Pair of athletic shoes with asymmetric support between the uppers of the pair

Abstract

A pair of shoes is provided that includes a left and a right shoe. The left shoe includes an upper having a left forefoot portion, the left forefoot portion having a lateral side with a portion thereof made of a first material and a medial side with a portion thereof made of a second material. The right shoe includes an upper having a right forefoot, the right forefoot having a medial side with a portion thereof made of the first material and a lateral side with a portion thereof made of the second material, wherein one of the first material and the second material provides more support than the other. The more supportive first material can include a polyurethane, such as TPU, a non-stretch synthetic material, or ceraprene. The second, less supportable material can be a light weight breathable mesh.

Description

[0001]This patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 210,283, entitled “Pair of Athletic Shoes with Asymmetric Support Between the Uppers of the Pair,” filed on Mar. 16, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to athletic footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to athletic shoes having an improved upper used in sports that entail asymmetric movement of the feet, for example, track running.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Athletic footwear must provide stable and comfortable support for the foot. Specifically, it is important that the footwear be comfortable while providing adequate support during various foot movements associated with athletic activity. Athletic footwear typically includes an upper and a sole having a midsole and an outsole. Much attention has been paid to the construction of the sole of athletic footwear, which is often segmented and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]To optimize such a pair of athletic shoes, the forces applicable to the different areas, of the shoe are considered. Different designs are provided for the lateral and medial portions of the shoe upper, in order to enhance flexibility, balance control, propulsion, stability and support in the specific areas where needed. This, in turn, provides improved performance and minimizes injuries.

Problems solved by technology

Though this material may be comfortable, it often does not provide adequate support for an athlete.

In addition, while a pair of shoes of any type typically includes a right shoe that is a mirror image of the left shoe in order to provide the same functionality to corresponding portions of each foot, this is not optimal for sports that require asymmetrical foot movement, such as track running.

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