Upper for a shoe

Abstract

A footwear upper for a shoe is disclosed. The footwear upper includes a base layer, a first reinforcement layer, and a second reinforcement layer. The base layer includes a toe portion and a heel portion. The base layer has a seamless three-dimensional shape that at least partially defines an interior foot-receiving space. The first reinforcement layer is disposed on an outside of a centerline of the footwear upper in a toe-heel direction. The first reinforcement layer covers a first heel region of the heel portion. The second reinforcement layer is disposed on an inside of the centerline. The second reinforcement layer covers a second heel region of the heel portion. The first reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement layer are separated at the heel portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an upper for shoes. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, most shoes have an upper and a sole. The upper is stitched or glued to the sole to form an internal foot receiving space for securely receiving the foot. The upper is typically formed of one or more flexible materials stitched or glued together, such as textiles, leather, and / or synthetic leather. The upper may also include rigid reinforcements as needed and / or desired. The upper defines an ankle opening for inserting the wearer's foot into the internal foot receiving space and for removing the wearer's foot from the internal foot receiving space. Additionally, the upper may include laces or other closures to more securely hold the shoe to the wearer's foot within the internal foot receiving space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, this disclosure relates to various features of the upper for footwear.

[0004] In view of the state of the prior art and according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a shoe upper is provided, which substantially includes a base layer, a first reinforcing layer, and a second reinforcing layer. The base layer includes a toe portion and a heel portion. The base layer has a seamless three-dimensional shape that at least partially defines an internal foot receiving space. The first reinforcing layer is disposed outside a centerline in the toe-heel direction of the shoe upper. The first reinforcing layer covers a first heel region of the heel portion. The second reinforcing layer is disposed inside the centerline. The second reinforcing layer covers a second heel region of the heel portion. The first and second reinforcing layers separate at the heel portion.

[0005] By utilizing the upper based on the first aspect, the stability of the shoe's foot can be improved, while still following the foot's movement.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe according to the first aspect is constructed such that: a first reinforcing layer covers a first toe region of the toe portion; a second reinforcing layer covers a second toe region of the toe portion; and the first and second reinforcing layers are separated at the toe portion.

[0007] By utilizing the upper based on the second aspect, it is possible to improve the tracking of the wearer's foot movements.

[0008] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe is constructed such that: a first reinforcing layer extends continuously from the heel portion to the toe portion as a single strip.

[0009] By utilizing the upper based on the third aspect, the upper can firmly hold the first lateral side of the wearer's foot.

[0010] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the upper is constructed in accordance with any one of the first to third aspects such that: the second reinforcing layer extends continuously from the heel portion to the toe portion as a single strip.

[0011] By utilizing the upper based on the fourth aspect, the upper can firmly hold the second lateral side of the wearer's foot.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the upper, according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, also includes an instep portion bonded to the base layer. The first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer are separated at the instep portion.

[0013] According to the fifth aspect, the upper allows the wearer's foot to easily enter the upper and easily remove the upper from the wearer's foot.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, the upper according to any one of the first to fifth aspects further includes a third reinforcing layer, said third reinforcing layer covering the base layer and covering at least one of the first and second reinforcing layers.

[0015] By utilizing the upper according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to further improve the stability of the wearer's foot.

[0016] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, the upper is constructed in accordance with any one of the first to sixth aspects such that: the first reinforcing layer includes at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material, and the second reinforcing layer includes at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material.

[0017] Utilizing the seventh aspect of the upper, the upper can maintain sufficient flexibility to follow the movement of the wearer's foot.

[0018] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the upper is constructed in accordance with any one of the first to seventh aspects such that the base layer is made of woven material.

[0019] Utilizing the upper based on the eighth aspect, the upper can easily follow the movement of the wearer's foot.

[0020] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe according to the first aspect further includes a closure device disposed on the base layer.

[0021] Using the upper as described in the ninth aspect, the upper can be securely fastened to the wearer's foot.

[0022] According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe is constructed in accordance with the ninth aspect such that the closure device includes shoelaces.

[0023] Using the upper as described in aspect ten, the upper can be easily secured to the wearer's foot.

[0024] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe is constructed such that the closure device includes a tightener connected to the shoelaces.

[0025] Using the upper as described in section eleven, the upper can be easily secured to the wearer's foot.

[0026] According to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that: the closure device includes a first strap disposed on the outer side of the center line and a second strap disposed on the inner side of the center line, and a tightener is disposed on one of the first strap and the second strap.

[0027] Using the upper according to aspect 12, the upper can be fastened to the wearer's foot and reinforce the instep.

[0028] According to the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, the upper structure according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the tightener includes a roll-based tightener.

[0029] The shoelaces can be easily tightened and loosened using the upper, as described in aspect thirteen.

[0030] According to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe according to the tenth aspect is configured such that: the closure device includes a lace guide disposed to the base layer, and the lace passes through the lace guide and is tightened.

[0031] By utilizing the upper as described in aspect fourteen, the upper can be secured in a relatively inexpensive manner.

[0032] According to the fifteenth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe is constructed such that: the base layer further includes a middle portion, and the toe portion, the heel portion, and the middle portion define the shape of a sock.

[0033] Using the shoe upper as described in aspect fifteen, shoe uppers can be reliably manufactured.

[0034] According to the sixteenth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe is constructed such that: the top edge of the first reinforcing layer is disposed above the most outwardly protruding point of the heel portion in a width direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction, and extends between the outer and inner sides.

[0035] By utilizing the upper according to aspect sixteen, the wearer's heel can be reliably held within the upper.

[0036] According to the seventeenth aspect of this disclosure, the upper of the shoe is constructed such that the top edge of the second reinforcing layer is disposed above the most outwardly protruding point of the heel portion in a width direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction, and extends between the outer and inner sides.

[0037] By utilizing the upper according to aspect seventeen, the heel of the wearer's foot can be reliably held within the upper.

[0038] According to the eighteenth aspect of this disclosure, the shoe includes an upper according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, and also includes a sole attached to the upper.

[0039] Using the shoe according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a shoe that can improve the stability of the wearer's foot while still following the foot's movement.

[0040] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed upper will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the upper, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this original disclosure.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an external elevation view of a shoe with an upper according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows the inner elevation view of the shoe.

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows a plan view of the bottom of the shoe.

[0045] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 The image shows a slanted view of the front of the shoe.

[0046] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 The image shows a perspective view of the rear end of the shoe.

[0047] Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 5 The image shows an outer elevation view of the shoe's upper.

[0048] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The image shows the inner elevation view of the shoe upper.

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 The image shows a plan view of the bottom of the shoe upper.

[0050] Figure 9 yes Figures 6 to 8 The image shows a slanted view of the front of the shoe upper.

[0051] Figure 10 yes Figures 6 to 9 The image shows a slanted view of the rear end of the shoe upper.

[0052] Figure 11 yes Figures 6 to 9 The image shows a side elevation view of the instep portion of the shoe upper.

[0053] Figure 12 yes Figures 6 to 9 The image shows a side elevation view of the base layer of the shoe upper.

[0054] Figure 13 yes Figures 6 to 9 The image shows a side elevation view of the first reinforcing layer of the shoe upper.

[0055] Figure 14 yes Figures 6 to 9 The image shows a side elevation view of the second reinforcing layer of the shoe upper.

[0056] Figure 15 This is an external elevation view of a shoe with an upper according to the second embodiment.

[0057] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The image shows the inner elevation view of the shoe.

[0058] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 and Figure 16 The image shows a slanted view of the front of the shoe.

[0059] Figure 18 yes Figures 15 to 17 The image shows a slanted view of the rear end of the shoe. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based on this disclosure, that the following description of the embodiments is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0061] First refer to Figures 1 to 3 The image shows a shoe 10 according to a first embodiment of this disclosure. Shoe 10 is the left shoe in a pair of bilaterally symmetrical shoes (the right shoe is omitted). The right shoe is identical to shoe 10 (left shoe) except that the right shoe is a mirror image of shoe 10 (left shoe). Therefore, the description of shoe 10 also applies to the right shoe. Therefore, only one shoe (left shoe 10) will be described. Shoe 10 is particularly suitable for cycling. However, as described below, shoe 10 can be used for activities other than cycling.

[0062] As should be understood from the accompanying drawings and descriptions herein, the terms "medial" and "inner side" refer to the right side of a shoe for the left foot and the left side of a shoe for the right foot. In other words, the medial or inner side is the side of the shoe facing the wearer's other foot. Similarly, the terms "lateral" and "outer side" refer to the left side of a shoe for the left foot and the right side of a shoe for the right foot. The lateral or outer side is the side of the shoe facing away from the other foot. Likewise, for the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "medial" and "inner side" are used interchangeably. Similarly, for the description of this disclosure, the terms "lateral" and "outer side" are also used interchangeably. Furthermore, the term "outer instep side" refers to the left side of the shoe in the instep region of the left foot and the right side of the shoe in the instep region of the right foot. Similarly, the term "inner instep side" refers to the right side of the shoe in the instep region of the left foot and the left side of the shoe in the instep region of the right foot.

[0063] Basically, shoe 10 includes an upper 12 and a sole 14. In other words, shoe 10 includes an upper 12 and a sole 14 attached to the upper 12. The upper 12 for shoe 10 is not limited to the sole 14 shown. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the shoe 10 includes a forefoot portion 16, a midfoot portion 18, and a rear portion 20. The forefoot portion 16 is located on the front side of the upper 12 in the toe-heel direction D1. The toe-heel direction D1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shoe 10. The midfoot portion 18 is located behind the forefoot portion 16 and in front of the rear portion 20. The rear portion 20 is located on the rear end side in the toe-heel direction D1. The forefoot portion 16 forms the front side of the sole 14. The rear portion 20 forms the rear end side of the sole 14. The forefoot portion 16 is the area where the wearer's toes rest. The rear portion 20 is the area where the wearer's heel rests. The midfoot portion 18 is the area where the central portion of the wearer's foot (i.e., the central portion in the toe-heel direction D1) rests.

[0064] The sole 14 supports the upper 12. Specifically, the sole 14 is attached to the upper 12 in a conventional manner, such as by stitching, adhesive, and / or molding. Thus, the upper 12 and the sole 14 are combined. The material of the sole 14 and the tread of the sole 14 will depend on the specific purpose of the shoe 10. Here, for example, the sole 14 comprises an elastic polymer material, such as synthetic rubber or polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). The sole 14 can be injection molded and adhesively attached to the upper 12. Although the sole 14 is shown as a single layer, the sole 14 is not limited to being a single layer. Rather, the sole 14 can be multilayered with different materials as needed and / or desired. Here, the sole 14 includes a plurality of cleat attachment openings 14a for attaching bicycle shoe cleats. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 14 is configured such that the shoe 10 can be used with off-road (MTB) cleats or road cleats. The cleat attachment openings 14a can be omitted if not required.

[0065] As in Figures 6 to 10 The image shows the upper 12 but not the sole 14. Here, the upper 12 is a low-cut style upper. However, the upper 12 is not limited to a low-cut style and can be any style. The upper 12 basically comprises a base layer 22, a first reinforcing layer 24, and a second reinforcing layer 26. As explained below, the first reinforcing layer 24 is attached to a first lateral side of the upper 12, and the second reinforcing layer 26 is attached to a second lateral side of the upper 12. The second lateral side is the lateral side opposite to the first lateral side.

[0066] The base layer 22 includes a toe portion 22a and a heel portion 22b. The base layer 22 also includes a middle portion 22c. The middle portion 22a is disposed between the toe portion 22a and the heel portion 22b. The toe portion 22a, the heel portion 22b, and the middle portion 22c define the shape of a sock. Preferably, the base layer 22 has a seamless three-dimensional shape that at least partially defines an internal foot receiving space FS.

[0067] As in Figure 6 As seen in the image, the first reinforcing layer 24 is disposed outside the center line CL in the toe-heel direction D1 of the upper 12. Here, the first reinforcing layer 24 covers the first toe region of the toe portion 22a. Furthermore, the first reinforcing layer 24 covers the first heel region of the heel portion 22b. Preferably, the first reinforcing layer 24 extends continuously from the heel portion 22b to the toe portion 22a as a single strip.

[0068] Similarly, as in Figure 7 As seen in the image, the second reinforcing layer 26 is disposed inside the centerline CL. Here, the second reinforcing layer 26 covers the second toe region of the toe portion 22a. Furthermore, the second reinforcing layer 26 covers the second heel region of the heel portion 22b. Preferably, the second reinforcing layer 26 extends continuously from the heel portion 22b to the toe portion 22a as a single strip.

[0069] Now for reference Figure 8-10 The first reinforcing layer 24 is a separate member from the second reinforcing layer 26, wherein a portion of the base layer 22 separates the first reinforcing layer 24 from the second reinforcing layer 26. Specifically, as in... Figure 8 As seen in the image, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 separate along the bottom portion of the toe portion 22a, the heel portion 22b, and the middle portion 22c. (As shown in...) Figure 9 As seen in the image, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 separate at the toe portion 22a. (As in...) Figure 10 As seen in the image, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 separate at the heel portion 22b. Furthermore, as in... Figure 10As seen in the image, the top edge 24a of the first reinforcing layer 24 is positioned above the outermost protruding point P1 of the heel portion 22b along the width direction D2 perpendicular to the toe-heel direction D1, and extends between the outer and inner sides. Similarly, the top edge 26a of the second reinforcing layer 26 is positioned above the outermost protruding point P2 of the heel portion 22b along the width direction D2 perpendicular to the toe-heel direction D1, and extends between the outer and inner sides.

[0070] Preferably, the base layer 22 is a woven material. More preferably, the base layer 22 is a knitted or woven fabric. The base layer 22 can be formed of an expandable or stretchable material, or of a non-expandable material. Preferably, the base layer 22 is formed of an expandable or stretchable material such that the base layer 22 follows the wearer's foot.

[0071] On the other hand, the first reinforcing layer 24 comprises at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material. Similarly, the second reinforcing layer 26 comprises at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material. The leather material used for the first reinforcing layer 24 and / or the second reinforcing layer 26 can be natural leather or synthetic leather. The material of the first reinforcing layer 24 can be the same as the material of the second reinforcing layer 26. Alternatively, the material of the first reinforcing layer 24 can be different from the material of the second reinforcing layer 26. Preferably, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 are made of the same material. The first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 are attached to the outer surface of the base layer 22. For example, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 are attached to the base layer 22 by stitching and / or adhesive. In any case, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 provide lateral support for the base layer 22.

[0072] In the first embodiment, as in Figures 6 to 10 As seen in the image, the upper 12 also includes the instep portion 28 that connects to the base layer 22. (As in...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As seen in the diagram, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 separate at the instep portion 28. In other words, the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26 do not overlap with the instep portion 28. The material of the instep portion 28 may be the same as or different from the material of the base layer 22. The instep portion 28 is preferably a woven material. More preferably, the instep portion 28 is a knitted fabric material that can be elastically stretched or expanded. The instep portion 28 is attached to the top edge of the base layer 22. For example, the instep portion 28 is attached to the base layer 22 by stitching or bonding. Alternatively, the base layer 22 and the instep portion 28 may be a single piece knitted together.

[0073] The instep portion 28 and the ankle portion 29 are integrally formed. The ankle portion 29 defines an opening 29a for allowing the wearer's foot to enter and exit. The ankle portion 29 is preferably made of a fabric material, which may be the same as or different from the material of the instep portion 28. For example, the instep portion 28 and the ankle portion 29 may be a single piece knitted together. Alternatively, the ankle portion 29 may be a separate component attached to the instep portion 28 by stitching or bonding. Preferably, the ankle portion 29 is an elastically stretchable or expandable knitted fabric material. In this way, the ankle portion 29 is configured to hold the wearer's foot.

[0074] Return to reference Figures 1 to 5 The upper 12 also includes a closure device 30 disposed on the base layer 22. The closure device 30 is a closure or fastening structure for securing the shoe 10 to the wearer's foot. Preferably, the closure device 30 includes a shoelace 32. The shoelace 32 is disposed in the midfoot portion 18 of the shoe 10, in the region of the instep portion 28. In a first embodiment, the closure device 30 includes a tightener 34 coupled to the shoelace 32. The tightener 34 is configured to pull the shoelace 32 to fasten the shoe 10 to the wearer's foot and to loosen the shoelace 32 to release the shoe 10 from the wearer's foot.

[0075] Here, the closure device 30 includes a first strap 36 and a second strap 38. The first strap 36 includes a first eyelet 36a, and the second strap 38 includes a plurality of second eyelets 38a. A shoelace 32 passes through the first eyelets 36a and the second eyelets 38a. The first strap 36 is positioned outside the centerline CL. The first strap 36 is attached to the bottom of the upper 12. The second strap 38 is positioned inside the centerline CL. The first strap 36 and the second strap 38 are positioned between the upper 12 and the sole 14. Here, the first strap 36 and the second strap 38 are separate pieces. Alternatively, the first strap 36 and the second strap 38 may be made of a single material. A tightener 34 is positioned on one of the first strap 36 and the second strap 38. Here, the tightener 34 is positioned on the first strap 36. In a first embodiment, the tightener 34 includes a roller-based tightener 34.

[0076] Still return to reference Figures 1 to 5The upper 12 also includes a third reinforcing layer 40, which covers the base layer 22 and at least one of the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26. In a first embodiment, the third reinforcing layer 40 includes a first band 36 and a second band 38. Therefore, the third reinforcing layer 40 covers the base layer 22, the first reinforcing layer 24, and the second reinforcing layer 26. The third reinforcing layer 40 (the first band 36 and the second band 38) includes at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material. The leather material used for the first band 36 and the second band 38 can be natural leather or synthetic leather. The material of the first band 36 and the second band 38 can be the same as the material of the first reinforcing layer 24 and / or the second reinforcing layer 26. Alternatively, the material of the first band 36 and the second band 38 can be different from the material of the first reinforcing layer 24 and the second reinforcing layer 26. Here, the first reinforcing layer 24, the second reinforcing layer 26, the first band 36, and the second band 38 are made of the same material, such as leather.

[0077] Now for reference Figures 15 to 18 A shoe 110 according to a second embodiment is shown. The shoe 110 essentially includes an upper 112 and a sole 114. The sole 114 is the same as the sole 14 discussed above. The upper 112 essentially includes a base layer 122, a first reinforcing layer 124, a second reinforcing layer 126, an instep portion 128, an ankle portion 129, and a closure device 130. The base layer 122 is the same as the base layer 22, except that the base layer 122 has been modified to accommodate the closure device 130 described below. The first reinforcing layer 124, the second reinforcing layer 126, and the instep portion 128 are the same as the first reinforcing layer 24, the second reinforcing layer 26, and the instep portion 28 discussed above. Given the similarity between the first and second embodiments, for the sake of brevity, the description of the second embodiment will focus only on the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the closure device 130 includes a shoelace 132. Here, the closure device 130 also includes a lacing guide 135 disposed to the base layer 122. The shoelace 32 passes through the lacing guide 135 and is fastened. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the lacing guide 135 includes a plurality of first eyelets 136a and a plurality of second eyelets 138a. The first eyelets 136a are disposed to the base layer 122 outside the centerline CL. The second eyelets 138a are disposed to the base layer 122 inside the centerline CL. The shoelace 32 passes through the first eyelets 136a and the second eyelets 138a in a conventional manner.

[0079] In understanding the scope of this invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the mentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unmentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terms "part," "section," "section," "component," or "element," when used in the singular, can have a dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.

[0080] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired choices. For one example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "both of the two choices" if the number of choices is two. For another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "any combination of two choices" if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three. Furthermore, the term "and / or" as used in this disclosure means "one or both of them".

[0081] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, without departing from the teachings of the invention, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa.

[0082] As used herein, the terms “attached” or “attached” include: a construction that directly fixes an element to another element by attaching it directly to the other element; a construction that indirectly fixes an element to another element by attaching it to one or more intermediate members, and further attaching the one or more intermediate members to the other element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as “connection,” “joint,” “link,” “installation,” “combination,” “fixture,” and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “approximately” as used herein refer to the amount of deviation of the modified term that does not significantly change the final result.

[0083] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specified, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specified, components shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have an intermediate structure disposed between them, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specified, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature unique relative to the prior art, individually or in combination with other features, should also be regarded as the applicant's separate description of further inventions, including structural and / or functional concepts embodied by one or more such features. Therefore, the above description of embodiments of the invention is provided only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An upper for a shoe, the upper comprising: A base layer comprising a toe portion and a heel portion, the base layer having a seamless three-dimensional shape that at least partially defines an internal foot receiving space; The first reinforcing layer is disposed on the outside of the center line of the toe-heel direction of the upper and covers the first heel area of ​​the heel portion; The second reinforcing layer is disposed inside the center line and covers the second heel area of ​​the heel portion; A third reinforcing layer, which covers the base layer and at least one of the first and second reinforcing layers, includes a first strip disposed outside the centerline and a second strip disposed inside the centerline. and A closure device including a tightener disposed on one of a first and a second band of a third reinforcing layer, the tightener including a roller-based tightener, the first and second reinforcing layers separating at the heel portion.

2. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein The first reinforcing layer covers the first toe area of ​​the toe section. The second reinforcing layer covers the second toe area of ​​the toe section, and The first and second reinforcing layers separate at the toe area.

3. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein The first reinforcing layer extends continuously from the heel to the toes as a single strip.

4. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein The second reinforcing layer extends continuously from the heel to the toes as a single strip.

5. The shoe upper according to claim 1, further comprising: The instep portion that connects with the base layer, and The first and second reinforcing layers separate at the instep area.

6. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein The first reinforcing layer comprises at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material, and The second reinforcing layer comprises at least one of a rubber material, a resin material, and a leather material.

7. The upper according to claim 1, wherein... The base layer is made of fabric.

8. The upper according to claim 1, wherein The closure device includes shoelaces.

9. The upper according to claim 8, wherein The tensioner is attached to the shoelaces.

10. The upper according to claim 8, wherein The closure device includes a shoelace guide disposed on the base layer, through which the shoelace passes and is tightened.

11. The upper according to claim 1, wherein The base layer also includes an intermediate portion, and The toe section, heel section, and middle section define the shape of the sock.

12. The upper according to claim 1, wherein The top edge of the first reinforcing layer is disposed in the width direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction, above the outermost protruding point of the heel portion, and extends between the outer and inner sides.

13. The upper according to claim 1, wherein The top edge of the second reinforcing layer is disposed in the width direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction, above the most outwardly protruding point of the heel portion, and extends between the outer and inner sides.

14. A shoe comprising an upper as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising a sole attached to the upper.

15. An upper for a shoe, said upper comprising: A base layer comprising a toe portion and a heel portion, the base layer having a seamless three-dimensional shape that at least partially defines an internal foot receiving space; The first reinforcing layer is disposed on the outside of the center line of the toe-heel direction of the upper and covers the first heel area of ​​the heel portion; The second reinforcing layer is disposed inside the center line and covers the second heel area of ​​the heel portion; A third reinforcing layer, the third reinforcing layer covering the base layer and covering at least one of the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer; and A closure device, disposed at a third reinforcing layer, includes shoelaces and a tensioner connected to the shoelaces, the tensioner including a roller-based tensioner. The first and second reinforcing layers separate at the heel area. The tightener is located in the third reinforcing layer.

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