Foot support article

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an outer shell, an inner layer positioned inside of the outer shell, and at least one tensioning member engaging the inner layer. The inner layer configured to surround and conform to at least a portion of a human foot. The at least one tensioning member includes a portion that extends to the outside of the outer shell, wherein the portion that extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell is configured to enable tightening and loosening of the at least one tensioning member.

1 . An article of footwear comprising:
 an outer shell;   an inner layer positioned inside of the outer shell, the inner layer configured to surround and conform to at least a portion of a human foot; and   at least one tensioning member engaging the inner layer, the at least one tensioning member including a portion that extends to a position that is outside of the outer shell, wherein the portion that extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell is configured to enable tightening and loosening of the at least one tensioning member.   
     
     
         2 . The article of footwear of  claim 1  wherein the portion that extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell is configured to be adjusted between a first position and a second position, wherein an effective length of the tensioning member inside the outer shell is greater in the first position than in the second position. 
     
     
         3 . The article of footwear of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a stabilizing member positioned between the inner layer and outer shell, wherein the stabilizing member is configured to provide support to a portion of the human foot. 
 
     
     
         4 . The article of footwear of  claim 3 , wherein the stabilizing member engages the at least one tensioning member, the at least one tensioning member configured to adjust the stabilizing member with respect to the human foot in response to tightening and loosening of the at least one tensioning member. 
     
     
         5 . The article of footwear of  claim 4 , wherein the stabilizing member is comprised of a semi-rigid material, and the at least one tensioning member is comprised of a flexible member. 
     
     
         6 . The article of footwear of  claim 4  wherein the stabilizing member extends from an ankle portion to a heel portion of the article of footwear. 
     
     
         7 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tensioning member has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a portion of the inner layer conforming to a medial side of the human foot, and wherein the second end extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell on a lateral side of the human foot. 
     
     
         8 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tensioning member has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a portion of the inner layer conforming to a lateral side of the human foot, and wherein the second end extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell on a medial side of the human foot. 
     
     
         9 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tensioning member has a first end attached to a portion of the inner layer conforming to a medial side of the human foot, wherein the at least one tensioning member extends underneath the human foot and upwards toward an ankle on the lateral side of the human foot. 
     
     
         10 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tensioning member has a first end attached to a portion of the inner layer conforming to a lateral side of the human foot, wherein the at least one tensioning member extends underneath the human foot and upwards toward an ankle on the medial side of the human foot. 
     
     
         11 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning member extends through an opening in the outer shell. 
     
     
         12 . An article of footwear comprising:
 a sole;   an upper connected to the sole, the upper and the sole defining a foot cavity;   a tensioning member positioned within the foot cavity, the tensioning member configured to apply a compressive force to a foot positioned within the foot cavity; and   a tension adjustment member positioned outside of the foot cavity, the tension adjustment member configured to adjust the compressive force applied to the foot positioned within the foot cavity.   
     
     
         13 . The article of footwear of  claim 12  further comprising a heel stabilizer positioned within the foot cavity, wherein the tension adjustment member is configured to draw the heel stabilizer closer to the foot within the foot cavity. 
     
     
         14 . The article of footwear of  claim 12  further comprising a sock positioned in the foot cavity, wherein the tensioning member engages the sock within the foot cavity. 
     
     
         15 . The article of footwear of  claim 12  wherein the tensioning member is a strap and the tension adjustment member is a portion of the strap that extends beyond a fastening location on the upper. 
     
     
         16 . A method of providing compression to a foot, the method comprising:
 inserting the foot into a shoe having an outer shell;   touching a portion of a tension adjustment member positioned outside of the outer shell, the tension adjustment member coupled to a tensioning member positioned at least partially within the shoe;   moving the tension adjustment member in order to bring the tensioning member into closer engagement with the foot and provide compression to the foot.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein inserting the foot into the shoe includes inserting the foot into a flexible boot positioned within the outer shell. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the tensioning member engages the flexible boot, and wherein moving the tension adjustment member changes the effective length of the tensioning member within the outer shell. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the tensioning member is a band and the adjustment member is an end portion of the band. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein a stabilizing member is positioned inside of the shoe and moving the tensioning member draws the stabilizing member into closer engagement with a heel portion of the foot.