Patent Publication Number: US-2017347750-A1

Title: An article of wear

Description:
The present invention relates to an article of wear. 
     The wearing of trousers, slacks, jeans, leggings, tights and the like is common amongst ladies and girls. In general, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when wearing such trousers, slacks and jeans, and in particular tight trousers, slacks and jeans as well as leggings with shoes  100 , which may or may not be high heeled shoes, but generally are open at the instep  101 , a portion  102  of the lower part of the ankle and the instep  101  of the foot are exposed. In many cases, this is undesirable. It is therefore desirable that this problem be addressed. 
     The present invention is directed towards addressing the problem. 
     According to the invention there is provided an article of wear comprising a garment comprising a foot engageable element and a leg engageable element extending from the foot engageable element, a shoe element comprising a ground engaging outer sole, and a coupling means for releasably coupling the shoe element to the foot engageable element of the garment. 
     Preferably, the coupling means is configured for coupling the shoe element to the foot engageable element with a sole portion of the foot engageable element abutting the outer sole. Advantageously, the outer sole defines a ground engaging outer surface, and an opposite inner surface. 
     In one aspect of the invention the shoe engageable element comprises an inner sole configured for locating in the foot engageable element, and the coupling means is configured for coupling the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element trapped between the inner sole and the outer sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention the coupling means is configured to tightly couple the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element tightly clamped between the inner sole and the outer sole. 
     Preferably, the inner sole defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and the coupling means is configured to couple the inner sole to the outer sole with the sole portion of the foot engageable element located between the outer surface of the inner sole and the inner surface of the outer sole. 
     In one aspect of the invention the coupling means comprises at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations. 
     Preferably, one of the formations of the at least one pair of the interengageable complementary formations is formed on the outer sole, and the other one of the formations of the at least one pair of the interengageable complementary formations is formed on the inner sole. 
     In one aspect of the invention two spaced apart pairs of the interengageable complementary formations are provided. 
     Preferably, one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is located adjacent a heel portion of the respective soles, and the other one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations are located forwardly on the respective soles spaced apart from the pair of the interengageable complementary formations located adjacent the heel portion of the soles. 
     Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof are releasable interengageable complementary formations. 
     In one aspect of the invention one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises a retaining member connected to and spaced apart from one of the inner sole and the outer sole, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof comprises an engagement member connected to and spaced apart from the other one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the engagement member being configured for engaging between the retaining member of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected. 
     In another aspect of the invention the engagement member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a cross-member of a T-shaped element, and a central member of the T-shaped element extends from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to the cross-member for connecting the cross-member to and spacing the cross-member apart from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention the retaining member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a first limb of an L-shaped element, and a second limb of the L-shaped element extends from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to the first limb for connecting the first limb to and spacing the first limb apart from the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the first limb being configured for engaging between the cross-member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limb is connected. 
     Preferably, the L-shaped member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of spaced apart first limbs, and one second limb connecting the pair of the first limbs to the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole, the first limbs defining an elongated slot therebetween for accommodating the central member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations with the first limbs located on respective opposite sides of the central member of the T-shaped element and located between the cross-member of the T-shaped element and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limbs are connected by the second limb. 
     Advantageously, the cross-member of the T-shaped element of each one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to be tightly engageable between the first limbs of the L-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the first limbs are connected when the interengageable complementary formations of that pair of the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other. Ideally, the first limbs of the L-shaped element of each one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to be tightly engageable between the cross-member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding one of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations and the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the cross-member is connected when the interengageable complementary formations of that pair of the interengageable complementary formations are interengaged with each other. 
     In one aspect of the invention the engagement member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially parallel to the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the engagement member is connected. Preferably, the engagement member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially transversely of the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the engagement member is connected. 
     In one aspect of the invention the T-shaped element of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the inner surface of the outer sole of the corresponding shoe element. 
     In another aspect of the invention the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially parallel to the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected. 
     Preferably, the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations extends substantially longitudinally of the one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which the retaining member is connected. 
     In one aspect of the invention the retaining member of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the outer surface of the inner sole of the corresponding shoe element. 
     Preferably, one of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair thereof is recessed into a first recess formed in the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole to which that interengageable complementary formation is connected. Advantageously, the interengageable complementary formation of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations which is recessed into the first recess lies flush with the surface of the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole into which the first recess is formed. 
     In one aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formation comprising the retaining member of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations is recessed into the first recess of the corresponding one of the inner sole and the outer sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention a first opening is provided in the sole portion of the foot engageable element for accommodating a corresponding one of the interengageable complementary formation of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations. 
     In another aspect of the invention a first pad of one of hooks and eyes is located on the outer sole, and a second pad of the other ones of the hooks and eyes is located on the inner sole of the shoe element, the first and second pads being located so that the hooks on one of the first and second pads are interengageable with the eyes of the other one of the first and second pads for retaining the inner and outer soles together. Preferably, a second opening is provided in the sole portion of the foot engageable element for accommodating one of the hooks and the eyes of the respective first and second pads to engage with each other one of the hooks and the eyes. 
     In one aspect of the invention the first pad comprises the hooks. 
     Preferably, the first and second pads are located adjacent the toe ends of the inner sole and the outer sole. 
     Advantageously, one of the first and second pads comprising the one of the hooks and the eyes is recessed into a second recess formed in the corresponding one of the inner and outer soles. 
     In another aspect of the invention the second pad is recessed into the second recess in the inner sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention the inner sole is secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element. Preferably, the inner sole is secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element by a suitable bonding material. 
     Advantageously, the inner sole is releaseably secured to the sole portion of the foot engageable element. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coupling means comprises a pair of interengageable complementary formations, one of which interengageable complementary formations is located on the outer sole, and the other one of which interengageable complementary formations is located on the foot engageable element. 
     Preferably, one of the interengageable complementary formations is located externally on the foot engageable element. 
     In another aspect of the invention one of the interengageable formations comprises a first elongated male member, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a second female member engageable with the first member. 
     Preferably, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is mounted on the inner surface of the outer sole. Advantageously, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole intermediate a toe end and a heel end thereof, and extends in a general direction towards the heel end of the outer sole. Preferably, the first member extends longitudinally along the outer sole from the location at which it is secured thereto to a location adjacent the heel end of the outer sole. 
     In one aspect of the invention the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a resilient member, and is secured to the outer sole to be resiliently urged away from the inner surface of the outer sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer sole from a location intermediate the location at which the first member is secured to the outer sole to the end of the first member towards the heel end thereof. 
     In one aspect of the invention the heel end of the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm in its relaxed state. Preferably, the heel end of the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance in the range of 10 mm to 15 mm in its relaxed state. Advantageously, the heel end of the first member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations is spaced apart from the heel end of the outer sole a distance of approximately 12 mm in its relaxed state. 
     Preferably, the resilience of the first member is such that in use the weight of a person standing in the shoe is sufficient to urge the first member into abutting engagement with the inner surface of the outer sole. 
     Preferably, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole adjacent a bridge portion of the outer sole. 
     Advantageously, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole at a location substantially midway between the toe end and the heel end of the outer sole. Preferably, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends along the outer sole from the location to which it is secured to the outer sole to a location adjacent the toe end of the outer sole, and is secured to the outer sole adjacent the toe end thereof. Advantageously, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a plate member. Ideally, the plate member is of a metal material. Ideally, the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a spring steel member. 
     In one aspect of the invention the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is of width substantially similar to the width of the outer sole. 
     In one aspect of the invention the interengageable complementary formation of the pair of interengageable complementary formations which is secured to the foot engageable element is secured to the foot engageable element adjacent a sole portion thereof. Preferably, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations defines an engagement bore for engaging the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations. Advantageously, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is located on the foot engageable element at a location intermediate a heel end of the foot engageable element and a location on the foot engageable element corresponding to a location at which the first member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated sleeve defining the engagement bore for engaging the first member. Preferably, the engagement bore of the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated bore extending substantially the length of the sleeve. 
     Advantageously, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends longitudinally along the sole portion of the foot engageable element from a location adjacent the heel end thereof towards the toe end thereof. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the second member of the pair of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the heel end of the sole portion of the foot engageable element to a location of the sole portion of the foot engageable element corresponding to the location at which the male member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations is secured to the outer sole. 
     In another aspect of the invention a heel is provided extending from the outer surface of the outer sole. 
     In a further aspect of the invention the heel is an elongated heel. 
     In one aspect of the invention the heel is of length not exceeding 130 mm. Preferably, the heel is of length not exceeding 125 mm. Advantageously, the heel is of length not exceeding 120 mm. 
     In one aspect of the invention the inner and outer soles are shaped to accommodate the heel. 
     In one aspect of the invention the leg engageable element extends to a length to terminate in use adjacent the knee of a wearer. Preferably, the leg engageable element extends to a length to terminate in use at a location adjacent an upper portion of the thigh of the wearer. Advantageously, the leg engageable element extends from the foot engageable element and terminates in a leg opening of a pants. 
     In one aspect of the invention the garment comprises a pants portion having a pair of leg openings, a pair of the leg engageable elements extending from the pants portion adjacent the leg openings thereof, and a pair of the foot engageable elements extending from the respective leg engageable elements, and a pair of the shoe elements secured to the respective foot engageable elements. 
     In another aspect of the invention the garment comprises one of leggings, jeans, slacks and trousers, the one of the leggings, jeans, slacks and trousers forming the pants portion and a pair of leg portions extending from the pants portion forming the respective leg engageable elements, the foot engageable elements extending from and secured to the respective leg engageable elements. 
     In a further aspect of the invention the garment comprises a pair of tights, the tights forming the pants portion forming the pants portion, the pair of the leg engageable elements and the foot engageable elements. 
     The invention also provides a shoe element for the article of a wear according to the invention. 
     The advantages of the invention are many. One particular advantage of the invention is that due to the fact that the leggings, trousers, slacks and jeans also include the foot engageable elements, and the shoe elements are secured to the foot engageable elements, there is no danger of any portion of the feet or legs of a person wearing the leggings, trousers, slacks and jeans being exposed. Another important advantage of the invention results from the fact that the foot engageable elements of the leggings, trousers, slacks or jeans essentially form the uppers of the shoe elements, and thus, the shoe elements are provided without any uppers, and thus, only include the outer sole in some cases and the outer and inner soles in other cases. This leads to a further advantage of the invention, in that by virtue of the fact that the shoe elements do not include an upper, the absence of uppers on the shoe elements leads to a particularly elegant article of wear. 
     A further and particularly important advantage of the invention is that due to the fact that the shoe elements of the garment are upperless, the feet of a wearer are not constricted by the uppers which are required in conventional shoes to tightly secure the shoes to the feet of a wearer. By virtue of the fact that the feet of a wearer are not constricted by uppers, the metatarsals of the feet of a wearer are free to move as the person takes each step. It has been found that this avoids the formation of bunions, calluses, carbuncles, which in general are the result of rigid tight fitting shoes, which lead to distortion of the anatomy, skeleton of the body, and also can lead to ingrown toe nails, arches pains, as well as joint pains, muscle pains, and damage to tendons, nerves and veins. A further advantage of the invention is achieved from the embodiment of the invention in which the first member of the pair of interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element is provided by an elongated male member of resilient material, and where the first member is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer sole, and is resiliently urged adjacent a heel end of the outer sole from the inner surface of the outer sole. This configuration of the first members provides a damping effect on shocks to the body of a person wearing the article of wear, which occur during walking or running as the heels of the shoe elements engage the ground. Thus, the resilient first members of the interengageable complementary formations act as shock absorbers for the whole of the body as each step is taken. Additionally, the resilient first members of the interengageable complementary formations also have an upward urging effect on the heels of the subject during walking or running which enhances walking and running efficiency. 
    
    
     
       The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pair of leggings being worn with a pair of high heeled shoes according to the prior art, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an article of wear according to the invention, 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view from the front and one side of a portion of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the portion of  FIG. 3  of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the portion of  FIG. 3  of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of  FIG. 3  of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of  FIG. 3  of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the portion of  FIG. 3  of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    are perspective views of a detail of the article of wear of  FIG. 2  illustrated in use, 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of another detail of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 11  is an underneath plan view of another detail of the article of wear of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of the article of wear of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the detail of  FIG. 12 , 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an article of wear according to another embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of a portion of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of  FIG. 15  of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of  FIG. 15  of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of the portion of  FIG. 15  of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional rear end elevational view of a portion of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of a portion of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , 
         FIG. 21  is a rear end elevational view of another portion of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 , and 
         FIG. 22  is an underneath plan view of the portion of  FIG. 21  of the article of wear of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     Referring to the drawings, and initially to  FIGS. 2 to 13  thereof, there is illustrated an article of wear according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral  1 . The article of wear  1  comprises a garment  3  and a pair of shoe elements  5 , which are also according to the invention. The garment  3  in this embodiment of the invention comprises leggings  4 , which comprises a pants portion  7  extending downwardly from a waistband  6 , and a pair of leg portions  8  extending from the pants portion  7 , which form leg engageable elements  9 . The leg engageable elements  9  terminate in corresponding foot engageable elements  10 , so that the legs  11  and feet  12  of a person wearing the article of wear  1  are enclosed in the leg and feet engageable elements  9  and  10 . 
     Each shoe element  5  comprises a ground engaging outer sole  13  having an inner surface  14  and a ground engaging outer surface  15 . The outer soles  13  extend between a heel end  16  and a toe end  19  of the shoe elements  5 . A heel  17  extends downwardly from the outer surface  15  of the outer sole  13  adjacent a heel portion  18  of the outer sole  13  of each shoe element  5  adjacent the heel end  16 . A reinforcing steel spigot  20  extends through the outer sole  13  adjacent the heel portion  18  thereof and through the heel  17  for reinforcing the heel  17  to the outer sole  13  of each shoe element  5 . The heel  17  may be of any desired height from what is commonly called a flat heel to a heel of height up to 125 mm. 
     An inner sole  22  of each shoe element  5  has an inner surface  23  and an outer surface  24 , and extend substantially the length of the outer sole  13  from the heel end  16  to the toe end  19  of the shoe element  5 . Each inner sole  22  is configured for releasably locating within the corresponding foot engageable element  10 , and the outer sole  13  and the inner sole  22  of each shoe element  5  are releasably coupleable together with a sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10  tightly clamped or sandwiched between the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  and the outer surface  24  of the inner sole  22  for releasably securing the shoe elements  5  to the corresponding foot engageable elements  10 . 
     A coupling means comprising two pairs  27  of releasable interengageable complementary formations are provided for releasably coupling the inner sole  22  to the outer sole  13  of each shoe element  5 . One of the interengageable complementary formations of each pair  27  thereof comprises a T-shaped element  29  extending from the inner surface  14  of the corresponding outer sole  13 , which is releaseably engageable with the other one of the interengageable complementary formation, of the corresponding pair thereof, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises an L-shaped element  30  located in the corresponding inner sole  22 . One of the pairs  27  of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element  5 , namely, the pair  27   a  of the interengageable complementary formations is located adjacent the heel portion  18  of the corresponding outer and inner soles  13  and  22 , and the other one of the pair  27   b  of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element  5  is located on the corresponding outer and inner soles  13  and  22  forwardly of and spaced apart from the pair  27   a  of the interengageable complementary formation. In this embodiment of the invention the pair  27   b  of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element  5  is located adjacent a bridge portion  32  of the outer and inner soles  13  and  22  and substantially mid-way between the heel end  16  and the toe end  19  thereof. 
     Each T-shaped element  29  comprises an engagement member, namely, a central member  34  of steel extending upwardly from the inner surface  14  of the corresponding outer sole  13  and terminating in a cross-member  35  also of steel extending transversely relative to the outer sole  13  on respective opposite sides of the central member  34  spaced apart from the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13 . The central member  34  of the T-shaped element  29  of the pair  27   a  of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element  5  extends from and is formed by a top end of the spigot  20 , and the cross-member  35  may be welded to the spigot  20  or integrally formed with the spigot  20 . The central member  34  of the T-shaped element  29  of the pair  27   b  of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element  5  extends from and is welded to an anchor plate (not shown) of steel embedded in the bridge portion  32  of the outer sole  13 . The cross-member  35  of the T-shaped element  29  of the pair  27   b  of the interengageable complementary formations is welded to the central member  34 . The anchor plate (not shown) may or may not extend to the central member  34  of the T-shaped element  29  of the corresponding pair  27   a  of the interengageable complementary formations, and could be secured to the spigot  20  to act as a reinforcing member for reinforcing the outer sole  13 . 
     The L-shaped element  30  of each pair  27  of the interengageable complementary formations of each shoe element  5  is formed in a corresponding first recess  39  which extend inwardly into the corresponding inner sole  22  from the outer surface  24  thereof, so that when the T-shaped elements  29  of each outer sole  13  engage the L-shaped elements  30  of the corresponding inner sole  22 , the outer surface  24  of the inner sole  22  and the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  tightly abut and clamp the sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10  therebetween. The L-shaped element  30  of each pair  27  of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a retaining member in this embodiment of the invention provided by a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel first limbs  40 , which extend from a second limb  41 , which in turn extends substantially perpendicularly from an inner surface  43  of the corresponding first recess  39 . The spacing between the first limbs  40  is such that the first limbs  40  define a slot  44  of width w to snuggly accommodate the central member  34  of the corresponding T-shaped element  29  therebetween. The first limbs  40  terminate at respective locations  46  spaced apart from an edge  47  of the corresponding first recess  39 , in order to accommodate the cross-member  35  of the corresponding T-shaped element  29  into the first recess  39  for engaging the L-shaped element  30  in the first recess  39 . 
     The first limbs  40  of each L-shaped element  30  extend substantially parallel to the outer surface  24  of the corresponding inner sole  22  adjacent the corresponding first recess  39 . An outer surface  45  of each first limb  40  of each L-shaped element  30  lies substantially flush with the outer surface  24  of the corresponding inner sole  22  adjacent the first recess  39 . The second limb  41  of each L-shaped element  30  spaces the first limbs  40  from the inner surface  43  of the corresponding first recess  39 , so that the spacing between the first limbs  40  and the inner surface  43  of the first recess  39  substantially corresponds to the depth d of the cross-member  35  of the corresponding T-shaped element  29 , so that when the T-shaped elements  29  of each shoe element  5  are engaged with the corresponding L-shaped elements  30 , the cross-members  35  of the T-shaped elements  29  are tightly engaged between the first limbs  40  of the corresponding L-shaped element  30  and the inner surface  43  of the corresponding first recess  39 . Additionally, the spacing between the cross-members  35  of the T-shaped elements  29  and the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  of each shoe element  5  is such that when the T-shaped elements  29  are engaged with the corresponding L-shaped elements  30 , the first limbs  40  of the corresponding L-shaped elements  30  are tightly engaged between the cross-members  35  of the corresponding T-shaped elements  29  and the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13 , so that when the T-shaped elements  29  and the corresponding L-shaped elements  30  of each shoe element  5  are interengaged, the sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10  is tightly clamped between the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  and the outer surface  24  of the inner sole  22 . 
     Spaced apart first openings  48  are formed in the sole portion  25  of each foot engageable element  10  for accommodating the T-shaped elements  29  of the corresponding pairs  27   a  and  27   b  of the interengageable complementary formation therethrough for engaging the corresponding L-shaped elements  30  thereof. 
     A retaining means for retaining toe portions  50  and  51  of the outer sole  13  and the inner sole  22 , respectively, together adjacent the toe end  19  of each shoe element  5  comprises a first pad  53  of hooks  54  and a second pad  55  of eyes  56  of the type which are sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO. The first pad  53  of hooks  54  is secured by a suitable adhesive (not shown) to the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  adjacent the toe portion  50  thereof. The second pad  55  of eyes  56  is located in a second recess  58  formed in the inner sole  22  and extending into the inner sole  22  from the outer surface  24 . The depth of the second recess  58  is such that when the hooks  54  of the first pad  53  engage the eyes  56  of the second pad  55 , a toe portion  57  of the sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10  is tightly clamped between the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  and the outer surface  24  of the inner sole  22 , adjacent the toe portions  50  and  51  thereof. 
     A second opening  59  of shape and size substantially similar to the first pad  53  of the hooks  54  is formed in the toe portion  57  of the sole portion  25  of each foot engageable element  10  for accommodating the first pad  53  and the hooks  54  of the corresponding outer sole  13  therethrough for engaging the eyes  56  of the second pad  55  of the corresponding inner sole  22 . 
     In this embodiment of the invention the outer sole  13  and the heel  17  of each shoe element  5  are of a suitable plastics material capable of keeping its shape and capable of supporting the foot of a wearer, and in particular, for supporting the bridge of the foot of a wearer. Additionally, the plastics material of the outer sole  13  and the heel  17  is of a relatively hard wearing material in order to minimise ground wear of the outer surface  15  of the outer sole  13  and the heel  17  as a result of walking, running and the like. Alternatively, the outer surface  15  of the outer sole  13  and the distal end of the heel  17  of each shoe element  5  may be laminated with hard wearing ground engaging laminates. Additionally, the outer soles  13  of the shoe elements  5  may also be reinforced from the heel end  16  to the toe end  19  with a suitable reinforcing member or plate, which typically would be of a steel or a spring steel material. 
     The inner sole  22  of each shoe element  5  is also of a plastics material, but of a plastics material of a relatively more flexible material than the outer soles  13  in order to accommodate engagement and disengagement of the outer and inner soles  13  and  22  by the T-shaped elements  29 , the L-shaped elements  30  and the first and second pads  53  and  55  of the hooks  54  and the eyes  56 . The leggings  4  may be of any suitable woven or non-woven material, fabric or otherwise, synthetic, natural, or a mixture of synthetic and natural fibres or may be of a rubber or latex material, natural or synthetic, or a mixture of both natural and synthetic. 
     In use, to assemble the shoe elements  5  to the leggings  4 , the inner soles  22  are inserted through the pants portion  7  and the leg engageable elements  9  into the respective foot engageable elements  10  of the leggings  4 . The inner soles  22  are located in the respective foot engageable elements  10  with the L-shaped elements  30  aligned with the corresponding first openings  48  in the sole portions  25  of the foot engageable elements  10 , and the second pads  55  of the eyes  56  aligned with the second openings  59  in the sole portions  25  of the foot engageable elements  10 . The outer soles  13  are then sequentially offered up to the inner soles  22  with the sole portions  25  of the foot engageable elements  10  located between the outer surface  24  of the inner soles  22  and the inner surface  14  of the outer soles  13 . 
     The T-shaped elements  29  on the outer soles  13  are engaged with the L-shaped elements  30  on the inner soles  22  by entering the cross-members  35  of the T-shaped elements  29  into the first recesses  39  in the inner soles  22  in the direction of the arrows A, and then sliding the outer soles  13  in the direction of the arrow B relative to the inner soles  22 , for in turn urging the cross-members  35  of the T-shaped elements  29  in the first recesses  39  between the first limbs  40  and the inner surface  43  of the first recesses  39  until the cross-members  35  engage the second limbs  41  of the L-shaped elements  30  with the cross-members  35  of the T-shaped elements  29  located tightly between the first limbs  40  of the L-shaped elements  30  and the inner surface  43  of the corresponding first recesses  39  for tightly engaging the T-shaped elements  29  with the L-shaped elements  30 , see  FIGS. 9, 12 and 13 . 
     When the T-shaped elements  29  of each shoe element  5  have been fully engaged with the L-shaped elements  30  thereof as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the first pad  53  of the hooks  54  and the second pad  55  of eyes  56  are engaged with each other by urging the toe portion  51  of the inner sole  22  downwardly towards the toe portion  50  of the outer sole  13  of each shoe element  5  until the toe portion  57  of the sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable elements  10  is tightly clamped between the outer surface  24  of the inner sole  22  and the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  so that the hooks  54  of the first pads  53  tightly engage the eyes  56  of the second pad  55 . 
     Thus, with the outer and inner soles  13  and  22  of the respective shoe elements  5  tightly secured together by the pairs  27  of the interengageable complementary formations, and the hooks  54  and eyes  56  of the first and second pads  53  and  55  fully engaged, the sole portions  25  of the corresponding foot engageable elements  10  of the leggings  4  are tightly clamped between the outer and inner soles  13  and  22  of the shoe elements  5 , and the article of wear  1  is ready for wearing. 
     A person wishing to wear the article of wear  1  sequentially enters their feet  12  and legs  11  through the pants portion  7  and in turn through the respective leg engageable elements  9  until the feet  12  of the person engage the respective foot engageable elements  10 . The pants portion  7  of the article of wear  1  is then pulled up along the legs  11  for in turn pulling the leg engageable elements  9  upwardly over the legs  11  of the person until the waistband  6  of the pants portion  7  engages the waist of the person. 
     Removal of the article of wear  1  from the person is carried out in the reverse order to that just described. 
     When it is desired to use the shoe elements with a different pair of leggings  4 , the shoe elements  5  are disengaged from the foot engageable elements  10 . Initially the toe portion  51  of the inner sole  22  of each shoe element  5  is urged upwardly from the toe portion  50  of the outer sole  13  for disengaging the hooks  54  of the first pad  53  from the eyes  56  of the second pad  55 . The outer sole  13  is then urged in the direction of the arrow C relative to the inner sole  22  for disengaging the cross-members  35  of the T-shaped elements  29  from the first limbs  40  of the L-shaped elements  30 . The T-shaped elements  29  are then withdrawn from the first recesses  39  by urging the outer sole  13  away from the inner sole  22  in the direction of the arrow D. The inner soles  22  are then removed from the corresponding foot engageable elements  10 , and inserted into the foot engageable elements  10  of the new pair of leggings  4 , and assembly of the shoe elements  5  to the foot engageable elements  10  of the new leggings  4  is similar to that already described. 
     On disengagement of the shoe elements  5  from the leggings  4 , the leggings  4  may then be washed for reuse with the shoe elements  5 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 to 22 , there is illustrated an article of wear according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral  60 . The article of wear  60  is somewhat similar to the article of wear  1  described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 11 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the invention inner soles of the type similar to the inner soles  22  of the article of wear  1  have been omitted. 
     The article of wear  60  comprises leggings  61  which are substantially similar to the leggings  4  of the garment  3  of the article of wear  1 . The leggings  61  comprise a pants portion  7  and leg portions  8  which form leg engageable elements  9 , which in turn terminate in foot engageable elements  10 , all of which are similar to the pants portion  7 , the leg engageable elements  9  and the foot engageable elements  10  of the leggings  4  of the garment  3  of the article of wear  1 . A pair of shoe elements  62  are releasably secured to the foot engageable elements  10  of the leggings  61  by respective coupling means, which will be described in detail below. 
     Each shoe element  62  comprises a ground engaging outer sole  13  which is substantially similar to the ground engaging outer sole  13  of the article of wear  1 , and defines an inner surface  14 , and an outer ground engaging surface  15 . A reinforcing plate  63  of steel plate material is secured to the inner surface  14  of the outer sole  13  of each shoe element  62 , and extends from the heel end  16  to a location  64  substantially mid-way between the heel end  16  and the toe end  19  of the corresponding outer sole  13  adjacent the bridge portion  32  thereof. The reinforcing plate  63  is of width and shape in plan view substantially similar to the width and shape of the corresponding portion of the outer sole  13 . The reinforcing plate  63  may be secured to the corresponding outer sole  13  by any suitable means, for example, adhesive, rivets, screws, nails or the like. 
     In this embodiment of the invention the coupling means for coupling each shoe element  62  to the corresponding foot engageable element  10  comprises one pair of interengageable complementary formations, a first one of the formations of which comprises a first member  65  comprising an elongated male member which is formed by a portion  66  of plate member  68  of spring steel material secured to the reinforcing plate  63  at the location  64  and to a portion  70  of the corresponding outer sole  13  between the bridge portion  32  and the toe end  19  thereof. A second one of the interengageable complementary formations comprises a second female member  73 , which in this case is provided by an elongated sleeve  75  which is secured to an outer surface  76  of the sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10 . Each sleeve  75  defines an elongated engagement bore  79  which is releasably engageable with the first member  65  of the corresponding outer sole  13  for securing the foot engageable element  10  to the corresponding shoe element  62 . 
     The plate member  68  of each shoe element  62  is of width and shape in plan view substantially similar to the corresponding width and shape of the outer sole  13  and may be secured to the portion  70  of the corresponding outer sole  13  between the bridge portion  32  and the toe end  19  by any suitable securing means, for example, a suitable adhesive, rivets, screws, nails and the like. The plate member  68  of each shoe element  62  is secured to the reinforcing plate  63  at the location  64  by a welded joint  80 , and the portion  66  of the plate member  68  which forms the first member  65  extends longitudinally from the welded joint  80  towards the heel end  16  of the outer sole  13  and terminates adjacent the heel end  16  thereof. The portion  66  of the plate member  68  which forms the first member  65  of each shoe element  62  is spaced apart from the reinforcing plate  63  between the welded joint  80  and the heel end  16  of the corresponding outer sole  13 , for accommodating engagement of the first member  65  by the sleeve  75  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10 . 
     The plate member  68  of each shoe element  62  is secured to the portion  70  of the outer sole  13  and is welded by the weld joint  80  to the reinforcing plate  63 , so that in its relaxed state the portion  66  of the plate member  68  which forms the first member  65  at the heel end  16  thereof is spaced apart from the corresponding outer sole  13  adjacent the heel end  16  a distance d of approximately 10 mm to 15 mm. The resilience of each plate member  68  is such that the weight of a subject standing on the shoe elements  62  is sufficient to urge the first members  65  into engagement with the corresponding reinforcing plates  63  against the resilient urging force in the corresponding plate member  68 . Thus, as a person walks or runs, the resilient urging of the first members  65  away from the corresponding reinforcing plates  63  of the respective shoe elements  62  initially urges the heels of the person upwardly from the ground during walking, thereby enhancing the walking or running efficiency of the person. Additionally, the resilient upward urging of the first members  65 , results in the first members  65  acting as shock absorbers as the heels of the shoe elements engage the ground during walking or running, thereby minimising shocks to the body of a wearer during walking and running. 
     An insole  82  is bonded by a suitable adhesive to each plate member  68  from the heel end  16  to the toe end  19 , and is of width and shape in plan view substantially similar to the corresponding width and shape of the plate member  68 . 
     Turning now to the sleeves  75  of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations for securing the foot engageable elements  10  to the corresponding shoe elements  62 , each sleeve  75  is secured by a suitable securing means, which may be an adhesive, or stitching to the outer surface  76  of the sole portion  25  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10 . Each sleeve  75  is of length substantially similar to the length of the first member  65 , and extends longitudinally along the sole portion  25  from a heel end  84  of the corresponding foot engageable element  10  towards a toe end  85  thereof, and terminates at a location  86  substantially midway between the heel end  84  and the toe end  85  of the sole portion  25  of the foot engageable element  10 , so that the sleeve  75  when engaged with the first member  65  of the corresponding shoe element  62  extends the length of the first member  65  from the heel end  16  to the location  64  at which the first member  65  is secured to the reinforcing plate  63 . Each sleeve  75  may be of a rigid material, a semi-rigid material or a flexible material woven or non-woven, and is sized so that the engagement bore  79  thereof when engaged on the corresponding first member  65  substantially defines the transverse cross-section of the combination of the first member  65  and the insole  82 , so that the sleeve  75  is a relatively tight sliding fit on the corresponding first member  65 , but at the same time is releasable from the first member  65 . 
     In use, when a person wishes to wear the article of wear  60 , with the shoe elements  62  detached from the leggings  61 , the leggings  61  are pulled up on the individual so that the feet of the individual engage in the foot engageable elements  10 , the legs of the individual engage and are covered by the leg engageable elements  9 , and the pants portion  7  are pulled up so that the waistband  6  of the pants portion  7  coincide with the waist of the individual. The shoe elements  62  are then engaged with the respective foot engageable elements  10  of the leggings  61  by engaging the first members  65  of the respective shoe elements  62  with the sleeves  75  of the corresponding foot engageable elements  10 . With the sleeves  75  fully and tightly engaged on the first members  65 , the shoe elements  62  are secured to the leggings  61 , and the article of wear  60  is ready for use. 
     The advantage of the article of wear  60  according to this embodiment of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the article of wear  60  is that the shoe elements  62  can be readily and easily attached and detached to the foot engageable elements  10  of the leggings  61 . Additionally, the provision of the first members  65  as resilient members spaced apart from the outer sole  13  has the added advantage that the first members  65  act as a spring, so that when depressed downwardly into abutting engagement with the reinforcing plates  63  adjacent the heel portion  18  of the outer sole  13  the spring urging action of the first members  65  is in a direction upwardly, thus urging the heel of the subject upwardly relative to the outer sole  13  and in turn relative to the ground to assist in urging the feet of the subject upwardly during walking or running, and thus enhancing the walking efficiency or running efficiency, as the case may be of an individual, and additionally, the first members  65  act as shock absorbers during walking or running, and thereby protect a wearer from shocks as the heels of the shoe elements engage the ground. 
     While the reinforcing plates have been described as comprising plates of steel plate material, any other suitable material for the reinforcing plates may be used. Indeed, it will be appreciated that any other suitable reinforcing members may be used instead of reinforcing plates. 
     It is also envisaged that the first members  65  of the article of wear  60  need not necessarily be provided as resilient members, and in which case, the first members would be provided to be located slightly spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer soles, so that the sleeves  75  would be readily easily slideable on to the first member  65 . It will also be appreciated that instead of lining the first members  65  with insoles, the insoles may be dispensed with. Indeed, it is envisaged that in certain cases insoles may be located in the foot engageable elements of the article of wear  60  adjacent the inner surface of the sole portion  25  of the foot engageable elements  10 . 
     It will of course be appreciated that the outer soles of the article of wear  1  and the article of wear  60  may be provided as flat soles, or substantially flat soles with relatively low heels or no heels. 
     Further, it is envisaged that instead of providing one of the interengageable complementary formations of the pair thereof in connection with the article of wear  60  in the form of a sleeve, the interengageable complementary formation may be provided by one or more spaced apart loops which would be engageable with the corresponding first member  65  at spaced apart locations. 
     While the garments of the articles of wear  1  and  60  have been described in this embodiment of the invention as comprising leggings, the garments may be any other desired garments, for example, jeans, slacks or trousers, and in which case, the legs of the jeans, slacks or trousers will terminate in respective foot engageable elements, each of which will have a sole portion, which when the shoe elements are secured to the foot engageable elements of the jeans, slacks or trousers, the sole portion of the foot engageable elements will be clamped between the inner and outer soles of the shoe elements of the article of wear  1 , and will be secured to the shoe elements by the corresponding sleeves. 
     Additionally, instead of leggings, the garment may be provided by tights, and in which case, the foot portion of the tights would form the foot engageable elements. In which case, the foot portion of the tights would be provided with the first and second openings  48  and  59  for accommodating the T-shaped elements of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations through the first openings, and the hooks  54  of the first pads  53  and the first pads  53  through the second openings  59  of the article of wear  1 . 
     While specific pairs of interengageable complementary formations for securing the inner and outer soles together have been described, with reference to the article of wear  1 , and for securing the shoe elements to the foot engageable elements any other suitable pair of interengageable complementary formations may be provided. Indeed, while it is desirable, it is not essential that the pairs of interengageable complementary formations be releasable. It is also envisaged that the pads of hooks and eyes may be omitted. Alternatively, instead of the pads of the hooks and eyes, a further pair of interengageable complementary formations may be provided adjacent the toe portions of the outer and inner soles of the shoe elements of the article of wear  1 . 
     While the inner soles have been described as being releaseably located in the respective foot engageable elements, it is envisaged in certain cases, that the inner soles may be secured to the corresponding sole portions of the respective foot engageable elements. The inner soles could be secured to the corresponding sole portions of the respective foot engageable elements by any suitable securing means, for example, by bonding with a suitable adhesive. 
     While the outer soles of the shoe elements have been described as comprising a relatively high heel, while this is desirable, it is not essential, and in certain cases, it is envisaged that the outer soles may be provided with a relatively low heel, or indeed, with no heel. In general, the type of heel will most likely be dictated by the fashions of the time and/or level of comfort desired by the wearer, and/or the use for which the articles of wear are required. However, once the soles are provided with a heel, be it a high heel or a low heel or a heel of medium height, the outer soles and the inner soles of the article of wear  1  will be appropriately shaped. 
     It is envisaged that a steel reinforcing shank may be provided extending through the bridge portion of each outer sole  13 , and the reinforcing shank would extend from and be welded to the corresponding reinforcing spigot  20 . In cases where the outer sole is provided with such a steel reinforcing shank extending through the bridge portion of the outer sole, the central member of the T-shaped element of the corresponding pair  22   b  of the interengageable complementary formations would be welded to the steel reinforcing shank. 
     While the shoe elements have been described without uppers, in certain cases, it is envisaged that uppers may be provided. 
     While the shoe elements have been described as formal type shoes, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the shoe elements may be provided to be suitable as sports shoes, running shoes, flat sole shoes or any other types of shoes. 
     It will also be appreciated that while the article of wear has been described as having a pants and leg portions, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the article of wear may comprise leg engageable elements only, which would extend upwardly from the foot engageable elements, and the leg engageable elements may be of length to terminate in use below the knee of the wearer, or above the knee terminating along the thigh, and in particular, terminating at the upper portion of the thigh.