Method and apparatus for sandal with hidden strap adjustment

Abstract

A sandal with one or more adjustable strap where the strap closure or adjustment is hidden below the sole. In one embodiment, two straps are directed through slits in the sole of the sandal so that the straps can come through to the bottom of the sole in front of the heel and can be tightened or loosened via a hook and loop fastener. The adjustment mechanism may be hidden in order to provide an improved appearance of the shoe. The adjustment mechanism may include a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a tying of the straps or strings.

1 . A shoe comprising
 a sole portion;   an upper portion offset from the sole portion, the upper portion configured to accept a portion of a person's foot; and   an adjustment element positioned below the sole portion of the shoe, such that the adjustment element secures the upper portion in a desired position relative to the sole.   
   
   
       2 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein
 the upper portion comprises at least one strap.   
   
   
       3 . The shoe of  claim 2  wherein
 the upper portion comprises a first strap and a second strap;   a first slit and a second slit are provided in the sole, such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit, and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit; and   the adjustment element is a hook and loop fastener comprising
 a first portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the first strap, and 
 a second portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the second strap. 
   
   
   
       4 . The shoe of  claim 2  wherein
 the upper portion comprises a first strap and a second strap; and
 the adjustment element is a buckle. 
   
   
   
       5 . The shoe of  claim 2  comprising
 a strap comprising
 a first end secured relative to the sole, and 
 a second end in proximity to the adjustment element, so that the adjustment element may be used to secure the second end in order to set the upper portion in a desired position relative to the sole. 
   
   
   
       6 . The shoe of  claim 5  further comprising
 a plurality of markings provided on the second end of the straps to facilitate cutting the strap to a desired length.   
   
   
       7 . The shoe of  claim 1  further comprising
 a compartment provided below the sole, such that the adjustment element is contained in the compartment.   
   
   
       8 . The shoe of  claim 1  wherein
 the adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, or a tying of straps or strings.   
   
   
       9 . A method of adjusting the fit of a shoe, the method comprising
 providing a shoe comprising
 a sole portion, 
 an upper portion offset from the sole portion, the upper portion configured to accept a portion of a person's foot, and 
 an adjustment mechanism positioned below the sole portion of the shoe, 
   determining a desired position of the upper portion relative to the sole portion; and   adjusting the adjustment element in order to set the position of the upper portion.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein
 providing a shoe further comprises
 providing an upper portion comprising a first strap and a second strap, 
 providing a first slit and second slit in the sole such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit, and 
 providing a hook and loop fastener adjustment element comprising
 a first portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the first strap, and 
 a second portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the second strap; and 
 
   adjusting the adjustment element further comprises
 adjusting the length of the first strap and a second strap, and
 attaching the first portion of the hook and loop fastener to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener in order to hold the straps at desired lengths. 
 
   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein
 providing a shoe further comprises
 providing a first strap and a second strap, 
 providing a first slit and second slit in the sole such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit, and 
 providing a buckle adjustment element; and 
   adjusting the adjustment element further comprises
 adjusting the length of the first strap and a second strap, and 
 buckling the first strap to the second strap. 
   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein
 adjusting the adjustment element further comprises removing the end portion of the strap or string.