Golf shoe outsole

Abstract

The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is directed to a golf shoe. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a golf shoe utilizing stability pods to enable greater flexibility, balance, and traction for the golfer.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Historically, people first wore shoes to protect their feet. Over the centuries, footwear evolved into many different types that were specific to particular activities. Thus, the protection offered by a cold-weather work boot is highly different from that offered by a running shoe. In addition to protecting the feet, athletic footwear has further developed to offer specific functions dependent on the particular sport. Soccer shoes, for instance, have spikes for traction, whereas cycling shoes have very stiff soles with mounting plates for cleats to engage the pedal. In this manner, golf shoes have evolved to provide the wearer with good traction on grass, comfort while walking, and a stable platform for hitting the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe comprised of an upper and an outsole, with a mid-sole connecting the upper to the outsole. The outsole has a generally soft, and flexible forward and rear base sections, each section having openings of a predetermined size and shape wherein a corresponding like number of stability pods, along with an arch support shank, are molded to the sections to create an outsole. Each stability pod has means for releasably connecting a non-metal cleat for enhanced gripping of turf. The attaching means comprising of a socket containing a cleat receptacle that requires only a 45° clockwise turn to install and a 45° conterclockwise turn to release.

[0009]The golf shoe of the present invention uses stability pods made from hard polyurethane having a minimum Shore A hardness of 95. The pods extend at least 6.3 mm from a bottom surface of the outsole. A multitude of relatively hard projections extend outwardly form the bottom surface of the outsole for increased traction.

[0011]An embodiment of the present invention provides for the forward and rear base sections to be separate pieces and molded together with the arch support shank, wherein the shoe may flex longitudinally as well as across the metatarsal area, thereby providing the golfer with improved flexibility, traction with the turf, and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Problems solved by technology

A stiff sole, while providing a stable platform, can nonetheless cause discomfort because there is a balance between how the foot should be allowed to move versus how it should be supported.

Aside from the physical effort needed to flex a very stiff sole (which would tend to cause a ‘clunky’ gait as when wearing clogs), sole stiffness tends to cause the heel of the foot to slide up and down in the heel cup, potentially causing blisters.

However, the teachings of this patent are atypical of what is required for a golf shoe.

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