Rearfoot shoe insert that redistributes force

Abstract

A shoe insert device is disclosed that absorbs shock and redistributes forces within a user's foot and / or knee when in use. The shoe insert device includes a rearfoot insert configured to be placed within a shoe and to extend under a rearfoot portion of a user's sole with an upper side of the rearfoot insert facing the sole of the foot. The rearfoot insert is resilient at least in a thickness direction extending between an upper side and a plantar side of the rearfoot insert. The rearfoot insert includes a fascial protrusion extending upwardly from an upper surface located midway between the medial and lateral sides of the rearfoot insert and spaced distally from a proximal end, and a lateral protrusion extending at least one of upwardly from the upper surface and downwardly from the plantar surface adjacent the lateral side and distally from the fascial protrusion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 231,666, entitled "Force Redistribution Hindfoot Shoe Insert," filed on August 10, 2021, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to shoe inserts and related methods that absorb shock and redistribute forces within a user's foot and / or knee when in use. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to rearfoot shoe inserts with proximal and lateral projections that relieve tension at the junction of the plantar fascia and medial tuberosity and reduce loading on the medial side of the knee. ...

[0003] A wide variety of shoe inserts are available on the market to enhance the comfort of the wearer by providing cushioning, shock absorption, etc. The shoe inserts are configured to be placed under the sole or plantar part of the user's foot and above the sole (i.e., under the user's foot inside the shoe). The main focus in using such inserts is to provide a layer of padding material that is thick enough to cushion any shocks. These inserts are typically made of elastic materials such as porous polymer foams, illustratively polyurethane, heat-sensitive viscoelastic memory foams, or gels, and are generally configured to overlie the entire footbed of the shoe.

[0004] Exemplary inserts are configured as full sole and ball of foot inserts. These shoe inserts overlie the area of ​​the footbed that will be contacted by the ball of the foot and at least a portion of the toes. Ball of foot inserts are particularly useful in conjunction with high heeled shoes to prevent the foot from sliding forward and / or to alleviate increased forces on the ball of the foot caused by the elevated heel.

[0005] However, current shoe inserts do not address the concerns of the plantar fascia, such as treating an overused or damaged plantar fascia and / or preventing such overuse or damage to the wearer's plantar fascia. Additionally, current shoe inserts do not adequately handle stress on the knee and / or prevent stress on the knee and the development of osteoarthritis in the knee.

[0006] Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot disorders. It is estimated that one in ten people will suffer from plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. The plantar fascia is a broad band of connective tissue (the largest ligament in the human body) that extends from the heel to the forefoot. Specifically, the plantar fascia is a thick fibrous tissue that extends in the foot from the medial tubercle of the calcaneus to the transverse ligament of the knee at the metatarsal head. The plantar fascia serves to support the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and also functions as a dynamic shock absorber. Normally, this tissue can withstand very high loads, but it can be irritated (e.g., overused or overstretched) either acutely or chronically, resulting in inflammation and pain known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can occur following one or more tears that cause inflammation and pain symptoms, and has been described as either inflammatory or degenerative (e.g., similar to tendonitis). Inflammatory changes at the plantar fascia's insertion onto the plantar calcaneal eminence can be caused by macroscopic or microscopic trauma, degenerative changes, or as a local manifestation of a systemic inflammatory process (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or seronegative spondyloarthritis).

[0007] There are several factors that are related to plantar fasciitis and may play a role in inducing the disease, such as prolonged standing; high-impact sports activities; footwear with poor arch support or cushioning; and hyperextension of the sole of the foot. The incidence of plantar fasciitis is high in athletes, especially runners, due to the level of stress placed on the foot during such activities. However, plantar fasciitis can result from a variety of different activities and / or conditions. For example, it is believed that several small injuries occurring in the plantar fascia often accumulate and gradually develop plantar fasciitis.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for an improved shoe insert that addresses the deficiencies of current shoe inserts.

[0009] Disclosed herein is a rearfoot shoe insert (and method utilizing such an insert) that absorbs shock and redistributes forces within a user's foot and / or knee when in use. The disclosed rearfoot shoe insert and associated methods include protrusions configured to reduce tension at the junction of a user's plantar fascia and the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus. The disclosed rearfoot shoe insert and associated methods are further configured to reduce loading on the medial side of a user's knee. The disclosed rearfoot shoe insert and associated methods are further configured to reduce the amount of stress in a user's heel fat pad. The disclosed rearfoot shoe insert and associated methods may also be further configured to reduce stress on a user's lateral ankle ligaments, lower back, pelvis / pelvic posture, and / or Achilles tendon.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a shoe insert device comprising a rearfoot insert having a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a lateral side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a superior side, and a plantar side. The rearfoot insert is configured to be positioned within a shoe and to extend within the shoe under a rearfoot portion of a user's sole with the superior side of the rearfoot insert facing the sole. The rearfoot insert is resilient at least in a thickness direction extending between the superior side and the plantar side. The rearfoot insert comprises a fascial protrusion extending upward from a superior surface located midway between the medial and lateral sides and spaced distally from the proximal end; and a lateral protrusion located adjacent the lateral side and distal to the fascial protrusion, extending at least one of upward from the superior surface and downward from the plantar surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fascial projection extends along a medial-lateral direction such that the length along the medial-lateral direction is greater than the length along the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the fascial projection defines a length along the medial-lateral direction of at least about 2 cm. In some embodiments, the fascial projection defines a length along the medial-lateral direction within a range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fascial projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is less than about 1½ cm, hi some embodiments, the fascial projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is within the range of about ½ cm to about 1½ cm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion defines a maximum height of at least about ¼ inch from the upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion defines a maximum height within the range of about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from the upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fascial protrusions are spaced apart from the proximal end by about 1 inch to about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusions are spaced apart from the proximal end by about 1 1 / 2 inches to about 2 3 / 4 inches.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion is elastic at least along the thickness direction. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion is convex along the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion is arcuately convex along the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion comprises a cylindrical portion extending along the medial-lateral direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the lateral projection is co-located with at least a portion of the fascial projection along the proximal-distal direction, hi some other embodiments, the lateral projection is spaced apart from the fascial projection along the proximal-distal direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lateral projection is convex along a proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the lateral projection is arcuately convex along a proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the lateral projection is convex along a medial-lateral direction. In some embodiments, the lateral projection comprises an lateral portion disposed further away from the upper surface than an medial portion thereof. In some embodiments, the lateral projection extends downwardly from its lateral side to its medial side. In some embodiments, the lateral projection extends downwardly from its lateral side to its medial side.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lateral projection defines a length along the medial-lateral direction that is less than about 1 1 / 2 inches. In some embodiments, the lateral projection defines a length along the medial-lateral direction that is in the range of about ½ inches to about 1 ½ inches. In some embodiments, the lateral projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is less than about 2 ½ inches. In some embodiments, the lateral projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is in the range of about ½ inches to about 2 inches.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lateral protrusion extends upwardly from the upper surface. In some embodiments, the lateral protrusion defines a maximum height of at least about ¼ inch from the upper surface adjacent the lateral protrusion. In some embodiments, the lateral protrusion defines a maximum height ranging from about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from the upper surface adjacent the lateral protrusion. In some embodiments, the lateral protrusion defines a first maximum height from the upper surface adjacent the lateral protrusion, and the fascial protrusion defines a second maximum height from the upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion, the first maximum height being within 25% of the second maximum height. In some embodiments, the lateral protrusion defines a first maximum height from the upper surface adjacent the lateral protrusion, and the fascial protrusion defines a second maximum height from the upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion, the first maximum height being less than the second maximum height.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rearfoot insertion portion comprises a proximal portion configured to extend beneath a heel fat pad of the heel of a user's foot, the proximal portion defining a proximal end and a proximal portion of the upper surface, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion defining a distal end and a distal portion of the upper surface, the thickness of the distal portion varying such that the distal portion of the upper surface extends downwardly from the proximal portion of the upper surface. In some such embodiments, the proximal portion of the upper surface is substantially planar. In some such embodiments, the distal portion of the upper surface is substantially planar. In some such embodiments, the fascial projection is disposed at the proximal portion of the rearfoot insertion portion. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the lateral projection is disposed at the distal portion of the rearfoot insertion portion. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the lateral projection is disposed at the proximal portion of the rearfoot insertion portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lateral projection is elastic at least along the thickness direction. In some such embodiments, the fascial projection and the lateral projection have approximately the same elastic energy coefficient at least along the thickness direction. In some such embodiments, the fascial projection and the lateral projection are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the lateral projection extends downwardly from the bottom surface. In some such embodiments, the lateral projection defines a maximum height of at least about 1 / 4 inch from the bottom surface adjacent the lateral projection. In some such embodiments, the lateral projection defines a maximum height in the range of about 1 / 4 inch to about 3 / 4 inch from the bottom surface adjacent the lateral projection. In some such embodiments, the lateral projection extends upwardly from the top surface and downwardly from the bottom surface, the lateral projection defines a first maximum height from the bottom surface adjacent the lateral projection and a second maximum height from the top surface adjacent the lateral projection, the first maximum height being within 25% of the second maximum height. In some such embodiments, the first maximum height and the second maximum height are equal. In some such embodiments, the outer projection comprises a first portion extending upwardly from the top surface with a first elastic energy coefficient and a second portion extending downwardly from the bottom surface with a second elastic energy coefficient different from the first elastic energy coefficient, hi some such embodiments, the first elastic energy coefficient is greater than the second elastic energy coefficient.

[0022] The shoe insert device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rearfoot insertion portion further comprises a peripheral rim member extending upwardly from the upper surface and along the medial, proximal, and lateral sides. In some such embodiments, the rim member extends along only a portion of the medial and lateral sides. In some such embodiments, the rim member is arcuately concave as it extends from the upper surface. In some such embodiments, an lateral projection extends in a medial direction from the rim member. In some such embodiments, the bottom surface is generally planar.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device comprises a rearfoot insert. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the rearfoot insert defines a proximal free end of the device, a distal end of the rearfoot insert defines a distal free end of the device, a medial surface of the rearfoot insert defines a medial free end of the device, and a lateral surface of the rearfoot insert defines a lateral free end of the device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a base portion configured to mate with the rearfoot insert, hi some such embodiments, a bottom surface of the rearfoot insert includes at least one engagement peg extending therefrom that is configured to engage at least one corresponding engagement hole in the upper side of the base portion.

[0025] In some such embodiments, the base portion comprises a forefoot portion configured to be positioned within the shoe and to extend beneath a forefoot portion of the sole of the user's foot within the shoe. In some such embodiments, the forefoot portion comprises a forefoot projection extending upwardly from an upper surface of the forefoot portion. In some such embodiments, the forefoot projection is positioned proximate a lateral surface and a distal end of the forefoot portion and configured to be positioned beneath the distal, middle and / or proximal phalanges of the fourth and / or fifth toes of the user's foot. In some such embodiments, the base portion comprises a midfoot portion configured to be positioned within the shoe and to extend beneath a midfoot portion of the sole of the user's foot within the shoe.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert is a unitary piece. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert is a one-piece construction. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert is a multi-piece construction. In some embodiments, at least one of the fascia projection and the lateral projection is a modular component.

[0027] It will be understood that any combination of the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent), is considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and may be used to achieve the benefits and advantages described herein.

[0028] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of configuring foot support for a shoe, comprising providing a rearfoot shoe insert device having a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a lateral side extending between the proximal and distal ends, an upper side, and a plantar side. The rearfoot shoe insert device is configured to be positioned within the shoe and to extend within the shoe under at least a rearfoot portion of a user's sole with the upper side of the rearfoot shoe insert device facing the sole. The rearfoot shoe insert device is resilient at least in a thickness direction extending between the upper side and the plantar side. The rearfoot shoe insert device includes a rearfoot portion including a fascial protrusion extending upwardly from an upper surface located midway between the medial and lateral sides and spaced distally from the proximal end; and a lateral protrusion located adjacent the lateral side and distal to the fascial protrusion, extending at least one of upwardly from the upper surface and downwardly from the plantar surface.

[0029] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of adjusting a foot support profile of a shoe comprising positioning a rearfoot shoe insert device within a rearfoot region of the shoe such that the rearfoot shoe insert device is positioned within the shoe under at least a rearfoot portion of a sole of a user's foot with a superior side surface of the rearfoot shoe insert device facing the sole of the foot. The rearfoot shoe insert device has a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side surface extending between the proximal and distal ends, a lateral side surface extending between the proximal and distal ends, a plantar side surface, and an upper side surface. The rearfoot shoe insert device is resilient at least through a thickness extending between the superior side surface and the plantar side surface. The rearfoot shoe insert device includes a rearfoot portion including a fascial protrusion extending upwardly from an upper surface located midway between the medial and lateral surfaces and spaced distally from a proximal end; and a lateral protrusion located proximate the lateral surface and distal to the fascial protrusion, extending at least one of upwardly from the upper surface and downwardly from the bottom surface.

[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It should be understood that at least some of the drawings are not necessarily to scale (although at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale). Some of the drawings may omit details that are not necessary for understanding the disclosure or that make other details difficult to grasp. Of course, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Similar reference numerals are utilized throughout the drawings to represent similar aspects illustrated in the drawings.

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is an elevated perspective view of a shoe insert device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Diagram 2] 2 is another elevated perspective view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Diagram 3] 2 is another elevated perspective view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 4] 2 is another elevated perspective view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Diagram 5] 2 is a bottom perspective view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 6] 2 is another bottom perspective view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 7] 2 is a top view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 8] 2 is a bottom view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 9] 2 is a medial side view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 10] 2 is a lateral side view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 11] 2 is a rear view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 12] 2 is a front view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 13] 2 is an elevated perspective cross-sectional view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 14] 1 is a bottom perspective view of another shoe insert device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 15] 15 is an enlarged elevated perspective view of the shoe insert device of FIG. 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] [Figure 16] 1 is an elevated perspective view of another shoe insert device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0048] Aspects of the present disclosure, as well as certain embodiments, features, advantages, and details thereof, are described in more detail below with reference to non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known components, embodiments, materials, chemicals, fabrication mechanisms, processing techniques, applications, and the like are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the relevant details. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while illustrating aspects of the present disclosure, are provided merely by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Various alternatives, modifications, additions, and / or alterations within the spirit and / or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0049] Approximate terms, as used throughout the disclosure herein, can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that is expected to vary acceptably without causing a change in the basic function involved. Thus, values ​​modified by one or more terms, such as the terms "substantially," "approximately," "about," "relatively," or other such similar terms, are not limited to the exact value specified, and are used to describe and explain slight increases or decreases from a reference value or parameter, for example, due to variations in processing. Such slight increases or decreases include zero increases or decreases from a reference value or parameter as well. For example, these terms can refer to ±5% or less, such as ±2% or less, such as ±1% or less, such as ±0.5% or less, such as ±0.2% or less, such as ±0.1% or less, such as ±0.05% or less, etc. In some instances, the approximation terms may correspond to the precision of an instrument measuring the value.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Additionally, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the terms "comprising" (and any form of "comprise", e.g., "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of "have", e.g., "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of "include", e.g., "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of "contain", e.g., "contains" and "containing) are used as open-ended linking verbs. As a result, any embodiment that "comprises", "has", "comprises" or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses that one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only that one or more steps or elements. As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate the possibility of occurrence within a set of circumstances, i.e., the possession of a specified quality, characteristic, or function; and / or modify another verb by expressing one or more of the ability, capability, or possibility associated with that verb.Thus, when "may" and "may be" are used, they indicate that the modified term is clearly appropriate, capable, or appropriate with respect to the indicated capacity, function, or use, while also recognizing that in some circumstances the modified term may not be appropriate, capable, or appropriate. For example, the term "may" and "may be" express the property that an event or capacity can be expected in some circumstances while the event or capacity cannot occur in other circumstances.

[0051] The terms "affix," "connect," "contact," "coupled," and / or similar terms are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of different arrangements and assembly techniques, including, but not limited to, (1) directly joining one component to another component with no intervening components therebetween (i.e., the components are in direct physical contact with each other); and (2) joining one component to another component with one or more components therebetween, where the one component is in operative communication with the other component in some manner (despite the presence of one or more additional components therebetween) when the one component is "affixed," "connected," "contacted," or "coupled" to the other component. It should be understood that some components that are in direct physical contact with each other may or may not be in fluid communication with each other. Additionally, two components that are fluidly / fluidically connected, fluidly coupled, or fluidly in communication may or may not be in direct physical contact and may have one or more other components disposed therebetween.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1-13, the present disclosure provides shoe insert devices (and methods utilizing such inserts), such as rearfoot shoe insert 10, that absorb shock and redistribute forces within a user's foot and / or knee when in use. The rearfoot shoe insert 10 includes protrusions 30, 32 configured to reduce tension at the junction of the plantar fascia of the user's foot and the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus, as shown in Figures 1-13. The rearfoot shoe insert 10 is further configured to reduce loading on the medial side of the user's knee. The rearfoot shoe insert 10 is further configured to reduce the amount of stress in the user's heel fat pad. The rearfoot shoe insert 10 may also reduce stress on the user's lateral ankle ligaments, lower back, pelvis / pelvic posture, and / or Achilles tendon.

[0053] 1-13, the shoe insert device 10 is a hindfoot shoe in that it is configured to be placed within a shoe and to extend within the shoe under a hindfoot insert 10 on the sole of a user's foot with a top surface 12 of the hindfoot insert 10 facing the sole of the foot (i.e., the bottom of the user's foot). The hindfoot insert 10 can then be manually positioned within the user's shoe over the insole, floor, or interior platform of the shoe. The rearfoot insert 10 includes a rear or proximal end or side 20, a front or distal end or side 22 (which may be opposite the proximal end 20), a medial or inner side or end 14 extending between the proximal and distal ends 20, 22, and a lateral or outer side or end 18 (which may be opposite the medial side 14) extending between the proximal and distal ends 20, 22. As further shown in Figures 1-13, the shoe insert device 10 includes an upper or upper side or end 12 and a bottom or lower side or end opposite the upper side 12.

[0054] It should be noted that the insert device 10 depicted in Figures 1-13 is configured as a "right" shoe insert device 10 configured for a right shoe and foot. Additionally, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, it is contemplated and disclosed herein that the insert device 10 may alternatively be configured as a "left" shoe insert 10 for a left shoe and foot by mirroring (or inverting) the insert 10 in a medial direction. Thus, for consistency and to refer to the features of the insert 10, anatomical directional terms are used herein.

[0055] The rearfoot shoe insert 10 further includes a fascial protrusion 30 extending upwardly from the upper surface 12 and positioned midway between the medial and lateral surfaces 16, 18, as shown in FIGS. 1-13. The fascial protrusion 30 is spaced distally from the proximal end 20. The fascial protrusion 30 may be positioned distally to exert an upward pressure or force on the portion of the user's plantar fascia that connects to (or is proximate to) the medial tubercle of the calcaneus of the user's foot. For example, the fascial protrusion 30 may be positioned distally such that it is distal to the center of the heel fat pad of the user's foot, such as at least about 1 1 / 2 cm distal to the center of the heel fat pad of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion 30 is spaced distally from the proximal end 20 between about 1 inch and about 4 inches, or between about 1 1 / 2 inches and about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusions 30 are spaced distally from the proximal end 20 at intervals ranging from about 1 1 / 2 inches to about 2 3 / 4 inches. However, it is also noted that the location of the fascial protrusions 30 may vary depending on the size of a potential user's foot so as to exert an upward pressure or force on the user's plantar fascia, for example, the portion of the plantar fascia that connects to (or proximate to) the medial tubercle of the calcaneus of the user's foot. The fascial protrusions 30 may be elastic at least along their thickness.

[0056] 1-13, the rearfoot shoe insert 10 further includes an upper or upper lateral projection 32 extending upwardly from the upper surface 12 of the rearfoot insert 10, and / or a plantar or lower lateral projection 33 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 12 of the rearfoot insert 10. The upper lateral projection 32 and / or the lower lateral projection 33 may be positioned proximate the lateral surface 18 of the insert 10 and at least partially distal to the fascial projection 30.

[0057] The fascial projection 30 and the superior lateral projection 32 and / or inferior lateral projection 32 are configured to reduce tension at the junction where the plantar fascia of the user's foot enters the medial tubercle, reduce loading on the medial side of the user's knee, and reduce the amount of stress in the heel fat pad of the user's foot. For example, the superior lateral projection 32 and / or inferior lateral projection 32 are configured to biomechanically reduce tension at the insertion point where the plantar fascia of the user's foot enters the medial tubercle of the calcaneus. The superior lateral projection 32 and / or inferior lateral projection 32 serve to reduce strain on the user's plantar fascia by immobilizing the calcaneocuboid joint. The superior lateral projection 32 and / or inferior lateral projection 32 also reduce stress in the medial compartment of the user's knee, which may be therapeutically beneficial and prevent overuse and / or osteoarthritis development. The fascial projection 30 is configured to apply upward pressure to the insertion point of the user's plantar fascia (potentially creating a "bow-stringing" effect) which reduces tension and stress around the plantar fascia insertion.

[0058] The rearfoot insert 10 can be configured to be resilient (i.e., elastically deformable) at least in a thickness direction extending between the top and bottom sides 12, 14 of the insert. For example, the rearfoot insert 10 can be made from one or more elastic materials. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert 10 can be made from one or more rubber or similar materials, such as silicone, EPDM, latex, neoprene, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert 10 can be made from one or more plastic or similar materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, PET, PVC, ABS, low temperature thermoplastic materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert 10 can be made from one or more foam or similar materials, such as EVA foam materials, polyurethane foam materials, silicone foam materials, neoprene foam materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert 10 may be made from one or more natural or renewable materials, such as cork, mushroom leather, animal hides, cotton, natural woven or nonwoven fabrics, wool, cellulose, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert 10 may be made from one or more gel materials, such as silicone gel, polyurethane gel, or combinations thereof. The rearfoot insert 10 may be formed from a single material or may be formed from multiple materials bonded together.

[0059] Similarly, the rearfoot insert 10 may be a unitary, one-piece construction, or may be formed from multiple individual components coupled together. In one exemplary embodiment, the rearfoot insert 10 is a one-piece construction and may be monolithic. In another exemplary embodiment, the rearfoot insert 10 includes a base or main portion to which the fascial projections or protrusions 30 and / or lateral projections or protrusions 32 are coupled. For example, in some such embodiments, the fascial projections or protrusions 30 and / or lateral projections or protrusions 32 may be modular components that removably couple with the base or main portion. Such embodiments allow for a variety of fascial projections 30 and lateral projections protrusions 32 (e.g., having different heights, elasticity, etc.) to be utilized with the base or main portion to suit a particular user.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1-13, fascial protrusion 30 can extend along a medial-lateral direction to define a length along the medial-lateral direction that is greater than the length of the fascial protrusion along the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, fascial protrusion 30 defines a length along the medial-lateral direction of at least about 2 cm. In some embodiments, fascial protrusion 30 defines a length along the medial-lateral direction within a range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm. In some embodiments, fascial protrusion 30 defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is less than about 1 1 / 2 cm. In some embodiments, fascial protrusion 30 defines a length along the proximal-distal direction within a range of about 1 / 4 cm to about 1 1 / 2 cm.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion 30 defines a maximum height of at least about ¼ inch from the upper surface 12 of the insert 10 adjacent the fascial protrusion 30. In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion 30 defines a maximum height within a range of about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from the upper surface 12 adjacent the fascial protrusion 30. However, in some other embodiments, the fascial protrusion 30 may be a different size and / or a different shape.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fascial protrusion 30 is convex along the proximal-distal direction as shown in Figures 1-13. For example, the fascial protrusion 30 can be arcuately convex along the proximal-distal direction. In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 1-13, the fascial protrusion 30 comprises a cylindrical portion extending along the medial-lateral direction.

[0063] 1-13, in some embodiments, the proximal portion of lateral projection 32 can be co-located along the proximal-distal direction with at least a portion of fascial projection 30. However, in other embodiments, lateral projection 32 can be spaced apart from fascial projection 30 along the proximal-distal direction.

[0064] The lateral projection 32 can be convex along the proximal-distal direction, as shown in FIGS. 1-13. For example, the lateral projection 32 can be arcuately convex along the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 is convex along the medial-lateral direction. For example, the lateral projection 32 can include an outer portion disposed further away from the upper surface 12 than an inner portion or inner end of the lateral projection, as shown in FIGS. 1-13. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1-13, the lateral projection 32 can extend downward from its outer surface or outer end to its inner surface or inner end. For example, the lateral projection 32 can extend arcuately downward from its outer surface to its inner surface. However, in some other embodiments, the lateral projection 32 can be of a different size and / or shape.

[0065] In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 defines a length along the medial-lateral direction that is less than about 1 1 / 2 inches. In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 defines a length along the medial-lateral direction that is within the range of about ½ inches to about 1 ½ inches. In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is less than about 2 ½ inches. In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 defines a length along the proximal-distal direction that is within the range of about ½ inches to about 2 inches.

[0066] In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 defines a maximum height of at least about ¼ inch from the upper surface 12 of the rearfoot insert 10 adjacent the lateral projection 32. In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 defines a maximum height within the range of about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from the upper surface 12 adjacent the lateral projection 32.

[0067] In some embodiments, the upper lateral projection 32 defines a first maximum height from the upper surface 12 adjacent the lateral projection 32, and the fascial projection 30 defines a second maximum height from the upper surface 12 adjacent the fascial projection 30, the first maximum height being within 25% of the second maximum height. In some embodiments, the first maximum height is less than the second maximum height, as shown in Figures 1-13.

[0068] In some embodiments, the lateral projection 32 is resilient at least along the thickness direction. In some embodiments, the fascial projection 30 and the lateral projection 32 have approximately the same elastic energy coefficient at least along the thickness direction. In some embodiments, the fascial projection 30 and the lateral projection 32 are formed of the same material.

[0069] As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1-13, the rearfoot shoe insert 10 may include a bottom or lower lateral projection 33 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 12 of the rearfoot insert 10, for example, in addition to (or instead of) the upper lateral projection 32 extending upwardly from the upper surface 12 of the rearfoot insert 10. The bottom lateral projection 33 may be of the same or similar location, shape and / or size (or other configuration) as the upper lateral projection 32 described above. For example, the bottom lateral projection 33 may define a maximum height of at least about ¼ inch from the bottom surface 14 of the rearfoot insert 10 adjacent the bottom lateral projection 33. In some embodiments, the bottom lateral projection 33 may define a maximum height within a range of about ¼ inch to about ¾ inch from the bottom surface 14 adjacent the bottom lateral projection 33.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1-13, the rearfoot shoe insert 10 may include both an upper lateral projection 32 extending upward from the upper surface 12 and a bottom lateral projection 33 extending downward from the bottom surface 12 of the rearfoot insert 10. In some such embodiments, the bottom lateral projection 33 may extend downward from the bottom surface 12 to define a first maximum height, and the upper lateral projection 32 may extend upward from the upper surface 12 to define a second maximum height, and the first maximum height may be within 25% of the second maximum height. In embodiments, the first maximum height and the second maximum height may be the same (i.e., the upper lateral projection 32 and the lower lateral projection 33 may be the same height but extend in opposite directions). In some embodiments, the upper lateral projection 32 may have a first elastic energy coefficient, and the lower lateral projection 33 may have a second elastic energy coefficient that is different from the first elastic energy coefficient. In some such embodiments, the first modulus of elastic energy can be greater than the second modulus of elastic energy.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, the rearfoot insert 10 may include a proximal portion 26 configured to extend beneath a heel fat pad of the heel of a user's foot, defining a proximal end 20 of the rearfoot insert 10. As also shown in FIG. 1, the rearfoot insert 10 may further include a distal portion 28 extending distally from the proximal portion 26 to define a distal end 22 of the rearfoot insert 10. The proximal portion 26 and the distal portion 28 may together form the rearfoot insert 10, for example, with the upper surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. In some embodiments, the thickness of the distal portion 28 may vary at least along the proximal-distal direction, as shown in FIGS. 1-13. For example, the portion of the upper surface 12 formed by the distal portion 28 of the rearfoot insert 10 may thereby extend downwardly from the proximal portion 26. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of upper surface 12 formed by proximal portion 26 of rearfoot insert 10 is generally planar. In some embodiments, the distal portion of upper surface 12 formed by distal portion 28 of rearfoot insert 10 is generally planar.

[0072] 1-13 , in some embodiments, fascial projection 30 can be located on proximal portion 26 of rearfoot insert 10. In some embodiments, at least a portion of superior lateral projection 32 and / or inferior lateral projection 33 is located on distal portion 28 of rearfoot insert 10. In some embodiments, at least a portion of lateral projection 32 is located on a proximal portion of rearfoot insert 10.

[0073] In some embodiments, the rearfoot insert 10 may include a peripheral rim portion or member 24 extending upwardly from the upper surface 12 and along the medial side 14, proximal end 20, and lateral side 18 of the insert, as shown in Figures 1-13. The peripheral rim portion 24 may extend along only a portion of the medial and lateral sides 14, 18, such as the distal portions thereof. A medial or inner side of the rim portion 24 may extend from the upper surface 12, such as extending in an arcuate fashion from the upper surface. In some embodiments, the medial or inner side of the rim portion 24 may be arcuately concave as it extends from the upper surface 12. An upper lateral projection 32 may extend in a medial direction from the rim member 24.

[0074] Another exemplary shoe insert device 110 that absorbs shock and redistributes forces within a user's foot and / or knee when in use, as described above, is shown in Figures 14 and 15. The insert device 110 of Figures 14 and 15 is substantially similar to the shoe insert device 10 described above with respect to Figures 1-13, and therefore reference numerals preceded by "1" are used to indicate like components, aspects, features, steps or functions, the above descriptions of which apply equally and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity and clarity.

[0075] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the shoe insert device 110 differs from the shoe insert device 10 in that the shoe insert device 10 is configured to couple to an insole or base portion 150. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the shoe insert device 110 includes a plurality of engagement protrusions, pegs, members 140 or the like extending from a bottom side 114. The base portion 150 includes an upper side 152 and a bottom side 154, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. A proximal portion of the upper side 152 of the base portion 150 includes a plurality of engagement holes 142 configured to engage with a plurality of engagement pegs 142 of the shoe insert device 110, as shown in Figure 15. The base portion 150 may be configured such that the shoe insert device 110 may be coupled to the proximal portion of the portion 150 in a variety of different configurations.

[0076] Another exemplary shoe insert device 210 that absorbs shock and redistributes forces within a user's foot and / or knee when in use, as described above, is shown in Figure 16. The insert device 210 of Figure 16 is substantially similar to the insert device 110 and base portion 150 described above with respect to Figures 14 and 15, and thus like reference numerals preceded by a "2" are used to indicate like components, aspects, features, processes or functions, the above descriptions of which apply equally and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity and clarity.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the shoe insert device 210 differs from the device 110 and base portion 150 of FIGS. 14 and 15 in that the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot portions are a unitary construction or are fixedly connected to one another. Also shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the shoe insert device 210 differs from the base portion 150 in that the forefoot portion includes a forefoot projection 260 extending upwardly from its upper surface 212. The forefoot projection 260 can be positioned adjacent the lateral surface 216 of the device 210 at the distal end of the forefoot portion. As a result, the forefoot projection 260 can be configured to be positioned under the distal, middle, and / or proximal phalanges of the fourth and / or fifth toes of the user's foot.

[0078] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from their scope. Although dimensions and types of materials may be described herein, they are intended to define parameters for some of the various embodiments and are by no means limiting of all embodiments, but are merely illustrative. Numerous other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The scope of the various embodiments should therefore be determined with reference to the claims contained herein, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0079] As used herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the terms "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are merely used as reference labels and are not intended to impose numerical, structural, or other requirements. The term "based on" as used herein encompasses relationships in which an element is based entirely as well as relationships in which an element is partially based. The term "defined on" as used herein encompasses relationships in which an element is defined in part as well as relationships in which an element is defined entirely. Moreover, claim limitations contained herein are not written in means-plus-function form and are not intended to be construed under the sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112 unless such claim limitations explicitly use the words "means for" followed by a function cavity of further structure. It should be understood that not all of the objects or advantages set forth above may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and methods described herein may be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught herein, and may not necessarily achieve other objects or advantages taught or suggested herein.

[0080] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, modifications, alternatives, or equivalent arrangements not previously described herein, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although various embodiments have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only one embodiment or only some of the described embodiments. Furthermore, while some disclosures are described as having a certain number of elements, it will be understood that an embodiment may be implemented with fewer or more than the certain number of elements.

[0081] It is to be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, and in particular, all combinations of claim subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

1. a rearfoot insertion portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a lateral side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a top side, and a bottom side; 1. A shoe insert device comprising: the rearfoot insertion portion is configured to be positioned within the shoe and to extend within the shoe under a rearfoot portion of the sole of the user's foot with an upper surface of the rearfoot insertion portion facing the sole; the rearfoot insertion portion is elastic in a thickness direction extending at least between the top surface and the bottom surface; The rear foot insertion part is a fascial protrusion extending upwardly from the upper surface intermediate between the medial and lateral surfaces and spaced distally from the proximal end thereof, the fascial protrusion applying upward pressure or force to a portion of the plantar fascia of the user's foot when the rearfoot insertion portion is positioned within the shoe and extends beneath the rearfoot portion of the sole of the user's foot; a lateral protrusion extending upward from the upper surface, located close to the lateral surface and distal to the fascial protrusion; A shoe insert device comprising:

2. 10. The shoe insert device of claim 1, wherein the fascial protrusion extends along the medial-lateral direction such that the length along the medial-lateral direction is greater than the length along the proximal-distal direction.

3. 3. The shoe insert device of claim 1, wherein the fascial protrusion defines a length along the medial-lateral direction of at least about 2 cm.

4. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fascial protrusion defines a length along the medial-lateral direction within the range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm.

5. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fascial protrusion defines a length along the proximal-distal direction of less than about 1 1 / 2 cm.

6. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fascial projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction within the range of about 1 / 2 cm to about 1 1 / 2 cm.

7. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fascial protrusion defines a maximum height of at least about 1 / 4 inch from the upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion.

8. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fascial protrusion defines a maximum height from the upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion within the range of about 1 / 4 inch to about 3 / 4 inch.

9. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fascial protrusions are spaced distally from the proximal end at intervals ranging from about 1 inch to about 3 inches.

10. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fascial protrusions are spaced apart from the proximal end distally by a distance ranging from about 1 1 / 2 inches to about 2 3 / 4 inches.

11. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fascial protrusion is elastic at least along its thickness.

12. The shoe insert device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fascial protrusion is convex along the proximal-distal direction.

13. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fascial protrusion is arcuately convex along the proximal-distal direction.

14. The shoe insert device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fascial protrusion comprises a cylindrical portion extending along the medial-lateral direction.

15. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a proximal portion of the lateral projection is co-located with at least a portion of the fascial projection along the proximal-distal direction.

16. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lateral projection is spaced apart from the fascial projection along the proximal-distal direction.

17. The shoe insert device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the lateral projection is convex along the proximal-distal direction.

18. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the lateral projection is arcuately convex along the proximal-distal direction.

19. The shoe insert device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the lateral projection is convex along the medial-lateral direction.

20. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the lateral projection comprises a lateral portion that is positioned further from the upper surface than a medial portion of the lateral projection.

21. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the lateral projection extends downwardly from the lateral side of the lateral projection to the medial side of the lateral projection.

22. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the lateral projection extends arcuately downwardly from the lateral side of the lateral projection to the medial side of the lateral projection.

23. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the lateral projection defines a length along the medial-lateral direction of less than about 1 1 / 2 inches.

24. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the lateral projection defines a length along the medial-lateral direction ranging from about 1 / 2 inch to about 1 1 / 2 inches.

25. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the lateral projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction of less than about 2.5 inches.

26. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the lateral projection defines a length along the proximal-distal direction ranging from about 1 / 2 inch to about 2 inches.

27. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the lateral projection defines a maximum height from the upper surface adjacent the lateral projection of at least about 1 / 4 inch.

28. 28. The shoe insert device of claim 27, wherein the lateral projection defines a maximum height ranging from about 1 / 4 inch to about 3 / 4 inch from the upper surface adjacent the lateral projection.

29. 29. The shoe insert device of claim 27 or 28, wherein the lateral protrusion defines a first maximum height from an upper surface adjacent the lateral protrusion and the fascial protrusion defines a second maximum height from an upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion, the first maximum height being within a range of plus or minus 25% of the second maximum height.

30. 30. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the lateral protrusion defines a first maximum height from an upper surface adjacent the lateral protrusion and the fascial protrusion defines a second maximum height from an upper surface adjacent the fascial protrusion, the first maximum height being less than the second maximum height.

31. 31. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 27-30, wherein the rearfoot insertion portion comprises a proximal portion configured to extend under the heel fat pad of the heel region of the user's foot, the proximal portion defining a proximal end and a proximal portion of an upper surface, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion to define a distal end and a distal portion of the upper surface, the thickness of the distal portion varying as the distal portion of the upper surface extends downwardly from the proximal portion of the upper surface.

32. 32. The shoe insert device of claim 31, wherein the proximal portion of the upper surface is generally planar.

33. 33. The shoe insert device of claim 31 or 32, wherein the distal portion of the upper surface is generally planar.

34. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the fascial protrusion is located at a proximal portion of the rearfoot insertion portion.

35. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein at least a portion of the lateral projection is located at a distal portion of the rearfoot insertion portion.

36. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein at least a portion of the lateral projection is located on a proximal portion of the rearfoot insertion portion.

37. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein the lateral projection is resilient at least along its thickness.

38. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 27 to 37, wherein the fascial protrusion and the lateral protrusion have approximately the same elastic energy modulus at least along the thickness direction.

39. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the fascial protrusion and the lateral protrusion are formed from the same material.

40. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the lateral projection also extends downwardly from the bottom surface.

41. 41. The shoe insert device of claim 40, wherein the lateral projection defines a maximum height from the bottom surface adjacent the lateral projection of at least about 1 / 4 inch.

42. 42. The shoe insert device of claim 40 or 41, wherein the lateral projection defines a maximum height from the bottom surface adjacent the lateral projection within the range of about 1 / 4 inch to about 3 / 4 inch.

43. A shoe insert device as described in any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the lateral protrusion defines a first maximum height from a bottom surface adjacent the lateral protrusion and a second maximum height from a top surface adjacent the lateral protrusion, and the first maximum height is within a range of plus or minus 25% of the second maximum height.

44. 44. The shoe insert device of claim 43, wherein the first maximum height and the second maximum height are equal.

45. 43. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the lateral projection comprises a first portion extending upward from the top surface having a first elastic energy coefficient and a second portion extending downward from the bottom surface having a second elastic energy coefficient different from the first elastic energy coefficient.

46. 46. The shoe insert device of claim 45, wherein the first modulus of elastic energy is greater than the second modulus of elastic energy.

47. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein the rearfoot insertion portion further comprises a peripheral rim member extending upwardly from the upper surface and along the medial surface, proximal end, and lateral surface.

48. 48. The shoe insert device of claim 47, wherein the rim member extends along only a portion of the medial and lateral surfaces.

49. 49. The shoe insert device of claim 47 or 48, wherein the rim member is arcuately concave as it extends from the upper surface.

50. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the lateral projection extends medially from the rim member.

51. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the bottom surface is substantially planar.

52. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the device comprises a rearfoot insert portion.

53. 53. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the proximal end of the rearfoot insertion portion defines a proximal free end of the device, the distal end of the rearfoot insertion portion defines a distal free end of the device, the medial surface of the rearfoot insertion portion defines a medial free end of the device, and the lateral surface of the rearfoot insertion portion defines a lateral free end of the device.

54. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 51, further comprising a base portion configured to mate with the rearfoot insert portion.

55. 55. The shoe insert device of claim 54, wherein the bottom surface of the rearfoot insertion portion includes at least one engagement peg extending therefrom configured to engage with at least one corresponding engagement hole in the upper side of the platform portion.

56. 56. The shoe insert device of claim 54 or 55, wherein the base portion comprises a forefoot portion configured to be positioned within a shoe and to extend beneath a forefoot portion of a user's sole within the shoe.

57. 57. The shoe insert device of claim 56, wherein the forefoot portion includes a forefoot protrusion extending upwardly from an upper surface of the forefoot portion.

58. 58. The shoe insert device of claim 57, wherein the forefoot projection is positioned adjacent the lateral surface and distal end portion of the forefoot portion and is configured to be positioned under the distal, middle and / or proximal phalanges of the fourth and / or fifth toes of the user's foot.

59. 59. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 54 to 58, wherein the base portion comprises a midfoot portion configured to be positioned within a shoe and to extend beneath a midfoot portion of a user's foot within the shoe.

60. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein the rearfoot insert portion is an integral part.

61. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein the rearfoot insert portion is of one-piece construction.

62. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 61, wherein the rearfoot insert portion is of multi-piece construction.

63. The shoe insert device of any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein at least one of the fascial projection and the lateral projection is a modular component.

64. To provide a rearfoot shoe insert device having a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a lateral side extending between the proximal and distal ends, a top side, and a bottom side.

1. A method of configuring foot support for a shoe, comprising: the rearfoot shoe insert device is configured to be placed within the shoe and to extend within the shoe under at least a rearfoot portion of the sole of the user's foot with an upper surface of the rearfoot shoe insert device facing the sole; the rearfoot shoe insert device is resilient at least through a thickness extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; and The rearfoot shoe insert device comprises: a fascial protrusion extending upwardly from the upper surface intermediate between the medial and lateral surfaces and spaced distally from the proximal end thereof, the fascial protrusion applying upward pressure or force to a portion of the plantar fascia of the user's foot when the rearfoot insertion portion is positioned within the shoe and extends beneath the rearfoot portion of the sole of the user's foot; a lateral protrusion extending upward from the upper surface, located close to the lateral surface and distal to the fascial protrusion; a rearfoot portion comprising:

65. Positioning the rearfoot shoe insert device within the rearfoot region of the shoe such that the rearfoot shoe insert device is positioned within the shoe under at least a rearfoot portion of the sole of the user's foot with an upper surface of the rearfoot shoe insert device facing the sole.

1. A method for adjusting a foot support profile of a shoe, comprising: the rearfoot shoe insert device comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a medial side extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a lateral side extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a bottom side, and a top side; the rearfoot shoe insert device is resilient at least through a thickness extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; and The rearfoot shoe insert device comprises: a fascial protrusion extending upwardly from the upper surface intermediate between the medial and lateral surfaces and spaced distally from the proximal end thereof, the fascial protrusion applying upward pressure or force to a portion of the plantar fascia of the user's foot; a lateral protrusion extending upward from the upper surface, located close to the lateral surface and distal to the fascial protrusion; a rearfoot portion comprising:

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