External stabilizing structure for work boots

Abstract

The external stabilizing structure is a structural element for use in work boots and similar types of footwear. The external stabilizing structure comprises a molded footbed of firm yet flexible material that provides external support under both the heel and arch of the wearer's foot.

1 . An external boot stabilizing structure comprising:
 a molded footbed providing an arch support and a heel cup, wherein the molded footbed is shaped to cradle the natural contours of the human foot; and   a heel support structure, providing support and protection behind the heel;   wherein the external stabilizing structure is a single piece of stiff and resilient material for placement beneath an upper and above an outsole of an assembled boot or shoe.   
     
     
         2 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 1 , wherein the stiff and resilient material is a plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 1 , wherein the molded footbed is under approximately 75% of the upper. 
     
     
         4 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a welt deck extension. 
     
     
         5 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 4 , further comprising a re-enforcing strengthening channel. 
     
     
         6 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 5 , further comprising a heel stitching groove. 
     
     
         7 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 6 , further comprising an arch stitching groove. 
     
     
         8 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 1 , wherein the heel support structure does not exceed 50 mm in height. 
     
     
         9 . An external boot stabilizing structure providing:
 a molded footbed providing an arch support; and   a heel support structure;   wherein the external stabilizing structure is a single piece of stiff and resilient material for placement beneath an upper and above an outsole of an assembled boot or shoe.   
     
     
         10 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 9 , wherein the molded footbed is under approximately 75% of the upper. 
     
     
         11 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 9 , further comprising a welt deck extension. 
     
     
         12 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 11 , further comprising a re-enforcing strengthening channel. 
     
     
         13 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 12 , further comprising a heel stitching groove. 
     
     
         14 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 13 , further comprising an arch stitching groove. 
     
     
         15 . The external boot stabilizing structure of  claim 1 , wherein the heel support structure does not exceed 50 mm in height. 
     
     
         16 . A work boot having an external boot stabilizing structure comprising:
 an outsole;   an upper; and   an external boot stabilizing structure located beneath the upper and above the outsole, wherein the external boot stabilizing structure is a single piece of material shaped to support the arch and beneath and behind the heel.   
     
     
         17 . The work boot of  claim 16 , wherein the heel support structure does not exceed 50 mm in height. 
     
     
         18 . The work boot of  claim 16 , wherein the external boot stabilizing structure is secured to the upper using adhesives and stitches placed through a heel stitching groove and an arch stitching groove. 
     
     
         19 . The work boot of  claim 16 , further comprising a welt deck extension. 
     
     
         20 . The work boot of  claim 19 , wherein the outsole is attached to the external boot stabilizing structure by stitches placed through the welt deck extension.