Weighted Footwear

Abstract

A foot weight device is provided which can be fitted to the foot or footwear of a user. The device is particularly adapted for use with skates, and in particular a hockey skate. The device has one or more compartments located on each side of the user's ankle so as to provide an equally balanced weight on the side of the user's foot. The weight receiving compartments are positioned adjacent to both the lateral and medial malleolus portions of the ankle so that weight is preferably equally applied to both sides of the ankle. Alternatively, the weight receiving compartments can be formed as an integral part of the footwear. A more balanced foot weight is provided which minimizes undue strain on the ankle and foot structure.

1 . A foot weight device for adding weight to the foot of a user, comprising a strap system for attaching the foot weight device to the foot or footwear of a user, one or a plurality of weights for use in the foot weight device, and one or a plurality of weight receiving pockets, attached to said strap system, for receiving and holding said weights, wherein said weight receiving pockets are positioned on said strap system so as to be located, in use, immediately adjacent to, or centered on, the ankle of a user. 
     
     
         2 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said weight receiving pockets are positioned so as to be immediately adjacent to either the lateral or medial malleolus portions of the ankle. 
     
     
         3 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said weights are positioned adjacent to both the lateral and medial malleolus portions of the ankle so that weight is applied to both sides of the ankle. 
     
     
         4 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein equal amount of weight is applied to each side of the ankle so that a balanced amount of weight is applied. 
     
     
         5 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said weights are removable from said weight receiving pockets. 
     
     
         6 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said footwear comprises ice skates, hockey skates, figure skates, speed skates, in-line roller skates, roller skates, or roller blades. 
     
     
         7 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said footwear is a hockey skate. 
     
     
         8 . A foot weight device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said footwear comprises running shoes, training shoes, track shoes, skiis, or cross-country skiis. 
     
     
         9 . Weighted footwear comprising footwear, one or a plurality of integral weight receiving pockets attached to said footwear for receiving and holding one or a plurality of weights, and one or a plurality of weights for insertion into said weight receiving pockets, and, wherein said weight receiving pockets are positioned on said footwear so as to be located immediately adjacent to, or centered on, the ankle of a user. 
     
     
         10 . Weighted footwear as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said weight receiving pockets are positioned so as to be immediately adjacent to either the lateral or medial malleolus portions of the ankle. 
     
     
         11 . Weighted footwear as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said weights are positioned adjacent to both the lateral and medial malleolus portions of the ankle so that weight is applied to both sides of the ankle. 
     
     
         12 . Weighted footwear as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said weights are removable from said weight receiving pockets.