This disclosure relates to a kicking shoe which incorporates a defined impact surface formed by a substantially rigid pad overlying the instep to serve as a device to consistently contact a football in a controlled pattern so that the range and accuracy of the kicker are improved.

Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or in addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

A cyclist shoe comprises a sole and an upper. The upper has a vamp with a variable throat located between side panels. Separately adjustable inner and outer straps have releasable hook and pile connections. Opposite end portions of each strap are secured to the side panels. The inner strap extends across the throat and along one side panel in a diagonal direction for primarily fitting the shoe to a cyclist's instep. The outer strap comprises a relatively large, flexible panel covering a substantial portion of the vamp around the throat. It extends across the vamp and the side panels in a transverse direction for primarily fitting the shoe to the cyclist's forefoot. A free end of the inner strap is exposed through a window in the outer strap enabling adjustment of the inner strap independently of the outer strap.

The invention relates to a sports boot, in particular a cross-country ski boot. The cross-country ski boot is provided with a high outer upper and a low inner upper. The inner upper has a tie fastening for holding the foot. The outer upper is closed by a covering flap. According to the invention, the tie fastening of the inner upper also grips the outer upper, preferably in its ankle bending zone.