This invention relates to footwear and particularly to an article of outer footwear, such as a boot or shoe, which comprises an insole assembly of novel construction. The invention also relates to the insole assembly itself. Said novel insole assembly comprises an extruded thermoplastic foamed sheet having bonded thereto a textile fabric which forms the lower surface of the insole assembly so as to improve the strength of the adhesive bond to the outer edge of the upper and the sole proper.

A molded innersole for athletic and other shoes provides comfort and healthful distribution of weight on the foot through a construction which has laminated layers. A bottom layer of greater density and rigidity than a top layer (towards the foot of the wearer) with the construction of the top layer being softer and designed to take a partial compression set to produce a substantially permanent image of the wearer's toes, metatarsal arch and ball of the foot, at least. The upper soft layer is made of a closed cell foam and affords high impact absorption. The bottom layer is a firmer construction and performs the function when molded of retaining the general shape of the last used to make a specific shoe. Preferably both of these layers are made substantially of cross-linked polyethylene. Preferably a fabric moisture absorbing layer is provided above the said top layer, although other top layers may be used. The product is also highly resistant to tear and abrasion.

An insert for use in ice skates and the like which includes a blank pad having a top layer with an upper surface provided with a contour substantially complemental to the plantar surface of a person's foot, the top layer formed from suitable material to resist abrasion and absorb perspiration. The top layer is bonded to an intermediate layer formed of resilient material, a bottom of the intermediate surface affixed to a lower surface having a bottom layer provided with an alignment device for registry with the center line of a skate whereby deformation of the blank occurs along its longitudinal axis directly above the skate blade, the deformation of the blank causing a cradling and supporting effect upon the foot disposed within the skate so as to provide not only better centering over the skate blade, but also an improved load transmission from the foot through the leg resulting in overall better balance and skate edge control.

An insert for use in ice skates and the like which includes a blank having a top layer with an upper surface provided with a contour substantially complemental to the plantar surface of a person's foot, the top layer formed from a suitable material to resist abrasion, and absorb perspiration. The top layer is bonded to an intermediate layer formed of resilient material, a bottom portion of the intermediate surface affixed to a lower surface having a bottom layer provided with an alignment device for registry with the center line of a skate whereby deformation of the blank occurs along its longitudinal axis thereof, directly above the skate blade, the deformation of the blank causing a cradling and supporting effect upon the foot disposed within the skate so as to provide not only better centering over the skate blade, but also an improved load transmission from the foot through the leg resulting in overall better balance and skate edge control.

A shock-absorbing innersole for use in footwear, which innersole comprises an innersole body composed of a substantially nondeformable elastomeric-type urethane cellular polymer, having a contoured molded heel and arch section and a substantially flat sheet containing a ball and toe section, the innersole having one or more shock-absorbing inserts in the innersole positioned in the heel, ball or both areas of the innersole, the insert composed of a solid elastomeric polymer which has greater shock-absorbing properties and greater surface tack than the elastomeric urethane of the innersole body.