Integrated shoe support structure combining heel counter and shank

Abstract

Embodiments are described for a semi-rigid apparatus for use in conjunction with the sole and upper of a shoe or sandal. The apparatus involves a heel stabilizer shank enclosing a portion of the heel, with a shank extension from the medial side, a lightweight support structure running along the bottom of the foot between the outsole and insole stiffening the heel and midfoot. Both elements are made from a single piece of material that can be injection molded, 3D printed, or the like. The purpose of this apparatus is to provide all day comfort, protect the heel from lateral shifting, and stiffen the heel and midfoot for less strain on the foot.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shoe having a support apparatus comprising:
 a. an upper;   b. a sole having an outsole extending the length of the shoe, the sole attached to the upper;   c. a support apparatus comprising:
 i. a heel counter; 
 ii. a shank integrally molded to the heel counter; and 
 iii. a shank extension integrally molded to the shank, 
   wherein the support apparatus is disposed between the upper and the sole,   wherein the support apparatus is configured to provide support to the heel of a user.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sole has a recessed portion configured to receive the support apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , having a ridge portion extending perpendicular from an outer surface of the heel counter, wherein the ridge portion is configured to engage with a top edge of the sole. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a height of the heel counter tapers from a maximum height at a rear end of the heel counter to a minimum height at a front end of the heel counter. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the front end is positioned adjacent the heads of the metatarsal bones of the user. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shank extension along the bottom of the medial side of the user's foot. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shank is a U-Shaped member. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shank extension is integrally molded to a mating portion, wherein the mating portion is integrally molded to the shank at the medial side only. 
     
     
         9 . A shoe having a support apparatus comprising:
 a. an upper;   b. a sole having an insole and an outsole extending the length of the shoe, the sole attached to the upper;   c. a support apparatus comprising:
 i. a heel counter extending vertically along the heel of a user; 
 ii. a shank integrally molded to the heel counter, wherein the shank is substantially perpendicular to the heel counter; and 
 iii. a shank extension integrally molded via a mating portion to the shank, wherein the shank extension to the distal end of the user's foot, 
   wherein the support apparatus is disposed between the upper and the sole,   wherein the support apparatus is configured prevent over-supination and over-pronation of the foot.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the sole has a recessed portion configured to receive the support apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , having a ridge portion extending perpendicular from an outer surface of the heel counter, wherein the ridge portion is configured to engage with a top edge of the sole. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein a height of the heel counter tapers from a maximum height at a rear end of the heel counter to a minimum height at a front end of the heel counter. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the front end is positioned adjacent the heads of the metatarsal bones of the user. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the shank extension along the bottom of the medial side of the user's foot. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the support apparatus is constructed by injection molding. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the support apparatus is constructed by 3-Dimensional printing. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the shank is a U-Shaped member. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the U-Shaped member permits the heel to contact the insole. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the support apparatus is constructed having a SHORE D hardness between 20 and 95. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the shoe is fashioned as an athletic shoe, boot, casual shoe, or sandal.