Decorative sock stabilizer

Abstract

A foot apparel item, for wearing in cooperation with a heel support extending from a rearward end of a shoe worn by the wearer, includes: a sock portion having a heel receiving end and a toe receiving end, the sock portion configured for receiving a wearer's foot and being positioned within the shoe when the wearer is wearing the shoe; and a stabilizer extending from the heel receiving end of the sock portion, the stabilizer defining at least one heel support engagement element. The sock portion is positioned within the shoe, the heel support engagement element is configured to loop at least partially around the heel support to stabilize the sock portion relative to the heel support and prevent migration of the heel receiving end of the sock portion towards a forward end of the shoe when the wearer is wearing the sock portion and shoe.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A foot apparel item for wearing on the foot of a wearer in cooperation with a heel support extending from a rearward end of a shoe worn by the wearer, the foot apparel item comprising:
 a sock portion having a heel receiving end and a toe receiving end, the sock portion configured for receiving a wearer's foot and being positioned within the shoe when the wearer is wearing the shoe; and   a stabilizer extending from the heel receiving end of the sock portion, the stabilizer defining at least one heel support engagement element;   wherein, when the sock portion is positioned within the shoe, the heel support engagement element is configured to loop at least partially around the heel support to stabilize the sock portion relative to the heel support and prevent migration of the heel receiving end of the sock portion towards a forward end of the shoe when the wearer is wearing the sock portion and shoe.   
     
     
         2 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer has a figure-8 configuration. 
     
     
         3 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer has a first band portion connected to a left side of the sock portion, and a second band portion connected to a right side of the sock portion. 
     
     
         4 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer includes a strap that ends in at least one of a ring, hook, or tab. 
     
     
         5 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer includes a broad heel band for coving left and right rearward portions of the shoe. 
     
     
         6 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 5 , wherein the broad heel band narrows from the sock portion toward the at least one heel support engagement element. 
     
     
         7 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 6 , wherein the broad heel band terminates at the least one heel support engagement element. 
     
     
         8 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 6 , wherein the stabilizer includes a strap connecting the broad heel band to the at least one heel support engagement element. 
     
     
         9 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer is removably attached to the sock portion and permits replacement of the stabilizer by a user. 
     
     
         10 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer comprises:
 a first strap having a first connector;   a second strap having a second connector configured to releasably engage the first connector; and   a third strap having a first end connected to the first strap and second strap, and a second end connected to the sock portion.   
     
     
         11 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 10 , wherein the first connector and second connector are configured to be hidden when engaged such that the first strap and second strap form a loop around the heel support. 
     
     
         12 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 10 , wherein the first connector comprises a hook and the second connector comprises a loop. 
     
     
         13 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 1 , wherein the sock portion is dimensioned as a low-profile foot sock. 
     
     
         14 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 10 , wherein the first strap, second strap and third strap are connected together at a Y-junction, and each has a free end opposite the Y-junction. 
     
     
         15 . A foot apparel item according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first connector is mounted along the first strap between the Y-junction and an opposite free end of the first strap; and   the second connector is mounted along the second strap between the Y-junction and an opposite free end of the second strap.