Shoes

Abstract

A sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe comprises a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe. The flexible member is capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights. A removable heel and shaping member has a heel part supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height. A shaping part is removably fastened to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the heel height.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sub-assemblies for forming shoes, kits of parts for forming shoes, and to shoes formed therefrom.

In this specification, the term “shoe” is used to refer to any relevant form of footwear including, without limitation, boots, slippers and sandals.

A shoe, particularly a ladies shoe, is conventionally formed on a last shaped to the required shape of the shoe. The shoe comprises, broadly, an upper, a base and a heel. For the purposes of this specification, the word “base” is used to refer to the portion of a shoe, excluding the heel, that lies below the wearer's foot. Accordingly, the base can consist of a number of components. Normally, the base will comprise an insole and a sole that lies under the insole and that contacts the ground when walking.

The method of manufacturing shoes and the materials involved has remained unchanged for many years. In the conventional method, the base is made up from an insole and an outer sole, with a rigid steel shank sandwiched therebetween. It is the shank which dictates the shape of the base, i.e. its form and curvature. Portions of the shoe upper can be sandwiched between the insole and the sole to connect the upper to the base. In general, the upper and the base (with the shank embedded therein) are formed together on a last and then the heel is attached by means of glue and nails. In more recent methods, the outer sole and heel may be injection moulded as a single piece, with an integral shank.

The shank bridges the heel breast and the ball tread. The shankpiece or shank spring can be made from wood, metal, steel, fiberglass or plastic and consists of a piece approximately 10 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The shankpiece lies within the bridge or waist of the shoe, i.e., between the heel and ball of the foot, corresponding to the medial and lateral arches. The shankpiece reinforces the waist of the shoe and prevents it from collapsing or distorting in wear. The shoe designer will set the contour of the shank depending upon the height of the shoe being designed. Shoes with low heels, e.g., ballet pumps or shoes with wedged soles, do not require a shank because the torque between the rear and forefoot does not distort the shoe.

In the conventional methods of manufacture of a ladies shoe with a high heel, a different last must be used for each shoe depending on the height of the heel so that the base is shaped appropriately. The shape and contour of the shank must be fixed to ensure that the base of the shoe will not collapse when stood upon, the shoe is comfortable to wear and properly supports the foot. This requires the shank to extend underneath the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. A comfortable configuration of the base is a flattened or elongate S-shape, the base being generally flat at the toe end and somewhat flexible, then the stiffening of the shank causing the base to curve upwardly and support the arch regions of the extended foot before flattening out over the heel, so as to distribute the wearer's weight over the heel. An uncomfortable configuration is one in which the base merely hinges or angles upwardly at the ball of the foot, without any support for the arch region or distribution of weight over the heel.

There have been various proposals for shoes having a replaceable or interchangeable heel. Such proposals allow the heel to be replaced when worn out, or simply changed to another heel of different shape, style or colour. However, if the heel is to be replaced with one of a different height then the shoe must accommodate this in some way.

It has been proposed to provide a shoe having a base which is hinged, for example at a position near to the ball of the foot, such that the base can be angled upwardly when a higher heel is used. This can give a wearer the choice and flexibility to convert a flat shoe into a higher heel shoe, and vice versa. Although the hinging of the base accommodates a higher heel, the embedded shank sets the shape of the base under the arch of the foot and this cannot be changed. The wearer's foot, however, would naturally adopt a different arched configuration in a higher heel shoe. As the arched shape of the base cannot change, the foot may not be properly supported in the higher heel mode and may tend instead to slide forward in the shoe, putting excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. This is clearly uncomfortable.

Such proposals assume that the base of a shoe can have the same shape in the arch region in both high and low heel positions. Therefore comprising the support and comfort provided. Furthermore, in particular where a conventional leather upper is used, there exists the problem that the backstrap or back part of the upper will dig into the wearer's heel when the shoe is tilted up to accommodate a higher heel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising:

• • a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe, having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights; and
  • a removable heel and shaping member having a heel part supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height and a shaping part removably fastened to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising:

• • a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe, having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;
  • a heel member supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and
  • a removable shaping member fastenable to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for forming a shoe comprising:

• • a shoe base for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear end, and including a flexible member capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;
  • a heel member for supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and
  • an elongate shaping member manually engageable with said flexible member so as cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said heel member.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for forming a shoe comprising:

• • a shoe base for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear end, and including a flexible member capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;
  • a heel and shaping member having a heel part for supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height, said heel and shaping member being manually engageable with said flexible member so as cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said heel member.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising:

• • a base member having multiple articulations;
  • a heel having a heel height; and
  • an elongate shaping member cooperating with the multiple articulations of the base member to cause the base member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

The foot supporting shape or configuration should be one which properly and comfortably supports a foot in use. The Applicants have appreciated that for maximum comfort the foot supporting configuration or shape of the base of a shoe must change depending on the height of the shoe's heel and that this must be taken into consideration when designing a shoe having a removable, replaceable, detachable or otherwise interchangeable heel. It is preferable that the foot supporting shape is an S-shape appropriate to the heel height. This provides the necessary support in the heel and arch regions of the foot, resulting in a comfortable shoe.

In preferred embodiments, the shaping part is elongate and extends at an acute angle to the heel part. Thus, the shaping part extends from the rear end of the flexible member, where the heel part provides support, towards the front end, shaping the flexible member under the heel and arch regions of the foot when the shoe is worn. The shaping member therefore acts in the same way as an embedded shankpiece in a conventional shoe, providing stability and stiffening the waist of the shoe into a shape suited to the height of the heel.

To ensure that the preferably elongate shaping part fully shapes the flexible member along its length, the flexible member is preferably provided with corresponding fastening means for fastening the shaping part along part of the length of the flexible member between the rear and front ends. However, the shaping part does not extend as far as the front end of the flexible member and no fastening means are provided at the front part of the flexible member. The regions of the flexible member lying under the toes and ball of a foot are therefore unshaped and unstiffened, ensuring the comfort of the shoe in wear.

The fastening means may take any suitable form such as clips, hooks, catches, snaps, a snap-fit mechanism or a mutually sliding arrangement. Preferably the shaping part is fastened to more than one part of the flexible member. This helps to ensure that the flexible member is forced to fully adopt the shape provided by the shaping part, so that the flexible member is stiffened into a particular foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the height of the heel. The shape provided by the shaping part is preferably an S-shape. In preferred embodiments the shaping of the flexible member is achieved by the shaping part stiffening the flexible member into a particular foot supporting shape or configuration.

In some preferred embodiments an elongate channel extends along part of the length of the flexible member between the front end and the rear end. The elongate shaping part is suitably slidingly fastened into the channel. The channel may be open e.g. on any of its sides or closed. By fastening the shaping part into a channel, for example provided along the underside of the flexible member, the shaping part is held fastened along its length and thus provides optimal shaping and stiffening to the flexible member. This is important because it is the shape of the shaping part which causes the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the heel height. Furthermore, such a mechanism provides a quick and simple way of fastening and unfastening a shaping part to a flexible member in a single manual operation. It is therefore particularly suitable to removable heel and shaping members; or separately removable shaping members.

In all of the above embodiments, it is the shaping part which causes the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration, tailored to the height of the heel part or member. Where the shaping member is separate to the heel member, it must always impart the flexible member with a foot supporting shape which is suited to the height of the heel member. Thus, the shaping member is always dependent on the heel member even if they are provided separately. The shaping part and heel part may be integrally moulded as one piece. This ensures that the shape of the shaping part is adapted to the height of the heel part. The shaping member may be separate from but attachable to the heel member. In a kit of parts including a heel member and a separate shaping member, manual selection of a shaping member suitable for the height of the heel member may be required. It may be that the heel height is adjustable without removing the heel. In such cases different shaping members will be required if the heel height changes substantially.

Rather than having a fixed, e.g., moulded, heel and shaping member, in some embodiments the shaping part may be pivotably connected to the heel part to allow the heel and shaping member to be folded for storage or transportation. This is particularly useful where a wearer wishes to carry a spare or alternative heel.

In other embodiments, the shaping member and heel member may be separate parts. Forming the shaping member and the heel member separately allows different materials to be used. For example, the shaping member can be moulded from a very stiff and strong composite material which allows precision moulding whereas the heel member can be moulded from a cheaper, lower performance plastics material which allows greater variety in the appearance of the heel member.

Any suitable kind of upper strap or other means may be provided in order that the shoe base can receive and retain a foot during wear. An upper strap with a flexible back strap is particularly advantageous as it allows the back strap to flex outwardly from the wearer's heel as the angle of the heel relative to the toe is decreased in a flatter shoe, making the shoe fit comfortably regardless of heel height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sub-assembly for incorporation into a shoe and formed by a flexible member and a heel including a support member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) show a perspective view, a plan view and a side elevation respectively of the flexible member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3(a) shows the flexible member of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3(b) shows a first heel of the kind shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3(c) shows the flexible member of FIG. 3a connected to the first heel of FIG. 8b;

FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) show respectively the flexible member of FIG. 1, a second heel of the kind shown in FIG. 1 and the flexible member of FIG. 4(a) connected to the second heel of FIG. 4(b);

FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) show respectively the flexible member of FIG. 1, a third heel of the kind shown in FIG. 1 and the flexible member of FIG. 5(a) connected to the third heel of FIG. 5(b);

FIG. 6(a) shows, in plan view, an upper for use with the sub-assembly of FIG. 1 and having reinforced regions,

FIG. 6(b) shows the upper of FIG. 6(a) applied to a sub-assembly of the kind shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a shoe incorporating a flexible member incorporated into a sole and upper with a separate heel, locking tab and clip, the shoe being formed from a sub-assembly or kit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c) and 8(d) are a plan view, a perspective view, a side elevation and an end elevation of a flexible member for incorporation in a sub-assembly of kit for a shoe, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows, in plan view, an upper assembly comprising an inner layer formed in one piece from a stretchable material and including a vamp overlay and a toe puff;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the inner layer with the heel ends of the inner layer stitched together along a back seam;

FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 10 but with a back part stiffener added and a lasting allowance of the inner layer folded inwardly to receive a sole;

FIG. 12 is a similar view to FIG. 11 but showing the upper assembly flexed about a hinge to a first degree;

FIG. 13 is a similar view to FIG. 12 with the sub-assembly flexed about the hinge to a second, greater degree;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sub-assembly or kit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows the method of forming a shoe using the sub-assembly or kit of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective, underside view of a shoe formed from a kit or sub-assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are schematic side cross-sectional and plan views of a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19(a), 19(b) and 19(c) show the formation of shoes having different height heels from a sub-assembly or kit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a heel and shaping member engaged with and fastened to a flexible member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 shows the engagement and disengagement of the heel and shaping member of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a heel and shaping member which folds for storage and transportation;

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the present invention showing separate heel and shaping members;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing how the shaping member provides a different S-shape adapted to different heel heights;

FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of a heel and shaping member for use in a sub-assembly or kit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 26-29 are schematic illustrations of various fastening arrangements for use in embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, the sub-assembly for incorporation into a shoe or kit for forming a shoe is formed by a flexible member indicated generally at 10 and a heel 11. The flexible member 10 comprises a generally flat lower wall 12 surrounded by an upwardly and outwardly extending shaped side wall 13. As seen in FIG. 1, the lower wall 12 has the outline shape of the sole of a shoe with a toe end 14 and a heel end 15. The end of the lower wall 12 towards the heel end 13 is provided with an elongate D-shaped aperture 16 with a straight edge 17 of the aperture 16 towards the toe end 14. An elongate rectangular slot 18 extends through the lower wall 12 commencing at the edge 17 and extending towards the toe end 14.

The flexible member 10 may be made from any suitable material but is preferably made from flexible plastics material such as a polyurethane material. As shown separated from the heel 11, the flexible member 10 is capable of a plurality of different configurations or shapes as, unlike a conventional shoe base, it does not include a stiffening shank. The flexible member will not, by itself, support a foot. A support member is required to provide the flexible member at least with torsional stability, even for a shoe with a low heel.

The heel 11 is formed in one piece from any suitable material such as wood or plastics and comprises a depending wedge-shaped ground-engaging portion 19 surmounted by an elongate support portion 20. A generally flat elongate flange 21 is spaced from an upper surface of the support portion 20 by a web 22.

The heel 11 is shaped so that the web 22 can be inserted in the slot 18 and when the end of the web 22 reaches the closed end of the slot 18, the flange 21 is located in the aperture 16 and fills the aperture. A portion of the lower wall 12 surrounding the aperture 16 rests on the upper surface of the support portion 20.

The effect of the mechanical interengagement of these parts is to provide the flexible member 10 with sufficient rigidity to allow it to support a foot. The flexible nature of the material of the flexible member 10 allows the lower wall 12 towards the toe end to angle itself relative to the portion of the lower wall 12 towards the heel end 15 to accommodate the presence of the heel 11. The flexible member 10 is thus formed into a foot supporting shape or configuration. The support portion 20 provides a flattened S-shape which is adapted to the height of the heel 11 and which causes the flexible member 10 to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to that height.

As seen in FIG. 1, the flexible member 10 may be provided with a catch 23 which releasably latches the heel 11 to the flexible member 10. Release of this catch allows the heel 11 to be disengaged from the flexible member 10. It may, as discussed in more detail below, be replaced by a second heel (not shown) having a different height to give a different style of shoe. Each heel 11 of a different height will have a differently shaped support portion 20 which will set the shape and configuration of the flexible member 10 accordingly.

The flexible member 10 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c). From this it will be seen that the side wall 13 may be provided with an upwardly extending portion 24 at the heel end, two lateral projections 25 at the instep and a toe projection 26 at the toe end 14. These can be used to allow connection of the flexible member 10 to an upper. One form of upper will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

FIG. 3(a) shows the flexible member 10 of FIG. 1 provided with a schematically shown upper 27. FIG. 3(b) shows the heel 11 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3(c) shows the heel 11 connected to the flexible member 10 and the upper 27. In FIG. 3(c) the flexible member 10 is fixed into a first foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to a low heel.

FIG. 4(a) also shows the flexible member 10 of FIG. 1. In this case, however, as seen in FIG. 4(b), the heel 11 has a ground-engaging portion 28 that is higher than the corresponding portion 19 of the heel 11 of FIG. 2(a). Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 4(c), the heel 11 when connected to the flexible member 10 and the upper 27 produces a different style of shoe. In FIG. 4(c) it will be seen that the flexible member 10 is fixed into a second, different foot supporting shape or configuration which is adapted to an intermediate height heel.

Referring next to FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c), again the flexible member 10 and the upper 27 are as in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). However, as seen in FIG. 5(b), the heel 11 has a ground-engaging portion 29 which is higher than the ground-engaging portions 28 and 17 of FIGS. 3(a) and 4(b). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5(c), when the heel 11 of FIG. 5(b) is engaged with the flexible member 10, a still different style of shoe is produced. In FIG. 5(c) the flexible member 10 is fixed into a third, different foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to a high heel. It will be seen by comparing FIGS. 3(a)-5(a) or 3(c)-5(c) that the flexible member 10 and hence the base of the shoe adopts a totally different S-shaped shape and contour in the different foot supporting shapes or configurations. In FIG. 3(c) the flexible member is raised at a shallow angle from the toe end to the heel end to accommodate the low heel. In FIG. 5(c) the flexible member had adopted a distinct S-shape, arching upwardly from the toe end to accommodate the higher heel but then flattening out over the heel to provide support for the foot and to distribute the wearer's weight evenly.

It will be seen, therefore, that in all the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c), the conformable, flexible member 10 is only rendered sufficiently rigid to support a foot when engaged by the heel 11. The heel 11 and the support portion 20 provide both longitudinal and lateral support so allowing the shoe to be worn and to support a foot.

The lower wall 12 of the flexible member 10 can, in a finished shoe, form a sole that contacts the ground. Alternatively a sole can be applied to the lower surface of the lower wall 12. In either case an insole may be provided over the lower wall 12.

Referring now to FIG. 6(a), there is shown an upper 30 having a toe portion 31 and two side portions 32. This may be made of any suitable material, but could be a plastics material or a leather or a woven or knitted material or a combination of such materials. The upper 30 is provided with a zone 33 around the toe which is reinforced and stiffened using a polyurethane coating. Similar zones 34 are provided at the free ends of the side portions 32.

Referring now to FIG. 6(b), this upper 30 can be connected to a flexible member 10 of the kind described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 using the projecting portions 24,25 and 26, with the reinforced zones 34 at the ends of the side parts 32 wrapping around to form the heel end of the shoe.

Referring next to FIG. 7, the flexible member 40 of this embodiment is for incorporation into a sole of a shoe base and is formed in one piece from a plastics material. The member 40 comprises a planar heel portion 41 surrounded by a peripheral depending wall 42 terminating in a head 43. The heel portion 41 has a front edge 44 from which extends an elongate spine 45. The spine 45 carries, at spaced intervals therealong, four generally triangular downwardly directed support members 46 of similar shapes but progressively decreasing size in a direction away from the heel portion 41. Different plural numbers of support members 46 may be used. As seen in FIG. 7, each support member includes a central aperture 47 and lateral extensions 48 projecting to respective opposite sides of the length of the spine. The apertures 47 are aligned with one another. In this way, the portions of the spine 45 between the support members 46 form flexible hinges that allow flexing of the spine.

A heel 49 is formed by a suitably shaped hollow shell 50 containing a generally L-shaped support 51. The support 51 has a vertical limb 52 attached to a rear surface of the interior of the shell and a generally horizontal support limb 53 that projects along the length of the shell 50 at the top of the shell. As seen in FIG. 7, an arcuate portion 54 of the exterior of the shell 50 is recessed.

The shoe also includes a clip 55 and a W-shaped, spring latching member 56. The clip has an arcuate body 57 with a pair of straight parallel but spaced guide members 58 projecting from the concave interior surface of the arcuate body. The ends of the arcuate body are inwardly directed. The W-shaped spring latching member is provided with lugs 59 at respective opposite ends of the member 56

The shoe described above with reference to FIG. 7 is assembled as follows.

The flexible member 40 is fixed to a flexible sole 60 of the shoe via the heel portion 41 and upper surfaces of the support members 46. The end of the horizontal support portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51 is then inserted into the aperture 47 in that support member 46 closest to the heel and is then pushed down through succeeding apertures until the arcuate portion 54 at the rear of the heel 49 engages the wall 42 on the heel portion 41 of the flexible member 40.

The W-shaped spring latching member 56 is held in the cavity defined beneath the heel portion 41 and the wall 42 with the lugs 59 projecting through respective apertures 61 in the wall 42.

As the arcuate portion 54 of the heel 49 engages the wall 43, the lugs 59 snap fit into respective apertures 62 in the heel. Thus, the heel 49 is firmly locked to the flexible member 40 and thus to the shoe. Finally, the guide members 58 in the clip 55 are inserted through respective slots 63 in the arcuate portion 54 of the heel 49 and embrace the support 51 with the arcuate body 57 filling the arcuate portion 54 of the heel 49 and the ends of the arcuate body 57 covering the lugs 59.

In this way, the shape of the horizontal support portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51 determines the curvature and shape of the flexible member 40 and thus determines the shape of the rear part of the sole 60 of the shoe. The horizontal portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51 therefore acts like the stiffening shank of a shoe of conventional construction. The support members 46 provide lateral support for the foot as does the heel with the load being passed down the vertical limb 52 of the L-shaped member 51 to the ground. The flexible member 40 is easy and inexpensive to produce and the heel 49 is rapidly and easily fitted to from the flexible member 40.

It will be appreciated also that the heel 49 can be readily detached from the flexible member 40 by removal of the clip 55, the inward depression of the lugs 59 and the retraction of the horizontal limb 53 from the apertures 47 in the support member 46.

The heel 49 can then be replaced with a new heel which may be the same as the heel 49 shown in FIG. 7 or may be a different heel having a different height or a different shape. For each heel 49, the horizontal support portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51 is adapted to the height of the heel 49 such that it shapes the flexible member 40 into a particular, appropriate foot supporting shape or configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a flexible member 65 constructed on the same principles as the flexible member 40 of FIG. 7.

Parts common to FIG. 7 and to FIG. 8 will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail.

In this embodiment, the flexible member 65 is formed integrally with an insole 66.

The flexible member 65 and the insole 66 are preferably moulded from a suitable plastics material. As seen particularly in FIGS. 8(c) and 8(d), the flexible member 65 is provided with a spine 67 and seven support members 68. Each support member 68 has a central portion 69 of generally triangular cross-section including the aperture 47 and two lateral extensions 48 projecting to respective opposite sides of the length of the flexible member to support a load. The heel portion 41, wall 42 and head 43 are generally as described above with reference to FIG. 7. Due to the articulation of the spine 67 and support members 68, the flexible member can adapt a large number of different shapes and configurations.

This embodiment co-operates with a heel 49 of the kind described above with reference to FIG. 7. The horizontal limb 53 of the L-shaped support 51 of the heel 49 is pushed through the apertures 47 in the support members 68 to shape the flexible member 65 and the insole 66 to allow them, when incorporated in a shoe, to take the load of a foot. When the L-shaped support 51 is engaged with the flexible member 65, it fixes the shape and curvature of the insole into a foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the height of the heel 49.

In a finished shoe, a sole is provided under the insole 66 and the flexible member 65.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the flexible member 65 will be hidden by the upper of the shoe and only the lower sole (not shown) will be visible below the upper. The lower sole can be relatively thin, as it does not need to accommodate the flexible member, which may be aesthetically desirable in some types of shoe.

It will be seen, therefore, that in all the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, there is provided a flexible upper, a flexible base member incorporating an attaching mechanism and a rigid heel with an integrated shank and attaching mechanism. The shank/heel locates and mechanically locks inside the flexible member but can be disengaged by the user allowing different styles and heights of shank/heel unit to be interchanged according to user requirements.

It will also be seen in the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings that a significant feature is the flexibility of the upper part of the shoe (that is the upper and the base) and the rigidity of the shank/heel unit. The latter component is inserted into the former where it locks, the shank component of the mechanism slotting into a cavity under the arch to provide support and fix the flexible member in position. As both the flexible member and the upper of the shoe are flexible, they will deform to fit the contour provided by the shank/heel unit.

The mechanism once locked is stable and cannot be disengage during normal use. The user can disengage the shank/heel unit by pressing a button in the mechanism and sliding the shank/heel unit out of the sole. The ability to interchange different heels of different heights is provided by the flexibility of the base and the upper which will adapt to different heights without the upper creasing or causing discomfort to the user.

It will be appreciated that the shank need not necessarily be integrated with the heel, as long as the shank is adapted to the height of the heel with which it is intended to be used. Such embodiments are described below.

Referring next to FIG. 9, an upper assembly comprises an inner layer 110 formed by a single, generally U-shaped piece of stretchable material.

For example, the stretchable material may be a knitted nylon and Lycra material which is heat mouldable. However, any suitable stretchable material may be used.

The inner 110 has a toe end 111 covered by a vamp overlay 112, which may be of leather and which may be stitched to the inner layer 110 of long suitable seams. As shown, the vamp overlay 112 is provided with a decorative strap 113 and bar 114 but these may be varied or omitted as required. A generally crescent-shaped toe-puff 115 is inserted between the vamp overlay 112 and the inner layer 110 and has an arcuate outer edge in register with the registering outer arcuate edges of the toe end 111 and the vamp overlay 112. The toe puff provides this area with stiffness and may be heat activatable. For example, it may be a non-woven injected resin material that is thermoplastic.

Referring next to FIG. 10, the free end edges 116 are next sewn together along a stitching line 117 to shape the inner layer 110 and form an outwardly directed seam 118.

Referring next to FIG. 11, a counter overlay 124 is then attached to the inner layer 110, preferably by stitching, to overlie the back part stiffener 120. The counter overlay 124 may be of the same material as the vamp overlay 112. Next, a one piece, back part stiffener 120 is then added around the heel between the counter overlay 124 and the inner layer 110. As will be seen, the back part stiffener 120 is generally U-shaped with a projecting tongue 121 at the back strap connected by U-shaped depressions 122 to lateral stiffening portions one of which is shown at 123. The back part stiffener 120 may be formed of the same material as the toe puff 115. At the same time, the lasting allowance at the outer edges of the inner 110 are folded inwardly to form a peripheral flange for connection to a sole (not shown). It will be seen that, at the waist of the shoe, there is a zone 125 between, on the one hand, the vamp overlay 112 and the toe puff 115 and, on the other hand, the back part stiffener 120 and the counter overlay 124. As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, this provides a hinge that allows the portion of the sub-assembly towards the heel to flex relative to the toe end 111.

As seen in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the tongue 121 of the back part stiffener extends only part the way to the top line 126. However, the overlying counter overlay 124 also has a tongue 127 that covers the tongue 121 of the back part stiffener and extends to the top line 126. Between them, these parts form a back strap having an upper end towards the top line 126 that is able to flex relative to the lower end of the back strap in a direction parallel to the length of the upper. As will be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, this allows the back strap to flex outwardly in this direction as the angle of the heel relative to the toe is decreased in order to accommodate a foot.

The feature of the hinge and the movable back strap allow the upper described above with reference to the drawings to be used with heels of a variety of heights. In particular, it allows the upper to be used with the interchangeable heels of the kind described above with reference to the drawings although, this is not essential.

In addition, the inner layer 110 forms an inner surface to the upper assembly which has no seams except for the outwardly directed seam 118 at the back strap.

This makes the upper very comfortable for all wearers. The presence of the stiffeners in the form of the toe puff 115 and the back part stiffener 120 and the presence of the vamp overlay 112 and the counter overlay 124 nevertheless make the upper a more stylish shoe than footwear formed wholly from flexible material.

It will be appreciated that there are a large number of alterations that can be made to the arrangement described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. The stiffening of the toe and heel need not be formed by a single toe puff 115 or back part stiffener 120; it could be provided by a number of separate parts. The vamp overlay 112 and the counter overlay 124 are optional. The toe puff 115 and the back part stiffener 120 could be visually acceptable by themselves, as described above with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe. In this embodiment, a base member 200 for incorporation in the base of a shoe comprises a flexible member 202 and an articulated member 204. The flexible member 202 is moulded from a flexible but durable rubber or plastic material such as polyurethane. The flexible member 202 forms the outer sole of a shoe and hence it must be able to withstand wear and tear as well as ideally having an aesthetically pleasing finish. The flexible member 202 is therefore thicker than a conventional insole but it remains conformable in all directions and may have lateral incisions 206 in its underside to ensure that it can flex fully into any longitudinal contour. Depending on the material of the flexible member 202, the incisions 206 may not be necessary to ensure conformability of the flexible member 202 but they have the visual effect of alluding to any hidden articulation, as will be explained below. The front end 208 of the flexible member 202 contacts the ground in use. The rear end 210 has a moulded heel attachment portion 212 designed to accept a supporting heel part.

The articulated member 204 is made from a rigid plastics material which is chosen to impart the base member 200 with the required torsional stability whilst remaining lightweight. Other materials such as metal or wood may of course be used. The articulated member 204 is made up of a heel portion 214 at its rear end and a series of interconnected articulations 216 at its front end. The articulations 216 define an elongate channel 218 therethrough. It will be appreciated that the articulations 216 need not define a closed channel 218 as shown, but could instead define a channel open on any of its sides or indeed a series of interconnected clips.

The articulated member 204 is preferably embedded inside the flexible member 202, for example, by moulding the flexible member 202 around the articulated member 204. The articulated member 204 provides a degree of stiffness to the flexible member 202 at its rear end 210 and in the waist 209 of the shoe. The articulated member 204 does not extend to the front end 208 of the flexible member 202. It will be understood that in a shoe formed from the base member 200, the articulated member 204 provides torsional support underneath the wearer's heel and arch regions of the foot, so that the foot is comfortable and will not twist from side to side. However, the front end 208 of the flexible member 202 remains completely soft and conformable under the ball and toes of the foot.

Due to the presence of the articulations 216, the base member 200 is still flexible in that it is capable of adopting a plurality of different foot supporting shapes or configurations. This makes the base member 200 different to a conventional shoe base, which is stiffened into a particular foot supporting shape by an embedded rigid shank. It is only when the base member 200 is engaged with a heel and shaping member 220 that it is forced to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration.

The exploded heel and shaping member 220 shown in FIG. 14 is made up of a shaping part 222, a latch 224, a pin 226 and a heel part 228. The shaping part 222 is formed from a strong, stiff material. Metal may be used but it is preferable to mould the shaping part 222 from glass-filled nylon. The addition of glass fibres to nylon significantly strengthens the material and provides stability and rigidity, making it a more appropriate material for the shaping part 222 than unstrengthened plastics. The material of the shaping part 222 is somewhat more important than with a conventional embedded shankpiece, as the removability of the shaping part 222 means that it is exposed to environmental influences, as well as imposing aesthetic requirements. A plastic or composite material is favoured over metal in order to provide a shaping part 222 which is lightweight for transportation, appealing to the eye and corrosion resistant.

The elongate shaping part 222 extends at an acute angle to a metal pin 226 which projects downwardly from its rear end. The pin 226 is embedded into the plastics body of the heel part 228, thereby forming a single piece heel and shaping member 220. The pin 226 takes the place of the metal pin conventionally found at the core of a moulded plastics heel. The heel part 228 can be moulded to any desired shape and style and may have decorative pieces attached. The heel part 228 may also have a replaceable top piece (not shown) contacting the ground, as is conventional.

In a kit of parts, the base member 200 and heel and shaping member 220 may be provided as two separate parts. A latch 224 is used to fasten the heel and shaping member 220 to the base member 200 when the two are engaged. The base member 200 can be used with any number of different heel and shaping members 220 of different heights and styles, as will become apparent from the discussion below.

FIG. 15 shows the sub-assembly or kit of FIG. 14 formed into a shoe.

The shoe is formed from the flexible base member 200 and the removable heel and shaping member 220. A shoe upper 230 is shown schematically. It can be seen that the channel or passageway 218 is formed through the set of articulations 216. In other embodiments, the articulations 216 may not be provided by an embedded articulated member, instead they may be integrally moulded or otherwise provided in the base member 200, for example as shown in FIG. 8 above. The articulations 216 may not be hinged but merely provided by lateral incisions in the base member 200 which allow it to flex into different longitudinal contours.

In the heel and shaping member 220, the heel part 228 and the shaping part 222 are interconnected. The shaping part 222 may be pivotably connected to the heel part 228 to allow the heel and shaping member 220 to be folded for storage or transportation. Forming the shaping part 222 and the heel part 228 separately allows different materials to be used. For example, the shaping part can be moulded from a very stiff and strong composite material which allows precision moulding whereas the heel part can be moulded from a cheaper, lower performance plastics material which allows greater variety in the appearance of the heel part. In other embodiments, the heel and shaping member 220 may be integrally moulded as one piece, with a metal pin (not shown) embedded inside the heel part 228, as is conventional.

It can be seen that the back of the heel part 228 is provided with a latch 224 which locks the heel and shaping member 220 to the base member 200 when the two are engaged. The base member 200 is provided with a corresponding catch 225 at the back of the heel attachment portion 212.

FIG. 16 shows how the heel and shaping member 220 of FIGS. 14 and 15 is manually engaged with a base member 200 to form a shoe. The base member 200 on its own is flexible and capable of a large number of different foot supporting S-shapes. The shape of the base member 200 in the final shoe is dictated by the shaping part which is in turn chosen based on the height of heel to be attached. The shaping part 222 is inserted from the rear end of the base member 200 into the flexible channel or passageway 218 and slid along until the heel part 228 engages with the heel attachment portion 212 at the rear end of the base member 200. It will be seen that the shaping part 222 is recessed into the top end of the heel part 228 such that a surrounding shell 232 covers the heel attachment portion 212 of the base member 200 when the heel and shaping member 220 is fully engaged. The top of the heel part 228 is flush with the base member 200, resulting in a shoe having an appearance little different to a conventional heeled shoe.

In order to prevent the heel and shaping member 220 from disengaging during use, the latch 224 is fastened to the catch 225 at the rear end of the base member 200 as shown. The latch 224 is recessed into the heel part 228 when engaged, so as to prevent it from being knocked undone accidentally. A finger grip may be provided.

It will be appreciated that engagement of the stiff shaping part 222 with the flexible base member 200 causes the base member 200 to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration. The shape of the shaping part 222 is adapted to the height of the heel part 228 and therefore stiffens the flexible member 200 in the S-shape appropriate to a heel of that height. The shaping part 222 extends underneath the arch regions of the foot in the waist of the shoe and as far as the ball of the foot. The front end of the base member 200 remains flexible.

The heel and shaping member 220 shown may be replaced with a different member having a different height heel. A user simply disengages the removable heel and shaping member 220 by releasing the latch 224 and pulling the members apart, so that the shaping part 222 is no longer fastened inside the channel 218. The flexible base member 200 is again conformable into any desired shape. Another heel and shaping member having a different height heel will have a corresponding shaping part with a different S-shape adapted to that heel height. The flexible base member 200 will be stiffened into a different foot supporting shape or configuration when another heel and shaping member is used. The result is a shoe having readily removable and interchangeable heel parts, which is comfortable and supportive regardless of the height of the heel, as the heel and shaping member sets the base member into the foot supporting shape or configuration appropriate to each heel.

FIG. 17 gives an underside and partly cut-away view of a shoe formed from a kit or sub-assembly as described above. It can be seen that the outer shell 232 of the heel part 228 covers the heel attachment portion 212 of the base member 200 and is flush with the rear end of the base member 200. A metal pin 226 passes down through the centre of the moulded plastic heel part 228. The metal pin 226 may be covered by a heel top piece (not shown) which is separately replaceable so as to prolong the life of the heel and shaping member 220. The assembled shoe looks no different from a normal high heeled shoe, apart from the lateral incisions 206 in the underside of the base member 200.

FIG. 18(a) shows a heel member 320 which may be used when a substantially flat shoe is desired, as shown in FIG. 18(b). The heel member 320 comprises a flat heel part 328 and a support part 322. The flexible base member 300 can be of the same construction as any of the previous embodiments. However, as the base member 300 does not need to be shaped into a foot supporting S-shape in a flat shoe, the support part 322 merely acts to engage and fasten the heel member 320 to the base member 300. The base member 300 therefore adopts its default, unshaped, flat foot supporting shape or configuration. The heel part 328 covers the heel attachment portion 312 of the base member 300 and contacts the ground. When the flat heel member 320 is removed to allow a higher heel and shaping member to be used, as in previous embodiments, the underside of the base member 300 has not been scuffed through contact with the ground. Such damage would otherwise be visible when a high heel is engaged instead.

FIGS. 19(a), 19(b) and 19(c) show the formation of shoes having different height heels using a sub-assembly or kit with different height heel and shaping members as shown in FIGS. 14-18.

In FIG. 19(a) the flexible base member 200 is not stiffened into a foot supporting S-shape. The sub-assembly may be worn in this default mode as a soft slipper-like shoe. A default heel member may be used, as described above with respect to FIG. 18, to cover the heel attachment portion and prevent dirt and debris from entering the channel or other fastening means provided on or in the base member 200.

In FIG. 19(b) an intermediate height heel and shaping member 220 has been manually engaged with and fastened to the flexible base member 200. The shaping part provided by the heel member 220 has shaped and stiffened the base member 200 into a particular foot supporting S-shape adapted to the height of the heel.

In FIG. 19(c) a high heel and shaping member 220′ has been manually engaged with and fastened to the flexible base member 200. The shaping part provided by the heel member 220′ has shaped and stiffened the base member 200 into a more acute foot supporting S-shape adapted to the height of the heel.

It will be appreciated that any number of different removable heel members may be used interchangeably with the flexible base member 200, each heel member shaping the flexible member and causing it to adopt a different foot supporting shape or configuration suited to the heel.

FIG. 20 shows, in cross-section, a heel and shaping member 220 engaged with and fastened to a flexible base member 200 of a further embodiment. Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts. In this embodiment the shaping part 222 is pivotably connected to a metal heel pin 226 at a hinge 235. The pin 226 is embedded in the centre of a moulded plastics heel part 228. When the heel and shaping member 220 is removed from the base member 200, the shaping part 222 can be folded down against the heel part 228 to provide a more compact arrangement. This is particularly suitable for a wearer who wishes to carry a spare or alternative heel, e.g., in a pocket or bag. The heel part 228 is capped with a replaceable heel top piece 234, as is conventional. A fastening metal latch 224 and catch 225 are also shown. This additional fastening ensures that the heel and shaping member 220 does not collapse during use, and that the shaping part 222 does not accidentally disengage from the base member 200. The method of fastening and unfastening the latch in order to attach and remove a heel member is shown in detail in FIG. 21.

In FIG. 21, step 1 shows the latch 224 fully engaged with the catch 225 at the rear end of the base member 200. The handle 223 is recessed into the back of the heel and shaping member 220. In steps 2-6, the handle 223 is progressively pulled out from the heel and shaping member 220. The latch 224 is pivotably connected to the handle 223. As the handle 223 is pulled further out, the latch 224 is hinged up and out of engagement with the catch 225. In step 6, the latch 224 is shown disengaged from the catch 225, ready for removal of the heel and shaping member 220 from the base member 200. The steps are reversed to engage the latch after the heel and shaping member 220 has been replaced.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment wherein a heel and shaping member 420 is hinged and foldable for storage and transportation. In this embodiment, the shaping part 422 is pivoted about a hinge 435, extended at an acute angle to the heel part 428 and fixed at this angle by a clip 436. Instead of a latch and catch being provided at the back of the heel part 428 and base member 400, locking buttons 438 are provided at the sides of the heel part 428. These locking buttons 438 engage with corresponding recesses provided on the heel attachment portion 412 of the base member 400, or vice versa. The sides of the heel are less likely to be knocked during wear, making this mechanism safer than a back fastener. Any suitable means for fastening the shaping part 422 to the base member 400 may be provided, as is described in more detail below.

It is not essential that the heel and shaping parts are provided by the same member, as is apparent from FIG. 23. In this embodiment, a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe comprises a heel member 528 separate from a removable shaping member 522. The shaping member 522 is similar to a conventional shankpiece and may be made from sprung steel. The shaping member 522 has an S-shape adapted to a heel of a particular height. The heel member 528 may be removably attached to a flexible base member (not shown) using a suitable attachment mechanism, before or after the shaping member 522 has been fastened to the base member. Alternatively, the heel member 528 may be attached using the shaping member 522 so that the parts are assembled at the same time. In the embodiment shown, the shaping member 522 is removably attachable to the heel member 528 by a resilient prong fastener 540 which latches into a recess 542 in the heel member 528. The fastener is engaged and disengaged by pinching together the prongs. The shaping member 522 is then manually engaged with or fastened to a flexible base member (not shown), together with the attached heel member 528. The shaping member 522 stiffens the base member into a foot supporting shape or configuration suitable for the height of the heel member 528.

A kit of parts for forming a shoe may include a number of different heel members of different styles and/or heights, a shaping member adapted to each height of heel in the kit, and a flexible base member. A user chooses a heel member and then selects the correct shaping member for that height of heel. A single shaping member may be suitable for a number of heels of different styles and colours, but all of the same height. A shoe is then assembled using the base member, the correct shaping member and the desired heel member. The heel member may by attachable to the base member independently of the shaping member. This would allow different shapes and styles of heel to have their own attachment mechanism suited to their shape. Alternatively, the manual engagement or fastening of the shaping member to the base member may cause the heel member to become attached as well. This can minimise and simplify the steps involved in assembling a shoe.

FIG. 24 schematically shows a flexible base member 500, a heel member 528 and the profile of different shaping members 528. Each shaping member 528 provides the base member 500 with a different S-shape which is adapted to a different heel height.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe wherein the heel and shaping member 620 is separable. The shaping member 621 comprises an elongate shaping part 622 extending at an acute angle to a downwardly extending heel support part 644. The shaping member 621 is formed in one piece, for example from sprung steel or a moulded plastics or composite material. A separate heel member 646 provides the ground-engaging part of the assembly. As with conventional heels, the plastics heel member 646 is injection moulded with a hollow core. The heel support part 644 of the shaping member 628 can be inserted into the hollow core of the heel member 646 and takes the place of the metal support pin embedded in a conventional heel. Means may be provided for removably locking the heel member 646 onto the shaping member 621. The resultant heel and shaping member 620 can be fastened to or manually engaged with a flexible base member as described above. Alternatively, the shaping member 621 could be fastened to or manually engaged with a base member first and then a heel member 646 of choice slid over the support part 644. It will be appreciated that for a single shaping member 621 adapted to heels of a particular height, many different heel members 646 of that height could be provided, giving a wearer a variety of styles and colours to choose from. A shaping member 621 having a different S-shape will be required for different height heels, as explained above.

Some further embodiments will now be described. FIG. 26 illustrates some different ways in which a heel and shaping member or a heel member, indicated generally at 720, may be removably fastened to a base member 700. FIG. 26(a) is similar to previously described embodiments in which an elongate shaping member slides into a channel or passageway provided in the base member. In FIG. 26(a), a downwardly open channel 750 is provided on the underside of the base member 700. The heel member 720 is fastened to the base member 700 by sliding a dovetailed extension 752 on its upper surface into the correspondingly shaped channel 750. Such a fastening mechanism may be used to attach a heel member alone, or to attach a combined heel and shaping member. In the latter case, the longitudinal contour of the dovetailed extension 752 will set the base member 700 in a particular foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the height of the heel.

In FIG. 26(b) the fastening arrangement of FIG. 26(a) is reversed, with an upwardly open channel 760 being provided on the heel member 720 and a dovetailed extension 762 along the underside of the base member 700. As the extension 762 is part of the flexible base member 700, it too will be flexible and capable of adapting a number of shapes. It is the shape of the channel 760 provided by the heel member 720 which fixes the extension 762 and the flexible base member 700 into a particular foot supporting shape or configuration when the two are engaged.

FIGS. 26(c) and 26(d) are similar to FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), but illustrate an alternative dovetail-type connection. FIG. 26(e) illustrates another embodiment wherein one or more lateral, rather than longitudinal, dovetailed extensions 772 are provided on a heel member or heel and shaping member 720 in order to fasten it to a flexible base member.

FIG. 27 illustrates keyhole-type fastening arrangements which may be provided between a heel member or heel and shaping member 820 and a base member 800. In FIG. 27(a), upwardly protruding pegs 802 are provided on a heel and shaping member 820. Corresponding keyholes 804 are provided on the underside of the flexible base member 800. The heel and shaping member 820 is manually engaged with the base member 800 by pushing the pegs 802 up into the open ends of the keyholes 804 and then sliding them along into the keyholes 804 such that the two members are removably fastened together. Of course, the pegs 802 may be provided on the base member 800 and the corresponding keyholes 804 on the heel and shaping member 820.

FIG. 27(b) shows an alternative fastening arrangement wherein a single keyhole 814 is provided on one of the members. This is somewhat similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 27(c) shows another alternative fastening arrangement wherein a series of keyholes 824 are provided, as in FIG. 27(a), but the keyholes 824 extend longitudinally rather than laterally. This determines the direction in which the members are slidably fastened together.

FIG. 28 illustrates yet another alternative fastening arrangement wherein a heel member 920 comprises a bayonet-type fastener 902 which is rotatably engageable with a base member (not shown).

FIG. 29 illustrates some alternative arrangements for fastening a heel and shaping member 1020 to a flexible base member 1000.

In FIG. 29(a) the heel and shaping member 1020 is provided with a locating hook 1002 at its front end and a snap-fit clip 1004 at its rear end. The heel and shaping member 1020 is manually engaged with the base member 1000 by sliding the shaping part 1006 underneath the base member 1000 until the locating hook 1002 connects with a shoulder 1008 on the base member 1000. The base member 1000 is conformed to the shape of the heel and shaping member 1020 and its rear end is fastened by the snap-fit clip 1004.

In FIG. 29(b) a series of fasteners 1010 are provided along the heel and shaping member 1020 and the base member 1000. The base member 1000 has a snap-fit clip 1012 for fastening the front end of the shaping part 1006.

In FIG. 29(c) a peg 1014 is provided to fasten the heel and shaping member 1020 to the base member 1000 at its rear end.

It will be understood that any of the fastening arrangements described above with respect to FIGS. 26-29 may be used alone or in any desired combination in a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe. In particular, such fastening arrangements may replace or supplement those shown in the embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-5, 7-8 or 14-25.

Claims

1. A sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights; and a removable heel and shaping member having a heel part supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height and a shaping part removably fastened to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

2. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part is elongate and extends at an acute angle to the heel part.

3. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising an elongate channel extending along part of the length of the flexible member between the front end and the rear end.

4. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part is slidably fastened to the flexible member.

5. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part is fastened to more than one part of the flexible member.

6. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said foot supporting shape is an S-shape.

7. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part stiffens the flexible member in the particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

8. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part and heel part are integrally moulded as one piece.

9. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part is pivotably connected to the heel part to allow the heel and shaping member to be folded for storage or transportation.

10. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the heel and shaping member further comprises locking means to lock the shaping part at an acute angle to the heel part in use.

11. A sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe, having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel member supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and a removable shaping member fastenable to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

12. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the heel member is fastened to the flexible member separately from the shaping member.

13. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the heel member is fastened to the flexible member by the shaping member.

14. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the shaping member is separate from but attachable to the heel member.

15. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the shaping member is slidably fastened to the flexible member.

16. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein at least a part of the heel member is removable.

17. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the heel height is adjustable.

18. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein said foot supporting shape is an S-shape.

19. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the shaping member stiffens the flexible member in the particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

20. A kit of parts for forming a shoe comprising: a shoe base for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear end, and including a flexible member capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel member for supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and an elongate shaping member manually engageable with said flexible member so as cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said heel member.

21. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the heel member is attachable to the flexible member independently of the shaping member.

22. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the manual engagement of the shaping member with the flexible member attaches the heel member to the flexible member.

23. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shaping member is separate from but attachable to the heel member.

24. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shaping member is slidably engageable with the flexible member.

25. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shoe base includes an upper for receiving the foot.

26. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shoe base comprises one or more of the group consisting of: (i) an upper; (ii) a toe puff; (iii) a back part stiffener; (iv) a vamp; (v) a vamp overlay; (vi) a counter; (vii) a counter overlay; (viii) a back strap; (ix) an ankle strap; (x) a toe strap; (xi) a quarter; (xii) a heel stiffener; (xiii) a toe cap; (xiv) a toe bar; (xv) a thong; (xvi) a sock; and (xvii) an insole.

27. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein said foot supporting shape is an S-shape.

28. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shaping member stiffens the flexible member in the particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

29. A kit of parts for forming a shoe comprising: a shoe base for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear end, and including a flexible member capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel and shaping member having a heel part for supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height, said heel and shaping member being manually engageable with said flexible member so as cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said heel member.

30. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shaping member is manually engageable with the flexible member along part of the length of the flexible member between the front end and the rear end of the shoe base.

31. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shaping member is slidably engageable with the flexible member.

32. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shaping member comprises a shaping part extending, in use, at an acute angle to the heel part.

33. A kit as claimed in claim 32 wherein the flexible member comprises an elongate channel, extending along a part of its length between the front end and the rear end of the shoe base, for receiving said shaping part.

34. A kit as claimed in claim 32 wherein the shaping part is pivotably connected to the heel part to allow the heel and shaping member to be folded for storage or transportation.

35. A kit as claimed in claim 34 wherein the heel and shaping member further comprises locking means to lock the shaping part at an acute angle to the heel part in use.

36. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shaping member is moulded as one piece.

37. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the shoe base comprises one or more of the group consisting of: (i) an upper; (ii) a toe puff; (iii) a back part stiffener; (iv) a vamp; (v) a vamp overlay; (vi) a counter; (vii) a counter overlay; (viii) a back strap; (ix) an ankle strap; (x) a toe strap; (xi) a quarter; (xii) a heel stiffener; (xiii) a toe cap; (xiv) a toe bar; (xv) a thong; (xvi) a sock; and (xvii) an insole.

38. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein said foot supporting shape is an S-shape.

39. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shaping member stiffens the flexible member in the particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

40. A sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a base member having multiple articulations; a heel having a heel height; and an elongate shaping member cooperating with the multiple articulations of the base member to cause the base member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

41. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the shaping member is removable.

42. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the heel is removable.

43. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the shaping member is separate from but attachable to the heel.

44. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the heel height is adjustable.

45. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the base member is moulded from a plastics material.

46. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the base member comprises a flexible member and an articulated member.

47. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 46 wherein the articulated member is embedded in the flexible member.

48. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 46 wherein the articulated member is made from a stiffer material than the flexible member to provide torsional stability to the base member.

49. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 46 wherein the flexible member is moulded from a flexible plastics material and the articulated member is moulded from a rigid plastics material.

50. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the shaping member comprises a glass-filled nylon material.

51. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the shaping member slidably cooperates with the multiple articulations of the base member.

52. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the base member includes an elongate channel in the multiple articulations and the shaping member cooperates with the channel to shape the base member into said foot supporting shape.

53. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the base member includes attaching means associated with the multiple articulations for attaching the elongate shaping member to the base member and allowing cooperation with the articulations.

54. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein said foot supporting shape is an S-shape.

55. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the shaping member stiffens the flexible member in the particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.

56. A sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a flexible member for incorporation in a base of the shoe and capable of a plurality of foot supporting configurations to adapt to heels of different heights; and a removable heel and support member having a heel part supporting a rear end of the flexible member at a heel height and a support part removably fastened to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting configuration adapted to said heel height.

57. A sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe and capable of a plurality of foot supporting configurations to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel supporting a rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and a removable support member fastenable to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting configuration adapted to said heel height.