Shock Absorbing Cushion Sole for Fishing Footwear

Abstract

A multi-layer shock absorbing cushion sole for footwear includes four layers of material, assembled in such a way that air pockets are created within the sole to provide a shock-absorbing, cushioning effect for a wearer's feet. The top layer of the sole is a hard rubber layer, preferably made from a thermoplastic rubber. The second layer is preferably positioned directly beneath the top layer, and includes shaped surfaces forming ridges and grooves on a top and bottom portion thereof to create open air pockets within the sole. The third layer, positioned below the cushion layer, is also preferably formed from a thermoplastic rubber. The bottom layer is preferably formed from natural rubber, and preferably includes a tread design on the bottom surface thereof. A multi-layer shock absorbing cushion insert for pre-existing footwear is also provided in another embodiment.

1 . A multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole for a waterproof fishing boot, comprising:
 a top layer;   a cushion layer attached to an underside of said top layer, said cushion layer having an upper surface and a lower surface that include ridges and grooves;   a third layer attached to an underside of said cushion layer; and   a bottom layer positioned on an underside of said third layer, said bottom layer including a tread pattern on an underside thereof;   wherein said top layer is integrated with a waterproof upper portion of a fishing boot,   wherein said bottom layer is configured with a traction-enhancing tread adapted for wet boat decks, and   wherein said ridges and grooves on the upper and lower surfaces of said cushion layer define open air pockets that are in fluid communication with ambient air on lateral sides of the sole, thereby providing shock absorption and flexibility to the wearer.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said top layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said cushion layer is formed from a synthetic rubber material. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said synthetic rubber material is ethylene-vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said third layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing cushion sole set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said bottom layer is formed from natural rubber. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A multi-layer shock absorbing insert for a waterproof fishing boot, said insert comprising:
 a top layer;   a cushion layer attached to an underside of said top layer, said cushion layer having an upper surface and a lower surface that include ridges and grooves; and   a third layer attached to an underside of said cushion layer;   wherein said insert is formed from waterproof materials and configured for placement within a fishing boot exposed to wet, slippery conditions, and   wherein said ridges and grooves define air pockets that are open to ambient air to provide shock-absorbing cushioning to a wearer.   
     
     
         9 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing insert set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said top layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing insert set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said cushion layer is formed from a synthetic rubber material. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing insert set forth in  claim 10 , wherein said synthetic rubber material is ethylene-vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing insert set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said third layer is formed from a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-layer shock-absorbing insert set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said insert is removably positioned within proof fishing boot to provide enhanced comfort reduced fatigued, and improved shock absorption under wet environmental conditions.