Shoe x

Abstract

An article of footwear and method of using the article of footwear is disclosed so a person can temporarily affix a resistance band, exercise tube or other elastic cord (hereinafter, “band”) to the bottom of their article of footwear through retaining channels and use the band in their exercise routine. The channel design is such that the band can be easily inserted, positioned for the exercise routine, and removed while at the same time be secure enough such that while the band is inserted, it does not come off the article of footwear during exercise.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A sole for exercising with at least one resistance band, the sole comprising:
 at least one channel extending substantially horizontally through the sole, said at least one channel providing an at least one channel opening for removably receiving said at least one resistance band; and   at least one flange extending to define said at least one channel opening, wherein said at least one flange is positioned between a bottom sole surface and said at least one channel surface to substantially retain said at least one resistance band within said channel.   
     
     
         2 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein:
 said at least one channel has an inner diameter greater than said at least one channel opening; and 
 said inner diameter is sized to retain said at least one resistance band within said channel. 
 
     
     
         3 . The sole of  claim 2  wherein said inner diameter of said at least one channel is differently sized from another said at least one channel. 
     
     
         4 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein said at least one flange is substantially pliable to allow inserting of said at least one resistance band within said channel. 
     
     
         5 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein said at least one channel is positioned substantially near the center of the sole. 
     
     
         6 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein said at least one channel surface is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         7 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein said at least one channel extends between a medial side opening and a lateral side opening. 
     
     
         8 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein said at least one resistance band can move laterally within said at least one channel. 
     
     
         9 . An article of footwear for exercising with at least one resistance band, the article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the sole structure comprising:
 at least one channel extending substantially horizontally through said sole, said at least one channel providing an at least one channel opening for removably receiving said at least one resistance band;   at least one flange extending to define said at least one channel opening, wherein said at least one flange is positioned between said bottom surface and said at least one channel surface to substantially retain said at least one resistance band within said channel; and   a top sole surface opposing a bottom sole surface, said top sole surface affixed to an upper of said article of footwear.   
     
     
         10 . The article of footwear of  claim 7  wherein:
 said at least one channel has an inner diameter greater than said at least one channel opening; and 
 said inner diameter is sized to retain said at least one resistance band within said channel. 
 
     
     
         11 . The article of footwear of  claim 8  wherein:
 said inner diameter of said at least one channel is differently sized from another said at least one channel. 
 
     
     
         12 . The article of footwear of  claim 7  wherein said at least one flange is substantially pliable to allow inserting of said at least one resistance band within said channel. 
     
     
         13 . The article of footwear of  claim 7  wherein said at least one channel surface is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         14 . The article of footwear of  claim 7  wherein said at least one channel extends between a medial side opening and a lateral side opening. 
     
     
         15 . The article of footwear of  claim 7  wherein said at least one resistance band can move laterally within said at least one channel. 
     
     
         16 . A method of using at least one resistance band with an article of footwear having a sole structure comprising at least one channel with at least one channel opening, the method comprising steps of:
 positioning said at least one resistance band directly below said at least one channel opening;   forcing said at least one resistance band through said at least one channel opening past an at least one flange until said at least one flange deforms to retain said at least one resistance band within said at least one channel, with said at least one resistance band exiting a medial side opening and a lateral side opening, and then returns to a resting position of said at least one flange;   moving said at least one resistance band laterally to position said at least one resistance band in a proper position for an exercise;   repeating each of the above steps again if there is another at least one resistance band needing insertion into at least one channel;   completing said exercise;   forcing said at least one resistance band out of said at least one channel through said at least one channel opening past an at least one flange until said at least one resistance band is completely removed out of said at least one channel; and   repeating the above step until each of the at least one channels is devoid of all at least one resistance bands.