US20220279897A1

US20220279897A1 - Height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear

Info

Publication number: US20220279897A1
Application number: US17/192,401
Authority: US
Inventors: Ramesh Arumugam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-03-04
Filing date: 2021-03-04
Publication date: 2022-09-08

Abstract

A height adjusting and stabilizing assembly raises the height of a user wearing footwear. The assembly comprises an elevation insert that fits into an interior cavity of footwear to selectively raise the height of the user. The elevation insert has a ramp shape with a wide rear end that tapers to a narrow front end oriented towards the toe end of footwear. The elevation insert is a flexible material that compresses under the weight of the user. The wide end of the elevation insert has spaced apart slots that are sized to receive support pads. The support pads are fitted into a corresponding slot, causing the elevation insert to rise, or not compress as much under the weight of the user; thereby increasing the height of user. The assembly also includes stabilizing straps that extend from the open ankle to the lower regions of the footwear to create lateral stability.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear. More so, the present invention relates to a height adjusting and stabilizing assembly that raises the height of the shoe wearer through use of an elevation insert that fits into an interior cavity of footwear and is selectively height adjustable through insertion of support pads, and a pair of stabilizing straps that extend from the open ankle to the lower regions of the shoe to create lateral stability the wearer while in the unnatural raised position from the elevation insert.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, people in society gather for parties and events that require nice dressing. The identity of the people at the party can be determined quickly by height, and other physically observable parameters. Often, the group of people are short, and thus require a boost in height. In this manner, height becomes a social parameter for male and female actors/characters. The additional height can also be used to shorter users. an emotional and confidential push to look like an equivalent height person.
In general, high-heel shoes have a relatively large heel which is fixed to the sole and has a single, predetermined height. This creates disadvantages for the wearer. In particular, high-heel shoes cause the wearer to feel discomfort in their feet because the high heel requires the foot to be bent into an unnatural position. It is also known that prolonged wearing of high-heel shoes can lead to more serious foot problems. Furthermore, some women prefer to wear shoes with relatively low heels at one time of the day, for example, while commuting to work, and then change to shoes with relatively high heels while at work and again back to the shoes with low heels after work.
It is known in the art of footwear that there exist devices to regulate the height of the shoe wearer. There are devices that are composed from a tube inside of the heel, and are bolted to the structure of the shoe, in which another tube moves with the aid of a spring, through the slots in the first tube. The mechanism for setting the shoe height is made in most existing models, by a bolt that in some models is removable, which rotation coupling through the second tube in the groove of the first tube—fixing the second tube that slides over the first. There is also footwear that utilizes damping mechanism filled with air or a gel. The empty space between two rubbers dampens the pressure of the foot on the floor. Yet other systems consist of several layers of rubber or other flexible materials that are overlapping each other and to cushion the pressure on the foot.
Other proposals have involved footwear devices that adjustably raise the height of the wearer. The problem with these heights adjusting footwear devices is that they do not allow the wearer to select the desired height. Also, the wearer remains unstable due to the unnatural elevation in height from the footwear. Even though the above cited footwear devices that adjustably raise the height of the wearer meet some of the needs of the market, a height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear that raises the height of the shoe wearer through use of an elevation insert that fits into an interior cavity of footwear and is selectively height adjustable through insertion of support pads, and a pair of stabilizing straps that extend from the open ankle to the lower regions of the shoe to create lateral stability the wearer while in the unnatural raised position from the elevation insert, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear. The height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear is configured to adjustably and selectively elevate a user who is wearing the footwear. The assembly provides an elevation insert that removably fits into the interior cavity of the footwear. The elevation insert is designed to be selectively height adjustable, as set by the user. The elevation insert fits into the cavity of footwear to selectively elevate the user while wearing the footwear.
In some embodiments, the elevation insert has a ramp-like shape defining a wide rear end that tapers to a narrow front end. The wide rear end orients to a heel end of the footwear, and the narrow end extends to a toe end of the footwear. The elevation insert is fabricated from a flexible material that compresses under the weight of the user, providing additional comfort and reducing stress. The wide end of the elevation insert has multiple spaced apart slots that are sized to receive multiple corresponding support pads.
In some embodiments, the support pads are fitted into a corresponding slot, causing the elevation insert to rise, or not compress as much under the weight of the user. This elevated configuration creates more height to the user while wearing the footwear. The assembly also includes a pair of stabilizing straps that extend from the open ankle of the footwear to the lower regions of the footwear. The stabilizing straps are taut, so as to create lateral stability the user.
In one aspect, a height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear, comprises an elevation insert defined by a wide rear end that tapers to a narrow front end, the wide end being defined by multiple spaced-apart slots, the elevation insert further being defined by a resilient configuration, whereby the wide end of the elevation insert compresses under pressure. The height adjusting and stabilizing assembly further comprises multiple support pads configured to fit inside the slots, the support pads further being configured to help restrict compression of the wide end of the elevation insert when fitted inside the slots. The height adjusting and stabilizing assembly further comprises a front stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end; and a rear stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end.
In another aspect, the elevation insert is further defined by a top face and a bottom face.
In another aspect, the assembly further comprises a traction panel disposed to overlay the top face of the elevation insert.
In another aspect, the traction panel is defined by a gripping texture.
In another aspect, the elevation insert is operable to enable insertion into a cavity of a footwear, the footwear having a sidewall forming an ankle opening, a sole, a heel end, and a toe end.
In another aspect, the wide rear end of the elevation insert is disposed to orient towards the heel end of the footwear.
In another aspect, the bottom face of the elevation insert is disposed to orient towards the sole of the footwear.
In another aspect, the top end of the front stabilizing strap detachably attaches to the ankle opening of the footwear.
In another aspect, the bottom end of the front stabilizing strap detachably in proximity to the toe end of the footwear.
In another aspect, the top end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaches to the ankle opening of the footwear.
In another aspect, the bottom end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably in proximity to the heel end of the footwear.
In another aspect, the assembly further comprises at least one fastener configured to detachably attach the ends of the stabilizing straps to the footwear.
In another aspect, the front and rear stabilizing straps comprise a stretchable material.
In another aspect, the at least one fastener includes at least one of the following: Velcro, a hook and loop fastener, and a nylon belt.
In another aspect, the stabilizing straps include at least one of the following: Velcro, a hook and loop fastener, and a nylon belt.
In another aspect, the elevation insert has a ramp shape.
In another aspect, the narrow front end of the elevation insert is elongated.
In another aspect, the wide rear end of the elevation insert has a height of at least 3 inches.
In another aspect, the elevation insert comprises a resilient polymer or rubber material.
In another aspect, the multiple spaced-apart slots comprise three slots.
In another aspect, the multiple spaced-apart slots are arranged along the vertical of the elevation insert.
In another aspect, the multiple support pads comprise 3 support pads.
One objective of the present invention is to elevate the height of a user who is wearing the footwear.
Another objective is to enable the user to selectively adjust the height of the footwear.
Yet another objective is to stabilize the ankle and foot through use of stabilizing straps.
An exemplary objective is to provide a height adjustable insert for all types of footwear.
Additional objectives are to provide an inexpensive to manufacture height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary height adjusting and stabilizing assembly inserted in a footwear while a user climbs a set of stairs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate side views of an exemplary footwear, where FIG. 2A shows the footwear without the height adjusting and stabilizing assembly inserted, and FIG. 2B shows the footwear and a sectioned view of the heel end that shows the elevation insert of the height adjusting and stabilizing assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary elevation insert, showing three support pads arranged to fit in the slots at the heel end of the elevation insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the elevation insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 presents a sectioned side view of the elevation insert, the section taken along section 5-5 of FIG. 3, detailing the slots that form in the heel end of the insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the elevation insert, showing the traction panel overlaying the top surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
A height adjusting and stabilizing assembly 100 for footwear is referenced in FIGS. 1-6. In some embodiments, the height adjusting and stabilizing assembly 100 for footwear, hereafter “assembly 100” is a unique accessory useful with footwear that enables a user—defined as the wearer of the footwear 104—to adjustably and selectively elevate while the feet are inside the footwear. In some embodiments, the footwear may include, without limitation, a boot, a sandal, a platform shoe, a loafer, moccasin, an ice skate, a dance shoe, and a garment worn on the feet.
Consequently, a user 108 wearing the footwear is elevated, due to the assembly 100 inserted into the footwear, beneath the feet of the user. The height of the user can also be increased or decreased by the user, as needed. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the assembly 100 inserted in a footwear to elevate the footwear, while a user 108 climbs a set of stairs 106. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that elevated footwear may have different uses, including assisting users in walking at a higher gait, fashion, or simply performing a unique dance or walk.
For purposes of the present invention, and as shown in a standard footwear 104 in FIG. 2A, the footwear 104 comprises a sidewall 200 forming a cavity 202 that opens at an ankle opening 204. As illustrated, the footwear 104 also comprises a sole 206, a heel end 208, and a toe end 210. A tongue and/or shoe lace openings may form from the toe end 210 up to the ankle opening 204 of the footwear. However, in other embodiments, assembly 100 is operable with other styles of footwear, known in the art. In operation, a user grips the sidewall and introduces the foot into the ankle opening. The foot then advances into the cavity, orientated such that the toes engage the toe end, and the heel engages the heel end of the footwear.
The assembly 100 provides an elevation insert 102 that serves to elevate the heel end 208 of the footwear 104. Further, the elevation insert 102 is designed to be selectively height adjustable, as set by the user 108. FIG. 2B illustrates a sectioned view of the heel end 208 for the footwear 104, showing the elevation insert 102 inserted into the footwear 104. As illustrated, the elevation insert 102 is sized and dimensioned to removably fit into the interior cavity of the footwear. The elevation insert 102 fits into the cavity of footwear to selectively elevate the user while wearing the footwear 104. The elevation insert 102 is universal, being able to be fitted into any type of footwear. Thus, depending on the type of footwear, the elevation insert 102 may have numerous sizes and dimensions. In this manner, the assembly 100 is generally scalable, and universal with all types of footwear.
As referenced in FIG. 3, the elevation insert 102 has a generally ramp-like shape that defines a wide rear end 212 that tapers to a narrow front end 214. The wide rear end 212 abuts the heel end of the footwear; and the narrow front end 214 extends approximately to the toe end 210 of the footwear 104. The elevation insert 102 is also defined by a top face 300 and a bottom face 302. In one embodiment, the bottom face 302 of the elevation insert 102 is disposed to orient towards the sole 206 of the footwear 104. The top face 300 of the elevation insert 102 is engaged by the foot, or sock, of the user 108 when donning the footwear.
The elevation insert 102 is also defined by a resilient configuration; whereby the wide rear end 212 of the elevation insert 102, especially, compresses under the weight of the user. In some embodiments, the elevation insert 102 is fabricated from a flexible material that enables the comfort-conforming compression under the weight of the user. This serves to provide additional comfort and reduce stress to the feet of the user. In some embodiments, suitable materials for the elevation insert 102 may include, without limitation, a resilient polymer, rubber, foam, gel, cork, and leather.
Turning now to FIG. 4, the wide rear end 212 of the elevation insert 102 has multiple spaced apart slots 216 a-c, which are arranged along the vertical of the elevation insert 102—or from the sole to the ankle opening of the footwear when fitted therein. The slots 216 a-c can form between two parallel walls, or two concave or convex walls on each side of the slot. In one embodiment, three slots 216 a, 216 b, 216 c are used. However, in other embodiments, more or less slots 216 a-c form in the wide rear end 212. The elevation insert 102 compresses under the weight of the user due to the resilient material makeup of the elevation insert 102 and the space formed by the slots 216 a-c. In one non-limiting embodiment, three slots 216 a-c form in the heel end of the elevation insert 102 (See FIG. 5). However, in other embodiments, any number of slots 216 a-c may be used in the wide rear end 212.
Looking again at FIG. 3, the assembly 100 also provides multiple support pads 304 a-c that are sized and dimensioned to be fitted into the slots 216 a-c. Or said another way, the slots 216 a-c are sized and dimensioned to receive multiple corresponding support pads 304 a-c. In one embodiment, three support pads 304 a, 304 b, 304 c are utilized to correspond with the three slots 216 a, 216 b, 216 c. The support pads 304 a-c are shaped like the slots 216 a-c, so as to snugly fit inside. In one embodiment, the support pads 304 a-c are fitted into a corresponding slot, causing the elevation insert 102 to rise, or not compress as much under the weight of the user. This elevated configuration creates more height to the user while wearing the footwear. gives more height to the user wearing the shoe—especially at the heel or rear end of the shoe. In essence, multiple support pads 304 a-c configured to fit inside the slots 216 a-c. And the support pads 304 a-c help restrict compression of the wide end of the elevation insert 102 when fitted inside the slots 216 a-c.
Looking now at FIG. 6, a traction panel 600 overlays the top face 300 of the elevation insert 102. The traction panel 600 prevents the sock and foot from sliding on the elevation insert 102 while the user 108 wears the footwear 104. In one non-limiting embodiment, the traction panel 600 is defined by a gripping texture. The pattern of the gripping texture may include, without limitation, adjacent squares, diamonds, crisscross patterns, and other textures and patterns effective for minimizing slippage.
Looking again at FIG. 2B, the assembly 100 also includes a front and rear stabilizing strap 218, 222 for stabilizing the ankles, feet, and lower leg of the user 108, and especially while moving in the footwear 104 at the elevated height. The stabilizing straps 218, 222 are taut, so as to create lateral stability the user 108. The stabilizing straps 218, 222 extend from the open ankle to the lower regions of the shoe, so as to create lateral stability the user 108. This added stability can be useful since the user 108, and specifically, the feet, are now in the unnatural position of being lifted by the elevation insert 102.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the front and rear stabilizing straps 218, 222 comprise a stretchable material. This allows the stabilizing straps to stretch in a taut configuration that creates greater structural support to the ankles, especially when walking or moving in the footwear (See FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the stabilizing straps 218, 222 may include, without limitation, Velcro, a hook and loop fastener, and a nylon belt. In some embodiments, the stabilizing straps 218, 222 are configured to extend from the open ankle 204 at the top of the footwear, to the lower regions of the footwear, as described below. In one embodiment, front stabilizing strap 218 has a top end 220 b and a bottom end 220 a. The top end 116 a of the front stabilizing strap 218 detachably attaches at, or near, the ankle opening of the footwear. And the bottom end 220 a of the front stabilizing strap 218 detachably in proximity to the toe end 210 of the footwear 104.
In another embodiment, the rear stabilizing strap 222 has a top end 224 b and a bottom end 224 a. The top end 224 b of the rear stabilizing strap 222 detachably attaches at, or near, the ankle opening 204 of the footwear 104. Further, the bottom end 224 a of the rear stabilizing strap 222 detachably in proximity to the heel end 208 of the footwear 104.
In some embodiments, the stabilizing straps 218, 222 are universal, so as to attach to any type of footwear from opposing ends. In one non-limiting embodiment, a front stabilizing strap 218 extends along the vertical of the footwear 104. The rear stabilizing strap 222 extends along the vertical near the heel end of the footwear 104. The front stabilizing strap 218 is defined by a top end 220 b and an opposing bottom end 220 a. The rear stabilizing strap 222 is defined by a top end 224 b and an opposing bottom end 224 a.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the stabilizing function provided by the stabilizing straps is useful since the user is now in the unnatural position of being lifted by the elevation insert 102. The top end of the stabilizing straps 218, 222 attaches to the open ankle 204; while the bottom ends 220 a, 224 a of the stabilizing straps attach to the slots 216 a-c for the laces or other fastening means in the front stabilizing strap 218; and the rear of the shoe for the rear stabilizing strap 222.
In some embodiments, at least one fastener 226 a, 226 b is used to detachably attach the stabilizing straps to the footwear. The at least one fastener 226 a-b that is configured to detachably attach the ends of the ends of the front and rear stabilizing strap 222 s to their respective placement points on the footwear. The ends of the stabilizing straps 218, 222 attach to their respective end of the footwear 104 through the at least one fastener 226 a-b, so as to create enhanced stability for the user while in the elevated position. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener 226 a-b may include, without limitation, a cable, a pin, a button, a bolt, a hook and loop fastener, a screw, a magnet, and an adhesive.
In conclusion, the assembly 100 raises the height of a user wearing footwear. The assembly 100 comprises an elevation insert 102 that fits into an interior cavity of footwear 104 to selectively raise the height of the user. The elevation insert 102 has a ramp shape with a wide rear end 212 that tapers to a narrow front end 214 oriented towards the toe end 210 of footwear 104. The elevation insert 102 is a flexible material that compresses under the weight of the user. The wide end of the elevation insert 102 has spaced apart slots 216 a-c that are sized to receive support pads 304 a-c. The support pads 304 a-c are fitted into a corresponding slot, causing the elevation insert 102 to rise, or not compress as much under the weight of the user; thereby increasing the height of user. The assembly 100 also includes stabilizing straps that extend from the open ankle to the lower regions of the footwear to create lateral stability.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear, the assembly comprising:

an elevation insert defined by a wide rear end that tapers to a narrow front end, the wide end being defined by multiple spaced-apart slots, the elevation insert further being defined by a resilient configuration,

whereby the wide end of the elevation insert compresses under pressure;

multiple support pads configured to fit inside the slots, the support pads further being configured to help restrict compression of the wide end of the elevation insert when fitted inside the slots;

a front stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end; and

a rear stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the elevation insert is further defined by a top face and a bottom face.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the elevation insert is operable to enable insertion into a cavity of a footwear, the footwear having a sidewall forming an ankle opening, a sole, a heel end, and a toe end.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the wide rear end of the elevation insert is disposed to orient towards the heel end of the footwear.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the bottom face of the elevation insert is disposed to orient towards the sole of the footwear.

6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the top end of the front stabilizing strap detachably attaches to the ankle opening of the footwear.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the bottom end of the front stabilizing strap detachably attaches in proximity to the toe end of the footwear.

8. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the top end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaches to the ankle opening of the footwear.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the bottom end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaches in proximity to the heel end of the footwear.

10. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising at least one fastener configured to detachably attach the ends of the stabilizing straps to the footwear.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one fastener includes at least one of the following: a cable, a pin, a button, a bolt, a hook and loop fastener, a screw, a magnet, and an adhesive.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing straps include at least one of the following: Velcro, a hook and loop fastener, and a nylon belt.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the narrow front end of the elevation insert is flat and elongated, and the wide rear end of the elevation insert has a height of at least 3 inches.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the multiple spaced-apart slots are arranged along the vertical of the elevation insert.

15. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a traction panel disposed to overlay the top face of the elevation insert.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the traction panel is defined by a gripping texture.

17. A height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear, the assembly comprising:

an elevation insert defined by a top face, a bottom face, and a wide rear end that tapers to a narrow front end, the wide end being defined by multiple spaced-apart slots, the elevation insert further being defined by a resilient configuration,

whereby the wide end of the elevation insert compresses under pressure,

the elevation insert being operable to enable insertion into a cavity of a footwear, the footwear having a sidewall forming an ankle opening, a sole, a heel end, and a toe end,

whereby the wide rear end of the elevation insert is disposed to orient towards the heel end of the footwear,

whereby the bottom face of the elevation insert is disposed to orient towards the sole of the footwear;

a front stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the front stabilizing strap detachably attaching to the ankle opening of the footwear, the bottom end of the front stabilizing strap detachably attaching in proximity to the toe end of the footwear;

a rear stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaching to the ankle opening of the footwear, the bottom end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaching in proximity to the heel end of the footwear; and

a traction panel disposed to overlay the top face of the elevation insert.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the multiple spaced-apart slots are arranged along the vertical of the elevation insert.

19. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising at least one fastener configured to detachably attach the ends of the stabilizing straps to the footwear.

20. A height adjusting and stabilizing assembly for footwear, the assembly consisting of:

an elevation insert defined by a top face, a bottom face, and a wide rear end that tapers to a narrow front end, the wide end being defined by three spaced-apart slots, the elevation insert further being defined by a resilient configuration,

whereby the wide end of the elevation insert compresses under pressure,

three support pads configured to fit inside the three slots, the support pads further being configured to help restrict compression of the wide end of the elevation insert when fitted inside the slots;

a rear stabilizing strap defined by a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaching to the ankle opening of the footwear, the bottom end of the rear stabilizing strap detachably attaching in proximity to the heel end of the footwear;

a traction panel disposed to overlay the top face of the elevation insert, the traction panel being defined by a gripping texture; and

at least one fastener configured to detachably attach the ends of the stabilizing straps to the footwear.