Dance Shoe
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorSusan L. Sokolowski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An article of footwear configured for use as a dance shoe is provided. The article of footwear can include an upper and a two-piece sole connected to the upper. The article can also include a cage support that surrounds a portion of the upper and aids in flexibility of the shoe. The article can also include a single piece liner with an integrated toe box. In addition, the shoe can include an offset lacing system. In another arrangement, the shoe can include an elastic wrap, connected to the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the upper. The wrap can act as a tongue to minimize contact between the offset lacing system and the dancer's foot. In yet another arrangement, the shoe can include different types of outsole supports.
Claims20
A liner for a dance shoe, comprising:
- a single piece insert portion;
- a toe box integrated into the single insert portion;
- and
- a plurality of ribs positioned throughout an arch area of the single insert portion.
An article of footwear, configured for use as a dance shoe, comprising:
- an upper formed of a breathable material and forming a cavity into which a user's foot is inserted;
- a single piece liner with an integrated toe box, located inside the cavity formed by the upper;
- a two piece sole, connected to the upper and including separate outsole supports;
- and
- an offset lacing system.
A dance shoe, comprising:
- an upper formed of a breathable material and forming a cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper defining a gap positioned offset from a center of the upper;
- a single piece liner with an integrated toe box, located inside the cavity formed by the upper;
- and
- a two piece sole, connected to the upper and including separate outsole supports.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.