Modular Shoe System

Abstract

The systems and methods described herein are directed to a modular shoe system that can include an internal support structure. Additionally, the internal support structure can include support features that can at least assist in providing different levels of support, compression, and/or comfort along various areas of the internal support structure. Furthermore, the internal support structure can have customized configurations and characteristics of support features in order to generally improve the fit and feel of the modular shoe system for a user.

1 ) A modular shoe, comprising:
 an internal support structure comprising an insole having at least a vertical heel support portion and defining a longitudinal axis running substantially from the heel support portion to a distal toe area, wherein the toe area has an open-toe configuration; and   a removable cover comprising an outsole and a top cover portion, the removable cover defining a longitudinal axis running substantially from a heel portion to a toe portion, the removable cover configured to removably couple to the internal support structure when the internal support structure is positioned within the removable cover, the coupling is substantially by application of pressure to the periphery of the internal support structure, the top cover portion including a fastening element for removably coupling the cover to a user's foot, the top cover portion further including a flap for partially covering a top portion of the internal support structure vertical heel support portion so as to align the longitudinal axis of the internal support structure and the longitudinal axis of the removable cover.   
     
     
         2 ) A modular shoe, comprising:
 an internal support structure comprising an insole having at least a vertical heel support portion, the internal support structure defining a longitudinal axis running substantially from the heel support portion to a distal toe area, the internal support structure further comprised of at least two materials having different densities; and a removable cover, the removable cover comprising an outsole and a top cover portion, the removable cover having a longitudinal axis running substantially from a heel portion to a toe portion, the removable cover configured to removably couple to the internal support structure when the internal support structure is positioned within the removable cover, the coupling is substantially by application of pressure to the periphery of the internal support structure, the top cover portion including a fastening element for removably coupling the cover to a user's foot, the top cover portion further including a flap for partially covering a top portion of the internal support structure vertical heel support portion so as to align the longitudinal axis of the internal support structure and the longitudinal axis of the removable cover.   
     
     
         3 ) A modular shoe, comprising
 an internal support structure, the internal support structure comprising an insole having at least a vertical heel support portion, the internal support structure defining a longitudinal axis running substantially from the heel support portion to a distal toe area, the internal support structure further comprised of at least one support features; and a removable cover, the removable cover comprising an outsole and a top cover portion, the removable cover having a longitudinal axis running substantially from a heel portion to a toe portion, the removable cover configured to removably couple to the internal support structure when the internal support structure is positioned within the removable cover, the coupling is substantially by application of pressure to the periphery of the internal support structure, the top cover portion including a fastening element for removably coupling the cover to a user's foot, the top cover portion further including a flap for partially covering a top portion of the internal support structure vertical heel support portion so as to align the longitudinal axis of the internal support structure and the longitudinal axis of the removable cover.   
     
     
         4 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the shape of the at least one support feature is square. 
     
     
         5 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the shape of the at least one support feature is circular. 
     
     
         6 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the shape of the at least one support feature is a modified geometric shape. 
     
     
         7 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one support feature is positioned in at least one of an arch area, a toe area, and a heel area of the internal support structure. 
     
     
         8 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one support feature is positioned in the vertical heel support portion of the internal support structure. 
     
     
         9 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the internal support structure includes a shank. 
     
     
         10 ) The modular shoe of  claim 9 , wherein the shank is made out of a rigid material. 
     
     
         11 ) The modular shoe of  claim 3 , wherein the internal support structure includes more than one support feature. 
     
     
         12 ) The modular shoe of  claim 11 , wherein at least two of the more than one support features are different shaped. 
     
     
         13 ) The modular shoe of  claim 11 , wherein at least two of the more than one support features have different densities. 
     
     
         14 ) The modular shoe of  claim 11 , wherein at least two of the more than one support features have different types of shore hardness.