RAPID-ENTRY FOOTWEAR HAVING AN ENERGY SET ZONE

Abstract

A collapsible rear portion of a rapid-entry shoe comprising an energy set zone having increased hardness or resiliency to bias the collapsible rear portion from an open configuration for easy donning and doffing toward a closed configuration. A method of making such a rapid-entry shoe having a collapsible rear portion is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly to rapid-entry footwear having an energy set zone.

BACKGROUND

Whether due to inconvenience or inability, donning and doffing of shoes, including tying or otherwise securing the same, may be undesirable and/or present difficulties to some individuals. The present disclosure addresses this need.

SUMMARY

An example rapid-entry shoe of the present disclosure comprises a sole portion and an upper coupled to the sole portion, the upper comprising a collapsible rear portion.

In example embodiments, the collapsible rear portion has an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, an example collapsible rear portion is collapsed to facilitate donning and doffing of the rapid-entry shoe, while in the closed configuration, an example collapsible rear portion is uncollapsed to facilitate retention of the rapid-entry shoe.

In example embodiments, the collapsible rear portion comprises an energy set zone that is configured to bias the collapsible rear portion toward the closed configuration. In example embodiments, the energy set zone comprises an energy activated material, and in some such embodiments, an energy resistant carrier material.

Methods of making a rapid-entry shoe are also disclosed herein. An example method can comprise a step of providing a sole portion and providing an upper for coupling to the sole portion, the upper comprising a collapsible rear portion, the collapsible rear portion comprising an energy set zone, and the energy set zone comprising an energy activated material. An example method can still further comprise a step of energy setting the energy activated material such that the energy set zone exhibits an increased hardness or resiliency to bias the collapsible rear portion from a collapsed configuration toward an uncollapsed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 rapid-entry 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.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate closed (FIGS. 1A, 1C and 1E) open (FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1F) configurations of example energy set zones extending between opposite sides of a sole portion of shoes of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example webbed area of a shoe of the present disclosure, in closed and open configurations, respectively.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate closed (FIGS. 3A and 3C) open (FIGS. 3B and 3D) configurations of shoes of the present disclosure having multiple energy set zones.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate closed (FIGS. 4A and 4C) open (FIGS. 4B and 4D) configurations of shoes of the present disclosure having overlapping energy set zones.

FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate closed (FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5E) open (FIGS. 5B, 5D and 5F) configurations of example energy set zones extending completely around a rear of shoes of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate closed (FIGS. 6A, 6C and 6E) open (FIGS. 6B, 6D and 6F) configurations of example energy set zones of shoes of the present disclosure having different shapes.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate closed (FIGS. 7A and 7C) open (FIGS. 7B and 7D) configurations of example energy set zones of shoes of the present disclosure having a plurality of separated fibers.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate example shoes of the present disclosure having energy set zones configured to prevent collapse of a quarter, tongue and/or bootie portion of the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 spirit or scope of the present disclosure. 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. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention.

No claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph or the like unless it explicitly uses the term “means” and includes functional language.

In describing example embodiments of the rapid-entry 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 rapid-entry footwear. These terms should be given meaning according to the manner in which the rapid-entry footwear is most typically designed for use, with the rapid-entry 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 rapid-entry footwear in such use. Similarly, as the rapid-entry 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 rapid-entry 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 rapid-entry 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, unless the context dictates otherwise, a “rapid-entry shoe” 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 boot, or other suitable type of shoe. Additionally, a rapid-entry shoe can be sized and configured to be worn by men, women, or children.

As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, a “sole portion” of a rapid-entry shoe refers to an outsole or portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, or other suitable structure disposed between and/or adjacent to the foregoing parts of a rapid-entry shoe.

In general, while terms like “energy set” and “energy activated” are used throughout in describing example embodiments, any materials (e.g., threads) that can be selectively activated by an external energy source, for example, by heat (i.e., thermal set, thermal activated), laser, light (visible and invisible spectrums), acoustic energy and/or the like are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Disclosed herein, in accordance with example embodiments, is a rapid-entry shoe comprising a sole portion and an upper coupled to the sole portion, the upper comprising a collapsible rear portion.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, the collapsible rear portion has an open configuration and a closed configuration. In example embodiments, in the open configuration, the collapsible rear portion is collapsed (and a shoe opening expanded) to facilitate donning and doffing of the rapid-entry shoe. In example embodiments, in the closed configuration, the collapsible rear portion is uncollapsed (and a shoe opening no longer expanded) to facilitate retention of the rapid-entry shoe.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, the collapsible rear portion comprises one or more energy set (e.g., thermal set) zones.

In example embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can bias the collapsible rear portion 130 from the open configuration (e.g., FIG. 1B) toward the closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 1A).

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy set zone comprises an energy activated material (e.g., a heat activated material such as a thread). In example embodiments, the energy activated material comprises a material that, upon application of an external energy source, is characterized by an increased hardness or resiliency. In this regard, the increased hardness or resiliency of an energy set zone can be sufficient to bias the collapsible rear portion from a collapsed configuration toward an uncollapsed configuration.

In example embodiments, such a change in hardness or resiliency can be directed along a single axis or within a single plane (e.g., to the exclusion of one or more other axes or planes), for example, by controlled orientation of an energy activated material configured to exhibit change along a single axis or within a single plane.

In example embodiments, an energy activated material according to the present disclosure comprises a bonding material that melts at a predetermined temperature and fuses to surrounding materials such as adjacent yarns, fibers or adjacent structures. Such bonding materials include, for example, yarns with threads made of low melt polyamides, co-polyamides, low melt polyesters, co-polyesters and the like. In example embodiments, energy activated materials comprise a textile material, whether natural or synthetic. Other energy activated materials include thermal shrink threads. Energy activated materials can inherently comprise any of the foregoing properties or energy activated additives can be applied as sprays or dips.

In example embodiments, the energy set zone 140 is a portion of the upper 110 selectively activated by heat. In example embodiments, the energy set zone 140 is a portion of the upper 110 selectively embroidered or laminated with the energy activated material. By way of non-limiting example, EVA can be laminated to lycra and the press formed to create an energy set zone 140.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the energy set zone 140 is a portion of the upper 110 harder or more resilient compared to a surrounding portion 114 of the upper 110 that, in some embodiments, is contiguous with the energy set zone 140. In this regard, an energy set zone 140 and a surrounding portion 114 of an upper 110 can be comprised of the same material, e.g., a continuous thread or knit.

To be clear, a surrounding portion 114 of the upper 110 can be devoid of any energy activated material. Alternatively, a surrounding portion 114 of the upper 110 can be comprised of an energy activated material that is masked (and not activated). Further, a surrounding portion 114 of the upper 110 can be comprised of an energy activated material having a substantially higher activation temperature. Still further, a surrounding portion 114 of the upper 110 can be comprised of an energy activated material in a substantially reduced amount. While example surrounding portions are labeled only in FIGS. 1A and 1B, example surrounding portions are depicted in other figures that follow (and applicable to the embodiments described with reference to those figures).

The surrounding portion 114 of the upper 110 can thus provide a window or other space (or a plurality of the foregoing) into which the energy set zone 140 can collapse when in an open configuration.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to an energy activated material, the energy set zone further comprises an energy resistant carrier material (e.g., a thermal resistant material such as a thread). In example embodiments, the energy activated material and the energy resistant carrier material are woven, stitched, bonded or otherwise coupled or adjacent together.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, and with reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an energy set zone can comprise at least one webbed area that further biases a collapsible rear portion 130 from the open configuration (e.g., FIG. 2B) toward the closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 2A). In example embodiments, the at least one webbed area comprises a single ridge 144 or a plurality of adjacent ridges 144, each comprising a distinct energy activated material. In example embodiments, at least two of the plurality of adjacent ridges 144 compress and/or fold closer to each other as the rapid-entry shoe transforms to the open configuration and stretch and/or fold apart from each other as the rapid-entry shoe transforms to the closed configuration.

In example embodiments, each ridge of a plurality of ridges 144 can be comprised of a distinct energy activated material and be separated from each other by a plurality of neutral zones 146. Each neutral zone of the plurality of neutral zones 146 can be comprised of a distinct energy resistant carrier material. In this regard, the plurality of neutral zones 146 can be configured to resiliently compress, stretch and/or fold to thereby permit the plurality of ridges 144 to move relative to each other to thereby facilitate transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Stated another way, the neutral zones 146 (not unlike a surrounding portion of an upper, discussed supra) can thus provide a space into which the ridges 144 can collapse when in an open configuration.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy set zone can be located exclusively on an inner upper surface, on an outer upper surface, or between inner and outer upper surfaces. In example embodiments, an energy set zone forms and extends completely from an inner to an outer upper surface.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy set zone extends from a lateral or a medial side of the upper partially around the collapsible rear portion (i.e., does not extend to the opposite side). In this regard, a single energy set zone on a single side of an upper can bias the collapsible rear portion.

Alternatively, a single or multiple energy set zones on opposite sides of an upper can combined to bias the collapsible rear portion. Thus, in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy set zone extends from a medial side of the rapid-entry shoe to a lateral side of the rapid-entry shoe. In example embodiments, an energy set zone is horseshoe or arc shaped.

More broadly, an energy set zone as described herein 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.

The accompanying drawings illustrate various patterns and upper locations for energy set zones according to the present disclosure.

In example embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 1A-1F, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can extend between opposite sides of a sole portion 120 of the shoe 100 and around a rear of the shoe 100, in an open arc shape that is open to the sole portion 120 at the rear of the shoe 100. With specific reference to FIGS. 1A-1D, the energy set zone 140 can be concave toward the sole portion 120. Alternatively, and with specific reference to FIGS. 1E and 1F, the energy set zone 140 can be convex toward the sole portion 120. With specific reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1E and 1F, the energy set zone 140 can comprise an energy activated material (or a plurality of fibers thereof) generally oriented perpendicular to the sole portion 120. Alternatively, and with specific reference to FIGS. 1C and 1D, the energy set zone 140 can comprise an energy activated material (or a plurality of fibers thereof) generally oriented along the length (e.g., parallel to an arc or curve extending between opposite sides of a sole portion 120) of the energy set zone 140.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a shoe 100 as in FIGS. 1A and 1B can further comprise a second energy set zone 145, extending exclusively (e.g., at an angle or in an arc shape) between the energy set zone 140 and the sole portion 120, located on a medial and/or a lateral size of the shoe 100, and generally oriented perpendicular or otherwise angled or transverse to the energy set zone 140. In such embodiments, the second energy set zone 145 can comprise an energy activated material (or a plurality of fibers thereof) generally oriented perpendicular to the sole portion 120. Similarly, and with reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, a shoe 100 as in FIGS. 1C and 1D can further comprise a second energy set zone 145 comprising an energy activated material (or a plurality of fibers thereof) generally oriented along the length (e.g., parallel to an arc or curve extending between opposite sides of a sole portion 120) of the second energy set zone 145.

In example embodiments, and now with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can extend between opposite sides of a sole portion 120 of the shoe 100 and around a rear of the shoe 100, in an open arc shape that is open to the sole portion 120 at the rear of the shoe 100. Additionally, a second energy set zone 145 of the collapsible rear portion 130 of the upper 110 of the shoe 100 can extend (e.g., at an angle or in an arc shape) between the sole portion 120 and a topline 112 of the upper 110, is located on a medial and/or a lateral size of the shoe 100, and is generally oriented perpendicular or otherwise angled or transverse to the energy set zone 140. In this regard, one or a plurality of fibers of the energy set zone 140 and one or a plurality of fibers the second energy set zone 145 can be woven together where they overlap. In such embodiments, one or a plurality of fibers of the energy set zone 140 and one or a plurality of fibers the second energy set zone 145 that are woven together where they overlap do not shear relative to each other when transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The foregoing embodiments may be applied to a low-top shoe 100 (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B) or a high-top shoe 100 (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D).

In example embodiments, and turning now to FIGS. 5A-5D, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can extend completely around a rear of the shoe 100, substantially between the sole portion 120 and all (e.g., as in FIGS. 5A and 5B) or a portion (e.g., as in FIGS. 5C and 5D) of a topline 112 of the upper 110. In this regard, a forward edge of the energy set zone 140 can comprise a linear (e.g., as in FIGS. 5A and 5B) or a curved (e.g., as in FIGS. 5C and 5D) profile. In still other example embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 5E and 5F, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can extend completely around a rear of the shoe 100, but comprise a window 142 at the rear of the shoe 100, the window 142 being devoid of any energy activated material.

Still other example embodiments are contemplated. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can extend completely around a rear of the shoe 100, from a sole portion 120 but not extend to a topline 112. Alternatively, and with reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D, an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can extend completely around a rear of the shoe 100, but extend to neither a sole portion 120 nor a topline 112. Still further, and with reference to FIGS. 6E and 6F, an energy set zone 140 can extend completely around a rear of the shoe 100, but extend to neither a sole portion 120 nor a topline 112, and a second energy set zone 145 can be located on a medial and/or a lateral size of the shoe 100 and also not extend to either a sole portion 120 or a topline 112.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a plurality of fibers of an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can be separated from each other by a distance greater than their respective thickness (e.g., the distances comprised of an energy resistant carrier material). Additionally, or alternatively, and with reference to FIGS. 7C and 7D, a plurality of fibers of an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 can be curved along their lengths, for example, extending from a sole portion 120 upward and rearward and then curving forward, the plurality of fibers thereby forming a plurality of concentric U or V-shapes.

Finally, and with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in addition to an energy set zone 140 of a collapsible rear portion 130 of an upper 110 of a shoe 100 configured to bias the collapsible rear portion 130 from an open configuration toward a closed configuration, a second energy set zone 145 can be located on a medial and/or a lateral size of the upper 110 and be configured to prevent collapse of a quarter, tongue and/or bootie portion of the upper 110 during donning of the shoe 100. In example embodiments, the energy set zone is located on an outer panel of the upper, for example, on a quarter of the upper 110 (e.g., FIG. 8A), while in other embodiments, the energy set zone is located on an inner panel of the upper, for example, on a tongue and/or bootie portion of the upper 110 (e.g., FIG. 8B).

A method of making a rapid-entry shoe is also contemplated herein. Such a method can generally comprise providing a sole portion and providing an upper for coupling to the sole portion, the upper comprising a collapsible rear portion, the collapsible rear portion comprising an energy set zone, and the energy set zone comprising an energy activated material.

In example embodiments, such a method can comprise a step of energy setting (e.g., heat setting) an energy activated material such that the energy set zone exhibits an increased hardness or resiliency to bias the collapsible rear portion from a collapsed configuration toward an uncollapsed configuration.

In example embodiments, the energy setting step comprises targeted heating of the energy activated material, while in other embodiments the energy setting step comprises masking and untargeted heating of the energy activated material. In example embodiments, the energy setting step occurs before or during a step of lasting the rapid-entry shoe. Stated differently, in example embodiment, the energy setting step does not occur after a step of lasting, for example, by adhering a polymer and/or metallic deformable element to an already-lasted upper.

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 spirit or scope of the disclosure. 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 and their equivalents.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

1. A rapid-entry shoe comprising: a sole portion;an upper coupled to the sole portion, the upper comprising a collapsible rear portion;wherein the collapsible rear portion has an open configuration and a closed configuration;wherein, in the open configuration, the collapsible rear portion is collapsed to facilitate donning and doffing of the rapid-entry shoe;wherein, in the closed configuration, the collapsible rear portion is uncollapsed to facilitate retention of the rapid-entry shoe;wherein the collapsible rear portion comprises an energy set zone; andwherein the energy set zone biases the collapsible rear portion toward the closed configuration.

2. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 1, wherein the energy set zone comprises an energy activated material.

3. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 2, wherein the energy activated material comprises a material that, upon application of an external energy source, is characterized by an increased hardness or resiliency.

4. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 2, wherein the energy set zone further comprises an energy resistant carrier material.

5. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 4, wherein the energy activated material and the energy resistant carrier material are woven, stitched, bonded or otherwise coupled or adjacent together.

6. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 2, wherein the energy set zone extends from a lateral or a medial side of the upper partially around the collapsible rear portion.

7. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 2, wherein the energy set zone extends from a medial side of the rapid-entry shoe to a lateral side of the rapid-entry shoe.

8. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 7, wherein the energy set zone is horseshoe or arc shaped.

9. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 2, wherein the energy set zone is a portion of the upper harder or more resilient compared to a surrounding portion of the upper that is contiguous with the energy set zone.

10. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 9, wherein the energy set zone is a portion of the upper selectively activated by heat.

11. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 9, wherein the energy set zone is a portion of the upper selectively embroidered or laminated with the energy activated material.

12. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 2, wherein the energy set zone comprises at least one webbed area that further biases the collapsible rear portion toward the closed configuration.

13. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one webbed area comprises a single ridge or a plurality of adjacent ridges.

14. The rapid-entry shoe of claim 13, wherein at least two of the plurality of adjacent ridges compress and/or fold closer to each other as the rapid-entry shoe transforms to the open configuration and stretch and/or fold apart from each other as the rapid-entry shoe transforms to the closed configuration.

15. A method of making a rapid-entry shoe comprising: providing a sole portion;providing an upper for coupling to the sole portion, the upper comprising a collapsible rear portion, the collapsible rear portion comprising an energy set zone, and the energy set zone comprising an energy activated material; andenergy setting the energy activated material such that the energy set zone exhibits an increased hardness or resiliency to bias the collapsible rear portion from a collapsed configuration toward an uncollapsed configuration.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of energy setting the energy activated material comprises targeted heating.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of energy setting the energy activated material comprises masking and untargeted heating.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of energy setting the energy activated material occurs before or during a step of lasting the rapid-entry shoe.