Reebok International Limited

Ariat International, Inc.

Salomon S.a.

Under Armour, Inc.

Christian Tresser

Ricardo Vestuti

Andre Lee

A heel counter for an article of footwear is disclosed. The heel counter includes an outer frame member and an inner elastic member. The heel counter may also include wing portions that extend up to a lacing region of the article of footwear. The wing portions may have eyelets that can be engaged by a lace. As the lace is tightened, the outer frame member is pulled forward to lock down the foot while the inner elastic member stretches and conforms to the heel to provide increased support.

Heel counter

Footwear portion

A shoe cushion system integrated in a heel portion of a shoe includes a cavity in the heel of the sole for housing a honeycomb cushion and a strike pad to reduce foot fatigue. A spring is located directly above the strike pad and directs force from the impact of a foot on the heel portion of the shoe. An extendable portion of the spring is positioned within a lasting board aperture, while a flat portion overlaps the lasting board. This spring is made from a gel-like substance, which allows the extendable portion to project through the aperture when force is applied to the heel portion of the shoe. The extendable portion of the spring transfers force onto the strike pad, which in turn presses down on the honeycomb cushion. This honeycomb cushion compresses under the pressure of the strike pad to absorb some of the force.

Growing community of inventors

Portland, OR, United States of America

Christian Tresser