Fastening mechanism for an article of footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and a securing mechanism. The upper includes a toe region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a lateral side, and a medial side, and is coupled to the sole structure. The securing mechanism is fixedly attached to the upper and includes a forefoot portion and a heel locking element. The heel locking element has a first end and a second end and extends from the lateral side of the upper, around the heel region of the upper, and to the medial side of the upper. The heel locking element includes a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the upper and is configured such that tensioning the securing band adjusts a heel segment of the primary portion relative to a heel of a wearer.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 109,281, filed November 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] field This disclosure relates to footwear articles, and more specifically, to fixing mechanisms for footwear articles.

[0003] background Footwear items (also referred to herein as “items”) typically consist of two main components: the sole construction and the upper. The sole construction is configured to support the wearer’s foot and provide cushioning between the wearer’s foot and the ground. The upper attaches to the sole construction and is configured to secure the wearer’s foot to the sole construction.

[0004] Brief The aspects and advantages of the disclosed technology will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the technology disclosed herein.

[0005] This document discloses footwear articles that can provide, for example, controlled flexibility, improved strength, and / or increased support. Specifically, the footwear articles disclosed herein include heel lock elements that improve the fit of the upper to the ankle, heel, and instep while allowing the rest of the upper to fit more loosely for comfort and mobility.

[0006] In some embodiments, footwear articles include an upper, a sole structure, and a fastening mechanism. The upper includes a toe region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a lateral side, and a medial side. The sole structure is attached to the upper to define a foot-receiving cavity between the sole structure and the upper. In some embodiments, the line along which the upper and sole structure are connected is referred to as the "bite line." The fastening mechanism also includes a forefoot region and a heel locking element, which are disposed on and securely attached to the upper. The forefoot region is positioned along the instep of the wearer's foot. The heel locking element is attached to the lateral and medial sides of the upper and is configured to wrap around the heel region of the upper. The heel locking element has greater stiffness than the upper and is also configured to be under tension when the laces are tightened, allowing the upper to more closely conform to the shape of the wearer's foot, ankle, and instep.

[0007] In some embodiments, footwear articles include an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a toe area, a midfoot area, a heel area, a lateral surface, and a medial surface. The sole structure is attached to the upper to define a foot receiving cavity between the sole structure and the upper. In some embodiments, the upper and sole structures are connected along a line referred to as a "bite line." The upper also includes a throat and a tongue. The throat is positioned along the instep of the forefoot and has a lateral surface and a medial surface. A first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets are provided on the lateral and medial surfaces of the throat. The first and second sets of eyelets are configured to receive laces. The upper also includes a heel locking element attached to the lateral and medial surfaces of the throat and configured to wrap around the heel area of ​​the upper. The heel locking element is also configured to be attached to the sole structure. The heel locking element is also configured to be under tension when the laces are tightened, allowing the upper and sole to more closely conform to the shape of the wearer's foot, ankle, and instep.

[0008] This document also discloses fastening mechanisms for footwear articles. The fastening elements disclosed herein may include, for example, heel locking elements that secure the upper of the shoe to the ankle, heel, and instep of the foot, while allowing the rest of the upper to fit more loosely for comfort and mobility.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism includes a forefoot region and a heel locking element. The heel locking element may have a first end and a second end, and is configured to extend from the outer side of a corresponding upper of the footwear article, around the heel of the footwear article, and to the inner side of the footwear article. The heel locking element may be securely attached to the corresponding upper. The heel locking element may have a stiffness greater than that of the corresponding upper, and is configured to adjust the heel segment of the corresponding upper when tensioned.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and / or advantages of this disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and claims. Embodiments of the disclosed technology are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and the principles of this disclosure are explained together with the description.

[0011] This disclosure provides the following items: 1. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; The upper, which is connected to the sole structure, has a toe area, a midfoot area, a heel area, an outer side, and an inner side; and A fixing mechanism, wherein the fixing mechanism is fixedly attached to the shoe upper, and includes: The forefoot part; and Heel locking element, the heel locking element having a first end and a second end, wherein the heel locking element: This includes a stiffness greater than that of the shoe upper. Extending from the outer side of the upper, bypassing the heel area of ​​the upper, and extending to the inner side of the upper; and The shoe is configured such that the tensioning mechanism adjusts the heel area of ​​the shoe upper relative to the wearer's heel.

[0012] 2. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the forefoot portion of the fixing mechanism is disposed on top of the midfoot region of the upper.

[0013] 3. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism further includes one or more of a shoelace, strap, band, cable, rope, ratchet mechanism, or hook and loop fastener.

[0014] 4. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the forefoot portion of the fixing mechanism further includes a throat and a tongue structure, wherein the throat is disposed along the back of the shoe in the midfoot region and has an outer side, and wherein the tongue structure is disposed substantially within the throat.

[0015] 5. The footwear article according to item 4, wherein a first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets are provided along the outer side and the inner side of the throat, and a closure system passes through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets to enable tightening of the footwear article.

[0016] 6. The footwear article according to item 5, wherein the closure system comprises one or more of shoelaces, straps, strips, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms, or hook and loop fasteners.

[0017] 7. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the heel locking element is an elastic material.

[0018] 8. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the heel locking element is further attached to the upper by one or more anchoring elements.

[0019] 9. The footwear article according to item 8, wherein the one or more anchoring elements are formed of a material having a higher stiffness than the heel locking element.

[0020] 10. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the upper includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein both the top portion and the bottom portion are attached to the heel locking element to form the upper.

[0021] 11. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the upper further comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, and the heel locking element is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and fixedly attached to one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0022] 12. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the upper comprises a single piece having an inner surface disposed toward a foot receiving cavity and an outer surface disposed away from the foot receiving cavity.

[0023] 13. The footwear article according to item 12, wherein the heel locking element is embedded in the outer surface of the upper.

[0024] 14. The footwear article according to item 12, wherein the heel locking element is embedded in the inner surface of the upper.

[0025] 15. The footwear article according to item 12, wherein the heel locking element is attached to the outer surface of the upper.

[0026] 16. The footwear article according to item 12, wherein the heel locking element is attached to the inner surface of the upper.

[0027] 17. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the heel locking element has one or more holes at each of the first end and the second end to allow the closure system to pass through.

[0028] 18. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the footwear article further includes a pad disposed along the inside of the upper.

[0029] 19. The footwear article according to item 18, wherein the padding has one or more functions of: cushioning the wearer's foot, waterproofing the foot cavity, and absorbing moisture from the core of the foot cavity.

[0030] 20. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; and Upper, the upper being attached to the sole structure, wherein the upper includes: The main part includes a toe portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion, an outer side and an inner side; A fixing mechanism, adjustablely connected to the midfoot portion of the main part; and A heel locking member having a first end and a second end, wherein the heel locking member is securely fixed to the main part, and wherein the heel locking member is adjustablely connected to the fixing mechanism. The heel locking member bypasses the heel portion of the footwear article, and the first and second ends of the heel locking member are attached to the outer mid-shoe edge region and the inner mid-shoe edge region, respectively. The first and second sole attachment members are attached to the sole structure at the interlocking line. The heel locking member is configured to tighten the upper of the footwear around the wearer's foot.

[0031] 21. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the footwear article further includes a throat and a tongue structure, wherein the throat is disposed along the instep of the forefoot and has an outer side and an inner side, and wherein the tongue structure is disposed substantially within the throat.

[0032] 22. The footwear article according to item 21, wherein a first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets are provided along the outer side and the inner side of the throat, and a fastening mechanism passes through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets to enable tightening of the footwear article.

[0033] 23. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the fastening mechanism further includes at least one of shoelaces, straps, strips, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms and / or hook and loop fasteners.

[0034] 24. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the heel locking member is made of an elastic material.

[0035] 25. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the heel locking member is further attached to the upper by one or more anchoring elements.

[0036] 26. The footwear article according to item 25, wherein the one or more anchoring elements are formed of a material having a higher stiffness than the heel locking member.

[0037] 27. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the upper includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein both the top portion and the bottom portion are attached to the heel locking member to form the upper.

[0038] 28. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the upper further comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, and the heel locking member is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and fixedly attached to one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0039] 29. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the upper comprises a single piece having an inner surface disposed toward a foot receiving cavity and an outer surface disposed away from the foot receiving cavity.

[0040] 30. The footwear article according to item 29, wherein the heel locking member is embedded in the outer surface of the upper.

[0041] 31. The footwear article according to item 29, wherein the heel locking member is embedded in the inner surface of the upper.

[0042] 32. The footwear article according to item 29, wherein the heel locking member is attached to the outer surface of the upper.

[0043] 33. The footwear article according to item 29, wherein the heel locking member is attached to the inner surface of the upper.

[0044] 34. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the heel locking member has one or more holes at each of the first end and the second end to allow a fastening mechanism to pass through.

[0045] 35. The footwear article according to item 20, wherein the footwear article further includes a pad disposed along the inside of the upper.

[0046] 36. The footwear article according to item 35, wherein the padding has one or more of the following functions: cushioning the wearer's foot, waterproofing the foot cavity, and absorbing moisture from the core of the foot cavity.

[0047] 37. A fastening mechanism for footwear, comprising: The forefoot part; and A heel locking element, configured to be securely attached to a corresponding upper of a footwear item and to adjust the heel section of the corresponding upper when tensioned, the heel locking element having: The first end portion is configured to be attached to the outer side of the corresponding upper of the footwear article; The second end is configured to attach to the inner side of the corresponding upper of the footwear article; and A heel strap is configured to wrap around the heel area of ​​the corresponding upper and extend to the inner side of the corresponding upper.

[0048] 38. The fixing mechanism according to item 37, wherein the heel locking element has a stiffness greater than that of the corresponding upper.

[0049] 39. The fixing mechanism according to item 37, wherein the heel locking element further includes one or more anchoring elements.

[0050] 40. The fixing mechanism according to item 39, wherein the one or more anchoring elements have a higher stiffness than the heel strap.

[0051] 41. The fastening mechanism according to item 37, wherein the forefoot portion of the shoe further includes one or more of a shoelace, strap, band, cable, rope, ratchet mechanism, or hook and loop fastener.

[0052] 42. The fixing mechanism according to item 37, wherein the forefoot portion of the shoe includes a throat and a tongue.

[0053] 43. The fastening mechanism according to item 42, wherein the throat includes an outer side, an inner side, a first set of eyelets disposed on the outer side of the throat, and a second set of eyelets disposed on the inner side of the throat, the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets being configured to allow shoelaces, straps, strips, cables or cords to pass through. Brief description of the attached diagram Figure 1 A perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of footwear articles, showing the outer side of the footwear articles.

[0055] Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of footwear, depicting the inside of the footwear.

[0056] Figure 3 Depicting Figure 1 Rear view of footwear.

[0057] Figure 4 Depicting Figure 1 A detailed view of the inside of footwear.

[0058] Figure 5 Depicting along such Figure 4 The schematic cross-section of the footwear item is shown in line 5-5.

[0059] Figure 6 Depicting from and Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary footwear item taken from a similar perspective to that depicted in the image.

[0060] Figure 7 Depicting from and Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary footwear item taken from a similar perspective to that depicted in the image.

[0061] Figure 8 Depicting from and Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary footwear item taken from a similar perspective to that depicted in the image.

[0062] Figure 9 Depicting from and Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary footwear item taken from a similar perspective to that depicted in the image.

[0063] Figure 10 Depicting from and Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary footwear item taken from a similar perspective to that depicted in the image.

[0064] Detailed description Overall considerations The systems and methods described herein, and their various components, should not be construed as being limited in any way to the particular purpose or system described herein. Instead, this disclosure focuses individually, and in various combinations and sub-combinations of each other, on all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments. For example, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the information disclosed herein, any feature or aspect of the disclosed embodiments may be used in various combinations and sub-combinations of each other. Furthermore, the disclosed systems, methods, and components are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed things and methods do not require any one or more specific advantages or solutions to any one or more specific problems.

[0065] As used herein, unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms. Additionally, the term “include” means “comprise.” Furthermore, the terms “joint” or “fixed” cover mechanical and chemical joints, as well as other practical ways of joining or linking articles together, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between joined articles, unless otherwise indicated, such as by reference to elements or surfaces that are “directly” joined or fixed. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “and / or” means any one or a combination of the phrases.

[0066] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means an example, instance, or illustration used as a non-limiting example. As used herein, the terms "e.g." and "for example" introduce a list of one or more non-limiting embodiments, examples, instances, and / or illustrations.

[0067] Although some of the disclosed methods are described in a specific chronological order for ease of presentation, this descriptive approach encompasses rearrangement unless the specific language used below requires a particular order. For example, operations described sequentially may be rearranged or performed simultaneously in certain situations. Furthermore, for simplicity, the accompanying drawings may not depict the various ways in which the disclosed things and methods can be used in conjunction with other things and methods. Additionally, terms such as "provide" and "produce" are sometimes used to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level descriptions of the actual operations performed. The actual operations corresponding to these terms will vary depending on the specific implementation and will be readily discernible by those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0068] As used herein, directional terms (e.g., “up” and “down”) generally correspond to the orientation of a footwear article or sole component when it is constructed to be worn by a wearer. For example, the “upward-facing surface” and / or “upper surface” of a sole component refers to the surface oriented in an “above” anatomical direction (i.e., toward the wearer’s head) when the footwear article is worn by a wearer. Similarly, the directional terms “downward” and / or “under” refer to an anatomical direction “below” (i.e., toward the ground and away from the wearer’s head). “Front” means “in front” (e.g., toward the toes), and “back” means “back” (e.g., toward the heel). “Medial” means “towards the midline of the body,” and “lateral” means “away from the midline of the body.” “Longitudinal axis” refers to the centerline of the article from the heel to the toe. Similarly, “longitudinal length” refers to the length of the article along the longitudinal axis, and “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0069] As used herein, the term “sole construction” refers to any combination of materials that provide support and bearing for the wearer’s foot in direct contact with the ground or playing surface, such as, for example, a single sole; a combination of outsole and insole; a combination of outsole, midsole and insole; and a combination of outer overlay, outsole, midsole and insole.

[0070] As used herein, the term "upper" refers to any combination of materials that enclose the wearer's foot from the top and sides. A typical upper connects to the sole construction at lines sometimes referred to as "interlocking lines." Together, the upper and sole construction define a cavity that holds the wearer's foot, commonly known as the "foot receiving cavity." A typical upper can be designed to conform to the wearer's foot when subjected to stresses from the stabilizing mechanism.

[0071] As used herein, the term "fixing mechanism" refers to any combination of materials and features used to adjustably apply force to the upper to make it conform more closely to the foot. For example, a fixing mechanism can be shoelaces, but other mechanisms (e.g., straps, cables, cords, buckles, ratchet mechanisms, hook-and-loop fasteners) can be used to ensure conformity in the forefoot area of ​​the upper. The fixing mechanism may include additional elements to provide conformity in other areas of the upper.

[0072] As used herein, the terms “attachment” and “link” generally mean a physical connection or link, including objects that are directly attached / linked and objects that are attached / linked using an intermediate element between the attached / linked objects, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0073] As used herein, the terms "fixedly attached" and "fixedly joined" refer to two components joined in such a way that they may not be easily separated from each other without damaging and / or harming one or both of the components. Exemplary forms of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesives, stitches, soldering, or other thermal bonding and / or other joining techniques. Additionally, two components may be "fixedly attached" or "fixedly joined" by means of, for example, integrally formed in a molding process. Conversely, the terms "removably attached" or "removably joined" refer to two components joined in such a way that they can be easily separated from each other to return to their individual, separate forms without damaging and / or harming either component. Exemplary modes of temporary attachment may include mating connections, releasable fasteners, removable stitches, and / or other temporary joining techniques.

[0074] As used herein, the terms “footwear articles,” “articles,” and / or “footwear” mean any type of footwear, including, for example, casual shoes, walking shoes, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, football boots, soccer shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, boots, sandals, etc.

[0075] Although the accompanying drawings may illustrate footwear articles intended for use only on one foot (e.g., the right foot) of the wearer, those skilled in the art who enjoy the benefits of this disclosure will recognize that the corresponding footwear articles for the other foot (e.g., the left foot) will be a mirror image of the right footwear articles.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. While methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials will be described below. These materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Other features of this disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description, abstract, and figures.

[0077] Introduction of open technology As described above, footwear typically comprises three main components: the sole structure, the upper, and the fastening mechanism. The sole structure is configured to support the wearer's foot and provide cushioning between the foot and the ground. The upper is attached to the sole structure and configured to secure the wearer's foot to it. Together with the sole structure, the upper forms a foot receiving cavity between them. The fastening mechanism adjustably applies force to the upper and, in some embodiments, to the sole structure, causing the upper and / or sole structure to more or less closely conform to the wearer's foot.

[0078] The upper of footwear is constructed to enclose the wearer's foot and, when attached to the sole structure, forms a foot-receiving cavity. The upper is typically formed of a flexible shell and can conform to the wearer's foot via a fastening mechanism. The upper can be formed from one or more materials selected for elasticity, durability, or wearer comfort, including textiles, foam, leather, polymers, and / or synthetic leather.

[0079] Footwear typically includes a securing mechanism (such as shoelaces, straps, etc.) that allows adjustment of the foot receiving cavity. More specifically, the securing mechanism can be loosened to allow the wearer's foot to be inserted into or removed from the foot receiving cavity. The securing mechanism can be tightened to secure the wearer's foot within the foot receiving cavity.

[0080] Typical footwear features a fastening mechanism located in the forefoot area. Therefore, most adjustments to the upper occur in the forefoot portion. Consequently, a typical fastening mechanism helps to conform the forefoot area of ​​the footwear to the wearer's foot. However, a typical fastening mechanism offers little assistance in adjusting the heel area of ​​the footwear. As a result, a typical footwear can allow the wearer's heel to move relative to the footwear as the wearer moves. This undesirable movement can lead to discomfort (e.g., skin irritation and / or blisters) and / or reduced mobility. These problems are compounded by the wide degree of variability in foot anatomy (particularly in the heel and Achilles tendon areas) and the relatively rigid heel structure (e.g., heel cup) required for other reasons (e.g., lateral stability).

[0081] Therefore, footwear articles with improved fastening mechanisms are desired, which can, for example, fasten the wearer's heel relative to the footwear article.

[0082] Disclosed technologies and exemplary embodiments This document discloses footwear articles including a fastening mechanism that can, for example, provide greater conformity between the heel area of ​​the upper and the wearer's foot to reduce slippage, discomfort, and / or abrasion during use. Specifically, the footwear articles disclosed herein include a fastening mechanism having a heel locking member (also referred to herein as a "fastening strap") that can pull the heel area of ​​the footwear article forward and downward to secure the heel area against the wearer's heel.

[0083] In some embodiments, the disclosed heel locking member is integrated with a conventional fastening mechanism located on the forefoot of a footwear article. Therefore, the wearer can achieve a safer and / or more comfortable fit without requiring further adjustments (e.g., not just tightening laces or straps). In this way, the disclosed heel locking member can, for example, cooperate with the fastening mechanism at the forefoot of the footwear article to secure the wearer's foot relative to the footwear article. For example, laces at the forefoot of the footwear article can conform the forefoot portion of the upper to the forefoot area of ​​the wearer's foot. The laces can also pull the wearer's foot downwards and backwards. As the tension in the laces increases, the tension in the heel locking member can also increase, conforming the rear portion of the upper to the heel area of ​​the wearer's foot. The heel locking member can also pull the heel of the wearer's foot downwards and forwards. Thus, the laces (or other types of fastening mechanisms on the forefoot) and the heel locking member together can synchronize the wearer's foot with the footbed of the footwear article, thereby reducing relative movement between the wearer's foot and the footwear article.

[0084] For example, when used for activities involving repetitive movement (e.g., running) and / or activities involving frequent acceleration / deceleration (e.g., tennis, basketball, football, etc.), the disclosed footwear articles, including a fastening mechanism with a heel locking member, may be advantageous. The disclosed footwear articles can also advantageously accommodate a relatively wide range of anatomical variations.

[0085] In some embodiments, the heel locking member or heel locking element may have a lateral end and a medial end and may extend around the heel region of the footwear article. The lateral and medial ends of the heel locking member or heel locking element may be connected to the lateral and medial edge regions of the midfoot region of the footwear article, such that forces used to close the footwear article around the wearer's foot will further tension the heel locking member or heel locking element. In some examples, the heel locking member may also be attached to the sole region at the "bite line" to further pull the heel region down and forward against the wearer's heel.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments, the outer and inner ends of the heel locking member have holes or eyelets that allow fastening mechanisms (such as shoelaces, cords, etc.) to pass directly through the ends of the heel locking member without requiring the heel locking member to be attached to the outer and inner portions of the throat of the footwear article. In this way, tension on the fastening mechanism is transmitted directly to the heel locking member, rather than first to the throat of the footwear article, and thus to the heel locking member.

[0087] The heel locking member can be attached to the upper in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the upper of the footwear article will have a top section and a bottom section, wherein the heel locking member is disposed between the top section and the bottom section and is fixedly attached to both sections. In other embodiments, the upper will have an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the heel locking member is disposed between the two layers and is fixedly attached to one or both layers.

[0088] In other embodiments, the heel locking member may be disposed along the inner or outer side of the upper. In various alternatives to these embodiments, the heel locking member may be fixedly attached to the inner or outer surface of the upper, or may be configured such that the heel locking member is fully or partially embedded within the upper.

[0089] For example, Figures 1-5 An exemplary footwear article 100 and its components are depicted. According to one embodiment, the footwear article 100 includes a fastening mechanism having a heel locking member.

[0090] Reference Figures 1-2The footwear article 100 includes an upper 102, a sole structure 104, and a fastening mechanism 106. The upper 102 is coupled to and extends from the sole structure 104 at an engagement line 107, thereby forming a foot receiving cavity 108 between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104. The fastening mechanism 106 is coupled to the upper 102 (and in some cases to the sole structure 104) and can be used to adjust the foot receiving cavity 108. More specifically, the fastening mechanism 106 can be released to allow the wearer's foot to be inserted into or removed from the foot receiving cavity 108, and the fastening mechanism 106 can be tightened to secure the wearer's foot within the foot receiving cavity 108.

[0091] Footwear item 100 may be divided into one or more parts (which may also be referred to as a "section", "area" or "segment"). For example, see reference Figures 1-2 In the front-to-back direction, footwear article 100 (and / or its components) can be divided into (and / or include) a forefoot portion 110, a midfoot portion 112, and a heel portion 114. The forefoot portion 110 of footwear article 100 can correspond to the anterior portion of the foot, including the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones. The midfoot portion 112 of footwear article 100 can correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot. The heel portion 114 of footwear article 100 can correspond to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus.

[0092] In the inward / outward direction, footwear article 100 (and / or its components) can be divided into an outer side portion 116 and an inner side portion 118, both of which extend through the forefoot portion 110, the midfoot portion 112, and the heel portion 114. For example, Figure 1 The outer side portion 116 of the footwear item 100 is depicted, and Figure 2 The inner side portion 118 of the footwear item 100 is depicted.

[0093] Footwear items 100 can also be described using the up / down direction. For example, in Figures 1-2 In the depicted orientations, the upward direction is upward and the downward direction is downward.

[0094] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the upper 102 may include a throat portion 152 that separates the outer side and the inner side of the upper 102. The upper 102 also includes a tongue 154 that is at least partially disposed within the throat portion 152. In other embodiments, the upper 102 may be formed without a throat portion and / or a tongue.

[0095] The upper 102 of footwear 100 can be formed from various materials. For example, the upper 102 can be formed from one or more of the following materials: textiles, foam, leather, polymers, and / or synthetic leather. In some embodiments, the upper 102 can be formed as a single integral part (e.g., by knitting or molding). In other embodiments, the upper 102 can include multiple parts joined together (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, fasteners, etc.).

[0096] The upper can be described as having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is positioned toward the foot receiving cavity formed by the joint of the upper and sole structures of the footwear article. The outer surface is positioned away from the foot receiving cavity and can form part of the exterior of the footwear article.

[0097] The upper 102 can be securely attached to the sole structure 104 in various ways. The upper 102 can be attached (e.g., sewn) to a strobel (midsole fabric), and the strobel can be attached to the sole interlayer 120 (e.g., with adhesive). In other embodiments, the strobel can be omitted, and the upper 102 can be attached to components of the sole structure 104. In some such embodiments, the upper 102 can be directly attached to the sole interlayer 120 and / or cushioning elements (e.g., air bladders) of the sole structure 104 via adhesives, sewing, and / or other means of attachment.

[0098] The sole structure 104 can be attached to the upper 102 in various ways. For example, in some cases, the sole structure 104 and the upper can be attached together using adhesives, fasteners, stitching, and / or other means of attachment. In some embodiments, the footwear article 100 may include a strombel attached (e.g., sewn) to a lower portion of the upper 102, and the strombel may be attached to the sole interlayer 120 (e.g., via adhesive).

[0099] The midsole 120 of the sole structure 104 is configured to be positioned beneath the wearer's foot. Therefore, the midsole 120 can be configured, for example, to provide cushioning and support. The midsole 120 can be configured to flex and / or elastically deform when pressure is applied to the midsole by the wearer's foot and / or when the footwear 100 impacts the ground surface. In some embodiments, the midsole 120 may comprise a relatively flexible foam material.

[0100] In some cases, footwear article 100 may also include an insole (which may also be referred to as a "shoe insole"). The insole may be configured to be positioned directly under the foot and to cushion and / or support the wearer's foot. The insole may include a variety of materials, including textiles, leather, foam, and / or other types of materials.

[0101] The fastening mechanism 106 includes a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism 106 may include one or more shoelaces 142, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment. Instead of shoelaces 142 or other than shoelaces 142, the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism 106 may include one or more of a strap, band, cable, cord, ratchet mechanism, buckle, hook and loop fastener, and / or other means for fastening the forefoot portion of footwear.

[0102] The heel portion of the fastening mechanism 106 includes a heel locking element 130 and one or more anchoring elements 132 (e.g., three in the illustrated embodiment). The heel locking element 130 is coupled to the upper and extends from a first position on the outer side of the upper, adjacent to the midfoot region, around the heel area of ​​the upper, to a second position on the inner side of the upper, adjacent to the midfoot region. The heel locking element 130 is stiffer than the upper 102 (e.g., less stretchable). Therefore, tensioning the heel locking element can cause elastic deformation of the upper 102. The heel locking element 130 extends through the anchoring elements 132. The anchoring elements 132 are stiffer than the heel locking element 130 (e.g., less stretchable). Therefore, when adjusting the tension in the heel locking element 130, the anchoring elements 132 can be used to guide the heel locking element 130.

[0103] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the heel locking element 130 may have an outer end portion 130a and an inner end portion 130b. The heel locking element 130 extends from the outer side 116 of the midfoot portion 112 around the heel portion 114 to the inner side 118 of the midfoot portion 112. In some embodiments, the outer end portion 130a is attached to the outer side of the midfoot portion 112. The inner end portion 130b of the heel locking element 130 may be attached to the inner side 118 of the midfoot portion 112. The heel locking element 130 is typically fixedly attached to the upper 102. This fixed attachment can be achieved by various methods, such as stitching, gluing, lamination, etc.

[0104] The positions at which the outer end 130a and inner end 130b of the heel locking element 130 are attached to the outer and inner portions of the midfoot region 112 can be selected to guide the fixing force applied by the heel locking element 130. For example, attachment closer to the forefoot portion of the midfoot region 112 (i.e., closer to the toe) can result in a lateral fixing force against the wearer's heel and forefoot, while attachment closer to the heel portion of the midfoot region 112 (i.e., closer to the heel tip) can result in a greater downward force on the wearer's heel.

[0105] In some alternative embodiments, the outer end 130a and inner end 130b of the heel locking element 130 may have holes, eyelets, openings, or other openings. These openings may be configured to allow any other component of the laces 142 or the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism 106 (such as straps, bands, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, and / or other means for securing the forefoot) to pass through. This will allow direct tensioning of the heel locking element 130 when the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism 142 is tightened.

[0106] In embodiments having a throat 152 and a tongue 154, the outer end portion 130a and the inner end portion 130b of the heel locking element 130 may be attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the throat 152. This can be accomplished by embodiments of the heel locking element 130 having or not having holes, eyelets, openings, or any other openings. The heel portion of the fastening mechanism 106 may also include one or more anchoring elements 132. The anchoring elements 132 are typically formed of a material that is more rigid or stiffer than the heel locking element 130 and are used to guide stresses applied to the upper by the heel locking element 130, such as stresses applied in a forward or downward direction relative to the wearer's foot. The anchoring elements 132 also serve to secure the heel locking element 130 against the upper 102.

[0107] In the front-to-back direction, anchoring elements can be positioned in various locations along the footwear. For example... Figures 1-4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring element 132 may be disposed on the outer side 116 and the inner side 118 near the wearer's ankle. The anchoring element 132 may also be disposed on the heel portion 114 of the footwear article 100. In some embodiments, the anchoring element 132 may be disposed along the midfoot portion 112. In the vertical direction, the anchoring element may be disposed towards the bottom of the upper 102, adjacent to the bite line 107, or further upward along the upper 102 above the bite line 107, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown.

[0108] The position of the anchoring element 132 can be selectively configured to control the direction of the force applied by the heel locking element 130. For example, the anchoring element 132 located on the heel portion 114 of the upper 102 can be positioned higher to direct the force downward to the wearer's heel bone. The anchoring element 132 can also be positioned lower on the heel portion 114 of the upper 102 to direct the force more forward to the wearer's heel bone. Similarly, positioning the anchoring element 132 located further towards the midfoot region 112 of the upper 102 on the outer side 116 and inner side 118 of the footwear article 100 can result in a more forward force, and positioning the anchoring element 132 further towards the heel portion 114 of the upper 102 can result in a more downward force.

[0109] In some preferred embodiments shown in the exemplary illustrations, an anchoring element 132 is disposed on the outer side 116, an anchoring element 132 is disposed on the inner side 118, and an anchoring element 132 is disposed on the heel portion 114 of the footwear article 100. Figures 1-2 In the illustrated embodiment, an anchoring element 132 disposed on the side of the footwear article is attached to the heel locking element 130, the upper 102, and the sole 104 at a position adjacent to the engagement line 107. For example... Figures 1-3 As shown, the anchoring element 132 provided on the heel portion 114 is attached to the heel locking element 130 and the upper 102 at a position above the sole structure 104 and the engagement line 107.

[0110] A heel locking element is securely attached to the upper of a footwear article. The heel locking element can be configured in various different ways relative to the upper of the footwear article. A particular configuration used in any particular embodiment may be chosen for various reasons. For example, for wearer comfort, the heel locking element may be positioned outwards towards the upper, or for protection or aesthetic reasons, it may be positioned on the inside of at least one layer of the upper. The secure attachment of the heel locking element can be achieved by stitching, gluing, laminating, or any other method suitable for attaching one layer of material to one or more other layers.

[0111] like Figures 5-6 As shown, the upper of a footwear article may be divided into two or more parts (e.g., an inner part, an outer part, a top part, and a bottom part). In these embodiments, a heel locking element is disposed between the two or more parts of the upper and is used to connect parts of the upper along part or the entire length of the heel locking element.

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper 102 of the footwear article 100 can be divided into a top section 102a facing the upper portion of the footwear article 100 and a bottom section 102b facing the lower portion of the footwear article 100. In this embodiment, a heel locking element 130 is disposed between the top section 102a and the bottom section 102b of the upper 102 and is fixedly attached to these two sections to form a single piece. The heel locking element 130, fixedly attached in this way, can be sewn, glued, or laminated to the top section 102a and the bottom section 102b of the upper 102 along some or all of its length. This arrangement of the heel locking element can be selected to minimize the total thickness of the combined upper 102 and the heel locking element 130.

[0113] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 5As depicted, an inner liner 150 may also be present on the inside of the upper 102 and / or the heel locking element 130. This inner liner 150 may be used, for example, to cushion or protect the wearer's foot, or to wick away moisture, or to make the footwear 100 waterproof.

[0114] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of a separate upper 200 is depicted, wherein the upper 200 may be divided into an outer layer 200a and an inner layer 200b. For example, this embodiment may allow the heel locking element 202 to be concealed for aesthetic purposes and separated from the wearer's foot to enhance comfort. In this embodiment, the heel locking element 202 may be disposed between the outer layer 200a and the inner layer 200b and may be fixedly attached to one or both layers. This arrangement of the heel locking element 202 may be selected to simultaneously cushion the wearer's foot from the impact of the heel locking element 202 and to protect the heel locking element 202 from abrasion and / or to cover the heel locking element 202 for aesthetic reasons.

[0115] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the upper of a footwear item can also be a single, undivided piece to which a heel locking element is fixedly attached. In some embodiments, such as Figures 7-8 As shown, the heel locking element can be embedded in the shoe upper. In other embodiments, such as Figures 9-10 As shown, the heel locking element can be securely attached to the surface of the shoe upper.

[0116] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the heel locking element 302 can be embedded from the outer surface of the shoe upper 300. In such a... Figure 8 In the alternative embodiment depicted, the heel locking element 402 can be embedded from the inner surface of the upper 400. For enhanced wearer comfort and / or for aesthetic reasons, such as... Figures 7-8 Alternative embodiments of the shown examples may be selected to minimize the thickness of the combined upper and heel locking elements.

[0117] exist Figure 9 In the alternative embodiment depicted, the heel locking element 502 may be attached to the outer surface of the upper 500. Figure 10 In the alternative embodiment depicted, the heel locking element 602 may be attached to the inner surface of the upper 600. Such as Figures 9-10 Alternative embodiments of the shown examples may be chosen to provide greater ease of manufacturing the upper or greater ease of selecting the location of the heel locking element to adjust the applied fastening force.

[0118] In these different embodiments, the fixedly attached heel locking element may, for example, be sewn, glued, or laminated to the upper along part or all of its length. The arrangement of the heel locking element (i.e., whether the strip is attached to or embedded in the surface of the upper, and whether the strip is attached to or embedded in the inner or outer surface of the upper) may depend on a number of considerations (e.g., functionality, comfort, and aesthetics).

[0119] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following examples: 1. A footwear article includes a sole structure, an upper, and a fastening mechanism. The upper includes a toe area, a midfoot area, a heel area, a lateral side, and a medial side, and is connected to the sole structure. The fastening mechanism is fixedly attached to the upper and includes a forefoot portion and a heel locking element. The heel locking element has a first end and a second end, and extends from the lateral side of the upper, around the heel area of ​​the upper, and to the medial side of the upper. The heel locking element has a stiffness greater than that of the upper and is configured such that a tensioning strap adjusts the heel segment relative to the wearer's heel.

[0120] 2. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism is disposed on top of the midfoot region of the upper.

[0121] 3. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism further includes one or more of a shoelace, strap, band, cable, rope, ratchet mechanism, or hook and loop fastener.

[0122] 4. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the forefoot portion of the fastening mechanism further includes a throat and a tongue structure, wherein the throat is disposed along the back of the shoe in the midfoot region and has an outer side, and wherein the tongue structure is disposed substantially within the throat.

[0123] 5. Footwear as described in any example herein, wherein a first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets are provided along the outer and inner sides of the throat, and a closure system passes through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets to enable tightening of the footwear.

[0124] 6. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the closure system comprises one or more of shoelaces, straps, strips, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms, or hook and loop fasteners.

[0125] 7. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is made of an elastic material.

[0126] 8. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is further attached to the upper by one or more anchoring elements.

[0127] 9. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the one or more anchoring elements are formed of a material having a higher stiffness than the heel locking element.

[0128] 10. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the upper includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein both the top portion and the bottom portion are attached to the heel locking element to form the upper.

[0129] 11. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the upper further comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, and the heel locking element is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and is fixedly attached to one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0130] 12. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the upper comprises a single piece having an inner surface disposed toward a foot receiving cavity and an outer surface disposed away from the foot receiving cavity.

[0131] 13. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is embedded within the outer surface of the upper.

[0132] 14. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is embedded within the inner surface of the upper.

[0133] 15. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is attached to the outer surface of the upper.

[0134] 16. Footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is attached to the inner surface of the upper.

[0135] 17. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element has one or more holes at each end to allow the closure system to pass through.

[0136] 18. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the footwear article further includes a pad disposed along the inside of the upper.

[0137] 19. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the padding has one or more functions of: cushioning the wearer's foot, waterproofing the foot cavity, and absorbing moisture from the core of the foot cavity.

[0138] 20. A footwear article includes a sole structure and an upper. The upper includes a flexible main portion having a toe region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a lateral side, and a medial side. The sole structure is coupled to the upper to define a foot receiving cavity between the sole structure and the upper. The upper also includes a fastening mechanism and a heel locking member. The fastening mechanism is adjustablely coupled to the midfoot portion of the main portion. The heel locking member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the heel locking element is securely fastened to the main portion, and wherein the heel locking element is adjustablely coupled to the fastening mechanism. The heel locking element bypasses the heel of the shoe, and the first and second ends of the heel locking element are attached to a lateral midfoot edge region and a medial midfoot edge region, and a first and second sole attachment members are attached to the sole at a seam. The heel locking element tightens the upper of the shoe around the wearer's foot.

[0139] 21. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the footwear article further includes a throat and a tongue structure, wherein the throat is disposed along the instep of the forefoot and has an outer side and an inner side, and wherein the tongue structure is disposed substantially within the throat.

[0140] 22. Footwear as described in any example herein, wherein a first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets are provided along the outer and inner sides of the throat, and a fastening mechanism passes through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets to enable tightening of the footwear.

[0141] 23. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the fastening mechanism further includes at least one of shoelaces, straps, bands, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms, and / or hook and loop fasteners.

[0142] 24. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking member is made of an elastic material.

[0143] 25. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking member is further attached to the upper by one or more anchoring elements.

[0144] 26. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the one or more anchoring elements are formed of a material having a higher stiffness than the heel locking member.

[0145] 27. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the upper includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein both the upper portion and the lower portion are attached to the heel locking member to form the upper.

[0146] 28. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the upper further comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, and the heel locking member is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and is fixedly attached to one or more of the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0147] 29. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the upper comprises a single piece having an inner surface disposed toward a foot receiving cavity and an outer surface disposed away from the foot receiving cavity.

[0148] 30. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is embedded within the outer surface of the upper.

[0149] 31. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is embedded within the inner surface of the upper.

[0150] 32. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is attached to the outer surface of the upper.

[0151] 33. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element is attached to the inner surface of the upper.

[0152] 34. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element has one or more holes at each end to allow a fastening mechanism to pass through.

[0153] 35. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the footwear article further includes a padding disposed along the inside of the upper.

[0154] 36. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the padding has one or more of the following functions: cushioning the wearer's foot, waterproofing the foot cavity, and absorbing moisture from the core of the foot cavity.

[0155] 37. A fastening mechanism for footwear, comprising a forefoot portion and a heel locking element. The heel locking element is configured to be securely attached to a corresponding upper of the footwear and to adjust the heel section of the corresponding upper when tensioned. The heel locking element has: a first end portion configured to attach to an outer surface of the corresponding upper of the footwear; a second end portion configured to attach to an inner surface of the corresponding upper of the footwear; and a heel strap configured to bypass the heel region of the corresponding upper and extend to the inner surface of the upper.

[0156] 38. The fastening mechanism as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element has a stiffness greater than that of the corresponding upper.

[0157] 39. The fixing mechanism as described in any example herein, wherein the heel locking element further includes one or more anchoring elements.

[0158] 40. The fastening mechanism as described in any example herein, wherein the one or more anchoring elements have a higher stiffness than the heel strap.

[0159] 41. The fastening mechanism as described in any example herein, wherein the forefoot portion of the shoe further includes one or more of a shoelace, strap, band, cable, rope, ratchet mechanism, or hook and loop fastener.

[0160] 42. The fastening mechanism as described in any example herein, wherein the forefoot portion of the shoe includes a throat and a tongue.

[0161] 43. The fastening mechanism as described in any example herein, wherein the throat includes an outer side, an inner side, a first set of eyelets disposed on the outer side, and a second set of eyelets disposed on the inner side, the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets being configured to allow shoelaces, straps, strips, cables or cords to pass through.

[0162] Given the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are merely preferred examples of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. Therefore, we claim that everything falling within the scope and spirit of these claims is our invention.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; An upper, connected to the sole structure, the upper comprising: a top portion having a first outer surface, a bottom portion having a second outer surface, a toe area, a midfoot area, a heel area, an outer side, and an inner side; and A fixing mechanism, wherein the fixing mechanism is fixedly attached to the shoe upper, and includes: The forefoot part; and A heel locking element having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the heel locking element: This includes a stiffness greater than that of the shoe upper. Extending from the outer side of the upper, bypassing the heel area of ​​the upper, and extending to the inner side of the upper; and The shoe is configured to adjust the heel area of ​​the upper relative to the wearer's heel by tensioning the fixing mechanism. The top portion and the bottom portion are separated by a gap recessed from the first outer surface and the second outer surface, wherein the heel locking element is embedded within the gap, and The heel locking element is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion and is fixedly attached to both the top portion and the bottom portion along some or all of the length of the heel locking element to form a single piece.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The forefoot portion of the fixing mechanism is positioned on top of the midfoot region of the shoe upper.

3. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The forefoot portion of the fixing mechanism further includes one or more of a shoelace, strap, band, cable, rope, ratchet mechanism, or hook and loop fastener.

4. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The forefoot portion of the fixing mechanism further includes a throat and a tongue structure, wherein the throat is disposed along the back of the shoe in the midfoot region and has an outer side, and wherein the tongue structure is disposed within the throat.

5. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein, The first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets are provided along the outer side and the inner side of the throat of the shoe, and the closure system passes through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets in order to tighten the footwear.

6. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The closure system includes one or more of shoelaces, straps, strips, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms, or hook and loop fasteners.

7. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The heel locking element is made of an elastic material.

8. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The heel locking element is also attached to the upper via one or more anchoring elements.

9. The footwear article according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more anchoring elements are formed of a material with higher stiffness than the heel locking element.

10. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The individual component has an inner surface facing the foot receiving cavity and an outer surface facing away from the foot receiving cavity.

11. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The heel locking element has one or more holes at each of the first and second ends to allow the closure system to pass through.

12. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The footwear also includes a padding disposed along the inside of the upper.

13. The footwear article according to claim 12, wherein, The padding has one or more of the following functions: cushioning the wearer's feet, waterproofing the foot receiving cavity, and absorbing moisture from the core of the foot receiving cavity.

14. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; as well as Upper, the upper being attached to the sole structure, wherein the upper comprises: The main part includes: a top portion having a first outer surface, a bottom portion having a second outer surface, a toe portion, a mid-shoe portion and a heel portion, an outer side and an inner side; A fixing mechanism, adjustablely connected to the midfoot portion of the main part; and A heel locking member having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the heel locking member is securely fixed to the main portion, and wherein the heel locking member is adjustablely coupled to the fixing mechanism. The heel locking member bypasses the heel portion of the footwear article, and the first and second ends of the heel locking member are attached to the outer mid-shoe edge region and the inner mid-shoe edge region, respectively. The first and second sole attachment members are attached to the sole structure at the interlocking line. The heel locking member is configured to tighten the upper of the footwear around the wearer's foot. The top portion and the bottom portion are separated by a gap recessed from the first outer surface and the second outer surface, wherein the heel locking member is embedded within the gap, and The heel locking member is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion and is fixedly attached to both the top portion and the bottom portion along some or all of the length of the heel locking member to form a single piece.

15. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The footwear also includes a throat and a tongue structure, wherein the throat is disposed along the instep of the forefoot and has an outer side and an inner side, and wherein the tongue structure is disposed within the throat.

16. The footwear article according to claim 15, wherein, The first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets are provided along the outer side and the inner side of the throat of the shoe, and the fastening mechanism passes through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets in order to tighten the footwear.

17. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The fastening mechanism further includes at least one of shoelaces, straps, strips, cables, ropes, ratchet mechanisms, and / or hook and loop fasteners.

18. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The heel locking component is made of an elastic material.

19. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The heel locking member is also attached to the upper via one or more anchoring elements.

20. The footwear article according to claim 19, wherein, The one or more anchoring elements are formed of a material with higher stiffness than the heel locking member.

21. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The individual component has an inner surface facing the foot receiving cavity and an outer surface facing away from the foot receiving cavity.

22. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The heel locking member has one or more holes at each of the first and second ends to allow the fixing mechanism to pass through.

23. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The footwear also includes a padding disposed along the inside of the upper.

24. The footwear article according to claim 23, wherein, The padding has one or more of the following functions: cushioning the wearer's feet, waterproofing the foot receiving cavity, and absorbing moisture from the core of the foot receiving cavity.

25. A fastening mechanism for footwear, comprising: The front part of the shoe; as well as A heel locking element, configured to be securely attached to a corresponding upper of a footwear item and to adjust the heel section of the corresponding upper when tensioned, the heel locking element having: The first end portion is configured to be attached to the outer side of the corresponding upper of the footwear article; The second end is configured to be attached to the inner side of the corresponding upper of the footwear article; as well as A heel strap, configured to wrap around the heel area of ​​the corresponding upper and extend to the inner side of the corresponding upper. The heel locking element has a length extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the corresponding upper includes a top portion having a first outer surface and a bottom portion having a second outer surface, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are separated by a gap recessed from the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and wherein the heel locking element is fitted into the gap. The heel locking element is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion and is fixedly attached to both the top portion and the bottom portion along some or all of the length of the heel locking portion to form a single piece.

26. The fixing mechanism according to claim 25, wherein, The heel locking element has a stiffness greater than that of the corresponding upper.

27. The fixing mechanism according to claim 25, wherein, The heel locking element also includes one or more anchoring elements.

28. The fixing mechanism according to claim 27, wherein, The one or more anchoring elements have a higher stiffness than the heel strap.

29. The fixing mechanism according to claim 25, wherein, The forefoot portion of the shoe also includes one or more of a shoelace, strap, band, cable, rope, ratchet mechanism, or hook and loop fastener.

30. The fixing mechanism according to claim 25, wherein, The forefoot portion of the shoe includes the throat and the tongue.

31. The fixing mechanism according to claim 30, wherein, The throat includes an outer side, an inner side, a first set of eyelets on the outer side of the throat, and a second set of eyelets on the inner side of the throat, the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets being configured to allow shoelaces, straps, strips, cables or cords to pass through.

Images