Patent ID: 7320188
Filing Date: 2008-01-22
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. A running sandal for receiving a foot of a wearer, the foot having a heel area, an instep area, and a forefoot area, the sandal comprising: a flexible midsole comprising a heel portion, an arch portion, and a forefoot portion, the midsole having an upper surface that supports the wearer's foot; a strap keeper attached to the midsole and positioned adjacent to the upper surface; a curved forefoot plate connected to the forefoot portion of the midsole, the curved forefoot plate having a partially concave shape and a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the midsole, the curved forefoot plate has an integral flex groove therein, the flex groove extending substantially laterally relative to the midsole; an outsole attached to the midsole; and a sandal strap system comprising: a heel strap coupled to the midsole and configured to engage the heel area of the wearer's foot; an instep strap coupled to the midsole and configured to engage the instep area of the wearer's foot; and a forefoot strap coupled to the midsole and configured to engage the forefoot area of the wearer's foot; and an adjustment strap attached to the heel strap, extending through the strap keeper, and connected to an adjustment member, wherein the adjustment strap is adjustable at the adjustment member to simultaneously adjust the position of the heel strap, and the forefoot strap relative to the wearer's foot to tighten or loosen the strap system.