Modified footwear

Abstract

A footwear system for orthotic support comprising an insole region to which is affixed one or more detachable, repositionable receptacles that accommodate orthotic and/or foot support inserts, and optionally an additional heel receptacle. The footwear system may be usable to provide foot support in closed or open footwear.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A footwear system comprising:
 a. an insole having an upper surface and an under surface, the insole including
 i. a first, detachable, repositionable receptacle for containing an orthotic foot support insert which is affixed to the upper surface of the insole; 
  wherein said first receptacle comprises an upper surface and an under surface, and further wherein said first receptacle can be attached, repositioned and detached by the user; 
 ii. an upper; and 
 iii. a sole. 
   
     
     
         16 . The footwear system of claim  1  further comprising one or more additional receptacles for containing orthotic foot support inserts affixed to the upper surface of the insole. 
     
     
         17 . The footwear system of claim  1  wherein the under surface of the first receptacle comprises attachment means affixed thereto selected from reclosable hook and loop fastener tape, snaps or adhesive strips. 
     
     
         18 . The footwear system of claim  2  wherein the under surface of each receptacle comprises attachment means affixed thereto selected from reclosable hook and loop fastener tape, snaps or adhesive strips. 
     
     
         19 . The footwear system of claim  4  wherein the attachment means is reclosable hook and loop fastener tape. 
     
     
         20 . The footwear system of claim  2  wherein the receptacles are fabricated from the same or different materials selected from the group consisting of natural fiber materials, synthetic materials and smooth or textured surface materials. 
     
     
         21 . The footwear system of claim  1  wherein the sole is a detachable sole. 
     
     
         22 . The footwear system of claim  7  wherein the under surface of the insole comprises oppositely positioned lower outer attachment sleeves at the toe end and heel end thereof which respectively receive insertable arm elements of the toe end and heel end of the detachable sole. 
     
     
         23 . The footwear system of claim  1  wherein the upper and the insole are made of a thin, flexible material such as a breathable fabric, natural fiber material, moisture-wicking fabric or stocking sheer material. 
     
     
         24 . A shoe comprising the footwear system of claim  1 . 
     
     
         25 . A sock or low rise stocking comprising the footwear system of claim  1 . 
     
     
         26 . An insole for use with closed or open backed shoes comprising:
 a. a planar element configured to accommodate the length and width of the user's foot, the planar element being divided into a toe region, an arch region and a heel region;   b. a first receptacle that is attachable to and detachable from the arch region of the planar surface for receiving an orthotic foot arch support device; and   c. attachment means for attaching the first receptacle in the arch region of the planar element.   
     
     
         27 . The insole of claim  12  further comprising one or more additional receptacles for receiving an orthotic support. 
     
     
         28 . The insole of claim  13  wherein one of the additional receptacles is a formed as a pocket over the heel region of the planar element. 
     
     
         29 . A method of providing orthopedic foot support to a user comprising inserting a footwear system that includes: an insole having an upper surface and an under surface, the insole including a detachable, repositionable receptacle for containing an orthotic foot support insert which is affixed to the upper surface of the insole, wherein said receptacle comprises and upper surface and an under surface, and further wherein said receptacle can be attached, repositioned and detached by the user; an upper; and a sole. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the footwear system is a slipper or a shoe. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the slipper is a soft-soled slipper attached to a detachable sole. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the slipper is inserted inside a shoe. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the footwear system is a shoe. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the footwear system is a stocking.