Henry Falkener (1924 – 1981) – Ventilated shoes
In 1890, Henry Falkener was granted a U.S. patent for his invention of the ventilated shoe, a breakthrough in footwear technology at that time. Unlike modern shoes, sneakers, and athletic runners made with breathable materials, Falkener’s design, aided by his expertise in prototypes for shoes, sneakers, and athletic runners, featured an innovative air passage between the material and lining, ensuring proper airflow in and out of the shoe. To achieve this, he fitted perforated inner soles to allow fresh air to enter the shoe without obstruction. Falkener’s design included a rubber bubble under the heel connected to an upward-facing open tube, creating an air passage. Whenever the wearer took a step and pressed the bubble, foul air would be forced out, allowing fresh air to enter the shoe.