Reebok International Limited

Steven P Liggett

Tuan N Le

Paul D Brown

Edward Lussier

Jeffrey P Bua

Andrea Kelly

Steven Francis Smith

Peter M Foley

Brian F Igoe

An athletic shoe is disclosed having a midsole which is substantially devoid of cushioning material in the arch region. An arch member is located in the arch region to provide support to the foot of a wearer.

Composite arch member

Shoe sole

A laced, lightweight athletic shoe which provides enhanced foot stability and comfort includes a top of a lightweight, flexible material, a U-shaped lacing margin stitched to the top and defining a lacing opening, and a reinforcing cover stitched to an overlying portion of the top. Inner and outer lateral straps form part of the reinforcing cover and extend upwardly from opposite sides of the front portion of the cover to the lacing opening and overlie the lacing margin. A stabilizing strap made of a non-stretchable material such as polyurethane underlies one or both of the lateral straps and extends from the lasting margin to the lacing opening to reinforce the upper and provide lateral stability to the foot of the wearer. The shoe further includes a removable insert comprising a resilient material having a pattern of resilient dimples over its bottom surface for shock absorption. The shoe is provided with a midsole having a dished upper surface including an upwardly extending flange around the periphery of the rear and sides, extending forwardly to the ball of the foot. The flange restrains movement of the rear portion of the wearer's foot in relation to the midsole.

Athletic shoe

Athletic shoe upper

Growing community of inventors

North Easton, MA, United States of America

Steven P Liggett