WO2021024010A1

WO2021024010A1 - Brace adaptive shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2021024010A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/001137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Baker Scott
Original assignee: Baker Scott
Priority date: 2019-08-05
Filing date: 2019-08-05
Publication date: 2021-02-11
Also published as: EP4009923A1; EP4009923A4

Abstract

A shoe comprises a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a top member having an outer surface and an inner surface and mounted on the sole. The top member and sole together define a space for receiving a foot, and the top member further comprises an opening. As will be appreciated, the present invention as described herein in its various embodiments can take a significant number of different versions and forms. Central to all of the embodiments is the provision of a shoe which contains structure for allowing portions of the top member to expand in an accommodating manner for differing type of foot, toe, and ankle type braces as well as allowing for an easier insertion of a foot wearing a brace into a shoe.

Description

BRACE ADAPTIVE SHOE

Field and Background of the Invention

This invention relates to a shoe. More particularly, the invention relates to a shoe which is configured and constructed so that it can internally accommodate a foot, ankle, or toe brace while allowing the wearer to remain in the correct sized for their foot. Additionally, the current invention allows for a significantly larger entry opening for insertion of a foot with a brace attached.

A conventional closed shoe comprises a sole and a top member stitched or otherwise fastened to the sole. The top member will typically create a chamber or housing area for the foot, and have an opening through which the foot accesses the chamber designed to closely accommodate the size of the foot corresponding the size of the shoe. In the aforementioned equation there is no additional space available for a foot type brace inside the correctly sized shoe for the wearer, leaving limited options, primarily fitting a larger sized shoe than the foot of the wearer needs to accommodate the requirements of a foot type brace.

There has long been a need for a shoe that can be correctly sized to the wearers foot while incorporating abilities to expand internally to accommodate a foot type brace only in areas the foot type brace resides.

An additional function of a conventional shoe is the adjustable size of the opening so that it can be larger when inserting the foot, and reduced in size when the foot is inside the shoe. The opening is adjusted by the user by means of shoelaces, Velcro straps or elasticized portions around the opening, to name some examples. A person wearing a brace on their foot has a secondary issue with the aforementioned configuration, that being the lack of ability of the conventional shoe opening to open enough to place the shoe on the foot without tremendous physical labor.

There has long been a need for a conventional type shoe that can easily allow for a foot wearing a structural brace to enter just as a foot without a brace can.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the current invention, there is provided a shoe comprising; a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface; a top member having an outer surface and an inner surface and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space for receiving a foot; the top member further having a medial side, a lateral side, a heel portion, a toe portion, a top portion, and a foot opening being located near the heel end of the top member, as well as self-expanding and expandable areas in different locations to accommodate different foot, ankle, and toe braces;

In one embodiment the top member of the shoe can also incorporate several self-expanding areas on the top member from the toe area towards the foot opening area, these self-expanding areas allow for braces that cover the top of the wearer's toes and only expand around where the brace needs additional room thus not requiring a completely larger size shoe that the wearer requires.

In another embodiment the top member of the shoe can also incorporate an expandable vertical strip in the center of the heel portion of the top member allowing for accommodating an ankle brace, in addition to a securement flap around the expandable vertical strip opening to control the heel portion expansion once the brace is in place inside the shoe.

In yet another embodiment the top member of the shoe can also incorporate an expandable vertical strip with lacing on one or both sides of the foot opening allowing for a more specialized type of brace to be utilized inside the shoe, the lacing tightening the upper edge of the foot entry are once the space required by the brace is set.

In another embodiment the top member has vertical expandable areas on either one or both sides of the foot opening area as well as a securement cover flap for each expandable area which enhances structural stability into the upper edge of the foot opening once the space required by the brace is set.

In a further embodiment the shoe being a tall boot style with a vertical expandable area on one or both sides aligned with the ankle general area, from the sole to above the ankle position area that allows for the wearer to have their brace accommodated for when the boot is worn, each expandable area having a cover flap that enhances support to the expanded area once the boot style shoe is on the wearers foot.

In still another embodiment, the shoe has a heel end, a generally opposite front end, a top member incorporating a medial side, a lateral side, a heel portion, a toe portion, a top portion, and a foot opening being located near the heel end of the top member, a fastener commencing in the top portion at the distal end of the foot opening, close in location to either the medial or lateral side portions of the top member, extending toward the front end of top portion of the top member, and continuing across the top portion either from the lateral side to the medial side or the medial side to the lateral side (depending on the commencing position of the fastener in the production process) over/across the distal end of the top portion thereof and minimally along the opposite side of the top portion such that a large area of the top portion of the top member is movably opened enlarging the foot opening substantially for easy insertion of a foot with a brace attached.

The previously described embodiment allowing for a significantly larger foot opening function can be utilized with all the other embodiments described thus far, allowing for a shoe with expandable areas for accommodating a foot type brace as well as the larger foot opening for ease of insertion of the foot with brace into the shoe.

The shoe may comprise many different styles, from boot styles to sneakers styles, and from high heels to casual dress, all of which can utilize expandable areas as well as one of many fastener options from a zipper to a Velcro type material, the fastening means and expandable areas can be exposed or hidden, furthermore many of these aforementioned styles of shoes can also incorporate laces for further adjusting the fit or for additional fashion.

This invention therefore relates to a shoe with a unique structure and configuration which enables it to be placed on a foot wearing a bracing type structure with ease, and removed therefrom in a more convenient manner which also facilitates healthy and natural foot and toe placement which can suffer from forcing a foot wearing a brace into a conventional shoe. Those that require a foot, toe, or ankle brace for structural support have an additional layer of complications with a convention shoe being that a conventional shoe would need to be several sizes larger than the wearer's foot to accommodate the brace, leaving too much space in the shoe around the foot which creates a safety concern regarding stability while also looking abnormally large for the persons physical size and probably drawing unwanted attention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 Shows a shoe in ¾ top front view with self-expanding panels in the top portion of the top member of the shoe. Fig. 2 Shows the shoe in Fig. 1 with the self-expanding panels in an expanded position.

Fig. 3 Details a universal foot brace which supports ankle, arch, and toes.

Fig. 4 Shown in rear view is a shoe with a vertical expandable panel in the heel area, expanded to accommodate a foot with a brace attached, and a securement flap for increased structural stability within the shoe once the foot with brace is installed.

Fig. 5 In ¾ top front view is a shoe with a vertical self- expanding panel on the side area of the foot opening with eyelets for lacing, in expanded position with laces for increased stability within the shoe.

Fig. 6 Shown in side view a sneaker type shoe with a vertical expanding area covered by a securement flap.

Fig. 7 In side view is shown the shoe from Fig. 7 with the securement flap in the releasable position detailing the full expanding area as well as the fastening means for the flap.

Fig. 8 A top view of a shoe with a vertical expandable panel on both sides of the foot opening and covered by securement flaps (in the secured position) for securing the size accommodation for a foot type brace.

Fig. 9 In top view a shoe as in Fig. 8 with the securement flaps in releasable position exposing expandable material and flap fastening means.

Fig. 10 A tall boot shown in side view detailing a vertical expandable area, and a securement flap in the secured position, which controls the expansion amount.

Fig. 11 A boot as shown in Fig. 10 with the securement flap in the releasable position, and fastening means for the flap.

Fig. 12 A shoe shown in side cut away view, detailing the conflict areas that occur when a foot with a full brace attached contacts a shoe with a convention foot opening design in the installation process.

Fig. 13 A shoe, similar to that in Fig. 12, showing the conflict areas that occur when placing a foot with an ankle brace in a shoe with a conventional foot opening design in the installation process.

Fig. 14 A shoe shown in ¾ top front view detailing the travel path of an unfastening / refastening means which allows a significantly larger foot opening area when utilized, designed to remove the conflict areas currently associated with the foot opening areas of conventional shoes, as detailed in Figs. 12 & 13

Fig. 15 A shoe as shown in Fig. 14 the unfastening / refastening means utilized fully creating the larger foot opening for ease of installation of a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 16 A shoe a described in Fig. 15 showing how a full support foot brace attached to a wearer utilizes the larger foot opening for an easier entry and placement within the shoe.

Fig. 17 A shoe as detailed in Fig. 1 with self-expanding panels in the top portion of the top member additionally with an unfastening / refastening means that when utilized allows for a larger foot opening area.

Fig. 18 A shoe as detailed in Fig. 17 shown with the self expanding panels expanded as they would be to accommodate a foot type brace with toe/upper foot protection.

Fig. 19 A shoe as shown in Fig. 5 with a vertical expandable area, the expansion controlled with laces being adjusted for fit, with the addition of an unfastening / re fastening means in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 20 As described in Fig. 6 shown in side view a sneaker type shoe with a vertical expanding area covered by a securement flap, with the addition of an unfastening / refastening means in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 21 As detailed in Fig. 7 with the securement flap in the releasable position detailing the full expanding panel as well as the fastening means for the flap, additionally, an unfastening / refastening means in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 22 As detailed in Fig. 8 A top view of a shoe with a vertical expandable panel on both sides of the foot opening with securement flaps in the secured position for holding the fitment of a foot with a brace, with the addition of an unfastening / refastening in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 23 As detailed in Fig. 9 a shoe in top view with the securement flaps in releasable position exposing expandable material and flap securement means allowing for the required amount of expansion for a foot type brace, with the addition of an unfastening / refastening means in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 24 As detailed in Fig. 10 tall boot shown in side view detailing a vertical expandable area, and a securement flap in the secured position, which controls the expansion amount, with the addition of an unfastening / refastening means in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 25 As detailed in Fig. 11 a boot with the securement flap in the releasable position, and securement means for the flap, additionally with an unfastening / refastening means in the top portion of the top member which allows for a significantly larger foot opening.

Fig. 26 A boot in side/front view detailing the significantly larger foot opening exposed from utilizing the unfastening / fastening means that allows the top portion of the top member to open all the way to what is typically recognized as the standard foot opening area, additionally showing a vertically expandable panel in the side portion of the top member for accommodating a foot type brace.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 Detailing a shoe 1 in ¾ top front view with a top member 2, a sole 3, a front toe end 5, a heel end 4, a foot opening area 6, a top portion 8, and a plurality of self expanding panels 7 in the top portion 8 of the top member 2 positioned from the front toe end towards the foot opening area.

Fig. 2 A shoe as in Fig. 1 with the self-expanding panels 7 in the top portion 8 of the top member 2 in the expanded position 9 increasing the internal space in the shoe to accommodate a foot brace for toes and upper foot support.

Fig. 3 A complete foot type brace 10 in ¾ front side view with protections and support areas for the heel end 11, the toe end 12, additionally offering a toe cap 13, and an attachment strap 14, a sock 15 is also defined.

Fig. 4 A shoe detailed in a rear view showing the heel end 19 of the shoe, a sole 20, a vertical split in the heel end material 21, expandable material 22 filling the vertical split, a securement flap 23 with the female side of a Velcro type material 25 which once engaged with the male side of a Velcro type material 24 located on the heel end of the shoe 19 allows the securement flap 23 to retain the correct amount of additional space required to accommodate the foot type brace 26 while also incorporating original strength to the shoe structure.

The foot brace 26 being a metal structure with a lower attachment strap 28 and an upper attachment strap 27, a sock 29 is also shown.

Fig. 5 A shoe 1 displayed in 3/4 front top view with a sole 3, a top member 2, having a rear heel portion 4, a front toe portion 5, a top portion 8, a foot opening area 6, a vertical expandable area 30 in one side of the top member at the foot opening area from the sole area 3 to the top of the side at the foot opening 6 allowing for increased internal foot spacing to accommodate an ankle that has a brace attached requiring additional width in that general area. Laces 32 allow for adjusting the amount of expansion in the expandable material 30 with tightening through eyelets 31 and tying as displayed. Fig. 6 A shoe 1 as in Fig. 1 having a top member 2 with a foot opening 6, a sole 3, expandable material 30 which allows for increased internal space for a foot type brace, a securement flap 33 that retains the specific amount of expansion required for the brace in use in the secured position, the attachment means 34 for the securement flap

33 to the shoe 1 is also shown.

Fig. 7 A shoe 1 as in Fig. 6, displaying the securement flap 33 on the side portion of the top member 2 in the releasable position exposing the full view of the expandable material 30 as well as the Velcro type material female side attached to the internal side of the securement flap 33A fastening to the male side 35 mounted on the side of the shoe.

Fig. 8 A shoe 1 in top view with a top member 2 having a front toe portion 38, a rear heel portion 37, a top portion 182, an expandable vertical panel 30 on either side of the foot opening allowing additional internal space in the shoe for a foot type brace and shown covered by securement flaps 33 attached to the top member 2 by stitches 34 and retaining the specific amount of expansion needed for the type of foot brace being used.

Fig. 9 A shoe 1 as detailed in Fig. 8 with securement flaps 33 in the releasable position 33A exposing the expandable material 30, the Velcro type material female side 36 mounted to the internal side of the securement flap 33A with the male side of the Velcro type material 35 mounted to the side of the top member.

Fig. 10 A tall boot style shoe 40 shown in side view with a top member 41 with a vertical tube section 41A, a front toe portion 16, a rear heel portion 17, a top portion 41, a foot opening 18, a securement flap 44, an expandable panel 43, the securement flap 44 in the secured position over the expandable material 43.

Fig. 11 A tall boot style shoe 40 as detailed in Fig. 10 with a top member 41, with a vertical tube section 41A, a front toe portion 16, a rear heel portion 17, a top portion 41, a foot opening 18, a securement flap 44 in the releasable position exposing the internal side of the flap 45 with the female side of a Velcro type material 47 attached, the expandable material 43 attached within a cutout 42 creating increased internal space in the shoe for a foot type brace, the male side of the Velcro material 46 attached to the top member.

Fig. 12 A shoe 140 in side view cut away with a front toe portion 142, a rear heel portion 143, a sole 141, and a space between the top member and the sole for accommodating a foot, additionally detailed is a general foot type brace 145 with an arch support portion 147 and a toe support protection portion 146, also shown is conflict points between the foot brace arch support bottom panel with the foot opening area at the heel portion 148 and between the top of the brace and the front most edge of the foot opening 149, these conflicts occur due to the size of the conventional foot opening sizing and require physical manipulation and bending of the top member breaking down the material in the process of inserting the foot with a brace attached into the shoe.

Fig. 13 A shoe 150 similar in description to Fig. 12 with an ankle brace similar to that detailed in Fig. 4 here in side view, the ankle type brace removing ankle flexibility required to maneuver a foot into a shoe with a conventional foot opening sizing causing potential points of conflict 152 and 153, the brace 154 being of a metal material and attaching with a lower strap 156, an upper strap 155, and having an ankle bone clearance area 157.

Fig. 14 A shoe 50 designed to solve the conflict issues that are present relating to inserting a braced foot through the foot opening of a conventional shoe, with a top member

51 having a top portion 52, a front toe portion 53, a rear heel portion 54, a side portion 55, a foot opening area 56, and an unfastening / refastening means 57 for significantly enlarging the foot opening area by allowing the top portion 52 of the top member 51 to fold over when the unfastening / refastening means tab 57A with a starting position 57B in which the top portion 52 of the top member 51 in a closed secured position, is moved to a finishing position 57C in which the top portion 52 of the top member 51 is releasable to fold over creating the larger foot opening area allowing easier access into the shoe for a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 15 A shoe as described in Fig. 14 detailing the top portion 52 of the top member 50 in a position exposing the internal side 52A of the top portion 52 of the top member 50 increasing the conventional foot opening 56 creating a significantly larger foot opening area 60 after the unfastening / refastening means tab 57A is moved from a closed starting position 57B to an opened finishing position 57C at the other end of its travel path making access into the shoe easier for a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 16 A shoe as described in Fig. 15 shown in side view with an internal view with a top member 160 having a rear heel portion 161, a side portion 162, a front toe portion 163, a top portion 164, and a foot opening area 165, also described is a foot brace 168 half inserted into said shoe 160, with an arch support portion 170 having a front end 170A and a rear end 170B, a toe support portion 171, an ankle support portion 169, the arch support portion being rigid in nature, an unfastening / refastening means 167 with unfastening / refastening means tab 167A moved from the closed starting position 167B to the opened ending position

167C allowing the top portion 164 of the top member 160 to fold over, exposing the internal side 164A and enlarging the foot opening 165 creating a significantly larger foot opening area 165A allowing the brace to drop into the shoe easily affording correct internal placement.

Fig. 17 A shoe similar to Fig. 1 in front top ¾ view having a top member 62, self-expanding panels 63, a top portion of the top member 64, a front toe portion 65, additionally, an unfastening / refastening means 66 which when the unfastening / refastening means tab 66A is moved from a close starting position 66B to an open finishing position 66C allowing the top portion 64 of the top member 62 to fold over creating a significantly larger foot opening area for easier access into the shoe for a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 18 A shoe as defined in Fig. 17 with the self-expanding panels in the expanded position 63A with the unfastening / refastening means tab 66A in the closed position 66B and the top portion of the top member in the closed position.

Fig. 19 A shoe as defined in Fig. 5 having a top member 77, a front toe portion 68, a rear heel portion 67, a side portion 79, a top portion 78, a foot opening 72, and including a vertical expandable panel in an expanded position 73A on one side 79 of the top member 77 at the foot opening area 72 allowing for increased internal space in the shoe to accommodate an ankle that has a brace attached which requires additional width in that general area. Laces 76 allow for adjusting the amount of expansion in the expandable material with tightening through eyelets 74 and tying as displayed, additionally an unfastening / refastening means 75 which when the unfastening / refastening means tab 75A is moved from a close position 75B, as shown, to an open position 75C allows the top portion 78 of the top member 77 to fold over creating a significantly larger foot opening area for easier access in receiving a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 20 A shoe 80 as defined in Fig. 6 in side view having a top member 81 with a foot opening 85, a sole 89, a front toe portion 83, a rear heel portion 84, a top portion 82, and expandable material 86 which allows for increased internal space for a foot type brace, a securement flap

87 that retains the specific amount of expansion required for the brace in use displayed in the secured position, the attachment means 88 for the securement flap 87 to the shoe 80 is also shown, additionally an unfastening / refastening means 90 which when moved from a close position, as shown, to an open position allows the top portion 82 of the top member 81 to fold over creating a significantly larger foot opening area for easier access in receiving a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 21 A shoe as defined in Fig. 20 in side view with the securement flap 87 in the releasable position exposing the internal side 91 of the securement flap 87 as well both components of a Velcro type material, the male side 92 attached to the side 94 of the top member 81 with the female side 93 attached to the internal side 91 of the securement flap 87, the expandable material fully exposed and in an expanded position 86A, an unfastening / refastening means for releasably folding the top portion 82 of the top member 81 resides in a closed position with the top portion 82 also closed.

Fig. 22 A shoe 100 as described in Fig. 8 in top view with a top member 104 having a front toe end portion 102, a rear heel portion 103, a top portion 101, an expandable vertical panel 107 on either side of the foot opening

105 allowing additional internal space in the shoe for a foot type brace and shown covered by securement flaps

106 attached to the top member by attachment means 108 and retaining the specific amount of expansion needed for the type of foot brace being used, an unfastening / refastening means 109 for releasably folding open the top portion 101 of the top member 104 significantly increasing the foot opening area for easier insertion of a foot wearing a brace when the fastening means tab 109A is adjusted from its closed position 109B to its opened position 109C, the fastening means and top portion shown in a closed position 109B.

Fig. 23 A shoe 100 as described in Fig. 22 in top view with the securement flaps 106 in the releasable position exposing the internal side 112 of the securement flap 106 as well both components of a Velcro type material, the male side 110 attached to the side 114 of the top member 100 with the female side 111 attached to the internal side 112 of the securement flap 106, the expandable material fully exposed and in an expanded position 113, an unfastening / refastening means 109 for releasably folding open the top portion 101 of the top member 104 significantly increasing the foot opening area for easier insertion of a foot wearing a brace when the fastening means tab 109A is adjusted from its closed position 109B to its opened position 109C, the fastening means and top portion shown in a closed position 109B.

Fig. 24 A boot style shoe 115 as detailed in Fig. 10 and shown in side view with a top member 116, having a front toe portion 118, a rear heel portion 119, a top portion 117, a securement flap 122 in a secured position over the expandable material 123, additionally an unfastening / refastening means 121 which when the unfastening / refastening means tab 121A is moved from a close position 121B, as shown, to an open position 121C allows the top portion 117 of the top member 116 to fold over creating a significantly larger foot opening area for easier access in receiving a foot with a brace attached.

Fig. 25 A boot as described in Fig. 24 in side view with the securement flap 122 in the releasable position exposing the internal side 127 of securement flap 122 as well both components of a Velcro type material, the male side 125 attached to the side 128 of the top member 116 with the female side 126 attached to the internal side 127 of the securement flap 122, the expandable material fully exposed and in an expanded position 123, an unfastening

/ refastening means tab 121A for releasably folding the top portion 117 of the top member 116 resides in a closed position 121B with the top portion 117 also closed, when the unfastening / refastening means tab

121A is moved to the open position 121C, allowing the top portion 117 to fold open, the entire vertical frontage of the boot folds out of the way as detailed in

Fig. 26, allowing a braced foot clear access for insertion into the boot as detailed in Fig. 16.

Fig. 26 A boot 130 in front side view having a top member 139 with a top portion 131, a front toe portion 132, a rear heel portion 133, a foot opening 134, an expandable panel 135 detailed in the internal area 131A of the boot, laces 138 for conventional adjustment of boot fitment, additionally an unfastening / refastening means 180 which when the unfastening / refastening means tab 180A is moved from a closed position 180B, to an open position 180C (as shown) it allows the top portion 131 of the top member 139 to fold over creating a significantly larger foot opening area 136 for easier access in receiving a foot with a brace attached, with a boot style shoe the increased foot opening area includes the entire frontage of the boot as noted with the dual placements of 136.

Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments. As used herein, "plurality" means two or more. As used herein, a "set" of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of", respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, "and/or" means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising: a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface, a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a top portion, and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having a foot opening with a distal end and a proximal end, a medial side and a lateral side, and a lower connective edge for connecting the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member, the top member having a panel or panels that are expandable in a variety of locations allowing the top member to adjust in size to accommodate foot braces of many sizes and shapes in the specific areas extra space is required for the chosen brace.

2. A shoe as claimed in Claim 1, having a self-expanding panel or panels on the top portion of the top member, the panels positioned in several locations across the top portion from the toe area towards the foot opening location.

3. A shoe as claimed in Claim 1, having a vertical expandable panel located in the side portion of the top member, a measured distance between the front edge and rear edge of the foot opening and extending from the sole area vertically to the edge of the foot opening, the side portion of the top member having a fastening means for a lacing to adjust and retain a set amount of expansion that accommodates a foot/ankle type brace located on either side of the expandable panel.

4. A shoe as claimed in Claim 1, having a vertical expandable panel located in the center of the heel portion of the top member, a securement cover flap permanently attached at one end to the heel portion of the top member on one side of the expandable panel, the other end of the cover flap releasably secured with to a Velcro type material on the heel portion of the top member on the other side of the expandable panel, the expandable panel allowing for added internal space for heel type braces and the cover flap securing and retaining the chosen amount of expansion to accommodate the foot/ankle type brace.

5. A shoe as claimed in Claim 1 having expandable panels in the top member allowing the top member of the shoe to conform to provide additional internal space in the exact areas required to accommodate a foot, toe, or ankle type brace, the expandable panel can be utilized in any style or type of closed or semi closed footwear.

6. A shoe as claimed in Claim 1 having a foot entry opening in the top member, a vertical expandable panel on the medial side, the lateral side, or both sides, of the top member in a measured location between the front and rear edges of the foot opening, the expandable panel adjustable to accommodate needed additional internal space for a foot/ankle type brace in the areas requiring additional space for the brace, a securement cover flap, with one end permanently attached to the side portion of the top member on one side of the expandable panel, the other end releasably secured by a Velcro type material located on the side of the top member on the opposite side of the expandable panel, allowing for expansion when in the released position, and retaining only the desired expansion once in the secured position.

7. A shoe comprising a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface, a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a lateral side, a medial side, a top portion, and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot, the top member further having a foot opening with a distal end and a proximal end and a medial side and a lateral side, and a lower connective edge for connecting the upper surface of the sole and the lower connective edge of the top member, and the top member having expandable panels in a variety of locations, allowing the top member to adjust in size to accommodate foot braces of many sizes and shapes in the specific areas extra space is required for the chosen brace, a securement cover flap, with one end permanently attached to the top member on one side of the expandable panel, the other end releasably secured by a Velcro type material located on the side of the top member on the opposite side of the expandable panel, allowing for expansion when in the releasable position, and retaining the desired expansion once in the secured position.

8. A shoe as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the expandable vertical panels and securement cover flaps can be incorporated on one or both sides of the top member at the foot opening area, as well as the heel end portion of the top member for further internal special adaptation.

9. A boot comprising a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface, a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a top portion having a vertically extending tube section with a foot opening at the highest position of the tube section and extending a measurable amount above the normal foot opening location in the top member of a standard casual style shoe, and mounted on the sole, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween configured to receive a foot and lower portion of a leg, the foot opening having a distal end and a proximal end, a medial side and a lateral side, the top member having a lower connective edge for connecting to the upper surface of the sole, the top member having expandable panels in a variety of locations allowing the top member to adjust in size internally to accommodate foot braces of many sizes and shapes in the specific areas additional space is required for the chosen brace, a securement cover flap, with one end permanently attached to the top member on one side of an expandable panel, the other end releasably secured by a Velcro type material located on the top member on the opposite side of the expandable panel, allowing for expansion when in the releasable position, and retaining the desired expansion once in the secured position.

10. A shoe as claimed in Claim 1 having a means of unfastening and refastening the top portion of the top member creating an enlarged foot opening easier for receiving of a foot wearing a foot/ankle type brace.

11. A boot as claimed in Claim 10 having a means of unfastening and refastening the top portion of the top member including the front portion of the vertical tube portion of the top member creating an enlarged foot opening, easier to receive a foot wearing a foot/ankle type brace.

12. A shoe as claimed in Claim 7 with a fastening means that starts at the front edge of the foot opening area and traverses towards the toe portion of the top member along the edge of the top portion of the top member then traversing across the front edge of the top portion of the top member to the other edge of the top portion of the top member then traversing back towards the foot opening area along the edge of the top portion ending at a position less than half the distance between the front edge of the top portion and the front edge of the foot opening, allowing the top portion of the top member to fold open revealing a majority of the sole area openly configured to receive a foot wearing a brace from a multiple of angles.

13. A method for accommodating a foot type brace into a shoe that allows the shoe itself to conform to the additional space requirements of a brace, only where the additional space is required for the brace while retaining the correct size shoe for a wearer's foot in all other areas of the shoe.

14. A method for opening the top portion of the top member of a shoe to be configured to receive a wearer's foot from a multitude of different entry angle.