Interchangeable Footbed for Footwear and a Modular Shoe System Having an Interchangeable Footbed

This This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/531,437, filed Dec. 6, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/430,646 filed on Dec. 6, 2022, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure is directed to an interchangeable footbed for footwear and footwear having an interchangeable footbed, and more particularly, to an interchangeable footbed for a modular shoe system, and a modular shoe system having an interchangeable footbed, and more particularly, to an interlocking fastener system suitable for an interchangeable footbed for footwear and for a modular shoe system.

Activities such as walking, hiking, running, water sports, going to work or lounging at home may be associated with specialized footwear that is geared primarily toward a single activity or condition and that provided specialized performance or preference features associated with a particular activity. For example, conventional walking shoes may have special cushions and support to promote a natural gait while walking, while hiking shoes may have stiffer support to secure a user's foot while on a trail. On the other hand, some conventional shoes may be configured specifically to provide warmth and comfort for lounging at home.

Furthermore, conventional insoles and shoe cushions are unsuitable for usage with footwear having open backs, such as slides, sandals, mules, clogs, etc. In these types of footwear, prior art insoles are insufficient because they fail to stay secured, provide adequate comfort, fit appropriately, or otherwise satisfy the objectives of the invention disclosed herein. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved insole that, by virtue of its configuration of being insertable and removable, allows for an insole that provides improved orthotic properties, such as providing improved support, comfort, stability, and longevity. Furthermore, the present invention provides an improved insole that, by virtue of its configuration of being insertable and removable using interlocking protuberances, allows for an insole that stays secured while also providing improved orthotic properties, such as improved support, comfort, stability, and longevity. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved insole that, by virtue of its configuration of being insertable, removable, and interchangeable, allows for an insole that is easily and selectively adaptable to any one of a plurality of different activities and/or conditions, as well as any one of a plurality of different aesthetic appearances. For example, the improved insole according to the present invention allows a user quickly and easily insert, replace, and/or interchange the insole to selectively adapt a single, modular shoe system to any one of a plurality of different activities and/or conditions, while at the same time providing suitable and desired performance features for the respective activities and/or conditions, thereby enabling a user to wear a preferred or favorite pair of shoes in a variety of different use cases. Additionally or alternatively, the improved insole according to the present invention allows a user to easily and selectively adapt a single, modular shoe system to any one of a plurality of different aesthetic appearances or to create their own custom and/or personalized aesthetic appearance, such as to easily and selectively choose and/or combine one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. of one or more components of a modular shoe system to look and/or feel a certain way. Conventional insoles are insufficient for meeting the needs provided by the disclosure set forth herein.

The present disclosure recognizes that, with conventional footwear, if a user wishes to perform a variety of activities or to perform under a plurality of conditions, then the user must often possess multiple pairs of shoes, with each pair being geared primarily toward a single activity or condition, and switch between the different pairs of shoes to provide specialized performance features or preference features associated with each of the various activities and/or conditions that the user wishes to perform. As a result, a user may undesirably incur costs associated with purchasing multiple pairs of specialized shoes for various desired activities. Possessing various pairs of specialized shoes also may require the user to store multiple pairs of specialized shoes, which may undesirably consume storage space in the user's home. Furthermore, if a user wishes to perform a variety of different activities and/or perform activities under a variety of different conditions during the same outing away from home, such as a long day trip away from home or while travelling for vacation or business, a user may need to pack and transport multiple pairs of specialized shoes, which may be particularly difficult in instances in which space (e.g., luggage space, space in a backpack, space in a vehicle) is limited, and/or instances in which additional costs may be incurred (e.g., airport baggage check fees), and/or in instances in which the user may need to physically bear the burden of carrying or transporting the multiple pairs of specialized shoes during a variety of activities (e.g., while hiking, walking, commuting, etc. to another location to perform a different activity and/or under a different condition).

Furthermore, the present embodiments recognize that the need for multiple pairs of specialized shoes can require consumption of additional material resources and energy during the manufacturing process of the various pairs of specialized shoes, which may create additional waste during manufacturing and/or when the specialized shoes have outlived their functional lifespan. The present embodiments also recognize that pairs of specialized shoes that offer specialized performance or preference features geared toward a single activity or condition may make those shoes undesirable to other users that have little or no interest in those specialized activities, for example, even in instances in which the user likes the style, fit, or feel of the shoes.

The present embodiments recognize that, while conventional secondary or supplementary insoles may be passively placed inside a shoe to provide a user with additional support or comfort, such conventional secondary or supplementary insoles commonly are limited to a specialized function, such as providing arch support, and do not adapt or modify the specialized purpose of the shoe. Moreover, such conventional secondary or supplementary insoles are not suitable for open-back shoes, such as slides, mules, sandals, clogs, and other types of open-back shoes, where the conventional secondary or supplementary insoles cannot be placed or retained inside the shoe. The present invention allows for improved orthotic benefits for open-backed shoes, such as improved comfort, stability, durability, and longevity that was previously unachievable. For example, conventional insoles are unsuitable for use in open-backed shoes because they do not stay in place, can deform, and do not provide adequate support and comfort. The foregoing disclosure explains that the interlocking protuberances, among other features, of the insole and footbed provide the foregoing benefits.

As a result, the present embodiments recognize that there is a need for footwear that is capable of selectively adapting to a plurality of activities and/or conditions, rather than being simply geared toward, or limited to, a single activity or use condition.

These problems, and others, are addressed by the present embodiments, a first exemplary embodiment of which comprises a footbed for a modular shoe system having a shoe base and an upper portion on the shoe base, the footbed comprising a first surface configured to face the upper portion of the modular shoe system when inserted into the modular shoe system and to support a foot of a user, and a second surface configured to face the shoe base of the modular shoe system when inserted into the modular shoe system, wherein the second surface includes at least one first interlocking element configured to interlock with at least one second interlocking element on the modular shoe system. In an example, the second surface includes a plurality of first interlocking elements configured to interlock with a plurality of second interlocking elements on the modular shoe system.

Another exemplary embodiment of which comprises a modular shoe system comprising a shoe base having a midsole, and a footbed on the midsole of the shoe base, wherein the midsole includes at least one first interlocking element and the footbed includes at least one second interlocking element, and the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed to the midsole of the shoe base. In an example, the midsole includes a plurality of first interlocking elements and the footbed includes a plurality of second interlocking elements, and the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed to the midsole of the shoe base.

In this way, the present embodiments can provide an interchangeable modular footbed for footwear, and a modular shoe system including an interchangeable modular footbed, and more particularly a plurality of interchangeable modular footbeds, that can be quickly and easily inserted, replaced, and/or interchanged to selectively adapt a single, modular shoe system to any one of a plurality of different activities and/or conditions, while at the same time providing suitable and desired performance features for the respective activities and/or conditions, thereby enabling a user to wear a preferred or favorite pair of shoes in a variety of different use cases, for example to meet their activity and/or wellness needs.

The exemplary embodiments also may enable a user to save costs by only having to purchase a single pair of shoes for a variety of desired activities and/or conditions, while also saving storage space in the user's home by reducing a number of shoes that need to be purchased. Additionally, when a user is travelling away from home, the exemplary embodiments also may enable a user to save cost and reduce luggage space/weight, etc. by providing a single shoe system that is configured to be selectively adapted to a plurality of different activities and/or conditions. For example, if a user is traveling and only has space to bring along one pair of shoes, but the user needs shoes capable of being used in a multitude of different ways, the exemplary embodiments can enable a user to bring a single pair of modular shoes, such as a single selected stylish pair of modular shoes, along with one or more additional compact footbed inserts for modifying the single pair of shoes for use in a variety of different activities and/or conditions without sacrificing performance features of the shoe.

Furthermore, the modular shoes according to the exemplary embodiments may reduce or limit the consumption of material resources and consumption of energy during manufacturing and may also reduce or limit waste during the manufacturing process or when the modular shoes have outlived their functional lifespan. In an example, the present embodiments can allow for the selective adaptation of, or the changing out of, the internal support system (i.e., the footbed of the shoe) based on, for example, specific conditions (e.g., environmental conditions), activity, orthotic need, and/or user preference.

Additionally, the present embodiments can provide an interchangeable modular footbed for footwear, and a modular shoe system including an interchangeable modular footbed, and more particularly a plurality of interchangeable modular footbeds, that can be quickly and easily inserted, replaced, and/or interchanged to easily and selectively adapt to any one of a plurality of different aesthetic appearances or to create a custom and/or personalized aesthetic appearance, such as to easily and selectively choose and/or combine one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. of one or more components of a modular shoe system to look and/or feel a certain way.

In an example, a modular shoe system can include an interlocking system that allows for an interchangeable footbed to be inserted or replaced into an interchangeable shoe base for use in a variety of use cases, such as comfort, support, wellness, aesthetics, specialized activity, and/or orthotic support. In a particular example, an interlocking midsole can be built into the sole of the shoe base thereby allowing a user to change out an interlocking footbed of the shoe base easily by selecting one of a plurality of footbeds having a matching interlocking mechanism allowing the footbeds to lock into the matching sole of the shoe easily, allowing the user to change out one footbed for another footbed based on a variety of different circumstances, uses, user preference, activity, comfort, orthotic, wellness, and/or aesthetic need, etc. For example, a modular shoe system can provide a variety of different footbed insert options with each available footbed insert, for example, catering to a specialized activity or activities such as hiking or walking, based on a variety of different orthotic needs, and/or based on a particular material (e.g., odor-absorbing material, sheepskin material for warmth, waterproof material, memory foam material that molds to a user's foot, etc.).

For example, and without limitation, a plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more pairs of footbeds for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as footbeds to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as footbeds that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more footbed inserts that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot.

In other examples, the plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more footbed inserts that aid or assist with identifying and/or learning, such as one or more footbeds having markings, patterns, characters (e.g., character faces), letters, numbers, textures, imprints, or the like that assist a user, such as a child, a disadvantaged person, or another person, to identify right from left shoes, to identify different footbeds having different uses, etc.

The exemplary interlocking system of the modular shoe system can securely retain the footbed on the shoe base and prevent or restrict the footbed from separating from the shoe base and falling out of the shoe. For example, when a selected footbed is aligned with the shoe base, an interlocking system on one or both of the shoe base and the footbed can enable the footbed to be reliably retained in place during use, while at the same time enabling the footbed to be removed easily allowing for the user to switch out one footbed for another footbed with ease.

In an example, the footbed can include at least one interlocking element (e.g., a first interlocking element) and the shoe base, such as a midsole, can include at least one other interlocking element (e.g., a second interlocking element).

In an example, the footbed can include a plurality of first interlocking elements and the shoe base can include a plurality of second interlocking elements. The plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements can be configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed to the midsole of the shoe base. In a preferred example, the shoe base can include a pattern of congruent and repeated interlocking elements having oval cross-sections that extend from (e.g., are elevated from) a midsole of the shoe base. A bottom of a footbed can include a corresponding or matching pattern of congruent and repeated interlocking elements having oval cross-sections that extend from the bottom of the footbed and configured to mate, connect, or interlock with the interlocking elements of the midsole of the shoe base.

In an example, a cross-section of the interlocking elements of the footbed can be substantially complimentary to a cross-section of the interlocking elements of the midsole of the shoe base. In this way, when the interlocking elements of the footbed are interlocked with the interlocking elements of the midsole of the shoe base, the footbed and the midsole of the shoe base form a united structure. In a particular example, the footbed and the midsole of the shoe base form a united structure with minimal or no spacing between the interlocking elements of the footbed and the interlocking elements of the midsole of the shoe base (e.g., fitting together like connected puzzle pieces).

In an example, the interlocking elements can include a wave pattern. For example, a cross-section of each wave can include a nub or protuberance at a crest of the wave, and more particularly, an oval-shaped nub or protuberance. In an example, a cross-section of each trough can be complementary to the cross-section of the crest of the waves such that a cross-section of each trough mirrors the cross-section of the crest of each wave. In such an example, each trough of an interlocking element can be configured to receive and tightly secure a protuberance at a crest of the wave of another interlocking element.

In an example, one or more of a cross-sectional size, shape, pattern, spacing, etc. of the interlocking elements can be uniform along a length of the midsole of the shoe base and/or footbed. The wave patterns can have a length extending across a width of each of the footbed and the midsole of the shoe base (e.g., extending laterally across a width of each of the footbed and the midsole of the shoe base). The cross-section of the wave patterns on each of the footbed and the midsole of the shoe base can be uniform or constant along the length of the wave pattern (e.g., along the entire length of the waves and troughs).

In another example, one or more of a size, shape, pattern, spacing, etc. of the interlocking elements can differ along a length of the midsole of the shoe base and/or footbed. In some examples, the interlocking elements can be formed along a length of the midsole of the shoe base and/or footbed (e.g., along an entire length). In other examples, the interlocking elements can be formed only in particular areas of the midsole of the shoe base and/or footbed, such as one or more interlocking elements, or groups of interlocking elements, being formed at different locations along a length of the midsole of the shoe base and/or footbed with spacing in between. In an example, one or more interlocking elements, or groups of interlocking elements, can be separated from another interlocking element, or group of interlocking elements, by a non-interlocking element or region, such as complimentary sinusoidal or square cross-sectional features, or a region that forms an air gap or a resilient feature, for example, to provide support, shock absorption, etc.

In an example, the interlocking elements can be configured such that the footbed is capable of being attached to or aligned with the shoe base in only a single way, such as a single position, arrangement, etc. For example, the interlocking elements can be configured such that a footbed for a right shoe can only be coupled to a shoe base of a right shoe and a footbed for a left shoe can only be coupled to a shoe base of a left shoe.

The interlocking elements, such as nub/wave features, connecting the footbeds to the midsole of the shoe base locking elements can be configured to allow the footbed to be removed and/or replaced (e.g., repeatedly removed and/or replaced) within the midsole of the shoe bed.

The exemplary embodiments can provide a support surface for a user's foot that is uniform, consistent, continuous, and/or flat, as well as a uniform aesthetic appearance, once the footbed is secured in place on the shoe base. The exemplary embodiments can provide a reliable securement system between the footbed and the base of the shoe such that the footbed will remain securely in place during any activity. When a user is done using a particular footbed and wants to switch out the footbed, for example, for another different footbed, the user can simply and easily pull the footbed to release the interlocking elements such that the footbed will detach from the base of the shoe allowing for the user to switch to a different desired footbed to easily be inserted in place of the removed footbed. In an example, the footbed can include one or more tabs (e.g., one or more small tabs, finger tabs, etc.), such as a tab located on or just behind the heel of the footbed. By pulling the tab located just behind the heel of the footbed, the footbed can be detached from the base of the shoe allowing for the user to remove the present footbed and switch to a different desired footbed.

In an example, each pair of footbeds can be configured to lock together to provide ease of storage and organization when the pair of footbeds are not in use in the shoe system. For example, the interlocking elements of the left and right footbeds can be configured to lock together to secure the footbeds to each other, thereby enabling the corresponding footbeds to be securely stored together and transported as a pair of footbeds in an organized way and minimizing a risk of loss of one of the footbeds of the pair, or mixing up of different types of available footbeds, etc. when the pair of footbeds are not in use in the shoe system.

The features of the exemplary embodiments may be particularly advantageous for users that seek to wear open-back shoes, such as slides, mules, sandals, clogs, and other types of open-back shoes, for which a conventional secondary or supplementary insole cannot be placed or retained inside the shoe to provide the user with additional support and/or comfort. For example, a user with a high arch may not be able to use conventional sandals or slides/mules or other open-backed footwear because such conventional footwear may not properly support the user's instep. In another example, someone with a flat foot may not be able to comfortably wear an open-backed shoe with a normal arch without discomfort. Moreover, there is no current solution to be able to lock an insole in place without it falling out of an open-backed shoe.

The examples of the present embodiments can allow for the adaptation or the changing out of the internal support system, for example, from an open-backed shoe to provide the orthotic need of the user, such as a footbed that matches the unique foot profile of the user without limitation, thereby enabling the user to wear an open-back pair of shoes, such as slides, mules, sandals, clogs, etc., that the user otherwise could not wear or would be uncomfortable for the user to wear. Moreover, the examples of the present embodiments can enable the placement of an insole into open-back footwear without a risk of the insole falling out of the open-back footwear, which the prior art has failed to address.

In other examples, the present embodiments can be configured for not only open-back footwear, but also for closed systems (i.e., closed-back footwear). For example, a modular shoe system according to an exemplary embodiment can be configured to utilize interlocking elements to secure one or more available footbeds to a midsole of the shoe base. To provide or improve access for inserting, removing/replacing, or securing a footbed to the midsole of the shoe base, an example modular shoe can include, for example, a zipper, side flap, and/or a wide opening at the top of the shoe, or the like. This may be particularly advantageous for shoes having enclosed upper portions such as dress shoes, high-top shoes, boots, shoes without laces, among others.

For purposes of this disclosure, a shoe or shoe system can include an open-back shoe, such as slides, mules, sandals, clogs, slippers, or the like, or a closed-back shoe, such as a low-top shoe, high-top shoe, sneaker, dress shoe, boot, or the like. The shoe or shoe system can include causal, dress, athletic, orthotic, cross-training, outdoor, waterproof, or other shoes. The shoe or shoe system can include shoes for women, men, kids, toddlers, etc.

Based on the materials used in the construction of the attachment elements, and the interaction of the attachment elements with each other, the exemplary attachment system also can provide additional bounce/resiliency, shock-absorbing, comfort, or support features, for example, for a user's gait or when walking/standing for long periods of time. As a result, the modular shoe system, and particularly, the interlocking elements of the modular shoe system, can provide an additional level of support, orthotics, etc. (e.g., similar to springs in a mattress), in addition to providing a secure and reliable attachment system for retaining and securing a footbed to the shoe base of the modular shoe system.

The interlocking elements can be formed using various suitable material types, such as thermo-plastics (e.g., PVC), two-component polyurethanes (e.g., PU), co-polymers, rubbers, ethyl-vinyl acetates (e.g., EVA), and/or bio-derived or bio-inspired materials that are environmentally friendly, and equivalents thereof.

Other features and advantages of the present embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.

The present embodiments are now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. These embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings,illustrate exemplary embodiments of a footbed for a modular shoe system, a modular shoe system, and an interlocking fastener system suitable for a footbed or for a modular shoe system.

With reference to, an exemplary modular shoe systemcan include a shoe basehaving a surface (e.g., an upper surface such as a midsole) and one or more footbedsconfigured to be releasably secured to the shoe base. The modular shoe systemis not limited to the illustrated example and can include various types of upper and/or lower configurations, such as open-backed shoes, closed-backed shoes, open-toed shoes, thong sandals, slides, mules, boots, sneakers, dress shoes, etc.

As shown in, an exemplary modular shoe systemcan include a plurality of interchangeable footbed options, which are represented by-The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more pairs of footbeds-for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options-can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as footbeds to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options-can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as footbeds that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options-can include one or more footbed inserts that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot. Other interchangeable footbed options are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.

As shown in, in an example, the midsolecan include a plurality of first interlocking elementsand the footbedcan include a plurality of second interlocking elements. In this example, the plurality of first interlocking elementsand the plurality of second interlocking elementsare configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbedto the midsoleof the shoe base, as shown in. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elementsand the plurality of second interlocking elementscan be formed from a resilient material. For example, the interlocking elements can be formed using various suitable resilient materials, such as thermo-plastics (e.g., PVC), two-component polyurethanes (e.g., PU), co-polymers, rubbers, ethyl-vinyl acetates (e.g., EVA), and/or bio-derived or bio-inspired materials that are environmentally friendly, and equivalents thereof.

As shown in, an exemplary modular shoe systemcan include a midsolehaving a plurality of first interlocking elementsand a footbedhaving a plurality of second interlocking elements. The plurality of first interlocking elementsand the plurality of second interlocking elementsare configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbedto the midsoleof the shoe base. In the example, the modular shoe systemincludes an uppercoupled (e.g., glued, cemented, stitched, fused, etc.) to the shoe base. In another example, the uppercan be integrally formed with the shoe base. In an example, the uppercan include padding, foam (e.g., memory foam), or the like on an underside facing a user's foot. In an example, the uppercan include one or more devices on an upper side configured to tighten the upper against a user's foot, such as one or more canvas belts, laces, hook and loop fasteners, or the like configured to be tightened and/or adjusted in length and/or position. The midsolecan be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed into the shoe base. In the example, a solecan be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto a lower side of the shoe base. In another example, the shoe basecan be integrally formed with a sole. In the example, a foot supportcan be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto an upper side of the footbed. In another example, the foot supportcan be integrally formed with the footbed.

As shown in, the exemplary modular shoe systemcan include a plurality of interchangeable foot support options, which are represented by-which can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto an upper side of the footbed. The plurality of foot support options-can be provided for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of foot support options-can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as foot supports to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of foot support options-can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as foot supports that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of foot support options-can include one or more components that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot. Additionally, the plurality of foot support options-can be configured for one or more different aesthetic appearances or sensory characteristics, such as one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. to enable a user to create their own custom and/or personalized look and/or feel. Other foot support options-are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.

As shown in, in an exemplary modular shoe system, a footbedhaving foot supportis inserted into a shoe basehaving an upperwith the foot supportfacing the upperwhen inserted into the shoe base. The interlocking elementsof the footbedinterlock with the interlocking elementsof the midsoleof the shoe baseto releasably secure the footbedto the midsoleof the shoe base.

As shown in, an exemplary modular shoe systemincludes a plurality of interchangeable footbed options, which are represented by-and a plurality of interchangeable shoe base options, which are represented by-The shoe base options-can include a plurality of upper options-as shown in the illustrated example. Other interchangeable footbed options-shoe base options-and upper options-are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.

As shown again in shown in, the exemplary modular shoe systemcan include a plurality of interchangeable upper options, which are represented by-which can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto an upper side of the shoe base. The plurality of upper options-can be provided for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of upper options-can be configured for seasonal or weather-specific use, such as being waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of upper options-can include one or more components that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam that molds to a top and/or sides of the user's foot. Additionally, the plurality of upper options-can be configured for one or more activity, performance, and/or wellness needs, such as one or more activity, conditions, and/or performance features, etc. to meet the use needs of a user, and/or one or more different aesthetic appearances or sensory characteristics, such as one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. to enable a user to create their own custom and/or personalized look and/or feel. Other upper options-are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.

As shown in, each of the interchangeable footbed options-can be inserted into a shoe base option-with the foot support-facing the upper option-The interlocking elementsof each footbed option-interlock with the interlocking elementsof each shoe base option-to releasably secure each footbed option-to each shoe base option-

As shown in, any one of the interchangeable footbed options-can be releasably interchanged with any one of the shoe base options-For example, as schematically illustrated by dashed-arrows in, any of the interchangeable footbed options-can be removed from a shoe base option-and inserted into a different shoe base option-with the foot support-facing the upper. The interlocking elementsof each footbed option-interlock with the interlocking elementsof each shoe base option-to releasably secure each footbed option-to a different shoe base option-In this way, the interchangeable footbed options-of the exemplary modular shoe systemcan be quickly and easily interchanged (e.g., removed, inserted, and/or replaced) to selectively adapt a single, modular shoe systemto any one of a plurality of different activities and/or conditions, while at the same time providing suitable and desired performance features for the respective activities and/or conditions, thereby enabling a user to wear a preferred or favorite pair of shoes in a variety of different use cases. Additionally or alternatively, the interchangeable footbed options-of the exemplary modular shoe systemcan be quickly and easily interchanged (e.g., removed, inserted, and/or replaced) to selectively adapt a single, modular shoe systemto one or more different aesthetic appearances or sensory characteristics, such as one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. to enable a user to create their own custom and/or personalized look and/or feel.

As shown in, an exemplary modular shoe systemcan include a plurality of interchangeable footbed options, which are represented by-The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more pairs of footbeds-for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options-can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as footbeds to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options-can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as footbeds that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options-can include one or more footbed inserts that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot. Other interchangeable footbed options are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.

As shown in, in an example, the midsolecan include a plurality of first interlocking elementsand the footbedcan include a plurality of second interlocking elements. In this example, the plurality of first interlocking elementsand the plurality of second interlocking elementsare configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbedto the midsoleof the shoe base. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elementsand the plurality of second interlocking elementscan be formed from a resilient material. For example, the interlocking elements can be formed using various suitable resilient materials, such as thermo-plastics (e.g., PVC), two-component polyurethanes (e.g., PU), co-polymers, rubbers, ethyl-vinyl acetates (e.g., EVA), and/or bio-derived or bio-inspired materials that are environmentally friendly, and equivalents thereof.

In an example, a footbed can include one or more tabs (e.g., one or more small tabs, finger tabs, etc.), such as a tablocated on or just behind the heel of the footbed, as shown in. By pulling the tablocated just behind the heel of the footbed, the footbedcan be detached from the midsoleof the shoe baseallowing for the user to remove the present footbedand switch to a different desired footbed.