Sole and shoe

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a sole and a shoe which can suppress excessive pronation at the time of landing to improve the stability of the foot, and which can moderate the local impact transmitted to the wearer's heel of the shoe via a member for improving stability. The sole includes a main body portion and a heel holding portion. The heel holding portion is located on the side opposite the ground surface of the main body portion, and holds the heel of the foot from at least the medial side. The main body portion includes a low-hardness portion and a high-hardness portion. The high-hardness portion is formed of a foam material harder than the foam material forming the low-hardness portion. The heel holding portion is formed of a resin harder than both the foam material forming the low-hardness portion and the foam material forming the high-hardness portion. On the medial side of the rear foot portion, the low-hardness portion is located between the heel holding portion and the high-hardness portion in the vertical direction (Z).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sole and a shoe. BACKGROUND

[0002] As documents disclosing a sole and a shoe, there are Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-59555, International Publication No. 2006 / 120749, International Publication No. 2007 / 122722, International Publication No. 2010 / 038266, Japanese Patent No. 5875168, and International Publication No. 2010 / 049983.

[0003] The middle sole of the sole disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-59555 includes a rear end region, a medial side region, and a lateral side region. The rear end region supports a medial rear end of a foot including a lower end of a calcaneus and a lateral rear end of the foot. In a part or all of the regions, a lower layer and an upper layer are stacked with each other. The upper layer has a smaller compressive rigidity than the lower layer.

[0004] The sole disclosed in International Publication No. 2006 / 120749 includes a middle sole, an outer sole, a deformation element, and a connecting member. The deformation element is disposed between the outer sole and the middle sole. The deformation element includes a curved deformation member that opens from a center of a rear foot portion toward a peripheral edge. Between a lower plate portion and an upper plate portion of the curved deformation member, a rubber-like or sheath-like compression deformation member that deforms while accumulating repulsive force when compressed is installed. The connecting member is interposed between the middle sole and the curved deformation member. The connecting member links the middle sole and the curved deformation member with each other. A Young's modulus of a raw material that constitutes the connecting member is larger than a Young's modulus of the middle sole and smaller than a Young's modulus of the curved deformation member.

[0005] As a conventional sole, there is a sole that mitigates an impact of a shoe on a wearer's heel portion at the time of landing. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-59555, it is described that an impact transmitted to a foot at the time of landing is mitigated by a soft upper layer. In International Publication No. 2006 / 120749, it is described that an impact at the time of landing is dispersed by the curved deformation member and further dispersed by the connecting member. In International Publication No. 2007 / 122722, it is described that an arch is formed by bulging of each blade, and a cushioning function of the rear foot portion is improved by flexing of the arch. Further, in International Publication No. 2010 / 038266, it is described that a reinforcing member suppresses lowering of an arch of a foot.

[0006] On the other hand, as a sole of a conventional shoe, there is a sole that improves the stability of a wearer's foot. In Japanese Patent No. 5875168, it is described that the lateral vibration of the rear foot is significantly improved in the medial side and / or the lateral side where a skirt is provided. In International Publication No. 2010 / 049983, it is described that the pronation is suppressed by a buried portion, and the instep is supported by the upper portion of the first region of the midsole main body, so that the feeling of lifting is not easily felt in the instep.

[0007] However, in the conventional sole, at the time of landing, an impact like a local lift is transmitted to the heel portion via a member for improving stability provided in the sole. In particular, in a sole for suppressing excessive pronation, the member is relatively hard in order to improve the effect of improving stability, and such an impact occurs significantly. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application was achieved in view of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a sole and a shoe that can suppress excessive pronation at the time of landing to improve the stability of a foot, and can moderate a local impact transmitted to the heel portion of a wearer of the shoe via a member for improving stability.

[0009] In the sole according to the present application, a toe portion that supports the toes of a foot, a forefoot portion that supports the forefoot of a foot, a midfoot portion that supports the instep of a foot, and a rear foot portion that supports the heel of a foot are provided in series in the foot length direction. The sole includes a main body portion and a heel holding portion. The main body portion has a ground contact surface. The heel holding portion is located on the side opposite to the ground contact surface of the main body portion, and holds the heel of a foot from at least the medial side. The main body portion includes a low hardness portion and a high hardness portion. The low hardness portion is formed of a foam material. The high hardness portion is located on the side opposite to the heel holding portion, as viewed from the low hardness portion. The high hardness portion is formed of a foam material that is harder than the foam material that forms the low hardness portion. The heel holding portion is formed of a resin that is harder than both the foam material that forms the low hardness portion and the foam material that forms the high hardness portion. The low hardness portion is located between the heel holding portion and the high hardness portion in the vertical direction, on the medial side of the rear foot portion.

[0010] The shoe according to the present application includes the sole according to the present application described above and an upper located above the sole.

[0011] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present application taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 2 is a plan view of a sole according to an embodiment of the present application, as viewed from above.

[0014] Figure 3 is a side view of the sole of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the medial side.

[0015] Figure 4 is a side view of the sole of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the lateral side.

[0016] Figure 5 is a back view of the sole of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the rear end side.

[0017] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the sole of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from below.

[0018] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the sole as viewed in the direction of the arrow of line VII-VII. Figure 6

[0019] Figure 8 is a sectional view of the sole as viewed in the direction of the arrow of line VIII-VIII. Figure 6

[0020] Figure 9 is a sectional view of the sole as viewed in the direction of the arrow of line IX-IX. Figure 6

[0021] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the sole of a first modification of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position.

[0022] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the sole of a second modification of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position.

[0023] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the sole of a third modification of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position.

[0024] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the sole of a fourth modification of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position.

[0025] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the sole of a fifth modification of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position.

[0026] Figure 15 is a sectional view of the sole of a sixth modification of an embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position.

[0027] Figure 16 ​​​FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when viewing the sole of the seventh modification of the embodiment of the present application from the front at the second boundary position.

[0028] Figure 17 FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view when viewing the sole of the eighth modification of the embodiment of the present application from the front at the second boundary position.

[0029] Figure 18 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view when viewing the sole of the ninth modification of the embodiment of the present application from the front at the second boundary position.

[0030] Figure 19 FIG. 10 is a plan view of the sole of the tenth modification of the embodiment of the present application viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 20 FIG. 11 is a plan view of the sole of the eleventh modification of the embodiment of the present application viewed from above.

[0032] Figure 21 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view when viewing the sole of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application from the front at the second boundary position.

[0033] Figure 22 FIG. 13 is a plan view of the sole of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application viewed from above.

[0034] Figure 23 FIG. 14 is a back view of the sole of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application from the rear end side showing the initial stage of the sole landing.

[0035] Explanation of Symbols

[0036] 1: shoe

[0037] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j, 10k, 10m: sole

[0038] 10F: forefoot portion

[0039] 10M: midfoot portion

[0040] 10R: rearfoot portion

[0041] 20: upper

[0042] 100: main body portion

[0043] 101: ground contact surface

[0044] 102, 121, 141: upper surface

[0045] 110: low hardness portion

[0046] 110A: upper portion

[0047] 110B: lower portion

[0048] 111, 123: lower surface

[0049] 112: buffer region

[0050] 113: recessed portion

[0051] 114: protruding portion

[0052] 120: high rigidity portion

[0053] 122: rear end surface

[0054] 124: corner portion

[0055] 130: outsole

[0056] 140: buffer member

[0057] 150: reinforcing member

[0058] 200: heel holding portion

[0059] 210: inner medial holding portion

[0060] 210A, 220A: inner side surface

[0061] 210B, 211B, 220B, 221B: outer side surface

[0062] 210C, 220C: front end portion

[0063] 211: inner medial lower side wall portion

[0064] 212, 222: outer end portion

[0065] 215: inner medial upper side wall portion

[0066] 220: outer lateral holding portion

[0067] 221: outer lateral lower side wall portion

[0068] 225: outer lateral upper side wall portion

[0069] A: region

[0070] Ac: center in the width direction of the foot

[0071] HC: heel center

[0072] L: front-rear direction

[0073] M1, M2: maximum dimension

[0074] O: point

[0075] P1: First boundary position

[0076] P2: Second boundary position

[0077] S1: Inner side of the foot

[0078] S2: Outer side of the foot

[0079] SC: Centerline

[0080] X: Foot width direction

[0081] XC: Imaginary Line

[0082] Y: Foot length direction

[0083] Z: Up and down direction

[0084] Z1, Z2: Dimensions Detailed Implementation

[0085] Hereinafter, a sole and shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiment, terms such as front, rear, upper, and lower will be used. Front and rear refer to the direction of view from the perspective of a wearer wearing a shoe placed on a flat surface such as the ground. For example, front refers to the toe side, and rear refers to the heel side. Lower refers to the direction on the ground side relative to the shoe placed on a flat surface such as the ground, and upper refers to the direction on the opposite side from the ground side.

[0086] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a shoe 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sole 10 and an upper 20 located above the sole 10. The upper 20 is connected to the sole 10 and together with the sole 10 forms a space for accommodating the foot. The upper 20 may have a midsole forming the lower part of the upper 20, or it may not have said midsole.

[0087] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the sole of a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 2 In the diagram, a two-dot underline represents the bones of the foot of a standard wearer wearing shoes 1, including the sole 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in a shoe sole 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the toe portion of the supporting foot and the forefoot portion 10F of the stepping portion, the middle foot portion 10M of the arch portion of the supporting foot, and the rear foot portion 10R of the heel portion of the supporting foot are connected in the length direction Y.

[0088] The forefoot portion 10F includes the front end of the sole 10. The rear foot portion 10R includes the rear end of the sole 10. In the present embodiment, the boundary position of the forefoot portion 10F and the midfoot portion 10M, i.e., the first boundary position P1, is a position in the foot length direction Y corresponding to 40% of the size of the sole 10 from the front end of the sole 10. The boundary position of the midfoot portion 10M and the rear foot portion 10R, i.e., the second boundary position P2, is a position in the foot length direction Y corresponding to 80% of the size of the sole 10 from the front end of the sole 10. The first boundary position P1 and the second boundary position P2 are positioned along the foot width direction X.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the foot width direction X is a direction orthogonal to the foot length direction Y when the sole 10 is viewed from the up-down direction Z. The foot length direction Y is a direction along the heel center HC when the sole 10 is viewed from the up-down direction Z. The up-down direction Z is a direction orthogonal to the ground surface 101 described later. The heel center HC is a straight line connecting the center of the calcaneus of a standard wearer of the shoe 1 including the sole 10 and the third and fourth toes when viewed from the up-down direction Z.

[0090] Figure 3 is a side view of the sole of one embodiment of the present application as viewed from the medial side. Figure 4 is a side view of the sole of one embodiment of the present application as viewed from the lateral side. Figure 5 is a back view of the sole of one embodiment of the present application as viewed from the rear end side. In the present specification, the medial side refers to the side close to the anatomically correct center of the foot (i.e., the side close to the center), and the lateral side refers to the side opposite to the side close to the anatomically correct center of the foot (i.e., the side away from the center).

[0091] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 , the sole 10 includes a main body portion 100 and a heel holding portion 200. The main body portion 100 has a ground surface 101. The heel holding portion 200 is located on the side opposite to the ground surface 101 of the main body portion 100 and holds the heel portion of the foot at least from the medial side S1. In the present embodiment, the heel holding portion 200 also holds the heel portion of the foot from the lateral side S2.

[0092] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the sole of one embodiment of the present application as viewed from below. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the sole of Figure 6 as viewed from the VII-VII line arrow direction. Figure 8 is a sectional view of the sole of Figure 6 as viewed from the VIII-VIII line arrow direction.

[0093] As shown in Figures 3 to 8As shown, in the present embodiment, the main body portion 100 includes a low-hardness portion 110, a high-hardness portion 120, an outsole 130, a cushioning member 140, and a reinforcing member 150. In addition, the main body portion 100 can not include the cushioning member 140, and can not include the reinforcing member 150.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 1, the low-hardness portion 110 is provided so as to be continuous with the forefoot portion 10F, the midfoot portion 10M, and the rearfoot portion 10R in the foot length direction Y. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 does not constitute the ground contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100, but a part of the lower surface 111 can constitute the ground contact surface 101. The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 constitutes the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100. Figure 6 Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1, the low-hardness portion 110 is provided so as to be continuous with the forefoot portion 10F, the midfoot portion 10M, and the rearfoot portion 10R in the foot length direction Y. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 does not constitute the ground contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100, but a part of the lower surface 111 can constitute the ground contact surface 101. The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 constitutes the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100.

[0095] The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 has a cushioning region 112. The cushioning region 112 is positioned from the rearfoot portion 10R to the midfoot portion 10M. The cushioning region 112 is positioned so as not to overlap the heel holding portion 200 when viewed in the up-and-down direction Z.

[0096] The net-shaped recessed portion 113 is formed in the cushioning region 112. A plurality of protruding portions 114 surrounded by the net-shaped recessed portion 113 are formed in the cushioning region 112. By the plurality of protruding portions 114, the impact transmitted to the heel portion of the wearer at the time of landing can be mitigated. In addition, the upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 can not have the cushioning region 112.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the low-hardness portion 110 has an upper portion 110A and a lower portion 110B positioned on the lower side of the upper portion 110A. In the present embodiment, the upper portion 110A and the lower portion 110B are formed by different members, respectively, but the upper portion 110A and the lower portion 110B can be formed by an integral member.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 1, the low-hardness portion 110 is provided so as to be continuous with the forefoot portion 10F, the midfoot portion 10M, and the rearfoot portion 10R in the foot length direction Y. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 does not constitute the ground contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100, but a part of the lower surface 111 can constitute the ground contact surface 101. The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 constitutes the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100. Figure 6 Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1, the low-hardness portion 110 is provided so as to be continuous with the forefoot portion 10F, the midfoot portion 10M, and the rearfoot portion 10R in the foot length direction Y. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 does not constitute the ground contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100, but a part of the lower surface 111 can constitute the ground contact surface 101. The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 constitutes the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100. Figure 6 Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1, the low-hardness portion 110 is provided so as to be continuous with the forefoot portion 10F, the midfoot portion 10M, and the rearfoot portion 10R in the foot length direction Y. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 does not constitute the ground contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100, but a part of the lower surface 111 can constitute the ground contact surface 101. The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 constitutes the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100. Figure 3 Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, the low-hardness portion 110 is provided so as to be continuous with the forefoot portion 10F, the midfoot portion 10M, and the rearfoot portion 10R in the foot length direction Y. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 does not constitute the ground contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100, but a part of the lower surface 111 can constitute the ground contact surface 101. The upper surface of the low-hardness portion 110 constitutes the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100.

[0099] ​​​​The low-hardness portion 110, namely the upper portion 110A and the lower portion 110B, is formed of foam material. From the viewpoint of stability, the foam material forming the lower portion 110B is preferably harder than the foam material forming the upper portion 110A, but it may also have the same hardness as the foam material forming the upper portion 110A, or it may be softer than the foam material forming the upper portion 110A.

[0100] The foam material forming the low-hardness portion 110 is, for example, made of resin or rubber. Resin-based foam materials may contain a resin material as the main component, and foaming agents and crosslinking agents as secondary components. As the resin material, thermoplastic resins such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoplastic polyamide (TPA) can be suitably used. Rubber-based foam materials may contain a rubber material as the main component, and plasticizers, foaming agents, reinforcing materials, and crosslinking agents as secondary components. Butadiene rubber can be suitably used, for example, as the rubber material.

[0101] The hardness of the low-hardness portion 110, for example, in terms of Asker-C hardness, is preferably 20 degrees or more, more preferably 40 degrees or more. Furthermore, the hardness of the low-hardness portion 110, for example, in terms of Asker-C hardness, is preferably 70 degrees or less, more preferably 60 degrees or less. If the hardness of the low-hardness portion 110 is 70 degrees or less in terms of Asker-C hardness, the contact between the shoe 1, including the sole 10, and the wearer's foot is further improved.

[0102] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, viewed from the low-hardness portion 110, the high-hardness portion 120 is located on the side opposite to the heel retaining portion 200. In this embodiment, the high-hardness portion 120 is in direct contact with the low-hardness portion 110.

[0103] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the high-hardness portion 120 is positioned such that, viewed from the vertical direction Z, it extends from the rear foot portion 10R to the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10 along the length direction Y. The high-hardness portion 120 is positioned on the inner foot side S1, protruding to the outside of the sole 10. Viewed from the inner foot side S1, the rear end face 122 of the high-hardness portion 120 is in contact with the low-hardness portion 110. The rear end face 122 slopes downward as it faces rearward.

[0104] like Figure 8As shown, the high-hardness portion 120 is positioned below the low-hardness portion 110 located on the inner foot side S1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the high-hardness portion 120 is positioned on the side opposite to the center of the sole 10 in the foot width direction X, when viewed from the lower portion 110B of the low-hardness portion 110 located on the inner foot side S1.

[0105] Furthermore, when viewing the second boundary position P2 from the foot length direction Y, at the center Ac of the foot width direction in the region A where the low-hardness part 110, the high-hardness part 120, and the heel retaining part 200 are arranged vertically along the Z direction, the vertical dimension Z1 of the low-hardness part 110 is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, of the vertical dimension Z2 of the high-hardness part 120. Additionally, at the center Ac in the foot width direction, the dimension Z1 is preferably 50% or less, more preferably 45% or less, of the vertical dimension Z2 of the high-hardness part 120. Furthermore, when viewing the second boundary position P2 from the foot length direction Y, the high-hardness part 120 is positioned at a distance of at least 60% from the point O where the center of the sole 10 in the foot width direction X (i.e., the heel center HC) intersects with the upper surface 102 of the low-hardness part 110. This distance is also considered when viewing the second boundary position P2 from the foot length direction Y.

[0106] The high-hardness portion 120 is formed of a foam material that is harder than the foam material forming the low-hardness portion 110. The same foam material that forms the high-hardness portion 120 can be used as the foam material that forms the low-hardness portion 110.

[0107] The hardness of the high-hardness portion 120 is preferably 55 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, measured in Asker C hardness, for example. By making the hardness of the high-hardness portion 120 55 degrees or more in Asker C hardness, the stability of the wearer's foot, including the sole 10, is further improved. In addition, the hardness of the high-hardness portion 120 is preferably 8 degrees or more higher than that of the low-hardness portion 110 in Asker C hardness, more preferably 10 degrees or more higher. By providing a low-hardness portion 110 that is 8 degrees or more lower than that of the high-hardness portion 120 in Asker C hardness, the wearer of the shoe 1, including the sole 10, is less likely to feel the push-up from the high-hardness portion 120 when landing.

[0108] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower surface of the outer sole 130 constitutes the ground surface 101 of the main body 100. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The tread pattern formed on the exposed surface of the outsole 130 is omitted from the illustration.

[0109] The outsole 130 is provided on the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110. More specifically, the outsole 130 is provided on the lower surface 111 of the lower portion 110B of the low-hardness portion 110 in the rear foot portion 10R, including the second boundary position P2. The outsole 130 is provided on the lower surface 111 of the upper portion 110A of the low-hardness portion 110 in the forefoot portion 10F.

[0110] The outsole 130 has a higher Young's modulus than the foam material forming the low-hardness portion 110 and the high-hardness portion 120, and is rigid. It is formed of a component that is softer than the resin in the heel retainer portion 200 after formation. The outsole 130 is, for example, made of rubber, and may contain rubber material as the main component and plasticizers, reinforcing agents, and crosslinking agents as secondary components.

[0111] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the cushioning member 140 is disposed at least on the outer foot side S2 of the rear foot portion 10R. Furthermore, the cushioning member 140 is softer than the low-hardness portion 110 and the high-hardness portion 120. Therefore, upon landing, the heel of the wearer's foot, including the sole 10, is less likely to tilt towards the inner foot side S1, further suppressing excessive pronation and mitigating the impact upon landing.

[0112] like Figure 2 As shown, the cushioning member 140 is positioned along the outer periphery of the sole 10 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the cushioning member 140 is positioned across the midfoot portion 10M and rearfoot portion 10R on the outer foot side S2 and extends to the rear end of the sole 10.

[0113] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cushioning member 140 is positioned outside the sole 10. Furthermore, the cushioning member 140 is located inside the low-hardness portion 110 in the vertical direction Z. More specifically, the cushioning member 140 is positioned by being sandwiched between the upper portion 110A and the lower portion 110B of the low-hardness portion 110 in the vertical direction Z.

[0114] The cushioning member 140 contains a soft elastomer as its main component. The soft elastomer is a solid, jelly-like viscoelastic. Examples of soft elastomers include polyurethane polymers, polystyrene polymers, silicone resins, or other thermoplastic resins.

[0115] Figure 9 Observe from the direction of the arrow on the IX-IX line. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the shoe sole. (See attached image.) Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, the reinforcing member 150 is located in the midfoot portion 10M. The reinforcing member 150 is formed of a non-foamed resin that is harder than the foam material forming the low-hardness portion 110, the foam material forming the high-hardness portion 120, and the component forming the outsole 130. The reinforcing member 150 can suppress the sinking of the arch of the wearer's foot when the foot of the shoe 1, including the sole 10, lands on the ground.

[0116] A portion of the reinforcing member 150 is assembled inside the low-hardness portion 110. Specifically, the reinforcing member 150 is positioned such that it is sandwiched between the upper portion 110A and the lower portion 110B of the low-hardness portion 110. The end of the inner leg side S1 of the reinforcing member 150 in the leg width direction X is located between the upper portion 110A of the low-hardness portion 110 and the high-hardness portion 120 in the vertical direction.

[0117] The same resin used to form the reinforcing member 150 can be used as the resin used to form the heel retainer 200.

[0118] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the heel retainer 200 is located in the midfoot portion 10M and the rearfoot portion 10R. Viewed from the vertical direction Z, the heel retainer 200 extends along the peripheral edge of the sole 10. In this embodiment, the heel retainer 200 includes an inner foot-side retainer 210 and an outer foot-side retainer 220. The inner foot-side retainer 210 faces the inner foot-side S1 portion of the peripheral surface of the heel portion of the foot. The outer foot-side retainer 220 faces the outer foot-side S2 portion of the peripheral surface of the heel portion of the foot. The inner foot-side retainer 210 and the outer foot-side retainer 220 are connected to each other at the rear end of the sole 10. In this embodiment, at least at the second boundary position P2, the inner foot-side retainer 210 and the outer foot-side retainer 220 are spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, in the midfoot portion 10M, the inner foot-side retainer 210 and the outer foot-side retainer 220 are spaced apart from each other.

[0119] like Figure 2As shown, in the second boundary position P2, the dimension of the inner foot side holding portion 210 in the foot width direction X is larger than the dimension of the outer foot side holding portion 220 in the foot width direction X. The front end portion 210C of the inner foot side holding portion 210 is positioned more forward in the front-rear direction L than the front end portion 220C of the outer foot side holding portion 220. The front-rear direction L is a direction along the center line SC of the sole 10 when the sole 10 is viewed in the up-down direction Z. The center line SC is a straight line connecting the front end and the rear end of the sole 10 when the sole 10 is viewed in the up-down direction Z. The center line SC can also be a line corresponding to a straight line connecting the center of the calcaneus of a standard wearer of the shoe 1 including the sole 10 and the first toe and the second toe. In addition, in the present embodiment, the front end portion 210C of the inner foot side holding portion 210 is located at substantially the same position as the front end portion 220C of the outer foot side holding portion 220 in the foot length direction Y. The front end portion 210C of the inner foot side holding portion 210 and the front end portion 220C of the outer foot side holding portion 220 are located substantially at the center of the midfoot portion 10M in the foot length direction Y.

[0120] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. Figure 3 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. Figure 4 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10.

[0121] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. Figure 8 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10. The inner foot side holding portion 210 and the outer foot side holding portion 220 are formed in the midfoot portion 10M of the sole 10.

[0122] The inner foot side holding portion 210 has an inner foot side lower side wall portion 211 and an inner foot side upper side wall portion 215.

[0123] In this embodiment, the inner foot side lower wall portion 211 extends along the foot width direction X and engages with the inner foot side S1 in the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100. The outer surface 211B of the inner foot side lower wall portion 211 slopes downward from the outer end 212 of the inner foot side lower wall portion 211 in the foot width direction X toward the center of the sole 10 in the foot width direction X.

[0124] The upper inner foot side wall portion 215 extends from the outer end portion 212 in the foot width direction X of the lower inner foot side wall portion 211, away from the main body portion 100.

[0125] The outer foot side retaining part 220 has an outer foot side lower side wall part 221 and an outer foot side upper side wall part 225.

[0126] The lower sidewall portion 221 of the outer foot side joins the outer foot side S2 in the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100. The outer side surface 221B of the lower sidewall portion 221 of the outer foot side slopes downward from the outer end 222 of the lower sidewall portion 221 in the foot width direction X toward the center of the sole 10 in the foot width direction X.

[0127] The upper sidewall portion 225 on the outer foot side extends from the outer end portion 222 in the foot width direction X of the lower sidewall portion 221 on the outer foot side, away from the main body portion 100.

[0128] Next, the positional relationship between the heel retainer 200 and the components constituting the main body 100 will be explained in detail.

[0129] like Figure 8 As shown, on the inner foot side S1 of the rear foot portion 10R, the low-hardness portion 110 is located between the heel retainer 200 (inner foot side retainer 210) and the high-hardness portion 120 in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the low-hardness portion 110 is located between the inner foot side retainer 210 and the high-hardness portion 120 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the upper portion 110A of the low-hardness portion 110 is located between the heel retainer 200 (outer foot side retainer 220) and the cushioning member 140 in the vertical direction Z.

[0130] In this embodiment, in the region of the inner foot side S1 of the rear foot portion 10R where the inner foot side retaining portion 210 and the high-hardness portion 120 are arranged in the vertical direction Z, the upper surface 121 of the high-hardness portion 120 slopes downward toward the center in the foot width direction X. In this region, the upper surface 121 of the high-hardness portion 120 is positioned along the outer side surface 210B of the lower sidewall portion 211 of the inner foot side. Furthermore, at the end of this region on the side opposite to the center side in the foot width direction X of the sole 10, the upper surface 121 of the high-hardness portion 120 may also be parallel to the foot width direction X.

[0131] In the region in the lateral side S2 of the rear foot portion 10R in which the lateral side holding portion 220 and the cushioning member 140 are arranged in the up-down direction Z, the upper surface 141 of the cushioning member 140 is inclined downward as it goes toward the center in the foot width direction X. In the region, the upper surface 141 of the cushioning member 140 is positioned along the lateral side of the lateral side lower wall portion 221.

[0132] Further, in the present embodiment, when the second boundary position P2 is viewed from the foot length direction Y, the heel holding portion 200 is positioned, from a point O at which the center in the foot width direction X of the sole 10 and the upper surface 102 of the low-hardness portion 110 intersect each other, at a position that is more than 50% of the radius of an imaginary circle circumscribed around the sole 10 with the point O as the center.

[0133] Further, the heel holding portion 200 is formed of a non-foamed resin that is harder than both the foam material that forms the low-hardness portion 110 and the foam material that forms the high-hardness portion 120. The resin that forms the heel holding portion 200 can also contain a resin material as a main component and a cross-linking material or the like as a subcomponent. As the resin material, a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin can be cited. As the thermoplastic resin, for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) can be preferably used.

[0134] The hardness of the heel holding portion 200 is preferably 55 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less in terms of Asker D-type hardness. Further, the hardness of the heel holding portion 200 is more preferably 60 degrees or more in terms of Asker D-type hardness. If the hardness of the heel holding portion 200 is 60 degrees or more in terms of Asker D-type hardness, the stability of the foot of the wearer of the shoe 1 including the sole 10 is further improved.

[0135] Hereinafter, the functional effects of the sole 10 of the present embodiment will be described. When walking or running, a phenomenon called pronation in which the heel portion of the foot tilts inward occurs. Pronation is a phenomenon in which the impact applied to the foot at the time of landing is mitigated by the heel portion moderately tilting toward the medial side S1 at the time of landing. However, excessive pronation in which the heel portion excessively tilts toward the medial side S1 occurs at times. Excessive pronation is a cause of inducing running disorders or walking disorders.

[0136] Therefore, as described above, in the sole 10 of one embodiment of the present application, the low-hardness portion 110 is formed of a foam material. The high-hardness portion 120 is positioned on the side opposite the heel holding portion 200 as viewed from the low-hardness portion 110. The high-hardness portion 120 is formed of a foam material that is harder than the foam material that forms the low-hardness portion 110. The heel holding portion 200 is formed of a resin that is harder than both the foam material that forms the low-hardness portion 110 and the foam material that forms the high-hardness portion 120. In the medial side S1 of the rear foot portion 10R, the low-hardness portion 110 is positioned between the heel holding portion 200 and the high-hardness portion 120 in the up-down direction Z.

[0137] Thus, at the instep side SI of the wearer's foot when the sole 10 lands, the wearer's excessive pronation can be suppressed by the high rigidity portion 120 and the heel holding portion 200 to improve the stability. Further, at the time when the sole 10 lands, the low rigidity portion 110 is moderately compressed and deformed in the vertical direction Z by the high rigidity portion 120 and the heel holding portion 200, so the local impact such as the wearer's heel portion being lifted by the high rigidity portion 120 can be moderated by the low rigidity portion 110.

[0138] In addition, in the present embodiment, the high rigidity portion 120 directly contacts the low rigidity portion 110. When the boundary position (second boundary position P2) of the midfoot portion 10M and the hindfoot portion 10R is viewed from the foot length direction Y, the dimension Zl of the low rigidity portion 110 in the vertical direction Z is 20% or more and 50% or less of the dimension Z2 of the high rigidity portion 120 in the vertical direction Z at the foot width direction center Ac of the region A in which the low rigidity portion 110, the high rigidity portion 120, and the heel holding portion 200 are arranged in the vertical direction Z. In this way, by making the dimension Zl 20% or more of the dimension Z2 of the high rigidity portion 120 in the vertical direction Z, the impact at the time when the sole 10 lands can be moderately moderated, and by being 50% or less, the suppression effect of excessive pronation can be suppressed from being reduced by the low rigidity portion 110.

[0139] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heel holding portion 200 includes an instep side holding portion 210 facing a portion of the circumferential surface of the heel portion of the foot on the instep side SI. The instep side holding portion 210 includes an instep side lower side wall portion 211 engaging the instep side SI in the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100, and an instep side upper side wall portion 215 extending away from the main body portion 100 from an outer side end portion 212 in the foot width direction X of the instep side lower side wall portion 211. Thus, the heel portion of the foot at the time when the sole 10 lands can be suppressed from tilting in the foot width direction X, and the stability is further improved.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the heel holding portion 200 further includes an outside holding portion 220 facing a portion of the circumferential surface of the heel portion of the foot on the outside side S2. The outside holding portion 220 includes an outside lower side wall portion 221 engaging the outside side S2 in the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100, and an outside upper side wall portion 225 extending away from the main body portion 100 from an outer side end portion 222 in the foot width direction X of the outside lower side wall portion 221. Thus, the static fit of the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe 1 including the sole 10 can be improved.

[0141] In addition, in the present embodiment, at the boundary position of the medial foot portion 10M and the rear foot portion 10R (second boundary position P2), the dimension of the foot width direction X of the medial foot side holding portion 210 is larger than the dimension of the foot width direction X of the lateral foot side holding portion 220. Thereby, the static fit of the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe 1 including the sole 10 can be moderately improved, and the collapse of the heel portion of the foot toward the medial foot side S1 in the foot width direction X when the sole 10 lands can be suppressed, thereby improving the stability.

[0142] In addition, in the present embodiment, the average thickness of the medial foot side holding portion 210 from the medial side 210A to the lateral side 210B is thicker than the average thickness of the lateral foot side holding portion 220 from the medial side 220A to the lateral side 220B. Thereby, the static fit of the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe 1 including the sole 10 can be moderately improved, and the collapse of the heel portion of the foot toward the medial foot side S1 when the sole 10 lands can be suppressed, thereby improving the stability.

[0143] In addition, in the present embodiment, in the medial foot portion 10M, the maximum dimension M1 of the medial foot side holding portion 210 in the vertical direction Z is larger than the maximum dimension M2 of the lateral foot side holding portion 220 in the vertical direction Z. Thereby, the static fit of the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe 1 including the sole 10 can be moderately improved, and the collapse of the heel portion of the foot when the sole 10 lands can be suppressed, thereby improving the stability.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, the front end portion 210C of the medial foot side holding portion 210 is positioned more forward in the front-rear direction L than the front end portion 220C of the lateral foot side holding portion 220. Thereby, the static fit of the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe 1 including the sole 10 can be moderately improved, and the collapse of the heel portion of the foot toward the medial foot side S1 when the sole 10 lands can be suppressed, thereby improving the stability.

[0145] In addition, in the present embodiment, the medial foot side lower side wall portion 211 has a longer joint length with the main body portion 100 than the lateral foot side lower side wall portion 221 has with the main body portion 100, as viewed in the foot length direction Y. Thereby, the static fit of the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe 1 including the sole 10 can be appropriately improved, and the collapse of the heel portion of the foot toward the medial foot side S1 when the sole 10 lands can be suppressed, thereby improving the stability.

[0146] Further, in the present embodiment, the outer side surface 211B of the inner side lower side wall portion 211 is inclined downward as it goes from the outer side end portion 212 in the foot width direction X of the inner side lower side wall portion 211 toward the center of the sole 10 in the foot width direction X. In the area in the inner side SI of the rear foot portion 10R where the inner side holding portion 210 and the high rigidity portion 120 are arranged in the up-down direction Z, the upper surface 121 of the high rigidity portion 120 is inclined downward as it goes toward the center in the foot width direction X. Thus, when the sole 10 hits the ground, the impact transmitted from the ground surface 101 of the inner side SI of the sole 10 toward the upper area of the center in the foot width direction X of the sole 10 via the high rigidity portion 120 and the heel holding portion 200 is easily mitigated by the low rigidity portion 110.

[0147] Further, in the present embodiment, when the boundary position (second boundary position P2) between the midfoot portion 10M and the rear foot portion 10R is viewed from the foot length direction Y, the heel holding portion 200 is positioned away from the point O where the center in the foot width direction X of the sole 10 and the upper surface 102 of the low rigidity portion 110 intersect each other by 50% or more of the radius of an imaginary circle circumscribed around the sole 10 with the point O as the center. Thus, the area where the heel holding portion 200 and the wearer's foot overlap each other when viewed from the up-down direction Z can be reduced, and thus the contact feeling of the wearer's foot with the bottom of the heel portion can be improved.

[0148] Further, in the present embodiment, when the boundary position (second boundary position P2) between the midfoot portion 10M and the rear foot portion 10R is viewed from the foot length direction Y, the high rigidity portion 120 is positioned away from the point O where the center in the foot width direction X of the sole 10 and the upper surface 102 of the low rigidity portion 110 intersect each other by 60% or more of the radius of an imaginary circle circumscribed around the sole 10 with the point O as the center. Thus, the area where the high rigidity portion 120 and the wearer's foot overlap each other when viewed from the up-down direction Z can be reduced, and thus the area where the impact is transmitted in the up-down direction Z via the high rigidity portion 120 when the sole 10 hits the ground can be reduced, and the contact feeling of the wearer's foot can be improved.

[0149] Further, in the present embodiment, in the area in the inner side SI of the rear foot portion 10R where the inner side holding portion 210 and the high rigidity portion 120 are arranged in the up-down direction Z, the upper surface 121 of the high rigidity portion 120 is positioned along the outer side surface 210B of the inner side lower side wall portion 211. Thus, when the sole 10 hits the ground, the impact transmitted from the ground surface 101 of the inner side SI of the sole 10 toward the upper area of the center in the foot width direction X of the sole 10 via the high rigidity portion 120 and the heel holding portion 200 can be mitigated by the low rigidity portion 110 substantially equally.

[0150] (Modified Example)

[0151] The following describes the sole of each modification of the embodiment of the present application. In the description of the sole of each modification, the same structure as the sole 10 of the embodiment of the present application is omitted.

[0152] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view when the sole of the first modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. In Figure 10 and the following Figures 11 to 18 , the illustration is made in the same cross-sectional view as the sole 10 of the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 8 . As shown in Figure 10 , in the sole 10a of the first modification of the embodiment of the present application, the high-hardness portion 120 is positioned below the upper portion 110A of the low-hardness portion 110 throughout the foot-width direction X of the medial side S1, but not below the lower portion 110B. In addition, the high-hardness portion 120 is positioned closer to the center of the sole 10a in the foot-width direction X than the medial-side holding portion 210.

[0153] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view when the sole of the second modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown in Figure 11 , the sole 10b of the second modification of the embodiment of the present application does not include an outsole. That is, in the sole 10b, the lower surface 111 of the low-hardness portion 110 and the lower surface 123 of the high-hardness portion 120 constitute the ground-contact surface 101 of the main body portion 100.

[0154] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view when the sole of the third modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown in Figure 12 , in the sole 10c of the third modification of the embodiment of the present application, the medial-side lower side wall portion 211 of the medial-side holding portion 210 is positioned only below the medial-side upper side wall portion 215, and does not extend along the foot-width direction X.

[0155] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view when the sole of the fourth modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown in Figure 13 , in the sole 10d of the fourth modification of the embodiment of the present application, at the second boundary position P2, the medial-side holding portion 210 and the lateral-side holding portion 220 are continuous with each other. That is, in the sole 10d of the present modification, at the second boundary position P2, the heel holding portion 200 covers the entire upper surface 102 of the main body portion 100.

[0156] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view when the sole of the fifth modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown in Figure 14As shown, in the shoe sole 10e of the fifth modification of the embodiment of the present application, the lateral side holding portion 220 has only the lateral side lower side wall portion 221, and does not have the lateral side upper side wall portion.

[0157] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view when the shoe sole of the sixth modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown, Figure 15 As shown, in the shoe sole 10f of the sixth modification of the embodiment of the present application, the heel holding portion 200 has only the medial side holding portion 210, and does not have the lateral side holding portion.

[0158] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view when the shoe sole of the seventh modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown, Figure 16 As shown, in the shoe sole 10g of the seventh modification of the embodiment of the present application, the high rigidity portion 120 is provided instead of the lower portion 110B of the low rigidity portion 110 in the shoe sole 10 of the embodiment of the present application. That is, in the present modification, the high rigidity portion 120 is located on the side opposite to the heel holding portion 200 from the low rigidity portion 110 also in the lateral side S2.

[0159] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view when the shoe sole of the eighth modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown, Figure 17 As shown, in the shoe sole 10h of the eighth modification of the embodiment of the present application, the upper surface 121 of the high rigidity portion 120 is curved at the corner portion 124 as viewed in the longitudinal direction Y of the foot. The corner portion 124 is located more on the central side of the shoe sole 10 in the widthwise direction X of the foot than the medial side upper side wall portion 215 of the medial side holding portion 210 as viewed in the longitudinal direction Y of the foot at the second boundary position P2. The portion of the upper surface 121 on the side opposite to the central side of the shoe sole 10 as viewed from the corner portion 124 extends along the widthwise direction X of the foot.

[0160] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view when the shoe sole of the ninth modification of the embodiment of the present application is viewed from the front at the second boundary position. As shown, Figure 18 As shown, in the shoe sole 10i of the ninth modification of the embodiment of the present application, the dimension of the upper and lower directions Z of the lateral side holding portion 220 is substantially the same as the dimension of the upper and lower directions Z of the medial side holding portion 210 at the second boundary position P2.

[0161] Figure 19 is a plan view of the shoe sole of the tenth modification of the embodiment of the present application as viewed from above. As shown, Figure 19As shown, in the shoe sole 10j of the tenth modification of the embodiment of the present application, in the foot length direction Y, the front end portion 210C of the medial side holding portion 210 is positioned more forward than the front end portion 220C of the lateral side holding portion 220. In addition, in the foot length direction Y, the front end portion 210C of the medial side holding portion 210 is positioned more rearward than the center of the midfoot portion 10M.

[0162] Figure 20 is a plan view of the shoe sole of the eleventh modification of the embodiment of the present application as viewed from above. As shown in the drawing, Figure 20 As shown, in the shoe sole 10k of the eleventh modification of the embodiment of the present application, in the foot length direction Y, the front end portion 210C of the medial side holding portion 210 is positioned more forward than the front end portion 220C of the lateral side holding portion 220. In addition, in the foot length direction Y, the front end portion 210C of the medial side holding portion 210 is positioned more rearward than the center of the midfoot portion 10M.

[0163] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front at a second boundary position. Figure 22 is a plan view of the shoe sole of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application as viewed from above. As shown in the drawing, Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, in the shoe sole 10m of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application, at the second boundary position P2, the lateral side lower side wall portion 221 is positioned only below the lateral side upper side wall portion 225, and does not extend from the lateral end portion 222 toward the foot width direction X. More specifically, throughout the midfoot portion 10M, the lateral side lower side wall portion 221 is positioned only below the lateral side upper side wall portion 225, and does not extend from the lateral end portion 222 toward the foot width direction X. In the present modification, by the lateral side upper side wall portion 225, tension is easily applied to the upper 20, and the fit of the wearer's foot is improved. Furthermore, by positioning the lateral side lower side wall portion 221 as described above in the midfoot portion 10M, the excessive pronation of the wearer can be further suppressed.

[0164] The mechanism by which the excessive pronation can be further suppressed in the present modification is described further. Figure 23 is a back view of the shoe sole of the twelfth modification of the embodiment of the present application, showing the initial stage at which the shoe sole hits the ground, from the rear end side. As shown in the drawing, Figure 23 As shown, at the initial stage at which the shoe sole 10m hits the ground by the wearer wearing the shoe 1 including the shoe sole 10m, the shoe sole 10m hits the ground in a state in which it is tilted toward the lateral side S2 together with the wearer's foot. Shortly after the shoe sole 10m hits the ground, the wearer's foot (not shown) is Figure 23As shown by the white arrow, the shoe tilts towards the inward side S1. At this time, assuming the midfoot area is 10M and the outer foot side lower wall portion 221 extends from the outer end 222 in the foot width direction X, the outer foot side lower wall portion 221 is pressed downwards by the wearer's foot, which is tilting towards the inward side S1. By pressing down on the outer foot side lower wall portion 221, the moment that causes the outer foot side retaining portion 220 to tilt towards the inward side S1 is exerted. Through this moment, the outer foot side upper wall portion 225 presses the wearer's foot towards the inward side S1. By pressing down on the wearer's foot by the outer foot side upper wall portion 225, the speed at which the wearer's foot tilts towards the inward side S1 increases. If the sole lands on the inward side S1 while the speed of tilting towards the wearer's foot is increasing, excessive pronation may sometimes occur due to the large inertial force of the foot tilting. However, in this modified example, the lower outer side wall portion 221 is located only below the upper outer side wall portion 225 of the entire middle foot portion 10M, thus preventing the lower outer side wall portion 221 from being pressed downwards by the wearer's foot when tilting towards the inner foot side S1. Therefore, the torque is less likely to be generated in the outer foot holding portion 220, and the acceleration of the wearer's foot tilting towards the inner foot side S1 is also suppressed. Furthermore, the inertial force of the wearer's foot when tilting towards the inner foot side S1 is also reduced, which can further suppress excessive pronation.

[0165] In addition, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, at the rear end of the sole 10m, in a portion of the outer foot retainer 220 connected to the inner foot retainer 210, the outer foot lower sidewall portion 221 may also extend from the outer end 222 in the foot width direction X. In this case, the outer foot lower sidewall portion 221 is continuously positioned at the rear end of the sole 10m along with the inner foot lower sidewall portion 211. Furthermore, the outer foot lower sidewall portion 221 only needs to be positioned slightly further from the outer foot side S2 than the point where the heel retainer 200 intersects with the center line SC or the heel center HC when viewed from the vertical direction Z. More specifically, when viewed from the vertical direction Z, a portion of the outer foot lower sidewall portion 221, which is continuous with the inner foot lower sidewall portion 211 at the rear end of the sole 10m, is located in the rear region of the two regions divided by the heel center HC and the imaginary line XC, and not in the front region. Furthermore, the imaginary line XC refers to an imaginary straight line extending from the intersection of the second boundary position P2 and the center of the heel HC when viewed from the top-bottom direction Z, towards the back of the outer foot side S2. The angle between the center of the heel HC and the imaginary line XC is less than half the angle between the center of the heel HC and the second boundary position P2.

[0166] In the each modification, the low-hardness portion 110 is also formed of a foam material. The high-hardness portion 120 is located on the side opposite to the heel holding portion 200, as viewed from the low-hardness portion 110. The high-hardness portion 120 is formed of a foam material harder than the foam material forming the low-hardness portion 110. The heel holding portion 200 is formed of a resin harder than both the foam material forming the low-hardness portion 110 and the foam material forming the high-hardness portion 120. In the inner side S1 of the rear foot portion 10R, the low-hardness portion 110 is located between the heel holding portion 200 and the high-hardness portion 120 in the up-down direction Z. Thereby, at the time of landing, excessive pronation can be suppressed by the high-hardness portion 120 and the heel holding portion 200 to improve the stability of the foot, and the local impact transmitted to the heel portion of the wearer of the shoe via the high-hardness portion 120 can be moderated by the low-hardness portion 110.

[0167] While embodiments of the application have been described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of one way of making and using the application, and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the application. The scope of the application is to be indicated by the claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A sole in which a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a rearfoot portion are continuously provided in a longitudinal direction of a foot, the forefoot portion supporting a toe portion and a tread portion of the foot, the midfoot portion supporting an instep portion of the foot, the rearfoot portion supporting a heel portion of the foot, and the sole comprising: a main body portion having a ground contact surface; and a heel holding portion located on a side opposite to the ground contact surface of the main body portion, holding the heel portion of the foot from at least a medial side, the main body portion including: a low hardness portion formed of a foam material; and a high hardness portion located on a side opposite to the heel holding portion as viewed from the low hardness portion, formed of a foam material harder than the foam material forming the low hardness portion, the heel holding portion being formed of a resin harder than both the foam material forming the low hardness portion and the foam material forming the high hardness portion, the low hardness portion being located between the heel holding portion and the high hardness portion in a vertical direction on the medial side of the rearfoot portion, the heel holding portion including a medial side holding portion facing a portion of a peripheral surface of the heel portion of the foot on the medial side, and the medial side holding portion including a medial side lower side wall portion engaging the main body portion on a medial side of an upper surface thereof, and a medial side upper side wall portion extending from a lateral end portion of the medial side lower side wall portion in a widthwise direction of the foot away from the main body portion, the high hardness portion being positioned, as viewed from a boundary position between the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion in the longitudinal direction, more than 60% of a radius of an imaginary circle circumscribed around the sole with a center of the widthwise direction of the sole as a center from a point at which an upper surface of the low hardness portion and the widthwise direction of the sole intersect each other.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the high hardness portion is in direct contact with the low hardness portion, and a dimension of the low hardness portion in the vertical direction is more than 20% and less than 50% of a dimension of the high hardness portion in the vertical direction at a widthwise direction center of a region in which the low hardness portion, the high hardness portion, and the heel holding portion are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to each other, as viewed from the boundary position between the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion in the longitudinal direction.

3. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the heel holding portion further includes a lateral side holding portion facing a portion of the peripheral surface of the heel portion of the foot on a lateral side, and the lateral side holding portion includes a lateral side lower side wall portion engaging the main body portion on a lateral side of the upper surface thereof, and a lateral side upper side wall portion extending from a lateral end portion of the lateral side lower side wall portion in the widthwise direction of the foot away from the main body portion.

4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein a dimension of the medial side holding portion in the widthwise direction is greater than a dimension of the lateral side holding portion in the widthwise direction at the boundary position between the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion.

5. The sole according to claim 3, wherein an average thickness of the medial side holding portion from a medial surface to a lateral surface is thicker than an average thickness of the lateral side holding portion from a medial surface to a lateral surface. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. The sole according to claim 3, wherein in the midfoot portion, a maximum dimension in the vertical direction of the medial retaining portion is larger than a maximum dimension in the vertical direction of the lateral retaining portion.

7. The sole according to claim 3, wherein a front end portion of the medial retaining portion is positioned more forward in the front-rear direction than a front end portion of the lateral retaining portion.

8. The sole according to claim 3, wherein a length of the medial lower side wall portion joined to the main body portion is longer than a length of the lateral lower side wall portion joined to the main body portion, as viewed in the longitudinal direction.

9. The sole according to claim 1, wherein a lateral side surface of the medial lower side wall portion is inclined downward as it goes from a lateral end portion in the widthwise direction of the medial lower side wall portion toward a center of the sole in the widthwise direction, in a region in the medial side of the rear foot portion in which the medial retaining portion and the high-hardness portion are arranged in the vertical direction, an upper surface of the high-hardness portion is inclined downward as it goes toward the center in the widthwise direction.

10. The sole according to claim 1, wherein when a boundary position between the midfoot portion and the rear foot portion is viewed in the longitudinal direction, the heel retaining portion is positioned away from a point at which the center in the widthwise direction of the sole and an upper surface of the low-hardness portion intersect each other by more than 50% of a radius of an imaginary circle circumscribed around the sole with the point as a center.

11. The sole according to claim 1, wherein in a region in the medial side of the rear foot portion in which the medial retaining portion and the high-hardness portion are arranged in the vertical direction, an upper surface of the high-hardness portion is positioned along a lateral side surface of the medial lower side wall portion.

12. A shoe comprising: The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and an upper positioned above the sole. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and an upper positioned above the sole.

Images