Patent Publication Number: US-2023148709-A1

Title: Asymmetrical heel pad

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Having the proper equipment when playing a sport can be a factor in how well an athlete may perform. For example, proper equipment in the sport of golf may allow a golfer to hit the golf ball longer, straighter, and more consistently, thus improving the golfer&#39;s performance and overall score. Golf shoes are one example piece of equipment that can substantially affect a golfer&#39;s performance. For example, traction, stability, and support provided by a golfer&#39;s shoes can affect how the golfer is able to perform the body movements necessary to culminate in an ideal contact between a club head and a ball (i.e., a golf swing). If the shoes do not fit the golfer properly, the golfer&#39;s foot can move relative to the ground, which is undesirable. For example, increased movement of the foot during the golf swing can lead to less power during the swing and less accuracy in the golf shot. 
     It is with respect to these and other general considerations that the aspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relatively specific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     Examples of the present disclosure describe a golf shoe comprising a heel cup comprising an asymmetrical padding configuration to reduce foot movement during a golf swing. The asymmetrical padding configuration may include one or a plurality of heel pads that fit the contour of the heel area of the wearer&#39;s foot. For example, the one or more heel pads may have an asymmetrical configuration so that the heel area provides proper support and fit to a golfer to reduce the voids of space that normally occur around the heel portion in a shoe. The support may lead to a better fit for increased comfort and more stability during the golf swing by reducing foot movement during the swing. The decreased movement of the foot during the golf swing can lead to more power during the swing and greater accuracy in the golf shot. 
     In an example, the technology relates to a golf shoe comprising: an upper, the upper comprising: a forepart region; and a heel cup attached to the forepart region, the heel cup comprising: an interior surface; an exterior surface; and at least one heel pad molded between the interior surface and the exterior surface, the at least one heel pad comprising a medial side and a lateral side, wherein the medial side is asymmetrical to the lateral side; and a sole attached to the upper. 
     In another example, the technology relates to a heel cup, comprising an interior surface; an exterior surface; and a heel pad molded between the interior surface and the exterior surface, the heel pad comprising a medial side and a lateral side, wherein the medial side of the heel pad is asymmetrical to the lateral side of the heel pad. 
     In another example, the technology relates to a method for making a golf shoe, comprising: constructing a forepart region of an upper; constructing a heel region of the upper, the heel region comprising a heel cup with an asymmetrical heel pad configuration about a medial side and a lateral side of the heel cup; attaching the forepart region to the heel cup to form the upper; lasting the upper; and attaching a sole to the upper. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features, and/or advantages of examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures. 
         FIG.  1 A  depicts a medial side view of an example golf shoe in which an asymmetrical heel pad configuration may be implemented. 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts a lateral side view of the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  depicts a top view of the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 D  depicts a back view of the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 E  depicts a bottom view of the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts an exploded view of various layers that may be used to form an example heel cup for the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A  according to an example. 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts an outside (or back) view of the various layers of the example heel cup of  FIG.  2 A  arranged together in a flattened form. 
         FIG.  2 C  depicts an outside (or back) view of the example heel cup of  FIG.  2 A  arranged together in a curved form. 
         FIG.  2 D  depicts an inside (or front) view of the various layers of the example heel cup of  FIG.  2 A  arranged together in a flattened form. 
         FIG.  2 E  depicts an exploded view of various example layers that may be used to form an example heel cup for the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A  according to another example. 
         FIG.  2 F  depicts an exploded view of various example layers that may be used to form an example heel cup comprising a dual density asymmetrical heel pad configuration for the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A  according to another example. 
         FIG.  2 G  depicts an exploded view of various example layers that may be used to form an example heel cup comprising a pre-formed asymmetrical heel pad configuration for the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A  according to another example. 
         FIG.  2 H  depicts an exploded view of various example layers that may be used to form an example heel cup comprising a triple density asymmetrical heel pad configuration for the example golf shoe of  FIG.  1 A  according to another example. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a schematic diagram of an upper of the example golf shoe including waterproofing features. 
         FIG.  4    depicts a back view of an example golf shoe shown on a wearer&#39;s foot. 
         FIG.  5 A  depicts an inside (or front) view of an example single heel pad configuration. 
         FIG.  5 B  depicts an inside (or front) view of an example multiple heel pad configuration including three (3) heel pads. 
         FIG.  5 C  depicts an inside (or front) view of an example multiple heel pad configuration including two (2) heel pads. 
         FIG.  5 D  depicts an inside (or front) view of another example multiple heel pad configuration including two (2) heel pads. 
         FIG.  6    depicts example operations of a method of making a golf shoe comprising an asymmetrical heel pad configuration according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    depicts example operations of a method of constructing an asymmetrically configured heel pad according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    depicts example operations of a method of waterproofing a shoe upper according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully in reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. The views shown in the Figures are of a right shoe and it is understood the components for a left shoe will be mirror images of the right shoe. It also should be understood that the shoe may be made in various sizes and thus the size of the components of the shoe may be adjusted depending upon the shoe size. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached,” “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly attached, coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached,” directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. 
     As discussed above, golf shoes are an important part of a player&#39;s equipment, and lack of stability in the golf shoe may negatively impact a player&#39;s performance. One way in which golf shoes may not fit the golfer properly is in the heel area, where voids of space may be formed below the bony prominences located on each side of the golfer&#39;s ankles. Such voids of space occur commonly around the heel in golf shoes due at least in part to the asymmetrical configuration of the bony prominences between each side of the human ankle and the typically symmetrical configuration of the heel area of golf shoes. For example, each leg of the human body is supported by two bones: a tibia on the medial or inner side of the leg and the fibula on the lateral or outer side of the leg, and the bony prominence on each side of the human ankle is referred to as a malleolus. A medial malleolus is formed by the lower end of the tibia and is the prominence on the medial side of the ankle. A lateral malleolus, the prominence on the lateral side of the ankle, is formed by the lower end of the fibula and descends lower than the medial malleolus. Currently, padding provided in the heel area of golf shoes is typically symmetrical in design and does not account for the asymmetrical configuration of the medial and lateral malleolus. Thus, the symmetrical design of the padding may form a void in the heel area around the medial and/or lateral malleolus that may allow for movement of the wearer&#39;s foot. It may be desirable, therefore, to provide a golf shoe that fits the contour of the wearer&#39;s heel area for reducing foot movement during a golf swing. 
     Additionally, given that the sport of golf is an outdoor sport, a golfer may sometimes play in wet and/or soggy conditions. The sport of golf includes stretches of walking, which if a golfer&#39;s shoes are not waterproof, the golfer&#39;s foot can get wet. As can be appreciated, this may not only be uncomfortable to the golfer, but in certain locations and/or during low temperature conditions, can be unsafe for the golfer. It may be desirable, therefore, to provide a golf shoe that is waterproof for keeping the wearer&#39;s foot dry during wet or soggy conditions. 
     To help alleviate the above problems, the examples of the present disclosure describe a golf shoe comprising an asymmetrical heel padding configuration to reduce foot movement during a golf swing. The asymmetrical heel padding configuration may include one or a plurality of heel pads that fit the contour of the heel area of the wearer&#39;s foot. For example, the one or more heel pads may have an asymmetrical configuration so that the heel area provides proper support and fit to a golfer to reduce the voids of space that normally occur around the heel portion in a shoe. The support may lead to a better fit for increased comfort and more stability during the golf swing by reducing foot movement during the swing. The decreased movement of the foot during the golf swing can lead to more power during the swing and greater accuracy in the golf shot. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  depict various views of an example golf shoe  100 , sometimes referred to herein generally as a shoe, in which aspects of a heel cup  102  comprising an asymmetrical heel padding configuration may be implemented. For example,  FIG.  1 A  is a medial (e.g., inner) side view of the shoe  100 ,  FIG.  1 B  is a lateral (e.g., outer) side view of the of the shoe  100 ,  FIG.  1 C  is a top view of the of the shoe  100 ,  FIG.  1 D  is a back view of the shoe  100 , and  FIG.  1 E  is bottom view of the shoe  100 . 
     The shoe  100  may generally include a shoe upper  104  and a sole  106 . The upper  104  may have a traditional shape and may be made from a combination of standard upper materials such as, for example, natural leather, synthetic leather, knits, non-woven materials, natural fabrics, and synthetic fabrics. For example, breathable, mesh, and synthetic textile fabrics made from nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, rubbers, foams, and combinations thereof can be used. The material used to construct the upper may be selected based on desired properties such as breathability, durability, flexibility, comfort, and water resistance. In one example, the shoe  100  may be waterproof, and the forepart region of the upper  104  and at least an outermost layer of the upper  104  may be constructed of one or a combination of materials having water resistant properties. Additional waterproofing features (described below) may be applied in construction of the shoe  100  for providing additional waterproofing capabilities. 
     The forepart region of the upper  104  may include a forefoot and midfoot region that generally correspond with a front and a middle of the wearer&#39;s foot (e.g., the area surrounding the toes and metatarsal, phalange, and sesamoid bones and the area surrounding the arch and the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones). It is understood that the heel region and forepart region (i.e., forefoot and midfoot regions) are intended to represent general areas of footwear and not demarcate precise areas. The forepart region of the upper  104  may include a vamp  108  for covering the forepart region of the foot. In some examples, the vamp  108  may cover at least a portion of a tongue member  110 . In other examples, and as shown in the various Figures, the forepart region of the upper  104  may further include an eye stay  112  that may be attached to the vamp  108  and that may cover at least a portion of the tongue member  110 . 
     The shoe  100  may have a medial side and a lateral side that are opposite to one another. The medial side may generally correspond with an inside area of the wearer&#39;s foot and a surface that faces toward the wearer&#39;s other foot. The lateral side may generally correspond with an outside area of the wearer&#39;s foot and a surface that faces away from the wearer&#39;s other foot. The wearer&#39;s foot may be inserted into the shoe  100  through a throat opening  114  defined in the upper  104 . In the examples, the throat opening  114  may be defined by the heel cup  102  and the tongue member  110 . In other examples, the throat opening  114  may be defined by the heel cup  102 , the vamp  108 , and the tongue member  110 . In still other examples and as illustrated in the various Figures, the throat opening  114  may be defined by the heel cup  102 , the eye stay  112 , and the tongue member  110 . A lace  118  or another tightening system may be used for tightening the shoe around the contour of the wearer&#39;s foot. The lace  118  may be threaded through eyelets or eyes of the eye stay  112 . 
     The heel region of the upper  104  may generally correspond with the rear portions of a wearer&#39;s foot (e.g., the area surrounding and below the Achilles tendon, the posterior of the heel, and the talus and calcaneus bones). In an example implementation, the heel region of the upper  104  includes the heel cup  102 . According to an example, the heel cup  102  may be comprised of a plurality of layers that may be molded together to form the heel cup  102 , as discussed further below. For instance, the heel cup  102  may be formed as a single molded element made up of a plurality of layers. 
     Example layers that may be used to form the heel cup  102  are illustrated in exploded views in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 E -H. As should be appreciated, the example layers in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 E -H are illustrated for better clarity and understanding of aspects of the shoe  100 . For example, the example layers in  FIG.  2 A  are shown having shapes and contours that may not be present until after a molding process (e.g., sizes, dimensions, and configurations of the various layers, such as illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , may be formed through the molding process). Other example shapes and contours of layers of the heel cup  102  prior to the molding process are represented in  FIGS.  2 E-H . An outside (or back) view of the example layers of the heel cup  102  arranged together in a flattened form is shown in  FIG.  2 B , an outside (or back) view of the heel cup  102  in a curved form, for example, in the form in which the heel cup  102  may be attached to the forepart region of the upper  104 , is shown in  FIG.  2 C , and an inside (or front view, e.g., from the front of the shoe  100 )) of the example layers of the heel cup  102  arranged together in a flattened view is shown in  FIG.  2 D . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 A-H , the heel cup  102 , and thus, the layers of the heel cup  102 , may have a medial side  50   a  and a lateral side  50   b  that correspond to the medial side and the lateral side of the shoe  100 . A first layer, which may be the outermost layer or the outer surface of the heel cup  102 , may be a non-wicking material  128 . For example, the non-wicking material  128  may be a material that does not absorb moisture as part of providing a waterproof shoe  100 . The non-wicking material  128  may wrap around the heel region and extend forward along both the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b.    
     In some examples, a next layer of the heel cup  102  may include an outer foam layer  130 . The outer foam layer  130  may be included to provide an embossed decorative pattern in the heel cup  102 . For example, the outer foam layer  130  may be a foam pad comprised of one or a combination of pieces and may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations. As shown in  FIGS.  2 B and  2 C , when the various layers of the heel cup  102  are arranged and molded together, the outer foam layer  130  may provide a three-dimensional (3D) pattern on the non-wicking material  128 . 
     A next layer of the heel cup  102  may include a counter  132 . The counter  132  may reinforce the heel cup  102  and the upper  104  and, in some examples may limit movement of the wearer&#39;s heel. The counter  132  may wrap around the heel region and extend forward along both the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b.    
     A next layer of the heel cup  102  may include an inner foam layer that may be molded to form one or a plurality of heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434 . The one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  are described in detail below with reference to  FIGS.  5 A-D . As shown in an outside (or back) view of an example shoe  100  worn by a wearer in  FIG.  4   , the heel pad(s)  134 , 234  may be included to add comfort around the wearer&#39;s ankle during wear. As described above, the medial malleolus formed by the lower end of the tibia is the prominence on the medial side of the wearer&#39;s ankle, and the lateral malleolus formed by the lower end of the fibula is the prominence on the lateral side of the ankle. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the height H MM  of the medial malleolus from the bottom of the wearer&#39;s foot is greater than the height H LM  of the lateral malleolus. In examples, the heel pad(s)  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  may have an asymmetrical configuration about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to reduce the voids of space that can normally occur around the heel region in a shoe  100  due to the asymmetrical heights H MM ,H LM  of the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. Accordingly, the shoe  100  may better fit the contour of the wearer&#39;s heel area for reducing foot movement during a golf swing. 
     Returning to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 H , a last layer, which may be the innermost layer or interior surface of the heel cup  102 , may include a lining  136 . For example, the lining  136  may be used to line the inside of the heel cup  102  and improve comfort of the shoe  100 . The lining  136  may wrap around the heel region and extend forward along both the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b . As shown in  FIG.  2 D , when the various layers of the heel cup  102  are arranged together, the one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  included in the inner foam layer may provide 3D asymmetrical heel padding in the lining  136 . For example, after the various layers of the heel cup  102  are molded together and assembled to the shoe  100 , the 3D asymmetrical heel padding provided by the heel pad(s)  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  may fit the contour of the wearer&#39;s heel area. 
       FIGS.  2 E-H  show different examples of layering of the heel cup  102  described in  FIG.  2 A . For example,  FIG.  2 E  shows an example heel cup layer configuration comprising a single inner foam layer  150  that may be formed to create the one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434 . For instance, the first layer (e.g., the outermost layer or the outer surface of the heel cup  102 ) may be a non-wicking material  128 ; the next (e.g., second) layer may include the outer foam layer  130  to provide an embossed decorative pattern in the heel cup  102  when the various layers of the heel cup  102  are arranged and molded together, the next (e.g., third) layer may include the counter  132  to reinforce the heel cup  102 ; the next (e.g., fourth) layer may include the single inner foam layer  150 , that when molded, includes at least one or a plurality of heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  configured asymmetrically about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to reduce the voids of space that can normally occur around the heel region in a shoe  100  due to the asymmetrical configuration of the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus; and the next (e.g., fifth or last) layer, which may be the innermost layer of the heel cup  102 , may include the lining  136  that may be used to line the inside of the heel cup  102  and improve comfort of the shoe  100 . 
       FIG.  2 F  shows an example heel cup layer configuration comprising a dual density inner foam layer  250   a,b  (generally,  250 ) that may be formed to create one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  having dual density properties. For instance, the dual density inner foam layer  250   a,b  may be comprised of a medial inner foam layer  250   a  having a first density and a lateral inner foam layer  250   b  having a second density higher than the first density. For example, the higher density of the lateral inner foam layer  250   b  may provide additional support along the lateral side of the wearer&#39;s foot, which can reduce foot movement during a golf swing. 
       FIG.  2 G  shows an example heel cup layer configuration comprising an inner foam layer  150  and one or a plurality of heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  that may be pre-formed (e.g., die cut) and positioned between the inner foam layer  150  and the lining  136 . For example, the one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  may be arranged asymmetrically about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 , such that when the various layers of the heel cup  102  shown in  FIG.  2 G  are molded together, the one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  may be formed to support the wearer&#39;s foot by reduce the voids of space that can normally occur around the heel region in a shoe  100  due to the asymmetrical configuration of the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. 
       FIG.  2 H  shows an example heel cup layer configuration comprising a first inner foam layer  150  and a dual density inner foam layer  350   a,b  (generally,  350 ) that may be formed to create one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  having triple density properties. For instance, the dual density inner foam layer  350   a,b  may be comprised of a medial inner foam layer  350   a  having a first density and a lateral inner foam layer  350   b  having a second density higher than the first density. In some examples and as shown, the medial inner foam layer  350   a  and the lateral inner foam layer  350   b  may be arranged such there a space may be defined between them. When the various layers of the heel cup  102  shown in  FIG.  2 H  are molded together, the first inner foam layer  150  may fill the space between the medial inner foam layer  350   a  and the lateral inner foam layer  350   b . For example, the first inner foam layer  150  may be configured to provide support in the center (i.e., between the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b ) of the heel cup  102 , the medial inner foam layer  350   a  may be configured to form a medial side of the one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434 , and the lateral inner foam layer  350   b  may be configured to form a lateral side of the one or more heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434 . Thus, when formed, the first inner foam layer  150  and the dual density inner foam layer  350  may provide a triple foam density heel pad configuration. It should be understood that the above-described layers shown in  FIGS.  2 A-H  represent only one example of layers of materials that can be used in the heel cup  102  constructions of this disclosure and other layers of materials can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     According to an aspect, after being molded together, the heel cup  102  may be attached to the forepart region of the upper  104 . In one example, and as shown in a schematic diagram illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the heel cup  102  may be secured to the forepart region of the upper  104  via a first stitching  140 . Additionally, one or a plurality of layers of cement  144  may be applied over the first stitching  140  to fill any holes made as part of the stitching for waterproofing the seam between the heel cup  102  and the forepart region of the upper  104 . In some examples, a liner  146  may be included. The liner  146  may be used to line the inside of the forepart region of the upper  104  and improve comfort of the shoe  100 . For example, the liner  146  may be attached to the inner side of the forepart region of the upper  104  and extend from the toe area of the shoe  100  to the heel cup  102 . The liner  146  may be secured to the heel cup  102  via a second stitching  142 . The liner  146  may cover the cement  144  applied over the first stitching  140 . Additionally, a piece of hot melt adhesive  148  may be applied over the second stitching  142  to cover any holes made as part of the stitching for providing a waterproof shoe  100 . The hot-melt adhesive  148  may be a hot melt tape or similar material. Another layer of cement  144  may also be used to fill in the holes caused by the second stitching  142 , and the adhesive  148  may be applied over the other layer of cement  144 . In one example implementation, this may complete the construction of the upper  104 . 
     It should be understood that the above-described upper  104  shown in  FIGS.  1 A-D ,  2 A-D, and  3  represents only one example of an upper that can be used in the shoe  100  constructions of this disclosure; other uppers can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     According to an example, the sole  106  may be comprised of an outsole  116 , a midsole  115 , and an insole  126 . Some example soles  106  that can be incorporated in the shoe  100  are described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,019,874 titled “Golf Shoe Having Outsole with All-Surface Traction Zones” filed on Dec. 20, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/038,3421 titled “Golf Shoe Having Midsole and Outsole for Providing Flex and Stability” filed Aug. 26, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The midsole  115  may be relatively lightweight and provides cushioning to the shoe  100 . The midsole  115  may be made from a standard midsole material such as, for example, foamed ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or polyurethane. In one manufacturing process, the midsole  115  is molded on and about the outsole  116 . Alternatively, the midsole  115  can be molded as a separate piece and then joined to the top surface (not shown) of the outsole  116  by stitching, adhesives, or other suitable fastening means using standard techniques known in the art. For example, the midsole  115  can be heat-pressed and bonded to the top surface of the outsole  116 . It should be understood that the above-described midsole  115  shown in  FIGS.  1 A, 1 B, 1 D, and  4    represents only one example of a midsole that can be used in the shoe constructions of this invention and other midsoles can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     In general, the outsole  116  is designed to provide stability and traction for the shoe  100 . Referring back to  FIG.  1 E , the bottom surface of the outsole  116  is configured to contact the ground during golf play. The golf shoe  100  may include multiple traction members  122  that protrude from the bottom surface of the outsole  116  to help provide traction between the shoe  100  and grass on the course. The traction members  122  can be of various sizes and may further be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, square, spherical, star, diamond, pyramid, arrow, rod, or conical-shapes. Also, the height and area of the traction members  122  may be the same or different. The bottom surface of the outsole  116  and traction members  122  can be made of any suitable material such as rubber or plastics and combinations thereof. Thermoplastics such as nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, and polyurethanes can be used. It should be understood that the above-described outsole  116  shown in  FIG.  1 E  represents only one example of an outsole that can be used in the shoe  100  constructions of this disclosure and other outsole designs can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     In some examples, the bottom surface of the outsole  116  may further include spikes or cleats  138  (shown in  FIG.  4   ). The cleats  138  may provide additional traction between the shoe  100  and the ground surface. If such spikes or cleats  138  are present, they may be fastened to sockets or receptacles (not shown) in the outsole  116  or fixedly coupled to the outsole  116 . 
     The insole  126  (shown in  FIG.  1 C ), which may be worn inside the shoe  100 , may be designed to provide cushioning or comfort for the wearer of the shoe  100 . The insole  126  may be above the outsole  116  when in use. In some embodiments, the insole  126  may be designed to provide support. The insole  126  may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some examples, the insole  126  may be removable. 
     The sole  106  may be attached to the upper  104  at a feather line  124  (shown in  FIG.  1 A ), for example, using cement or the like and conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art. Prior to attachment to the sole  106 , the upper  104  may be pulled onto a last, and a lasting board may be attached to the upper  104  with an adhesive. The lasting board may then be attached to the sole  106  with an adhesive for producing the shoe  100 . It should be understood that the above-described sole  106  shown in  FIGS.  1 A-D  represents only one example of a sole that can be used in the shoe  100  constructions of this disclosure; other soles can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  5 A-D , different configurations of heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  in a heel cup  102  are described. As should be appreciated, height and distance dimensions as described with respect to  FIGS.  5 A-D  may be measured in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a plane formed by the sole or ground when the shoe  100  is at rest. For instance, height dimensions may be measured in a substantially vertical direction. Width and/or length dimensions may be measured in a direction that is substantially parallel to the plane formed by the sole or ground when the shoe  100  is at rest. For instance, the width and/or length dimensions may be measured in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the height dimensions. As illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A-D , the heel cup  102  is in a flattened form and the dimensions are shown along an oblique plane, which when the shoe  100  is assembled and at rest on or parallel to a surface, may be in a vertical position. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 A , in one example implementation, the heel cup  102  may include a single heel pad  134 , wherein the single heel pad  134  may have an asymmetrical configuration about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 . In some examples, the heel pad  134  may be constructed to have a medial height H 1M  that is greater than its lateral height H 1L . For instance, the medial height H 1M  is a distance measured from a lowest point along the bottom edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134  to a lowest point along the upper edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134 . The lateral height H 1L  is a distance measured from a lowest point along the bottom edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134  to a lowest point along the upper edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . In some examples, the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134  may have a height 1-6 mm or 1-3 greater than height the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . For instance, the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134  may have a height H 1M  that is at least 1 mm greater than the height H 1L  of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . 
     The difference in height may be dependent on the size of the shoe. For instance, a larger difference in height may be present for a larger shoe, and a smaller difference in height may be present for smaller shoe. As such, the differences in height may be better represented as a ratio between the medial height H 1M  and the lateral height H 1L . In some examples, ratio between the medial height H 1M  dimension to the lateral height H 1L  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1.05:1 to 1.5:1. As an illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the medial height H 1M  of the heel pad  134  may be between 23.5-26.5 mm, and the lateral height H 1L  of the heel pad  134  may be 22-25 mm. Accordingly, the heel pad  134  may occupy a greater area on the medial side  50   a  to reduce the voids of space that can normally occur around the heel region in a shoe  100  due to the asymmetrical heights H MM ,H LM  of the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. 
     In some examples and as shown in  FIG.  5 A , the heel cup  102  may have a symmetrical profile, wherein the medial height H HCM  of a portion of the heel cup  102  that may be located below the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus (MM) may be equal to the lateral height H HCL  of a portion of the heel cup  102  that may be located below the wearer&#39;s lateral malleolus (LM). For instance, the medial height H HCM  is a distance measured from a bottom edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point of an upper edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102 . The lateral height H HCL  is a distance measured from a bottom edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point of an upper edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 . In other examples, the heel cup  102  may have an asymmetrical profile, wherein the medial height H HCM  of the heel cup  102  is greater than the lateral height H HCL  of the heel cup  102 . 
     In some examples, to further provide a shoe  100  that may better fit the contour of the wearer&#39;s heel area for reducing foot movement during a golf swing, the heel pad  134  may be positioned such that the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134  may be 1-6 mm or 1-3 mm higher than the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . For example, a first medial distance D 1M1 , measured from the bottom edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point of the bottom edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134 , may be less than a first lateral distance D 1L1  measured from the bottom edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point of the bottom edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . In some examples, the first medial distance D 1M1  dimension in comparison with the first lateral distance D 1L1  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.05 to 1:1.5. As an illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the first medial distance D 1M1  of the heel pad  134  be between 21-25 mm and the first lateral distance D 1L1  of the heel pad  134  may be between 22.5 and 26.5 mm. 
     In some examples, the heel pad  134  may be further positioned such that a second medial distance D 1M2 , measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134 , is equal to a second lateral distance D 1L2 , measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . In one illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the second medial distance D 1M2  of the heel pad  134  and the second lateral distance D 1L2  of the heel pad  134  may be between 5-9 mm. It should be understood that the above-described single heel pad configuration shown in  FIG.  5 A  represents only one example of a single heel pad configuration that can be used in the shoe  100  constructions of this disclosure and other single heel pad configuration designs can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, in other implementations, the heel pad  134  may be constructed such that the lateral thickness is greater than the medial thickness. In other example implementations, the heel pad  134  may be constructed to extend farther along the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  than along the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  (e.g., between 1-3 mm). In other example implementations, the distance D 1M2  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel pad  134  may be less than the distance D 1L2  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel pad  134 . In some examples, the heel pad  134  may be constructed to extend farther to the top edge of the heel cup  102  on the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  than on the lateral side  50   b  by 1-3 mm. In one illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the medial distance D 1M2  dimension in comparison with the lateral distance D 1L2  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.2 to 1:1.8. Other example asymmetrical single heel pad configurations are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In another example implementation, the heel cup  102  may include a plurality of heel pads  234   a - n , wherein the plurality of heel pads  234   a - n  may have an asymmetrical configuration about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 . As can be appreciated, utilizing a plurality of heel pads  234   a - n  may allow for a reduction of material used for the inner foam layer, which can reduce the weight of the shoe  100 . For example, the plurality of heel pads  234   a - n  may be positioned within the profile of the single heel pad  134 , but may be positioned with spaces between the pads.  FIG.  5 B  shows an example heel cup  102  comprising a multiple heel pad configuration including three (3) heel pads  234   a - c . For example, a first heel pad  234   a  may be positioned on the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102 , and may be further positioned to fill a first void space defined between the heel cup  102  and the medial side of the wearer&#39;s foot below the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus. A second heel pad  234   b  may be positioned on the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 , and may be further positioned to fill a second void space defined between the heel cup  102  and the lateral side of the wearer&#39;s foot below the wearer&#39;s lateral malleolus. A third heel pad  234   c  may be positioned in the center (i.e., between the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b ) of the heel cup  102 . 
     In some examples and as shown in  FIG.  5 B , the heel cup  102  may have a symmetrical profile with an asymmetrical heel pad configuration. For instance, the top edge and the bottom edge of the heel cup may be substantially symmetrical on the medial and lateral sides, but the heel pad configuration may be asymmetrical on medial and lateral sides. As an example, the medial height H HCM  of a portion of the heel cup  102  that may be located below the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus (MM) may be equal to the lateral height H HCL  of a portion of the heel cup  102  that may be located below the wearer&#39;s lateral malleolus (LM). For instance, the medial height H HCM  is a distance measured from a bottom edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point of the upper edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102 ; and the lateral height H HCL  is a distance measured from a bottom edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point of the upper edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 . In one illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the medial height H HCM  of the heel cup  102  and the lateral height H HCL  of the heel cup  102  may be between 61.5-65.5 mm. In other examples, the heel cup  102  may have an asymmetrical profile and an asymmetrical heel pad configuration. 
     In some examples, the first heel pad  234   a  and the second heel pad  234   b  may be constructed to have the same dimensions and may be arranged such that the first heel pad  234   a  is a mirror image of the second heel pad  234   b  and positioned in the heel cup  102  asymmetrically to the second heel pad  234   b  to reduce the voids of space that can normally occur around the heel region in a shoe  100  due to the asymmetrical heights H MM ,H LM  of the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. For example, the first heel pad  234   a  may be constructed to have a same medial height H 3M  as the lateral height H 3L  of the second heel pad  234   b . For instance, the medial height H 3M  of the first heel pad  234   a  may be measured from a lowest point along the bottom edge of the first heel pad  234   a  to a lowest point along the upper edge of the first heel pad  234   a ; and the lateral height H 1L  is a distance measured from a lowest point along the bottom edge of the second heel pad  234   b  to a lowest point along the upper edge of the second heel pad  234   b . In one illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the medial height H 3M  of the first heel pad  234   a  and the lateral height H 3L  of the second heel pad  234   b  may be between 14.5-18.5 mm. 
     In some examples, the first heel pad  234   a  may be further constructed to have a same medial width W 3M  as the lateral width W 3L  of the second heel pad  234   b . For instance, the medial width W 3M  may be measured from the left edge (or back edge) of the first heel pad  234   a  to the right edge (or front edge) of the first heel pad  234   a  across a horizontal midline of the first heel pad  234   a , and the lateral width W 3L  may be measured from the left edge (or front edge) of the second heel pad  234   b  to the right edge (or back edge) of the second heel pad  234   b  across a horizontal midline of the second heel pad  234   b . The widths may be measured from edge to edge following the contour of the heel cup  102 . In one illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the medial width W 3M  of the first heel pad  234   a  and the lateral height H 3L  of the second heel pad  234   b  may be between 60-66 mm. 
     In some examples, to further provide a shoe  100  that may better fit the contour of the wearer&#39;s heel area for reducing foot movement during a golf swing, the first heel pad  234   a  may be positioned such that the first heel pad  234   a  may be positioned such that the first heel pad  234   a  may be 1-6 mm or 1-3 mm higher than the second heel pad. For example, a first medial distance D 3M1  measured from the bottom edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the bottom edge of the first heel pad  234   a  may be greater than a first lateral distance D 3L1  measured from the bottom edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the bottom edge of the second heel pad  234   b . In some examples, the first medial distance D 3M1  dimension in comparison with the first lateral distance D 3L1  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.05 to 1:1.5. As an illustrative example, the first medial distance D 3M1  of the first heel pad  234   a  may be between 36.5-40.5 mm and the first lateral distance D 3L1  of the second heel pad  234   b  may be between 34.5-38.5 mm. 
     In some examples, the first heel pad  234   a  may be further positioned such that the first heel pad  234   a  may be 1-3 mm higher than the second heel pad  234   b . For example, a second medial distance D 3M2  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the first heel pad  234   a  may be less than a second lateral distance D 3L2  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the second heel pad  234   b . In some examples, the second medial distance D 3M1  dimension in comparison with the second lateral distance D 3L1  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.1 to 1:1.5. In one illustrative example, for an average adult male shoe size, the second medial distance D 3M2  of the first heel pad  234   a  may be between 5-9 mm and the second lateral distance D 3L2  of the second heel pad  234   b  may be between 7-11 mm. 
     It should be understood that the above-described multiple heel pad configuration shown in  FIG.  5 B  represents only one example of a multiple heel pad configuration that can be used in the shoe  100  constructions of this disclosure and other multiple heel pad configuration designs can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For instance, in other examples, the multiple heel pad configuration may be constructed such that the thickness of the second heel pad  234   b  has a lateral thickness is greater than the medial thickness of the first heel pad  234   a . In other examples, the multiple heel pad configuration may be constructed such that the width W 3L  of the second heel pad  234   b  may be greater than the width W 3M  of the first heel pad  234   a  and may extend farther along (e.g., 1-3 mm) the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  than along the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102 . In other examples, the first heel pad  234   a  may be constructed of a different material than the second heel pad  234   b . For example, the material of the second heel pad  234   b  (i.e., located on the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 ) may have a density higher than a density of the material of the first heel pad  234   a  (located on the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102 ). In other examples, other multiple heel pad configurations may be utilized. 
     For example and as shown in  FIG.  5 C , another multiple heel pad configuration may include two (2) heel pads  334   a,b  having an asymmetrical configuration about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 . According to one example, a first heel pad  334   a  may be positioned on the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  and may be constructed to fill a first void space defined between the heel cup  102  and the medial side of the wearer&#39;s foot below the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus, and a second heel pad  334   b  may be positioned on the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  and constructed to fill a second void space defined between the heel cup  102  and the lateral side of the wearer&#39;s foot below the wearer&#39;s lateral malleolus. According to an aspect, the first heel pad  334   a  may have a width W 2M  greater than the width W 2L  of the second heel pad  334   b , and may be constructed to extend around the back of the heel cup  102  (e.g., around the back of the wearer&#39;s ankle) onto a portion of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102 . For instance, the medial width W 2M  may be measured from the left edge of the first heel pad  334   a  to the right edge of the first heel pad  334   a  across the horizontal midline, and the lateral width W 2L  may be measured from the left edge of the second heel pad  334   b  to the right edge of the second heel pad  334   b  across the horizontal midline. In some examples, the medial width W 2M  dimension in comparison with the width W 2L  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1.3:1 to 2:1. 
     In some examples, the first heel pad  334   a  in a two (2) heel pad configuration may be positioned such that the first heel pad  334   a  may be 1-3 mm higher than the second heel pad  234   b . For example, a medial distance D 2M  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the first heel pad  334   a  is less than the lateral distance D 2L  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the second heel pad  334   b . In some examples, the medial distance D 2M  dimension in comparison with the lateral distance D 2L  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.05 to 1:1.5. In one illustrative example, the medial distance D 2M  of the first heel pad  334   a  may be between 5-9 mm and the lateral distance D 2L  of the second heel pad  334   b  may be between 7-11 mm. 
     According to another example, another multiple heel pad configuration including two (2) heel pads  434   a,b  is shown in  FIG.  5 D . For example, a first heel pad  434   a  may be positioned on the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  and may be constructed to fill a first void space defined between the heel cup  102  and the medial side of the wearer&#39;s foot below the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus, and a second heel pad  434   b  may be positioned on the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  and constructed to fill a second void space defined between the heel cup  102  and the lateral side of the wearer&#39;s foot below the wearer&#39;s lateral malleolus. According to an aspect, the first heel pad  434   a  may have a width W 2M  less than the width W 2L  of the second heel pad  434   b , wherein the second heel pad  434   b  may be constructed to extend around the back of the heel cup  102  (e.g., around the back of the wearer&#39;s ankle) onto a portion of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102 . For instance, the medial width W 2M  may be measured from the left edge of the first heel pad  434   a  to the right edge of the first heel pad  434   a  across the horizontal midline of the first heel pad  434   a , and the lateral width W 2L  may be measured from the left edge of the second heel pad  434   b  to the right edge of the second heel pad  434   b  across the horizontal midline of the second heel pad  434   b . In some examples, the medial width W 2M  dimension in comparison with the lateral width W 2L  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.25 to 1:2. 
     In some examples, the first heel pad  434   a  in a two (2) heel pad configuration may be positioned such that the first heel pad  434   a  may be 1-3 mm higher than the second heel pad  434   b . For instance, a medial distance D 2M  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the medial side  50   a  of the heel cup  102  to the top lowest point along the edge of the first heel pad  434   a  may be less than the lateral distance D 2L  measured from the lowest point along the top edge of the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to the lowest point along the top edge of the second heel pad  434   b . In some examples, the medial distance D 2M  dimension in comparison with the lateral distance D 2L  dimension is a ratio within a range of 1:1.05 to 1:1.5. In one illustrative example, the medial distance D 2M  of the first heel pad  434   a  may be between 5-9 mm and the lateral distance D 2L  of the second heel pad  434   b  may be between 7-11 mm. Other example asymmetrical multiple heel pad configurations are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     According to an aspect, the size and configuration of the heel pad(s)  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  may be based on the size of the shoe  100 . In some examples, a first size and heel pad  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  configuration may be associated with a first range of shoe  100  sizes, a second size and heel pad  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  configuration may be associated with a second range of shoe  100  sizes, and so on. In other examples, heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  may be sized and configured based on the specific wearer. For example, the locations and sizes of the pads may be based on various measurements of a wearer&#39;s foot. One example measurement may include measurements of the distances from a standing surface to the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus and lateral malleolus or, more generally, the difference in height between the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus and lateral malleolus. 
       FIG.  6    depicts a flow chart having example operations of a method  600  of making a golf shoe  100  comprising an asymmetrical heel pad configuration according to an embodiment. At OPERATION  602 , a forepart region of a shoe upper  104  may be constructed. As described above, the forepart region of the upper  104  may include a vamp  108 , an eye stay  112 , and a tongue member  110 . In some examples, the vamp  108 , eye stay  112 , and tongue member  110  may be stitched or otherwise attached together. 
     At OPERATION  604 , a heel region of the shoe upper  104  may be constructed. According to an example, the heel region may include a heel cup  102 . Accordingly, operation  604  may include constructing the heel cup  102 . For example, in OPERATION  604 , various layers may be molded together to form the heel cup  102 , as discussed herein. One example method for constructing the heel cup  102  is described below with reference to  FIG.  7   . 
     At OPERATION  606 , the forepart region of the upper  104  and the heel cup  102  may be attached. According to one example, the forepart region of the upper  104  may be stitched or otherwise attached to the heel cup  102  to form the upper  104 . 
     In some implementations, at OPERATION  608 , the upper  104  may be waterproofed. For example, a method may be performed for waterproofing the stitching or attachment interface between the heel cup  102  and the forepart region of the upper  104 . One example method for waterproofing the upper  104  is described below with reference to  FIG.  8   . 
     At OPERATION  610 , the upper  104  may be lasted. According to one example, a board lasting operation may be performed, wherein the upper  104  may be stretched over a last or lasting machine, and then bonded to a paper fiber or other type of board. In some examples, a buffing process may be performed to smooth the material of the upper  104  underneath the board. 
     At OPERATION  612 , a sole  106  may be attached to the upper  104 . For example, the board may be bonded to an outsole  116 , and in some examples, an insole  126  may be inserted into the shoe  100 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  7   , example operations of a method  700  of constructing an asymmetric heel cup  102  are depicted. For example, the method  700  may be performed as part of OPERATION  604  of method  600 . The method  700  may start at OPERATION  702 , where a first layer of the heel cup  102  may be arranged. For example, the first layer, which may be the outermost layer of the heel cup  102 , may be a non-wicking material  128  that does not absorb moisture as part of providing a waterproof shoe  100 . 
     At OPERATION  704 , a next, or second, layer of the heel cup  102  may be arranged and placed in contact with the first layer. For example, the second layer may include an outer foam layer  130  to provide an embossed decorative pattern in the heel cup  102  when the various layers of the heel cup  102  are arranged and molded together. 
     At OPERATION  706 , a third layer of the heel cup  102  may be arranged and placed in contact with the second layer. For example, the third layer may include a counter  132  to reinforce the heel cup  102 . 
     At OPERATION  708 , a fourth layer of the heel cup  102  may be arranged and placed in contact with the third layer. For example, the fourth layer may include an inner foam layer. When molded, the inner foam layer includes at least one or a plurality of heel pads  134 , 234 , 334 , 434  configured asymmetrically about the medial side  50   a  and the lateral side  50   b  of the heel cup  102  to reduce the voids of space that can normally occur around the heel region in a shoe  100  due to the asymmetrical heights H MM ,H LM  of the wearer&#39;s medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. 
     At OPERATION  710 , a fifth, or last layer, which may be the innermost layer of the heel cup  102 , may be arranged and placed in contact with the fourth layer. For example, the fifth layer may include a lining  136  that may be used to line the inside of the heel cup  102  and improve comfort of the shoe  100 . Once all the layers are arranged or placed together, a multi-layer pre-molded material is formed. 
     At OPERATION  721 , the various layers (e.g., the multi-layer pre-molded material) may be molded together using molding techniques to form the heel cup  102  with the asymmetric heel pads discussed herein. For instance, compression molding techniques may used to mold the multi-layer pre-molded material into the heel cup  102 . As an example, the multi-layer pre-molded material may be placed into a heated mold cavity. The mold may then be closed and compressed to form the heel cup  102  with the heel pads positioned and formed as discussed herein. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  8   , example operations of a method  800  of waterproofing a shoe upper  104  are depicted. For example, the method  800  may be performed as part of OPERATION  608  of method  600 . The method  800  may start at OPERATION  802 , where cement  144  or another sealant be applied over the seam or other interface (i.e., first stitching  140 ) where the forepart region of the shoe upper  104  and the heel cup  102  are connected. For example, the cement  144  may be applied to the interior surface of the interface to fill any holes that may be formed in the process of attaching (e.g., stitching) the forepart region of the shoe upper  104  to the heel cup  102 . In some examples, at OPERATION  803 , heat may be applied (e.g., the upper  104  may be put into a heat tunnel) to seal the cement  144 . 
     At OPERATION  804 , a liner  146  may be attached to the inner side of the forepart region of the upper  104  extending from the toe area of the shoe  100  to the heel cup  102 , and then secured to the heel cup  102  via a second stitching  142 . For example, the liner  146  may cover the cement  144  applied over the first stitching  140 . 
     At OPERATION  805 , another layer of cement  144  may be applied to the interior surface over the second stitching  142  to fill any holes made as part of the stitching. At OPERATION  806 , heat may be applied (e.g., the upper  102  may be put into a heat tunnel) to seal the cement  144 . 
     At OPERATION  807 , hot melt adhesive  148  may additionally be applied over the second stitching  142  to cover the cement  144  applied over the second stitching  142 . In some examples, the hot melt adhesive may be a type of tape. At OPERATION  808 , heat may be applied to the hot melt adhesive to create a waterproof seal over the second stitching  142  and to provide a waterproof shoe  100 . 
     When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. 
     It also should be understood the terms, “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “fifth”, “sixth”, “seventh”, “eight”, “ninth”, “tenth”, “eleventh”, “twelfth”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “right’, “left”, “center”, “middle”, “proximal”, “distal”, “anterior”, “posterior”, “forefoot”, “mid-foot”, and “rear-foot”, and the like are arbitrary terms used to refer to one position of an element based on one perspective and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. 
     All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited herein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. It is understood that the shoe materials, designs, constructions, and structures; shoe components; and shoe assemblies and sub-assemblies described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to such products and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims.