Patent attributes
An integral ankle support for a shoe has a support element and a cushioning element. The support element has horizontally elongated, generally parallel, and panel-like edge upstanding wings having corresponding front and rear ends joined at their rear ends by an integral, curved, and edge upstanding bight panel portion. The support element is constructed of semi-rigid, but partially flexible, material that is lightweight and moldable. The support element has a bottom tab that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the wings and that extends inwardly under the insole of the shoe. The ankle cushioning element is located on the inner surfaces of the rear ends of the wings and the central portion of the lower margin of the bight panel portion. The ankle support is incorporated as part of the internal structure of the shoe so as to remain fixed in place and provide enhanced support to the wearer's foot.
