Orthopedic corrective sandal or shoe

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to an orthopedic sandal or shoe which corrects the foot problems caused by chronic high heel wear, and because it does not require the wearer to refrain from high heel wear, becomes an acceptable therapy to the wearer.

#The wearing of high heel shoes is almost obligatory, considering custom, fashion, appearance and business attire requirements. High heels are worn to enhance the female “look”. The foot looks smaller, the ankle more trim, the calf and legs more curvaceous. The legs appear longer and the buttocks is tilted out. The female is taller, appears thinner and younger, and the stride more feminine. The advantages are so impressive, that these shoes become very addictive to the wearer and just as destructive.

#FIG. 1 is a top-plan view of the orthopedic corrective sandal or shoe according to the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a forward-elevational view of the orthopedic corrective sandal or shoe;

#FIG. 3 is a rear-elevational view of the orthopedic corrective sandal or shoe;

#Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a corrective sandal or shoe or device as seen from above. The corrective sandal or shoe or device is provided for correcting the anatomical distortions caused by high heel wear, in which the first toe is forced against and over the second toe, the third toe is abraded against the fourth toe and the fifth toe is crammed under the fourth toe.

#The device provides a combination of features which specifically oppose, counter and ensure positive and corrective resistance to the abnormal and destructive angles, distortions and concentrated pressures of chronic high heel wear.

#These corrective features include a sandal or shoe body 1 having an upper surface 2 against which the foot rests and a lower surface or sole 25 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) at which the sandal or shoe contacts the floor. These surfaces define a foot tray of the device providing a reverse rake or angle as compared to high heels. The forefoot is markedly elevated, stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. This relaxes the contracted plantar fascia and foot. The foot tray of the device is form fitting, following normal contours, thus allowing and encouraging the foot back into normal alignment. The balls of the foot are supported by a 2½ inch thick super soft broad double arched dome, not only to allow the toes to spread but actually forcing them to separate and relax. The toe support area is sloped down to reverse the dorsal-flexing of high heels, increasing their tendency to spread and return to the normal anatomy. Thus it is seen that the upper surface 2 has a descending and spreading toe slope support 3 for the second, third, fourth and fifth toes, that is the four toes other than the great toe.