Customizable Arch Support System

Abstract

A customizable arch support system for use in fashionable high heeled shoes, designed to provide superior configurability and comfort for the wearer. More particularly, the system provides configurability so that it will provide superior support and comfort for the wearer, while maintaining minimal cross section profile which causes less limitations for the shoe designer.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe comprising:
 at least one shoe insole,   at least one arch support insert,   wherein said arch support insert is removably attached to said shoe insole using at least one fastening means.   
     
     
         2 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein said fastening means is comprised of at least one snap. 
     
     
         3 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 1 , wherein said fastening means is comprised of a hook and loop fastening system. 
     
     
         4 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 1 , further comprising: at least one shank, wherein said shank is encompassed within said shoe insole. 
     
     
         5 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a show as in  claim 4 , wherein said shank is comprised of a rectangular metal bar. 
     
     
         6 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one cover, wherein said cover is placed over said arch support insert.   
     
     
         7 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 6 , wherein said cover is comprised of a sheet of leather. 
     
     
         8 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 6 , wherein said cover is comprised of a sheet of synthetic fabric. 
     
     
         9 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 1 , further comprising: at least one cupped portion located under a wearer's heel. 
     
     
         10 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 9 , wherein said cupped portion is comprised of a polymer material. 
     
     
         11 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 9 , wherein said cupped portion is comprised of a gel material. 
     
     
         12 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one cushioning means under a ball of a wearer's foot. 
     
     
         13 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 12 , wherein said cushioning means is comprised of a gel material. 
     
     
         14 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 12 , wherein said cushioning means is comprised of a urethane foam material. 
     
     
         15 . A customizable arch support system integrated into a shoe as in  claim 12 , wherein said cushioning means is comprised of a a combination of a gel material and a urethane foam material 
     
     
         16 . A method of customizing the arch support in a shoe comprising the steps of:
 selecting an arch support insert closely matching a wearer's midfoot arch,   fastening said arch support insert into the wearer's shoe, and   placing a cover over the arch support insert.