Description:AN ADAPTIVE ORTHOPEDIC FOOTWEAR WITH INTEGRATED SPLINT SOLE FOR CORRECTION OF FOOT DEFORMITIES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]. The invention relates to the field of orthopedic and therapeutic footwear and specifically to a adaptive orthopedic footwear with integrated splint sole for correction of foot deformities.
BACKGROUND
[0002]. Foot deformities are among the most prevalent orthopedic issues, affecting individuals across all age groups. Conditions such as Hallux Valgus (commonly known as bunions), hammer toes, claw toes, pes planus (flat feet), pes cavus (high arches), metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma cause a variety of symptoms including chronic pain, pressure sensitivity, gait abnormalities, and difficulty in wearing standard footwear. These issues often stem from biomechanical imbalances, genetic predispositions, or long-term use of ill-fitting shoes.
[0003]. Traditional non-surgical interventions include orthotic insoles, toe spacers, splints, and custom footwear. However, these solutions have several limitations. Rigid splints can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear for extended periods, particularly inside footwear. Orthotic inserts often shift during use, fail to provide dynamic correction, and can be incompatible with open or casual footwear like slippers. Moreover, most therapeutic devices are separate from regular footwear, requiring users to alternate between functional correction and daily mobility—compromising both comfort and therapeutic compliance.
[0004]. For users with mild to moderate deformities, early intervention is crucial to avoid surgical treatment. Yet, existing solutions do not adequately combine the corrective properties of orthopedic devices with the ease and familiarity of everyday footwear. Particularly for elderly individuals or those with reduced mobility, complex orthotic systems can be intimidating or impractical for daily use.
[0005]. There is a need for a more integrated, user-friendly solution that provides continuous, non-invasive correction without sacrificing wearability, aesthetics, or comfort. Ideally, such a solution would be adaptable to the user’s lifestyle, provide customizable levels of support, and be suitable for both in-home and outdoor use.
[0006]. The present invention addresses these gaps by introducing Splint Sole Slippers and Shoes—footwear designed with a biomechanically engineered sole incorporating a flexible splint, toe spacer, and pressure-distributing insole. The device aims to provide therapeutic correction while allowing natural movement, encouraging long-term wear and improving user compliance. Its interchangeable components further offer convenience and versatility for users who transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

SUMMARY
[0007]. In one aspect of the present disclosure, an orthopedic footwear device for correcting foot deformities, comprising a sole formed of a flexible silicone fabric base a built-in splint integrated into the sole, configured to realign one or more toes of a user a toe spacer positioned adjacent to the built-in splint for separating and aligning adjacent toes a full silicone gel insole positioned above the sole, adapted to distribute pressure evenly across the foot one or more adjustable straps configured to secure the footwear to the foot and provide customizable tension for alignment and an interchangeable silicone pad removably placed within the insole, configured to be used interchangeably between a slipper and a shoe wherein the device provides continuous non-invasive correction of foot deformities during daily use.
[0008]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the splint is configured to correct valgus angulation of the big toe. The toe spacer is modular and can be adjusted in thickness or position. The adjustable straps include hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, or zip closures.
[0009]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the insole is contoured to match the foot arch and includes zones of varying firmness.
[0010]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the footwear further comprises an outer layer made from leather, textile, breathable knit, polyester, or rubber materials.
[0011]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the silicone pad is configured to be transferred from a slipper to a shoe with matching structural accommodation.
[0012]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the splint and toe spacer are formed integrally or removably attached for maintenance or adjustment.
[0013]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the device is effective for correcting foot deformities up to a third stage of severity.
[0014]. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the footwear is suitable for conditions including bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, flat feet, high arches, metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015]. The above and still further features and advantages of aspects of the present disclosure become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of aspects thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0016]. Figure 1 is a diagram of the splint slipper and shoes, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017]. The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
[0018]. The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0019]. It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0020]. The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0021]. The present invention relates to an orthopedic footwear device designed for the non-invasive correction of various foot deformities, including bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, flat feet, high arches, metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma. The device integrates a dynamic splinting system within a silicone-based sole, providing continuous toe realignment and pressure redistribution. It includes a toe spacer, full silicone gel insole, adjustable straps, and an interchangeable silicone pad that can be transferred between a slipper and a shoe. This dual-function design offers both therapeutic correction and daily wear comfort, ensuring adaptability, durability, and long-term usability for individuals seeking an alternative to surgical interventions.
[0022]. The present invention provides an adaptive orthopedic footwear device designed to correct and manage a variety of foot deformities in a non-invasive and user-friendly manner. The device comprises a specially engineered sole structure embedded with a flexible splint and toe spacing mechanism, integrated into a slipper or shoe format for daily use. This construction enables the footwear to provide continuous therapeutic benefits while maintaining the comfort and practicality of regular footwear.
[0023]. The base of the device is formed from a soft, flexible silicone fabric that conforms to the foot’s natural shape while providing gentle support. Embedded within this sole is a splint mechanism designed to realign one or more toes—most notably the hallux (big toe)—in cases of valgus angulation such as in bunions. The splint is arranged in a way that allows dynamic correction during natural walking motions, thereby avoiding the discomfort associated with rigid splints or braces.
[0024]. Adjacent to the splint is a toe spacer, constructed of medical-grade silicone or similar biocompatible material, which ensures adequate separation between affected toes. This spacer helps to prevent overlapping or rubbing of adjacent digits, which can exacerbate conditions such as hammer toes and claw toes.
[0025]. To enhance comfort and facilitate even pressure distribution across the foot, the device includes a full silicone gel insole. This insole is contoured to match the arch and curvature of the foot and includes pressure-relief zones to alleviate stress on the metatarsal heads, offering relief for conditions like metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma.
[0026]. Securing the footwear are one or more adjustable straps that allow the user to personalize the fit and apply the desired corrective pressure. These straps may utilize hook-and-loop closures, buckles, or zippers depending on the embodiment. In addition, the device features an interchangeable silicone pad, which can be removed and transferred between the slipper and a shoe designed with a matching cavity. This allows users to maintain therapeutic alignment whether they are indoors or outdoors, promoting continuous use without requiring separate orthotic tools.
[0027]. The outer body of the footwear may be composed of leather, breathable knit polyester, textile, or rubber materials, chosen for their durability and comfort. The lightweight construction ensures that the device can be worn for extended periods without causing fatigue or discomfort.
[0028]. The device is intended for use in early to moderate stages of foot deformity and may delay or eliminate the need for surgical intervention. It offers a practical, cost-effective solution for individuals seeking continuous support without compromising mobility or comfort.
[0029]. In preferred embodiments, the splint element is integrated directly into the inner side of the sole and is designed to apply mild, continuous lateral pressure to the hallux, thereby reducing the valgus angle characteristic of bunions. The splint may be fixed or modular, with optional adjustment mechanisms that allow the user or clinician to control the degree of realignment based on individual severity or comfort level. In certain designs, the splint may be constructed from a semi-rigid polymer or a layered composite of flexible yet resilient materials to enable guided, dynamic correction during gait without restricting movement.
[0030]. The toe spacer component may be offered in multiple sizes or shapes to accommodate different foot anatomies. It may be removably attached using a simple plug-in system or embedded within a channel that allows for slight lateral or angular repositioning. This customization helps address varying degrees of deformity such as hammer toes, claw toes, and overlapping toes, reducing friction and preventing further deformational progression.
[0031]. The insole, made from medical-grade silicone gel, serves not only to cushion the foot but also to redistribute plantar pressure evenly. It features zones of differentiated thickness or density, particularly under the ball of the foot and the heel, to target common pain points in conditions like metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma. Optional perforations or texturing may be introduced in the insole design to improve ventilation, reduce sweat buildup, and provide sensory feedback to improve balance and proprioception.
[0032]. The footwear upper is engineered for both function and flexibility. In slippers, the design prioritizes ease of entry and soft closure mechanisms, making it ideal for elderly users or those with limited dexterity. The shoe version includes a more supportive upper for outdoor use, featuring breathable, stretchable knit materials or soft leather that accommodates foot swelling and structural variations. The presence of zip closures or hook-and-loop fasteners allows for easy application and removal while maintaining a snug fit to aid in toe alignment.
[0033]. One of the key novel aspects of the invention is the inclusion of the interchangeable silicone pad, which functions as both a comfort enhancer and a modular alignment element. This pad is engineered to lock into position within designated recesses in both the slipper and the shoe. The modularity allows users to maintain consistent foot support and therapeutic benefit across multiple environments—at home, during errands, or at work—without needing separate orthopedic accessories for each activity.
[0034]. The materials chosen for construction are selected for their hypoallergenic, durable, and washable properties. Silicone elements are odor-resistant and long-lasting, maintaining their shape and elasticity even after extended use. The outer body materials are abrasion-resistant and designed to endure repeated flexion during walking.
[0035]. To achieve optimal therapeutic benefit, users are encouraged to wear the footwear consistently throughout the day, ideally during weight-bearing activities. Over time, continuous use may lead to gradual correction of mild to moderate deformities, reduction in pain and discomfort, and improved foot alignment. The device is particularly suited for preventive care in individuals at risk of deformity progression, as well as for post-operative recovery in surgical patients requiring long-term support and protection of corrected joints.
[0036]. The present invention provides a novel and effective solution for the non-invasive correction and management of a wide range of foot deformities through an integrated, user-friendly footwear system. By combining a built-in splint mechanism, toe spacer, pressure-distributing silicone insole, and modular interchangeable components, the invention bridges the gap between therapeutic orthopedic devices and conventional everyday footwear.
[0037]. The Splint Sole Slippers and Shoes are uniquely designed to offer both comfort and continuous corrective support, enabling users to benefit from therapeutic alignment without compromising mobility or convenience. The device's adaptability for both indoor and outdoor use, along with its customizable features, makes it particularly well-suited for individuals with mild to moderate deformities who seek to delay or avoid surgical intervention.
[0038]. Through innovative engineering and thoughtful material selection, this invention represents a significant advancement in the field of orthopedic care and therapeutic footwear. It not only improves user compliance and comfort but also offers a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional corrective methods.
[0039]. While specific embodiments have been described, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
, Claims:Claims:
We Claim:
1. An orthopedic footwear device for correcting foot deformities, comprising:
a) a sole formed of a flexible silicone fabric base;
b) a built-in splint integrated into the sole, configured to realign one or more toes of a user;
c) a toe spacer positioned adjacent to the built-in splint for separating and aligning adjacent toes;
d) a full silicone gel insole positioned above the sole, adapted to distribute pressure evenly across the foot;
e) one or more adjustable straps configured to secure the footwear to the foot and provide customizable tension for alignment; and
f) an interchangeable silicone pad removably placed within the insole, configured to be used interchangeably between a slipper and a shoe, wherein the device provides continuous non-invasive correction of foot deformities during daily use.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the splint is configured to correct valgus angulation of the big toe. The toe spacer is modular and can be adjusted in thickness or position. The adjustable straps include hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, or zip closures.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insole is contoured to match the foot arch and includes zones of varying firmness.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footwear further comprises an outer layer made from leather, textile, breathable knit, polyester, or rubber materials.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the silicone pad is configured to be transferred from a slipper to a shoe with matching structural accommodation.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the splint and toe spacer are formed integrally or removably attached for maintenance or adjustment.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is effective for correcting foot deformities up to a third stage of severity.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footwear is suitable for conditions including bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, flat feet, high arches, metatarsalgia, and Morton’s neuroma.
Dated this May 16, 2025
##### DIGITALLY SIGNED#####
MADHU SMITA (IN/PA-3454) and
PREM CHARLES I (IN/PA – 3311)
Registered Patent Agents on behalf of the Applicant(s)