Importance

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Abstract

A shoe has a bottom including an expansion mechanism for expanding the bottom laterally underlying the metatarsals. An upper is carried by the bottom. A chassis is carried by the bottom for underlying the foot. In one embodiment, the expansion mechanism of the bottom includes a base portion and an expansion portion, the base portion having a plurality of slots extending generally longitudinally in the mid-foot region defining the expansion portion, the expansion portion formed of a material allowing lateral expansion of the bottom. In one embodiment, the upper has an expanding and contracting mechanism for expanding and contracting the upper therein stabilizing holding the foot as the foot moves. In one embodiment, the expanding and contracting mechanism is an elastic omega seam interposed between two pieces of leather at a seam wherein the omega opens and closes. In one embodiment, the chassis has at least three tailored zones, a heel zone underlying the heel of the foot, a metatarsal zone underlying the metatarsals, and a toe zone underlying the toes of the foot. In one embodiment, the chassis has an additional tailored zone, an arch zone underlying the arch of the foot.

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First Claim