Shock absorbers for footwear are provided. The shock absorbers are units utilizing a shock absorbing spring system, and project like cleats from recesses in the soles of footwear. The shock absorbers serve to minimize impact shock in the normal use of footwear. The shock absorbers do this by compressing as weight is applied to the shoe, to the point that the shock absorbers may become flush with the bottom of the shoe's sole on normal impact if desired. When weight is released from the shoe (for example, in lifting one's foot to take a step), the re-extension of the shock absorber spring system may additionally provide the benefit of energy return for the user. The shock absorbers may be made as either fixed or as detachably interchangeable projections from the sole of the footwear. The shock absorbers may also be arranged in any number, order or pattern on the sole as desired to affect the amount or distribution of shock absorption for the user, but are preferably aligned in a configuration primarily set on the normal pressure points of the foot during impact, considering weight, balance and center of gravity of the expected user. The amount of shock absorption provided by each shock absorber may also be varied as desired.
