CHAFTARI Comfort Zone

The present invention relates to insoles for shoes and, more particularly, this invention relates to an adjustable orthotics by which the eversion and abduction of the tarsal and metatarsal joints can be controlled by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that many of the minor and major traumatic conditions of the foot, leg and knee can be caused by the misalignment of the joints in the foot. These conditions can be hereditary such as the presence of a longer or shorter leg, can be acquired through traumatic injury or can be caused by repetitive stress or strain on the joints experienced during industrial or athletic activity.

Misalignment of the foot can cause minor trauma such as inflammation, blisters, rashes, calluses, corns, ingrown toe nails or more aggravated conditions such as bunion or bone spurs, typically in the heel area. Over-the-counter insoles are available to relieve minor discomfort. However, they are available in fixed sizes and thicknesses. It is possible to reduce discomfort and promote healing of inflamed areas by custom-cutting thick cushioning products such as Moleskin.RTM. into pads which can be locally adhered to the traumatic area or adjacent to the traumatic area. Pads and insoles only treat the symptoms of the misalignment and simply reduce irritation and attempt to prevent further trauma by reducing pressure, rubbing, or abrasion on the sensitive area of the foot. Sometimes surgery is utilized to remove the calluses, corns or bunions.

A more scientific approach has been to develop customized biomechanical devices that are intended to correct the misalignment of the joints. These devices, known as orthotics, are prescribed by medical specialists such as orthopedic doctors, podiatrists or doctors specializing in sports medicine. After extensive physical measurements of the patient, a plaster impression of the foot is taken. The orthotic is manufactured from the impression to specifications provided by the doctor as to the degree of pronation correction required. A soft layer of foam can be applied to the top or bottom surface of the orthotic to provide comfort and to prevent the orthotic from sliding when in a shoe.
 high-heel shoe design applicable to varying heel heights, having a heel seat having a substantially neutral or slightly downwardly inclined angle (relative to the shank plane), and an arch support extending forward from the heel seat and having a first portion which supports the head of the navicular of the wearer in approximately the same plane (relative to the shank plane) as the wearer's heel bones. The shoe also includes a shank extending downwardly and forwardly from the first portion of the arch support, and a toe support region which extends at an inclination upwardly and forwardly from the shank whereupon the first metatarsal of the wearer is buttressed by the phalanges of the wearer to prevent forward sliding of the foot of the wearer relative to the shoe, thereby preventing jamming of the human digits into the toe portion of the shoe, while the wearer's weight is borne by the heel seat, as compared to standard high heel dress shoes.