The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge
system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a
sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the
forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths,
widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge
to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different
sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the
user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to
change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a
stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The
cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes
while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing,
shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply
chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method
of supplying footwear.