Sole and shoe

Abstract

The sole (10) comprises an outsole (100), a midsole (200), and a plate (300). The plate (300) has a toe section (310) and a midfoot portion (320). The toe section (310) comprises: a front edge portion (310a) having a shape that curves forward in the longitudinal direction; a concave edge portion (310b) having a shape that curves backward in the longitudinal direction as it extends outward in the width direction from the outer end of the front edge portion in the width direction; and an outer edge portion (310c) having a shape that curves backward in the length direction as it extends outward in the width direction from the outer end of the concave edge portion in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to shoe soles and shoes. Background Technology

[0002] The soles of shoes require various functions depending on their intended use. For example, the soles of running shoes require cushioning to mitigate the impact of landing, rigidity in the midfoot area (located in the center of the shoe's length) to inhibit foot torsion during running, and flexion during push-off.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-534028 (Patent Document 1) discloses a shoe with a plate for ensuring the rigidity of the midfoot. The plate has: a toe area corresponding to the toes of the foot; an MTP area corresponding to the MTP (Metatarsophalangeal) joint; and a bridge area corresponding to the arch of the foot. The plate is configured as a concave shape with a certain radius of curvature.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-534028 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In shoes with a plate sole, there is a need to promote a natural lift off the ground when pushing off and to transfer more force from the toes to the ground.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sole and shoe that can both promote a natural lift off the ground during push-off and transfer more force from the toes to the ground.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a sole is a part of a shoe, the sole comprising: an outsole; a midsole disposed on the outsole; and a plate disposed on the midsole, having a higher rigidity than the midsole, the plate having: a toe section disposed at a position overlapping the wearer's toes along the thickness direction of the sole; and a midfoot section having a shape extending rearward from the toe section toward the length direction of the shoe, disposed at a position overlapping the midfoot section along the thickness direction, the midfoot section being located at the center of the wearer's foot along the length direction, the toe section having: a front edge formed along the thickness direction overlapping the wearer's first... The distal phalanx and the second distal phalanx overlap at a position, or are formed further forward in the length direction than at that position, and have a shape that curves in a manner that convexes forward in the length direction; a concave edge portion having a shape that extends rearward in the length direction from the outer end of the front edge portion in the width direction toward the outer side in the width direction and curves in a manner that convexes in the inner side in the width direction; and an outer edge portion having a shape that extends rearward in the length direction from the outer end of the concave edge portion in the width direction and curves in a manner that convexes outward in the width direction.

[0012] Furthermore, a shoe according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: the sole; and an upper connected to the sole and located above the sole.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to this disclosure, a sole and a shoe are provided that can both promote a natural lift off the ground during push-off and transfer more force from the toes to the ground. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a shoe that generally represents the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view of the shoe sole.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a top view of the sole of a shoe according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a top view of the sole of a shoe according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a top view of the sole of a shoe according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a top view of the sole of a shoe according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 A top view of a modified example of the shoe sole shown.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a top view of the sole of a shoe according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 It means Figure 9 A top view of a modified example of the shoe sole shown.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a top view of the sole of the shoe according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the display panel configuration.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the display panel configuration.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the display panel configuration.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the display panel configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to below, identical or equivalent parts are labeled with the same numbers. In the following description, terms such as length direction, width direction, front, and rear are used. These directional terms indicate the direction observed from the viewpoint of a wearer wearing shoes 1 placed on a flat surface such as the ground. For example, front refers to the toe side, and rear refers to the heel side. Additionally, inner foot side refers to the inner side of the foot (the side of the first toe) in the width direction, and outer foot side refers to the outer side of the foot in the width direction.

[0031] (First Implementation)

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a shoe that generally represents the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a top view of the shoe sole. Figure 3 It's a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole. Also, in Figure 2 as well as Figure 3The sole 10 for the right foot is shown, but the sole 10 can also be applied to the left foot, in which case it is symmetrical to the sole 10 for the right foot. The shoe 1 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for running shoes, for example, but it can also be used as other sports shoes, walking shoes, etc., and its use is not limited.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, shoe 1 has a sole 10 and an upper 20.

[0034] The upper 20 is connected to the sole 10, and together with the sole 10, they form a space to accommodate the foot.

[0035] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the sole 10 has an outsole 100, a middle sole 200, and a plate 300.

[0036] The outsole 100 forms the ground contact area. The outsole 100 is made of rubber or the like.

[0037] The midsole 200 is located on the outsole 100. The upper 20 is disposed on the midsole 200. That is, the midsole 200 is located between the upper 20 and the outsole 100.

[0038] The midsole 200 is, for example, formed of a resin foam material comprising a resin material as the main component, a foaming agent as a secondary component, and a crosslinking agent. Thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins can be used as the resin material. For example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) can be suitably used as a thermoplastic resin. For example, polyurethane (PU) can be suitably used as a thermosetting resin. Alternatively, the midsole 200 can also be formed of a rubber foam material comprising a rubber material as the main component, a plasticizer, a foaming agent, a reinforcing agent, and a crosslinking agent as secondary components. For example, butadiene rubber can be suitably used as a rubber material. Furthermore, the midsole 200 is not limited to the above-mentioned materials and can also be formed of a resin or rubber material with moderate strength and excellent cushioning properties.

[0039] Plate 300 is located on midsole 200. Plate 300 has higher rigidity than midsole 200. Plate 300 is composed of fiber-reinforced resin and non-fiber-reinforced resin. Examples of fibers used as fiber-reinforced resins include carbon fiber, glass fiber, aromatic polyamide fiber, Dyneema fiber, Zylon fiber, and boron fiber. Examples of non-fiber-reinforced resins include polymer resins such as polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU) and amide thermoplastic elastomer (TPA).

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the plate 300 is disposed within the midsole 200. Specifically, the midsole 200 has a lower midsole 210 disposed between the plate 300 and the outsole 100, and an upper midsole 220 disposed on the plate 300. The lower midsole 210 preferably has a lower rigidity than the upper midsole 220. Furthermore, although the plate 300 is disposed within the midsole 200, for easy identification of the plate 300, therefore, in… Figure 2 In the middle, the solid line represents plate 300.

[0041] The thickness of plate 300 relative to the thickness T of midsole 200 (refer to...) Figure 3 The ratio of the thickness T of the plate 300 to the toe is preferably set to 5% or more and 30% or less, more preferably 7.5% or more and 12.5% ​​or less. This ratio is measured near the point directly below the MP joint of the wearer of the shoe 1, more specifically, near the point directly below the ball of the big toe. By setting the thickness T of the plate 300 to 7.5% or more, the rigidity of the plate 300 is ensured, thus effectively achieving the desired effect. By setting the thickness T of the plate 300 to 12.5% ​​or less, the plate 300 is lightweight, and the deformation of the plate 300 is sufficiently ensured, thus effectively transmitting the force of the toes to the ground.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the plate 300 has a shape that gradually curves upwards along the length direction of the shoe 1. Preferably, the curvature of the plate 300 varies in stages from the rear to the front in the length direction. This results in a staged variation in the rebound force of the plate 300. However, this is not a limitation; the curvature of the plate 300 can also be set to be medium, large, or small from the rear to the front in the length direction. By doing so, the stepping area becomes flat, enabling stable transmission of foot force to the ground.

[0043] In this embodiment, the plate 300 has a toe area 310 and a midfoot area 320.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the toe area 310 is positioned along the thickness direction of the sole 10, overlapping with the wearer's toes. That is, the toe area 310 overlaps with the toes located in front of the MP joint of the wearer's foot. The toe area 310 has a front edge portion 310a, a concave edge portion 310b, an inner edge portion 310c, and an outer edge portion 310d.

[0045] The front edge 310a is formed at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's first and second distal phalanges along the thickness direction, or at a position further forward in the length direction than that position. The front edge 310a has a shape that curves forward in the length direction. More specifically, the front edge 310a has a shape that curves along the center line SC of the shoe 1 (see reference). Figure 2 The shape is curved in a way that protrudes forward. In addition, the center line SC is not limited to the center line of shoe 1, but can also be the line corresponding to the straight line between the center of the heel bone of the standard wearer of shoe 1 and the first and second toes.

[0046] The concave edge portion 310b has a shape that extends rearward in the length direction from the outer end of the front edge portion 310a in the width direction of the shoe 1 towards the outer side in the width direction and curves in a manner that convexes inward in the width direction. More specifically, the concave edge portion 310b is aligned with the straight line passing through the center of the wearer's heel, i.e., the heel center HC (refer to...). Figure 2 The heel is crossed and has a shape that curves inward in the width direction. Additionally, the center HC refers to the straight line connecting the center of the heel bone of a standard wearer of shoe 1 to the third and fourth toes. The radius of curvature of the concave edge 310b is larger than that of the front edge 310a.

[0047] The inner edge 310c has a shape that extends from the inner end of the front edge 310a in the width direction toward the rear in the length direction and is curved in a way that protrudes inward in the width direction.

[0048] The outer edge portion 310d has a shape that extends rearward from the outer end of the concave edge portion 310b in the width direction and curves outward in the width direction. The radius of curvature of the outer edge portion 310d is set to be the same as the radius of curvature of the concave edge portion 310b.

[0049] The midfoot section 320 is positioned at a point along its thickness direction that overlaps with the central portion of the wearer's foot in the length direction. The midfoot section 320 has a shape that extends rearward from the toe section 310 in the length direction. That is, the midfoot section 320 overlaps with the portion of the wearer's foot located behind the MP joint along its thickness direction. The midfoot section 320 has a rear end edge 320a, an inner connecting edge 320b, and an outer connecting edge 320c.

[0050] The rear end edge 320a is formed at the rear end of the midfoot region 320 in the length direction. The rear end edge 320a is formed at a position that overlaps with the central portions of the first metatarsal bone, the second metatarsal bone, the third metatarsal bone, the fourth metatarsal bone, and the fifth metatarsal bone of the wearer along the thickness direction. The rear end edge 320a has a shape that gradually extends posteriorly in the length direction as it moves outward in the width direction.

[0051] The inner connecting edge 320b connects the inner end of the rear end edge 320a in the width direction to the inner edge 310c. The inner connecting edge 320b has a shape that is curved in a way that protrudes inward in the width direction.

[0052] The outer connecting edge 320c connects the outer end of the rear end edge 320a in the width direction to the outer edge 310d. The outer connecting edge 320c has a shape that is curved in a way that protrudes outward in the width direction.

[0053] As explained above, in the sole 10 of this embodiment, the front edge 310a of the toe area 310, which corresponds to the portion overlapping with the toes located in front of the wearer's MP joint, is formed at a position overlapping with the first distal phalanx and the second distal phalanx, or at a position further forward than that position. Thus, the first proximal phalanx and the second proximal phalanx are effectively supported by the toe area 310, and the load upon contact with the ground is appropriately guided towards the first toe. Furthermore, on the outer side of the front edge 310a in the width direction, a concave edge 310b is formed, having a shape that extends rearward in the length direction as it moves outward in the width direction and curves inward in the width direction. This suppresses the fourth and fifth medial phalanges from overlapping with the toe area 310. Therefore, the movement of each joint from the third to the fifth toe during push-off is prevented from being restricted by the plate 300. Thus, during push-off, a natural lift off the ground is achieved, and the force of the toes is effectively transmitted to the ground.

[0054] (Second Implementation)

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 4 The second embodiment of the plate 300 of this disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, only the parts that are different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same structure, function and effects as those of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0056] In this embodiment, the shape of the midfoot section 320 of the plate 300 differs from that in the first embodiment. Specifically, the rear end edge 320a is formed at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's third cuneiform bone along the thickness direction, or at a position further rearward in the length direction than that position. The rear end edge 320a has a shape that curves in a manner that protrudes rearward in the length direction.

[0057] The inner connecting edge portion 320b has a first inner connecting edge portion 320b1 and a second inner connecting edge portion 320b2.

[0058] The first inner connecting edge 320b1 has a shape that extends rearward from the rear end of the inner edge 310c in the length direction and curves in a manner that protrudes inward in the width direction.

[0059] The second inner connecting edge 320b2 has a shape that connects the rear end of the inner edge 310c in the length direction and the rear end edge 320a and is curved in a way that protrudes outward in the width direction.

[0060] The outer connecting edge portion 320c has a first outer connecting edge portion 320c1 and a second outer connecting edge portion 320c2.

[0061] The first outer connecting edge 320c1 has a shape that extends rearward in the length direction from the rear end of the outer edge 310d in the length direction and curves outward in the width direction.

[0062] The second outer connecting edge 320c2 connects the rear end of the first outer connecting edge 320c1 in the length direction to the rear end edge 320a. The second outer connecting edge 320c2 has a shape that gradually moves inward in the width direction as it moves towards the rear in the length direction. The second outer connecting edge 320c2 can be formed as a straight line or as a curved shape that protrudes towards the rear in the length direction.

[0063] The boundary between the first outer connecting edge 320c1 and the second outer connecting edge 320c2 has a curved shape that protrudes outward in the width direction. The radius of curvature of the boundary is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first outer connecting edge 320c1. The radius of curvature of the boundary is larger than the radius of curvature of the rear edge 320a.

[0064] (Third embodiment)

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 5The plate 300 of the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, only the parts that are different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same structure, function and effects as those of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0066] In this embodiment, the plate 300 further includes a rear foot section 330. The rear foot section 330 is positioned to overlap with the rear portion of the wearer's foot in the length direction along the thickness direction. The rear foot section 330 has a shape that extends rearward from the mid-foot section 320 in the length direction.

[0067] The hindfoot section 330 has a rear end edge 330a formed at its rear end in the length direction. This rear end edge 330a is formed at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's talus and calcaneus along the thickness direction. The rear end edge 330a has a shape that curves rearward in the length direction. The radius of curvature of the rear end edge 330a is smaller than the radius of curvature of the concave edge 310b.

[0068] (Fourth Implementation)

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 6 The plate 300 of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, only the parts that are different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same structure, function and effects as those of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0070] In this embodiment, the plate 300 has a low-rigidity portion 302 and a high-rigidity portion 304. Furthermore, to easily identify the low-rigidity portion 302 from the high-rigidity portion 304, therefore, in Figure 6 In the middle, the low-rigidity part 302 is marked with a diagonal line.

[0071] The low-rigidity portion 302 has a plurality of low-rigidity elements 302a formed in the toe area 310 and the midfoot area 320. The plurality of low-rigidity elements 302a are formed in mutually separated positions. Each low-rigidity element 302a is preferably formed in a position along the thickness direction that does not overlap with the wearer's MP joint.

[0072] Each low-rigidity element 302a can be formed by a through hole penetrating the plate 300 along its thickness direction, or it can be configured to have a thickness smaller than that of the high-rigidity portion 304, or it can be made of a material with lower rigidity than that of the high-rigidity portion 304. When the thickness of each low-rigidity element 302a is set to be smaller than that of the high-rigidity portion 304, it can also be configured such that the thickness of the low-rigidity element 302a decreases in stages as it separates from the boundary between each low-rigidity element 302a and the high-rigidity portion 304. When the low-rigidity element 302a is formed of a material different from that of the high-rigidity portion 304, the low-rigidity element 302a and the high-rigidity portion 304 are formed by bonding, integral molding, or the like.

[0073] The high-rigidity part 304 has higher rigidity than the low-rigidity part 302. The high-rigidity part 304 is composed of the parts of the plate 300 other than the low-rigidity part 302.

[0074] This method takes into account both effectively supporting the wearer's feet and elevating the wearer's toe movements.

[0075] Additionally, the low-rigidity element 302a can be omitted from region A, which is indicated by a diagonal line in Figure 16.

[0076] (Fifth Implementation)

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, plate 300, will be described. In the fifth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the fourth embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same structure, function, and effects as in the fourth embodiment will not be repeated.

[0078] In this embodiment, the low-rigidity portion 302 is formed at a position in the midfoot region 320 that overlaps with the wearer's third metatarsal bone along the thickness direction. The rear edge of the low-rigidity portion 302 in the length direction constitutes part of the rear end edge portion 320a.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the low-rigidity portion 302 is composed of a through hole, such as Figure 8 As shown, preferably, the portions on both sides of the low-rigidity portion 302 in the width direction of the high-rigidity portion 304 extend rearward in the length direction.

[0080] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 9 The sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, specifically the plate 300, will be described. In the sixth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the fourth embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same structure, function, and effects as in the fourth embodiment will not be repeated.

[0082] In this embodiment, the low-rigidity portion 302 is formed at a position in the midfoot region 320 that overlaps with the wearer's third metatarsal bone along the thickness direction, and the high-rigidity portion 304 has a shape that surrounds the entire area around the low-rigidity portion 302.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the shape of the plate 300 is set to be the same as that in the second embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the preferred form of the low-rigidity portion 302 is to overlap with approximately the entire area of ​​the wearer's third metatarsal along the thickness direction.

[0084] (Seventh Implementation)

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 11 The seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, plate 300, will be described. In the seventh embodiment, only the parts that differ from the fourth embodiment will be described, and the descriptions of the same structure, function, and effects as in the fourth embodiment will not be repeated.

[0086] In this embodiment, the low-rigidity portion 302 has a shape that includes an outer edge in the width direction of the plate 300 and extends along the length direction, while the high-rigidity portion 304 has a shape that includes an inner edge in the width direction of the plate 300 and extends along the length direction. In this embodiment, the low-rigidity portion 302 is configured to have a thickness smaller than that of the high-rigidity portion 304, or is made of a material with lower rigidity than that of the high-rigidity portion 304.

[0087] In this method, the movement of the wearer's joints from the third to the fifth toe can be more reliably restricted by the plate 300.

[0088] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined not by the description of the above embodiments but by the scope of the claims, and includes all modifications within that scope and with equal intent.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the front edge 310a can also be disposed on the surface of the upper midsole 220. In this case, the transition from landing to takeoff is faster.

[0090] Or, such as Figure 13 As shown, the front edge 310a can also be disposed on the surface of the upper midsole 220, and the rear of the midfoot section 320 in the length direction can also be disposed to contact the upper surface of the outsole 100. In this case, the radius of curvature of the plate 300 is preferably smaller than the radius of curvature of the outsole 100. In this case, the transition from landing to takeoff is faster.

[0091] Or, such as Figure 14 As shown, plate 300 can also be configured to extend across the entire area and connect with the back of midsole 200. In this case, impact in the forefoot is mitigated.

[0092] Or, such as Figure 15 As shown, the plate 300 can also be configured on the surface of the midsole 200. In this case, the efficiency of load transfer from the wearer's foot to the plate 300 is improved, and the force of the foot is effectively transferred to the ground.

[0093] [Way]

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following forms.

[0095] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the sole 10 is a sole constituting part of a shoe, comprising: an outsole 100; a midsole 200 disposed on the outsole; and a plate 300 disposed on the midsole, having a higher rigidity than the midsole. The plate 300 has: a toe section 310 disposed at a position overlapping the wearer's toes along the thickness direction of the sole; and a midfoot section 320 having a shape extending rearward from the toe section toward the length direction of the shoe, disposed at a position overlapping the midfoot along the thickness direction, the midfoot being located at the center of the wearer's foot along the length direction. The toe section 310 has: a front edge portion 310a formed along the thickness direction. The shoe has a concave edge portion 310b, which extends rearward in the length direction from the outer end of the front edge portion in the width direction toward the outer side in the width direction and curves inward in the width direction; and an outer edge portion 310d, which extends rearward in the length direction from the outer end of the concave edge portion in the width direction and curves inward in the width direction.

[0096] In this sole, the forefoot sill (the portion overlapping the toes located in front of the wearer's MP joint) has its front edge formed at a position overlapping the first and second distal phalanges, or at a position further forward. This effectively supports the first and second proximal phalanges within the toefoot sill, thus guiding the load upon contact with the ground appropriately towards the first toe. Furthermore, a concave edge is formed on the outer side of the forefoot sill in the width direction. This concave edge has a shape that extends outward in the width direction and backward in the length direction, and curves inward in the width direction. This prevents the fourth and fifth medial phalanges from overlapping with the toefoot sill. Therefore, the movement of the joints from the third to the fifth toe during push-off is prevented from being restricted by the plate. Consequently, a natural lift-off is achieved during push-off, and the force of the toes is effectively transferred to the ground.

[0097] Furthermore, it is preferable that the radius of curvature of the concave edge portion 310b is larger than the radius of curvature of the front edge portion 310a.

[0098] This allows for more reliable suppression of overlap between the wearer's fourth and fifth phalanges and the toe area.

[0099] Alternatively, the midfoot section 320 may have a rear end edge 320a formed at the rear end in the length direction, the rear end edge 320a being formed at a position overlapping with the central portion of the first metatarsal, the central portion of the second metatarsal, the central portion of the third metatarsal, the central portion of the fourth metatarsal, and the central portion of the fifth metatarsal along the thickness direction.

[0100] Alternatively, the rear end edge 320a may be formed at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's third wedge along the thickness direction, or at a position further back in the length direction than that position, and have a shape that curves in a manner that protrudes rearward in the length direction.

[0101] Alternatively, the midfoot section 320 may have an outer connecting edge 320c, which connects the rear end edge to the outer edge 310d of the toe section. The outer connecting edge 320c may have: a first outer connecting edge 320c1 extending rearward from the outer edge of the toe section in the length direction and curving outward in the width direction; and a second outer connecting edge 320c2 connecting the rear end of the first outer connecting edge in the length direction to the rear end edge. In this case, it is preferable that the second outer connecting edge 320c2 has a shape that gradually moves inward in the width direction as it moves rearward in the length direction, and the boundary between the first outer connecting edge 320c1 and the second outer connecting edge 320c2 has a shape that curves outward in the width direction, with the radius of curvature of the boundary being smaller than that of the first outer connecting edge 320c1.

[0102] Alternatively, the plate 300 may also have a rear foot section 330, which has a shape extending rearward from the midfoot section toward the length direction of the shoe and is positioned to overlap with the rear foot portion along the thickness direction. The rear foot portion is located at the rear of the wearer's foot in the length direction. The rear foot section 330 has a rear end edge 330a formed at the rear end in the length direction. The rear end edge 330a is formed at a position overlapping with the wearer's talus and calcaneus along the thickness direction and has a shape that curves in a manner that protrudes rearward toward the length direction.

[0103] Alternatively, the plate 300 may have: a low-rigidity portion 302; and a high-rigidity portion 304, having a higher rigidity than the low-rigidity portion. The low-rigidity portion 302 has a plurality of low-rigidity elements 302a formed at mutually separated positions in the toe area and the midfoot area, respectively. The high-rigidity portion 304 is composed of portions of the plate other than the low-rigidity portion.

[0104] This method effectively supports the wearer's feet while also improving the movement of the wearer's toes.

[0105] Alternatively, the plate 300 may have: a low-rigidity portion 302; and a high-rigidity portion 304, having a higher rigidity than the low-rigidity portion, wherein the low-rigidity portion 302 is formed at a position in the midfoot segment that overlaps with the wearer's third metatarsal along the thickness direction, and the high-rigidity portion 304 is formed from the portion of the plate other than the low-rigidity portion, and the rear edge of the low-rigidity portion 302 in the length direction forms part of the rear end edge 320a.

[0106] This method also effectively supports the wearer's feet and improves the movement of the wearer's toes.

[0107] Alternatively, the plate 300 may have: a low-rigidity portion 302; and a high-rigidity portion 304 having a higher rigidity than the low-rigidity portion, wherein the low-rigidity portion 302 is formed at a position in the midfoot region that overlaps with the third metatarsal along the thickness direction, and the high-rigidity portion 304 has a shape that surrounds the entire area surrounding the low-rigidity portion.

[0108] This method also effectively supports the wearer's feet and improves the movement of the wearer's toes.

[0109] Alternatively, the plate 300 may have: a low-rigidity portion 302; and a high-rigidity portion 304, having a higher rigidity than the low-rigidity portion. The low-rigidity portion 302 has a shape that includes an outer edge in the width direction of the plate and extends along the length direction, and the high-rigidity portion 304 has a shape that includes an inner edge in the width direction of the plate and extends along the length direction.

[0110] In this method, the movement of the wearer's joints from the third to the fifth toe can be more reliably restricted by the plate.

[0111] Alternatively, the midsole 200 may have: a lower midsole 210 disposed between the plate and the outsole; and an upper midsole 220 disposed on the plate.

[0112] In this method, the impact upon ground contact is mitigated.

[0113] In this case, it is preferable that the lower midsole 210 has lower rigidity than the upper midsole 220.

[0114] In this way, the lower midsole effectively compresses and deforms during the push-off, thus increasing the contact area with the ground. As a result, the force of the wearer's toes is stably transferred to the ground.

[0115] Alternatively, the front edge 310a may be disposed on the surface of the upper midsole 220.

[0116] In this method, the warping of the board is similar to the toe shape of a shoe, thus the transition from landing to takeoff is faster.

[0117] Alternatively, the rear of the midfoot section 320 in the longitudinal direction may be configured to contact the upper surface of the outsole 100.

[0118] As a result, the warping of the board increases, thus making the transition from landing to leaving the ground much faster.

[0119] Alternatively, the plate 300 may be configured to cover the entire area and be in contact with the back of the midsole 200.

[0120] In this method, the impact on the forefoot of the shoe is mitigated because the distance between the midsole surface and the plate can be ensured to a greater extent.

[0121] Alternatively, the plate 300 may be disposed on the surface of the midsole 200.

[0122] In this method, the distance between the wearer's foot and the board is reduced, thus improving the efficiency of load transfer from the wearer's foot to the board.

[0123] Furthermore, preferably, the ratio of the thickness of the plate 300 to the thickness of the midsole 200 is set to 5% or more and 30% or less.

[0124] In this way, both the rigidity of the board and its lightweight can be ensured.

[0125] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the shoe 1 includes: the sole 10; and the upper 20, connected to the sole and located above the sole.

[0126] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0127] 1 shoe, 10 sole, 20 upper, 100 outsole, 200 midsole, 210 lower midsole, 220 upper midsole, 300 plate, 302 low rigidity section, 302a low rigidity element, 304 high rigidity section, 310 toe area, 310a front edge, 310b concave edge, 310c medial edge, 310d lateral edge, 320 midfoot area, 320a rear edge, 320b medial connecting edge, 320c lateral connecting edge, 320c1 first lateral connecting edge, 320c2 second lateral connecting edge, 330 heel area.

Claims

1. A shoe sole, which is part of a shoe, characterized in that, have: Outsole; Midsole, disposed on the outsole; and A plate, disposed in the midsole, has a higher rigidity than the midsole. The plate has: The toe area is positioned along the thickness of the sole, overlapping with the wearer's toes; as well as The midfoot section has a shape extending rearward from the toe section along the length direction of the shoe, and is positioned to overlap with the midfoot portion along the thickness direction, the midfoot portion being located at the center of the wearer's foot along the length direction. The toe area has the following characteristics: The front edge is formed at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's first and second distal phalanges along the thickness direction, or at a position further forward in the length direction than the position where it overlaps with the wearer's first and second distal phalanges along the thickness direction, and has a shape that curves in a manner that protrudes forward in the length direction. The concave edge has a shape that extends rearward in the length direction from the outer end of the front edge in the width direction toward the outer side in the width direction and curves in a manner that protrudes inward in the width direction. as well as The outer edge has a shape that extends rearward from the outer end of the concave edge in the width direction and curves outward in a manner that convexes towards the outer side in the width direction. The middle leg division has a rear end edge formed at the rear end in the length direction. The plate extends from the front edge of the toe section to the rear edge of the middle foot section. The plate has: Low rigidity section; and The high-rigidity part has a higher rigidity than the low-rigidity part. The low-rigidity portion is formed in part of the toe area and the midfoot area. The high-rigidity portion is formed by the parts of the plate other than the low-rigidity portion. The low-rigidity portion is configured to have a thickness smaller than that of the high-rigidity portion, or is made of a material with lower rigidity than that of the high-rigidity portion.

2. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radius of curvature of the concave edge is larger than that of the front edge.

3. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear end edge is formed at a position that overlaps with the central portions of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals of the wearer along the thickness direction.

4. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear end edge is formed at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's third wedge along the thickness direction, or at a position further rearward in the length direction than the position where it overlaps with the wearer's third wedge along the thickness direction, and has a shape that curves in a manner that protrudes rearward in the length direction.

5. The sole according to claim 4, characterized in that, The midfoot section has an outer connecting edge, which connects the rear end edge to the outer edge of the toe section. The outer connecting edge portion has: The first outer connecting edge extends rearward from the outer edge of the toe area and curves outward in a manner that protrudes outward in the width direction; and The second outer connecting edge connects the rear end of the first outer connecting edge in the length direction to the rear end edge. The second outer connecting edge has a shape that gradually moves inward toward the inner side in the width direction as it moves toward the rear in the length direction. The boundary between the first outer connecting edge and the second outer connecting edge has a curved shape that protrudes outward in the width direction. The radius of curvature of the boundary portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first outer connecting edge portion.

6. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The low-rigidity section has multiple low-rigidity elements formed at mutually separated positions in the toe area and the midfoot area.

7. The sole according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The low-rigidity portion is formed in the midfoot region at a position where it overlaps with the wearer's third metatarsal bone along the thickness direction. The rear edge of the low-rigidity portion in the length direction constitutes part of the rear end edge.

8. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The low-rigidity portion is formed at the location in the midfoot region where it overlaps with the third metatarsal bone along the thickness direction. The high-rigidity part has a shape that surrounds the entire area surrounding the low-rigidity part.

9. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The low-rigidity portion has a shape that includes an outer edge in the width direction of the plate and extends along the length direction. The high-rigidity portion has a shape that includes an inner edge in the width direction of the plate and extends along the length direction.

10. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The midsole has: The lower midsole is disposed between the plate and the outsole; and The upper midsole is positioned on the aforementioned plate.

11. The sole according to claim 10, characterized in that, The lower midsole has lower rigidity than the upper midsole.

12. The sole according to claim 10, characterized in that, The front edge is disposed on the surface of the upper midsole.

13. The sole according to claim 10, characterized in that, The rear portion of the midfoot section along the length direction is configured to contact the upper surface of the outsole.

14. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plate is configured to cover the entire area of ​​the plate and to contact the back of the midsole.

15. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plate is disposed on the surface of the midsole.

16. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the plate relative to the thickness of the midsole is set to be more than 5% and less than 30%.

17. A shoe, characterized in that, have: The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and The upper is connected to the sole and is located above the sole.

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