A pain-relieving footwear

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pain-relieving footwear (100) to alleviate plantar foot pain. The pain-relieving footwear (100) comprising a bi-layered sole construction including a lower floor layer (10), an upper foot layer (20), wherein the upper foot layer (20) comprises an anatomically contoured recess (50) that receives a removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60), in a flush manner such that an increase in vertical height of a foot in the pain-relieving footwear (100) due to the viscoelastic cushioning element (60) is substantially negligible. The anatomically contoured recess (50) is an oval-shaped cut-out, designed with a stepped profile having an upper half and a lower half, both having an equal thickness so as to accommodate the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) in a co-planar relationship with an upper surface of the upper foot layer (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of orthopaedic footwear. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a bi-layered structured footwear incorporating replaceable cushioning in targeted areas, to alleviate plantar foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and metatarsalgia.BACKGROUND

[0002] Foot conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia, represent significant musculoskeletal burdens and pain. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by heel pain, affecting over 5% of individuals in middle age and more than 10% of the elderly population. Most of the patients reveal a notable exacerbation of symptoms during initial ambulation after periods of rest, such as the first steps in the morning. In Metatarsalgia, the foot pain is localized to the ball of the foot, affecting 1-4% of the general populace.

[0003] Despite the prevalence of these conditions, existing therapeutic modalities and footwear solutions available in the market present several critical unsolved problems. Firstly, a significant challenge lies in providing immediate and practical pain relief upon waking. Patients often experience the most severe pain with their very first steps in the morning. Current orthotic inserts are typically cumbersome, requiring insertion into conventional shoes, making them impractical for use during this crucial period.

[0004] Secondly, existing cushioning solutions, such as heel or metatarsal pads, are frequently designed as superficial add-on components. This design inherently increases the effective stack height of the foot within the footwear. This increase in height often leads to several issues, including shoe incompatibility, Altered gait mechanics wherein changes in foot height can disrupt natural walking patterns, potentially leading to discomfort or new biomechanical stresses; reduced wearer comfort and stability, especially for individuals already experiencing pain or balance issues.

[0005] Thirdly, there is an inherent trade-off between initial softness and long-term durability in the materials used for cushioning elements in the market. Materials that offer immediate, superior softness and compressibility for pain relief often exhibit accelerated degradation under repetitive load. This leads to a need for frequent and inconvenient replacement of the entire orthotic unit or even the footwear itself, representing a significant cost and inconvenience to the user.

[0006] Finally, maintaining consistent and robust biomechanical support, particularly for the medial arch, under varying and significant loads, such as those exerted by obese individuals, remains a challenge for many existing footwear solutions. Materials used in the structural components of current slippers may deform over time, leading to a loss of essential support and a reduction in therapeutic efficacy.

[0007] Thus, there exists a critical need for an innovative, ergonomically integrated, and durable footwear solution that provides targeted pain relief without compromising foot stability or increasing overall foot height, specifically addressing the symptomatic morning period. OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to offer immediate and practical pain relief upon waking, allowing for effortless donning before weight-bearing.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide effective cushioning that integrates seamlessly without increasing the overall foot height, thereby maintaining natural foot-to-slipper geometry and stability.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provides both replaceable cushioning and extended product lifespan in a practical and cost-effective manner.

[0011] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a durable footwear design that can consistently maintain its structural integrity regardless of wearer weight or prolonged use.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to overcome the trade-off between initial softness and long-term durability of cushioning elements, ensuring extended product lifespan.

[0013] Still another object of the present disclosure is to maintain consistent and robust biomechanical support, particularly for the medial arch, under varying and significant loads, including for obese individuals.SUMMARY

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-layered structured footwear incorporating replaceable cushioning in targeted areas, to alleviate plantar foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and metatarsalgia. The pain-relieving footwear is engineered to secure the replaceable cushioning in the targeted areas to provide an immediate relief. The pain-relieving footwear comprises a bi-layer sole construction, including but not limited to, a lower floor layer, an upper foot layer operatively coupled to the lower floor layer with a strap and a toe, a removable viscoelastic cushioning element, and a pre-formed, anatomically contoured recess in the upper foot layer to receive the replaceable cushion. Together, this sole construction provides sturdy structural support, bio-mechanical stability, and operational comfort by alleviating pain in the foot during walking movement.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear is comprisinga bi-layered sole construction including a lower floor layer, and an upper foot layer, wherein the upper foot layer comprises at least one anatomically contoured recess that receives a removable viscoelastic cushioning element, in a flush manner such that an increase in vertical height of a foot in the footwear due to the viscoelastic cushioning element is substantially negligible.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear includes of a bi-layered sole construction including a lower floor layer, and an upper foot layer. Wherein the upper foot layer is laid over the lower floor layer in a vertical stack manner.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear includes the upper foot layer which is composed of the elastomeric material having a density range of about 20-30kg / m3. The upper foot layer is having the anatomically contour recess positioned at a location selected from a plantar calcaneal region, a metatarsal head region, or a combination thereof. The positioning of the anatomically contour recess, which is meant to receive the cushioning element, ensures that all the painful areas of the foot are supported by the cushion.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear includes the lower floor layer, which is composed of an elastomeric material having a density range of 40-50kg / m3 and is configured to maintain the structural integrity and provide support to the anatomically contour recess and / or medial longitudinal arch support under compressive loads.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear further comprises a medial longitudinal arch support integrally coupled to the upper foot layer.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear comprises the contoured recess that can be selectively positioned at a location selected from a plantar calcaneal region, a metatarsal head region, or a combination thereof. The anatomically contoured recess may be an oval-shaped cut-out which is designed with a stepped profile having an upper half and a lower lower of equal thickness.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the removable viscoelastic cushioning element is composed of viscoelastic material exhibiting a shore A hardness of between 0 and 10. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element is meant to be inserted into the anatomically contoured recess. Hence, the removable viscoelastic cushioning element is also designed with a stepped profile having an upper section with a thickness greater than a lower section, such that the removable viscoelastic cushioning element fits properly within the stepped profile of the anatomically contoured recess. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element is replaceable and thereby may extend the functional lifespan and overall durability of the pain-relieving footwear.

[0022] According to an embodiment, a count of the removable viscoelasticcushioning element is equal to the count of the at least one anatomically contoured recess in the pain-relieving footwear.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a upper surface layer of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element when received in the at least one anatomically contoured recess, is higher than the upper foot layer and is compressible under a weight of the foot.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a pain-relieving footwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1B illustrates a side elevation view of the pain-relieving footwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary top view of the pain-relieving footwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0029] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary side elevation view of the pain-relieving footwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] For the purpose of understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0032] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0033] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, "there needs to be one or more" or "one or more elements is required."

[0034] Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and / or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and / or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0035] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment," "additional embodiment" or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0036] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0037] The terms "comprise," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit "1" are shown at least in FIG. 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit "2" are shown at least in FIG 2.

[0040] Embodiments described herein relate to an orthopaedic footwear. More specifically, a pain-relieving footwear incorporating a replaceable cushioning element for relieving plantar foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and metatarsalgia is disclosed. The pain-relieving footwear features at least one contoured recess positioned at one of a plantar calcaneal region and a metatarsal head region of the footwear, to receive a removable viscoelastic cushioning element. This design enables rapid and easy replacement of viscoelastic cushioning element at one or more regions, without necessitating the replacement of entire footwear. As a result, maintenance operations relating to the cushioning element can be performed with minimal time and labour. The position of the at least one contoured recess in the pain-relieving footwear may be adjusted according to the targeted pain area in a heel region and / or metatarsal pad region. The pain-relieving footwear may have at least one contoured recess receiving at least one removable viscoelastic cushioning element in either the heel region or the metatarsal pad region or in both regions. Furthermore, additional height introduced by the replaceable cushioning element is relatively minimal, ensuring that overall height of the foot in the pain-relieving footwear remains the same. The simple slipper like design of the pain-reliving footwear makes it more user-friendly and compatible for all kinds of users, including the obese.

[0041] FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a pain-relieving footwear 100 for providing pain relief to patients with plantar foot pain. The pain-relieving footwear 100 is a bi-layered sole construction including a lower floor layer 10, and an upper foot layer 20. The upper foot layer 20 is laid above the lower floor layer 10, wherein both the layers are coupled together using a toe 30 and a strap 40. The strap 40 connects the toe 30 to the lower half of the pain-relieving footwear 100 on both sides, as shown in the FIG. 1.

[0042] In an embodiment, the upper foot layer 20 is composed of an elastomeric material having a density range of 20-30kg / m3 and a thickness in the range of 1-2cm. The elastomeric material of the upper foot layer 20 may be Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. The EVA foam used for the upper foot layer 20 may be comparatively less dense than the EVA foam material used for the lower floor layer 10, to provide softness and comfort to the patient's sole. The upper foot layer 20 is designed in a manner to provide a greater surface area for weight bearing, thus reducing concentrated pressure on any single point on foot. The upper foot layer 20 is also configured to define at least one anatomically contour recess 50 at a location selected from a plantar calcaneal region, a metatarsal head region, or a combination thereof.

[0043] In another embodiment, the lower floor layer 10 is composed of an elastomeric material having a high density of range 40-50kg / m3 and a thickness in the range of 1-3cm. The elastomeric material of the lower floor layer 10 may be Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. The EVA foam used for the lower floor layer 10 is comparatively denser than the EVA foam used for upper foot layer 20, to withstand the rigors of prolonged, daily use, ensuring enhanced resistance to damage. The lower floor layer 10 is also configured to maintain the structural integrity and provide support to the at least one anatomically contour recess 50 and / or a medial longitudinal arch support 35 under compressive loads.

[0044] In one more embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear 100 is engineered to include the at least one anatomically contoured recess 50 to be positioned at the targeted painful areas of the foot. The anatomically contoured recess 50 may be positioned at a location selected from a plantar calcaneal region, a metatarsal head region, or a combination thereof. For a patient suffering from plantar foot pain, including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, the anatomically contoured recess 50 may be preferably positioned at the plantar calcaneal region. On the contrary, for the patient suffering from metatarsalgia, the anatomically contoured recess 50 may be preferably positioned at the metatarsal head region. Alternatively, if required the anatomically contoured recess 50 may be positioned at both the regions, including the plantar calcaneal region and the metatarsal head region.

[0045] In one more embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear 100 further includes a removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60. The anatomically contoured recess 50 is configured to receive the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60, in a flush manner such that an increase in vertical height of a foot in the pain-relieving footwear 100 due to the viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is substantially negligible. In every pain-relieving footwear 100, the count of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is equal to the count of the at least one anatomically contoured recess 50.

[0046] In an embodiment, the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 may be composed of viscoelastic material exhibiting a hardness level of shore A hardness ranging between 0-10. One of the exemplary materials to be used as the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is silica gel having density of 400-800 kg / m3, preferably. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 has to be soft enough to provide more compressibility and cushioning to the tender heel and / or metatarsal pad area so that the pressure on the tender point gets reduced. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is replaceable and can be replaced in case of damage or wear and tear. This replicability of the cushioning element 60 thereby extends the functional lifespan and overall durability of the pain-relieving footwear 100.

[0047] The pain-relieving footwear 100 further comprises the medial longitudinal arch support 35. The medial longitudinal arch support 35 is integrally coupled into the upper foot layer 20 and is supported by the lower floor layer 10 of the pain-relieving footwear 100. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is placed in the plantar calcaneal region to relieve pain in the plantar region of the foot. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is engineered with a stepped profile 60C having an upper section 60A with a thickness more than a lower section 60B. This featured higher thickness in the upper section 60A culminates in making the surface layer of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 to be raised higher than the upper foot layer 20, thereby accommodating the compression caused by the weight of the patient.

[0048] In an embodiment, the pain-relieving footwear 100 may include at least one anatomically contoured recess 50, which is an oval-shaped cut-out, designed with a stepped profile having an upper half and a lower half with an equal thickness preferably of about 0.5cm. This oval-shaped cut-out of the anatomically contoured recess 50 is designed in a stepped manner to receive the stepped profile of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0049] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B depicts the pain-relieving footwear 100 with the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 positioned at the plantar calcaneal region of the foot. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is placed starting from the median arch support 35 and covering the entire plantar region where the pain is most severe, in the conditions like plantar fasciitis. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is designed as a stepped profile 60C having an upper section 60A and a lower section 60B as shown in FIG.1B. When placing in the plantar calcaneal region, the most preferable dimensions for the anatomically contoured recess 50 are 6 cm in length, 4 cm in breadth for the upper half and 7 cm in length, 5 cm in breadth for the lower half. With reference to these dimensions of the anatomically contoured recess 50, the correspondingly best suited dimensions for the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 are 6 cm in length and 4 cm in breadth, with a thickness of 0.7 cm for upper section 60A, and 7 cm in length, 5 cm in breadth and 0.5 cm in thickness for the lower section 60B. Hence, the stepped profile 60C of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 having an upper section 60A and a lower section 60B as shown in FIG.1B becomes 1.2 cm.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the pain-relieving footwear 100 includes the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 70 positioned at the metatarsal head region. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 70 is positioned, starting from the toe 30 and covering the entire metatarsal region before the median arch support 35 on the surface of the pain-relieving footwear 100. The exemplary placement of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 in the metatarsal region of the pain-relieving footwear 100 is aimed at targeting the painful areas in the metatarsalgia condition. The anatomically contoured recess 50 receives the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 70 which is designed as a stepped profile 70C having an upper section 70A and a lower section 70B as shown in FIG. 2B. When placed in the metatarsal region, the most preferable dimensions for the anatomically contoured recess 50 are 4-6 cm in length and 6-9 cm in breadth for the upper half and 0.5 cm wider on each side for the lower half. With reference to the dimensions of the anatomically contoured recess 50, the correspondingly best suited dimensions for the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 70 are length of 4-6 cm and breadth of 6-9 cm, with a thickness of 0.7 cm for upper section 70A, and 0.5 cm wider on each side, with the thickness being 0.5 cm for the lower section 70B. Hence, the stepped profile 70C of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 70 having an upper section 70A and a lower section 70B as shown in FIG. 2B becomes 1.2 cm.

[0051] In one more embodiment, the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 70 when configured for insertion into the anatomically contoured recess 50 at the metatarsal head region, includes a lower section of the cushioning having a thickness of 0.5 cm and is 0.5 cm wide on each side.

[0052] In an embodiment, the shape and size of a combination of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 and the anatomically contoured recess 50 may vary based on choice of footwear and user comfort. For example, the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 and the anatomically contoured recess 50 may be in round shaped.

[0053] In an embodiment, the combination of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 and the anatomically contoured recess 50 can be used with any type of footwear based on user choice.

[0054] In an embodiment, the lower floor layer 10, and the upper foot layer 20 are combined into a single piece, to form the bi-layered sole of the pain-reliving footwear 100.

[0055] In an embodiment, the design of toe posts and straps may be varied to create a range of different looks for the pain-relieving footwear 100. The concept of the present disclosure may be applied to the designs of slipper / flip-flops / slip-ons / crocs to facilitate user with comfort in the design of their choice.

[0056] In the present disclosure, the removable viscoelastic cushioning element is referred by the reference numeral 60 when placed in the plantar region and by reference numeral 70 when placed in the metatarsal region.

[0057] A distinguishing technical feature of the present disclosure is the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60, preferably the silica gel. The removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 is strategically positioned within the upper foot layer 20 to target areas prone to pain, specifically the plantar calcaneal (heel) region and / or the metatarsal heads. A precisely engineered, anatomically contoured (cut-out) recess 50 is formed within the upper foot layer 20. The anatomically contoured recess 50 is dimensioned to snugly and securely receive the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60, preferably the silica gel, ensuring a flush fit with the surrounding surface of the upper foot layer 20. This innovative recessed integration of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60 within the anatomically contoured recess 50 is paramount, as it ensures that the cushioning provided by the silica gel does not result in an increase in the overall effective height or stack height of the foot within the slipper. This feature directly addresses a significant drawback of conventional add-on cushions, which can alter foot mechanics, cause instability, or lead to discomfort due to increased pressure on the dorsal aspect of the foot or incompatibility with upper materials.

[0058] Herein, the anatomically contoured recess 50 works in conjunction with the removable viscoelastic cushioning element 60, providing a comfortable actuation mechanism (not shown) to elevate or depress the cushioning element with the pressure of the foot. The gel like soft cushioning beneath the exact painful area of the foot, helps in alleviating the pain immediately. The regular use of the pain-relieving footwear 100 of the present disclosure, slowly helps in gaining natural gait mechanics thereby avoiding the alterations caused by superficial cushioning.

[0059] Further, the medial longitudinal arch support 35, which is integrally coupled to the upper foot layer 20, helps in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. This robust construction ensures that the medial longitudinal arch support 35 maintains its optimal anatomical contour and structural integrity, even under significant compressive loads, such as those exerted by obese individuals. The inherent durability limitations of highly soft cushioning materials are addressed by rendering the removable and replaceable viscoelastic cushioning element 60. The use of viscoelastic material like silica gel significantly extends the overall service life of the footwear and provides a cost-effective maintenance solution.

[0060] The overarching technical advantage of the pain-relieving footwear 100 lies in its ability to deliver targeted, effective plantar pain relief within an accessible and user-friendly form factor. The unique design incorporating the replaceable cushioning element allows patients to don the slippers effortlessly upon waking, immediately providing critical cushioning and biomechanical support during the period of peak pain, without the complexities or height alterations associated with traditional orthotic inserts.

[0061] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of "or" means "and / or." Furthermore, use of the terms "including" or "having" is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the disclosure to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.

[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0063] The present disclosure provides a pain-relieving footwear for immediate and practical pain relief during the period of most severe morning pain, addressing the critical challenge where current orthotic inserts are cumbersome and impractical for use.

[0064] The present disclosure provides a pain-relieving footwear with an effective cushioning that integrates seamlessly without increasing the effective stack height of the foot.

[0065] The present disclosure provides a pain-relieving footwear that facilitates replaceable cushioning combined with long-term durability and cost-effectiveness to solve the inherent trade-off in existing market materials where initial softness often leads to accelerated degradation and inconvenient, frequent replacements.

[0066] The present disclosure provides a pain-relieving footwear to facilitate consistent and robust biomechanical support, particularly for the medial arch, under varying and significant loads, addressing the challenge of existing footwear solutions deforming over time, leading to a loss of essential support, especially for individuals with higher body mass.

[0067] The present disclosure provides a pain-relieving footwear to support more natural gait mechanics by avoiding the alterations caused by superficial cushioning.

Claims

1. A pain-relieving footwear (100), comprising: a bi-layered sole construction including a lower floor layer (10), and an upper foot layer (20), wherein the upper foot layer (20) comprises at least one anatomically contoured recess (50) that receives a removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60), in a flush manner such that an increase in vertical height of a foot in the pain-relieving footwear (100) due to the viscoelastic cushioning element (60) is substantially negligible.

2. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one anatomically contoured recess (50) is positioned in the upper foot layer (20) at a location selected from a plantar calcaneal region, a metatarsal head region, or a combination thereof.

3. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, further comprises a medial longitudinal arch support (35) integrally coupled to the upper foot layer 20.

4. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the upper foot layer (20) is composed of an elastomeric material having a density range of about 20-30kg / m3.

5. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 3, wherein the lower floor layer (10) is composed of an elastomeric material having density range 40-50kg / m3 and is configured to maintain the structural integrity and provide support to the at least one anatomically contour recess (50) and / or medial longitudinal arch support (35) under compressive loads.

6. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) is replaceable thereby extending the functional lifespan and overall durability of the pain-relieving footwear (100).

7. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) is composed of viscoelastic material exhibiting a shore A hardness of between 0 and 10.

8. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one anatomically contoured recess (50) has an oval-shaped cut-out, designed with a stepped profile having an upper half and a lower half of equal thickness.

9. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 8, wherein the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) has a stepped profile having an upper section (60A) with a thickness greater than a lower section (60B) of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60).

10. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 9, wherein a count of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) is equal to the count of the at least one anatomically contoured recess (50).

11. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein a upper surface layer of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) when received in the at least one anatomically contoured recess (50) is higher than the upper foot layer (20) and is compressible under a weight of the foot.

12. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the shape and size of a combination of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) and the anatomically contoured recess (50) can vary based on user comfort.

13. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 12, wherein the combination of the removable viscoelastic cushioning element (60) and the anatomically contoured recess (50) can be used in any type of footwear.

14. The pain-relieving footwear (100) of claim 1, wherein the lower floor layer (10), and the upper foot layer (20) are combined into a single piece, to form the bi-layered sole.