Footwear with a functional sole for stretching the lower limbs and providing postural support.

Description

/ 4 Footwear with a functional sole for stretching the lower limbs and providing postural support. Innovation field

[001] The present innovation belongs to the field of ergonomic devices and functional footwear, more specifically to footwear with therapeutic soles, aimed at promoting the stretching of the muscles of the lower limbs, especially the calves, tendons and nerves of the posterior region of the legs. History of the innovation

[002] Prolonged use of high-heeled shoes has been widely associated with discomfort and health problems in the lower limbs, such as muscle pain, fatigue, and postural changes, especially in women who wear them for long periods every day. Although there are several ergonomic shoes on the market, few offer integrated solutions for the active stretching of muscles and tendons during everyday use, without the need for specific practices in gyms or physiotherapy sessions.

[003] This innovation stems from studies in the field of occupational health surveillance, which identified the need for footwear with a functional sole capable of inducing stretching of the calf muscles and posterior leg structures. To this end, a configuration with a central curvature is proposed, which reproduces the seesaw movement and promotes plantar and dorsal flexion during short movements and pauses throughout the day. Additionally, the innovation includes an alternative sole configuration with a forward inclination, aimed at supporting the feet of users who remain seated for long periods, promoting ergonomic alignment and contributing to the reduction of muscular and circulatory discomfort. Petition 870250059619, dated 12 / 07 / 2025, page 6 / 17 / 4 Description of the drawings

[004] Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, a preferred configuration of the footwear (2) with a seesaw type sole (1).

[005] Figure 2 shows, in perspective view, an alternative configuration of the footwear (2) with front elevation on the sole (1).

[006] Figure 3 shows a side view of the footwear configuration (2) with seesaw type sole (1).

[007] Figure 4 shows a side view of the shoe configuration (2) with front elevation of the sole (1).

[008] Figure 5 shows a side view of the application of the rocker-type footwear during a stretching exercise.

[009] Figure 6 shows a side view of the application of footwear with front elevation during seated use. Detailed description of the innovation

[010] The present innovation relates to footwear (2) designed to promote stretching of the muscles of the lower limbs, especially the calf region, tendons and nerves of the posterior aspect of the leg, by means of a sole (1) with a functional configuration. The footwear (2) comprises two main constructive variants of the sole (1): one with a central elevation, in the form of a seesaw, and another with a frontal elevation.

[011] The configuration with central elevation, shown in Figure 1, features the sole (1) with an upward curvature in the medial region, forming a seesaw-type arch. This conformation is designed to induce a slight anteroposterior oscillatory movement during use while standing or during short displacements. Figure 3, in lateral view, highlights this curvature of the sole (1), whose point of greatest elevation is located approximately in the center of the shoe (2). This shape allows the user, when transferring body weight between the region Petition 870250059619, dated 12 / 07 / 2025, page 7 / 17 / 4 anterior (forefoot) and posterior (heel), perform movements that induce plantar and dorsal flexion of the ankle, continuously stimulating the stretching of the calf muscles and adjacent structures.

[012] The practical application of the rocker version is illustrated in Figure 5, in which a user is standing, using the shoe (2) as support during the stretching exercise. The natural rocking motion of the curved sole (1), favored by the central curvature, creates a mechanical stimulus that promotes the active stretching of muscles and tendons, without the need for external equipment or specific instructions. The rocking motion, as suggested by the arrows in the illustration, promotes a gentle physiological oscillation that can be integrated into breaks throughout the day, contributing to muscle and postural health.

[013] The front elevation configuration, illustrated in Figure 2, features a sloping sole (1), with a pronounced elevation in the anterior region (under the toes), so that the heel remains at a lower level than the forefoot. This configuration is particularly suitable for users who remain seated for long periods. Figure 4, in side view, highlights this inclination of the sole, reinforcing the difference in levels between the anterior and posterior portions of the shoe base (2).

[014] Figure 6 shows the practical application of this version in a static context: a seated user, with her feet resting on the floor, wearing the version with a front elevation. The inclined arrangement of the sole provides an ergonomic positioning of the feet, promoting leg alignment and relieving accumulated muscle tension in the posterior region of the lower limbs. This design acts as a substitute for conventional ergonomic supports and can be used in work environments, study stations, or during Petition 870250059619, dated 12 / 07 / 2025, page 8 / 17 / 4 the transport, contributing to the prevention of muscular and circulatory discomfort.

[015] Both configurations of the sole (1) of the shoe (2) can be manufactured in lightweight, resistant and flexible materials, allowing its application in both open and closed shoes, without compromising conventional aesthetics.

[016] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the radius of curvature of the seesaw configuration can typically vary between 120 mm and 200 mm, depending on the model and the intended application, but is not limited to these values. Similarly, the inclination of the front elevation version can be, for example, between 10° and 18° in relation to the horizontal plane, and can be adjusted for different ergonomic contexts. The sole (1) can be made from materials such as expanded EVA, injected polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic rubber or functional equivalents that have properties of lightness, cushioning and mechanical resistance compatible with everyday use.

[017] This innovation is not limited to the representations discussed or illustrated herein and should be understood in its broad scope. Many modifications and other representations of the invention will come to mind for those skilled in the art to which this innovation pertains, having the benefit of the teaching set forth in the preceding descriptions. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific form disclosed, and that modifications and other forms are understood to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive manner and not for the purpose of limitation. Petition 870250059619, dated 12 / 07 / 2025, page 9 / 17

Claims

CLAIM 1) Footwear with a functional sole for stretching the lower limbs, characterized by comprising a sole (1) with a first configuration with an ascending central curvature, in the shape of a continuous arch, whose highest point is substantially positioned in the median region of the sole (1); and a second configuration with a forward inclination, in which the anterior portion of the sole (1) is at a higher level than the posterior portion. Petition 870250059619, dated 12 / 07 / 2025, page 10 / 17

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