US20160120261A1

US20160120261A1 - Self-ventilating shoe

Info

Publication number: US20160120261A1
Application number: US14/930,075
Authority: US
Inventors: Maria Nakamura
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-31
Filing date: 2015-11-02
Publication date: 2016-05-05

Abstract

A self-ventilating shoe is disclosed having an insole, an outsole, and a permeable middle layer disposed between the insole and the outsole. The shoe further includes a ventilation system having a plurality of apertures defined by the insole and operably configured to allow air to flow in one direction from a foot-receiving cavity of the shoe toward the outsole; at least one one-way valve defined by the outsole; at least one collecting chamber disposed within the outsole; and the permeable middle layer operably configured such that exertion of a downward force from a user's foot as the user steps forces the air from the foot-receiving cavity to the at least one collecting chamber within the outsole and from the at least one collecting chamber to an outside environment through the at least one one-way valve.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/073,623 filed Oct. 31, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear, and, more particularly, relates to a self-ventilating shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people experience feet perspiration, i.e., sweat, as a result of the body's natural way of cooling itself down. Certain shoes cause a person's feet to sweat. Known shoes that induce sweating include shoes made of plastic or another type of synthetic fabric lining, as these types of materials prevent sweat from evaporating. Said another way, heat becomes trapped within the shoes because there is nowhere for the heat to dissipate. As a result, problems that stem from sweating of the feet include athlete's foot, toenail fungus, and the like. Problematically, known shoes that allow heat to dissipate, include a complex configuration of two-way valves that require air to enter the shoe prior to dissipating. An additional problem presented by known shoes that allow heat to dissipate, is that water, mud, dirt, and other elements can enter the shoe through the ventilation system. Accordingly, there is a need for a self-ventilating shoe that is intended to expel heat from one or more one-way exhaust valves.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a self-ventilating shoe that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provides a self-ventilating shoe that offers a cooling feature by expelling heat through one or more one-way valves located on an outer sole of the self-ventilating shoe.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a self-ventilating shoe, including an insole, an outsole, and a permeable middle layer disposed between the insole and the outsole; and a ventilation system having a plurality of apertures defined by the insole and operably configured to allow air to flow in one direction from a foot-receiving cavity of the shoe toward the outsole; at least one one-way valve defined by the outsole; at least one collecting chamber disposed within the outsole; and the permeable middle layer operably configured such that exertion of a downward force from a user's foot as the user steps forces the air from the foot-receiving cavity to the at least one collecting chamber within the outsole and from the at least one collecting chamber to an outside environment through the at least one one-way valve.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of apertures has a circumference that is between approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 0.5 cm.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the plurality of apertures are arranged within a ball area and a heel area of the insole.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, an exit port of the one-way valve is defined by a side wall of the outsole, the exit port operably configured to allow the air to exit to the outside environment through the side wall.
In accordance another feature of the present invention, an exit port of the one-way valve is defined by a side wall of the outsole, the exit port operably configured to allow the air to exit to the outside environment through the side wall in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the air flow through the plurality of apertures defined by the insole.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, an exit port of the one-way valve is defined by a ground-contacting portion of the outsole, the exit port operably configured to allow the air to exit to the outside environment.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the permeable middle layer is formed as a bladder layer.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the outsole has a sidewall portion, a top wall, and a bottom wall that collectively define the at least one collecting chamber, the at least one collecting chamber including two collecting chambers.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the top wall of the outsole defines a plurality of apertures that allow air to flow into the two collecting chambers.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the sidewall portion of the outsole defines an exit port of each of the two collecting chambers, the exit port configured to allow air to flow from the corresponding collecting chamber to the outside environment.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the outsole has a top wall, and a bottom wall; and the at least one collecting chamber includes at least one resilient barrier member extending from an inner surface of the bottom wall towards an inner surface of the top wall of the outsole.
In accordance with yet a further feature of the present invention, a flap at least partially obstructing an exit port of the at least one one-way valve.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a ventilation system for a shoe is disclosed having a plurality of apertures defined by an insole of a shoe and operably configured to allow air to flow in one direction from a foot-receiving cavity of the shoe toward an outsole of the shoe; at least one one-way valve defined by the outsole; at least one collecting chamber disposed within the outsole; and a permeable middle layer operably configured such that exertion of a downward force from a user's foot as the user steps forces the air from the foot-receiving cavity to the at least one collecting chamber within the outsole and from the at least one collecting chamber to an outside environment through the at least one one-way valve.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a self-ventilating shoe, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a self-ventilating shoe in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a downward-looking perspective view of an outer layer of the self-ventilating shoe of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, downward-looking perspective view of the outer layer of the self-ventilating shoe of FIG. 1, with the top wall removed, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a downward-looking perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an outer layer of a self-ventilating shoe, with the one-way valves disposed on a sidewall of the outer layer, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides a novel and efficient self-ventilating shoe that is constructed with an insole layer with a series of pinholes that convey heated air to a lower thin bladder layer that, upon exertion, forces the heated air to two lower collecting chambers in the outsole portion of the shoe, from which the air exits via two exhaust vents in the midfoot portion of the outsole. Embodiments of the invention provide a first chamber located in the front portion of the outsole and allowing heated air to flow through a first vent. A second chamber is in the back, or heel, portion of the outsole and allows heated air to flow through a second vent. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide the outsole portion containing the exhaust vents being elevated so that the release of air is not inhibited by the shoe's contact with the ground or floor, etc. In one embodiment, the vents have self-closing plugs that prevent air or water from entering the shoe. As the user walks, the foot exerts force on the bladder, causing it to compress and force air from the foot area to the collecting chambers and the exhaust vents, whereby the user's foot is kept cool and comfortable.
Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a self-ventilating shoe 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes an upper layer 102, e.g., an insole. The term “shoe” is defined herein as an outer covering for the feet. The exemplary self-ventilating shoe 100 is a running shoe, however, the term “shoe” as defined herein encompasses any type of shoe, e.g., flips flops, heels, boots, and the like.
The upper layer 102 is the interior bottom portion of the self-ventilating shoe 100 that sits directly beneath a user's foot. In one embodiment, the upper layer 102 is made of a foam like material that provides cushioning for the user's feet. In a further embodiment, the upper layer 102 is made of another resilient material. In another embodiment, the upper layer 102 may be made of a silicone type material. In other embodiments, the upper layer 102 may be made of a combination of foam like material and silicone. In yet further embodiments, the upper layer 102 may be made of plastic or another type of durable material. Advantageously, the material provides comfort and durability for the user's foot.
In one embodiment, the upper layer 102 is permanently coupled to the self-ventilating shoe 100. In another embodiment, the upper layer 102 is selectively removable. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the upper layer 102 may be conveniently and inexpensively replaced by the user following normal wear and tear. FIG. 1 depicts the upper layer 102 spanning a length 104 that extends from a front end 106 to a back end 108 of the self-ventilating shoe 100. In other embodiments, the upper layer 102 may span a length that is less than the length 104.
The upper layer 102 defines a plurality of apertures 110 a-n. The apertures 110 a-n allow heat generated within the self-ventilating shoe 100 to flow through the apertures 110 a-n to existing layers underneath the upper layer 102. Stated another way, the apertures 110 a-n can be considered through-holes that allow air to flow from one side of the upper layer 102 through to the opposite side of the upper layer 102. The indicator “a-n” is intended to represent any number of apertures 110, where the number of apertures 110 between “a” through “n” can be any number. In a preferred embodiment, the apertures 110 a-n are concentrated in the parts of the foot most susceptible to sweat, e.g., the ball and heel of the foot. In another embodiment, the apertures 110 may be concentrated in other areas of the upper layer 102. In yet another embodiment, the apertures 110 may be evenly spaced throughout the upper layer 102. In one embodiment, the apertures 110 may be of a circumference that is approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 0.5 cm. In other embodiments, the apertures 110 may be of a circumference that is outside of this range.
FIG. 1 depicts the self-ventilating shoe 100 having a permeable middle layer 112 located beneath the upper layer 102. In one embodiment, the permeable middle layer 112 is directly beneath and contacting the upper layer 102. In another embodiment, there may be yet another layer between the permeable middle layer 112 and the upper layer 102. The term “permeable” is defined herein as of a material operably configured to allow air to pass through it. In one embodiment, the middle layer 112 is made of a foam material. In a further embodiment, the middle layer 112 is made of another resilient material. In another embodiment, the middle layer 112 may be made of a silicone type material. In other embodiments, the middle layer 112 may be made of another type of permeable material. Advantageously, the middle layer 112 is operable to withstand the force of the user's foot repeatedly pressing down on the material, while simultaneously allowing air to pass through. In one embodiment, the middle layer 112 is formed as a thin bladder layer that, upon exertion, forces heated air to two lower collecting chambers in the outersole portion of the shoe 100, from which air exits via two exhaust vents in the midfoot portion of the outersole, as will be explained in more detail below.
In use, e.g., when a user takes a step while wearing the self-ventilating shoe 100, an amount of air, e.g., hot air, generated by the user's foot is pushed in a downward direction. The air travels through the apertures 110 a-n and the middle layer 112 to an outer layer 114 located beneath the middle layer 112. More specifically, the self-ventilating shoe 100 includes a bottom portion 116. The bottom portion 116 is located below the middle layer 112 and above the outer layer 114. The bottom portion 116 defines one or more apertures 118, 120 that allow the air to flow from inside the self-ventilating shoe 100 to the outer layer 114. In one embodiment, the outer layer 114 can be considered an outer sole (or outsole layer) of the self-ventilating shoe 100. More specifically, heated air generated by a user's foot flows from inside a foot-receiving cavity 121 of the self-ventilating shoe 100 to the outer layer 114.
The outer layer 114 includes a top wall 122 and a bottom wall 124. The top wall 122 is coupled to the bottom portion 116. The bottom wall 124 is the ground-contacting portion of the self-ventilating shoe 100. In order for the heated air to travel to the outside ambient air, the outer layer 114 defines one or more one- way valves 126, 128 that allow the air to dissipate from the self-ventilating shoe 100. More specifically, in use, with each step taken by the user, the user's foot compresses the upper layer 102, the middle layer 112 and the outer layer 114, which are in fluid communication with one another, forcing air out in a one-way direction through the one- way valves 126, 128. In one embodiment, the one- way valves 126, 128 can be considered through-holes. The heated air travels a path, in the following sequential order, from 1) the inner foot-contacting area of the shoe 100, where the heated air collects, 2) through the apertures 110 of the upper layer 102, 3) through the middle layer 112, 4) through the apertures 118, 120 of the bottom portion 116, 5) to lower collecting chambers in the outer layer 114 (described in more detail below), and 6) thereafter expels the air to the outside environment through the one- way valves 126, 128 of the outer layer 114. Accordingly, the one- way valves 126, 128 may also be considered an exhaust vent. Advantageously, the one- way valves 126, 128 allow the air to be expelled, while preventing outside air and other elements, e.g., mud, dirt, etc., from entering the self-ventilating shoe 100, as will be explained further herein with respect to FIG. 3. The flow of the air is depicted by a pair of arrows 130, 132. Advantageously, the outflow of heated air reduces moisture and provides a cooling effect within the self-ventilating shoe 100 to prevent the user's foot from perspiring when wearing the self-ventilating shoe 100. As such, the user's foot is less susceptible to fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. As used herein, the term “one-way” is intended to indicate air moving in one direction only.
FIG. 2 depicts a downward-looking perspective view of the outer layer 114, showing the top wall 122 of the outer layer 114. In one embodiment, the outer layer 114 is made of a rubber material. In another embodiment, the outer layer 114 is made of a leather material. In other embodiments, the outer layer 114 may be made of another durable material. In a further embodiment, the outer layer 114 is made of a resilient material. Advantageously, the material is resilient and durable enough to sustain the wear and tear caused by repeated stepping and contact with the ground, and the elements of the outside environment.
The top wall 122 defines one or more apertures 200, 202 disposed lower than or beneath the apertures 118, 120 shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the apertures 200, 202 align with the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot, respectfully, where the most pressure is exerted when stepping. In other embodiments, the top wall 122 may define the apertures 200, 202 in other positions along the top wall 122. Advantageously, an abundance of air is forced in the downward direction due to pressure being exerted on the layers of the self-ventilating shoe 100 with each step.
A sidewall portion 210 extends downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall 122. The sidewall portion 210, the top wall 122, and the bottom wall 124 collectively define the lower collecting chambers, which can be referred to as a first air chamber 204 and a second air chamber 206, both chambers 204, 206 disposed beneath the top wall 122. The apertures 200, 202 allow the air to flow from the bottom portion 116 to the air chambers 204, 206. More specifically, the air travels through the aperture 200 and is temporarily stored within the first air chamber 204. In one embodiment, the first chamber 204 extends from the front end 106 to a mid-portion 208 of the outer layer 114. In another embodiment, the first chamber 204 may extend an alternate length. Similarly, the air travels through the aperture 202 and is temporarily stored in the second air chamber 206. In one embodiment, the second chamber 206 extends from the mid-portion 208 to the back end 108. In another embodiment, the second chamber 206 may extend an alternate length.
Referring now primarily to FIG. 3, the first chamber 204 and the second chamber 206 may include a plurality of resilient members 310 a-n for receiving and providing resilient cushioning from the force of the user's foot. The resilient members 310 a-n can be considered barriers that define a fluid pathway within the chambers 204, 206. In other words, the resilient members 310 a-n are disposed within the chambers 204, 206 and can help to direct the fluid pathway of the air. The resilient members 310 a-n can extend from an inner surface of the bottom wall 124 towards an inner surface of the top wall 122. In one embodiment, the resilient members 310 a-n are coupled to the inner surface of the bottom wall 124 and/or the inner surface of the top wall 122. In another embodiment, the resilient members 310 a-n are integral with the inner surface of the bottom wall 124 and/or the inner surface of the top wall 122. The indicator “a-n” is intended to represent any number of resilient members 310, where the number of resilient members 310 between “a” through “n” can be any number. In one embodiment, the resilient members 310 a-n may be made of a latex material that is durable, i.e., not easily worn out over time. In another embodiment, the resilient members 310 a-n may be made of a rubber-like material. In other embodiments, the resilient members 310 a-n may be made of another spongy like material. Advantageously, the resilient members 310 a-n help to facilitate the movement of the air from the first chamber 204 and the second chamber 206 through the one- way valves 126, 128. In use, as the user takes a step, the pressure exerted by the step forces the air to expel from the first air chamber 204 and the second air chamber 206 through the one- way valves 126, 128 to the outside environment.
FIG. 3 is a downward looking perspective view of the bottom wall 124 of the outer layer 114, with the top wall 122 removed, showing the one- way valves 126, 128. In one embodiment, the one- way valves 126, 128 may each include a corresponding flap 300, 302. In one embodiment, the flap 300, 302 may partially obstruct the one- way valves 126, 128 to prevent fluids, e.g., water, rain, etc. and air from entering the self-ventilating shoe 100. The term “partially” is defined herein as surrounding a portion of the one- way valves 126, 128 that is approximately fifty percent to seventy five percent of an overall circumference of the one- way valves 126, 128. In other embodiments, the flap 300, 302 may substantially obstruct a portion of the one- way valves 126, 128, such as eighty to one-hundred percent. In yet other embodiments, the flap 300, 302 may obstruct a portion of the one- way valves 126, 128 that is outside of this range. In one embodiment, the material of flap 300, 302 may be made with a rubber material. In another embodiment, the material of the flap 300, 302 may be made with an elastic, neoprene, or other type of waterproof material. In use, as the user steps, creating a downward force, the flap 300, 302 may be forced open by the heated air being expelled through the one- way valves 126, 128 toward the outside environment. In one embodiment, the flaps 300, 302 may be formed as self-closing plugs or stoppers that prevent air or water from entering the self-ventilating shoe 100.
To further assist in preventing the outside air from entering the self-ventilating shoe 100, a cover 304 may be provided to cover the one- way valves 126, 128 when the user is in a stationary position. In use, as the user steps, the cover 304 may open, allowing the air to expel from the self-ventilating shoe 100. In an alternative embodiment, the cover 304 may include a plurality of small apertures that allow air to be expelled therethrough, yet are small enough that debris is prevented from entering therein. In one embodiment, the one- way valves 126, 128 may be integrated, i.e., embedded, within the bottom wall 124. In a preferred embodiment, the one- way valves 126, 128 are disposed in an elevated position relative to a bottom-most portion of the outer layer 114, or outersole. Advantageously, this allows the one- way valves 126, 128 to be a sufficient distance from a ground surface so that the release of air is not prohibited when the self-ventilating shoe 100 contacts the ground surface. In another embodiment, the one- way valves 126, 128 may be disposed on an outer edge of the bottom wall 124. In yet another embodiment, the one- way valves 400, 402 are disposed on the sidewall portion 210 of the outer layer 114, expelling heated air through a side of the shoe 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4, rather than the bottom.
Referring again to FIG. 3, the one- way valves 126, 128 are depicted at approximately the mid-portion 208 between the front end 106 and the back end 108 of the self-ventilating shoe 100. In another embodiment, the one- way valves 126, 128 may be positioned at alternate places along the bottom wall 124. In another embodiment, the self-ventilating shoe 100 may include a plurality of one-way valves defined by the bottom wall 124. In other embodiments, the self-ventilating shoe 100 may include the one- way valves 126, 128 defined by a side portion of the outer layer 114 (see FIG. 4). In yet further embodiments, the self-ventilating shoe 100 may define a plurality of one-way valves defined by the side portion of the outer layer 114 (see FIG. 4).
A novel and efficient self-ventilating shoe has been disclosed that offers a cooling feature by expelling heat through one or more one-way valves located on an outer sole of the self-ventilating shoe. The self-ventilating shoe may also include a middle layer, beneath the insole layer and above the outsole, that, upon exertion, forces heated air to two lower collecting chambers in the outsole portion of the shoe, from which the air exists via the one-way valves in the outsole.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A self-ventilating shoe, comprising:

an insole, an outsole, and a permeable middle layer disposed between the insole and the outsole; and

a ventilation system having:

a plurality of apertures defined by the insole and operably configured to allow air to flow in one direction from a foot-receiving cavity of the shoe toward the outsole;

at least one one-way valve defined by the outsole;

at least one collecting chamber disposed within the outsole; and

the permeable middle layer operably configured such that exertion of a downward force from a user's foot as the user steps forces the air from the foot-receiving cavity to the at least one collecting chamber within the outsole and from the at least one collecting chamber to an outside environment through the at least one one-way valve.

2. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

each of the plurality of apertures has a circumference that is between approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 0.5 cm.

3. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

the plurality of apertures are arranged within a ball area and a heel area of the insole.

4. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

an exit port of the one-way valve is defined by a side wall of the outsole, the exit port operably configured to allow the air to exit to the outside environment through the side wall.

5. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

an exit port of the one-way valve is defined by a side wall of the outsole, the exit port operably configured to allow the air to exit to the outside environment through the side wall in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the air flow through the plurality of apertures defined by the insole.

6. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

an exit port of the one-way valve is defined by a ground-contacting portion of the outsole, the exit port operably configured to allow the air to exit to the outside environment.

7. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

the permeable middle layer is formed as a bladder layer.

8. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

the outsole has a sidewall portion, a top wall, and a bottom wall that collectively define the at least one collecting chamber, the at least one collecting chamber including at least two collecting chambers.

9. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 8, wherein:

the top wall of the outsole defines a plurality of apertures that allow air to flow into the at least two collecting chambers.

10. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 9, wherein:

the sidewall portion of the outsole defines an exit port of each of the at least two collecting chambers, the exit port configured to allow air to flow from the corresponding collecting chamber to the outside environment.

11. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

the outsole has a top wall, and a bottom wall; and

the at least one collecting chamber includes at least one resilient barrier member extending from an inner surface of the bottom wall towards an inner surface of the top wall of the outsole.

12. The self-ventilating shoe in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a flap at least partially obstructing an exit port of the at least one one-way valve.

13. A ventilation system for a shoe, comprising:

a plurality of apertures defined by an insole of a shoe and operably configured to allow air to flow in one direction from a foot-receiving cavity of the shoe toward an outsole of the shoe;

at least one one-way valve defined by the outsole;

at least one collecting chamber disposed within the outsole; and

a permeable middle layer operably configured such that exertion of a downward force from a user's foot as the user steps forces the air from the foot-receiving cavity to the at least one collecting chamber within the outsole and from the at least one collecting chamber to an outside environment through the at least one one-way valve.

14. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

15. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

16. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

17. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

18. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

19. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 18, wherein:

20. The ventilation system in accordance with claim 19, wherein:

the sidewall portion of the outsole defines an exit port of each of the two collecting chambers, the exit port configured to allow air to flow from the corresponding collecting chamber to the outside environment.