Adjustable formfitting protective footwear

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to improved formfitting protective footwear generally comprising a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward, and which includes fasteners which allow the user to adjust the footwear to comfortably fit his or her foot. In all embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.

1 . Formfitting footwear comprising: 
 a protective sleeve to be worn on a human foot comprising an inner portion and an outer portion;    toe openings disposed in said sleeve;    protective material secured to the inner portion of said sleeve;    a footpad secured to said outer portion of said sleeve, wherein said protective material and said footpad are positioned in locations whereby they are underneath and protect a ball of said human's foot when inserted in said sleeve; and    fasteners on said protective sleeve for adjustably securing said footwear to the foot.    
   
   
       2 . The footwear of  claim 1 , further comprising material which retains said sleeve about said foot's instep when inserted in said sleeve.  
   
   
       3 . The footwear of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve is formed from at least two sheets of material which are partially stitched together.  
   
   
       4 . The footwear of  claim 1 , wherein said fasteners are Velcro®.  
   
   
       5 . The footwear of  claim 4 , wherein said footpad is made from a material from the group consisting of smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers and elastomers.  
   
   
       6 . The footwear of  claim 1 , wherein said footpad is textured to enhance traction.  
   
   
       7 . The footwear of  claim 6 , wherein said textured footpad comprises one or more of the following: ridges, grooves and dimpling.  
   
   
       8 . The footpad of  claim 1 , further comprising an absorption layer adjacent to said footpad and protective materials.  
   
   
       9 . Formfitting footwear comprising: 
 a protective sleeve to be worn on a human foot;    toe openings disposed in said sleeve;    a protective material disposed adjacent to said toe openings;    a footpad disposed on said protective material, wherein said protective material and said footpad are positioned on said sleeve in locations whereby they are underneath and protect a ball of said human's foot when inserted in said sleeve; and    fasteners on said protective sleeve for adjustably securing said footwear to the foot.