Shoe

Abstract

A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 12 / 557,276 filed on Sep. 10, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to footwear and, in particular, to a shoe with fitness benefits which can be used during high impact activities such as running. The fitness benefits are imparted by a unique running or walking motion which is induced primarily by the shoe's midsole. The midsole has multiple layers and multiple densities. One of the layers of the midsole is a shank that allows the shoe to be lighter and to have a lower-profile which results in the user's foot being positioned closer to the ground; the shank also provides increased heel and midfoot support. As a result of these qualities / characteristics, the shoe can be worn during high impact activities such as running. The motion induced by the shoe is mimics the effect of running or walking on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface.[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0039]The amount of muscle use, control and coordination necessary for the user to maintain the user's balance throughout each step increases in direct proportion to each one of the following: (1) increased size, primarily in wavelength and amplitude, of the longitudinal concavity and/or transverse concavity and (2) increased compressibility of the lower layer. Increased longitudinal and/or transverse concavity size in the form of greater amplitude corresponds to a thicker lower layer. The compressibility of the lower layer is a physical property inherent in the material out of which the lower layer is made. It is a measure of the readiness with which the lower layer compresses under a given load. A high compressibility means that the lower layer is highly compressible and can be compressed a high amount with relative ease. As the compressibility increases, the user must use more muscle control and coordination to maintain the user's balance during each step as the weight of the user compresses the lower layer. This compression is accompanied by a downward movement of the user's f

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, in every step taken during normal walking while wearing such shoes, the user is forced to overcome this abrupt, discrete pivot point.

This can result in significant pain and discomfort.

Prior art shoes that have attempted to mim

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