Footwear construction

Abstract

A footwear construction including a midsole frame having a forefoot base, a heel base and an intermediate frame section that connects the forefoot base and the heel base. The forefoot base and heel base can be separated from one another by a frame void. The forefoot base can include at least one forefoot base void extending across the width, of the footwear to improve flexibility of the footwear. The construction also can include a midsole including a lower surface housed at least partially within and/or joined with the midsole frame, with the midsole frame forefoot base and a heel base separated from one another below the midsole lower surface by the frame void, and connected above the lower surface by the intermediate frame section. Where the construction includes an outsole, that outsole can define an outsole forefoot void, which can be aligned with the forefoot base void.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear and, more particularly, to a footwear construction and a method for making the same.[0002]In the footwear industry, there is an ongoing effort to produce footwear that provides a high level of stability and support, while maintaining exceptional comfort. This effort is heightened in the design of high performance footwear, such as watersport, hiking, mountaineering, multisport and rugged outdoor walking footwear. To minimize the effects of travel over jagged, rugged or uneven surfaces high performance footwear is frequently provided with components that provide torsional stability (e.g. resistance to twisting forces) and longitudinal stability (e.g. resistance to linear forces).[0003]Conventionally, stability and comfort have been competing characteristics. Efforts to improve stability and support typically result in a reduction in flexibility in the shoe, and subsequently comfort. A common technique for impr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The construction described herein provides a novel footwear having a high degree of support, as well as improved flexibility and comfort. The midsole frame and its components add structured stability and firmness to the footwear. These characteristics are particularly advantageous in high performance and other footwear. With the one or more voids included in the midsole frame and / or the outsole, an added level of flexibility can be provided without compromising the structural stability of the footwear.

Problems solved by technology

Efforts to improve stability and support typically result in a reduction in flexibility in the shoe, and subsequently comfort.

While this construction—particularly its sole assembly—increases stability, it commonly reduces the comfort and wearability of the footwear.

For example, the rigid midsole typically provides very limited cushioning and therefore results in reduced comfort.

This can increase fatigue in the wearer's foot muscles.

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