최소 단어 이상 선택하여야 합니다.
최대 10 단어까지만 선택 가능합니다.
다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
NTIS 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
DataON 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Edison 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Kafe 바로가기국가/구분 | United States(US) Patent 등록 |
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 | US-0881388 (2004-06-30) |
발명자 / 주소 |
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 | 피인용 횟수 : 13 인용 특허 : 121 |
A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate and a substantially air-tight enclosure having at least two portions that converge toward each other relative to a vertica
A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate and a substantially air-tight enclosure having at least two portions that converge toward each other relative to a vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure to form an apex.
1. A shoe comprising:a bottom; a major longitudinal axis; an upper having an arch region and a heel region; a rear sole including an outsole and a midsole, the rear sole being below the heel region of the upper, the rear sole having a forward portion and an opposite rearward portion; a plate having
1. A shoe comprising:a bottom; a major longitudinal axis; an upper having an arch region and a heel region; a rear sole including an outsole and a midsole, the rear sole being below the heel region of the upper, the rear sole having a forward portion and an opposite rearward portion; a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, an interior portion and peripheral portions and positioned between at least a portion of the outsole of the rear sole and at least a portion of the heel region of the upper, at least one of the peripheral portions of the plate being proximate at least one of a medial side of the shoe, a lateral side of the shoe and a rear of the shoe, the interior portion of the plate being positioned over a void and exposed to the void, at least a portion of the plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe; at least one opening in the shoe, the opening being in air communication with the void to expose the interior portion of the plate from outside the shoe through the opening and the void; an arch bridge integral with the plate extending from a position proximate a forward portion of the plate, forward beneath at least a portion of the arch region of the upper; and a substantially air-tight enclosure located at least in part beneath a portion of the plate, the air-tight enclosure having a top, a bottom, a vertical central axis passing through the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure, at least one sidewall connecting the top and bottom of the air-tight enclosure and having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the air-tight enclosure having a single interior chamber defined at least in part by the interior surface of the at least one sidewall, the interior chamber being the only chamber any portion of which is located on any line between at least a portion of the bottom of the shoe and at least a portion of the upper that is generally parallel with the vertical central axis and passes through any portion of the interior chamber, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure, the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall having at least two portions integral with the exterior surface and non-parallel with the vertical central axis, at least one of the portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the upper, another of the at least two portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the bottom of the shoe, the at least two portions coverging toward each other in a direction away from the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, permanently connecting with each other and forming an apex, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall being exposed to and visible from at least one of the medial side of the shoe, the lateral side of the shoe, and the rear of the shoe. 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the air-tight encoslure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a maximum transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure by a distance of at least one-half the maximum transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber.3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a minimum transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being at spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure by a distance of at least one-half the minimum transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber.4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall has a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall, the thickness being substantially uniform.5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two portions of the exterior surface has a maximum vertical dimension as measured from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis and intersecting the apex, the maximum vertical dimension of each portion being substantially the same.6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least two portions of the exterior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane parallel with the vertical central axis.7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least two portions of the exterior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis.8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least two portions of the exterior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane parallel with the vertrical central axis and in a plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis.9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the apex is an apex of a curve.10. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the curve is capable of being bisected at the apex by a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.11. The shoe of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the curve has the shape of an arc of a circle.12. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the curve is generally semicircular in shape.13. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the curve has a maximum height along a plane parallel with the vertical central axis that is less than one-half the distance between a portion of the bottom of the shoe and a portion of the peripheral portions of the plate as measured on a line substantially parallel with the vertical central axis.14. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the at least one sidewall has a substantially uniform thickness between the exterior surface and the interior surface along a portion of the curve as measured on a line substantially parallel with the vertical central axis.15. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of exterior surface of the sidewall is curved in a cross-sectional plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.16. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall is curved in a criss-sectional plane substantially parallel with the vertical central axis.17. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall is curved in a cross-sectional plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis and in a cross sectional plane substantially parallel with the vertical central axis.18. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the curve in the cross-sectional plane has the shape of an arc of a circle.19. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the exterior surface has a perimeter in the cross-sectional plane that is in the shape of a circle.20. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the sidewall is curved along the entire perimeter of the air-tight enclosure in a cross-sectional plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.21. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the sidewall is curved along the entire perimeter of the air-tight enclosure in a cross-sectional plane substantially parallel with the vertical central axis.22. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a portion that is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.23. The shoe of claim 1, wherein each of the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a portion that is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.24. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bottom of the air-tight enclosure is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.25. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the top of the air-tight enclosure is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.26. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the top of the air-tight enclosure forms an opening centered at the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and in communication with the plate.27. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the top of the air-tight enclosure has a perimeter around the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, at least a portion of the perimeter being substantially flat and in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.28. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a perimeter around the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, at least a portion of the perimeter being substantially flat and in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.29. The shoe of claim 1, wherein each of the upper and the rear sole includes a peripheral region, the air-tight enclosure being located at least in part between a portion of the peripheral region of the upper and a portion of the peripheral region of the rear sole.30. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the interior chamber is capable of being bisected into a top half and a bottom half, the top half of the interior chamber being substantially symmetrical with the bottom half of the interior chamber.31. The shoe of claim 1, further including at least one wall proximate at least a portion of the peripheral portions of the plate and extending in an upwardly direction from the plate, the at least one wall being made of the same material as the plate and being integral with the plate.32. The shoe of claim 31, wherein the at least one wall integral with the plate is visible from at least one of the medial side of the shoe, the lateral side of the shoe, and the rear of the shoe.33. The shoe of claim 31, further including at least one wall integral with the arch bridge proximate at least one of the medial side of the shoe and the lateral side of the shoe and extending in an upwardly direction from the arch bridge, the at least one wall of the arch bridge being made of the same material as the plate and being visible at least in part from outside the shoe.34. The shoe of claim 33, wherein the at least one upwardly extending wall of the arch bridge is integral with the at least one upwardly extending wall of the plate.35. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe.36. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from the bottom of the shoe.37. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the shoe has an elevated portion extending from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe below at least a portion of the arch region of the upper that is non-ground-engaging.38. The shoe of claim 37, wherein the elevated portion extends below at least a substantial portion of the arch region of the upper.39. The shoe of claim 37, wherein the elevated portion extends below substantially the entire arch region of the upper.40. The shoe of claim 37, wherein at least a forward portion of the elevated portion proximate the medial side of the shoe is inclined upwardly in a direction toward the rear of the shoe.41. The shoe of claim 37, wherein at least a rearward portion of the elevated portion proximate the medial side of the shoe is inclined upwardly in a direction toward a front of the shoe.42. The shoe of claim 37, wherein the rear sole includes an elevated portion formed of a first material that is non-ground-engaging, at least a portion of the elevated portion of the bottom below the arch region being formed of a second material different from the first material.43. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe, the lower surface of a peripheral region of the arch bridge along the lateral side of the shoe being approximately planar with the lower surface of the plate for at least a substantial portion of the full extension of the arch bridge as measured along an axis that is parallel with the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.44. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the interior portion of the plate is capable of being deflected relative to at least a portion of the peripheral portions of the plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.45. The shoe of claim 1, wherein one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the medial side of the shoe and one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the lateral side of the shoe.46. The shoe of claim 1, wherein one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the medial side of the shoe, one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the lateral side of the shoe and one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the rear of the shoe.47. The shoe of claim 46, wherein the major longitudinal axis intersects the rear of the shoe at a point, the portion of the peripheral portions proximate the rear of the shoe being proximate the point.48. The shoe of claim 46, wherein the plate portion proximate the medial side of the shoe and the plate portion proximate the lateral side of the shoe each contact a portion of a wall, each of the wall portions extending in at least one of an upwardly and a downwardly direction from the plate, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the medial side of the shoe being located on the medial side of the shoe and being exposed to and visible from the medial side of the shoe, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the lateral side of the shoe being located on the lateral side of the shoe and being exposed to and visible from the lateral side of the shoe, the plate and the wall portions each being made of a plastic material.49. The shoe of claim 48, wherein the wall portions are integrally formed with the plate.50. The shoe of claim 48, wherein the plate portion proximate the rear of the shoe contacts a portion of a wall, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the rear of the shoe extending in at least one of an upwardly and a downwardly direction from the plate and being exposed to and visible from the rear of the shoe, the plate and the wall portions each being made of a plastic material.51. The shoe of claim 50, wherein the wall portions are integrally formed with the plate and with each other.52. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the interior portion of the plate is positioned at least in part beneath the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe.53. The shoe of claim 52, wherein the interior portion of the plate that is positioned at least in part beneath the calcaneus of the wearer is positioned at least in part beneath the approximate center of the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe.54. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plate extends under at least a majority of the area occupied by the heel region.55. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plate extends under at least two-thirds of the area occupied by the heel region.56. The shoe of claim 55, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.57. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.58. The shoe of claim 49, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.59. The shoe of claim 51, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.60. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear sole includes a vertical central axis passing through the bottom of the shoe and the heel region of the upper, the vertical central axis of the rear sole being generally perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe and being completely surrounded by at least a portion of the plate.61. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear sole has a width from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe, the plate forming a support bridge across the width of the rear sole from a point proximate the medial side of the shoe to a point proximate the lateral side of the shoe.62. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the interior portion of the plate is supported by a portion of the medial side of the shoe and a portion of the lateral side of the shoe.63. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear sole has a width from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe, the plate being adapted to support laterally the heel of a wearer across the entire width of the rear sole.64. The shoe of claim 1, the rear sole further including an outsole material having a layer with a thickness, the layer having an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral portion and an interior portion, the interior portion of the layer having an interior sidewall connecting the lower surface with the upper surface, the interior sidewall of the layer being visible from beneath the shoe, at least a portion of the interior sidewall of the layer being located beneath at least a portion of the interior portion of the plate.65. The shoe of claim 64, wherein the plate is visible from beneath the shoe.66. The shoe of claim 65, wherein the rear sole includes a ground-engaging portion formed of a first material, the plate being formed of a second material different from that of the first material of the ground-engaging portion of the rear sole.67. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the shoe includes a ground-engaging portion, at least a portion of the plate being visible from the bottom of the shoe between at least two portions of the ground engaging portion of the shoe.68. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear sole has a bottom surface with a perimeter and a ground-engaging portion, the ground-engaging portion of the bottom surface including at least one substantially planar portion having an outer edge proximate a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole, the at least one substantially planar portion being located proximate at least one of the medial side of the shoe and the lateral side of the shoe, the ground-engaging portion of the bottom surface including at least one portion non-planar with the at least one substantially planar portion, the at least one non-planar portion positioned proximate the perimeter of the bottom surface and inclined upwardly in a direction toward the perimeter of the bottom surface from another portion of the bottom surface, the at least one non-planar portion having an outer edge proximate a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface and proximate a rearward portion of the rear sole, the portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole to which the outer edge of the at least one substantially planar portion is proximate and the portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole to which the outer edge of the at least one non-planar portion is proximate each having the shape of an arc of a circle, the circle having a diameter no greater than the maximum width of the bottom surface of the rear sole as measured on a line generally perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe from a point on the medial side of the shoe to a point on the lateral side of the shoe.69. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear sole has a bottom surface with a perimeter and a center located beneath the approximate center of the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe, the bottom surface having at least two portions which are beveled in different directions away from the center of the rear sole, each of the beveled portions defining at least in part the perimeter of the rear sole.70. The shoe of claim 69, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the forward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward a front of the shoe.71. The shoe of claim 69, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the rearward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward the rear of the shoe.72. The shoe of claim 69, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the forward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward a front of the shoe and one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the rearward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward the rear of the shoe.73. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear sole has a perimeter and a bottom surface at least a portion of which is ground-engaging, the bottom surface of the rear sole including at least one substantially planar portion and at least two portions non-planar with the at least one substantially planar portion, the non-planar portions being positioned proximate the perimeter of the rear sole and separated from each other by other portions of the bottom surface of the rear sole, each of the non-planar portions being inclined upwardly from another portion of the bottom surface of the rear sole in a direction toward the perimeter of the rear sole, one of the at least two non-planar portions being proximate the rearward portion of the rear sole, and at least a portion of another of the at least two non-planar portions being proximate the forward portion of the rear sole.74. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper includes an open interior, further including at least one opening extending upwardly from the bottom of the shoe and being in air communication with the open interior of the upper.75. The shoe of claim 1, further including at least one rib integral with at least a portion of the lower surface of the plate and being visible from outside the shoe.76. The shoe of claim 75, wherein the at least one rib includes a plurality of ribs.77. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the interior chamber has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion connecting the top and bottom portions, a height parallel with the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and a transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber being variable in the middle portion.78. The shoe of claim 77, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-fourth the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-half the height of the interior chamber.79. The shoe of claim 77, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber.80. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the interior chamber has a top portion, a bottom portion, a height parallel with the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure between the top portion and the bottom portion of the interior chamber and a transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber being variable along at least a portion of the height of the interior chamber.81. The shoe of claim 1, further including at least one inflated cushion.82. The shoe of claim 81, wherein the at least one inflated cushion is spaced apart from the plate during the entire gait cycle of the wearer.83. The shoe of claim 81, including a forward sole, at least one of the at least one inflated cushion being located in the forward sole.84. A shoe comprising:a bottom; a major longitudinal axis; an upper having an arch region and a heel region; a rear sole including an outsole and a midsole secured below the heel region of the upper, the rear sole having a forward portion and an opposite rearward portion connected below the heel region of the upper; a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, an interior portion and peripheral portions and positioned between at least a portion of the outsole of the rear sole and at least a portion of the heel region of the upper, at least one of the peripheral portions of the plate being proximate at least one of a medial side of the shoe, a lateral side of the shoe and a rear of the shoe, the interior portion of the plate being positioned over a void and exposed to the void, at least a portion of the plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe; at least one opening in the shoe, the opening being in communication with the void to expose the interior portion of the plate from outside the shoe through the opening and the void; an arch bridge integral with the plate extending from a position proximate a forward portion of the plate, forward beneath at least a portion of the arch region of the upper; and a substantially air-tight enclosure located at least in part beneath a portion of the plate, the air-tight enclosure having a top, a bottom, a vertical central axis passing through the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure, at least one sidewall connecting the top and bottom of the air-tight enclosure and having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the air-tight enclosure having a single interior chamber defined at least in part by the interior surface of the at least one sidewall, the interior chamber being the only chamber any portion of which is located on any line between at least a portion of the bottom of the shoe and at least a portion of the upper that is generally parallel with the vertical central axis and passes through any portion of the interior chamber, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure, the interior surface of the at least one sidewall having at least two portions each of which is substantially non-parallel with the vertical central axis, at least one of the portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the upper, another of the at least two portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the bottom of the shoe, the at least two portions converging toward each other, permanently connecting with each other and forming an apex, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall being exposed to and visible from at least one of the medial side of the shoe, the lateral side of the shoe and the rear of the shoe. 85. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a maximum transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure by a distance of at least one-half the maximum transverse cross-section dimension of the interior chamber.86. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a minimum transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure by a distance of at least one-half the minimum transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber.87. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being interior generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a height parallel with the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and a transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls that is variable along at least a portion of the height of the interior chamber.88. The shoe of claim 87, wherein the interior chamber has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion connecting the top and bottom portions, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber being variable in the middle portion.89. The shoe of claim 88, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-fourth the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-half the height of the interior chamber.90. The shoe of claim 88, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber.91. The shoe of claim 84, wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber has a substantially circular shape in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.92. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the interior chamber has a height parallel with the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, the interior chamber having the shape of an arc of a circle along at least a portion of the height of the interior chamber.93. The shoe of claim 92, wherein the interior chamber has the shape of an arc of a circle along at least a substantial portion of the height of the interior chamber.94. The shoe of claim 84, wherein each of the at least two portions of the interior surface has a maximum vertical dimension as measured from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis and intersecting the apex, the maximum vertical dimension of each portion being substantially the same.95. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the at least two portions of the interior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane parallel with the vertical central axis.96. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the at least two portions of the interior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis.97. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the apex is an apex of a curve.98. The shoe of claim 97, wherein the curve is generally concave relative to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.99. The shoe of claim 97, wherein the curve is capable of being bisected at the apex by a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.100. The shoe of claim 97, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall with an interior surface, the interior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in the direction toward another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior surface of each of the sidewalls having at least one curve therein.101. The shoe of claim 100, wherein the curves are in communication with each other.102. The shoe of claim 100, wherein the curves along the interior surface of each of the sidewalls are symmetrical in shape.103. The shoe of claim 102, wherein the curves are capable of being bisected by the same plane.104. The shoe of claim 100, wherein the curves are capable of being bisected by the same plane.105. The shoe of claim 100, wherein the curves are not of the same curve.106. The shoe of claim 100, wherein the curves are concave relative to each other.107. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the at least one sidewall has a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface, the thickness being substantially uniform.108. The shoe of claim 84, wherein at least one of the interior surface of the at least one sidewall and the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall has at least one curved portion in a plane generally parallel with the vertical central axis.109. The shoe of claim 84, wherein at least one of the interior surface of the at least one sidewall and the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall has at least one curved portion in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.110. The shoe of claim 108, wherein the at least one sidewall has a substantially uniform thickness along the curved portion as measured on a line substantially parallel with the vertical central axis.111. The shoe of claim 84, wherein at least one of the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a portion that is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.112. The shoe of claim 84, wherein each of the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a portion that is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.113. The shoe of claim 84, wherein at least a portion of the bottom of the air-tight enclosure is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.114. The shoe of claim 84, wherein at least a portion of the top of the air-tight enclosure is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.115. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the top of the air-tight enclosure forms an opening centered at the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and in communication with the plate.116. The shoe of claim 84, the top of the air-tight enclosure has a perimeter around the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, at least a portion of the perimeter being substantially flat and in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.117. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a perimeter around the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, at least a portion of the perimeter being substantially flat and in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.118. The shoe of claim 84, wherein each of the upper and the rear sole includes a peripheral region, the air-tight enclosure being located at least in part between a portion of the peripheral region of the upper and a portion of the peripheral region of the rear sole.119. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the interior chamber is capable of being bisected into a top half and a bottom half, the top half of the interior chamber being substantially symmetrical with the bottom half of the interior chamber.120. The shoe of claim 84, further including at least one wall proximate at least a portion of the peripheral portions of the plate and extending in an upwardly direction from the plate, the at least one wall being made of the same material as the plate and being integral with the plate.121. The shoe of claim 120, wherein the at least one wall integral with the plate is visible from at least one of the medial side of the shoe, the lateral side of the shoe, and the rear of the shoe.122. The shoe of claim 120, further including at least one wall integral with the arch bridge proximate at least one of the medial side of the shoe and the lateral side of the shoe and extending in an upwardly direction from the arch bridge, the at least one wall of the arch bridge being made of the same material as the plate and being visible at least in part from outside the shoe.123. The shoe of claim 122, wherein the at least one upwardly extending wall of the arch bridge is integral with the at least one upwardly extending wall of the plate.124. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe.125. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from the bottom of the shoe.126. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the bottom of the shoe has an elevated portion extending from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe below at least a portion of the arch region of the upper that is non-ground-engaging.127. The shoe of claim 126, wherein the elevated portion extends below at least a substantial portion of the arch region of the upper.128. The shoe of claim 126, wherein the elevated portion extends below substantially the entire arch region of the upper.129. The shoe of claim 126, wherein at least a forward portion of the elevated portion proximate the medial side of the shoe is inclined upwardly in a direction toward the rear of the shoe.130. The shoe of claim 126, wherein at least a rearward portion of the elevated portion proximate the medial side of the shoe is inclined upwardly in a direction toward a front of the shoe.131. The shoe of claim 126, wherein the rear sole includes a elevated portion formed of a first material that is non-ground-engaging at least a portion of the elevated portion of the bottom below the arch region being formed of a second material different from the first material.132. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe, the lower surface of a peripheral region of the arch bridge along the lateral side of the shoe being approximately planar with the lower surface of the plate for at least a substantial portion of the full extension of the arch bridge as measured along an axis that is parallel with the major longitudinal axis the shoe.133. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the portions converging toward each other converge in a direction toward the vertical central axis.134. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the portions converging toward each other converge in a direction away from the vertical central axis.135. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure intersects the top of the air-tight enclosure at a first point and intersects the bottom of the air-tight enclosure at a second point, the apex having a distance from the first point as measured in a straight line and a distance from the second point as measured in a straight line, the distances being approximately the same.136. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the interior portion of the plate is capable of being deflected relative to at least a portion of the peripheral portions of the plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.137. The shoe of claim 84, wherein one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the medial side of the shoe and one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the lateral side of the shoe.138. The shoe of claim 84, wherein one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the medial side of the shoe, one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the lateral side of the shoe and one of the peripheral portions of the plate proximate the rear of the shoe.139. The shoe of claim 138, wherein the major longitudinal axis intersects the rear of the shoe at a point, the portion of the peripheral portions proximate the rear of the shoe being proximate the point.140. The shoe of claim 138, wherein the plate portion proximate the medial side of the shoe and the plate portion proximate the lateral side of the shoe each contact a portion of a wall, each of the wall portions extending in at least one of an upwardly and a downwardly direction from the plate, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the medial side of the shoe being located on the medial side of the shoe and being exposed to and visible from the medial side of the shoe, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the lateral side of the shoe being located on the lateral side of the shoe and being exposed to and visible from the lateral side of the shoe, the plate and the wall portions each being made of a plastic material.141. The shoe of claim 140, wherein the wall portions are integrally formed with the plate.142. The shoe of claim 140, wherein the plate portion proximate the rear of the shoe contacts a portion of a wall, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the rear of the shoe extending in at least one of an upwardly and a downwardly direction from the plate and being exposed to and visible from the rear of the shoe, the plate and the wall portions each being made of a plastic material.143. The shoe of claim 142, wherein the wall portions integrally formed with the plate and with each other.144. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the interior portion of the plate is positioned at least in part beneath the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe.145. The shoe of claim 144, wherein the interior portion of the plate that is positioned at least in part beneath the calcaneus of the wearer is positioned at least in part beneath the approximate center of the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe.146. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the plate extends under at least a majority of the area occupied by the heel region.147. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the plate extends under at least two-thirds of the area occupied by the heel region.148. The shoe of claim 147, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.149. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the peel region.150. The shoe of claim 141, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied the heel region.151. The shoe of claim 143, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.152. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the rear sole includes a vertical central axis passing through the bottom of the shoe and the heel region of the upper, the vertical central axis of the rear sole being generally perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe and being completely surrounded by at least a portion of the plate.153. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the rear sole has a width from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe, the plate forming a support bridge across the width of the rear sole from a point proximate the medial side of the shoe to a point proximate lateral side of the shoe.154. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the interior portion of the plate is supported by a portion of the medial side of the shoe and a portion of the lateral side of the shoe.155. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the rear sole has a width from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe, the plate being adapted to support laterally the heel wearer across the entire width of the rear sole.156. The shoe of claim 84, the rear sole further including an outsole material having a layer with a thickness, the layer having an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral portion and an interior portion, the interior portion of the layer having an interior sidewall connecting the lower surface with the upper surface, the interior sidewall of the layer being visible from beneath the shoe, at least a portion of the interior sidewall of the layer being located beneath at least a portion of the interior portion of the plate.157. The shoe of claim 156, wherein the plate is visible from beneath the shoe.158. The shoe of claim 157, wherein the rear sole includes a ground-engaging portion formed of a first material, the plate being formed of a second material different from that of the first material of the ground-engaging portion of the rear sole.159. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the bottom of the shoe includes a ground-engaging portion, at least a portion of the plate being visible from the bottom of the shoe between at least two portions of the ground engaging portion of the bottom of the shoe.160. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the rear sole has a bottom surface with a perimeter and a ground-engaging portion, the ground-engaging portion of the bottom surface including at least one substantially planar portion having an outer edge proximate a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole, the at least one substantially planar portion being located proximate at least one of the medial side of the shoe and the lateral side of the shoe, the ground-engaging portion of the bottom surface including at least one portion non-planar with the at least one substantially planar portion, the at least one non-planar portion positioned proximate the perimeter of the bottom surface and inclined upwardly in a direction toward the perimeter of the bottom surface from another portion of the bottom surface, the at least one non-planar portion having an outer edge proximate a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface and proximate a rearward portion of the rear sole, the portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole to which the outer edge of the at least one substantially planar portion is proximate and the portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole to which the outer edge of the at least one non-planar portion is proximate each having the shape of an arc of a circle, the circle having a diameter no greater than the maximum width of the bottom surface of the rear sole as measured on a line generally perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe from a point on the medial side of the shoe to a point on the lateral side of the shoe.161. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the rear sole has a bottom surface with a perimeter and a center located beneath the approximate center of the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe, the bottom surface having at least two portions which are beveled in different directions away from the center of the rear sole, each of the beveled portions defining at least in part the perimeter of the rear sole.162. The shoe of claim 161, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the forward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward a front of the shoe.163. The shoe of claim 161, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the rearward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward the rear of the shoe.164. The shoe of claim 161, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the forward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward a front of the shoe and one of the at least beveled portions is located at least in part in the rearward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward the rear of the shoe.165. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the rear sole has a perimeter and a bottom surface at least a portion of which is ground-engaging, the bottom surface of the rear sole including at least one substantially planar portion and at least two portions non-planar with the at least one substantially planar portion, the non-planar portions being positioned proximate the perimeter of the rear sole and separated from each other by other portions of the bottom surface of the rear sole, each of the non-planar portions being inclined upwardly from another portion of the bottom surface of the rear sole in a direction toward the perimeter of the rear sole, one of the at least two non-planar portions being proximate the rearward portion of the rear sole, and at least a portion of another of the at least two non-planar portions being proximate the forward portion of the rear sole.166. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the upper includes an open interior, further including at least one opening extending upwardly from the bottom of the shoe and being in air communication with the open interior of the upper.167. The shoe of claim 84, further including at least one rib integral with at least a portion of the lower surface of the plate and being visible from outside the shoe.168. The shoe of claim 167, wherein the at least one rib includes a plurality of ribs.169. The shoe of claim 84, wherein the interior chamber has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion connecting the top and bottom portions, a height parallel with the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and a transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber being variable in the middle portion.170. The shoe of claim 169, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-fourth the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-half the height of the interior chamber.171. The shoe of claim 169, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber.172. The shoe of claim 84, further including at least one inflated cushion.173. The shoe of claim 172, wherein the at least one inflated cushion is spaced apart from the plate during the entire gait cycle of the wearer.174. The shoe of claim 172, including a forward sole, at least one of the at least one inflated cushion being located in the forward sole.175. A shoe comprising:a bottom; a major longitudinal axis; an upper having an arch region and a heel region; a rear sole including an outsole and a midsole secured below the heel region of the upper, the rear sole having a forward portion and an opposite rearward portion connected below the heel region of the upper; a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, an interior portion and peripheral portions and positioned between at least a portion of the outsole of the rear sole and at least a portion of the heel region of the upper, at least one of the peripheral portions of the plate being proximate at least one of a medial side of the shoe, a lateral side of the shoe and a rear of the shoe, the interior portion of the plate being positioned over a void and exposed to the void, at least a portion of the plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe; at least one opening in the shoe, the opening being in communication with the void to expose the interior portion of the plate from outside the shoe through the opening and the void; an arch bridge integral with the plate extending from a position proximate a forward portion of the plate, forward beneath at least a portion of the arch region of the upper; and a substantially air-tight enclosure located at least in part beneath a portion of the plate, the air-tight enclosure having a top, a bottom, a vertical central axis passing through the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure, at least one sidewall connecting the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure and having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the air-tight enclosure having a single interior chamber defined at least in part by the interior surface of the at least one sidewall, the interior chamber being the only chamber any portion of which is located on any line between at least a portion of the bottom of the shoe and at least a portion of the upper that is generally parallel with the vertical central axis and passes through any portion of the interior chamber, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure, the interior surface of the at least one sidewall having at least two interior portions each of which substantially non-parallel with the vertical central axis, at least one of the interior portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the upper, another of the at least two interior portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the bottom of the shoe, the at least two interior portions converging toward each other, permanently connecting with each other and forming an apex, the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall having at least two exterior portions each of which is substantially non-parallel with the vertical central axis, at least one of the exterior portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the upper, another of the at least two exterior portions being oriented at least in part in a direction toward a portion of the bottom of the shoe, the at least two exterior portions converging toward each other, permanently connecting with each other and forming an apex, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall being exposed to and visible from at least one of the medial side of the shoe, the lateral side of the shoe and the rear of the shoe. 176. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the exterior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a maximum transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure by a distance of at least one-half the maximum transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber.177. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the air-tight enclosure includes at least a second sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the exterior surface of one of the at least two sidewalls being oriented generally in a direction toward the interior surface of another of the at least two sidewalls, the interior chamber having a minimum transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and between the interior surfaces of the at least two sidewalls, the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure being spaced apart from a vertical central axis of any other air-tight enclosure by a distance of at least one-half the minimum transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber.178. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the two exterior portions converge toward each other in a direction away from the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.179. The shoe of claim 175, wherein each of the at least two exterior portions of the exterior surface has a maximum vertical dimension as measured from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis and intersecting the apex, the maximum vertical dimension of each portion being substantially the same.180. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the at least two exterior portions of the exterior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane parallel with the vertical central axis.181. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the at least two exterior portions of the exterior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis.182. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the apex connecting the two exterior portions is an apex of an exterior curve.183. The shoe of claim 182, wherein the exterior curve is convex.184. The shoe of claim 182, wherein the exterior curve is generally concave relative to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.185. The shoe of claim 182, wherein the exterior curve is capable of being bisected at the apex by a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.186. The shoe of claim 182, wherein at least a portion of the exterior curve has the shape of an arc of a circle.187. The shoe of claim 182, wherein the exterior curve is generally semicircular in shape.188. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the at least two interior portions of the interior surface converge toward each other in a direction away from the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.189. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the two interior portions converge toward each other in a direction toward the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.190. The shoe of claim 175, wherein each of the at least two interior portions of the interior surface has a maximum vertical dimension as measured from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the vertical central axis and intersecting the apex, the maximum vertical dimension of each portion being substantially the same.191. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the at least two interior portions of the interior surface are approximately symmetrical with each other in a plane parallel with the vertical central axis.192. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the apex connecting the two interior portions is an apex of an interior curve.193. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the interior curve is generally concave relative to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.194. The shoe of claim 192, wherein the interior curve is generally convex relative, to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.195. The shoe of claim 192, wherein the interior curve is capable of being bisected at the apex by a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.196. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the apex connecting the two interior portions of the interior surface and the apex connecting the two exterior portions of the exterior surface are both in a single plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.197. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the two interior portions of the interior surface and the two exterior portions of the exterior surface both converge in a direction away from the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.198. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the apex connecting the two interior portions of the interior surface and the apex connecting the two exterior portions of the exterior surface are each an apex of a curve.199. The shoe of claim 198, wherein the curve of the exterior surface and the curve of the interior surface both converge in a direction away from the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure.200. The shoe of claim 198, wherein at least one of the curve of the exterior surface and the curve of the interior surface is capable of being bisected by a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis.201. The shoe of claim 198, wherein the curve of the exterior surface and the curve of the interior surface are capable of being bisected by the same plane.202. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the at least one sidewall has a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface of the at least one sidewall, the thickness being substantially uniform.203. The shoe of claim 175, wherein at least one of the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a portion that is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.204. The shoe of claim 175, wherein each of the top and the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has a portion that is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.205. The shoe of claim 175, wherein at least a portion of the top of the air-tight enclosure is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.206. The shoe of claim 175, wherein at least a portion of the bottom of the air-tight enclosure is generally flat and perpendicular to the vertical central axis.207. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the top of the air-tight enclosure forms an opening centered at the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and in communication with the plate.208. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the top of the air-tight enclosure has a perimeter around the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, at least a portion of the perimeter being substantially flat and in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.209. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the bottom of the air-tight enclosure has perimeter around the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, at least a portion of the perimeter being substantially flat and in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis.210. The shoe of claim 175, wherein each of the upper and the rear sole includes a peripheral region, the air-tight enclosure being located at least in part between a portion of the peripheral region of the upper and a portion of the peripheral region of the rear sole.211. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the interior chamber is capable of being bisected into a top half and a bottom half, the top half of the interior chamber being substantially symmetrical with the bottom half of the interior chamber.212. The shoe of claim 175, further including at least one wall proximate at least portion of the peripheral portions of the plate and extending in an upwardly direction from the plate, the at least one wall being made of the same material as the plate and being integral with the plate.213. The shoe of claim 212, wherein the at least one wall integral with the plate is visible from at least one of the medial side of the shoe, the lateral side of the shoe, and the rear of the shoe.214. The shoe of claim 212, further including at least one wall integral with the arch bridge proximate at least one of the medial side of the shoe and the lateral side of the shoe and extending in an upwardly direction from the arch bridge, the at least one wall of the arch bridge being made of the same material as the plate and being visible at least in part from outside the shoe.215. The shoe of claim 214, wherein the at least one upwardly extending wall of the arch bridge is integral with the at least one upwardly extending wall of the plate.216. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe.217. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from the bottom of the shoe.218. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the bottom of the shoe has an elevated portion extending from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe below at least a portion of the arch region of the upper that is non-ground-engaging.219. The shoe of claim 218, wherein the elevated portion extends below at least a substantial portion of the arch region of the upper.220. The shoe of claim 218, wherein the elevated portion extends below substantially the entire arch region of the upper.221. The shoe of claim 218, wherein at least a forward portion of the elevated portion proximate the medial side of the shoe is inclined upwardly in a direction toward the rear of the shoe.222. The shoe of claim 218, wherein at least a rearward portion of the elevated portion proximate the medial side of the shoe is inclined upwardly in a direction toward a front of the shoe.223. The shoe of claim 218, wherein the rear sole includes an elevated portion formed of a first material that is non-ground engaging, at least a portion of the elevated portion of the bottom below the arch region being formed of a second material different from the first material.224. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the arch bridge has a lower surface that is at least in part visible from outside the shoe, the lower surface of a peripheral region of the arch bridge along the lateral side of the shoe being approximately planar with the lower surface of the plate for at least a substantial portion of the full extension of the arch bridge as measured along an axis that is parallel with the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.225. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the interior portion of the plate is capable of being deflected relative to at least a portion of the peripheral portions of the plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.226. The shoe of claim 175, wherein one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the medial side of the shoe and one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the lateral side of the shoe.227. The shoe of claim 175, wherein one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the medial side of the shoe, one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the lateral side of the shoe and one of the peripheral portions of the plate is proximate the rear of the shoe.228. The shoe of claim 227, wherein the major longitudinal axis intersects the rear of the shoe at a point, the portion of the peripheral portions proximate the rear of the shoe being proximate the point.229. The shoe of claim 227, wherein the plate portion proximate the medial side of the shoe and the plate portion proximate the lateral side of the shoe each contact a portion of a wall, each of the wall portions extending in at least one of an upwardly and a downwardly direction from the plate, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the medial side of the shoe being located on the medial side of the shoe and being exposed to and visible from the medial side of the shoe, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the lateral side of the shoe being located on the lateral side of the shoe and being exposed to and visible from the lateral side of the shoe, the plate and the wall portions each being made of a plastic material.230. The shoe of claim 229, wherein the wall portions are integrally formed with the plate.231. The shoe of claim 229, wherein the plate portion proximate the rear of the shoe contacts a portion of a wall, the wall portion contacted by the plate portion proximate the rear of the shoe extending in at least one of an upwardly and a downwardly direction from the plate and being exposed to and visible from the rear of the shoe, the plate and the wall portions each being made of a plastic material.232. The shoe of claim 231, wherein the wall portions are integrally formed with the plate and with each other.233. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the interior portion of the plate is positioned at least in part beneath the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe.234. The shoe of claim 233, wherein the interior portion of the plate that is positioned at least in part beneath the calcaneus of the wearer is positioned at least in part beneath the approximate center of the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe.235. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the plate extends under at least a majority of the area occupied by the heel region.236. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the plate extends under at least two-thirds of the area occupied by the heel region.237. The shoe of claim 236, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.238. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.239. The shoe of claim 230, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.240. The shoe of claim 232, wherein the plate extends under substantially the entire area occupied by the heel region.241. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the rear sole includes a vertical central axis passing through the bottom of the shoe and the heel region of the upper, the vertical central axis of the rear sole being generally perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe and being completely surrounded by at least a portion of the plate.242. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the rear sole has a width from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe, the plate forming a support bridge across the width of the rear sole from a point proximate the medial side of the shoe to a point proximate the lateral side of the shoe.243. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the interior portion of the plate is supported by a portion of the medial side of the shoe and a portion of the lateral side of the shoe.244. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the rear sole has a width from the medial side of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe, the plate being adapted to support laterally the heel of a wearer across the entire width of the rear sole.245. The shoe of claim 175, the rear sole further including an outsole material having a layer with a thickness, the layer having an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral portion and an interior portion, the interior portion of the layer having an interior sidewall connecting the lower surface with the upper surface, the interior sidewall of the layer being visible from beneath the shoe, at least a portion of the interior sidewall of the layer being located beneath at least a portion of the interior portion of the plate.246. The shoe of claim 245, wherein the plate is visible from beneath the shoe.247. The shoe of claim 246, wherein the rear sole includes a ground-engaging portion formed of a first material, the plate being formed of a second material different from that of the first material of the ground-engaging portion of the rear sole.248. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the bottom of the shoe includes a ground-engaging portion, at least a portion of the plate being visible from the bottom of the shoe between at least two portions of the ground engaging portion of the bottom of the shoe.249. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the rear sole has a bottom surface with a perimeter and a ground-engaging portion, the ground-engaging portion of the bottom surface including at least one substantially planar portion having an outer edge proximate a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole, the at least one substantially planar portion being located proximate at least one of the medial side of the shoe and the lateral side of the shoe, the ground-engaging portion of the bottom surface including at least one portion non-planar with the at least one substantially planar portion, the at least one non-planar portion positioned proximate the perimeter of the bottom surface and inclined upwardly in a direction toward the perimeter of the bottom surface from another portion of the bottom surface, the at least one non-planar portion having an outer edge proximate a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface and proximate a rearward portion of the rear sole, the portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole to which the outer edge of the at least one substantially planar portion is proximate and the portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the rear sole to which the outer edge of the at least one non-planar portion is proximate each having the shape of an arc of a circle, the circle having a diameter no greater than the maximum width of the bottom surface of the rear sole as measured on a line generally perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe from a point on the medial side of the shoe to a point on the lateral side of the shoe.250. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the rear sole has a bottom surface with a perimeter and a center located beneath the approximate center of the calcaneus of the wearer of the shoe, the bottom surface having at least two portions which are beveled in different directions away from the center of the rear sole, each of the beveled portions defining at least in part the perimeter of the rear sole.251. The shoe of claim 250, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the forward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward a front of the shoe.252. The shoe of claim 250, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the rearward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward the rear of the shoe.253. The shoe of claim 250, wherein one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the forward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward a front of the shoe and one of the at least two beveled portions is located at least in part in the rearward portion of the rear sole and is oriented at least in part toward the rear of the shoe.254. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the rear sole has a perimeter and a bottom surface at least a portion of which is ground-engaging, the bottom surface of the rear sole including at least one substantially planar portion and at least two portions non-planar with the at least one substantially planar portion, the non-planar portions being positioned proximate the perimeter of the rear sole and separated from each other by other portions of the bottom surface of the rear sole, each of the non-planar portions being inclined upwardly from another portion of the bottom surface of the rear sole in a direction toward the perimeter of the rear sole, one of the at least two non-planar portions being proximate the rearward portion of the rear sole, and at least a portion of another of the at least two non-planar portions being proximate the forward port on of the rear sole.255. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the upper includes an open interior, further including at least one opening extending upwardly from the bottom of the shoe and being in air communication with the open interior of the upper.256. The shoe of claim 175, further including at least one rib integral with at least a portion of the lower surface of the plate and being visible from outside the shoe.257. The shoe of claim 256, wherein the at least one rib includes a plurality of ribs.258. The shoe of claim 175, wherein the interior chamber has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion connecting the top and bottom portions, a height parallel with the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure and a transverse cross-sectional dimension in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the air-tight enclosure, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the interior chamber being variable in the middle portion.259. The shoe of claim 258, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-fourth the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-half the height of the interior chamber.260. The shoe of claim 258, wherein the top and bottom portions of the interior chamber are each approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber and the middle portion is approximately one-third the height of the interior chamber.261. The shoe of claim 175, further including at least one inflated cushion.262. The shoe of claim 261, wherein the at least one inflated cushion is spaced apart from the plate during the entire gait cycle of the wearer.263. The shoe of claim 261, including a forward sole at least one of the at least one inflated cushion being located in the forward sole.
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