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

[0010]In still another embodiment, a sandal for improved athleticism over uneven terrain may include a midsole having a first toe platform isolated from a second toe platform, the first toe platform configured to articulate independently from the second toe platform. A stiffening member is coupled with the midsole and has a first portion isolated from a second portion, the first portion coupled with the first toe platform and the second portion coupled with the second toe platform. An outsole is coupled with the midsole so that the stiffening member is substantially disposed between the outsole and the midsole. A toe post extends through the midsole and is fastened to the stiffening member, the toe post configured to separate a first toe of a foot of a wearer onto the first toe platform and a second toe of the foot of the wearer onto the second toe platform.

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