Sole assembly for article of footwear

Abstract

A sole assembly including an outsole and a midsole that balances proprioception, flexibility, protection and running efficiency. The midsole can define a flexibility void in the arch region of the assembly. The outsole can include ground contacting wearing tread extending through the arch region adjacent the flexibility void, with the outsole minimized adjacent the flexibility void to enhance flexibility, along with the flexibility void, in the arch region. The sole assembly can include a 4 mm to 8 mm or other heel to toe drop to accommodate a variety of running and other activities. The sole assembly can be outfitted with shock pods of denser, more rigid material than the midsole to dissipate forces from the wearer to the midsole over a larger area. The midsole can include a non-supportive upwardly extending portion in the arch to provide a wearer with the false perception that the arch is supported to reduce fatigue.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to a sole assembly for an article of footwear.[0002]The technical performance of shoes, boots, sandals and other articles of footwear is dependent in large part on the sole assembly. This is particularly true in the field of running shoes, where footwear manufacturers cater to the needs of runners, but usually at either one of two extremes. For example, there are a number of sole assemblies that are designed to provide a protective barrier between the wearer's foot and the ground. This can be desired when the shoes are designed for running or traversing rugged trails, or alternatively hard surfaced sidewalks and roads. These sole assemblies often also are quite supportive of the wearer's foot. With the added protection and support, such sole assemblies usually are lacking in ground feel and flexibility. Sometimes, they can actually impair running efficiency.[0003]At the other extreme, t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a shoe with a unique design that balances stability, flexibility, protection, and running efficiency. It includes a midsole and an outsole, with a space between them. This space allows for flexibility and mobility in the arch region of the shoe. In some cases, the outsole in the midfoot is minimal, and the midsole wraps upward to provide support without adding significant weight. This design helps improve running performance and comfort.

Problems solved by technology

With this construction, the midsole in the arch may not offer actual substantial physical support to the wearer's arch, but instead can provide a level of sensory contact to the underside of the wearer's arch so that the arch muscles and nerves falsely perceive actual support.

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