Adjustable footwear sole construction and related methods of use

Abstract

A footwear construction including a sole and an adjustable heel element selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation to configure the heel element in a fitness mode or a stability mode. The heel element can include a ground contacting surface having a first performance contour and a second, different performance contour. In the fitness mode, the first performance contour is positioned rearward of the second performance contour to provide a rolling/rocking motion when the heel region of the footwear engages a walking surface in a gait cycle. In the stability mode, the second performance contour is positioned rearward of the first performance contour to provide a stable impact when the heel region engages a walking surface. The footwear can include an actuator to enable the heel element to rotate and locking elements to hold the heel element in a fixed rotational position. A related method of use also is provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly, to a sole construction that is adjustable, and related methods of manufacture and use.[0002]Recently emphasis has been placed on footwear that assists in better working the muscles of the wearer, improving the gait of the wearer and burning extra calories by wearing such footwear. Such footwear are generally designed to be worn while the wearer engages in a fitness activity, such as walking, running, or a sport.[0003]Certain manufacturers have refined the soles of footwear to accomplish the above objectives. For example, some manufacturers offer a sole including a curved heel that provides a “rolling” effect, which trains a wearer's body to maintain its natural balance by working the wearer's leg muscles and core. This sole generally includes a wedge that is constructed from a soft, squishy material, and is positioned under the heel of a wearer in a fixed position that is adapted to en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]The footwear described herein provides a simple and efficient mechanism that enables a wearer to convert the footwear between different modes having different performance characteristics depending on the wearer's preferences. For example, rotation of the adjustable heel element can permit a sole to be converted from a fitness mode when a wearer desires to engage in a particular fitness activity or otherwise tone their muscles, to a stability mode when a wearer desires more stable performance from the footwear, or simply is finished with the fitness activity. Because the adjustable heel element can be adjusted by varying its orientation, the wearer need not carry around two or more pairs of shoes should the wearer desire to engage in a variety of activities.

Problems solved by technology

With its resilient, compressible curved shape, the wedge apparently simulates uneven terrain typically found in nature, thereby creating a natural instability to which the wearer's muscles respond with intuitive, small movements that compensate for the instability.

While the above wedge shoes can train a wearer's body to maintain its natural balance and can work various muscle groups harder, the shoes take time to become accustomed to, and may be unsuitable when a wearer desires more traditional footwear when traversing uneven terrain, or other terrain that is unsuitable for a easily compressible, low density and / or unstable curved heel.

While this construction provides a way to replace worn out portions of footwear, it can sometimes be difficult to operate the pins.

Moreover, the mechanism and other features that provide the cushioning within the heel element can be overly complicated, costly and time consuming to assemble.

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