Patent Description:
The present disclosure addresses fit problems in the footwear industry, including the cost of returns related to incorrect fit (in particular in the DTC channel), inventory requirements relating to half sizes and certain wide/narrow sizes, changing morphology of feet for many reasons (e.g., growth, pregnancy, injury, swelling), dynamic footwear needs across different activities (e.g., walking, running, relaxing, recovering), disparate sizes between left and right feet, rapid growth of children's feet before shoes wear out, and other various needs for periodic adjustment of shoe size. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe shoes having footbeds provided with reconfigurable components that can be used to adjust the thickness of the footbeds.

The present invention is as defined in Claim <NUM>. Particular embodiments of the shoe according to the invention are defined in dependent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. The term "embodiment" is used hereinafter to refer merely to an example of the disclosure. Disclosed herein, in accordance with example embodiments, are adjustable footbeds for footwear.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a footbed having a forward portion, a rearward portion, an arch portion, a thickness adjustment panel, and a lateral adjustment fin. The thickness adjustment panel can be coupled to a lower surface of the footbed and configured to be translated between a first panel configuration having a first footbed dimension and a second panel configuration having a second footbed dimension different from the first footbed dimension. In example embodiments, the thickness adjustment panel overlaps the forward portion of the footbed in the first panel configuration. In example embodiments, the thickness adjustment panel overlaps the rearward portion of the footbed in the second panel configuration. The lateral adjustment fin can be coupled to a lateral portion of the footbed and configured to be translated between a first fin configuration and a second fin configuration. In example embodiments, the lateral adjustment fin is adjacent the forward portion of the footbed in the first fin configuration. In example embodiments, the lateral adjustment fin overlaps the arch portion of the footbed in the second fin configuration.

Other example embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a footbed having a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a thickness adjustment panel. In such embodiments, the footbed can have a forward thickness and a rearward thickness. The thickness adjustment panel can be coupled to a lower surface of the footbed and configured to be translated between a first panel configuration and a second panel configuration. In example embodiments, the thickness adjustment panel overlaps the forward portion of the footbed in the first panel configuration. In example embodiments, the thickness adjustment panel overlaps the rearward portion of the footbed in the second panel configuration. In such embodiments, the forward thickness can be decreased by a first extent from the first panel configuration to the second panel configuration, while the rearward thickness can be increased by a second extent from the first panel configuration to the second panel configuration. In such embodiments, the thickness adjustment panel can comprise a plurality of projections, while the rearward portion can comprise a plurality of depressions. In this regard, in the second panel configuration, the plurality of projections can be configured to be received at least in part into the plurality of depressions such that the second extent is less than the first extent.

Embodiments according to the claimed invention comprise a shoe having a footbed, wherein the footbed comprises a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a thickness adjustment panel. The thickness adjustment panel is coupled to the footbed and configured to be translated between a first panel configuration and a second panel configuration. The thickness adjustment panel at least partially overlaps the forward portion of the footbed in the first panel configuration. The thickness adjustment panel at least partially overlaps the rearward portion of the footbed in the second panel configuration. The thickness adjustment panel can be temporarily coupled in the first panel configuration. The thickness adjustment panel can be removed or temporarily coupled in the second panel configuration.

The accompanying drawings may provide a further understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification. In the accompanying drawings, only one shoe (either a left shoe or a right shoe) may be illustrated, however, it should be understood that in such instances, the illustrated shoe may be mirror-imaged so as to be the other shoe. The use of like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings is for convenience only, and should not be construed as implying that any of the illustrated embodiments are equivalent. The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in sufficient detail in this detailed description to enable persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the present disclosure, however, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that mechanical and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, wherein the invention is defined in the appended claims. Thus, this detailed description is for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, example embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, references to "example embodiment," "example embodiments" and the like indicate that the embodiment(s) described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily comprise the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such references may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). Any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to plural includes singular embodiments.

Any reference to coupled, connected, attached or the like may be temporary or permanent, removeable or not, non-integral or integral, partial or full, and may be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, stitches, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, grommets, zippers and other means known in the art or hereinafter developed.

As used herein, the transitional term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.

In describing example embodiments of the adjustable footbeds for footwear, certain directional terms may be used. By way of example, terms such as "right," "left," "medial," "lateral," "front," "back," "forward," "backward," "rearward," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "up," "down," and the like may be used to describe example embodiments of the adjustable footbeds for footwear. These terms should be given meaning according to the manner in which the adjustable footbeds for footwear is most typically designed for use, with the adjustable footbeds for footwear on a user's foot and with the user's shod foot disposed on or ready for placement on an underlying surface. Thus, these directions may be understood relative to the adjustable footbeds for footwear in such use. Similarly, as the adjustable footbeds for footwear is intended primarily for use as footwear, terms such as "inner," "inward," "outer," "outward," "innermost," "outermost," "inside," "outside," and the like should be understood in reference to the adjustable footbeds for footwear's intended use, such that inner, inward, innermost, inside, and the like signify relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outside, and the like signify relatively farther from the user's foot when the adjustable footbeds for footwear is being used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitional guidance is contradicted by an individual use herein of any of the foregoing terms, the term should be understood and read according to the definition that gives life and meaning to the particular instance of the term.

As used herein, a "footwear" refers to an athleisure shoe, a casual shoe, a formal shoe, a dress shoe, a heel, a sports/athletic shoe (e.g., a tennis shoe, a golf shoe, a bowling shoe, a running shoe, a basketball shoe, a soccer shoe, a ballet shoe, etc.), a walking shoe, a sandal, a flip flop, a boot, or other suitable type of shoe. Additionally, footwear can be sized and configured to be worn by men, women, or children.

As used herein, a "footbed" refers to a footbed, insole, sock liner or the like.

As used herein, "translated" means moved, including but not limited to folded, slid and rotated.

In accordance with example embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an adjustable footbed to provide for length, girth and/or width adjustability of a shoe into which the footbed is placed.

With reference to <FIG>, a footbed <NUM> of a shoe <NUM> can comprise a foldable (or, however not according to the claimed invention, otherwise translatable, as described below) thickness adjustment panel <NUM>. Folding can be achieved by the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> extending from (i.e., thickness adjustment panel <NUM> and footbed <NUM> are a unitary piece) and/or being hingedly coupled to the footbed <NUM>, for example, with a material or portion thereof weaker or thinner (e.g., scored or perforated) than the material of which the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> and/or the footbed <NUM> is/are comprised. In addition to facilitating folding, a score, perforation or the like located where the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is coupled to and/or extends from the footbed <NUM> can direct desired folding of the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> relative to the footbed <NUM>, e.g., to align surface features, as described below. Thickness adjustment panel <NUM> can have a uniform or variable thickness, for example, to provide for comfort and/or support (e.g., at or near an arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>).

The thickness adjustment panel <NUM> can extend from and/or be coupled to a portion of footbed <NUM> between ends of footbed <NUM> (i.e., substantially equidistance between ends or not). The thickness adjustment panel <NUM> can be located on an upper or a lower surface of footbed <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or both opposing surfaces/sides of the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> are smooth or substantially smooth.

In still other embodiments, thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is the same component as forward portion <NUM> or rearward portion <NUM>, such that forward portion <NUM> is removeable or can be translated to overlap rearward portion <NUM> (footbed <NUM> having no forward structure after forward portion <NUM> being removed or translated) and/or rearward portion <NUM> is removeable or can be translated to overlap forward portion <NUM> (footbed <NUM> having no rearward structure after rearward portion <NUM> being removed or translated).

In various embodiments, when the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is translated toward the forward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the forward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> (i.e., forward thickness of footbed) is increased and effective thickness of the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> (i.e., rearward thickness of footbed) is decreased such that an inner dimension (e.g., girth) of shoe <NUM> within its forward portion is reduced to accommodate a smaller forefoot, while an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion is increased in some embodiments.

In various embodiments, when the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is translated toward the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the forward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is decreased and effective thickness of the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is increased such that an inner dimension (e.g., girth) of shoe <NUM> within its forward portion is increased to accommodate a larger forefoot, while an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion is decreased in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the rearward portion of footbed <NUM> may have a plurality of surface features (e.g., positive structures, projections, or the like) configured to be received by a plurality of corresponding surface features (e.g., negative structures, depressions, absence of projections, or the like) on an opposing side of the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> (e.g., the other side being smooth). In this regard, when the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is translated toward the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the forward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is decreased while the effective thickness of the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> stays substantially the same or only nominally increases. In this regard, an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion is not decreased, or is only minimally decreased (i.e., only an inner dimension in the shoe's forward portion is affected by the changed configuration). Stated differently, in example embodiments, in translating the thickness adjustment panel from the forward portion to the rearward portion, the rearward portion thickness is not increased or only increased to an extent less than the extent the forward portion thickness is decreased.

In still other embodiments, the forward portion of footbed <NUM> may have a plurality of surface features configured to be received by a plurality of corresponding surface features on an opposing side of the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> (e.g., the other side being smooth). In this regard, when the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is translated toward the forward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is decreased while the effective thickness of the forward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> stays substantially the same or only nominally increases. In this regard, an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its forward portion is not decreased, or is only minimally decreased (i.e., only an inner dimension in the shoe's rearward portion is affected by the changed configuration). Stated differently, in example embodiments, in translating the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> from the rearward portion <NUM> to the forward portion <NUM>, the forward portion thickness is not increased or only increased to an extent less than the extent the rearward portion thickness is decreased.

Interlocking of surface features as described herein (including with reference to the lateral adjustment fin <NUM>) can provide the additional or alternate advantage of being configured to provide lateral support of the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> relative to the rearward portion <NUM> and/or forward portion <NUM> when overlapped.

The surface features described herein (including those with reference to the lateral adjustment fin <NUM>) can be configured to self-align and/or have multiple alignments (e.g., permit alignment at various degrees of folding, sliding and rotating). The surface features can comprise "egg crate" or "waffle" pattern (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>), a plurality of zig-zags (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>), a plurality of ellipses (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>), a plurality of quadrilaterals (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) or other multi-faceted patterns.

In some embodiments, a negative surface feature can be an aperture (i.e., have two openings). In some embodiments, a positive surface feature (and a pattern thereof) can extend into, or completely through, an aperture that is a negative surface feature (and a pattern thereof). The surface features can comprise interlocking elements (e.g., zipper teeth or hook and loop fasteners).

The surface features described herein (again, including those with reference to the lateral adjustment fin <NUM>) can comprise patterns of one or more elliptical, non-elliptical, or seemingly random shapes.

As used herein, an "elliptical" shape refers to any shape that generally lacks a point where two lines, curves, or surfaces converge to form an angle. For example, an "elliptical" shape encompasses traditional Euclidian geometric shapes such as circles and ellipses, as well as other non-angular shapes (that lack any angles), even if those shapes do not have designations common in Euclidian geometry.

As used herein, a "non-elliptical" shape refers to any shape that includes at least one point where two lines, curves, or surfaces converge to form an angle. For example, a "non-elliptical" shape encompasses traditional Euclidian geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, squares, hexagons, trapezoids, pentagons, stars, and the like as well as other shapes that have at least one angle even if those shapes do not have designations common in Euclidian geometry.

With continued reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is temporarily coupled in the forward and/or rearward positions, for example, by one or more coupling elements <NUM> or the like. As used herein, a "coupling element" can comprise one or more of an adhesive, stitch, hook and loop fastener, button, clip, grommet, zipper and other means known in the art or hereinafter developed.

In example embodiments, the coupling elements <NUM> are on one or both sides of the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> and/or on one or both of forward portion <NUM> and rearward portion <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, recognizing that the surface area of a forward portion of footbed <NUM> may be larger than that of a rearward portion of footbed <NUM>, in some embodiments, a rearward portion of the footbed <NUM> comprises coupling elements <NUM> on a lateral side of the footbed <NUM>, to receive the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> which is folded around the lateral sides of the rearward portion of the footbed <NUM>. In this regard, in some embodiments the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is received into a cutout along a vertical sidewall of the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> to inset the excess mass and thereby prevent lateral thickness buildup.

While the foregoing embodiments have been described with the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> being sized to generally follow the circumference of the forward portion <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> (have substantially the same surface area of forward portion <NUM> and thus have a larger surface area in one or more dimensions than rear portion <NUM>), in various embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> may be sized to generally follow the circumference of the rear portion <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> (have substantially the same surface area of rearward portion <NUM> and thus have a smaller surface area in one or more dimensions than forward portion <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, a thickness adjustment panel <NUM> can be slideably coupled to a footbed <NUM>, for example, along a track forward and rearward on an underside portion of footbed <NUM>, or embedded within footbed <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the pin <NUM> is fixed relative to the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> and the track <NUM> is fixed relative to the footbed <NUM>, however, in other examples, the pin can be fixed relative to the footbed <NUM> and the track can be fixed relative to the thickness adjustment panel <NUM>.

In examples, a forward and/or rearward pull cord can be attached to the thickness adjustment panel <NUM> and/or the pin <NUM> (and/or to the track <NUM> in the other referenced embodiment) to facilitate sliding between configurations. Such pull cord can be manually or electronically activated (e.g., with a motor).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a thickness adjustment panel <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to a footbed <NUM>, for example, about a pin <NUM> coupled to a portion of footbed <NUM>.

While a single thickness adjustment panel <NUM> is illustrated, multiple thickness adjustment panels <NUM> are contemplated, for example, to provide for multiple levels of adjustability. In such embodiments, one or more thickness adjustment panels <NUM> can have different thicknesses.

In example embodiments, one or more thickness adjustment panels <NUM> can have size designations (e.g., size n, size n+<NUM>, size n+<NUM>) imprinted thereon or affixed thereto.

In still other embodiments, one or more thickness adjustment panels <NUM> are completely detachable from the footbed <NUM>.

With reference back to <FIG>, a footbed <NUM> of a shoe <NUM> can comprise a foldable (or otherwise translatable, as described below) lateral adjustment fin <NUM>. As above, folding can be achieved by the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> extending from (i.e., lateral adjustment fin <NUM> and footbed <NUM> are a unitary piece) and/or being hingedly coupled to the footbed <NUM>, for example, with a material or portion thereof weaker or thinner (e.g., scored or perforated) than the material of which the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> and/or the footbed <NUM> is/are comprised. In addition to facilitating folding, a score, perforation or the like located where the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is coupled to and/or extends from the footbed <NUM> can direct desired folding of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> relative to the footbed <NUM>, e.g., to align surface features, as described below. In some embodiments, the hinge coupling between lateral adjustment fin <NUM> and footbed <NUM> can be configured to tolerate some rotation, in addition to folding, for example, in connection with embodiments comprising a flange, as described below. Lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can have a uniform or variable thickness.

The lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can extend from and/or be coupled to a lateral portion of footbed <NUM> (e.g., at or near an arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>). The lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can be located on an upper or a lower surface of footbed <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or both opposing surfaces/sides of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> are smooth or substantially smooth.

In various embodiments, when the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is translated toward the forward portion <NUM> (and/or the topside portion in some embodiments) of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is decreased such that an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its forward portion is reduced to accommodate a smaller foot, while an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion (which comprises arch portion <NUM>) is increased in some embodiments.

In various embodiments, when the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is translated toward the rearward portion <NUM> (and/or the underside portion of the arch portion <NUM> in some embodiments) of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is increased such that an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its forward portion is increased to accommodate a larger foot, while an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion (which comprises arch portion <NUM>) is decreased in some embodiments.

Additionally or alternatively, and similar to embodiments described with reference to the thickness adjustment panel <NUM>, the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> of footbed <NUM> may have a plurality of surface features on a side (e.g., the other side being smooth) configured to be received by a plurality of corresponding surface features on an opposing side of the footbed <NUM> (e.g., at an arch portion <NUM>). In this regard, when the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is translated toward the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> stays substantially the same or only nominally increases. In this regard, an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion is not changed, or is only minimally changed (i.e., only an inner dimension in the shoe's forward portion is affected by the changed configuration).

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is temporarily coupled in the forward (and/or topside in some embodiments) and/or rearward (and/or underside in some embodiments) positions, for example, by one or more coupling elements <NUM> or the like.

In some embodiments, a rearward-facing surface <NUM> (or an inner surface for embodiments comprising slideable or rotatable lateral adjustment fins <NUM>) of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can comprise coupling elements <NUM>, and corresponding coupling elements <NUM> can be on the rearward portion <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>, for example, at arch portion <NUM>. Alternatively, and with particular reference to <FIG>, corresponding coupling elements <NUM> can be within a recess <NUM> having coupling elements, the recess <NUM> extending into the top, side or bottom of the rearward portion <NUM> for receiving a tab <NUM> having coupling elements <NUM>, the tab <NUM> coupled to lateral adjustment fin <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a forward-facing surface <NUM> (or an inner surface for embodiments comprising slideable or rotatable lateral adjustment fins <NUM>) of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can comprise coupling elements <NUM>, and corresponding coupling elements <NUM> can be on the forward portion <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>, for example, with particular reference to <FIG>, within a recess <NUM> having coupling elements, the recess <NUM> extending into the top, side or bottom of the forward portion <NUM> for receiving a tab <NUM> having coupling elements <NUM>, the tab <NUM> coupled to lateral adjustment fin <NUM>.

In some embodiments, and with particular reference to <FIG>, a rearward-facing surface <NUM> of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can comprise coupling elements <NUM>, and corresponding coupling elements <NUM> can be on a flange <NUM> extending away from an edge of a forward portion <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>. In this regard, the flange <NUM> can have coupling elements <NUM> on its inner surface such that coupling is achieved with coupling elements <NUM> located exclusively on a single side of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> (i.e., the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is translated past the flange <NUM>). Alternatively, the flange <NUM> can have coupling elements <NUM> on its outer surface such that coupling is achieved with coupling elements <NUM> located on both sides of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> (i.e., the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is not translated past the flange <NUM>).

In some embodiments, and with reference to <FIG>, the footbed <NUM> can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement panel <NUM> (e.g., at an arch portion <NUM>) for receiving the lateral adjustment fin <NUM>, such that translation of the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> to and/or from arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> is not noticeable by a user. Stated another way, when the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is translated toward the rearward portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM>, the effective thickness of the arch portion <NUM> of footbed <NUM> stays substantially the same or only nominally increases. In this regard, an inner dimension of shoe <NUM> within its rearward portion is not changed, or is only minimally changed (i.e., only an inner dimension in the shoe's forward portion is affected by the changed configuration).

With reference to <FIG>, a lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can be slideably coupled to a footbed <NUM>, for example, along a track forward and rearward on an underside portion of footbed <NUM>, or embedded within footbed <NUM>, for example, into a rigid or semi-rigid recess for receiving the lateral adjustment fin <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin <NUM> is fixed relative to the footbed <NUM> and the track <NUM> is fixed relative to the lateral adjustment fin <NUM>, however, in other embodiments, the pin can be fixed relative to the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> and the track can be fixed relative to the footbed <NUM>.

In example embodiments, a forward and/or rearward pull cord can be attached to the lateral adjustment fin <NUM> and/or the track <NUM> (and/or to the pin <NUM> in the other referenced embodiment) to facilitate sliding between configurations. Such pull cord can be manually or electronically activated (e.g., with a motor).

With reference to <FIG>, a lateral adjustment fin <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to a footbed <NUM>, for example, about a pin <NUM> coupled to a portion of footbed <NUM>.

While a single lateral adjustment fin <NUM> is illustrated, multiple lateral adjustment fins <NUM> are contemplated, for example, to provide for multiple levels of adjustability. In such embodiments, one or more lateral adjustment fins <NUM> can have different thicknesses.

In example embodiments, one or more lateral adjustment fins <NUM> can have size designations (e.g., narrow, regular, wide, extra wide) imprinted thereon or affixed thereto.

In still other embodiments, one or more lateral adjustment fins <NUM> are completely detachable from the footbed <NUM>.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the footbed <NUM> can comprise other panels and fins, similar in scope to those described above, to provide for different areas of adjustability.

The panels and fins described herein can be comprised in whole or in part of materials generally known in the art, including one or more rigid materials, semi-rigid materials and deformable materials (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane foam, high impact/reaction foam, poly ethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), polyvinyl chloride, urethane or another polymer material).

The footbed <NUM> can be used with any shoe generally known in the art and can be sold separately from a shoe or together with a shoe as a kit.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure, wherein the invention is defined by the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A shoe (<NUM>) comprising a footbed (<NUM>) configured to be placed into the shoe (<NUM>), wherein the footbed (<NUM>) comprises:
a forward portion (<NUM>);
a rearward portion (<NUM>); and
a thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>);
wherein the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) is coupled to the footbed (<NUM>) and configured to be translated between a first panel configuration and a second panel configuration;
wherein the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) at least partially overlaps the forward portion (<NUM>) of the footbed (<NUM>) in the first panel configuration;
wherein the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) at least partially overlaps the rearward portion (<NUM>) of the footbed (<NUM>) in the second panel configuration;
wherein the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) can be temporarily coupled in the first panel configuration; and
wherein the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) can be temporarily coupled in the second panel configuration;
characterized in that
the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) is configured to fold between the first panel configuration and the second panel configuration; wherein folding can be achieved by the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) being hingedly coupled to the footbed and/or by the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) and the footbed (<NUM>) being a unitary piece and the thickness adjustment panel (<NUM>) extending from the footbed (<NUM>).