WO1999051117A2

WO1999051117A2 - Protective footwear for modern dance

Info

Publication number: WO1999051117A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/007564
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Wilkenfeld
Original assignee: David Wilkenfeld
Priority date: 1998-04-06
Filing date: 1999-04-06
Publication date: 1999-10-14
Also published as: AU3385899A

Abstract

An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for individuals is disclosed. The inventive protector comprises a pad. A plurality of other elastic members secure the pad to the underside of an individual's foot, in particular the ball of the individual's foot. The pad has a cup-like configuration which assists in the coverage of an individual's foot.

Description

PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR FOR MODERN DANCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an item of protective footwear particularly suited for ballet and modern dance, generally.

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that dancing is the oldest of the art forms. Certainly, it has been found in every culture and on every continent in the world since time immemorial. In all instances, the elements of rhythm, symmetry, repetition, exaggeration and grace exhibit themselves in a visual spectacle that both enlists attention, and instills a feeling of well-being both in participants and the audience. While in the simplest forms of dance, these elements of rhythm, symmetry, a repetition, exaggeration and grace all are incorporated in movement of the hands and feet, the torso also tends to follow movements and participate in the exercise.

In more developed forms of dance, such as the minuet, square dancing, and in the dancing of the Middle Ages generally, the torso is an active participant in the dance, with its movement controlled into orientation and position to complement the movement of the hands and feet. It all of these forms of dance, however, movement is made with a relatively natural and ordinary energy expenditure, as well as wim movements which derived from everyday un-stressed movements.

However, with the development of the dance, and desire for a greater range of artistic expression, dancers have catapulted themselves from the ordinary everyday sorts of movements to movements derived from actions at the edge of human endurance and athletic ability. Perhaps one of the more refined forms of dance first to employ such movements was the ballet.

In ballet, movements include dance steps inspired by running, jumping, leaping and physical interaction between two or more individuals. The end result is a remarkably punishing regimen of movement being associated with virtually any ballet performance. Not surprisingly, the pursuit of perfection in ballet goes along with a remarkably high incidence of strain and injury. Indeed, the problem is so serious that few dancers are able to practice their profession into middle age.

At the same time, the attempt, in ballet, to achieve extremes in movement has spawned the development of footwear adapted to enable such unnatural movements as rotation on a toe, walking and landing on the toes, and the like. Such footwear, in addition to enabling such dance steps, also has the salutary effect of protecting the feet, by spreading out the force of a landing, or the pressure resulting from support of the body over a wide area of the outside surface of the foot, thus reducing the incidence of injury and strain. However, footwear also has die effect of reducing control under certain circumstances.

Moreover, while the use of, for example, ballet slippers provides a visually stimulating display, given the slipper's typically satiny silk charmeuse finish, in many forms of dance, the visibility of the shoe is regarded with disfavor. This is articulate cell indicates of modern dance where the "barefoot" look is considered, for many pieces, required.

Moreover, given the fact that modern dance builds upon classical ballet and thus takes from classical ballet dramatic movements at me edge of human endurance and ability, the attempt to implement this measure of control and exaggeration without protective footwear has been disastrous in terms of the impact on the modern dancer. Nevertheless, so vigorous is the requirement for dancing without the protection of the classical ballet slipper, dancers, daily, subject their feet to the punishment of impacts, pulls, twisting and abrasion. The result is sore, inflamed skin, or, worse, cracked and bleeding soles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an unobtrusive foot covering that protects the ball of a dancer's foot. It accommodates the desire of modern dancers to wear no shoes while performing or practicing their dance routines. At the same time, it allows dancing barefoot without causing the dancers to sustain injuries to what would otherwise be their uncovered feet. In particular, the ball of the dancers foot is protected from injury.

The above objects of the invention are achieved by the use of a protective pad which is positioned on the inventive footwear in such a matter as to result in its being placed over the ball of the foot when the footwear is in position on a human foot. The protective pad is made of a material which, on the side which faces the sole or ball of the foot, have a coefficient of friction which securely engages the ball before at all points. This results in spreading out the force of what would otherwise be an abrasive impact over a wide area of die ball of the foot. While it is true that there is still a pulling of the flesh in the area surrounding point of engagement with the pad, because of the large area of engagement, even the pull is spread over a wider portion of skin, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.

The side of the pad which faces e floor has a coefficient of friction which is high enough to provide secure engagement of the floor by the ball of the foot, and yet low enough to allow the ball of the foot to rotate or slide on a typically polished dance floor. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the coefficient of fiction of the pad surface facing the ball of the foot is higher than the coefficient of friction between the pad and the polished dance floor.

The pad is maintained in position by a plurality of elastic straps which fit around the toes, heel and metatarsus of the dancer's foot.

In addition and in accordance with the preferred embodiment, an elastic member comprising an elastic ribbon of material witfi a textile-like finish such as ordinary elastic band of the type used in sewing, is used to form me edge of the pad. This edge material also has the salutary effect, in combination wi the elastic straps which secure the pad of the inventive item of footwear to the toes, in step and heel, of allowing the pad to be formed around the ball of the foot.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, that portion periphery which is likely to be position over that portion of the ball of e foot on which it dancer rotates is elastic in order to minimize discomfort which would be caused by the presence of a less flexible material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One way of carrying out the invention is described in detail below wim reference to drawings which illustrate only to specific embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top plane view of the figure 1 embodiment; Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the present invention; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the present invention; Figure 5 is side perspective view of the present invention being worn around the foot of a dancer; Figure 6 is a top plane view of the present invention on an individual's foot; Figure 7 is a side view of the present invention on an individual's foot; Figure 8 is a bottom plane view of the present invention on an individual's foot; Figure 9 is a top plane view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a top plane view of the Figure 10 embodiment; Figure 12 is a bottom plane view of the Figure 10 embodiment; Figure 13a is a view along lines 13a-13a of e Figure 10 embodiment; Figure 13b is a view along lines 13b-13b of the Figure 10 embodiment; Figure 14 is a pattern illustrating component parts and layout of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a pattern illustrating component parts and layout of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 a pattern illustrating component parts and layout of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention on an individual's foot; Figure 18 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention on an individual's foot; Figure 19 is a top perspective view of the present invention on an individual's foot; and Figure 20 is a view illustrating component parts of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to Figures 1-4, protective foot covering 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. Foot covering 10 has a protective sole 12. In accordance with the present invention protective sole 12 has an oval shape configured to cover the ball portion of the dancers foot. Alternatively, protective sole 12 can be elliptical or circular in shape. In yet another embodiment protective sole 12 can be cut to match e ball of the dancers foot.

Protective sole 12 is cut from a lightweight yet durable leather such as cowhide, generally referred to as chrome tanned cowhide split. This type of cowhide is used for its ability to bream, comfort (ie. softness) and to absorb sweat or moisture. Protective sole 12 has an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16. Upper surface 14 makes contact wim the ball of a dancers foot while lower service 16 makes contact with the dance floor.

Lower surface 16 generally has a rougher texture to it than upper surface 14. This feature provides comfort to the dancer's foot while providing a rougher surface for making contact with me dance floor.

In addition, the coefficient of friction of lower surface 16 is greater than the coefficient of friction of upper surface 14.

Protective sole 12 has handle elastic band 18 attached along the periphery of protective sole 12. Elastic band 18 is sewn to upper surface 14 through a plurality of stitches 20. Stitches 20 are made by a diread 22. In the preferred embodiment thread 22 is cotton, such as cotton #120.

As illustrated, stitches 20 are sewn in a zig zap pattern to maintain protective sole 12 and elastic band 18 a configuration which ensures that the edge of protective sole 12 remain flat with elastic band 18.

Elastic band 18 almost completely encloses the periphery of protective sole 12 leaving only a portion 24 uncovered by elastic band 18. Portion 24 is located at the front portion of foot covering 10. Portion 24 is of a sufficient size to accommodate the smaller toes of the dancers foot.

Moreover, elastic band 18 is sewn to e periphery of protective sole 12 in such a manner to define an exterior side wall along the periphery of protective sole 12. Elastic band 18 is sewn to me periphery of protective sole 12 to maintain elastic band 18 in an upright position, which helps define me side walls of me foot covering 10. Elastic band 18 comprises an elastic material being fairly soft for comfort purposes and having sufficient recovery characteristics after being stretched.

In the preferred embodiment elastic band 18 is configured to stretch in directions substantially parallel to protective sole 12.

An elastic strap 26 is attached to elastic band 18 at one end defining a first point 28 and is attached to elastic band 18 at its other end and defining a second point 30.

First point 28 is located at a position along elastic band 18 which would be positioned along the side of the dancers big toe 32 (as illustrated in Figures 5-7).

Turning back now to Figures 1-4, a second elastic strap 34 is secured at one end to elastic band 18 defining a contact point 36 and its other end is secured to protective sole 12 defining a second contact point 38. Second contact point 38 is positioned to align second elastic strap 34 wim toe 40 of a dancer (as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6). In addition contact points 28 and 36 are positioned to accommodate for the bunion (Hallus Vulgus) 37 of the dancer's foot.

Second elastic strap 34 is of a larger gauge than strap 26. Second elastic strap 34 is secured to elastic strap 24 at an intersecting point 35.

A pair of lateral supporting elastic bands 42 are connected to elastic band 26 and elastic band 18. Lateral supporting elastic bands 42 are positioned to provide support to be side wall of protective foot covering 10 defined by elastic band 18. In addition, lateral supporting bands 42 also wrap around a portion 44 of the dancer's foot (as illustrated in Figures 5-7). Portion 44 is generally referred to as the metatarsus of an individual ' s foot.

Elastic strap 26, second elastic strap 34 and lateral supporting bands 42 each maintain sole portion 12 in a closely fitted position wherein sole portion 12 provides a protective covering the ball of a dancers foot.

Elastic bands 42 are of a thickness small enough to fit comfortably in between the toes of a dancer.

A heel strap 46 is secured to elastic band 18 along the rear portion of sole portion 12. In the preferred embodiment heel strap 46 is secured to elastic band 18 using a polyester/cotton core spun #50 thread. This d read is used primarily for its strength.

Heel strap 46 is comprised from a neoprene type material which also has an elastic covering 48 adhered to either side of heel strap 46. The neoprene has a soft spongy texture for comfort and to frictionally engage the heel of a dancer.

Elastic covering 48 allows for heel strap 46 to have an elasticity which allows a dancer to stretch heel strap 46 a sufficient amount to place protective foot covering 10 over the ball of their foot and heel strap 46 around their heel. One end of heel strap 46 is secured to elastic band and 18 at a first point 50 and the other end use secured to elastic band 18 at second point 52. Heel strap 46 is secured by a plurality of stitches sewn through heel strap 46 and elastic band 18.

The securement of heel strap 46 to elastic band 18 is conducted in such a manner so as to cause heel strap 46 to be crossed over itself at a point 54 and define a receiving area 56.

Referring now to Figures 5-8, as a user or dancer puts protective foot covering 10 on their foot heel strap 46 is stretched to enlarge receiving area 56 to a point where the heel of the dancer can be received.

This configuration prevents heel strap 46 from interfering with the line of vision of e foot or profile of the naked foot. Accordingly, and in accordance with the present invention, protective foot covering 10 is nearly indistinguishable from the naked foot of the wearer.

Dance is also an aesthetic art, particularly classical dance where a primary focus of this aesthetic is that the feet are and extension of the limbs. Therefore, the stronger the dancer's arch and therefore the more they can point meir foot, the better the aesthetic line. Thus, the crossover of heel strap 46 prevents strap 46 from interfering with the line of vision of the dancer's foot.

In addition, as heel strap 46 is stretched in the direction of arrow 60 (as illustrated in Figure 8) elastic band 18 is also stretched in the direction of arrow 60 at points 50 and 52. This stretching of elastic band 18 causes elastic band 18 to have a substantially flat profile in-between points 50 and 52 when protective foot covering 10 is worn on me dancer's foot. This stretching not only provides comfort but also provides support to be bottom of the dancer's foot.

Thus, e inventive foot covering of me present invention provides durable yet lightweight protection to me ball of the dancer's foot.

Referring now to Figures 5-8, as protective foot covering can is placed on the dancers foot and elastic straps 26, 34, and 42 can be manipulated by me user to find a positioned most comfortable for use while dancing.

Referring in particular to Figure 6, second elastic strap 34, and straps 42 can be manipulated to be placed wiuiin the dancers toes. Alternatively and referring in particular to Figures 5 and 7, second elastic strap 34 and strap 42 can be manipulated to be placed over the toes of a dancer. In the preferred embodiment, straps 34 and 42 are positioned in-between the dancer's toes to provide a positioning of protective foot cover 10 which is most supportive and comfortable.

Moreover, protective foot covering 10, can be worn over a bare foot or over a foot having a stocking on it (as illustrated in Figure 5).

Therefore, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a protective foot covering that can be manipulated to suit the requirements of a particular user.

Referring now to Figures 9, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, components and/or parts performing analogous or similar functions are numbered in multiples of 100. Here a similar foot covering 110 has an adjustment strap or connector 135 to adjust the point of intersect between strap 126 and 134. This adjustable positioning allows a user to manipulate the placement of straps 126 and 134 for comfort or to accommodate the bunion 137 of a dancer's foot.

Alternatively, adjustment strap or connector 135 may be replaced or supplemented by an alternative securement device such as a velcro strap or buckle as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 9. Adjustment strap 135 may be secured to either strap 126 and 134 or both.

Referring now to Figures 10-14, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Here an area 270 is cut or removed from protective sole 212.

In me preferred embodiment, area 270 is substantially triangular in shape with its bottom portion located at the position where elastic member 218 is sewn to protective sole 212 and positioned generally between points 250 and 252. The apex or peak of me triangular shaped area 270 is positioned closer to the center of protective sole 212.

In the preferred embodiment protective sole 212 is an outsole, suede split 1.0-1.1 mm. This material is strong, flexible, soft and is less a slippery then finished learners.

An insert 272 is sewn into area 270 through the use of a thread 273. Insert 272 is significantly smaller than area 270. In the preferred embodiment thread 273 is cotton, preferably cotton No. 120. Thread 273 is sewn in a pattern having a plurality of zig-zag stitches.

As illustrated in Figure 14, insert 272 is also triangular in shape and has an overall area substantially smaller than area 270. Insert 272 has a bottom portion 275 and a apex 277. In particular, bottom portion 275 of insert 272 is significantly smaller than the corresponding portion of area 270 while apex 277 of insert 272 has a lesser size discrepancy.

Accordingly, and in order to sew insert 272 into area 270, protective sole 212 must be pulled inwardly to facilitate the securement of protective sole 212 to insert 272. As result of such manipulation of protective sole 212, the configuration of protective sole 212 is transformed. More particularly, the periphery of protective sole 212 will be higher and accordingly me center of protective sole 212 will be lower. This provides an overall configuration in which protective sole 212 is transformed into a cup like configuration wherein the periphery of the protective sole 212 is curved upwardly in comparison to the portion of protective sole 212 in which apex 277 of insert 272 is sewn to protective sole 212. The point at which apex 277 is sewn to protective sole 212 which will have a lower point with respect to the periphery of protective sole 212.

As result of the manipulation of protective sole 212 foot covering 210 is provided wim an upwardly configured profile as illustrated in Figures 13a and 13b.

As illustrated, protective sole 212 is configured to have a cup like configuration. The cup like configuration of protective sole 212 enhances the ability of protective sole 212 to wrap around and encompass the ball of a user's foot.

Insert 272 is constructed out of a resilient material which is capable of stretching and retarning back to its un- stretched positioned.

This configuration of protective sole 212 will assist protective sole 212 in wrapping around me ball of a dancer's foot. Moreover, as foot covering 210 is placed upon the wearer's foot the resilient nature of insert 272 allows protective sole 212 to accommodate to the ball of a dancer's foot.

In addition, and as the dancer's foot changes configuration through the intermittent contact of the dancer's foot with dance floor, protective foot covering 210 will accommodate me varying configurations of the dancer's foot and in particular the ball of the dancer's foot which will vary in size due to such contact.

This configuration of protective sole 212 helps to maintain a snug fit of foot covering 210 onto the sole of a user's foot. Such a snug fit of foot covering 210 prevents protective sole 212 from being wrinkled. Such wrinkles in foot covering 210 will provide an unsightly profile with respect to the dancer's naked foot. Additionally, wrinkles in foot covering 210 may interfere with the dancer's performance.

Moreover, and in addition to providing a snug fit, the cup like configuration of protective sole 212 helps to maintain a low-profile of protective sole 212 with respect to the ball or sole of the user's foot.

Accordingly, the cup like configuration of protective sole 212 enhances in making foot covering 210 unnoticeable. This is of particular importance when the dance routine or style requires that dancer have little or no clothing on.

In addition, and as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 13b an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, here insert 272 has a smaller which when sewn into sole 212 will result in a more drastic cup-like configuration. As an alternative, area 270 and corresponding insert 272 can be configured in a variety shapes such as, an elliptical shape, a half circle, a square, a rectangle (as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figures 12b and 12c) or any alternative that will provide sole 212 with me cup like configuration as illustrated in Figures 13a and 13b.

Such variations will also be configured to provide a size discrepancy between area 270 and insert 272 that will provide protective sole 212 with the cup like configuration as those illustrated in Figure 13.

In addition, and in order to assist in making foot covering 210 less noticeable, foot covering to 10 can be dyed in a variety of colorless to match the skin coloring of the user's foot. Such colors can then be made available to the consumer at the retail level.

Referring now in particular to Figure 13, insert 272 consists of an inner neoprene layer 276 having a nylon covering 278 adhered to the upper and lower surfaces of inner neoprene layer 276. Nylon covering 278 and inner neoprene layer 276 allows insert 272 to stretch in accordance with forces exerted by the user' s foot and return to its un-stretched position once me forces are removed.

Thereby maintaining protective sole 212 snug with fit to the lower surface of an individual's foot.

Referring now to Figure 11, elastic member 218 also provides an urging force in me direction to the arrows 274. This force also helps to maintain protective sole 212 in the configuration as illustrated in Figures 13a and 13b.

The size discrepancy between area 270 and insert 272 and the elastic nature of insert 272 provides protective sole 212 with a cup like configuration without the forces from elastic member 218 causing wrinkles to appear in protective sole 212.

Such wrinkles will cause user discomfort, improper fitting and as discussed above a more noticeable foot covering. Therefore, the insertion of insert 272 helps to reduce the frequency of the same in foot covering 210. Another advantage of insert 272 is that protective sole 212 is provided with stretching capabilities as an individual stands on me ball of their foot, arches their foot or other configurations as required throughout the dancer routine.

Referring now in particular to Figure 14, a top view of the pattern for sole portion 212. The pattern illustrated in Figure 14 corresponds to a left foot of a men's protective foot covering size 8-10.

As illustrated, sole portion 212 is cut to define a shoulder 280. Another shoulder 282 is defined on sole portion 212. Shoulders 280 and 282 provide for an area to which the ends of elastic band 218 are secured to.

An extended tab portion 284 is positioned between shoulders 280 and 282. Extended tab portion 284 provides an area of securement for elastic strap 234 (as illustrated in Figures 10-12).

Extended tab portion 284 also is positioned to be positioned between the big toe and the next toe of a dancer's foot. The positioning in size of extended tab portion to 84 also helps to prevent elastic strap 234 from riding in between the toes of the user which may cause discomfort.

Referring now in particular to Figure 10, elastic covering 248 is secured to heel strap 246 through plurality of hem stitches 286. Hem stitches 286 prevent elastic covering 248 from fraying at the edges of heel strap 246. In the preferred embodiment hem stitches 286 are created wim a bonded nylon thread 288. Bonded nylon thread 288 expands and stretches accordingly as heel strap 246 is stretched.

In the preferred embodiment heel strap 246 is neoprene rubber having a thickness of approximately 2 mm. This material provides comfort to the users foot while also being stretchable. In addition, neoprene rubber provides more comfort than an elastic band.

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, the patterns for protective foot covering 210, a men's size 8-10, is illustrated. Figure 15 illustrates the pattern for protective sole 212, a top view of a left foot, men's size 8-10 and insert 272. Figure 15 illustrates the pattern for heel strap 246, men's size 8-10. As illustrated, heel strap 246 is angularly cut at ends 290. The angular configuration of ends 290 causes heel strap 246 to have the crossover configuration when it is sewn to elastic band 218 (as illustrated in Figures 10-12). As illustrated in Figure 15, heel strap 246 for a men's size 8-10, is approximately 10 inches (253 mm) long when measured from the center of strap along center line 247 and has a widtii of approximately 3/4 inch (18 mm).

Figure 16 illustrates the pattern for elastic straps 226, 234 and 242. Elastic straps 226, 234 and 242 are configured to provide the placement and support around the toes and metatarsus of an individual's foot, as illustrated in Figure 19.

Referring back now to Figure 16, elastic straps 226, 234 and 242 are position to stretch in a direction of arrows 292.

In addition, and as illustrated by the dash lines and Figure 16, a portion of elastic strap 234 can be angularly positioned with respect to elastic 226 which will facilitate in the placement of foot covering 210 as illustrated in figures 5,6,7,9 and 19.

As an alternative embodiment, elastic strap 234 is sewn in the configuration as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 16 or alternatively elastic strap 234 can be manufactured to have such a configuration.

Referring now to Figure 14, and in the preferred embodiment, for a men's size 8-10, the bottom portion 275 of insert 272 is approximately 1 1/4 inches (30 mm), while the side portions of insert 272 are approximately 1 3/8 inches (35 mm). Corresponding area 270 has side portions approximately 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) in length and a bottom portion of approximately 1 5/16 inches (33 mm).

Shoulder 280 is approximately 3/16 inches (5 mm) in height while shoulder 282 is approximately 1 inch (5 mm) in height. Tab portion 284 is defined by a pair of side walls 294 and 296 having a height of approximately 1/8 inch (4 mm) and 1/16 inch (2 mm) respectively. Side walls 294 and 296 are separated by approximately 9/16 inch (14 mm). Protective sole portion 212 is configured to cover the ball of the dancer's foot.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, and in the preferred embodiment, the height of elastic band 218 is approximately 3/8 inch (11 mm).

Referring now to Figures 17-19, the placement and some of the features of protective foot covering 210 is illustrated. Figure 17 illustrates the elastic characteristics of heel strap 246. The user simply stretches heel strap 246 so that it can be placed over the heel of an individuals foot. In addition, heel strap 246 has a crossover point 294 which coincides with the arch of the wearers foot. Once heel strap is placed over the individual heel, and because its resilient nature, heel strap 246 returns to its un-stretched position providing for a snug fit around the user's foot.

As illustrated in Figure 18, insert 272 allows protective sole portion 212 to maintain a snug configuration around me ball of a user's foot as the configuration of the user's foot varies, as required by a dance routine.

Figure 19 illustrates the placement of elastic straps 226, 234 and 242 around die toes and metatarsus of an individual's foot. As illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 19, elastic straps 234 and 242 can be positioned variously and according to the particular preference of the user. Moreover, and as an alternative embodiment elastic straps 234, and 242 can be sewn to provide such placement. In yet another alternative embodiment, elastic straps 234 and 242 are secured to elastic strap 226 to have their position be adjusted and provide for such user selected variations.

While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described, various modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is limited and defined only by die appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for a dancer's foot comprising: a) a pad covering the ball of said dancer's foot foot, a portion of the periphery of said protective member defining a void corresponding to a removed portion of said protective member; b) an elastic member partially surrounding the periphery of said pad; c) a plurality of other elastic members secured to said pad, said elastic member and each otiier, said other elastic members being configured, dimensioned and positioned to surround a portion of the toes and a portion of die metatarsus of said dancer's foot and to maintain said foot protector in contact with said dancer's foot; d) an elastic heel strap connected to said elastic member, said elastic heel strap being configured, dimensioned and positioned to receive die heel portion of said dancer's foot and to maintain said foot protector in contact with said dancer's foot; and e) an insert member being positioned witiiin said void and secured to said protective member, said insert member having a smaller area than said portion, whereby securement of said insert to said portion of the periphery of said protective member defining said void causes said protective member to have a contoured configuration. 2. An item of footwear as in claim 1, wherein insert is three-sided, triangular or pie-shaped. 3. An item of footwear as in claim 1 , wherein said insert is positioned at the rear of said protective pad. 4. An item of footwear as in claim 1, wherein said insert is about one-fourth the length of the protective pad in the direction tiiat said insert extends. 5. An item of footwear as in claim 1, wherein said insert is less than one-third the length of the protective pad in the direction that said insert extends. 6. An item of footwear as in claim 1 , wherein said insert is less dian one-half the length of the protective pad in die direction that said insert extends. 7. An item of footwear as in claim 1, wherein said insert is elastic. 8. An item of footwear as in claim 7, wherein said insert is positioned at tire rear of said protective pad. 9. An item of footwear as in claim 7, wherein said insert is less tiian one-half the length of the protective pad in the direction that said insert extends. 10. An item of footwear as in claim 8, wherein said insert is less than one-half the lengtii of the protective pad in die direction tiiat said insert extends. 11. An item of footwear as in claim 10, wherein said pad has an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface making contact wim the ball of said dancer's foot and has lower coefficient of friction as said lower surface. 12. An item of footwear as in claim 10, wherein said elastic heel strap is configured, dimensioned and positioned to cross over itself at a cross over point and define a receiving area configured, dimensioned and positioned to receive the heel portion of said dancer's foot. 13. An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for a dancer's foot comprising: a) a protective pad having a top side, for engaging the ball of the foot of said dancer, and a bottom side, for engaging a dance floor for covering die ball of the dancer's foot, a portion of die periphery of said protective member defining a void corresponding to a removed portion of said protective member; b) a forward strap structure secured to said pad, said forward strap structure being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to engage die forward portion of said dancer's foot; c) an elongated heel strap having first and second ends and first and second side surfaces, secured to said protective pad and configured, dimensioned, and positioned to receive die heel portion of said dancer's foot, whereby said foot protector is maintained in position over said ball of said dancer's foot by the combined action of said forward strap structure and said heel strap, said strap being secured to said protective pad widi said first side surface of said first and second ends secured to said protective pad to form a common surface with said top side of said protective pad, said first and second ends being oriented, when worn on a dancer's foot, to be aimed at a common point between said protective pad and me heel of e dancer's foot and cross each odier under said dancer's foot; and d) an insert member being positioned widiin said void and secured to said protective member, said insert member having a smaller area tiian said portion, whereby securement of said insert to said portion of the periphery of said protective member defining said void causes said protective member to have a contoured configuration. 14. An item of footwear as in claim 13, wherein insert is three-sided, triangular or pie-shaped. 15. An item of footwear as in claim 13, wherein said insert is positioned at me rear of said protective pad. 16. An item of footwear as in claim 13, wherein said insert is about one-fourth die lengtii of the protective pad in me direction mat said insert extends. 17. An item of footwear as in claim 13, wherein said insert is less than one-diird the length of the protective pad in die direction diat said insert extends. 18. An item of footwear as in claim 13, wherein said insert is less than one-half die length of me protective pad in me direction diat said insert extends. 19. An item of footwear as in claim 13, wherein said insert is elastic. 20. An item of footwear as in claim 19, wherein said insert is positioned at e rear of said protective pad. 21. An item of footwear as in claim 19, wherein said insert is less than one-half the length of the protective pad in the direction diat said insert extends. 22. An item of footwear as in claim 20, wherein said insert is less tiian one-half the lengtii of die protective pad in me direction that said insert extends. 23. An item of footwear as in claim 22, wherein said heel strap or said forward strap structure is an elastic member providing an elastic force for maintaining said foot protector in positioned over said ball of said dancer's foot. 24. An item of footwear as in claim 22, wherein said heel strap is an elastic member and comprises neoprene. 25. An item of footwear as in claim 23, wherein said protective pad is leather. 26. An item of footwear as in claim 25, wherein said protective pad has an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface making contact with the ball of a dancer's foot and having a coefficient of friction sufficiently high to securely engage the ball of die dancer's foot, and said lower surface has a coefficient of friction sufficiently high to provide enough traction to allow said dancer to safely move about said dance floor by engaging said dance floor using said protective pad and sufficiently low to allow sliding and rotating movements under the pressures respectively associated witii such movements during dancing. 27. An item of footwear as in claim 26, wherein said protective pad as a front proximate to the tiiose of said dancer's foot and a rear closer to die heel of said dancer's foot, and said forward strap structure is secured to die front of said protective pad and said heel strap is secured to die rear of said protective pad. 28. An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for a dancer's foot comprising: a) a protective pad for covering the ball of die dancer's foot, a portion of die periphery of said protective member defining a void corresponding to a removed portion of said protective member; b) a forward strap structure secured to said pad, said forward strap structure being configured, dimensioned, and positioned to engage die forward portion of said dancer's foot; c) a heel strap secured to said protective pad and configured, dimensioned, and positioned to receive the heel portion of said dancer's foot, whereby said foot protector is maintained in position over said ball of said dancer's foot by the combined action of said forward strap structure and said heel strap; and d) an insert member being positioned widiin said void and secured to said protective member, said insert member having a smaller area than said portion, whereby securement of said insert to said portion of die periphery of said protective member defining said void causes said protective member to have a contoured configuration. 29. An item of footwear as in claim 28, wherein insert is three-sided, triangular or pie-shaped. 30. An item of footwear as in claim 28, wherein said insert is positioned at the rear of said protective pad. 31. An item of footwear as in claim 30, wherein said protective pad has an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface making contact with the ball of a dancer's foot and having a coefficient of friction sufficiently high to securely engage die ball of the dancer's foot, and said lower surface has a coefficient of friction sufficiently high to provide enough traction to allow said dancer to safely move about a dance floor by engaging said dance floor using said protective pad and sufficiently low to allow sliding and rotating movements under the pressures respectively associated with such movements during dancing. 32. An item of footwear as in claim 28, wherein said insert is about one-fourth die lengtii of the protective pad in the direction diat said insert extends. 33. An item of footwear as in claim 28, wherein said insert is less tiian one-third the lengtii of the protective pad in die direction diat said insert extends. 34. An item of footwear as in claim 28, wherein said insert is less than one-half the length of die protective pad in the direction diat said insert extends. 35. An item of footwear as in claim 28, wherein said insert is elastic. 36. An item of footwear as in claim 35, wherein said insert is positioned at die rear of said protective pad. 37. An item of footwear as in claim 35, wherein said insert is less than one-half the lengtii of die protective pad in the direction that said insert extends. 38. An item of footwear as in claim 36, wherein said insert is less dian one-half die length of the protective pad in die direction that said insert extends, and wherein said protective pad as a front proximate to the those of said dancer's foot and a rear closer to the heel of said dancer's foot, and said forward strap structure is secured to die front of said protective pad and said heel strap is secured to die rear of said protective pad. 39. An item of footwear as in claim 52, wherein said heel strap or said forward strap structure is an elastic member providing an elastic force for maintaining said foot protector in position over said ball of said dancer's foot, and wherein said forward strap structure and heel strap are made of an elastic material.