Arch support independent of footwear
View Patent ↗This device elevates the midsection of the foot when shoeless, addressing congenital flatness, or lapsing or pronation in the arch. The device, which can be constructed of various materials, does not support the metatarsus or heel, and is attached to the foot by lateral straps or equivalents. The device may be worn inside or over stockings. The device can also serve as an orthotic for barefoot runners or dancers by means of longitudinal extension, with openings under the metatarsus and heel so these areas may touch the ground or floor. This device may be contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application.
1. A footwear device for supporting a wearer's foot when shoeless, the device to be worn when walking or standing indoors or out; the footwear device comprising:
a) a raised midsole element, tapered at its longitudinal ends,
b) wherein the footwear device does not support the wearer's heel, nor toes;
c) wherein an upper surface of the midsole element is textured to resist epidermal slipping;
d) wherein a lower surface of the midsole element comprises treading to provide ground traction,
e) a plurality of straps providing lateral attachment of the midsole element to the wearer's foot;
f) a fastener operably configured to connect the straps to each other above the sole of the wearer's foot; and
g) wherein at least at the longitudinal median of the footwear device, the upper surface of the midsole element is raised at each lateral side of the midsole element above the lateral center of the upper surface of the midsole element.
2. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 wherein the midsole element and the plurality of straps are formed as a unitary structure.
3. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 wherein the midsole element is thicker in a vertical direction at the raised portions than the remainder of the midsole element.
4. The footwear device as recited in claim 1 wherein the footwear device is symmetric about a plane through a lateral median axis to allow the footwear device to be worn on the left or right foot.