US20170127750A1

US20170127750A1 - Footwear with adjustable shock absorbing system

Info

Publication number: US20170127750A1
Application number: US15/348,849
Authority: US
Inventors: Saadeh HATTAR; Volodymyr Tanin
Original assignee: Hattar Tanin; Hattar Tanin LLC
Current assignee: Hattar Tanin
Priority date: 2015-11-10
Filing date: 2016-11-10
Publication date: 2017-05-11

Abstract

Footwear is provided that includes an upper portion, an inner sole, an adjustable shock absorbing system, and an outer sole, wherein the adjustable shock absorbing system is positioned within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole. In some embodiments, the adjustable shock absorbing system includes a first flat spring and a second spring placed inside, and further supporting, the first flat spring. The footwear may be adjusted to provide an appropriate level of shock absorption for individuals of different body weights, using weight as new sizing parameter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/253,275, entitled “Innovative Footwear with Adjustable Shock Absorbing Systems,” filed Nov. 10, 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification describes technologies relating to footwear with adjustable shock absorption.

BACKGROUND

People select footwear based on the size and shape of their feet. Individuals with different body weights wear footwear from the same selection of available sizes and models. This means that individuals with similar foot and joint size and shape wear footwear with the same level of shock absorption regardless of their weight, which may vary three-fold.
There are many approaches to footwear shock absorption. Many different designs of footwear shock absorber have been proposed, some of them being adjustable to the body weight of a customer. Unfortunately these attempts remain sporadic and the body weight of an individual is predominantly not taken into account when fitting a customer for footwear.

SUMMARY

The following presents a summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some of the aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present disclosure. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some of the concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Various embodiments of footwear and methods for fitting are within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the features of various embodiments are used.
An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to footwear, and methods for fitting footwear, that takes an individual's weight in consideration to provide an appropriate level of shock absorption. In some embodiments, the individual's weight is used as a parameter of a foot sizing system. The footwear is manufactured and provided to an individual based on their foot size and weight.
In some embodiments, the footwear is manufactured with a specific amount of shock absorption. For example, a first size and first model of shoe is manufactured with a first level of shock absorption for an individual of a first weight and with a second level of shock absorption for an individual of a second weight. Thus, two different shoes having the same size and model are manufactured with different levels of shock absorption for individuals of different weights.
In other embodiments, the amount of shock absorption is customizable, to meet the needs of the individual. For example, a first size and first model of shoe is manufactured with the ability to change the level of shock absorption (e.g., at a store, at a warehouse, or by a consumer). In one embodiment, the footwear includes a removable and/or replaceable shock absorbing system (e.g., within the insole or outsole). In some embodiments, the shock absorption system includes one or more springs (e.g., one or more compression and/or unbending flat spring(s), coil spring(s), or both, or in combination with any other spring(s) and/or shock absorbing unit(s)).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The implementations disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates that people with different body weights conventionally wear footwear of the same size and model.

FIG. 2 illustrates that it is inappropriate to use the same type and model of shock absorber for cars with different weights, while it is still the case for footwear.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of exemplary constructions for an article of footwear having an upper and insole 101, a spring/shock absorbing system 102, and an outsole 103 constructed of one or more pieces, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary shock absorbing systems A, B, and C, having one or more of an outer (e.g., main) flat spring(s) 111, a shorter, inner flat spring(s) 112, one or more coil (e.g., spiral) springs or spring block 113, a longer, inner flat spring 114.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary bending and/or unbending torsion springs (e.g., clothespin spiral springs) for use in the shock absorbing systems described herein, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present application as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present application is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present application will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having benefit of this disclosure.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-related and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
Footwear is important because it protects feet from damaging contacts. Conventionally, premade footwear is selected based on a size that fits an individual's foot, providing a comfortable fit. Footwear that is custom-made based on a specific foot size, foot shape, and/or abnormal gate (e.g., propulsive, scissor, spastic, steppage, or waddling gait) is available. For example, custom-made footwear may assist in correcting deviations in foot-step-position.
However, weight is not considered when selecting footwear. Conventionally, people with different body weights wear the same footwear based, for example, only on the size and shape of their feet. Thus, people with three or four-fold differences in body weight may wear the same exact footwear (FIG. 1). This variance in weight, however, creates different stress-loads on their feet and joints (e.g., ankles). Thus, footwear appropriate for one person may not provide adequate shock absorption for another person of greater weight.
This is different, for example, from vehicles where shock absorbers are selected based on the weight of the car. It would be inappropriate to use a single standard shock absorber for all cars, regardless of weight (FIG. 2).
The present disclosure provides footwear that is manufactured and/or customized (e.g., either ready-made and/or custom-made footwear) to consider both the shape/size of an individual's foot, but also their body weight. This enables selection of appropriate footwear for an individual.
In some embodiments, the shock absorber(s) of the footwear and/or shock absorbing system of footwear are adjusted to match the weight of the user, e.g., the footwear includes adjustable shock absorber(s). In various embodiments, the shock absorbing system is adjusted and/or adjustable by one or by several mechanisms at the same time.
In one embodiment, the shock absorbing systems employ flat spring(s) and/or laminated flat spring(s) (e.g., bend spring(s)), hereinafter referred to interchangeably as flat spring(s). In some embodiments, flat springs provide better functionality than any variation of wire springs and/or spiral (e.g., coil) springs. However, in some embodiments, wire or coiled springs may be used in the footwear and methods provided herein.
In some embodiments, the flat spring(s) have a “v”-like shape (e.g., as exemplified by flat springs 102-a, 102-b, 102-c in FIG. 3 and flat springs 111, 112, and 114 in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the flat spring plate(s) have a specified form, where the two prongs of the flat spring are connected (or a single prong is bent at one end (e.g., an end oriented closest to the toe portion of the footwear). Other variants of flat spring(s) are also possible and other kinds of spring(s) can be used alternatively or together with flat spring(s).
In some embodiments (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5) shock absorbing system is made using a torsion spring(s) of bending and/or unbending (e.g., like the springs, used in clothespins), in combination with springs of other type(s), for example together with flat spring(s), functioning as main spring(s) and/or as additional/substitutable springs purposed for adjustment of shock absorption under the specific weight of the user, having such peculiarities as simplicity of production, low cost-price, small thickness of shock absorbing system, developed on its base and easiness of substitution, including for adjustment under specific weight of the user. Plus using torsion spring(s) of bending and/or unbending it is possible to realize thinnest adjustable shock absorbing system for the toe part of the shoe, what is impossible using other springs.
In some embodiments, the footwear is manufactured as separate parts, which can be assembled to form the footwear. For example, the upper portion (e.g., the wearable portion of the footwear) is manufactured separately from the insole, which is manufactured separately from the shock absorbing system, which is manufactured separately from the outsole of the footwear. In some embodiments, all or some of the components are assembled by the manufacturer. In other embodiments, all or some of the components are assembled by a merchant or by a consumer.
This provides footwear which is manufactured in parts and is later assembled, allowing for substitution of specific components (e.g., the shock absorbing system). In this fashion, component footwear is described herein.
As an example of the possible variants of adjustable shock absorbing system, FIG. 4 illustrates shock absorbing systems including a main spring 111 and substitutable inner springs 112, 113, and 114. This allows for customization of the shock absorbing system of the footwear, to account for the weight and comfort of the individual. Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates different types of substitutable springs for the adjustable footwear described herein.
Also as an example of shock absorbing, FIG. 5A shows a torsion spring 121 used in a clothespin. FIG. 5 illustrates various embodiments where a torsion spring 121 is used in a shock absorbing system, as described herein. In some embodiments, torsion spring 121 is attached to one or more structural elements 122 and/or flat springs 123 and 126 by one or more joints 125 and/or bearing hinges 124. For example, FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of a shock absorbing system including torsion spring 121, connected to structural elements 122 via joints 125 and bearing hinge 124. FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of a shock absorbing system including two torsion springs 121, connected on opposite ends to structural elements 122 via joints 125 and bearing hinge 124 on one end. FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment of a shock absorbing system including torsion spring 121 connected to flat spring 123 via joints 125. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more torsion springs 121 is substituted with a flat spring 126. FIGS. 5E and 5G illustrate embodiments of a shock absorbing system including two torsion springs 121, connected on opposite ends to structural elements 122 via joints 125, without a bearing hinge. FIG. 5F illustrates an embodiment of a shock absorbing system including two torsion springs 121, connected on opposite ends to structural elements 122 via joints 125 and a third torsion spring connected in the middle of structural elements 122 via joints 125.
FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary shock absorbing system with a single torsion spring of bending/unbending, while FIG. 5C has an additional torsion spring of bending/unbending in the heel zone. FIG. 5D illustrates an exemplary shock absorbing system with a torsion spring of bending/unbending used as additional spring for adjustment of shock absorption under the specific weight of the user, in conjunction with a flat spring. In some embodiments, a flat or any other type spring can be used in place of the torsion spring. In FIGS. 5E and 5F, two or three spiral spring(s) of bending/unbending are used correspondingly. In FIG. 5 G, an exemplary shock absorbing system is made using sub-systems with two torsion spring(s) of bending/unbending in each, showing unique realization of adjustable shock absorption in toe zone, in addition each above sub-system can be realized as substitutable block and/or torsion spring(s) of bending/unbending can substituted separately. Locations and fixation of torsion spring(s) of bending/unbending can be different/vary for illustrated in the FIG. 5 to satisfy the practical and other purposes of certain article.
In some embodiments, individuals may be classified by weight and different shock absorbing systems manufactured with shock absorption appropriate for individuals in different weight classes (e.g., footwear of the same size and shape, but varying in the amount of shock absorption provided). In this fashion, the footwear provided herein accounts for the individuals foot size, shape, and weight. In some embodiments, the level of shock absorption is selected to be higher or lower than that standardized for the individual's weight, to account for different uses (e.g., stronger support may be needed for sport or military needs).
In some embodiments, a new type of footwear is provided, where an individual's weight is used as a parameter in a foot sizing system. Footwear is manufactured and provided to the customers (either ready-made and/or custom made footwear), taking into consideration not only foot-size of the exact customer, but also the weight of this exact customer. Selection of footwear is carried out by the customer (and/or for the customer), taking into consideration the weight of the customer.
In some embodiments, the footwear users (customers) are divided into weight categories according to their body weight and footwear is selected/provided according to their weight category.
In some embodiments, the footwear includes a shock absorbing system which is removable, replaceable, substitutable, and/or adjustable. The shock absorbing system is adjustable to the weight and/or needs of an individual.
In some embodiments, shock absorber(s) of the footwear provided herein (e.g., the shock absorbing system) is adjusted under the exact weight of the user.
In some embodiments, the shock absorbing system is realized as a flat spring.
In some embodiments, the shock absorbing system is realized as a main flat spring and one or more substitutable spiral (e.g., coiled) springs.
In some embodiments, the shock absorbing system is realized as a main flat spring and one or more substitutable cone spiral springs.
In some embodiments, the shock absorbing system is realized as a main flat spring and one or more substitutable second flat springs.
In some embodiments, the shock absorbing system is realized using spiral spring(s) of bending/unbending as main spring(s) and/or additional substituting springs; and/or in combination with flat and/or other springs; and/or as shock absorbing blocks, made from spiral spring(s) of bending/unbending.
In some embodiments, footwear is provided which is manufactures as several parts. The footwear is later assembled (e.g., by the manufacture, merchant, or customer) into an article of footwear, allowing for substitution and customization of specific parts. In some embodiments, each component may be sold separately.
In some embodiments, footwear is manufactured (e.g., and sold) as an upper portion and a sole of the footwear (e.g., containing a shock absorbing system).
In some embodiments, footwear is manufactured (e.g., and sold) as an upper portion (e.g., containing an insole and shock absorbing system) and an outsole of the footwear.
In some embodiments, footwear is manufactured (e.g., and sold) as an upper portion, a shock absorbing system, and an outsole of the footwear.

Exemplary Embodiments

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an article of footwear (e.g., a shoe, boot, slipper, sandal, etc.), comprising an upper portion (e.g., the portion of the footwear that covers the upper portion of a foot), an inner sole, an adjustable shock absorbing system, and an outer sole, wherein the adjustable shock absorbing system is positioned within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole. In some embodiments, where the article of footwear also includes a mid-sole, the shock absorbing system may be positioned above, below, or within the mid-sole.
In some embodiments of the article of footwear, the adjustable shock absorbing system comprises a first flat spring and a second spring placed inside, and further supporting, the first flat spring (e.g., compression/unbending spring(s) to support the body weight of an individual). In other embodiments, the adjustable shock absorbing system comprises a single spring (e.g., a flat spring) or arrangement of springs (e.g., an array of coiled springs).
In some embodiments, the second spring is a second flat spring, e.g., that fits within the first flat spring to provide, along with the first flat spring, combined support for the body weight of an individual.
In some embodiments, the second flat spring is accessible from the outside of the article of footwear and is replaceable by a consumer. For example, the article of footwear may include one or more zipper, button, snap, or other fastener that opens to provide access to the entire shock absorbing system, the first flat spring, and/or the second flat spring. In this fashion, the consumer (and/or salesperson) can customize the shock absorbing system by adding additional springs, removing superfluous springs, or replacing springs to provide a system that does not fully depress when the entire weight of the consumer is placed on the shock absorbing system.
In some embodiments, the second spring is a coiled spring or spring block, e.g., that fits within the first flat spring to provide, along with the first flat spring, combined support for the body weight of an individual.
In some embodiments, the coiled spring or spring block is accessible from the outside of the article of footwear and is replaceable by a consumer. For example, the article of footwear may include one or more zipper, button, snap, or other fastener that opens to provide access to the entire shock absorbing system, the first flat spring, and/or the second flat spring. In this fashion, the consumer (and/or salesperson) can customize the shock absorbing system by adding additional springs, removing superfluous springs, or replacing springs to provide a system that does not fully depress when the entire weight of the consumer is placed on the shock absorbing system.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear is manufactured such that the shock absorption system can be adjusted from the outside of the shoe, without actually replacing, adding, or removing springs (e.g., by changing a torsion applied to one or more springs in the shock absorbing system).
In some embodiments, the article of footwear is manufactured such that the shock absorption system cannot be adjusted. For example, a shoe manufacture may make several variations of shoes of the same model and size, where each variation has a different level of shock absorption built-in (e.g., that cannot be customized by the consumer).
In some embodiments, the first flat spring transverses at least a heel portion and part of an arch portion of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the first flat spring transverses substantially the entire length of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the first flat spring transverses the heal portion of the article of footwear.
In some embodiments, the second spring is a second flat spring that transverses only a heel portion of the article of footwear, such as second flat spring 112, illustrated in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the second flat spring is only slightly smaller than the first flat spring, as illustrated by second flat spring 114, in FIG. 4.
In some embodiments, the adjustable shock absorbing system is replaceable within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole. For example, the article of footwear may include one or more zipper, button, snap, or other fastener that opens to provide access to the entire shock absorbing system, the first flat spring, and/or the second flat spring. In this fashion, the consumer (and/or salesperson) can customize the shock absorbing system by adding additional springs, removing superfluous springs, or replacing springs to provide a system that does not fully depress when the entire weight of the consumer is placed on the shock absorbing system.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a cavity within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole (e.g., above, below, or within a mid-sole), the cavity configured to hold one or more shock absorbing systems. The cavity is accessible (e.g., via one or more fastening means, as described above) from the outside of the article of footwear such that the shock absorbing system may be replaced or supplemented with a second shock absorbing system. In some embodiments, the cavity is located with a mid-sole positioned between the insole and the outsole.
In some embodiments, the cavity is only big enough to hold a single shock absorbing system. In these embodiments, shock absorbing systems having different effective spring constants (e.g., the effective combination of individual spring constants, relating to the force required to compress the combined spring system) may be substituted for one another, to customize the article of footwear such that when the entire weight of the individual is placed on the shock absorbing system it is not fully depressed, but not so stringent that little shock absorption is provided.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a kit including an article of footwear (e.g., as described herein) and a plurality of shock absorbing systems (e.g., springs). In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes an upper portion, an inner sole, an outer sole, and a cavity located within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole, where the cavity is configured to hold one or more shock absorbing systems, and where the cavity is accessible from the outside of the article of footwear (e.g., via one or more fastening means, as described above). In some embodiments, each shock absorbing system comprising a spring.
In some embodiments, the cavity is configured to hold a single shock absorbing system and each shock absorbing system in the plurality of shock absorbing systems has a different effective spring constant (e.g., combined compression strength).
In some embodiments, the cavity is configured to hold a plurality of shock absorbing systems.
In some embodiments, each shock absorbing system in the plurality of shock absorbing systems has a same effective spring constant. In this fashion, the overall shock absorption of the article of footwear is adjusted by adding and/or removing shock absorbing systems, to find a number of shock absorbing systems that provides an appropriate combined shock absorption.
In some embodiments, a first flat spring is fixed within the cavity and the plurality of shock absorbing systems comprises a plurality of second springs that fit within the first spring, wherein each second spring in the plurality of second springs has a different effective spring constant. In this fashion, the second (e.g., inner) spring or springs can be replaced to find a combination, with the outer flat spring, that provides an appropriate combined shock absorption.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for fitting an article of footwear for an individual. The method includes determining a foot size and a body weight for the individual, selecting an article of footwear having a size matching the foot size of the individual, and adjusting the shock absorbing system, according to the body weight of the individual, such that the one or more springs are not fully depressed at a force equal to the product of the body weight of the individual and gravity. In some embodiments, the article of footwear has an adjustable shock absorption system, as described herein. In other embodiments, the article of footwear has a fixed shock absorption system and, rather than adjusting the shock absorption system, an article of footwear is selected from a plurality of articles of footwear of the same size and style, but having different levels of shock absorption.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes an upper portion, an inner sole, an adjustable shock absorbing system comprising one or more springs, and an outer sole, wherein the adjustable shock absorbing system is positioned within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

It will also be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object could be termed a second object, and, similarly, a second object could be termed a first object, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the “first object” are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the “second object” are renamed consistently. The first object and the second object are both objects, but they are not the same object.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the implementations and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, and/or components thereof.
The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific implementations. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The implementations were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the implementations and various implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shoe comprising:

an upper portion, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot, the interior portion including a cavity;

an inner sole that is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion;

an outer sole attached to the insole; and

an adjustable shock absorbing system that is positioned within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable shock absorbing system comprises a first flat spring and a second spring placed inside, and further supporting, the first flat spring.

3. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the second spring is a second flat spring.

4. The shoe according to claim 3, wherein the second flat spring is accessible from the outside of the article of footwear and is replaceable by a consumer.

5. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the second spring is a coiled spring or spring block.

6. The shoe according to claim 5, wherein the coiled spring or spring block is accessible from the outside of the article of footwear and is replaceable by a consumer.

7. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the first flat spring transverses at least a heel portion and part of an arch portion of the article of footwear.

8. The shoe according to claim 7, wherein the second spring is a second flat spring that transverses only a heel portion of the article of footwear.

9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable shock absorbing system is replaceable within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole.

10. The shoe according to claim 1, comprising a cavity within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole, the cavity configured to hold one or more shock absorbing systems, wherein the cavity is accessible from the outside of the article of footwear such that the shock absorbing system may be replaced or supplemented with a second shock absorbing system.

11. The shoe according to claim 10, wherein the cavity is located with a mid-sole positioned between the insole and the outsole.

12. The shoe according to claim 1, where shock absorbing system comprises a torsion spring attached to a flat spring or two structural elements.

13. A kit of parts, comprising:

an shoe comprising an upper portion, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot, the interior portion including a cavity, an inner sole that is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion, an outer sole attached to the insole, and a cavity located within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole, wherein the cavity is configured to hold one or more shock absorbing systems, and wherein the cavity is accessible from the outside of the shoe; and

a plurality of shock absorbing systems, each shock absorbing system comprising a spring.

14. The kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein the cavity is configured to hold a single shock absorbing system and each shock absorbing system in the plurality of shock absorbing systems has a different effective spring constant.

15. The kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein the cavity is configured to hold a plurality of shock absorbing systems.

16. The kit of parts according to claim 14, wherein each shock absorbing system in the plurality of shock absorbing systems has a same effective spring constant.

17. The kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein a first flat spring is fixed within the cavity and the plurality of shock absorbing systems comprises a plurality of second springs that fit within the first spring, wherein each second spring in the plurality of second springs has a different effective spring constant.

18. A method for fitting an article of footwear for an individual, comprising:

determining a foot size and a body weight for the individual;

selecting a shoe having a size matching the foot size of the individual, wherein the shoe comprises:

an upper portion, the upper forming an interior portion for receiving a foot, the interior portion including a cavity, an inner sole that is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion, an outer sole attached to the insole, and an adjustable shock absorbing system that is positioned within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole; and

adjusting and/or selecting the shock absorbing system, according to the body weight of the individual, such that the one or more springs are not fully depressed at a force equal to the product of the body weight of the individual and gravity.

19. A shoe comprising:

an inner sole that is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion;

an outer sole attached to the insole; and

an adjustable shock absorbing system that is positioned within the outer sole or between the outer sole and the inner sole, wherein

the adjustable shock absorbing system of the shoe is fitted for an individual using both a size and a form of the foot of the individual and a weight of the individual as sizing parameters.