Shoe components with dual-layer insole and related methods

Abstract

A shoe assembly has an insole assembly having a heel insole plate and a double-layer insole plate above the midsole, the heel portion of which is more rigid than the forefoot portion. A flanged bottom edge of the upper wraps around the sides of the heel and arch portions of the double-layer insole plate behind an attachment transition area. At least a portion of the flange is adhered between the double-layer insole plate and the heel insole plate. The flange of the upper is positioned adjacent to the sides of the forefoot and arch portions of the double-layer insole plate in front of the attachment transition area, without wrapping beneath the double-layer insole plate. The flange of the upper is sewn to the top or edge of the forefoot and arch portions of the double-layer insole plate in front of the attachment transition area.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 074,408, filed September 3, 2020, entitled “Shoe Assembly with Bifit Insole and Related Methods,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to shoe assemblies with varying stiffness along the footbed, and more specifically, to shoe assemblies having a sole assembly with a variable stiffness insole assembly. Background Technology

[0004] Footwear has been designed for a wide variety of sporting activities, including walking, running, hiking, trekking, hunting, backpacking, and both indoor and outdoor activities. For example, hiking boots and work boots are typically designed to provide adequate comfort and support for the wearer when hiking or walking on uneven or rugged terrain. However, traditional hiking boots or work boots can be relatively heavy. With each step the wearer takes, such as while walking or hiking, the wearer must lift the weight of the boot. After hundreds or thousands of steps, this added weight can cause fatigue in the wearer's legs. Therefore, it is highly desirable to minimize the weight of the shoe without unduly compromising its stability and support.

[0005] Shoes, such as boots, are typically designed based on the gait cycle of a typical wearer. A typical gait cycle consists of several phases, including heel strike, forefoot strike, heel lift-off, and toe lift-off. During heel strike, the boot initially lands approximately on the inner rear part of the heel area. As the gait cycle progresses from heel strike to forefoot strike, the load is applied along the inner side of the heel portion. From forefoot strike to heel lift-off and toe lift-off, the load typically shifts forward to the forefoot area of ​​the boot and diagonally from the inner to the outer side. Therefore, during heel lift-off and toe lift-off, the primary load is on the outer side of the forefoot until the wearer pushes off with their toes. Properly designed boots or other footwear can aid the wearer's gait cycle while providing stability and support for the wearer's foot and leg.

[0006] U.S. Patent Nos. 6,484,420; 6,757,990; 8,789,292; and 9,591,888 disclose significant advancements in shoe technology, achieving lightweight shoe components while maintaining a highly stable platform. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,484,420; 6,757,990; 8,789,292; and 9,591,888 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The lightweight shoe component employs a construction in which at least a portion of the lateral and medial peripheral flanges of the upper are sewn to the insole of the metatarsal and / or heel portion, but they are not sewn to the insole of the entire arch portion. Furthermore, the lateral and medial peripheral flanges of the upper are wrapped around the lateral peripheral edge of the insole in the arch portion, and the medial peripheral flange of the upper is wrapped around the medial peripheral edge of the insole in the arch portion. Additionally, the lateral and medial peripheral flanges are secured to the bottom surface of the arch portion of the insole. This construction provides a very lightweight and stable platform, although there are still areas where improvements can be made to the chosen shoe. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side view of a shoe assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the three-dimensional components of the shoe.

[0009] Figure 3A It is roughly the upper edge Figure 1 The cross-sectional end view obtained from line 3A-3A.

[0010] Figure 3B It is roughly the upper edge Figure 1 The cross-sectional end view obtained from line 3B-3B.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the shoe components. Detailed Implementation

[0012] According to embodiments of this technology, this document describes in detail a shoe assembly having an upper securely attached to a reinforced insole plate via adhesive and stitching, and related methods for using and manufacturing such an assembly. The shoe assembly described herein includes features that increase stability in the heel and arch areas, and facilitate a smooth transition in the forefoot area. In this regard, some configurations are capable of providing stability and support during heel strike and forefoot strike during the user's gait cycle, while increasing smoothness, energy transfer, and / or comfort during the transition from forefoot strike to heel-off and toe-off.

[0013] In one embodiment, for example, the shoe assembly includes an upper coupled to a sole assembly having a U-shaped first insole plate coupled to a full-length double-layer insole plate having multiple stiffnesses, and a transition member attached to the double-layer insole plate at the transition points between regions of different stiffnesses, such as in the arch and heel regions of the shoe, respectively. Thus, the transition member spans the transition region of the double-layer insole plate and extends at least partially forward from the arch region toward the forefoot region and backward toward the heel region. In the heel region, the first insole plate extends around the peripheral portion of the heel region. The double-layer insole plate may be a full-length insole plate, with the transition member coupled to the bottom of the double-layer insole plate in the arch region and at least a portion of the first insole plate in the heel region.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer edge portion of the upper is stitched to the top surface or outer side of the double-layer insole in the forefoot region. The stitches extend around the forefoot region and terminate only at the midpoint of the arch portion above the transition member on the medial and lateral sides. The point where the stitches end in the arch portion is the transition point, after which the outer edge portion of the upper is wrapped around the bottom surface of the double-layer insole. In the region behind the transition point, the outer edge portion of the upper is wrapped around the bottom surface of the double-layer insole (e.g., a portion of the arch and heel regions), and the upper is adhered between the top surface of the transition member and the first insole and the bottom surface of the double-layer insole, or adhered to the bottom surface of one or more of the transition member, the first insole, and the double-layer insole. The transition point is located in the middle of the arch area above the transition member, such that the stitching along the upper does not extend completely through the arch area of ​​the shoe to the heel area, and the transition member crosses the area on either side of the transition point, as will be explained in more detail below. In other embodiments, the upper may include an additional layer, such as a waterproof membrane, which is fully slip-lasted (e.g., a Strobel construction) above the double-layer insole and may be covered by a gasket.

[0015] The shoe components overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and offer other benefits. The following description and... Figure 1-4Certain details are set forth in this document to provide a thorough and achievable description of various embodiments of the present technology. However, further details describing well-known structures and components generally associated with shoe components and methods of forming such components are not listed below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the present technology. Many details, dimensions, angles, relative sizes of components, and / or other features shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present technology. Therefore, other embodiments may have other details, dimensions, angles, sizes, and / or features without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. Furthermore, further embodiments of the present technology may be practiced without several details described below, while other embodiments of the present technology may be practiced with additional details and / or features. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals identify the same or at least substantially similar elements. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that any terms of relative position, such as above, below, upper, lower, etc., do not necessarily require the shoe components described herein to be in a particular orientation. Rather, these or similar terms are intended to describe the relative positions of various features of the present technology described herein.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of a shoe component 100 (“component 100”) configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. Component 100 may be included in boots, shoes, or other footwear, and is not limited thereto. Figure 1 The shoe shown. In the illustrated embodiment, component 100 includes an upper 102 attached to sole component 104. Sole component 104 includes an outsole 106 coupled to midsole 108, and an insole component attached to the upper 102 and midsole 108, as described below. Figure 2-4 Detailed description. The sole assembly 104 has an arch portion 110 located between the heel portion 112 and the forefoot portion 114. The sole assembly 104, particularly the arch portion 110 and the heel portion 112, is configured to provide increased support and stability, as well as a secure attachment to the upper 102.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1An isometric exploded view of the shoe assembly 100 shows several features of the sole assembly 104. The outsole 106 has an external tread portion 117 and an arch portion 118 between the outsole heel portion 116 and the outsole forefoot portion 119. The outsole 106 may be made of rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic), leather, or other suitable shoe materials or combinations thereof. The top of the outsole 106 is attached to the midsole 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 108 is a full-length midsole having an arch portion 124 between the heel portion 122 and the forefoot portion 126. The heel portion 122 may include a cushioned heel section (not shown) that provides additional support or cushioning within the heel portion 122. The arch and / or heel portions 124 and 122 may also include one or more recesses or indentations configured to receive other components of the shoe assembly 100, such as multiple portions of the insole assembly 130, as will be described in more detail below. Although the midsole 108 is shown as a single component, in other embodiments, it may be formed from any number of pieces. Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the midsole 108 may be integrally formed with the outsole 106 or omitted from the sole assembly 104. The midsole 108 may be formed from rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), closed-cell foam material, and / or other suitable shoe materials. Therefore, the midsole 108 can provide support and comfort to the user by distributing their weight and providing stability and / or shock absorption.

[0018] The midsole 108 supports the insole assembly 130 and the transition member 132, each configured to be located directly under the user's foot when inserted into the assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the insole assembly 130 is a multi-piece assembly including a first insole plate 135 and a second dual-piece insole plate 140 (which may be referred to as the dual-piece insole plate 140). The transition member 132 is configured to be located generally in the arch region of the assembly 100 and is shaped as an elongated plate. More specifically, the transition member 132 may be a shank stiffener or support member, including a first or lower surface 139 opposite a second or upper surface 138. The lower surface 139 faces the midsole 108 and / or outsole 106, and the upper surface 138 faces the dual-piece insole plate 140. When assembled, the transition member 132 is positioned generally in front of the first insole plate 135 and extends forward toward the forefoot portion 126. However, in other embodiments, the transition member 132 may overlap with the first inner bottom plate 135, for example, into the inner opening 137. In a further embodiment, the transition member 132 has any suitable shape and / or includes an internal opening. The transition member 132 is configured to span the transition in the double-hinged inner bottom plate 140 and in the attachment portion between the side panel 102 and the double-hinged inner bottom plate 140, as will be referred to below. Figure 3A-4 A more detailed explanation.

[0019] The first insole plate 135 of the illustrated embodiment is configured in the heel region of assembly 100 and includes a generally U-shaped configuration. More specifically, the first insole plate 135 may be a reinforcement or support member, including a first or lower surface 133 opposite to the second or upper surface 131. The lower surface 133 faces the midsole 108 and / or outsole 106, and the upper surface 131 faces the double-layer insole plate 140. The first insole plate 135 also includes a first insole inner opening 137 at least partially defined between the ends 134 of the respective legs or U-shaped configurations (identified as the first leg 134a and the second leg 134b, respectively). However, in other embodiments, the inner opening 137 of the first insole plate 135 may be smaller, semi-circular, elliptical, or completely closed. In a further embodiment, the first insole plate 135 may be a structure without any internal openings.

[0020] The dual-layer insole 140 of the illustrated embodiment is a full-length insole component configured to provide enhanced support. The dual-layer insole 140 includes a first or lower surface 143 opposite a second or upper surface 141. The dual-layer insole 140 also includes an arch portion 144 located between a forefoot portion 146 and a heel portion 142. In some embodiments, the dual-layer insole 140 has a dual construction, wherein the heel portion 142 has a different stiffness compared to the arch portion 144 and / or the forefoot portion 146 (e.g., a more stiff material, a thicker cross-section, and / or stiffening / bending features, such as ridges, thickened sections, longitudinal grooves / channels, or other features). The stiffness of the dual-layer insole 140 may vary at one or more locations along the length of the dual-layer insole 140, such as at transition 172, which may be any suitable shape, such as a line, an arc, etc., or may be a transition region where the stiffness varies along a distance of length. More specifically, the portion of the double-layered insole 140 rear of the transition point 172 may have greater stiffness than the remaining portion of the double-layered insole 140 in front of the transition point 172 (e.g., by using different materials, thicknesses, hardnesses, and / or stiffening / buckling characteristics), and the transition point 172 may be located above at least a portion of the transition member 132, such that the transition member 132 connects to multiple portions of the double-layered insole 140, crosses the transition point 172, and extends forward and backward away from the transition point 172. The transition point 172 is in front of the first insole 135. In other embodiments, the double-layered insole 140 may have multiple transition points or transition regions along its length, and the transition points may have different types of stiffness variation, such as material variation at the first transition point, thickness variation along the second transition region, stiffening / buckling characteristics along the third transition region, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the dual-layer insole plate 140 is made of two or more materials interconnected at transition 172. The interconnection, and thus the transition 172, can be an interconnection of gradual mixing between materials, or a sudden or obvious transition between materials without substantially any mixing of different materials. The transition member 132 and the first and dual-layer insole plates 135 and 140 of the insole assembly 130 can be made of cardboard, nonwoven fabric, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and / or other materials suitable for insole assemblies in shoe assemblies. In some embodiments, the transition member 132 and the first insole plate 135 can be thicker and / or more rigid than the dual-layer insole plate 140 to provide additional support and stability in the areas where the plates are located, such as the heel and arch areas.

[0022] According to an additional feature of the illustrated embodiment, the upper 102 includes a peripheral edge portion 150 extending around the lower portion of the upper 102. The upper 102 also includes an arch portion 154 between the heel portion 152 and the forefoot portion 156. As described in more detail below, the peripheral edge portion 150 of the upper 102 is configured to be securely attached to the insole assembly 130. In the illustrated embodiment, an external heel cup 136 is provided in the heel region, connecting the heel region of the upper 102 to the upper surface 131 of the first insole plate 135. The heel cup 136 may be stitched to the first insole plate 135. The heel cup 136 may be configured to provide stiffness and / or support in the heel region of the assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the heel cup 136 is an external heel cup forming the outer heel portion of the shoe, such that the external heel cup is visible. In other embodiments, the heel cup 136 may be an internal component not visible from the outside of the shoe. Cup 136 may include one or more suitable materials, such as leather, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane (PU), synthetic materials, etc.

[0023] Figure 3A It is roughly the upper edge Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional end view of component 100 obtained from line 3A-3A, and illustrates several features of the heel portion 112 of the sole component 104. According to... Figure 3AIn the illustrated embodiment, the outsole 106 is directly fixed (e.g., adhered) to the insole 108, and the insole 108 is directly fixed (e.g., adhered) to each of the first insole plate 135 and the double-layer insole plate 140. Furthermore, the heel portion 152 of the outer periphery edge portion 150 of the upper is also fixed (e.g., adhered) between the first insole plate 135 and the double-layer insole plate 140 located near the outer and inner edges of the first insole plate 135. Therefore, the heel portion 152 of the outer periphery edge portion 150 of the upper is positioned directly adjacent to the lower surface 143 of the double-layer insole plate 140 and adjacent to the upper surface 131 of the first insole plate 135. In some embodiments, the heel cup 136 is bonded to the heel portion 152 of the upper 102 and to the top surface 131 of the first insole plate 135. The heel cup 136 is sewn to the first insole plate 135 using heel portion stitching stitches 160. In other embodiments, the heel cup 136 is simply bonded or sewn to the upper 102 or other parts of the assembly 100. In the illustrated configuration, the heel portion stitching 160 is externally visible at the heel portion 112 of the assembly 100.

[0024] According to an additional feature of the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge portion 150 of the upper is not directly sewn or stitched to the double-layer insole plate 140 in the heel portion 112 of the sole assembly 104, nor is the outer edge portion 150 of the upper directly sewn or stitched to the midsole 108 in the heel portion 112 of the sole assembly 104. Instead, the first insole plate 140 may be glued or otherwise adhered to the first insole plate 135 and / or the outer edge portion 150 of the upper 102. Furthermore, reference is made below. Figure 4 As explained, the outer edge portion 150 of the upper is stitched only from the forefoot portion 146 rearward along the arch portion 144 of the double-layer insole 140 to the transition point 170. Behind the transition point 170, the outer edge portion 150 of the upper may at least partially wrap inward around the arch portion 144 and be glued or otherwise adhered to the arch portion of the insole assembly 130 and / or the midsole 108. In this way, attaching the upper 102 to the insole assembly 130 and the midsole 108 helps to form a heel cup configuration while maintaining the structural stability of the entire platform component.

[0025] Figure 3B It is roughly the upper edge Figure 1The image shows a cross-sectional end view of component 100 obtained from lines 3B-3B, illustrating several features of the forefoot portion 114 of the sole component 104. For example, the outsole 106 is directly secured (e.g., adhered) to the midsole 108, the midsole 108 is secured (e.g., adhered) to the insole component 130, and the insole component 130 is secured (e.g., adhered and / or sewn) to the upper 102. More specifically, the forefoot portion 156 of the outer edge portion 150 of the upper flares inward and is sewn to the top surface 141 of the double-layer insole 140 via forefoot and arch portion stitching 162, or sewn to the outer side of the double-layer insole 140 in an edge-to-edge abutting configuration. For example, as... Figure 3B As shown, the outer edge portion 150 of the upper flares inward and lies above the corresponding outer edge of the forefoot portion 126 of the midsole 108. However, the forefoot and arch portion seam stitches 162 are not applied to the arch portion 144 of the double-layer insole 140 behind the transition point 170 (see...). Figure 4 The outer edge portion 150 transitions behind the transition point 170 below the double-layer insole 140 and around the heel portion 142. In these embodiments, the forefoot and arch portion stitches 162 can be continuous, for example, spirally configured, individually stitched, or any combination of continuous and individually stitched. In other embodiments, the upper 102 may include a layer, such as a waterproof membrane (not shown), which is fully slip-on (e.g., Strobel construction) over the double-layer insole 140 and may be padded (not shown).

[0026] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a portion of shoe assembly 100, including an upper 102 coupled to a U-shaped first insole plate 135, a full-length double-joint insole plate 140 extending between the heel and toe areas, and a transition member 132. The upper 102, transition member 132, and / or the first and double-joint insole plates 135 and 140 are configured to couple to a midsole 108 and / or an outsole 106. However, in Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding midsole and / or outsole have been removed from assembly 100 to show the lower surfaces 137, 133, and 143 of the transition member, and several features of the first and dual-layer insole plates 132, 135, and 140, respectively. The transition member 132 in the illustrated embodiment is an elongated plate structure and may be a reinforced insole pad. The transition member 132 is fixed to the midsole 108 in the arch portion of the shoe. The first insole plate 135 is a U-shaped structure fixed to the dual-layer insole plate 140 in the heel portion of the shoe, and the dual-layer insole plate 140 is a substantially full-length component having an arch insole portion 144 located between the forefoot portion 146 and the heel portion 142 of the insole. Although not shown in… Figure 4 As shown in the figure, but in other embodiments, the insole assembly 130 may include one or more openings to accommodate additional features of the sole assembly, such as cushioning features or other desired features.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper 102 includes a peripheral edge portion 150, a heel portion 152, an arch portion 154, and a forefoot portion 156. The heel portion 152 extends over at least a portion of the lower surface 143 of the insole heel portion 142 of at least the double-layer insole 140 and wraps at least partially inward around it, and is above at least the upper surface 131 of the first insole 135. The attachment of the upper 102 at the peripheral edge portion 150 changes at a transition point 170, which is generally located in the middle of the arch portion of the assembly 100. Prior to the transition point 170, a portion of the forefoot portion 156 and the arch portion 154 of the peripheral edge portion 150 flares inward and is laterally stitched or otherwise coupled to the double-layer insole 140 in an edge-to-edge adjacent configuration, or is stitched or otherwise coupled to the top surface 141 of the double-layer insole 140. Behind the transition point 170, a portion of the heel portion 152 and arch portion 154 of the outer edge portion 150 extends inward and is secured (e.g., adhered) between the first insole plate 135 and the double-layer insole plate 140. Therefore, the position of the heel portion 152 and arch portion 154 of the outer edge portion 150 is positioned directly adjacent to the lower surface 143 of the double-layer insole plate 140 and adjacent to the upper surface 131 of the first insole plate 135. In other embodiments, the upper 102 may include a layer, such as a waterproof membrane, that is fully slip-on (e.g., a Strobel construction) over the double-layer insole plate 140 and may be padded.

[0028] The transition member 132 spans two transition points (transition point 170 and transition section 172) of the shoe assembly 100. In this respect, the transition member 132 extends beyond the transition point 170, where the attachment of the upper to the insole assembly 130 changes from stitching to wrapping under the double-layer insole plate 140. The transition member 132 also extends beyond the transition section 172 of the double-layer insole plate 140, where the stiffness of the double-layer insole plate 140 changes, with greater stiffness behind the transition section 172 than in front of it. The transition points in the shoe assembly are configured to provide comfort to the wearer while maintaining stability during the gait cycle.

[0029] For example, the transition point from the stitched coupling of the upper 102 and the double-layer insole 140, together with the lower stiffness material before the transition point 170, is configured to provide comfort and flexibility in the forefoot region during the heel-off and toe-off gait cycle phases. Conversely, the more rigid material of the double-layer insole 172 behind the transition point 172, together with the first insole 150 and the upper construction between the first and double-layer insole 135 and 140, provides increased stability in the heel region during the heel-off and forefoot-off gait cycle phases. In some embodiments, the transition point 170 is offset from the transition point 172 along the length of the shoe assembly 100, such that the change in stiffness is gradual rather than abrupt to avoid wearer discomfort. As described above, the transition member 132 is configured to span the transition point 170 and the transition point 172, which further minimizes abrupt changes in the stiffness of the shoe assembly 100 that can be perceived by the wearer. In this respect, the transition member 132 provides continuity of stiffness as the shoe assembly 100 flexes during the wearer's gait cycle phases, enabling a transition from a rigid heel area to a compliant forefoot area without being perceived by the wearer.

[0030] In some embodiments, multiple aspects of the present technology provide a shoe assembly having an upper and a sole assembly. The upper has edge portions forming medial and lateral flanges. The sole assembly is coupled to the upper and has an outsole, a midsole above the outsole, and an insole assembly above the midsole. The midsole may have a first top surface facing away from the outsole, second lateral and medial sides, and a first heel portion, a first forefoot portion, and a first arch portion between the first heel and forefoot portions. The insole assembly is coupled to the first top surface of the midsole. The insole assembly has a first insole plate located above at least the first heel portion of the midsole and a double-layered insole plate supported on top of the midsole. The first insole plate is between the midsole and the double-layered insole plate. The double-layered insole plate has a second heel portion, a second arch portion, and a second forefoot portion located above the first heel, arch, and forefoot portions of the midsole, respectively. The second heel portion of the double-layer insole has a first stiffness, and the second forefoot portion has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. The double-layer insole has a stiffness transition portion between the second heel and forefoot portions, changing between the first and second stiffnesses. The inner and outer flanges of the upper wrap around the first inner and outer sides of the second heel portion, respectively, and wrap around the rear side of the second arch portion of the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges are fixed below the second heel and second arch portions behind the attachment transition area, with at least a portion of the inner and outer flanges securely held between the bottom of the double-layer insole and the top of the first insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are positioned adjacent to the second inner and outer sides of the second forefoot portion of the double-layer insole, and the front of the second arch portion, without wrapping beneath the double-layer insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are sewn to the top or edge of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion in front of the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are not sewn to the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area, such that the inner and outer flanges change from a position below the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area to a position adjacent to or above the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area.

[0031] A stiffening transition member may be located between the first arch portion of the midsole and the second arch portion of the double-layer insole. The stiffening transition member may extend below the stiffness transition area and / or attachment transition area. The heel cup may be attached to the upper and has at least a portion of the inner and outer flanges sewn to the outer periphery of the first insole. At least a portion of the second heel portion of the double-layer insole may be made of a first material having a first stiffness, and at least a portion of the second forefoot portion of the double-layer insole may be made of a second material different from the first material and having a second stiffness, and the double-layer insole transitions between the first and second materials in the stiffness transition portion. Multiple portions of the inner and outer flanges of the upper may be adhered to the bottom of the double-layer insole and the top of the first insole using adhesive. Multiple portions of the inner and outer flanges of the upper fit adjacently and are sewn to the edge of the second forefoot portion of the double-layer insole.

[0032] Another embodiment of the present technology provides a shoe assembly including an upper having medial and lateral flanges, an insole assembly connected to the upper, and a midsole below the insole assembly having a first heel, forefoot, and arch portion. The insole assembly has a first insole plate located above at least the first heel portion of the midsole. The insole assembly has a double-layer insole plate between the midsole and the double-layer insole plate. The double-layer insole plate has a second heel, arch, and forefoot portion respectively above the first heel, arch, and forefoot portions of the midsole. The second heel portion of the double-layer plate has a first stiffness, the second forefoot portion has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness, and a stiffness transition portion between the second heel and forefoot portions transitioning between the first and second stiffnesses. The medial and lateral flanges of the upper are respectively wrapped around the first medial and lateral sides of the second heel portion, and are wrapped around the second medial and lateral sides of the second arch portion of the double-layer insole plate along at least the rear portion behind the attachment transition area. The medial and lateral flanges are secured below the second heel portion and the second arch portion behind the attachment transition area, firmly held between the bottom of the double-layer insole and the top of the first insole at the second heel portion. The medial and lateral flanges of the upper are positioned adjacent to the third medial and lateral sides of the second forefoot portion of the double-layer insole and adjacent to the front of the second arch portion, without wrapping under the double-layer insole. The medial and lateral flanges of the upper are sewn to the top or edge of the second forefoot portion and to the front of the second arch portion in front of the attachment transition area. The medial and lateral flanges of the upper are not sewn to the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area; instead, they transition from a position below the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area to a position adjacent to or above the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area.

[0033] Another embodiment provides a shoe assembly including an upper and a sole assembly. The upper has medial and lateral flanges. The sole assembly is attached to the upper and has an outsole, a midsole on top of the outsole, an insole assembly on top of the midsole, and an insole insert. The midsole has second lateral and medial sides and has a first heel portion, a first forefoot portion, and a first arch portion between the first heel and forefoot portions. The insole assembly has a U-shaped first insole plate located above at least the first heel portion of the midsole, wherein the first insole plate has an internal opening that exposes the midsole and is located below the wearer's heel. The insole assembly has a double-layered insole plate supported at the top of the midsole. The first insole plate is sandwiched between the first heel portion of the midsole and the double-layered insole plate. The double-layered insole plate has a second heel portion, a second arch portion, and a second forefoot portion located above the first heel, arch, and forefoot portions of the midsole, respectively. The second heel portion of the double-layer insole is made of a first material with a first stiffness, and the second forefoot portion is made of a second material with a second stiffness different from the first material and less than the first stiffness. A stiffness transition portion exists between the second heel and forefoot portions, changing between the first and second materials and between the first and second stiffnesses. An insole pad is located between the first arch portion of the midsole and the second arch portion of the double-layer insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper wrap around the first inner and outer sides of the second heel portion, respectively, and around the rear of the second arch portion of the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges are adhered to the bottom surface of the double-layer insole below the second heel and second arch portions behind the attachment transition area, and the inner and outer flanges of the upper are securely held between the top of the first insole and the bottom of the second heel portion of the double-layer insole. The medial and lateral flanges of the upper are positioned adjacent to the second medial and lateral sides of the second forefoot portion of the double-layer insole and the front of the second arch portion, without wrapping under the double-layer insole. The medial and lateral flanges of the upper are sewn to the top or edge of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion in front of the attachment transition area, and are not sewn to the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area. The medial and lateral flanges transition from a position below the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area to a position adjacent to or above the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area. The insole insert extends below the stiffness transition area and the attachment transition area.

[0034] As used in the foregoing description, the terms “vertical,” “lateral,” “outer,” “inner,” “above,” and “below” can refer to the relative orientation or position of a feature in a shoe assembly according to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, “upper” or “upper layer” can refer to a feature located at the top of the page closer to another feature. However, these terms should be interpreted broadly to include waveguides with other orientations, such as inverted or tilted orientations, where top / bottom, above / below, above / below, up / down, left / right, and distal / proximal can be interchanged depending on the orientation. Furthermore, for ease of reference, the same reference numerals are used throughout this document to identify similar or analogous parts or features, but the use of the same reference numerals does not imply that these features should be interpreted as identical. In fact, in many examples described herein, features with the same numerals have multiple embodiments that differ from each other in structure and / or function. Additionally, the same shading can be used to identify materials that may have similar composition in cross-section, but unless specifically stated herein, the use of the same shading does not imply that the materials should be interpreted as identical.

[0035] The foregoing disclosure may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise stated, such quantities and numbers should not be considered limiting, but rather examples of possible quantities or numbers in relation to the new technology. Moreover, in this regard, the disclosure may use the term "multiple" to refer to quantities or numbers. In this respect, the term "multiple" means any number exceeding one, such as two, three, four, five, etc. For the purposes of this disclosure, for example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all other possible permutations when more than three elements are listed.

[0036] As can be understood from the foregoing, specific embodiments of the new technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications can be made without departing from the present technology. For example, although the midsole and insole are shown as having multiple separate components in many of the foregoing figures, in other shoe components, the midsole and insole may include more or fewer components, such as including a one-piece or integral configuration. Furthermore, certain aspects of the new technology described in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Moreover, although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the new technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need to exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the present and related technologies may include other embodiments not explicitly shown or described herein.

Claims

1. A shoe component, comprising: The side panel has edge portions forming inner and outer flanges; A sole assembly coupled to the upper and having an outsole, a midsole above the outsole, and an insole assembly above the midsole. The midsole has a first top surface facing away from the outsole, a second outer side and an inner side, and a first heel portion, a first forefoot portion, and a first arch portion between the first heel portion and the first forefoot portion. The insole assembly is coupled to the first top surface of the midsole. The insole assembly has a first insole plate located above at least the first heel portion of the midsole and a double-layer insole plate supported on the top of the midsole. The first insole plate is located between the midsole and the double-layer insole plate. The double-layer insole plate has a second heel portion, a second arch portion, and a second forefoot portion located above the first heel portion, the first arch portion, and the first forefoot portion of the midsole, respectively. The second heel portion of the double-layer insole plate has a first stiffness, the second forefoot portion has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness, and a stiffness transition portion between the second heel portion and the second forefoot portion transitions between the first stiffness and the second stiffness. Wherein, the inner and outer flanges of the upper respectively wrap around the first inner and outer sides of the second heel portion, and the rear of the second arch portion of the double-jointed insole behind the attachment transition area, and the inner and outer edge flange portions are fixed below the second heel portion and the second arch portion behind the attachment transition area, wherein at least a portion of the inner and outer flanges is securely held between the bottom of the double-jointed insole and the top of the first insole; and Wherein, the inner and outer flanges of the upper are positioned adjacent to the second inner and outer sides of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion of the double-layer insole, without covering the underside of the double-layer insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are sewn to the top or edge of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion in front of the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are not sewn to the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges change from a position below the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area to a position adjacent to the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area or above the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area.

2. The shoe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a stiffening transition member located between the first arch portion of the midsole and the second arch portion of the double-layer insole.

3. The shoe assembly of claim 2, wherein the stiffness-enhancing transition member extends below the stiffness transition portion and the attachment transition region.

4. The shoe assembly of claim 2, wherein the stiffness-enhancing transition member is a core pad extending below the stiffness-transition portion.

5. The shoe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a heel cup attached to the upper and having at least a portion of the inner and outer flanges sewn to the peripheral portion of the first insole plate.

6. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the stiffness transition portion is a core pad obtained between the midsole and the second arch portion of the double-layer insole.

7. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the stiffness transition portion is in the second heel portion of the double-layer insole.

8. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the double-layer insole has an integrally reinforced stiffness component in the stiffness transition portion.

9. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second heel portion of the dual-stitch insole is made of a first material having the first stiffness, and at least a portion of the second forefoot portion of the dual-stitch insole is made of a second material different from the first material and having the second stiffness, and the dual-stitch insole transitions between the first material and the second material in the stiffness transition portion.

10. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of portions of the inner and outer flanges of the upper are adhered to the bottom of the double-layer insole and the top of the first insole using an adhesive.

11. The shoe assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of portions of the inner and outer flanges of the upper are adjacently fitted and stitched to the edge of the second forefoot portion of the double-joint insole.

12. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the first insole plate is U-shaped and has an internal opening between the outer and inner leg portions, wherein the internal opening is located below the wearer's heel.

13. The shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the first insole plate terminates at a front end behind the stiffness transition portion.

14. A shoe component, comprising: The side panel has inner and outer flanges; Insole assembly, which is connected to the upper; and The midsole is located below the insole assembly and has a first heel portion, a first forefoot portion, and a first arch portion; The insole assembly has a first insole plate located above at least the first heel portion of the midsole, the insole assembly has the first insole plate between the midsole and the double-layer insole plate, the double-layer insole plate has a second heel portion, a second arch portion, and a second forefoot portion respectively above the first heel portion, the first arch portion, and the first forefoot portion of the midsole, the second heel portion of the double-layer insole plate has a first stiffness, and the second forefoot portion has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness, and a stiffness transition portion between the second heel portion and the second forefoot portion that transitions between the first stiffness and the second stiffness; The inner and outer flanges of the upper are respectively wrapped around the first inner and outer sides of the second heel portion, and are wrapped around the second inner and outer sides of the second arch portion of the double-jointed insole at least at the rear of the attachment transition area, and the inner and outer flanges are fixed below the second heel portion and the second arch portion behind the attachment transition area, the inner and outer flanges being securely held between the bottom of the double-jointed insole and the top of the first insole at the second heel portion; and The inner and outer flanges of the upper are positioned adjacent to the third inner and outer sides of the second forefoot portion of the double-layer insole, and adjacent to the front of the second arch portion, without wrapping under the double-layer insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are sewn to the top or edge of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion in front of the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges of the side panel are not sewn to the double-sided inner bottom plate behind the attachment transition area, and the inner and outer flanges change from a position below the double-sided inner bottom plate behind the attachment transition area to a position adjacent to the double-sided inner bottom plate in front of the attachment transition area or to a position above the double-sided inner bottom plate in front of the attachment transition area.

15. The shoe assembly of claim 14, further comprising a stiffening transition member located between the first arch portion of the midsole and the second arch portion of the double-layer insole, wherein the stiffening transition member extends below the stiffness transition portion and the attachment transition area.

16. The shoe assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the second heel portion of the dual-stitch insole is made of a first material having the first stiffness, and at least a portion of the second forefoot portion of the dual-stitch insole is made of a second material different from the first material and having the second stiffness, and the dual-stitch insole transitions between the first and second materials in the stiffness transition portion.

17. The shoe assembly of claim 14, wherein the inner and outer flanges of the upper are adjacently fitted and stitched to the edge of the second forefoot portion of the double-joint insole.

18. The shoe assembly of claim 14, wherein the first insole plate has an internal opening exposing the midsole, wherein the internal opening is located below the wearer's heel.

19. A shoe component, comprising: The side panel has inner and outer flanges; A sole assembly attached to the upper and having an outsole, a midsole on top of the outsole, an insole assembly on top of the midsole, and an insole insert. The midsole has a second outer and inner side, and has a first heel portion, a first forefoot portion, and a first arch portion between the first heel portion and the first forefoot portion. The insole assembly has a U-shaped first insole plate located above at least the first heel portion of the midsole, wherein the first insole plate has an internal opening that exposes the midsole and is located below the wearer's heel. The insole assembly has a double-joint insole plate supported at the top of the midsole, wherein the first insole plate is sandwiched between the first heel portion of the midsole and the double-joint insole plate. The double-joint insole plate has a second heel portion, a second arch portion, and a second forefoot portion located above the first heel portion, the first arch portion, and the first forefoot portion of the midsole, respectively. The second heel portion of the double-joint insole plate is made of a first material having a first stiffness, and the second forefoot portion is made of a second material different from the first material and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. A stiffness transition portion is provided between the second heel portion and the second forefoot portion, which transitions between the first material and the second material and between the first stiffness and the second stiffness. as well as The insole pad is located between the first arch portion of the midsole and the second arch portion of the double-layer insole plate; The inner and outer flanges of the upper respectively wrap around the first inner and outer sides of the second heel portion and the rear of the second arch portion of the double-joint insole behind the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges are adhered to the bottom surface of the double-joint insole below the second heel portion and the second arch portion behind the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are securely held between the top of the first insole and the bottom of the second heel portion of the double-joint insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are positioned adjacent to the second inner and outer sides of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion of the double-layer insole, without covering the underside of the double-layer insole. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are sewn to the top or edge of the second forefoot portion and the front of the second arch portion in front of the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges of the upper are not sewn to the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area. The inner and outer flanges change from a position below the double-layer insole behind the attachment transition area to a position adjacent to the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area or to a position above the double-layer insole in front of the attachment transition area. as well as The insole extends below the stiffness transition portion and the attachment transition region.

20. The shoe assembly of claim 19, wherein the double-layer insole has an integrally reinforced stiffness member in the stiffness transition portion.

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