Orthotic footwear

Abstract

There is provided orthotic footwear in the form of an orthotic slipper. The slipper includes a lower slipper body for supporting a foot of a user and an upper slipper portion attached to the lower slipper body at at least two attachment points for holding the slipper to the foot in use. The lower slipper body has a foot-bed which includes a raised lateral portion running along a lateral side of the lower slipper body, a raised medial portion and raised mid-foot portion. The lower slipper body also has an outsole including a mid-foot recess, wherein the slipper is formed from a mouldable material such that it can be customised to the shape of the foot.

Description

Orthotic FootwearField of the invention

[0001] This invention relates to orthotic footwear. In particular, this invention relates to orthotic slipper shoes that are customisable to the foot of a wearer.Background of the invention

[0002] Lack of arch support is a common trait of the vast majority of mass manufactured footwear. Such a lack of adequate arch support can cause the wearer to become fatigued or injured under the pressure of standing or walking repeatedly for a long time. Further, when worn of a long periods, the overall comfort of the shoe to the wearer becomes a factor. In the case of wearing a pair of shoes with poor arch support, a wearer may also be prone to ankle sprains and other injuries due to instability.

[0003] Various insoles have been developed to provide proper softness and comfort for users while wearing shoes. Most conventional insoles are pads in a shape corresponding to the shape of a user's foot and manufactured using a flexible foam material. These insoles provide some arch support, as well as basic shock absorbing function while walking or standing. Such insoles necessarily require a closed shoe as they sit within the shoe underneath the foot.

[0004] However, in warmer climates, closed shoes are less preferred over a slipper shoe (known as flip flops or thongs) and / or a sandal as these provide more ventilation to the foot and are generally easier to take on and off. However, slippers generally provide minimal arch support, if any. Further, they are not conducive to use with an insole, as insoles cannot be held in place due to the design of slippers and how they engage with the feet. Thus, known slippers do not provide arch support and therefore do not allow the wearer to maintain corrective alignment that provides them with relief and comfort in their daily life. Whilst it is known for slippers to be made with some support, such support is of a standard form and certainly not specially tailored to the shape of the foot of a wearer. Thus, the support provided is often inadequate at best inpart due to the use of materials such as thermoplastics foams that do not provide adequate support.

[0005] It will also be appreciated that whilst there appear to be known orthotic slipper shoes (or more accurately, shoes advertised as such), these only include generic padding / cushioning and in many cases do not provide any biomechanical correction to the user. Further, whilst the user of foot scanning and 3D printing of shoes is also known, these have not been used to create a customised slipper shoe that also provides alignment correction to the wearer. Many known customised slipper shoes are build for cushioning comfort only again, with no regard to biomechanical correction.

[0006] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.Summary of the invention

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides orthotic footwear in the form of an orthotic slipper, the slipper including: a lower slipper body for supporting a foot of a user; and an upper slipper portion attached to the lower slipper body at at least two attachment points for holding the slipper to the foot in use, the lower slipper body having a foot-bed which includes a raised lateral portion running along a lateral side of the lower slipper body, a raised medial portion and raised mid-foot portion, the lower slipper body having an outsole including a mid-foot recess; wherein the slipper is formed from a mouldable material such that it can be customised to the shape of the foot.

[0008] In an embodiment, the slipper is formed from a re-mouldable material. In a further embodiment the re-mouldable material is elastic ethyl vinyl acetate (EEVA).

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least two attachment points are located at: the medial side of the foot; and the lateral side of the foot

[0010] In an embodiment, the upper slipper portion attached to the lower slipper body at three attachment points.

[0011] In an embodiment, the three attachment points are located at: the medial side of the foot; the lateral side of the foot; and in between two toes of the foot.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for customising the orthotic slipper of the first aspect, including: heating the slipper such that it becomes mouldable to the foot of a user; and applying the mouldable slipper to a foot of a user.

[0013] In an embodiment, only the lower slipper body is heated and applied to the foot.

[0014] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.

[0015] Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Figure 1 A depicts a lateral view of a right orthotic slipper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 1 B depicts a bottom view of the orthotic slipper of Figure 1 A;

[0018] Figure 1 C depicts a medial view of the orthotic slipper of Figure 1 A;

[0019] Figure 1 D depicts a cross section view taken from markers A-A1 of Figure 1 B;

[0020] Figure 1 E depicts a top view of the orthotic slipper of Figure 1 A;

[0021] Figure 2A depicts a cross section view taken from markers B-B1 of Figure 1 B, at the forefoot area;

[0022] Figure 2B depicts a cross section view taken from markers C-C1 of Figure 1 B, at the front mid-foot area;

[0023] Figure 2C depicts a cross section view taken from markers D-D1 of Figure 1 B, at the rear mid-foot area;

[0024] Figure 2D depicts a cross section view taken from markers E-E1 of Figure 1 B, at the rear-foot area;

[0025] Figure 3A depicts a medial view of a left orthotic slipper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3B depicts a bottom view of the orthotic slipper of Figure 3A; and

[0027] Figure 3C depicts a lateral view of the orthotic slipper of Figure 3A.Detailed description of the embodiments

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 A to 1 E and Figures 3A to 3C, the present disclosure relates to orthotic footwear in the form of an orthotic slipper 100 (also commonly referred to as an orthotic flip-flop). Figures 1 A to 1 E show a right side orthotic slipper and Figures 3A to 3C show a left side orthotic slipper. It will be appreciated that the left and right side slippers are mirror images of each other and common features of both left and right side slippers will be described using the same reference numerals for corresponding features of both left and right sides. It will further be appreciated that a description of a feature or advantage in respect of either of the left or right side slippers will be equally applicable to the other of the left or right side slippers.

[0029] Orthotic slipper 100 includes a lower slipper body 102 for supporting a foot of a user and an upper slipper portion 104. Lower body 102 includes an outsole110 for contacting with a walking surface, a foot-bed 112 for supporting the sole of a foot. Upper portion 104 is a strap 120 for holding the slipper to the foot in use such that strap 120 is configured to wrap over the top of the foot. As best shown in Figure 1 E, strap 120 is attached to lower body 102 at three attachment points 122, 124, 126 on foot-bed 112. Attachment point 122 is located on foot-bed 112 proximal the lateral mid-foot; attachment point 124 is located on foot-bed 112 proximal the medial mid-foot; and attachment point 126 is located on foot-bed 112 such that, in use, the part of strap 120 extending from attachment point 126 is disposed between the hallux toe and the index toe of the user.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 E and 2A, lower body 102 includes three apertures at respective attachment points 122, 124, 126 for receiving each of the three ends of strap 120, the ends denoted by references 142, 144, 146. One of the apertures (denoted by reference 132) is shown in Figure 2A and it will be appreciated that the other two apertures are of substantially similar configuration to aperture 132. Each of ends 142, 144, 146 take the form of a plug formation for positioning within respective apertures 132, 134, 136 to affect an interference fit in order to securely fasten strap 120 to lower body 102. This is best shown in Figure 2A, with respect to aperture 132 at attachment point 122 for containing end 142. It is noted that ends 142, 144, 146 extend all the way through lower body 102 such that they form part of outsole 110. In other embodiments, ends 142, 144, 146 do not extend all the way through lower body 102 and do not form part of outsole 110. In yet other embodiments, other fastening means and formations are utilised to attach strap 120 to lower body 102. For example, in an alternate embodiment, strap 120 is integrally formed to lower body 102.

[0031] In yet other embodiments (not shown), strap 120 is attached to lower body 102 at two attachment points on foot-bed 112. One attachment point is located on foot-bed 112 proximal the lateral mid-foot and the other attachment point is located on foot-bed 112 proximal the medial mid-foot such that, in use, strap 120 extending over the top forefoot of the foot of the user.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2A to 2D, the cross sectional profile of lower body 102 is shown at different points along the length of slipper 100. Referring to Figure2A, the sides of lower body 102 are raised at the forefoot, with a medial side 202 of the forefoot being raised higher than a lateral side 204. In this embodiment, medial side 202 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 15 to 25mm, or preferably about 20mm, from outsole 110. Further, lateral side 204 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 10 to 18mm, or preferably about 14mm, from outsole 110.The difference in height of the highest point of medial side 202 compared to the highest point of lateral side 204 is in the range of about 5 to 8mm, or preferably about 6mm. At the forefoot area shown in Figure 2A, the minimum thickness of lower body 102 will be about 8 to 15mm, or preferably about 11 mm along a vertical plain 206 intermediate medial side 202 and lateral side 204. The angle from the horizontal taken from a point 220 on plane vertical plain 206 at footbed 112 to the highest point of medial side 202 is in the range of about 5.7 to 6.3 degrees, or preferably about 6 degrees.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2B, the sides of lower body 102 are also raised at the front mid-foot, again with a medial side 208 of the front mid-foot being raised higher than a lateral side 210 of the front mid-foot. In this embodiment, medial side 208 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 15 to 25mm, or preferably about 20mm, from outsole 110. Further, lateral side 204 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 10 to 18mm, or preferably about 15mm, from outsole 110. The thickness of lower body 102 at the front mid-foot may be marginally increased compared to the forefoot.

[0034] The front mid-of foot of lower body 102 may include a raised mid-foot portion 150 in the form of a metatarsal support dome or rear foot support. As best shown in Figures 1 E and 2B, raised mid-foot portion 150 is such that footbed 112 is raised at portion 150. Portion 150 is positioned in the centre of footbed 112 and takes the form of a teardrop shape. In other embodiments, portion 150 will take other forms such as a circular shape or an ellipse shape. The degree of raising is best shown in Figure 2B where portion 150 at its highest point is a distance of about 15 to 24mm, or preferably about 19mm, from outsole 110.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2C, a medial side 212 of lower body 102 is raised at the rear mid-foot, with the lateral side not being raised (or only raised very slightly) compared to the middle section of lower body 102 at the rear mid-foot. In this embodiment, medial side 212 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 30 to 40mm, or preferably about 35mm, from outsole 110. Further, the thickness of lower body 102 is generally at its maximum at or close to this cross section and a mid-foot recess 160 is present. As best shown in Figures 1 B, 1 D and 2C, recess 160 is such that out-sole 110 has an absence where recess 160 is located. Recess 160 is positioned in the centre of out-sole 110 and takes the form of an inwardly curved hexagon. The degree of inward curvature is best shown in Figures 1 D and 2C where recess 160 is formed such that, when slipper 100 is flat on the ground, its greatest distance point from the ground is about 4.5 to 9mm, or preferably about 6.5mm.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2D, the sides of lower body 102 are raised at the rearfoot, with a medial side 214 of the rear-foot being raised higher than a lateral side 216 of the rear-foot. In this embodiment, medial side 214 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 18 to 29mm, or preferably about 24mm, from outsole 110. Further, lateral side 216 is raised such that it extends at its highest point to a distance of about 15 to 25mm, or preferably about 20mm, from outsole 110. The difference in height of the highest point of medial side 214 compared to the highest point of lateral side 216 is in the range of about 3 to 5mm, or preferably about 4mm. At the rearfoot area shown in Figure 2D, the minimum thickness of lower body 102 will be about 10 to 17mm, or preferably about 13mm along a vertical plain 218 intermediate medial side 214 and lateral side 216. The angle from the horizontal taken from a point 222 on plane vertical plain 218 at foot-bed 112 to the highest point of medial side 214 is in the range of about 3.8 to 4.2 degrees, or preferably about 4 degrees.

[0037] As best shown in Figure 1 C, the raised medial side forms a raised wall 170 that protrudes and extends from the rear-foot to the front mid-foot. Raised wall 170 includes medial sides 208, 212 and 214. The height of raised wall 170 at the portion corresponding to the user's arch position (at or close to the rear mid-foot of lower body 102 shown in Figure 2C) is greater than the height of theremaining portions of raised wall 170. Such features improves the supportability of the user's arch.

[0038] Referring back to Figures 1 A, 1 C and 1 D, outsole 110 includes an outsole layer that is about 1 mm in thickness and is adhered to lower body 102 using an appropriate adhesive. In other embodiments, outsole 110 is an integrally formed lower face of lower body 102. Further, foot-bed 112 includes a foot-bed layer that is about 0.5mm in thickness and is adhered to lower body 102 using an appropriate adhesive. In other embodiments, foot-bed 112 is an integrally formed upper face of lower body 102.

[0039] Lower body 102 includes an integral toe portion 180. Toe portion 180 is turned up such that outsole 110 will, at rest when on the ground, be elevated off the ground. At its highest point, outsole 110 of toe portion 180 is about 7.5 to 12.5mm, or preferably about 10mm, above the ground.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the same features of slipper 100 of Figures 1 A to 1 E and 2A to 2D, which is a right side slipper, are also applicable to the slipper of Figures 3A to 3C, which is a left side slipper

[0041] Slipper 100 is formed from elastic ethyl vinyl acetate (EEVA). EEVA may be a version of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) with an additional elastic component / ingredient which may provide additional elasticity. In some embodiments, the additional elastic component / ingredient may comprise about 5% to about 15% of the EEVA material. In other embodiments, the additional elastic component / ingredient may comprise about 8% to about 12% of the EEVA material. In other embodiments, the additional elastic component / ingredient may comprise about 10% of the EEVA material. EEVA may be heated and moulded to the desired shape to suit the unique shape of a user’s foot and to provide tailored support to the user. Further, slipper 100 is able to be re-heated and re-moulded. EEVA includes molecules that are covalently bonded after heat moulding and can be remoulded over and over again if necessary. Further, it is possible to reheat EEVA and return it to its original molecular structure and original shape, if needed. The elastic properties of EEVA are such that it has a rebound structure for providing shockabsorption to the user of slipper 100. Further, the elastic properties of EEVA reduce or prevent slipper 100 from collapsing.

[0042] In other embodiments, other suitable remouldable materials are used that provide similar properties those mentioned above with respect to EEVA.

[0043] In preferred embodiments, the outsole layer of outsole 110 and the footbed layer of foot-bed 112 are both formed from EEVA. In alternate embodiments, the outsole layer of outsole 110 and / or the foot-bed layer of footbed 112 may be formed from a material other than EEVA. For example, outsole 110 may be formed from a rubber substance.

[0044] Slipper 100 provides built in intrinsic medical compliant additions (in the form of specific raised portions of lower body 102) made of EEVA which includes: rear-foot varus control addition provided by the raised portions of medial side 214 and lateral side 216 of the rear-foot area of lower body 102 and as best shown in Figure 2D; medial arch control addition provided by the raised portions of raised wall 170 and medial side 212 of the rear mid-foot area of lower body 102 as best shown in Figure 2C; built in a transverse arch support dome addition provided by raised mid-foot portion 150; and a forefoot varus addition provided by the raised portions of medial side 208 of the front mid-foot area of lower body 102 as best shown in Figure 2B and / or the raised portions of medial side 202 of the forefoot area of lower body 102 as best shown in Figure 2A. In alternate embodiments, slipper 100 provides a forefoot valgus addition where provided by the raised portions of lateral side 210 of the front mid-foot area of lower body 102 and / or the raised portions of lateral side 204 of the forefoot area of lower body 102. In such embodiments, lateral side 210 will be raised higher than medial side 208 and lateral side 204 will be raised higher than medial side 202. Slipper 100 being customisably moulded to the user’s foot is therefore able to assist in pain relief in feet, ankles, shins, knees, hips and back.

[0045] Slipper 100 can be measured and fitted directly without heating to the foot. Slipper 100 also assists in postural alignments and assist in providing support for flat feet and high arch conditions. In respect of pronated feet and supinated feet, slipper 100 provides balance control in gait and stance.

[0046] In different embodiments, slipper 100 has different densities to assist each user individually. For example, in various embodiments, there is different strength of EEVA materials that assist conditions of an individual user. In one embodiment, there is a 45 to 55Kpa of EEVA for mild pronation / supination, a soft category density; in another embodiment there is a 55 to 65Kpa for moderate pronation / supination, a medium category density; and in yet another embodiment there is a 45 to 75Kpa for severe pronation / supination conditions, a firm category density. The selection of density is determined by the user’s weight, height, hypermobility and hypomobility of ankle joints. Further, in some embodiments, the size of the slipper will factor into density, for example, the smaller the product the less density and the larger the product the higher the density. These densities are appropriate for EEVA. However, in embodiments where other than EEVA is used, appropriate densities may change depending on the material used. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, other discrete densities may be used, and more or less than three categories of density may exists.

[0047] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the shoe can be other than an orthotic flip-flop, for example a slide or a sandal.

[0048] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, slipper 100 includes a heel lift portion in the form of an elevated section located at the heel of slipper 100. Such embodiments allow for wearers with leg length conditions to have the height of slipper 100 increased to compensate of shorter length leg. In yet further embodiments, there is provided extra support to the rearfoot varus / rearfoot valgus angle as well as the forefoot valgus / forefoot varus angle.

[0049] In further embodiments, slipper 100 includes a closed-in top toe piece and in yet further embodiments, a heel counter.

[0050] To produce slipper 100 for a specific person, the following steps are taken:1 : A foot size of the person is measured and taken.2: The person is assessed for specific biomechanical angles needed either for a forefoot valgus condition or forefoot varus condition in order for slipper 100 to provide orthotic support specific to the requirements of the person. Theassessment involves looking at the severity of the condition and the weight of the person.3: An appropriate density of material of slipper 100 (for example, soft, medium or firm) is identified for the person. Two factors are considered in determining the appropriate density: i) The smaller the foot size of the person, the lesser the density used and the larger the foot size of the person, the firmer density used. This is because, for example, if you provide a young child (with a smaller foot size) the same density as an adult, it can cause the child pain. ii) The more sever the condition, that is the greater the degree of collapse of the foot, the firmer the density, and conversely, the less sever the condition, that is the lower the degree of collapse of the foot, the softer the density.It will be appreciated that both weight and biomechanics may also factor into the chosen density.4: A slipper base is then selected for the person. The slipper base (that is, the slipper prior to customisation) is created based on an average foot dimensions, particularly foot height (found through scanning casts for a large number of subject feet). Discrete slipper bases are created in different foot sizes with different material densities. For example, one slipper base is men US size 8 made with a soft density material; another slipper base is male US size 8 made with a firm density material; slipper base is male US size 9 made with a soft density material; and so on for all sizes (male, female, children) and all densities (soft, medium, firm). In embodiments, different colour materials will be used to identify different densities, for example, a soft density material will be a blue material, a medium density material will be a green material and a firm density material will be a red material.5: Slipper 100 is heated and moulded from a slipper base to the individual foot type or fitted directly to the person. The heating and moulding will naturally lower the height of the slipper base where the heat is applied. When moulding slipper 100, if the person does not require a forefoot valgus or forefoot varus,the heating of the product allows the varus or valgus to flatten and be customised accordingly. The heating will be carried out by a device for providing concentrated heat to a targeted area. Such a device may be, for example, a heat gun device. In use, such a heat gun device may emit air of a temperature to sufficiently soften the material of slipper 100 (i.e. EEVA) to facilitate moulding of slipper 100 to the foot of the person. The temperature of the air emitted from the heat gun device for sufficiently soften the material of slipper 100 (i.e. EEVA) may be in the range of 100 to 500 degrees Celsius, preferably 250 to 350 degrees Celsius. Slipper 100 is heated such that it becomes mouldable to the foot of the person. The length of the heating process to achieve this mouldable state depends on the material density. Using above examples, a firm density slipper will take about 50 seconds to heat before it can be moulded, a medium density slipper will take about 30 to 35 seconds to heat before it can be moulded, and a soft density slipper will take about 10 to 20 seconds to heat before it can be moulded. As concentrated heating may be applied to a targeted area, the heating may only be applied to certain targeted areas of slipper 100 that require customisation. For example, in one case, only the arch area slipper 100 may be heated to shape this area into the corrected position of the foot. In other cases, other areas of slipper 100 may be targeted for heating and moulding to the foot of the person. Once in the mouldable state, slipper 100 is applied to the person’s foot for moulding. The foot may be placed in a predefined position in order to achieve the desired support, for example in a neutral subtalar joint position. This entails holding the heated slipper base in place on the foot for about 20 seconds in a position where the foot is properly aligned, that is, not rolling inwards or outwards). This technique of moulding of slipper 100 in certain areas ensures that the moulded version of slipper 100 may provide the desired support to the person, and areas of slipper 100 that are not to be altered are not heated and are thus unchanged. If need be, the slipper can be remoulded (multiple times if required). In preferred embodiments, where lower body 102 is a separate portion from upper body 104, only lower body 102 is heated with upper body only being fastened to lower body 102 after heating and moulding is satisfactorily completed. However, in embodiments where upper body 104, that is strap 120, is integrally formed with lower body 102,upper body 104 will necessarily be at least somewhat heated even though heating will be concentrated on to lower body 102.

[0051] As strap 120 is also formed from EEVA, the device for providing concentrated heat to a targeted area (e.g. heat gun) may also be aimed at strap 120, or specific parts thereof. In some embodiments, where lower body 102 is a separate portion from upper body 104, strap 120 may be heated and may then be fastened to lower body 102 after heating and moulding or alteration is satisfactorily completed. This may allow for moulding of strap 120 for example to lengthen of strap 120 or lengthen specific parts thereof. Such lengthening allows customisation for different instep heights of the particular user. In alternate embodiments, strap 120 may be formed from a substance other than EEVA, for example other rubber compounds with an elastic component.

[0052] Most advantageously, slipper 100 is fully customised for wearers that developed pains and suffered but also wished to wear cooler slipper style shoes. In summer months in warmer climates, such as in Australia, people often prefer slipper style shoes over closed toe shoes (particularly during leisure times). Wearing existing slipper style shoes without support can cause or exacerbate conditions that affect their feet and lower limb conditions and even their lower back. Even children with growing pains, severs disease and Osgood-Schlatter disease are adversely affected by existing slipper style shoes. Slipper 100 provides a warm weather slip on shoe with support and corrective alignments. This provides a supplementary support to allow the maintaining of corrective alignment when not wearing orthotics with closed shoes, providing relief and comfort in daily life. The EEVA material of slipper 100 further enables it to conform to any shape and return back to its original shape. Further, EEVA slipper is suitable for grinding.

[0053] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Orthotic footwear in the form of an orthotic slipper, the slipper including: a lower slipper body for supporting a foot of a user; and an upper slipper portion attached to the lower slipper body at at least two attachment points for holding the slipper to the foot in use, the lower slipper body having a foot-bed which includes a raised lateral portion running along a lateral side of the lower slipper body, a raised medial portion and raised mid-foot portion, the lower slipper body having an outsole including a mid-foot recess; wherein the slipper is formed from a mouldable material such that it can be customised to the shape of the foot.

2. Orthotic footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the slipper is formed from a remouldable material.

3. Orthotic footwear according to claim 2, wherein the re-mouldable material is elastic ethyl vinyl acetate (EEVA).

4. Orthotic footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two attachment points are located at: the medial side of the foot; and the lateral side of the foot.

5. Orthotic footwear according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper slipper portion attached to the lower slipper body at three attachment points.

6. Orthotic footwear according to claim 5, wherein the three attachment points are located at: the medial side of the foot; the lateral side of the foot; and in between two toes of the foot.

7. A method for customising the orthotic slipper of any one of the preceding claims, including: heating the slipper such that it becomes mouldable to the foot of a user; and applying the mouldable slipper to a foot of a user.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein only the lower slipper body is heated and applied to the foot.

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