

Advantageously, the shoes of the present disclosure tuck into a folded state so that they may be stored in a compact box having a lid. Such a t box is illustrated in Figure 10.

In some embodiments, the edge of the outsole patches are beveled in two ways. First, outside edge of the outsole patch is d at steep incline for durability and aesthetic reasons. By preserving a steep bevel on the outside edge of the outsole patches, a greater space is maintained between the walking surface and soft elements of the ar, y increasing durability. Second, in some embodiments the interior edge of one or more outsole patches is beveled. By ng the outsole patch in this manner, pressure between the edge of the outsole patch and the softer midsole is reduced. This beveling blunts and softens the edge of the outsole patch that is not af?xed to the midsole. By softening this edge, durability and longevity of the footwear is improved.

As discussed above, prior art split sole footwear suffer from certain limitations. In some embodiments, the shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by providing shoes that achieve a maximum outsole ratio (OR), where OR is de?ned as: OR_D> where, D = average depth of second groove 50, T = average thickness of toe outsole patch 26, W = maximum width oftoe outsole patch 26, and M = width of midsole 8 at point ofmaximum width oftoe outsole patch 26, where W is less than M, and D, T, W and M are all given in the same unit of measurement (6.g. , eters).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure have an outsole ratio OR. When this ratio is maximized, the toe outsole patch 26 is thick, the second groove 50 in which the toe outsole patch 26 stitching is made is deep, and the toe outsole patch 26 is close to the edge of the footwear. In some ments, an acceptable outsole ratio requires a toe outsole patch 26 that is as narrow as possible while still able to odate a wide range of foot . The more narrow the toe outsole patch 26, the more compact and portable the footwear, and the better it will accommodate a narrow foot. A thicker toe outsole patch 26 is important to foot safety and comfort when walking on uneven surfaces. r, as the width of the toe outsole patch 26 is narrowed, the depth of the second groove 50 for its stitching becomes more important because that seam area will receive more t with the walking surface. Thus, a deep groove 50 is necessary to protect the seam stitching. Also increasing in importance as the width of the toe outsole patch 26 is narrowed is the coverage of e 8 by the toe outsole patch 26 and its proximity to the edge of the upper 2. The bene?ts of a toe outsole patch 26 that is closer to the edge of the footwear have been presented above. Given the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that these same principles apply to the heel outsole patch 24 and first groove 48.

Table 1 below illustrates preferred values for average depth of second groove 50 (D), average thickness of toe outsole patch 26 (T), maximum width of toe outsole patch 26 (W), and width of midsole 8 at point ofmaximum width of toe outsole patch 26 (M) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Table I, referred ements for shoes in accordance with one as oect of the sure.

Women’s Shoe Size (American) 5 7 8 1 0 1 1 l 2 Second groove 50 depth (D) inmm 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Toe outsole patch 26 thickness (T) in mm 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Maximum width of toe outsole patch 26 (W) in mm 72 75 78 81 84 Width of midsole 8 at point of measurement of toe outsole patch 26 (M) in mm 74 77 80 83 89 92 94 DXTXW M 8.92 8.96 9.00 9.04 9.07 9.10 9.13 9.15 In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 7.0 or greater. In some ments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 7.2 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the t disclosure has an e ratio of 7.4 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 7.6 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an e ratio of 7.8 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 8.0 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 8.2 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 8.4 or greater. In some embodiments, the shoes of the present disclosure has an outsole ratio of 8.6 or r. By achieving an outsole ratio of this magnitude, several benefits arise which increase the viability of split sole footwear.

Tables 2 and 3 below illustrate preferred values for average depth of second groove 50 (D), average thickness of toe outsole patch 26 (T), maximum width of toe outsole patch 26 (W), and width of midsole 8 at point of maximum width of toe outsole patch 26 (M) in accordance with embodiments of the present sure.

Table 2, preferred measurements for shoes in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure.

Women’s Shoe Size (American) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Second groove 50 depth (D) in mm 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 2.5±.5 Toe e patch 26 thickness (T) in mm 4±.5 4±.5 4±.5 4±.5 4±.5 4±.5 4±.5 4±.5 Maximum width of toe 8 outsole patch 26 (W) in mm 66±2 69±2 72±2 75±2 78±2 81±2 84±2 86±2 Width of midsole 8 at point of measurement of toe 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 e patch 26 (M) in mm 74±2 77±2 80±2 83±2 86±2 89±2 92±2 94±2 Table 3, preferred measurements for shoes in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure.

Women’s Shoe Size (American) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Second groove 50 depth (D) in mm 2.5±1 2.5±1 2.5±1 2.5±1 2.5±1 2.5±1 2.5±1 2.5±1 Toe outsole patch 26 thickness (T) in mm 4±1 4±1 4±1 4±1 4±1 4±1 4±1 4±1 Maximum width of toe outsole patch 26 (W) in mm 66±4 69±4 72±4 75±4 78±4 81±4 84±4 86±4 Width of midsole 8 at point of measurement of toe outsole patch 26 (M) in mm 74±4 77±4 80±4 83±4 86±4 89±4 92±4 94±4 In some embodiments, a shoe is provided that es a maximum outsole ratio (OR), where OR is de?ned as: D’ x T’Ix W’ OR’ = where, D’ = is the average depth of second groove 50 and is a value of between 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm, T’ = is the average thickness of the toe outsole patch 26 and is a value of at least 3.0 mm, W’ = maximum width of toe outsole patch 26, and is a value of between 60 mm and 89 mm, and M’ = width of midsole 8 at point mum width of toe outsole patch 26, and is a value greater than W’ that is between 70 mm and 93 mm, and wherein OR’ is a value between 7.0 and 8.6.

In some embodiments, T’ has a value of at least 4.0 mm, at least 5.0 mm, at least 6.0 mm, at least 7.0 mm, at least 8.0 mm, or at least 9.0 mm.

A ?rst bene?t of the shoes satisfying the OR metric is improved comfort. Thicker outsole s allows for more cushion between foot and walking e and minimizes the impact of hard objects. Wide outsole patches that are closer to the edge of the shoe covers more of bottom of foot, ting the foot from the uncomfortable feeling putting pressure on the edge of the outsole or worse, hanging over the edge of the rubber.

A second bene?t is improved protection of the foot. Thicker outsoles provide more of a barrier and thus more protection to the foot against hard or sharp objects. Further, wider outsoles provide more protection and coverage of the foot.

A third bene?t is enhanced durability. Outsoles close to the edge of the shoe protects the seam stitching, outsole (24, 26), midsole (8), and other delicate elements of the shoe.

Thicker outsoles (24, 26) e more outsole to wear down before delicate parts of the shoe (e.g. , midsole 8) wear out from contact with ground. A deeper groove (e.g., ?rst groove 48 and second groove 50) protects outsole stitching better so it doesn’t wear out as quickly.

A forth bene?t is that it enables a more attractive style: the narrower shoe ?exes to adapt to wider feet when necessary. This is accomplished by a deep groove (e.g., ?rst groove 48 and second groove 50) that protects ing from increased contact that the groove, and thus the stitching therein, has with ground on narrower shoe. This is further lished by a thick outsole patch (e.g. heel outsole patch 24 and toe outsole patch 26) that is close to the edge that becomes increasingly important on narrow shoes as some feet are wider than the outsole. Here, the outsole ess prevents wider feet from pushing seam / midsole 8/ upper 2 down on to ground A ?fth bene?t is that the shoe is more portable and compact because the non-foldable heel outsole patch 24 and toe outsole patch area is minimized.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The ing are nonlimiting exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Embodiment A. A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot of a , the interior n including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a midsole, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein a perimeter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior n that is bounded by a ?rst seam; a heel outsole patch stitched onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of the midsole; a toe outsole patch stitched onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; an insole that is af?xed by glue to the bottom of the interior portion; n there is a g between (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole, the g extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an extended state wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar or approximately coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and wherein (i) the insole is not stitched to the upper or midsole, and (ii) the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are each made out of an elastomer.

Embodiment B. A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper forming an interior n for receiving a foot of a person, the interior portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a midsole, the e having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iV) an outer side, wherein a ter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a ?rst seam; a heel outsole patch stitched onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of the midsole; a toe outsole patch stitched onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; an insole that is af?xed by glue to the bottom of the or portion; wherein there is a spacing between (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel n of the ?rst face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole, the spacing ing from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a on intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an extended state wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar or approximately coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and wherein (i) the insole is not stitched to the upper, and (ii) a region of the shoe de?ned by the heel outsole patch and comprising a corresponding portion of the midsole and the insole has a spring constant ofbetween 0.40 am-force / inch and 0.70 kilogram-force / inch.

Embodiment C. A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper forming an or portion for ing a foot of a person, the interior portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a midsole, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, n a perimeter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a ?rst seam; a heel outsole patch stitched onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of the midsole; a toe e patch stitched onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; an insole that is af?xed by glue to the bottom of the interior portion; wherein there is a spacing between (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole, the spacing extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an extended state wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar or approximately coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and wherein (i) the insole is not stitched to the upper, and (ii) a back comer of the toe outsole patch is within 1/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam.

Embodiment D. A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot of a , the interior portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a midsole, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein a perimeter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a ?rst seam; a heel e patch stitched onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of the midsole; a toe outsole patch stitched onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; an insole that is af?xed by glue to the bottom of the interior portion; wherein there is a spacing n (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole, the spacing ing from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an ed state wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe e patch are coplanar or approximately coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper sing the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and wherein (i) the insole is not stitched to the upper, (ii) a ?rst groove having a depth of at least 3/64 of an inch is formed proximate to a ter of the heel outsole patch and n the heel outsole patch is stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole with a ?rst thread that occupies the ?rst groove; and (iii) a second groove having a depth of at least 3/64 of an inch is formed proximate to a perimeter of the toe e patch and wherein the toe outsole patch is stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole with a second thread that occupies the second groove.

Embodiment E. A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper g an interior portion for receiving a foot of a person, the interior portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a e, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein a perimeter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a ?rst seam; a heel outsole patch stitched onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of the e; a toe outsole patch stitched onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; an insole that is af?xed by glue to the bottom of the or portion; wherein there is a g between (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole, the spacing ing from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an extended state wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar or approximately ar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and n (i) a region of the shoe de?ned by the heel outsole patch and comprising a corresponding portion of the midsole and the insole has a spring constant ofbetween 0.45 kilogram—force / inch and 0.55 kilogram-force / inch; and (ii) the toe outsole patch or the heel outsole patch has a durability coef?cient of between 0.8 and 1.5.

Embodiment F. A method of manufacturing a shoe, the method comprising: (A) stitching a heel outsole patch onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of a midsole; (B) stitching a toe outsole patch onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; (C) af?xing a cushion insert to the heel portion of a second face of the midsole, (D) sewing an upper, the upper g an interior portion for ing a foot of a person, the interior portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity, to the midsole, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein the sewing (D) results in a perimeter of the midsole being stitched to the upper thereby g a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a ?rst seam; (E) g by glue an insole to the bottom of the interior portion; wherein, the ing (A) and stitching (B) form a spacing between (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the e and (ii) the toe e patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole, the spacing extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an extended state wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar or approximately coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and wherein (i) the insole is not stitched to the upper or midsole, and (ii) the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are each made out of an elastomer.

Embodiment G. A method of manufacturing a shoe, the method comprising: (A) stitching a heel outsole patch onto a heel portion of a ?rst face of a midsole; (B) stitching a toe outsole patch onto a toe portion of the ?rst face of the midsole; (C) sewing an upper, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot of a , the or portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity, to the e, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein the sewing (C) results in a perimeter of the midsole being stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a ?rst seam; (D) af?xing by glue an insole to the bottom of the interior portion; wherein, the stitching (A) and stitching (B) form a spacing n (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the e, the spacing extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side; wherein the shoe is con?gured to fold between (i) an extended state n the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar or imately coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity, and wherein (i) a region of the shoe de?ned by the heel outsole patch and comprising a corresponding portion of the midsole and the insole has a spring constant ofbetween 0.45 kilogram—force / inch and 0.55 kilogram-force / inch; and (ii) the toe outsole patch or the heel outsole patch has a durability ient of between 0.8 and 1.5.

Embodiment H-l. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, n the midsole is made out of leather.

Embodiment H-2. Any one of ments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the bottom of the interior portion ?irther comprises a foam inlay and wherein the insole is af?xed by glue to the foam inlay.

Embodiment H—3. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the interior portion further comprises a cushion insert that is glued to the heel portion of a second face of the midsole.

Embodiment H-4. The embodiment of H—2, wherein the midsole comprises a second face having a heel n and a toe portion and wherein the or n r ses a cushion insert that is glued to the heel portion of a second face of the midsole, and the foam inlay is glued to (i) cushion insert and (ii) the toe portion of the second face of the midsole.

Embodiment H—5. The embodiment of H—3, wherein the cushion insert is characterized by a ?rst end and a second end, wherein the ?rst end of the cushion insert is glued to a ?rst part of the heel portion and the second end of the cushion insert is glued to a second part of the heel portion, wherein the ?rst part of the heel portion is closer to the toe portion of the second face of the midsole than the second part of the heel portion, and the ?rst end of the cushion insert has a thickness that is less than the second end of the cushion insert.

Embodiment H-6. The embodiment of H-3, wherein the cushion insert has a ess that increases along the insert as a function of a distance away from the toe portion of the second face of the midsole so that a portion of the n insert that is closest to the toe portion of the midsole is thinner than a portion of the cushion insert that is st away from the toe portion of the midsole.

Embodiment H—7. The embodiment of H—3, n the cushion insert comprises a ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane type al.

Embodiment H-8. The embodiment of H-3, the cushion insert has a Shore A hardness of between 45 and 70 or between 60 and 70.

Embodiment H-9. The embodiment of H-3, wherein the cushion insert has a density of between 0.30 g/cm3 and 0.7 g/cm3.

Embodiment H—lO. The ment of H-3, wherein the cushion insert has a density of between 0.40 g/cm3 and 0.7 g/cm3.

Embodiment H-1 1. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a ?rst groove having a depth of at least 3/64 of an inch is formed proximate to a perimeter of the heel outsole patch and wherein the heel outsole patch is stitched onto the heel portion of the ?rst face of the midsole with a ?rst thread that occupies the ?rst groove; and a second groove having a depth of at least 3/64 of an inch is formed proximate to a perimeter of the toe e patch and wherein the toe outsole patch is stitched onto the toe portion of the ?rst face of the e with a second thread that occupies the second groove.

Embodiment H—lZ. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the upper is formed as a single piece having a ?rst end and a second end, wherein the ?rst end and the second end are united by a second seam at the heel cavity.

Embodiment H-13. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the upper is formed as a single piece having (i) a ?rst end, (ii) a second end, (iii) a ?rst edge, and (iv) a second edge, the ?rst end and the second end are united by a second seam at the heel cavity, the ?rst edge is stitched to the perimeter of the midsole thereby forming the bottom to the interior portion, a ?rst n of the second edge is characterized by an elastic restriction, wherein the portion of the second edge does not extend to the heel cavity.

Embodiment H—l4. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a second n of the second edge is characterized by an Achilles cushion that provides an upper boundary to the heel cavity. ment H-lS. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the upper is formed as a single piece having a ?rst end and a second end, the ?rst end and the second end are united by a second seam at the heel cavity, and a half moon piece covers a lower portion of the second seam.

Embodiment H—l6. Any one of ments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the shoe is in a folded state and is tucked into a pouch having a drawstring.

Embodiment H—l7. The embodiment of H—l6, wherein the pouch includes a pocket for holding a tote bag, wherein the tote bag is con?gured to accommodate a pair of shoes.

Embodiment H-18. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the shoe is in a folded state and is tucked into a compact box having a lid.

Embodiment H—l9. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a back corner of the toe outsole patch is within 1/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam.

Embodiment H—20. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, n a back comer of the toe outsole patch is within 3/16 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam.

Embodiment H-2l. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a front comer of the toe outsole patch is within l/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam.

Embodiment H-22. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a back corner of the heel outsole patch is within 3/16 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam.

Embodiment H-23. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a back comer of the heel outsole patch is within 1/4 of an inch of a portion of the ?rst seam.

Embodiment H-24. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the toe outsole patch or the heel outsole patch has a durability coef?cient of between 0.8 and 1.5. ment H-25. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the toe outsole patch or the heel outsole patch has a durability coef?cient of between 1.0 and 1.3.

Embodiment H-26. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are each at least 3/32 of an inch thick.

Embodiment H-27. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are each about 5/32 of an inch thick.

Embodiment H—28. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the spacing is between 4/8 of an inch and 6/8 of an inch.

Embodiment H-29. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the spacing is about 5/8 of an inch.

Embodiment H-30. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a side ofthe heel outsole patch is e at least at a 45 degree angle from the horizontal when the shoe is worn on a ’s foot who is standing on the horizontal. ment H—3 1. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a side of the toe outsole patch is e at least at a 45 degree angle from the ntal when the shoe is worn on a person’s foot who is standing on the horizontal.

Embodiment H-32. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a region ofthe shoe de?ned by the heel outsole patch and comprising a corresponding portion of the e and the insole has a spring constant of between 0.40 kilogram-force / inch and 0.70 kilogram- force / inch. ment H-33. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a region of the shoe de?ned by the heel outsole patch and comprising a ponding portion of the midsole and the insole has a spring constant of between 0.45 kilogram—force / inch and 0.55 kilogram- force / inch.

Embodiment H—34. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, n a region ofthe shoe de?ned by the toe outsole patch and comprising a corresponding portion of the midsole and the insole has a spring constant of between 0.40 kilogram-force / inch and 0.70 kilogram- force / inch.

Embodiment H-35. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein a region of the shoe de?ned by the toe outsole patch and comprising a corresponding portion of the midsole and the insole has a spring nt of between 0.45 kilogram-force / inch and 0.55 am- force / inch.

Embodiment H—36. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the shoe is a shoe for women.

Embodiment H-37. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the shoe is a shoe for men.

Embodiment H-38. Any one of embodiments A, B, C, D, E, F and G, wherein the shoe is a shoe for men, women, or children.

REFERENCES CITED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS All references cited herein are orated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was speci?cally and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Many modi?cations and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The speci?c embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various ments with various modi?cations as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

This disclosure extends to s footwear styles (in addition to the basic ballet ?at/slipper depicted in the diagrams). For example: sandals, ?ip-?ops, active and athletic shoes can be made with a similar construction for ?exible compression and compact e and are fully encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while embodiments have been disclosed that are ed for woman, it will be appreciated that such shoes can be designed for men, children, or any combination ofwoman, men, and children.

All such alternative designs are fully within the scope of the present disclosure.

The core shoe design and compacting pouch described offer signi?cant potential for super?cial differentiation Via ornamentation, als, and colors, increasing their commercial . Alternative construction methods may e gluing of the outsoles to the midsole without any stitching. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims (4)

1. A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot of a woman, the or portion including a toe cavity and a heel cavity; a midsole, the midsole having (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, wherein a ter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a first seam; an insole that is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion; an outsole, the outsole having (i) a toe portion disposed on the toe end of the midsole, and (ii) a heel portion disposed on the heel end of the midsole; wherein there is a region between (i) the heel portion of the outsole and (ii) the toe portion of the outsole, the region extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end of the midsole and the heel end of the midsole, thereby permitting the shoe to fold about the region; and the heel portion of the outsole has a durability coefficient between 0.8 and 1.5, wherein the durability coefficient is a thickness of the heel n of the outsole d by a distance between an edge of the heel portion of the outsole and the first seam.

2. The shoe of claim 1, n the insole is affixed by glue to the bottom of the interior portion.

3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the e is stitched to the upper thereby forming the bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a first seam.

4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein a back edge of the toe portion of the outsole is within