Footwear manufacturers continually work to improve the comfort of their products. One way is to provide footwear which support the wearer's foot and which has shock absorbing capabilities. Another way for improving the comfort of conventional footwear is to provide a system for ventilation or circulation into the upper and around the foot. Air circulation prevents stagnant air from being trapped around the foot where it can retain heat and moisture which make the footwear uncomfortable and provide a breeding-ground for bacteria.
The present invention relates to footwear having a plurality of apertures in the sole or midsole, preferably in conjunction with air channels on the surface of the sole, midsole and/or insole, and a heel and/or sole or midsole with at least one air chamber located within the heel cavity and a support member therein which compresses and returns to an expanded position. The cavities, especially in the heel, provide a relatively large chamber for the displacement and transfer of air into the upper. The heel cavities and/or the sole or midsole cavities are compressible and have a support member located therein which is also compressible. The support member(s) provide the footwear with a trampoline-like and controlled resiliency, over a range of loads. In conjunction with the air transfer, ventilation, and circulation system, the present invention also includes a sole and/or midsole which provides superior support, yet has shock absorbing capabilities which lessen the stress upon the joints and foot. The rigid or semirigid sole or midsole may also be combined with an orthotic which provides enhanced support and comfort.
The present inventor has found that conventional shoes lack the foregoing features and that they are therefore defective. As such, the inventor has invented the present footwear which includes such features.