Footwear having independent toe platforms

Abstract

An article of footwear for increased athleticism utilizing independently articulating toe platforms. The footwear includes a first toe platform and a second toe platform disposed in a toe portion of the footwear that are either physically separated from one another via a cut in the toe portion or a flexible segment extending through the toe portion. A toe post is configured to engage between a first toe of a user's foot and a second toe of the user's foot. The first toe is configured to contact the first toe platform and the second toe is configured to contact the second toe platform. Additional toe platforms and / or toe posts may be utilized. The footwear may include a topsole, a midsole and an outsole. A stiffening agent may be disposed between the midsole and the outsole for resisting bending of the footwear and / or for helping protect the user's foot from external objects.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]The present invention relates generally to footwear and improvements thereto and more particularly pertains to athletic footwear with independent toe articulation and improvements thereto.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Designing footwear to balance both athleticism and wearability has proven a source of difficulty when utilizing conventional footwear design characteristics. As the athleticism of a shoe or sport sandal increases, the wearability or comfort level of such apparel often can diminish. During athletic movement, the foot of a user may be rapidly shifting, twisting or flexing in order to make frictional contact with the ground through the footwear in order to either propel the user in a desired direction or to abruptly halt the user. Any slippage or movement of the foot within the shoe results in a loss of athleticism for the user since the footwear is not optimally transmitting the forces from the user's foot to the ground below....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a special shoe design for improved athletic performance on uneven terrain. The shoe has a unique midsole with two separate toe platforms that move independently. A stiffening member is attached to the midsole and connects to both toe platforms. The outsole is attached to the midsole with the stiffening member in between. The shoe also has a toe post that separates the two toes on the foot of the person wearing them, placing them on the separate platforms. The technical effect of this design is better traction, stability, and reduced fatigue when running or walking over uneven surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

Designing footwear to balance both athleticism and wearability has proven a source of difficulty when utilizing conventional footwear design characteristics.

As the athleticism of a shoe or sport sandal increases, the wearability or comfort level of such apparel often can diminish.

Any slippage or movement of the foot within the shoe results in a loss of athleticism for the user since the footwear is not optimally transmitting the forces from the user's foot to the ground below.

Unfortunately, such a tightly secured fitment can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy for the user over extended time periods due to the constriction of their foot.

Unfortunately, footwear with toe pockets have several undesirable consequences.

Indeed, the footwear acts similar to a second skin surrounding the user's foot and further constricts the foot when compared against conventional footwear.

While this material allowed for some minimal protection to the foot, the user ran a risk of particularly sharp objects (e.g., rocks, nails, broken glass, etc.) on the ground penetrating the thin, flexible outsole material and puncturing the skin.

The lack of a stronger, more penetration resistant component of the footwear for helping shield the user's foot kept such footwear from being viable except in circumstances where the user was unlikely to encounter any such hazards.

Articles of footwear with toe pockets were also more inconvenient to put on or remove than standard footwear due to their need to individually find, fit and encompass each toe in its intended pocket.

Images