Customizable footbed

Abstract

A footbed having a plurality of pods that can be added, removed and/or replaced to adjust the fit and/or comfort of a shoe.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A footbed comprising:
 a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; and   a plurality of pods coupled to the first surface, each of the plurality of pods having a pod thickness;   wherein each of the plurality of pods is removable from the first surface; and   wherein removal of one of the plurality of pods reduces a thickness of the footbed according to the pod thickness.   
     
     
         2 . The footbed of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pods are coupled to the first surface with an adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The footbed of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pods are uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The footbed of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pods are not uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The footbed of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pods are located within a plurality of discrete recesses. 
     
     
         6 . A system for customizing the fit of a shoe comprising:
 a shoe and a footbed;   wherein the footbed comprises:   a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; and   a plurality of pods coupled to the first surface, each of the plurality of pods having a pod thickness;   wherein each of the plurality of pods is removable from the first surface; and   wherein removal of one of the plurality of pods reduces a thickness of the footbed according to the pod thickness.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of pods are coupled to the first surface with an adhesive. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of pods are uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of pods are not uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of pods are located within a plurality of discrete recesses. 
     
     
         11 . A kit for customizing the fit of a shoe comprising:
 a shoe and a footbed;   wherein the footbed comprises:   a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface;   a plurality of pods coupled to the first surface; and   a plurality of alternate pods;   wherein each of the plurality of pods is removable from the first surface for replacement by one or more of the plurality of alternate pods; and   wherein each of the plurality of alternate pods has a hardness, thickness, density, and/or breathability different from each of the plurality of pods.   
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of pods are coupled to the first surface with an adhesive. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of pods are uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of pods are not uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of pods are located within a plurality of discrete recesses.