Shoe with multiple selectable vamps

Abstract

In accordance with the invention, a shoe for supporting and protecting the heel, sole and toes of a human foot has a base comprising a forward portion terminating at a toe end. The forward portion being configured and dimensioned to support the sole and toes of the foot of a user. The rear portion terminates at a heel end. The rear portion is configured and dimensioned to support the fleshy undersurface of the heel of the foot of the user. The shoe comprises a pair of elongated channels defined in the forward portion of the base, a vamp configured to overlie the instep of the user, and a pair of elongated channel-engaging members secured to the vamp, each of the channel engaging members being configured to slide into and mate with a respective elongated channel.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A shoe for supporting and protecting the heel, sole and toes of a human foot, comprising:
 a) a base comprising: (i) a forward portion terminating at a toe end, said forward portion being configured and dimensioned to support the sole and toes of the foot of a user, and (ii) a rear portion terminating at a heel end, said rear portion being configured and dimensioned to support the fleshy undersurface of the heel of the foot of the user;   (b) a pair of elongated channels defined in said forward portion of said base;   (c) a vamp configured to overlie the instep of the user;   (d) a pair of elongated channel-engaging members secured to said vamp, each of said channel engaging members being configured to slide into and mate with a respective one of said elongated channels.   
     
     
         2 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , further comprising an enclosed back part or counter that is secured to the rear portion of said base to fully contain and support the ankle of a human foot. 
     
     
         3 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , further comprising a heel secured to the rear portion of said base adjacent said heel end. 
     
     
         4 . A shoe as in  claim 2 , further comprising a top lift secured to the said heel. 
     
     
         5 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein said base comprises a plastic or rubber-like base member, said base member defining said heel end and said toe end, and wherein said forward portion of said base is configured to define said elongated channel. 
     
     
         6 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein said base comprises a flexible base member defining said heel end and said toe end, and a support plate secured to said forward portion of said base, said support plate defining a left support plate side and a right support plate side, said support plate comprising metal, said left support plate side being configured to define a curled edge, said curled edge forming said elongated channel, and said left support plate side being configured to define a curled edge, said curled edge forming said elongated channel. 
     
     
         7 . A shoe as in  claim 5 , wherein said elongated channel-engaging member is stitched to said vamp. 
     
     
         8 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein said vamp comprises a flexible member having a forward edge, a rear edge, a left side edge and a right side edge, said elongated channel-engaging members being secured to said side edges. 
     
     
         9 . A shoe as in  claim 7 , wherein said elongated channel-engaging members comprise a pair of ball chains, each secured to one of said side edges. 
     
     
         10 . A shoe as in  claim 8 , wherein said base comprises a flexible base member defining said heel end and said toe end, and a support plate secured to said forward portion of said base, said support plate defining a left support plate side and a right support plate side, said support plate comprising metal, said left support plate side being configured to define a curled edge, said curled edge forming said elongated channel, and said left support plate side being configured to define a curled edge, said curled edge forming said elongated channel. 
     
     
         11 . A shoe as in  claim 8 , wherein the said support plate comprises a left support plate side and a right support plate side, said plate being secured to said base, said elongated channel engaging being a ball chains, each of said ball chains secured to one of said side edges. 
     
     
         12 . A shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein an insole is mounted on top of the support plate to provide cushioning for the foot and also acting as a shock absorber against the forward moving motion of the person wearing the shoe. 
     
     
         13 . A shoe as in  claim 7 , wherein said vamp may be made of materials such as leather, fabric or plastic that can accommodate said channel-engaging member. 
     
     
         14 . A shoe as in  claim 2 , wherein a strap is attached to the said counter to securely hold the ankle of a human foot and provide further stability to counter against forces associated with walking or other similar activities.