Abstract:
An aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole&#39;s sidewall.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/682,923, entitled FOOTWEAR WITH EXTERNAL SHANK, filed May 19, 2005, and which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is directed to footwear, and more specifically toward footwear that includes a shank. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Boots and other footwear are typically constructed of materials that provide a comfortable, durable, and stable platform. Boots, such as hunting and hiking boots, are constructed with an upper connected to a sole assembly. The sole assembly has an outsole, a midsole, an insole, and an internal shank. Conventional boot construction provides a stable product, although additional stability typically results in a heavier product. It is desirable to maintain the durability and stability of a boot while reducing its weight. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention overcomes limitations of the prior art and provides additional benefits. At least one embodiment of the invention includes a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly comprises a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole&#39;s sidewall. An outsole is connected to at least one of the midsole and the stiffener. 
     In another embodiment, an outsole is connected to at least one of the midsole and the stiffener. The midsole is made of a first material and has a plurality of lugs projecting away from the upper and defining recessed areas. A stiffener is connected to the midsole in at least some of the recessed areas. The stiffener has a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of lugs project through the apertures. The midsole has a forefoot portion, an arch portion, and a heel portion, and the stiffener is positioned in the arch portion and in at least one of the forefoot portions and the heel portions. An outsole is connected to the lugs. 
     A detailed description of the illustrated embodiments of the invention is presented below, which will permit one skilled in the relevant art to understand, make, and use aspects of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art can obtain a full appreciation of aspects of the invention from the subsequent detailed description, read together with the figures, and from the claims, which follow the detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a boot assembly having an external shank in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged side view of the boot assembly of  FIG. 1  having an external shank. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged bottom isometric view of a boot assembly having an external shank. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged exploded bottom isometric view of the sole assembly of the boot assembly having a midsole and an external shank with an external heel support (the outsole is not shown). 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged top plan view of an external shank portion of  FIG. 4  shown removed from the midsole. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of a heel portion of the boot assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged bottom view of the heel portion of the boot assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a partially exploded isometric view of a sole assembly in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of a sole assembly having an external shank in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the sole assembly of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic side elevation view of a boot assembly in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic side elevation view of a boot assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a right side elevation view of the boot assembly having an external shank. 
         FIG. 14  there is a left side elevation view of the boot assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of the boot assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevation view of the boot assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the boot assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the boot assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A footwear assembly having a sole with an improved stiffener, such as a shank, is described in detail herein in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are discussed to provide a thorough and enabling description of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or are not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. In general, alternatives and alternate embodiments described herein are substantially similar to the previously described embodiments, and common elements are identified by the same reference numbers. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a boot assembly  10  having an upper  12  connected to a sole assembly  14  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged side view of the boot assembly  10 . The sole assembly  14  has a lightweight midsole  16  attached to the upper  12 , a shank  18  attached to the midsole to provide longitudinal and lateral stiffness and stability, and a durable outsole  20  attached to the midsole. In one embodiment, a plurality of lugs are formed in the middle and the outsole is attached to the lugs. In another embodiment, the lugs are integrally formed in the outsole and the shank is attached to the outsole around the lugs. In another embodiment, the outsole is provided with lugs or other tread features, and the shank is positioned between the midsole and the outsole. Portions of the shank engage the sides of the midsole or other upper portions of the shoe to provide a platform with improved foot support and/or lateral stability. The sole assembly  14  can also include an insole (not shown) in the interior area formed by the sole assembly  14  and the upper  12 . The sole assembly can also include a conventional longitudinal shank that works in conjunction with the shank  18  of the present invention. 
     As discussed in greater detail below, the shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment is at least a partially exposed shank (i.e., an external shank), although the shank in other embodiments can be covered by the outsole or other portions of the midsole assembly. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the shank can include lateral support portions  21  that extend upwardly away from the outsole and along the side of the midsole  16 . Portions of the shank can extend upwardly along portions of the shoe&#39;s upper. In other embodiments, portions of the shank can extend along the upper and connect to the shoe&#39;s lace system or other elements of the upper&#39;s fit system. The shank can also have support portions in the arch portion and/or forefoot portion on the medial and/or lateral and/or lateral sides. The sole assembly  14  has a forefoot portion  24  to support the toes and forefoot of a wearer&#39;s foot, an arch portion  26  to support the arch area of the foot, and a heel portion  28  to support the heel area of the foot. The shank can have support portions in the forefoot portion, the arch portion, and/or the heel portion. For example, the shank can have an external heel wrap  22  coupled to the midsole  16  to help form a stable heel cup. 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged bottom isometric view of the boot assembly  10 , and  FIG. 4  is an enlarged exploded bottom isometric view of the sole assembly  14  shown separated from the upper  12  ( FIG. 3 ). The outsole  20  ( FIG. 3 ) is not shown in  FIG. 4  to avoid obscuring other details shown. The sole assembly  14  of the illustrated embodiment has the midsole  16  made of a molded, closed-cell material, such as EVA (Expanded Vinyl Acetate) or other suitable foam or lightweight compressible material. The EVA material provides a lightweight and durable midsole structure with desirable cushioning and shock-absorbing characteristics. The midsole  16  of the illustrated embodiment has a plurality of protruding lugs  30  formed therein that extend away from the upper. The lugs  30  of the illustrated embodiment are raised portions that extend inwardly from the lateral and medial sides of the midsole  16 . The lugs  30  are provided in the forefoot portion and the heel portion. At least a portion of the midsole&#39;s arch portion is free of lugs, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The lugs  30  in the midsole  16  of the illustrated embodiment are spaced apart to define a contoured recessed portion  32  formed in the midsole. The recessed portion  32  extends substantially the length of the midsole  16  from the forefoot portion through the arch portion to the heel portion. The midsole  16  of the illustrated embodiment also has an enlarged heel lug  34  positioned in a heel strike area. The enlarged heel lug  34  provides a thick portion of EVA for additional cushioning and shock absorption for absorbing forces, for example, during heel strike. The midsole  16  of the illustrated embodiment also has a plurality of molded channel portions  38  extending generally longitudinally adjacent to the medial and lateral side portions of the midsole. The channel portion  38  extends between the lugs  30  (in the forefoot and heel portions, respectively). Other embodiments can have the channel portions  38  formed in other areas of the midsole, such as the arch portion. The channel portions  38  can be recessed areas that receive portions of the external shank  18 . 
     In one embodiment, the midsole  16  may be manufactured from a dual density material such that the outer exterior surface of the midsole, particularly along the sidewall, can be a more dense and durable material. The internal portions of the midsole  16  can be manufactured of a less dense material well suited for cushioning and shock absorption. The denser exterior surface of the midsole  16  can help provide for increased durability and wear resistance of the sole assembly  14 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the outsole  20  of the illustrated embodiment is comprised of a plurality of outsole sections  36  adhered to the bottom surface of the lugs  30  and the heel lug  34 . The outsole sections  36  are, therefore, spaced apart from the recessed portion  32  in the illustrated embodiment. The outsole sections  36  are made of a conventional durable rubber material that has been used for footwear outsoles. The outsole sections  36  are shaped and sized to substantially correspond to the shape of the lugs  30  and the heel lug  34 . Accordingly, the outsole sections  36  of the illustrated embodiment define the surface that engages the ground when the boot assembly is worn by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the outsole section  36 , connected to the heel lug  34 , wraps upwardly around the midsole&#39;s heel portion and is positioned along a sidewall of the heel portion. The outsole sections  36  are adhered to the lugs  30  and heel lug  34  of the midsole by conventional adhesive or other conventional attachment mechanisms. The outsole sections  36  can be contoured to provide additional traction or an aesthetic appearance of the sole assembly  14 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the outsole  20  does not cover the shank  18 . In another embodiment, the outsole  20  is a substantially full-length outsole so that the shank  18  is not visible from the bottom of the boot, except perhaps for lateral and medial stabilizing portions of the shank that extend up along the sidewalls of the midsole at the arch portion, the forefoot portion, and/or the heel portion. 
     The shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment is a full-length external shank that extends under the forefoot, arch, and heel portions,  24 ,  26 , and  28 , respectively, of the midsole  16 . The shank  18  of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is shaped and sized to fit within the recessed portion  32  formed in the midsole  16 . The external shank  18  in another embodiment is also a full-length external shank having a plurality of lug apertures and lugs formed in the outsole extending through the lug apertures in the shank. The external shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment is formed of a fairly stiff material that provides the support and stiffness needed along the longitudinal length of the midsole and laterally while still allowing for a degree of flexibility. Accordingly, the shank does not adversely affect the gait of a wearer. The external shank  18  also provides a durable layer of protection for the bottom of the wearer&#39;s foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the external shank is made of Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU), although other stiff and durable materials, such as plastic or polyurethane, could be used. 
     In other embodiments, the shank  18  can be less than a full length stiffener. For example, the shank can be a three-quarter length stiffener. The shank  18  in other embodiments can extend through the arch area and through the forefoot area but not the heel area. In another embodiment, the shank  18  can extend through the heel area and the arch area, but not through the forefoot area. The shank  18  can be a unitary member or have components coupled together to provide the longitudinal and lateral stiffness desired while still allowing the midsole to flex and bend as needed throughout the wearer&#39;s gait. 
     The shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment is positioned within the recessed portion  32  formed in the midsole  16  between the lugs  30 . The shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment is fixed to the midsole with an adhesive or other anchoring mechanism. Accordingly, the shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment is substantially fully exposed and is an external component of the sole assembly  14 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the shank  18  has a plurality of protrusions  42  along the lateral and medial portions that are shaped and sized to fit within the channel portions  38  molded into the midsole  16 . The protrusions  42  act as a positioning device that help retain the shank  18  in proper position on the midsole  16  during the manufacturing of the sole assembly  14 . The protrusions  42  also provide increased surface area to adhere to the midsole  16 . The protrusions  42  further act as longitudinal stiffeners for the shank  18  along the medial and lateral portions of the sole assembly  14 . 
     The shank  18  of the illustrated embodiment has a forefoot section  44  integrally connected to an arch section of  46 , which is connected to a heel section  48 . The forefoot section  44  has a body portion with a pattern that provides lateral stiffness and stability while also allowing for longitudinal flexibility and bending, such as adjacent to the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot. The forefoot section  44  has stabilizing edge portion members  50  that wrap upwardly around sidewall/edge areas  52  of the midsole  16 . The stabilizing members  50  are positioned with recesses  54  molded in the side wall of the midsole  16  adjacent to the edge area  52 . Accordingly, the stabilizing members  50  of the shank&#39;s forefoot section  44  in the illustrated embodiment are exposed along the side of the midsole  16  to provide protection to the EVA and to provide visible material differentiation along the side of the sole assembly  14 . 
     The shape and size of the stabilizing members  50  and the molded recesses  54  in the midsole  16  can be different shapes and sizes, particularly as may be desired, inter alia, for aesthetic and/or support reasons. In other embodiments, the stabilizing members can be configured to extend upwardly along the sidewall of the midsole and engage a portion of the shoe&#39;s upper adjacent to the midsole. The stabilizing members  50  on the medial and lateral sides can also be different sizes. For example, the stabilizing member on the lateral side (the outside) is taller or larger to provide increased stability to the outside of the wearer&#39;s foot. Other embodiments can have a larger stabilizing member of the medial side. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , stabilizing members  50  of the forefoot section  44  each have a break  60  formed therein that makes the sole assembly easier to manufacture and assemble. The breaks  60  also allow the shank  18  and the midsole  16  to be formed with less tolerance. Other embodiments can be constructed without the breaks  60  formed in the stabilizing members  50  of the shank  18 . 
     The arch section  46  of the shank  18  is positioned within the recessed portion  32  formed in the midsole  16  at the arch portion  26 . The arch section  46  also has stabilizing edge portions or members  51  that wrap around the edges of the midsole and extend upwardly along molded recesses  62  formed in the midsole&#39;s sidewall at the arch portion. The arch section  46  in other embodiments can have stabilizing members  51  wrap upwardly along the sidewall of the midsole and along a portion of the shoe&#39;s upper. The stabilizing members of the arch section  46  can also be larger or taller to extend higher along the lateral side or the medial sides to provide a desired degree of stability for the user&#39;s foot. The size of the stabilizing members  51  on the medial and lateral sides of the arch section can be different depending upon the size of the forefoot sections  44  on the medial and lateral sides. 
     For example, stabilizing members of the arch section  46  and the forefoot section  44  of the shank on the lateral side can be larger or taller that the respective stabilizing members on the medial sides. Alternatively the stabilizing members  50  of the forefoot section can be larger on the medial side than on the lateral side (e.g., to provide better stability during the toe-off phase of a user&#39;s gait), and the stabilizing members  51  of the arch section can be larger or taller on the lateral side than on the medial side (e.g., to provide lateral stability during the transitions in a wearer&#39;s gait between heel strike and toe-off). Accordingly, the arch section  46 , which is integrally connected to the forefoot section  44  and heel section  48 , provides a stable arch support area in the sole assembly  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the arch section  46  has an aperture  64  therein that extends around a logo section molded into the midsole. Other embodiments do not include this aperture for the logo. 
     In other embodiments, the arch sections  46  of the shank  18  can be partially or fully covered with a portion of the outsole. The arch section  46  can be covered by a layer of resilient outer material that includes a plurality of protruding resilient grip members protruding from the arch area. The grip members of one embodiment are flexible rubber fin structures, although other shapes and materials can be used. The grip members provide additional traction in the arch area. For example, the grip members can provide traction when a wearer steps on a structure (e.g., a ladder rung, an edge of a sidewalk, etc.) in the arch area of the sole assembly. In other embodiments, the arch area of the shank can be provided with texture that can provide increased traction. 
     The heel section  48  of the shank  18  also has lateral and medial stabilizing edge portions or members  70  that fit within recessed areas  72  molded into the sidewalls of the midsole  16  along the heel portion  28 . The heel section  48  of the shank of the illustrated embodiment has a plurality of apertures  74  that provide a degree of longitudinal flexibility of the external shank in the heel portion  28  while maintaining lateral stability. The stiffness characteristics can be different in other embodiments by providing a shank without the apertures or with larger apertures. The heel section  48  also includes protrusions  76  that fit within the channels  38  molded into the lateral and medial portions of the midsole  16  to facilitate the positioning and retention of the shank. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of the heel portion  28  of the sole assembly  10 , and  FIG. 7  is an enlarged bottom plan view of the heel portion. The midsole  16  in the heel portion  28  has a recessed area  66  along the side walls and around the heel portion. The recessed area  66  in the midsole  16  receives a heel wrap section  68  of the shank  18 . The heel wrap section  68  in the illustrated embodiment is integrally connected to the stabilizing member and is made of TPU, although other relatively stiff or rigid materials can be used in other embodiments. The heel wrap section  68  extends around the back of the midsole and provides a stabilizing and protective structure around the heel. The stabilizing members  70  and the heel wrap section  68  form the heel wrap  22  that can help define a heel cup within the boot assembly  10  for improved fit and comfort. The heel wrap  22  of the illustrated embodiment is connected to the heel section  48  of the shank  18 . The heel wrap  22  can be attached to the heel section  48  during manufacture of the sole assembly  14 . In other embodiments, the heel wrap  22  can be integrally connected to the heel section  48  of the shank  18 . 
     The heel wrap  22  in other embodiments can also wrap upwardly along the side of the midsole and along a portion of the shoe&#39;s upper around the heel area. The stabilizing members  70  of the heel wrap  22  can also be larger or extend higher along one side of the shoe (e.g., medial or lateral side) before it wraps around the heel area. For example, the heel wrap  22  can extend higher along the lateral side of the shoe than on the medial side to provide support and stability to the wearer&#39;s foot during heel strike. Accordingly, the heel wrap  22  can have an asymmetric configuration. The heel wrap  22  can also be contoured to accommodate the shape of a wearer&#39;s heel area for purposes of stability, comfort, and support. 
     In one embodiment, the shank  18  is formed of a translucent or a substantially transparent material (e.g., a TPU or plastic material). A pattern or image can be provided in or on the midsole so that the pattern or image is visible through the shank  18 . In one embodiment, a camouflage pattern is provided on the midsole, so that the camouflage pattern is visible through the shank  18 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the outsole material attached to the heel lug  34  provides a surface that engages the ground, such as during heel strike. The outsole material can wrap upward around the heel lug and up the back wall of the midsole at the heel portion  28 . The outsole material covering the heel lug  34  provides a durable heel area of the sole assembly  14 . The outsole material that wraps around the back of the midsole  16  is retained in a recessed area  78  molded into the midsole. Accordingly, the sole assembly  14  has a generally smooth and continuous surface as the sole assembly transitions between the outsole material, the EVA midsole material, and the TPU shank material. 
     The sole assembly with the EVA midsole and the TPU shank  18  with the rubber outsole  20  provide a very durable and rugged boot having a very lightweight assembly without sacrificing the structural rigidity and performance of a hiking boot, hunting boot, or work boot. 
     The three materials used in the sole assembly  14  of the illustrated embodiment, namely the EVA, TPU, and the rubber of the outsole, can all have the same color (shown in the illustrated embodiment as being black). In other embodiments, the different materials can be different colors, for example, for aesthetic purposes. The materials for the midsole  16 , the shank  18 , and the outsole  20  can also have different textures to provide a visual difference in these components. Such visual differences can be appealing aesthetically for marketing and other purposes. 
     In another embodiment, the lugs  30  can be integrally formed in the outsole  20 , and the outsole secured to the midsole  16  ( FIG. 6 ) along an interior surface that faces the midsole. The lugs extend away from the midsole and form the surface that engages the ground. In at least one embodiment, the shank is an external shank attached to an outer surface of the outsole between the lugs, such that the lugs protrude through the shank or appear to protrude through the shank. The shank can include stabilizing members  50  and  51  and/or the heel wrap as discussed above. The shank can be transparent or translucent so portions of the outsole and/or the midsole can be seen through the shank. In other embodiments, only portions of the shank are transparent or translucent. 
       FIG. 8  is a partially exploded isometric view of a sole assembly  100  of a boot assembly  10  in accordance with another embodiment.  FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the sole assembly  100  and  FIG. 10  is a side elevation view. The sole assembly  100  has a lightweight midsole  102  attached to an upper  104  (shown in phantom lines), a shank  106  attached to the midsole, and a durable outsole  108  attached to the shank  106 . The midsole  102  of the illustrated embodiment is a molded, closed cell, or other lightweight compressible material, such as EVA. The midsole  102  could also be made of a dual-density material, as discussed above. 
     The midsole  102  has a generally flat bottom surface  110  adhered or otherwise secured to portions of the shank  106 , and an upper surface  112  securely attached to the upper  104 . The midsole  102  has a forefoot portion  114 , an arch portion  116 , and a heel portion  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, sidewalls  120  of the midsole  102  have recesses  133  formed in each of the forefoot portion  114 , the arch portion  116 , and the heel portion  118 . The recesses  133  are shaped and sized to receive portions of the shank  106 , discussed in greater detail below. In other embodiments, recesses can be provided in only one or more of the forefoot, arch, and heel portions. In yet other embodiments, recesses need not be provided in the sidewalls  120 . 
     The shank  106  of the illustrated embodiment has a forefoot portion  124  attached to the midsole&#39;s forefoot portion  114 , an arch portion  126  attached to the midsole&#39;s arch portion  116 , and a heel portion  128  attached to the midsole&#39;s heel portion  118 . The shank  106  of the illustrated embodiment is a full-length shank formed of a stiff and substantially non-compressible material, such as TPU. Other materials, such as plastics, urethanes, polyurethanes, etc., could be used in other embodiments. Other embodiments can have ¾-length shanks, ½-length shanks, or other size shanks. 
     The outsole assembly  108  is shown as a two-piece outsole with a forward section  108 A and a rear section  108 B. The forward section is attached to the forefoot portion  124  of the shank and extends forwardly from the arch portion  126  through the forefoot portion. The rear section  108 B is attached to the heel portion  128  of the shank and extends rearwardly from the arch portion  126  through the heel portion. Accordingly, the arch portion of the shank in the illustrated embodiment is exposed. In other embodiments, the front and rear sections  108 A and  108 B can be connected together by outsole material that can partially cover parts of the shank&#39;s arch portion. In another embodiment, the outsole can be a full-length outsole that covers the shank from heel to toe. In another embodiment, portions of the shank&#39;s forefoot portion  124  and/or heel portion  128  can be exposed. 
     The outsole assembly  108  of the illustrated embodiment is constructed with a tread pattern that can include lugs or other tread features. Portions of the forward and/or rear sections are constructed with a transparent or translucent outsole material. For example, the transparent or translucent material, such as durable rubber, can be provided between the tread features. Accordingly, portions of the shank can be seen through the transparent or translucent material. The shank can be provided with designs, patterns, text, camouflage, logos, colors, or other visual images that can be seen through the outsole. In other embodiments, the outsole can be made of opaque material. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the shank includes the stabilizing members  50  at the forefoot portion, stabilizing members  51  at the arch portion, and the heel wrap  22  at the heel portion as discussed above. The shank in other embodiments can have other configurations or combinations of the stabilizing members and/or the heel wrap. For example, in one embodiment, the shank has the stabilizing members in the arch portion and the heel wrap, but not the forefoot stabilizing members. In another embodiment, the shank only has the heel wrap  22 . In yet other embodiments the shank only has the forefoot stabilizing members. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are side elevation views of other embodiments wherein stabilizing members of the shank extend upwardly from the sidewalls of the midsole and extend along portions of the shoe&#39;s upper. The stabilizing members extend along the upper and are connected to the upper&#39;s fit system  150 , such as the laces or the like. Accordingly, the shank system supports and cradles the wearer&#39;s foot while in the shoe. 
       FIG. 13  is a right side elevation view of a boot showing an ornamental design of one embodiment of a boot assembly.  FIG. 14  is a left side elevation view of the boot of  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of the boot of  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 16  is a rear elevation view of the boot of  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the boot of  FIG. 13 , and  FIG. 18  is a top view of the boot of  FIG. 13 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.