Footwear heel counter for easier entry and removal

Abstract

Shoe (12) comprising a heel counter (32); wherein the heel counter (32) comprises a heel cup (52); wherein the heel cup (52) is uniformly shaped with an upper section (64), a middle section (58) and a lower section (54); wherein the upper section (64) has a lesser mediolateral length than the middle section (58); wherein the middle section (58) and the lower section (54) form a concave structure which is configured to accommodate the heel;wherein the upper section (64) of the heel cup (52) has a first configuration and is configured to deform into a second configuration under the load of a user's foot when the user puts on the shoe (12), wherein in the second configuration at least a portion of the upper section (64) is lowered relative to the first configuration and the upper section (64) is configured to return to the first configuration after the load from the user's foot is removed; wherein the thickness of the heel cup (52) gradually decreases from a peripheral section (70) of the heel cup (52) to a central region of the middle section (58); wherein the rearmost section of the heel cup (52) has an overall vertical cross-sectional shape of an 'S' wave; wherein the heel cup (52) is attached to at least one inner foam layer (92);wherein the foam layer (92) projects into the shoe opening (48) and extends into the shoe opening (48) around the upper section (64) and the middle section (58); and wherein the foam layer (92) is configured to be compressed by a heel during the insertion of a foot and to hold the ankle of the user's foot once the foot is inserted.