Walking Support

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for walking support are provided. The walking support is comprised of a sole, a toe cover connected to the sole at the front of the sole, and a heel cup connected to the sole at the rear of the sole. The heel cup may have a vertical extension that extends upward to a cuff that wraps around the wearer's lower leg. The walking support may be worn over stockings with conventional shoes or boots, or may be incorporated into the footwear. A boot incorporating a walking support includes a lower leg cuff, which is closed in the same manner as the boot. A shoe incorporating a walking support does not incorporate a lower leg cuff.

1 . A walking support, comprising;
 a sole;   a toe cover connected to the sole at a front portion of the sole;   a heel cup connected to the sole at a rear portion of the sole, having a vertical extension; and   a cuff connected to the vertical extension of the heel cup.   
     
     
         2 . The walking support of  claim 1 , wherein the walking support is fabricated from elastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The walking support of  claim 1 , wherein the walking support is fabricated from rubber or suitably elastomeric material. 
     
     
         4 . A boot incorporating a walking support, comprising;
 a boot; and   a walking support internal to the boot, wherein the walking support further comprises a sole, a toe cover, a heel cup, and a cuff connected to a vertical portion of the heel cup, the cuff anchored to an opening of the boot.   
     
     
         5 . The boot of  claim 4 , wherein the walking support is fabricated from elastic material. 
     
     
         6 . The boot of  claim 4 , wherein the walking support is fabricated from rubber or suitably elastomeric material. 
     
     
         7 . A shoe incorporating a walking support, comprising:
 a shoe; and   a walking support internal to the shoe, wherein the walking support further comprises a sole, a toe cover, and a heel cup.   
     
     
         8 . The shoe of  claim 7 , wherein the walking support is fabricated from elastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The shoe of  claim 7 , wherein the walking support is fabricated from rubber or suitably elastomeric material. 
     
     
         10 . A method of supporting foot and leg muscles, comprising:
 collecting energy generated during a first portion of a stride using a walking support; and   returning the energy generated during a first portion of a stride during a second portion of the stride.   
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for supporting foot and leg muscles, comprising:
 means for collecting energy generated during a first portion of a stride using a walking support; and   means for returning the energy generated during the first portion of a stride during a second portion of the stride.