High heel shoes with integrated cushioning

Abstract

Various embodiments described herein relate to a shoe that utilizes cushioning. The cushioning can be a variety of materials, including polymers such as SEBS. The cushioning can be positioned in various locations of the shoe, including the counter, the insole, and the outsole. Additionally or alternatively, the cushioning can also be located in recesses to enhance the functionality of the cushioning.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shoe comprising:
 a shoe heel configured to elevate the heel of a user's foot;   an exterior surface;   an interior lining opposite the exterior surface that is in contact with the user's foot;   a counter within which the user's heel rests;   a platform upon which the user's toes rest;   a toe box within which the user's toes rest;   an outsole opposite the insole configured to contact the ground; and   an insole configured to support a sole of the user's foot, the insole including
 a recess defining an open space,
 wherein the recess is located substantially between the user's arch and toes; and 
 
 a cushioning pad configured to be soft, resilient, and having a nonslip surface,
 wherein the cushioning pad is located within the recess. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second cushioning pad that is fixedly attached to the counter and is located substantially between the user's Achilles tendon and the counter.   
     
     
         3 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface is composed of a weather-resistant material. 
     
     
         4 . The shoe of  claim 3 , wherein said weather-resistant material is leather. 
     
     
         5 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning pad is composed of a polymer. 
     
     
         6 . The shoe of  claim 5 , wherein the polymer is Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene. The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning pad is thermally bound to the insole. 
     
     
         8 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning pad is sewn to the insole. 
     
     
         9 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the cushioning pad is bonded to the insole using an adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the insole includes a cover that is positioned over the recess and cushioning, and which provides traction for the user's foot. 
     
     
         11 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the shoe heel raises the heel of a user's foot between one and ten inches. 
     
     
         12 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the platform raises the height of the user between half an inch and ten inches. 
     
     
         13 . A method for constructing a high heel shoe, comprising:
 providing a high heel shoe;   positioning a recess on the insole,
 wherein the recess is located substantially between the user's arch and toes; and 
   providing a cushioning pad configured to be soft, resilient, and having a nonslip surface,
 wherein the cushioning pad is located within the recess.