Patent ID: 8635789

Claim:
A shoe comprising: an upper having top and bottom layers of material or a flap having an internal pocket; and a device for protecting the metatarsal region of a user's foot, the device being situated between the top and bottom layers of the upper or within the internal pocket, wherein the device comprises: a first layer of material having top and bottom surfaces and a series of cones formed into at least one of the top and bottom surfaces, the series of cones including individual cones of varying depth and width; and a second layer of material overlying the first layer and having a rigidity that is higher than a rigidity of the first layer, the first layer being shaped to conform to the metatarsal region of the user's foot, such that the device is configured to provide protection for the metatarsal region against injurious events, wherein first and second series of cones are formed into the top and bottom surfaces of the first layer of material, respectively, the first and second series including a first set of cones having a second depth and width, and a second set of cones having a second depth and width, the first depth and width being greater than the second depth and width.