Patent ID: 8112906

Claim:
An article of footwear comprising: an upper configured to receive any of a group of heels, the upper having toe region, a heel region, and a cavity disposed between the toe region and the heel region; a locking mechanism disposed on the upper and configured to retain a heel in position until intentionally removed by a user; the locking mechanism including a base configured to bend inwardly into the cavity to release the heel from the upper and a vertical portion protruding outwardly away from the base and the upper; wherein the vertical portion includes a vertical surface configured to abut a leading edge of the heel; a tab configured to engage a slot on the heel, wherein the tab is disposed on a rear edge of the heel region such that the heel is positioned between the locking mechanism and the tab when the upper is assembled with the heel; a first protruding member configured to engage a first receiving portion on the heel, wherein the first protruding member is disposed between the locking mechanism and the tab; and wherein the tab and the first protruding member are substantially the same height.