Custom midsole

Claim 1

A shoe, comprising: a thin, durable outsole having an outsole upper surface; a cushionable midsole comprising at least one peripheral portion and a separate, removable insert, a lower surface of said peripheral portion joined to said outsole upper surface, said at least one peripheral portion forming a receptacle for receiving said insert; said peripheral portion being designed to give structural support while being more cushionable and yieldable than said outsole; said insert and said peripheral portion designed so that said insert supports the majority of the wearer's weight; a reinforcing layer joined to said outsole upper surface within and laterally coextensive with said receptacle, said reinforcing layer being substantially thinner than the depth of said receptacle, said receptacle layer laterally coextensive with said receptacle and substantially less cushionable and more resilient than said peripheral portion so as to provide torisonal strength; said removable insert having a lower surface for contacting said reinforcing layer and a preselected cushionability, said insert selected from among a plurality of like inserts having differing degrees of cushionability, the selected insert selected according to the weight of the wearer; a lip member of said removable insert including an upper surface of said insert, said lip member extending laterally outwardly over an upper surface of said peripheral portion when said insert is inserted into said receptacle; said lip member designed to provide one smooth and soft surface for the foot to rest upon; and an upper joined to said peripheral portion.