SHOE WITH IMPROVED STRAP ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A sandal including a footbed, a toe securing strap operably coupled to the footbed, an ankle strap operably coupled to the footbed at an ankle attachment location and at a yoke attachment location, and a main strap operably coupled to the footbed at a main attachment location and at the yoke attachment location, where the main attachment location and the yoke attachment location are aligned along a single edge of the footbed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates generally to footwear and more specifically to strapping arrangements for shoes such as sandals.

BACKGROUND

People across all cultures wear footwear, such as shoes, to provide protection from ground surfaces and debris, comfort, and structural support for a wearer's feet to help prevent injury during walking and other activities. Often, people may wish to wear open shoes, such as sandals, flip flops, clogs, and so on, to enhance breathability and for certain aesthetic looks. To provide support, typically open shoes, such as sandals, include at least some mechanisms for restraining a user's foot, such straps, bands, and the like. Typically, conventional “strap” type sandals include strapping anchored at two or more edges of the footbed of the shoes. These multiple edge anchor points can be the source of irritation on a user's skin, require additional material for construction, and may not provide a desired aesthetic. Additionally, the multiple anchor points may reduce the “free” or barefoot feeling often desired by consumers selecting sandals and other open footwear options.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a shoe is disclosed including a footbed having a top surface, a lateral edge, and a medial edge, a front anchor secured to a front portion of the footed and configured to secure a distal portion of a wearer's foot, a lateral strap coupled to the footbed at a first location adjacent to the lateral edge and a second location adjacent to the medial edge, and a main strap coupled to the footbed at a third location adjacent to the lateral edge and a forth location adjacent to the lateral edge.

In another embodiment, a sandal is disclosed that includes a footed, a toe securing strap operably coupled to the footbed, an ankle or instep strap operably coupled to the footbed at a lateral attachment location and a yoke attachment location, and a main strap operably coupled to the footbed at a main attachment location and at the yoke attachment location, where the main attachment location and the yoke attachment location are aligned to be adjacent to a single edge of the footbed.

In yet another embodiment, a shoe include a sole, a toe anchor strap connected to the sole at a distal end thereof, a dorsal strap connected to the sole at a medial attachment location and a coupling location, where the medial attachment location and the coupling location are generally laterally or horizontally aligned with one another but positioned on opposing edges of the sole, and a main strap connected to the sole at a main attachment location and at the coupling location, where the coupling location is longitudinally aligned with a length of the sole with the main attachment location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a shoe including a strap assembly with the strap assembly shown in a supported position as if positioned on a foot.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a left elevation view of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a right top isometric view of the shoe of FIG. 1 positioned on a foot.

FIG. 7B is a left isometric view of the shoe of FIG. 7A positioned on a foot.

FIG. 8 is a left top isometric view of the shoe of FIG. 1 showing the strap assembly in the collapsed position when not positioned on a foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is generally directed to a shoe, such as a sandal, including a strapping assembly with reduced anchoring locations on the sole or footbed. In one example, a sandal having a longitudinal support strap or webbing assembly anchored along a single side of the sole, e.g., either along an edge corresponding to a user's foot's medial edge or lateral edge.

In particular, the sandal may include a main securing strap anchored at two locations on the sole (e.g., on the outer edge of the sole), with both locations being positioned on the same aligned sidewall of the sole. In this manner, the main securing strap may be anchored to the sole only at two locations, rather than the three or more securing locations of conventional strap sandals. One or more auxiliary straps, such as a toe anchor and an ankle strap, may be anchored at other locations, either on different footbed sidewalls as the main securing strap and/or the same footbed sidewall.

In a specific embodiment, the sandal may include a main securing strap, a toe or front anchoring strap, and a dorsal strap. In this embodiment, the toe strap acts to anchor one or more of a user's toes or distal end of the user's foot, the dorsal strap may extend over the top dorsal surface of a user's foot towards or near the anchor, such that the toe strap and dorsal strap may restrain foot from vertical motion relative to the sole. The main securing strap may extend from an anchor location adjacent the fifth metatarsal and abductor digiti minimi joint, over the instep, around the heel area, to an anchor location over or near the instep arch. In this example, the main securing strap may be anchored to the sole at the instep arch via a yoke or other connection mechanism, and may also be attached, such as via the yoke, to the dorsal or ankle strap. Because the main securing strap may only be attached at two locations, both which are on the lateral edge of the sole (e.g., aligned generally in a longitudinal direction), the securing strap may lay flat or be collapsed when not worn by a user, as compared to conventional strap assemblies that may include instep securing locations that remain structured or upright when not worn by a user (e.g., without an exterior element providing a support force).

The reduced anchoring locations for the main securing strap provide additional comfort to the user, while reducing materials and manufacturing complexity, without sacrificing support. For example, because the sandal main strap may be anchored on a single side, which may correspond to the lateral side of a user's foot, the medial foot surface may be not be exposed to a main strap anchoring location, reducing pressure points and irritation risk. Additionally, the single sided anchoring provides a minimalist, “barely there” or “barefoot” feeling to a user, since the restraining mechanisms of the strapping may not be acutely experienced by a wearer. Further, the reduced anchoring locations provide an enhanced aesthetic appearance, allowing the main securing strap to appear more organic and free floating.

Turning to the figures, an example of a shoe with reduced strap anchoring locations will be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate various views of an illustrative shoe according to the present disclosure. It is noted that FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a left shoe, but it should be understood, that the right shoe may be a mirror image of the left shoe. With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the shoe 100, which may be a sandal or other open or reduced material footwear item, may include a footbed 102, a securing strap assembly 106, and optionally a front anchor 108, each of which are connected together to restrain a user's foot onto the footbed, allowing a user to move his or her feet and the shoe 100 moves therewith.

The footbed 102 or sole portion defines a top surface 103 that engages the bottom or plantar surface of a user's foot and a bottom surface 104 that engages the ground as a user walks. The footbed 102 or sole includes a front or toe edge 130, a back or heel edge 136, and two side edges (medial edge 132 and lateral edge 134) that may be shaped to generally correspond with the shape of a user's foot, e.g., an hourglass or tapering shape that defines a wide toe area, a narrowed instep area, and a slightly widened heal area. The footbed 102 may be varied as desired, such as to conform to different foot shapes or the like. In various embodiments, the footbed may include materials, such as one or more, rubber, leather, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other like materials or combinations thereof, and more preferably EVA and rubber.

The top surface 103 and bottom surface 104 may optionally be formed of the same material and may include a single layer or there may be multiple layers of material positioned between the top surface 103 and bottom surface 104. For example, the footbed 102 may include two or more materials with varying properties (e.g., flexibility, porosity, and the like), which may be connected at certain locations to provide comfort to a user or select support. For example, the footbed 102 may include a cushioning layer beneath or aligned with the heel portion to provide additional cushioning for a user's heel. Similarly, the medial edge 132 of the footbed 102 may include a raised arch support material. Additionally, the footbed or sole 102 may include an stiffer, more durable, exterior layer forming the bottom surface 104 of the shoe. For example, the bottom surface 104 may include a hard rubber that includes frictional elements, e.g., tread features, and the like to assist with frictional engagement with the ground and other walking surfaces. It should be understood that the configuration of the footbed 102 shown in FIGS. 1-6 is meant as exemplary and many different layers, components, and structures may be included or varied with the footbed 102.

The footbed 102 may additionally include a heel curb 110 or other vertically extending wall structure that may traverse along a portion of heel edge 136 and elevate from the top surface 103 of the footbed 102. In one example, the heel curb 110 may define a semicircular wall and may be formed of a more rigid material from the top surface 103 material, to act as a restraining force against a wearer's heel and help prevent the heel from extending over the heel edge 136 of the shoe 100. In another example, the heel curb 110 may be formed integrally with the top surface 103 and extend seamlessly from the top surface. The height and position of the heel curb 110 is variable, but may generally be configured define a “heel cup” area on the footbed 102 for the user's heel.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, the front anchor 108 may be positioned towards the front edge 130 portions of the shoe 100. In particular, the front anchor 108 is oriented so as to restrain a distal area of the user's foot, such as one or more toes and/or distal dorsal area. In one embodiment, the front anchor 108 is defined as a toe strap or rectangular strip of material and may include two anchored ends 140, 142 spaced apart by a width, where the width generally corresponds to an average width of the hallux or big toe for a human. For example, the first anchored end 140 may be positioned adjacent the medial edge 132 and the second anchored end 142 may be positioned horizontally aligned but by a width apart from the first anchored end 140. In this example, the front anchor 108 fits over the top surface of the hallux to restrain the hallux from upward and lateral movement relative to the footbed 102. In some embodiments, the front anchor 108 may have a width corresponding to a range between 10 to 24 mm, where the width range may vary correspondingly with the size of the footbed 102, i.e., for larger shoe sizes, the toe anchor width may increase and vice versa.

The front anchor 108 may be attached to the footbed 102 in different manners. In one example, the two anchored ends 140, 142 are molded to the top surface 103 or may be glued to an underlying surface and the top surface 103 may then be molded or formed around the anchoring ends 140, 142. In other examples, the straps of material may be sandwiched between the top surface 103 of the footbed 102 and the outsole 104 and secured to one or both of the layers. For example, the straps may be tacked, riveted to the footbed 102, passed through the footbed 102 to a molded component that may be recessed into the sole (such as an anchor or loop formed in the outsole or bottom surface 104 and that extends upwards and is enveloped by the top surface 103).

In some embodiments, the front anchor 108 may include logo information, either attached to an outer surface, applied thereto, or integrated (e.g., woven) into the material.

In other embodiments, the toe strap 108 may be formed to restrain a substantial portion of a user's distal foot area, such as multiple toes and/or the dorsal distal surface adjacent the toes (e.g., metatarsal area). For example, the second anchor point 142 may be positioned adjacent the lateral edge 134, such that both anchor points 140, 142 are adjacent opposing side edges of the foot bed 102 so as to extend across a width of the user's foot. In this example, the anchor points 140, 142 may be positioned to extend over the user's toes or more preferably over the area corresponding to the user's proximal phalange and/or metatarsals. As such, the anchoring points 140, 142 may be closer to the heel edge 136 than in the toe strap embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

In yet other embodiments, the front anchor 108 may be configured as a flange or other expanded restraining mechanism, rather than a strap. For example, the front anchor 108 may be formed of a post extending form the footbed 102 that expands outwardly at a top end to form a flange of “button” shape that extends over two or more toe area surfaces to restrain a wearer's toes. In this example, the front anchor 108 may be formed of a more rigid material than a typical strap material, such as rubber or the like, such that it may retain its shape and form even when a user's toes are not positioned there beneath.

The securing strap assembly 106 acts to restrain a substantial portion of a wearer's foot from substantial lateral and vertical motion relative to the footbed 102, e.g., helps to ensure that the shoe 100 moves with a user's foot movement. The securing strap assembly 106 may include a main securing strap 124, a lateral strap 128, and a yoke 116 or other fastener assembly to couple the main securing strap 124 and lateral strap 128 together. Additionally, the securing strap assembly 106 may include adjusters or fasteners to allow a user to adjust the fit of the strap assembly 106, e.g., buckles, loop and hook, buttons, clasps, snaps, or the like.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the lateral strap 128 may extend along a girth or width of the dorsal area of a user's foot. In one embodiment, the lateral strap 128 is a flexible material, such as cloth, leather, synthetic fibers, or the like, and may be formed as rectangular elongated strip of material and include two ends, an anchored end 148 and a free end 146. The type of material, shape, and dimensions may vary based on aesthetic features, wearer foot dimensions, performance and expected use (e.g., waterproof materials), and so any discussion of a particular material is meant to be exemplary. In one example, the lateral strap 128 is formed of a woven cloth material, synthetic or natural materials, woven or knit, examples include polyester, nylon, leather, or various combinations thereof.

The lateral strap 127, which may also be considered an instep strap or webbing, may be anchored directly to the footbed along one edge of the shoe, e.g., medial edge 132, and anchored indirectly, such as via yoke 116, along the other edge of the shoe, e.g., lateral edge 134. However, in other embodiments, the lateral strap 128 may be anchored directly or indirectly on both edges. In the example shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the lateral strap 128 includes an anchored end 148 anchored at a lateral attachment location 114 positioned adjacent the medial edge 132 of the footbed 102 and secured thereto. The anchored end 148 may be secured to the footbed 102 in a manner similar to the anchored ends 140, 142 of the front anchor 108. The lateral anchor location 114 of the lateral strap 128 may be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the heel curb 110 and may generally align with the instep of a user's foot. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the spacing from the edge may be varied based on the width of the sole 103 versus a desired foot width to be accommodate by the shoe, as well as the width of the webbing or material, and desired attachment mechanisms, but generally is selected to pass over the crown of the instep.

From the anchored end 148, the lateral strap 128 may extend upwards from the footbed 102 and an angle A1 relative to the top surface 103 of the footbed 102. The angle A1 may vary, but in some instances may range between 90 degrees to 30 degrees and preferably between 35 to 50 degrees and may be selected based not only on desired restraint of the user's foot, but also an aesthetic appearance for the shoe 100. As should be appreciated, the angle may be varied as desired. From the extension, the lateral strap 128 extends upwards and includes a slight curvature to conform to the dorsal surface of a user's foot and then curves or bends back towards the top surface 103 of the footbed 102. When connected to the yoke 116, the lateral strap 128 may include an inflection point 148 or bend, where the strap 128 may traverse back and overlap on top of its self, such that the free end 146 may extend over a portion of the dorsal length of the strap 128.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the lateral strap 128 may include an end cap 150 that fits over or otherwise couples to the free end 146. The end cap 150 may be formed a plastic piece or other material different from the lateral strap 128 and may be shaped as a rectangular hull that receives the free end 146 therein. The end cap 150 helps to prevent the free end 146 from fraying or other damage. In some embodiments the end cap 150 may be formed as a terminal seal, such as adhesive, melt line, or the like, that adheres the end fibers as the free end 146 together to prevent fraying.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the main strap 124 or main webbing may be similar to the lateral strap 128 and may be formed of an elongated rectangular piece of material, which may be woven cloth material, synthetic or natural materials, woven or knit, examples include polyester, nylon, leather, or various combinations thereof. The main strap 124 is sufficiently flexible to conform to a user's foot features as the strap 124 is wrapped around a user's lateral and longitudinal dorsal and heel surfaces, discussed below. The main strap 124 is anchored (both directly and indirectly) to the footbed 102 on a single edge of the shoe 100, e.g., one of the lateral edge 134 or medial edge 132, such that when unsupported by a user's foot may collapse onto the footbed 102 (see FIG. 8).

The main strap 124 includes a secured end 126 secured at a front or main attachment location 112 to the footbed 112 and may be secured in a manner similarly to the front anchor 108 ends 140, 142. The main attachment location 112 may be positioned on or adjacent to the lateral edge 134 and may correspond to first joint of a user's fifth metatarsal and a distal end of the fifth phalange. In some instances, the main attachment location 112 may be positioned such that the strap 124 will extend over an area corresponding to the joint between the fifth metatarsal and the fifth phalange or may extend over either a portion of the fifth metatarsal or a portion of the fifth phalange. The positioning of the main attachment location 112 may depend on a width of the main strap 124, desired restraint, and optionally aesthetic appearances.

The strap 124 length then extends to a free end 122 that forms a terminal end of the strap 124. Optionally, the strap 124 may include a bend 154 or pivot point where the free end 122 fold back over the strap 124. From the main attachment 112 location, the strap 124 may extend upwards from the footbed 102, optionally at a second angle A2. The angle A2 may range from between 30-90 degrees relative to the top surface 103 of the footbed 102 and in some instances may be between 45 to 60 degrees. However, the angle may be varied depending on a foot shape being accommodated by the shoes, as well as aesthetic features, and desired support or tension locations. As will be discussed in more detail below, the main strap 124 is supported or secured at both ends such that the strap 124 forms a first vertical portion that extends in a first direction D1 and a second horizontal portion that extends in a second direction D2, where the strap 124 includes an inflection point 160 that bends to transition between the two directions.

The main strap 124 may also include a tensioning assembly 162. The tensioning assembly 162 acts to adjust a length of the main strap 124 that compresses against the wearer's foot. In one embodiment, the tensioning assembly 162 is a hook and loop assembly and includes a hook portion 164 on a first location of the main strap 124 and a loop portion 166 on a second location of the main strap 124. In one embodiment, the hook portion 164 and loop portion 166 may be on the same surface of the main strap 124 such that when the strap 124 is folded over on itself, the hook portion 164 aligns with the loop portion 166. In this example, the wearer can adjust the tension of the strap 124 by varying the engagement location of the hook portion 164 and loop portion 166 relative to each other. In other examples, the tensioning assembly 162 may include other types of fasteners, such as, but not limited to, snaps, buckles, buttons, clips, zippers, or the like.

With reference to FIG. 4, the yoke 116 or strap coupler acts to connect the main strap 124 and lateral or ankle or dorsal strap 128 together. The yoke 116 may be formed as a Y shaped member, including three branches 168, 170, 172, that extend in different directions from one another. The anchor branch 168 connects the yoke 116 to the footbed 102. In one example, the anchor branch 168 is fixed via adhesive or the like to the footbed 102 with top surface 103 of the footbed 102 extending around the anchoring location. In some embodiments, the anchor branch 168 may be connected to the sidewall of the shoe 100, e.g., lateral edge 134 or even the bottom surface 104 depending on the connection method, structural support, and optionally aesthetic appearance.

The heel branch 170 and the ankle branch 172 may be substantially similar to one another, with each being formed as an extension from the main body of the yoke 116 at a 45 degrees from one another and optionally including a folded tab 174, 176. The tabs 174, 176 are folded over themselves to define a compartment to receive a fastener, buckle, loop, or the like, that acts to secure the straps to the branches and may be omitted depending on the type of connection used.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, assembly of the shoe 100 will be discussed. One or more layers, such as the bottom surface 104, of the footbed 102 are molded in the desired configuration. The various ends of the strap assembly 106 may then be secured to the footbed 102, such as through adhesive, molding, heating, sewing, mechanical fasteners, or the like. For example, the two ends 140, 142 of the front anchor 108 are secured at respective horizontally adjacent locations relative to the distal area of the shoe 100. In one embodiment, the front anchor 108 is configured as a toe strap and aligned so as to be positioned over a portion of the first middle phalanx of the wearer's foot and may have a width slightly larger than an average width of a human big toe to comfortably receive and yet secure the wearer's toe. The front anchor 108 is typically offset from the front edge 130 of the shoe 100 but spaced ahead of the front attachment 112 location for the main securing strap 124.

The secured end 126 of the main strap 124 may be secured to the footbed 102 in a similar manner as the ends of the front anchor 108 and be positioned at the main attachment location 112. As mentioned above, the main attachment location 112 is adjacent to or on the lateral edge 134 of the footbed 102 and may be positioned to generally correspond to the joint area of the fifth metatarsal and fifth proximal phalange and more preferably to correspond to the distal end of the fifth metatarsal of the wearer's foot.

The lateral strap 128 may be secured to the footbed 102 in a similar manner as the front anchor 108 and the lateral attachment location 114 may be positioned on or adjacent to the medial edge 132 at a location corresponding to a user's arch area.

The anchor branch 168 of the yoke 116 is attached to the footbed 102 at a yoke attachment location 115 or coupling location in a similar manner as the front anchor 108 and is located on the same edge of the shoe 100 as the secured end 126 of the main strap 124, which in one embodiment is the lateral edge 134. The yoke or coupling location 115 may be selected to be horizontally aligned (relative to a width of the sole or footbed) with the lateral or dorsal attachment location 114.

One or more fasteners may be secured to the yoke 116. For example, a main fastener 120 may be secured to the heel branch 170. In one embodiment, the fastener 120 is a loop or circularly shaped hoop and the free end of the heel branch 170 is inserted therethrough and then folded over an edge of the fastener 120 and secured to itself. Similarly, the ankle end 172 of the yoke 112 may be connected to fastener 118, which may be a buckle, in a similar manner. In one example, the fastener 118 is a dual bar buckle, such that the yoke tab and the lateral strap may be received around a bar of the buckle. In other embodiments, the buckle 118 may be a loop, similar to the fastener 120 shown in FIGS. 2-6. In these embodiments, the instep or lateral strap 128 may pass through the fastener 120 and be secured via hook and loop mechanisms similar to the heel portion of the main strap 124.

With the fasteners 118, 120 attached to the yoke 116, the straps 124, 128 may be secured to the yoke 116 either directly or through the fasteners 118, 120. In one embodiment, the main strap 124 is coupled to the heel branch 170 of the yoke 116 via fastener 120. Specifically, the free end 122 of the main strap 124 is threaded into the loop of the fastener 120 and folded and at a bend 154 location back over itself, such that the fastener 120 is located at a position along a length of the strap 124. With the position of the strap 124 relative to the fastener 120 being variable depending on the desired tensioning and position of the free end 166 relative to the overlap portion 182. The free end 166 is then secured in position via the tensioning assembly 162.

The lateral strap 128 or girth anchor is then connected to the ankle or lateral branch 172 of the yoke 116, either directly or indirectly. In one example, the lateral strap 128 is secured to the fastener 118, such as by threading into an open loop of the buckle and folded back over itself and secured. In one example, the user can adjust the tension of the lateral strap 128 by varying the location of the strap 128 wrapping around the fastener 118. Optionally an end securing member 144, such as an end loop, may be threaded onto the free end 146 of lateral strap 128. The free end 146 may then be inserted into the end securing member 144 to hold the end down and prevent it from catching while the user is wearing the shoe.

With reference to FIG. 1, once assembled, the main strap 124 is secured to the footbed 102 along a single edge of the shoe 100 such that the two attachment locations are generally aligned in a longitudinal direction relative to a length of the sole. In particular, the main strap 124 attachment points (direct and indirect) are aligned on the side of the shoe 100 as one another, which in one example is the lateral edge 134. With reference to FIG. 8, with the single sided securement, the unsupported portions of main strap 124, such as the length traversing in the section direction D2 towards the heal area 182 may collapse onto the footbed 102 when not worn by a user. In one example, the main strap 124 may not be supported on the medial edge 132 of the shoe 102 and therefore the strap 124 is collapsible on the medial edge. In this manner, the main strap 124 may move freely relative to the lateral strap 128.

Conventional securing straps that extend laterally and along a portion of the length of a wearer's foot typically are supported, either directly or indirectly, on multiple edges or sides of the shoe. For example, conventional strap sandals may include a main strap secured on the medial edge and on the lateral edge via an attachment to an ankle strap of the like. These dual edge or side attachment points can add additional pressure points to a wearer's foot, causing discomfort and making the presence of the shoe noticeable. On the contrary, the main strap 124 of the present disclosure, which is not attached to the lateral strap 128 or the medial edge 132, may reduce the presence of the tension on a wearer's foot and reduce pressure points experienced by a user.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, when worn by a person, the shoe 100 secures the wearer's foot, allowing the shoe 100 to move with the person. The user inserts his or her first toe into the a space defined beneath the front anchor 108, such that the front anchor 108 ends are secured on either side of the toe. Then, the user fits the main strap 124 over the dorsal surface of the foot, the main strap 124 will extend laterally and angled backwards toward the heel of the user. At the lateral edge of the foot, the main strap 124 will deflect at inflection point 160 and extend longitudinally along a length of the user's foot and beneath the lateral strap 128. In this example, the main strap 124 extends under the lateral strap 128, but in other instances, the main strap 124 may extend over the lateral strap 128. The main strap 124 then wraps around the outer surface of the user's heel to secure the heel in place. Once the main strap 124 is positioned on the foot, the user can adjust the tensioning of the strap assembly 106, such as by pulling the free end 122 of the main strap 124 towards the medial edge 132. Additionally, the user can adjust the dorsal tension applied by the lateral strap 128 by pulling the free end 146 of the lateral strap 128 or instep strap and adjusting its length passing through the fastener 118.

The above specification, examples and disclosure provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the shoe and footwear described herein and as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed features have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising: a footbed having a top surface, a lateral edge, and a medial edge;a front anchor secured to a front portion of the footbed and configured to secure a distal portion of a wearer's foot;a lateral strap coupled to the footbed at a first location adjacent to the lateral edge and a second location adjacent to the medial edge; anda main strap coupled to the footed at a third location adjacent to the lateral edge and a fourth location adjacent to the lateral edge.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the main strap is not coupled to the medial edge.

3. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a yoke coupled to the footbed, the lateral strap, and the main strap, wherein the main strap is coupled to the footbed at the fourth location via the yoke.

4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the main strap is directly connected to the footbed at the third location and indirectly connected to the footbed at the fourth location.

5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the main strap further comprises a tensioning assembly connected thereto for selectively varying a tension force applied to the wearer's foot.

6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the main strap extends beneath the lateral strap as it extends between the third and fourth locations.

7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein the main strap extends laterally across the wearer's foot and along a portion of a longitudinal length of the wearer's foot.

8. A sandal comprising: a footbed;a toe securing strap operably coupled to the footbed;an ankle strap operably coupled to the footbed at a lateral attachment location and at a yoke attachment location;a main strap operably coupled to the footbed at a main attachment location and at the yoke attachment location, wherein the main attachment location and the yoke attachment location are aligned to be adjacent to a single edge of the footbed.

9. The sandal of claim 8, further comprising a yoke coupled to the ankle strap and the main strap, wherein the yoke is secured to the footed at the yoke attachment location.

10. The sandal of claim 8, wherein the main strap extends beneath or over the ankle strap between the main attachment location and the yoke attachment location.

11. The sandal of claim 10, wherein the main strap is freely movable relative to the lateral strap.

12. The sandal of claim 10, wherein the lateral attachment location is adjacent a medial edge of the footbed, the yoke attachment location and the main attachment location are adjacent a lateral edge of the footbed.

13. The sandal of claim 12, wherein the main strap is unsupported on the medial edge of the footbed.

14. The sandal of claim 8, wherein the main strap is configured to seat over a dorsal surface of a wearer's foot and a heel surface of the wearer's foot.

15. The sandal of claim 8, wherein the main strap is formed of a single piece of material.

16. The sandal of claim 8, wherein the main strap collapses onto the footbed when a user's foot is removed from the sandal.

17. The sandal of claim 8, wherein the main attachment location is selected to correspond to a location of the user's fifth metatarsal when the user's foot is positioned on the footbed.

18. A pair of shoes comprising two sandals as claimed in claim 8.

19. A shoe comprising: a sole;a toe anchor strap connected to the sole at a distal end thereof;a dorsal strap connected to the sole at a medial attachment location and a coupling location, wherein the medial attachment location and the coupling location are generally laterally aligned with one another but positioned on opposing edges of the sole; anda main strap connected to the sole at a main attachment location and the coupling location, wherein the coupling location is longitudinally aligned along a length of the sole with the main attachment location.

20. The shoe of claim 19, wherein the coupling location and the main attachment location correspond to a lateral edge of a user's foot.