Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was a global icon for over 4 decades Jackson devised many novel dance moves, like the moonwalk.

In 1987, while shooting a video for his single “Smooth Criminal,” Michael devised a dance routine where he leaned forward 45 degrees, giving an gravity defying impression over the Audience,wires were used to create the impression.

Jackson wanted to recreate the same dance routine in a live performance, so he invented a special shoe.

Jackson patented a special shoe for creating anti-gravity illusion.

The shoe had a slot in the heel region.

The slot was designed to engage with a peg, that could be raised and lowered through the stage when required.

When heel engaged with the peg, Michael could lean forward into the attached ankle straps.

Patent Information

Publication number: US5255452 A

Patent Title: Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion

Publication date: Oct 26, 1993

Filing date: Jun 29, 1992

Priority date: Jun 29, 1992

Inventors: Michael J. Jackson, Michael L. Bush, Dennis Tompkins

Original Assignee: Triumph International, Inc.

US5255452