Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed to improved formfitting protective footwear generally comprising a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward, and which includes fasteners which allow the user to adjust the footwear to comfortably fit his or her foot. In all embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the following co-pending patent applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/557,029, filed Apr. 20, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,517, filed Oct. 5, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to adjustable formfitting protective footwear generally comprising a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward, and which includes fasteners which allow the user to adjust the footwear to comfortably fit his or her foot. The footwear can be worn during activities which are performed with bare feet and which require traction and/or protection from skin burns and tears, including, for example, modern dance, Pilates, yoga and martial arts.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The need for protective and functional footwear intended for specific applications is well-known. Just as basketball and football place different demands on the human foot and thus require different footwear, different forms of dance also require specialized footwear. For example, ballet requires specially designed slippers and toe shoes, jazz dance requires specially designed character shoes, and tap dance requires specially modified tap shoes.  
         [0004]     The dance style known as, modern dance requires rapid, abrupt, and complex shifts in body position, center of gravity, directional momentum and weight distribution and is often danced barefoot. Included in these movements are forceful turns, spins, stops and other movements that can cause friction burns, tearing, slivers, blisters and other foot problems. In addition, modern dancers—like other dancers—risk serious injury if their foot should slip on the dance floor or if they should turn their ankle. However, given the aesthetic requirements of their art, modern dancers often opt to dance barefoot and tolerate the foot discomfort and injuries associated therewith.  
         [0005]     Earlier, unsuccessful attempts at providing footwear for barefoot dancers included thongs wrapped around the foot and/or tying cut nylon stockings to the foot. Some modern dancers wear a “sole” that is secured to the foot by means of an ankle strap and toe loops. However, because this sole is not securely bound to the sole of the foot, severe tearing of the skin is common, particularly between the great and index toes. As a result, most modem dancers are reluctant to use this type of footwear.  
         [0006]     Co-pending patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/557,229 and 10/958,517, whose disclosures are incorporated-by-reference in their entirety, disclose various embodiments of footwear for dancers which addresses at least some of the problems associated with the prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It is an object of the various embodiments disclosed herein to provide adjustable formfitting protective footwear for dancers and other barefoot athletes such as practitioners of Pilates, yoga and martial arts, using fasteners to secure the footwear to the wearer&#39;s foot. In particular, the various embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to adjustable formfitting footwear for barefoot athletes which in one embodiment comprises: a protective sleeve to be worn on a human foot comprising an inner portion and an outer portion; toe openings disposed in the sleeve; protective material secured to the inner portion of the sleeve; a footpad secured to the outer portion of the sleeve, wherein the protective material and the footpad are positioned in locations whereby they are underneath and protect the ball of the human&#39;s foot when inserted in the sleeve; and fasteners on the protective sleeve for adjustably securing the footwear to the foot.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment, the formfitting footwear comprises: a protective sleeve to be worn on a human foot; toe openings disposed in the sleeve; a protective material disposed adjacent to the toe openings; and a footpad disposed on the protective material, wherein the protective material and the footpad are positioned on the sleeve in locations whereby they are underneath and protect the ball of the human&#39;s foot when inserted in the sleeve; and fasteners on the protective sleeve for adjustably securing the footwear to the foot.  
         [0009]     Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the drawings and the invention, which follow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The above and related objects, features and advantages of the disclosed footwear will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the formfitting protective footwear of applicant&#39;s footwear;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  shows the unassembled components of a second embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  shows a plan view of footwear assembled using the components shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  positioned on a foot;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  shows the unassembled components of a third embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0016]     FIGS.  6 A-B show plan and bottom views of the footwear assembled using the components of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7A  shows the components of a partially unassembled fourth embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7B  shows the footwear of  FIG. 7A  after it has been assembled;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view showing various components of the protective footwear according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the disclosed footwear with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration;  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view showing various components of the protective footwear according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view showing various components of the protective footwear according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration;  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  shows the sleeve of  FIG. 11  spread out and patterned to include a second cut-out portion;  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  shows protective footwear according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  shows protective footwear according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  shows a method of forming formfitting footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear;  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  shows another method of forming formfitting footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear.  
         [0028]      FIGS. 17-21  show an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable formfitting footwear;  
         [0029]      FIGS. 22A-22D  show another exemplary embodiment of adjustable formfitting footwear; and  
         [0030]      FIG. 23  shows another exemplary embodiment of the adjustable footwear. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]     The present invention is directed to improved formfitting footwear for barefoot activities, such as modern dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts, which can be adjusted about a user&#39;s foot through the use of male and female fasteners, including, for example, Velcro®, laces, snaps, buttons and hooks, to name a few. Before describing the adjustable features of this footwear, the basic assembly of the footwear is first described. As will be seen, the footwear can be assembled according to various configurations, each of which can include fasteners for adjusting the footwear.  
         [0032]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the formfitting protective footwear  10  includes an elasticized sleeve  12  capable of remaining fitted about the forefoot and being provided with a footpad  14  of protective materials sufficient to protect the ball of the foot when footwear  10  worn on a human foot. Sleeve  12  is further provided with an elastic band  16  for retaining sleeve  12  about the instep of the foot and toe openings  18  for retaining sleeve  12  at the forefoot without slippage toward the heel.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  shows the construction elements of a second embodiment of the footwear. As shown in  FIG. 2 , this embodiment is constructed of four elements. First element  22  is an upper elasticized material having a first edge  24  disposed substantially perpendicular to side edges  26  and  26 ′ thereof and a second edge  28  defining a curve or shape such that the portions of second edge  28  proximate to side edges  26  and  26 ′ are closer to first edge  24  than is the center portion of second edge  28 . Second element  32  is a substantially non-elasticized material having a first edge  34  defining a curve or shape that matingly corresponds to the curve or shape of second edge  28  of first element  22 . Although substantially non-elastic, the second element  32  preferably has some elastic properties which allow the toe holes to stretch around the wearer&#39;s toes. The second element  32  also includes side edges  36  and  36 ′, and a second edge  38  provided with five toe holes  33  disposed adjacent thereto.  
         [0034]     Preferably, element  32  is made from material having characteristics resistant to tearing in the areas adjacent to or between toe holes  33  during intensive use, while at the same time having properties which provide sufficient comfort to the foot, and unlikely to induce blistering or tearing of the skin adjacent to or between the toes. For example, element  32  could be made from any one or more of soft leather, neoprene or a Lycra containing knit, or woven fabric, to name a few. Third element  42  is a lower elasticized material having both a first edge  44  and a second edge  48  disposed perpendicularly to side edges  46  and  46 ′. Finally, fourth element  52  is a non-elasticized material suitable for use as a pad capable of protecting the ball of the foot, while not inhibiting the movement of the wearer.  
         [0035]     In various embodiments, fourth element  52  may be constructed of any suitable material which provides traction, including, for example, smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers and elastomers, and other similar suitable materials. Additionally, fourth element  52  may optionally be textured by dimpling, forming ridges therein, forming grooves therein, or other means. Such textures would serve to provide enhanced traction between fourth element  52  and flat surface, such as a floor.  
         [0036]     To assemble the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , first and second elements  22  and  32  are joined, preferably by stitching, along their corresponding edges  28  and  34 . Likewise, fourth element  52  is joined to third element  42 , again, preferably by stitching, such that fourth element  52  is positioned under the ball of the foot in the finished article. Thereafter, first and third elements  22  and  42  are joined to form a foot-shaped profile, again, preferably by stitching, along their side edges  26 / 46  and  26 ′/ 46 ′, such that the perpendicularly disposed second edges  24  and  44  of first element  22  and third element  42  are adjacent to each other and in parallel, leaving an opening there between through which a foot is inserted. At this point in the assembly process, fourth element  52  is disposed within the interior of the assembled footwear (see  FIG. 3 ). First edge  38  of second element  32  is then joined to third element  42 , again, preferably by stitching. Finally, the constructed article  20  is trimmed along the joined edges and turned inside-out, such that the trimmed edges now occupy the interior void and fourth element  52  is now disposed on the exterior of the article.  FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of constructed article  20  made from the elements shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  positioned over a human foot, wherein the fourth element  52  and second element  32  are positioned such that they are underneath and protect the ball of a wearer&#39;s foot when inserted therein.  
         [0037]     It is noted that the foregoing assembly steps may be performed in different sequences, provided that the finished article is properly constructed to withstand intensive use. Additionally, it is noted that although the second element  32  and fourth element  52  are described as separate elements, one skilled in the art would understand that this embodiment can be modified such that these elements are combined as a single construction.  
         [0038]     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5, 6A  and  6 B, the third element  42  may be pre-cut such that construction is completed without need for a trimming step.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  shows an assembled view of the components of  FIG. 5 , wherein the second element  32  is on the exterior of the footwear and fourth element  52  is on the interior. To complete assembly, the footwear is stitched together and turned inside out such that the second element  32  is on the interior of the footwear and element  52  is on the exterior, wherein second elements  32  and the fourth element  52  are positioned underneath and protect the ball of wearer&#39;s foot when inserted therein, as shown in  FIG. 6B . One skilled in the art will understand that these components can be assembled according to the methods relating to  FIGS. 2-4 , except that trimming would not be required after assembly.  
         [0039]     Optionally, edge  39  and  39 ′ of the first and third elements  22  and  42  are not stitched together, but rather include mating fasteners  43 ,  43 ′, such as, for example, Velcro®, laces and loops, hooks and clips, snaps and buttons, to name a few. The remaining edges of the elements are stitched together. In this regard, edges  36  and  37  are stitched together, edges  36 ′ and  37 ′ are stitched together and edges  41  and  41 ′ are stitched together. Once assembled, the footwear is turned inside out, so that the second element  32  is on the interior of the footwear and fourth element  52  is on the exterior, wherein elements  32  and  52  are positioned underneath and protect the ball of wearer&#39;s foot when inserted therein, as shown if  FIG. 6B . According to this embodiment, edges  39  and &#39; 39  are secured together via fasteners  43  and &#39; 43  after inserting the foot into the footwear, and the fasteners may be adjusted to make the footwear tighter or looser.  
         [0040]     FIGS.  7 A-B show the components of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 7A , this embodiment includes an elongated strip of material  100  having first edge  102  defining an outward curve or shape having a single toe hole  104  defined adjacent thereto. The material  100  also includes side edges  106  and  106 ′, and a second edge  108  that is substantially straight and disposed perpendicularly to each of side edges  106  and  106 ′. An opening (not shown) is included in material  100  adjacent to the toe hole  104 ′. The opening has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of a footpad/protective material  110 , which is inserted into and secured to the opening via stitching, gluing or other means. In one embodiment, the footpad/protective material  110  is a single piece having an inner protective surface and an outer traction surface which are positioned underneath and protect the ball of a wearer&#39;s foot when inserted therein, as shown if  FIG. 7B . The inner surface of the footpad/protect material is preferably made from a moisture wicking material, and the outer surface made from any one or more of smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers, elastomers and synthetic rubber materials, such as neoprene. According to this embodiment, edges  106  and  106 ′ are secured together via stitching and then turned inside out.  
         [0041]     The material  100  can optionally include mating fasteners  107  and  107 ′ adjacent to ends  106  and  106 ′, as shown in phantom in  FIG. 7A . In this embodiment, the wearer simply inserts a toe through toe hole  104  and secures fasteners  107 ,  107 ′ together about the foot. In use, the article is slipped over a human foot such that the great or second toe is inserted into toe hole  104  with the remaining toes extending unencumbered beyond first edge  102 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment  120  is of unitary construction and is formed by a conventional molding process. Footpad  122  constructed of a like or alternate material may optionally be provided. Here again, the footpad is made from one piece having an inner protective surface and an outer traction surface which are positioned underneath and protect the ball of a wearer&#39;s foot when inserted therein.  
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view showing various components of the protective footwear according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the sleeve  210  is cut out of or otherwise formed from elastic material so as to have the appropriately placed toe openings  214  formed in an upper portion  211  of the sleeve  210 . The elastic material used to form the sleeve  210  is preferably lycra or spandex. The pad  216  is attached to a lower portion  213  of the sleeve  210  preferably by sewing. In this embodiment, the pad  216  is a multi-layer structure made up of a ground-contact layer  218 , a shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer  220  and an optional moisture absorbing layer  222 . The various layers of the pad  216  may be laminated together by, for example, adhesive, heat or a combination of the two.  
         [0044]     The ground-contact layer  218  is preferably made of a durable material that provides adequate friction with the ground surface, including smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers, elastomers and synthetic rubber materials, such as neoprene. The ground-contact layer  218  may also be textured to enhance traction, such as by forming ridges, grooves and/or dimplings in the outer surface of the ground-contact layer  218 . The thickness of the ground-contact layer  218  is preferably in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm.  
         [0045]     The shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer  220  is preferably placed between the ground-contact layer  218  and the optional moisture-absorbing layer  222 . Depending on the structure and materials used, the shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer  220  has the ability to cushion and/or absorb forces exerted on the wearer&#39;s feet. The shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer  220  assists in reducing foot pain and injury. Suitable materials for the shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer  220  include foam materials, such as, for example, polyurethane foam, hydrophilic urethane foam, polyethylene foam, closed cell foams, open cell foams, ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), or gel-like materials, such as, non-silicon polymer gel. The thickness of the shock-absorbing layer  18  is preferably in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 3.0 mm. If desired, the shock-absorbing and moisture or wicking layer may be combined to form a single construction.  
         [0046]     The moisture-absorbing or wicking layer  222  is preferably placed closest to the wearer&#39;s foot to enhance sweat absorption capability. The moisture-absorbing layer is an optional layer, and thus, in other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the pad  216  may only include the ground-contact layer  218  and the shock-absorbing layer  220 , or the ground-contact layer  218  only. The moisture absorbing layer  222  is preferably made of materials such as, for example, Ultralore® or nylon and polyester fabrics made with up to 50% load of ReFresh fibers, or treated with moisture wicking finishes and has a thickness in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm. If desired, the shock-absorbing and moisture or wicking layer may be combined to form a single construction.  
         [0047]     The elastic piece  212  is preferably in a band shape and is attached to the end of the sleeve  210  furthest from the wearer&#39;s toes. The elastic piece  212  is attached to the sleeve  210  by sewing and/or adhesive and is made of, for example, woven or knit elastic.  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view showing various components of the protective footwear according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration. This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , except for the provision of a separate toe piece  232  that protects the forefoot of the wearer and provides toe openings. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the toe piece  232  is attached to a cutout portion  230  of the sleeve  210  formed in the upper portion  211  of the sleeve  210 . Preferably the toe piece  232  is formed of a material that provides sufficient support so that the portions adjacent to or between the toe holes do not tear during intensive use, and also sufficient comfort so as not to induce blistering or tearing of the skin adjacent to or between the toes. Appropriate materials for the toe piece  232  may be, for example, neoprene, powermesh or tricot spandex.  
         [0049]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view showing various components of the protective footwear according to an another exemplary embodiment with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration. This embodiment is substantially the same as the first-described embodiment, except for the provision of a second cut-out portion  234  formed in a lower portion  213  of the sleeve  210  that accommodates the pad  216 .  FIG. 12  shows the sleeve  210  spread out and patterned to include the second cut-out portion  234 . The pad  216  is attached to the cut-out portion  234  preferably by sewing.  
         [0050]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the protective footwear which includes a sleeve  210  having a first cut-out portion  234  sized and shaped to accommodate a pad  216  when attached thereto. Similarly, the sleeve  210  has a second cut-out portion  230  sized and shaped to accommodate a toe piece  232  when attached thereto. All other features of this embodiment are substantially similar to the embodiments described with reference to  FIGS. 9-12 , and can be varied in a similar manner to those embodiments if desired.  
         [0051]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the footwear positioned for use over a human foot. This embodiment, which may be adapted for use with any of the other embodiments of the invention, is characterized by a sleeve  140  which extends over the ankle, thereby providing increased lateral stability and support. The sleeve  140  can be made from two pieces of Lycra sewn together, or a single piece of Lycra made on a knitting machine. The sleeve  140  includes a pad  216  having the same construction as that described with reference to  FIG. 9 . The pad  216  which is located underneath and protects the ball of the foot. The footpad and protective material can be made and attached to the sleeve  140  according to any of the embodiments discussed herein, and can be made as a single construction or made from multiple elements. In one embodiment, the footpad is made of neoprene, rubber, or a moisture absorbing foam.  
         [0052]     In a method of forming the protective footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sleeve  210  is first formed from a Lycra sheet in a spread out configuration as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 9-14 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , cut-out portions  230  and/or  234  may be formed in the Lycra sleeve to accommodate the toe piece  232  and/or the pad  216 , respectively. Alternatively, toe holes  214  may be formed directly in the sleeve  210  instead of using a separate toe piece  232 . The pad  216  is then attached to the lower portion  213  of the sleeve  210  and the lycra is trimmed around the pad  216 . The elastic piece  212  is also attached to the end of the sleeve  210  furthest from the wearer&#39;s toes, which can be done at any time during the assembly process. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the upper portion  211  of the sleeve  210  is folded over the lower portion  213  of the sleeve  210  such that the pad  216  is disposed within the void defined by the upper portion  211  and lower portion  213 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the upper portion  211  and the lower portion  212  are joined together around their respective edges, and the product is turned inside out to result in the finished protective footwear  210 .  
         [0053]     In each of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 17-23  mating fasteners  251 ,  253  (shown in phantom) may optionally be included along the outer lower edges of sleeve  210 . The operation and function of these adjustable fasteners is best shown for these embodiments in  FIG. 18 , which shows pad  216  attached to sleeve  210  by a seam  258 . As shown in phantom in  FIG. 17 , the sleeve  210  includes a first cut-out portion  234  and/or a second cut-out portion  230  to accommodate the pad  216  and the toe piece  232 , respectively. Additionally, toe holes  214  are included in the sleeve  210  (or toe piece  232  if used) and an elastic retaining strip  212  is secured to the bottom of sleeve  210 . Additionally, fasteners  251  and  253  are secured (e.g., via stitching) to the bottom half of the sleeve  210 , as shown in  FIG. 18 .  
         [0054]     To complete assembly of the sleeve  210 , the upper portion  211  is folded over the lower portion  213 , as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 . Next, the outer periphery of pad  216 , which extends between points  255  and  256 , is secured by a seam  259  to the outer periphery of the upper portion sleeve  210 , which extends between portions  256 ,  257 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . The material on sleeve  210  located below portions  255  and  257  are not stitched together. Rather, they include fasteners  251 ,  253 , which in a preferred embodiment, is Velcro®. However, other fasteners, such as laces, hooks, loops, snaps and buttons may also be used. Once assembled, the sleeve  210  is turned inside out for use (see  FIG. 21 ).  
         [0055]      FIG. 23  shows an exemplary embodiment which was assembled according to the foregoing method, and which includes cutouts corresponding to the pad  216  and toe piece  232 .  
         [0056]     The fasteners  251  and  253  allow the wearer to close and adjust the sleeve  210  according to the size of their foot. In this regard, once inserted on the wearer&#39;s foot, the fasteners  251 ,  253  are secured together about the foot and can be adjusted as needed. Additionally, for this embodiment, it is possible to assemble the footwear without the moisture absorbing layer  222 , and/or the shock absorbing and/or cushioning layer  220  such that the pad includes the ground contact layer  218  only. Moreover, although the fasteners  251  and  253  are located on the bottom of the foot when worn, it is possible to modify the design of the footwear such that the fasteners are located on the top side of the footwear, if desired. In each of the embodiments described herein, the pad  216  is located in a position where it will be underneath and protect the ball of the foot when the footwear is worn.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIGS. 22A-22D , another embodiment of the adjustable footwear is shown. In this embodiment, a sleeve  303  ( FIG. 22C ) is formed from a bottom portion  307  ( FIG. 22B ) and a top portion  309  ( FIG. 22A ). The bottom portion  307  includes a pad  305  secured to an elastic material  304 , such as Lycra®. The elastic material  304  has a rectangular portion  311  and a somewhat triangular portion  313  having two rounded portions  315 ,  317  along its upper edge. Fasteners  321  and  323  are located adjacent to the far ends of rectangular portion  311 . Preferably, fasteners  321 ,  323  are Velcro®, but can be other types of fasteners as well, including, for example, hooks, laces, buttons, snaps and the like. The pad  305  is generally heart shaped and includes rounded edges that correspond in shape and size to rounded portions  315 ,  317  of elastic material  304  and are secured thereto (e.g., via stitching), as shown in  FIG. 22B .  
         [0058]     Top portion  309  is approximately the same width as the pad  305 , as shown in  FIG. 22A . Top portion  309  has a rectangular or square-shaped lower half  331  and an upper rounded half  333 , which includes toe holes  310 . The rounded half  333  of top portion  309  is secured to the upper of pad  305  via a seam  337 , thereby forming a pocket through which the foot and toes are inserted, as shown in  FIG. 22C . The lower half  331  of top portion  309  includes a fastener  339  (e.g., Velcro®) which is located such that it will mate with fasteners  321  and  323  when worn on a foot, as shown in  FIG. 22D .  
         [0059]     In operation, the wearer inserts his or her foot in the pocket between top portion  309  and bottom portion  307 , with the toes extending through toe holes  310 . Next, the wearer folds the rectangular portions  311  over the top of his or her foot and secures the fasteners  321 ,  323  to fastener  337 . The wearer can adjust the fastener so until a comfortable fit is achieved, and the pad  305  is located in a position which is underneath and protects the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot.  
         [0060]     It is noted that for the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 22A-22D , the pad  305  can consist of the moisture absorbing layer  222 , ground contact layers  218  and cushioning layer  220 , or any combination thereof. Additionally, if desired, a separate toe piece and corresponding cut-out can be used.  
         [0061]     It should be appreciated that the protective footwear according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention may be made by any other suitable process, such as one in which the sleeve with the toe holes are formed as a unitary construction using conventional molding processes. Alternatively, the upper and lower portions of the sleeve may be two entirely separate pieces which are later sewn together. Soft leather, synthetic leather or any other suitable materials may be used so that the footpad is constructed of one layer that is either sewn onto the sleeve  210  or sewn on to a cutout area  234  where the inner surface of the footpad that makes contact with the skin serves as the protective layer and the opposite side serves as the ground contact layer.  
         [0062]     It is understood that the presently claimed invention may be embodied in other specified forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes which come within the meaning and range or equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.