Patent ID: 7644519

Claim:
A thermoplastic polyurethane instep system that forms part of a waterproof shoe comprising: a shell having a built-in ply rib; wherein the shell comprises an upper portion and a connecting bottom portion, and the ply rib is configured about a perimeter of a bottom side of the shell; a welt stitched to the ply rib along the perimeter of the bottom side of the shell; a filler material fixedly attached onto an outside bottom portion of the shell; a steel shank secured on top of the filler material at a location about a heel area; a mid-sole having a plurality of holes; wherein the mid-sole is attached onto the welt to secure the filler material and the steel shank in place, and the plurality of holes allows a polymeric substance to pass through the mid-sole and fill a gap between the mid-sole and the bottom portion of the shell; and an outsole integrally molded to the shell.