soles and shoes

Abstract

This invention provides a shoe sole and a shoe. The shoe sole of this invention includes a midsole and an outsole defining a contact surface. The midsole includes a first protrusion protruding toward the contact surface at a position on the inner foot side and rear end side of the sole, and the outsole includes a first cover portion covering the first protrusion. The first cover portion includes a first bottom wall portion defining the contact surface and a first side wall portion erected from the periphery of the inner foot side of the first bottom wall portion. When viewed along the normal direction of the contact surface, a first ridge line serving as the boundary between the first bottom wall portion and the first side wall portion is positioned such that it moves away from the first outline of the first cover portion defined by the first side wall portion from a specific position on the front side toward a specific position on the rear side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sole and a shoe including the sole. Background Technology

[0002] For example, International Publication No. 2010 / 049983 (Patent Document 1) discloses a shoe in which the compressive stiffness of the inner side of the rear foot is higher than that of the outer side of the rear foot, thereby suppressing the occurrence of excessive pronation.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2010 / 049983 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in shoes designed for specific purposes, there are situations where the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 may not be suitable. For example, in athletic shoes that require frequent changes of direction (so-called turning movements), the high compressive stiffness of the inner side of the rear foot results in poor shock absorption in that part during turning movements.

[0008] Therefore, especially in shoes used in such competitions, it is desirable to have both excellent stability when standing and excellent shock absorption during turning movements, and the industry demands improvements in these areas.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a sole and a shoe including the sole that can take into account both stability in a standing position and impact cushioning during turning movements.

[0010] Technical means to solve the problem

[0011] The sole of this invention comprises a forefoot portion supporting the toes and footsteps, a midfoot portion supporting the arch, and a heel portion supporting the heel, connected in a direction consistent with the length of the wearer's foot, i.e., a front-to-back direction. It includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole is positioned across the forefoot, midfoot, and heel portions. The outsole defines the contact surface when standing by covering at least a portion of the lower surface of the midsole. The midsole includes a first protrusion protruding towards the contact surface at a position on the inner foot side in a direction consistent with the width of the wearer's foot (i.e., the left-right direction) and on the rear end side in the front-to-back direction. The portion of the midsole with the first protrusion includes a first bottom surface on the contact surface side and a first side surface on the inner foot side in the left-right direction when viewed from the first bottom surface. The outsole includes a first cover portion, which includes a first bottom wall portion and a first side wall portion. The first bottom wall portion defines the contact surface by covering the first bottom surface. The first side wall portion extends upward from the periphery of the inner foot side in the left-right direction of the first bottom wall portion and covers the first side surface. When, with the front end of the outsole in the front-rear direction as a reference, a position corresponding to 70% of the dimension from the front end to the rear end of the outsole in the front-rear direction is designated as a front-side specific position, and the rear end position of the first bottom wall portion in the front-rear direction is designated as a rear-side specific position, when viewed along the normal direction of the contact surface, the first ridge line of the first cover portion located at the boundary between the first bottom wall portion and the first side wall portion is positioned away from the first outline of the first cover portion defined by the first side wall portion as it moves from the front-side specific position toward the rear-side specific position.

[0012] The shoe based on the present invention includes the sole based on the present invention and an upper located above the sole.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a sole and a shoe including the sole can be manufactured that can take into account both stability when standing and impact cushioning during turning movements. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the sole and the shoe including the sole of embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D representation of the shoe sole.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a side view of the instep side of the shoe sole.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The image shows a side view of the outer foot side of the shoe sole.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The bottom view of the shoe sole is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded 3D view of the shoe sole.

[0022] Figure 8 It means from Figure 1 The image shows a bottom view of the shoe with the outsole and rear side midsole removed.

[0023] Figure 9 It means from Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D view of the shoe with the outsole removed.

[0024] Figure 10 It includes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged bottom view and a partial cross-sectional view of a specific area of ​​the shoe sole.

[0025] Figure 11 It includes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged side view and partial cross-sectional view of a specific area of ​​the sole on the inner side of the foot.

[0026] Figure 12 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the shape of the outsole of the shoe.

[0027] Figure 13 It means Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the shape of the groove in a specific area of ​​the sole.

[0028] Figure 14 It is an enlarged side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the inner foot side of a specific area of ​​the sole of embodiment 2.

[0029] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 1: Shoes

[0031] 100A, 100B: Shoe soles

[0032] 110: Midsole

[0033] 110A: Front side midsole

[0034] 110B: Rear side midsole

[0035] 111: First protrusion

[0036] 111a: First base

[0037] 111b: First side view

[0038] 111b1: Upper side

[0039] 111b2: Lower side

[0040] 112: Second protrusion

[0041] 112a: Second base surface

[0042] 112b: Second side view

[0043] 113: Groove

[0044] 113a: Open face

[0045] 114: External exposed surface

[0046] 115: Recessed section

[0047] 116: Intervening Department

[0048] 120: Reinforced Structural Department

[0049] 121: Inner foot side reinforcement component

[0050] 121a: Inner side transverse strip

[0051] 121b: Rear end

[0052] 122: Outer leg side reinforcement component

[0053] 122a: Horizontal strip on the outer side of the foot

[0054] 122b: Rear end

[0055] 130: Outsole

[0056] 131: Rear inner foot side outer sole

[0057] 131a: First bottom wall section

[0058] 131b: First sidewall portion

[0059] 131b1: Upper first sidewall portion

[0060] 131b2: Lower first sidewall portion

[0061] 131c: Inward section

[0062] 132: Outer foot side of the rear foot

[0063] 132a: Second bottom wall section

[0064] 132b: Second sidewall portion

[0065] 133: Front side outsole

[0066] 133a: Third bottom wall section

[0067] 134: Grounding

[0068] 200: Shoe upper

[0069] 210: The shoe upper itself

[0070] 220: Shoe Tongue

[0071] 230: Shoelaces

[0072] OL1: First Outline

[0073] OL2: Second Outline

[0074] P1, P2: Endpoints

[0075] R1: Forefoot

[0076] R2: Midfoot

[0077] R3: Rear foot

[0078] RL1: First edge line

[0079] RL2: Second edge line

[0080] SP1: Specific position on the front side

[0081] SP2: Specific position on the rear side

[0082] SR: Specific Area

[0083] VB: Vertical bisector

[0084] VL: Imaginary Line Detailed Implementation

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the figures. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are labeled with the same symbols in the figures, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0086] (Implementation Method 1)

[0087] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the sole and the shoe including the sole according to Embodiment 1. First, referring to the... Figure 1The general structure of the shoe 1 and its sole 100A according to this embodiment will be described here. Figure 1 For ease of understanding, the outsole 130 described below is marked in dark color, corresponding to the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112 in the midsole 110 described below (see reference). Figures 2 to 9 The corresponding parts are marked in light color (in addition, as described below) Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 7 , Figures 9 to 11 and Figure 14 The same applies to China.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, shoe 1 includes a sole 100A and an upper 200. The sole 100A is a component that covers the sole of the wearer's foot and has a generally flat shape. The upper 200 has a bag-like shape that wraps around the entire body of the wearer's foot and is located above the sole 100A.

[0089] The upper 200 includes an upper body 210, a tongue 220, and laces 230. The upper body 210 is a component that forms the base of the upper 200 and has a bag-like shape. The tongue 220 and laces 230 are both fixed or attached to the upper body 210.

[0090] The bottom, fixed to the sole 100A, is located at the lower part of the upper body 210. An opening is provided at the upper part of the upper body 210, exposing the upper part of the ankle and a portion of the instep. The tongue 220 is fixed to the upper body 210 by sewing, welding, gluing, or a combination thereof, to cover the portion of the instep exposed in the opening of the upper body 210. The upper body 210 and the tongue 220 can be made of, for example, woven or knitted fabrics, synthetic leather, resin, etc. In shoes where breathability or lightweight is particularly important, a double-layered Raschel warp-knitted fabric woven with polyester yarn can be used.

[0091] The shoelaces 230 include a strap-like member for pulling the periphery of an opening on the upper body 210 that exposes a portion of the instep together in the foot width direction, and inserting it into a plurality of holes located around the periphery of the opening. With the wearer's foot inserted into the upper body 210, tightening the shoelaces 230 allows the upper body 210 and the tongue 220 to come into close contact with the foot.

[0092] The sole 100A includes a midsole 110, a reinforcing structure 120, and an outsole 130. By integrating the midsole 110, the reinforcing structure 120, and the outsole 130, the sole 100A, as described above, has a generally flat shape.

[0093] Outer sole 130 includes a ground surface 134 on its lower surface (see reference). Figures 2 to 7(etc.), the midsole 110 is located above the outsole 130. Moreover, a portion of the reinforcing structure 120 is embedded in the midsole 110, and another portion is exposed and positioned from the midsole 110.

[0094] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D representation of the shoe sole. Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are respectively Figure 1 The images show a side view of the shoe sole from the inner foot side and a side view from the outer foot side. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The bottom view of the shoe sole is shown. Figure 6 (A) to Figure 6 (C) are respectively along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the line from VIA-VIA to VIC-VIC is shown in the figure. Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded 3D view of the shoe sole. Figure 8 It means from Figure 1 The image shown is a bottom view of the shoe with the outsole and rear midsole removed. Furthermore, Figure 9 It means from Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D diagram of the shoe sole with the outsole removed. Next, refer to these... Figures 2 to 9 The detailed structure of the sole 100A of this embodiment will be described.

[0095] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in a top-down view, the sole 100A runs along the same direction as the length of the wearer's foot, i.e., the front-to-back direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The left and right directions in the picture Figure 5 In the diagram (vertical direction), it is divided into the front foot part R1, which supports the toes and foot pedal of the wearer's foot; the middle foot part R2, which supports the arch of the wearer's foot; and the rear foot part R3, which supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0096] Here, taking the front end of the sole 100A as a reference, and defining the position as the first boundary position as the distance from the front end of the sole 100A by 40% of the front-to-back dimension of the sole 100A, and the position as the second boundary position as the distance from the front end of the sole 100A by 80% of the front-to-back dimension of the sole 100A, the forefoot R1 is the portion included in the front-to-back direction between the front end and the first boundary position, the midfoot R2 is the portion included in the front-to-back direction between the first boundary position and the second boundary position, and the rearfoot R3 is the portion included in the front-to-back direction between the second boundary position and the rear end of the sole.

[0097] Moreover, such as Figure 5As shown, when viewed from above, the sole 100A is divided along the direction consistent with the width of the wearer's foot, i.e., the left-right direction (left-right direction in the figure), into the inner foot side (the part on the S1 side shown in the figure), which is the anatomically aligned center side of the foot (i.e. the side closer to the center), and the outer foot side (the part on the S2 side shown in the figure), which is the opposite side of the anatomically aligned center side of the foot (i.e. the side farther from the center).

[0098] Here, the boundary line dividing the sole 100A into the inner and outer foot sides is called the shoe center. The shoe center, when worn by a standard wearer with a foot size suitable for shoe 1, is the straight line obtained by projecting a straight line connecting the portion between the wearer's first and second toes and the central portion of the calcaneus along the vertical direction onto the sole 100A. Furthermore, the front and rear ends of the sole 100A are the ends of the sole 100A located on the boundary line.

[0099] Reference Figures 2 to 7 As described above, the sole 100A includes a midsole 110, a reinforcing structure 120, and an outsole 130. The midsole 110 includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface connecting these upper and lower surfaces, forming the upper portion of the sole 100A. The outsole 130 includes an upper surface and the aforementioned lower surface serving as the contact surface 134, forming the lower portion of the sole 100A. On the other hand, the reinforcing structure 120 is positioned such that it substantially covers the lower surface of the midsole 110.

[0100] The midsole 110 is continuously located from the forefoot R1 to the rearfoot R3. The midsole 110 includes a front side midsole 110A and a rear side midsole 110B, which are constructed by combining these front side midsole 110A and rear side midsole 110B. The front side midsole 110A is positioned across the forefoot R1, the midfoot R2, and the forefoot R3 towards the front, while the rear side midsole 110B is positioned across the midfoot R2 towards the rear and the rearfoot R3.

[0101] Here, in the portion of the midfoot R2 that is biased towards the rear end and the portion of the rearfoot R3 that is biased towards the front end, the rear end of the front midsole 110A and the front end of the rear midsole 110B overlap in the vertical direction (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the two directions of the front-back and left-right directions) (especially referring to...). Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (B) and Figure 7 (etc.). More specifically, in the aforementioned portion, the front side midsole 110A and the rear side midsole 110B are aligned such that the front side midsole 110A is located on the side of the upper 200 and the rear side midsole 110B is located on the side of the outsole 130.

[0102] Therefore, in the forefoot R1 and midfoot R2, the midsole 110 is composed of a front side midsole 110A; in the midfoot R2, the midsole 110 is composed of an overlapping front side midsole 110A and a rear side midsole 110B; and in the rearfoot R3, the midsole 110 is composed of a rear side midsole 110B.

[0103] The upper surface of the midsole 110 specifies that the upper surface of the outsole 100A has a shape in which its periphery is raised compared to the surrounding area (especially referring to...). Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 (etc.). Thus, a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 110, which serves to receive the upper 200. The bottom surface of the concave portion, i.e., the portion of the upper surface of the midsole 110 excluding the periphery, has a smooth curved shape to fit the wearer's foot.

[0104] The outsole 130 extends approximately continuously from the forefoot R1 to the rearfoot R3, except for a portion of the midfoot R2. The outsole 130 includes a rear instep-side outsole 131, which serves as a first cover; a rear outstep-side outsole 132, which serves as a second cover; and a front outsole 133, which serves as a third cover.

[0105] The forefoot outsole 133 is positioned across the forefoot R1 and midfoot R2 towards the front, while the rear instep outsole 131 and rear lateral outsole 132 are positioned across the midfoot R2 towards the rear and rearfoot R3. The rear instep outsole 131 is located between the midfoot R2 towards the rear and the instep portion of the rearfoot R3, and the rear lateral outsole 132 is located between the midfoot R2 towards the rear and the lateral portion of the rearfoot R3.

[0106] The lower surfaces (i.e., the lower surface of the outsole 130) of the rear inner foot side outsole 131, the rear outer foot side outsole 132, and the front side outsole 133 respectively constitute the contact surface 134 in the manner described above. Therefore, in order to improve grip, a tread pattern can be formed by creating uneven surfaces on these exposed surfaces. The upper surfaces of the rear inner foot side outsole 131, the rear outer foot side outsole 132, and the front side outsole 133 respectively are engaged with the lower surface of the midsole 110.

[0107] Furthermore, the detailed construction of the outsole 130 and the midsole 110 that joins it, as well as the specific shape of the outsole 130, are described in detail below.

[0108] The midsole 110 (i.e., the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B) preferably has moderate strength and excellent cushioning. From this perspective, the midsole 110 can be, for example, a resin-based foam material containing a resin material as a main component and a foaming agent or crosslinking agent as a secondary component. Alternatively, a rubber-based foam material containing a rubber material as a main component and plasticizers, foaming agents, reinforcing agents, or crosslinking agents as secondary components can be used.

[0109] As the resin material, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (thermoplastic polyamide (TPA), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE)), or thermoplastic polyester elastomer can be used. As the rubber material, for example, butadiene rubber can be suitably used.

[0110] Therefore, the midsole 110 generally comprises soft components with a Young's modulus lower than that of the outsole 130. Consequently, the midsole 110 is relatively prone to elastic deformation under compressive loads, resulting in excellent cushioning. Furthermore, designated portions of the midsole 110 may include various cushioning components, and may also include reinforcing components other than the reinforcing structure 120 described below.

[0111] The outsole 130 (i.e., the rear instep side outsole 131, the rear outstep side outsole 132, and the front side outsole 133) preferably has excellent abrasion resistance or grip. From this perspective, the outsole 130 can be, for example, a component made of a material comprising a rubber material as a main component and a plasticizer or reinforcing agent and a crosslinking agent as secondary components. As the rubber material, butadiene rubber can be suitably used, for example.

[0112] Therefore, the outsole 130 generally comprises rigid components with a Young's modulus greater than that of the midsole 110. Consequently, the outsole 130 is less prone to deformation under compressive loads compared to the midsole 110, while exhibiting superior durability, such as abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the shape of the outsole 130 or the tread pattern can be appropriately designed according to the intended use of the shoe 1.

[0113] like Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the reinforcing structure 120 is configured such that most of it is located in the middle foot R2, while a portion of it extends to the forefoot R1 and the rear foot R3. The reinforcing structure 120 includes an inner foot-side reinforcing member 121 disposed on the inner foot side and an outer foot-side reinforcing member 122 disposed on the outer foot side.

[0114] The inner leg side reinforcing member 121 and the outer leg side reinforcing member 122 are both joined to the lower surface and side surface of the front midsole 110A and the upper surface of the rear midsole 110B. More specifically, recesses with shapes corresponding to the inner leg side reinforcing member 121 and the outer leg side reinforcing member 122 are provided on the lower surface and side surface of the front midsole 110A, and the inner leg side reinforcing member 121 and the outer leg side reinforcing member 122 are joined to the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B in a state of being received in these recesses.

[0115] Both the inner foot side reinforcing member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcing member 122 contain materials with higher rigidity than the material constituting the outsole 130. That is, the Young's modulus of the inner foot side reinforcing member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcing member 122 is greater than that of the outsole 130 and they are rigid.

[0116] The materials used to form the inner foot side reinforcing member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcing member 122 are not particularly limited. For example, non-fiber reinforcing resins containing polymer resins such as urethane thermoplastic elastomers (thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), amide thermoplastic elastomers (TPA), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) can be used, or fiber reinforcing resins such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, Dyneema fiber, Zylon fiber, and boron fiber can be used as reinforcing fibers.

[0117] Here, as Figure 8 As shown, the inner foot side reinforcement member 121 includes an inner foot side horizontal bar 121a that extends in an inclined direction from a portion of the outer foot side of the forefoot portion R1 towards the front end to a portion of the inner foot side of the middle foot portion R2 towards the rear end. The outer foot side reinforcement member 122 includes an outer foot side horizontal bar 122a that extends in an inclined direction from a portion of the outer foot side of the forefoot portion R1 towards the rear end to a portion of the inner foot side of the middle foot portion R2 towards the rear end.

[0118] These inner foot side stripes 121a and outer foot side stripes 122a are positioned apart from each other, particularly in the midfoot section R2. An intervening portion 116, which is a part of the midsole 110 (more precisely, a part of the front midsole 110A) comprising a material containing a material with lower rigidity than the inner foot side reinforcing member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcing member 122a, is located between these inner foot side stripes 121a and outer foot side stripes 122a.

[0119] By constructing it in the manner described above, at the location where the interposer 116 is provided, with the direction in which the interposer 116 extends as the axis, the inner foot side of the front foot R1 and the outer foot side of the rear foot R3 are easily twisted. As a result, the braking pulsation during the turning motion increases, and as a result, a rapid and smooth turning motion can be achieved.

[0120] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, both the inner foot side horizontal strip 121a and the outer foot side horizontal strip 122a are positioned such that their front ends reach the forefoot portion R1. The inner foot side horizontal strip 121a and the outer foot side horizontal strip 122a located in the forefoot portion R1 intersect and extend with the metatarsophalangeal portion (represented by the symbol MP in the figure) corresponding to the wearer's foot. With this configuration, greater propulsion can be obtained from the restoring force of the inner foot side horizontal strip 121a and the outer foot side horizontal strip 122a, which elastically deform during dorsiflexion of the sole 100A when stepping on the foot, thereby enhancing acceleration assistance or running assistance functions.

[0121] like Figure 7 As shown, in the sole 100A of this embodiment, before assembling the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B, the inner foot side reinforcement member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcement member 122 are assembled to the front midsole 110A. Therefore, after assembling the rear midsole 110B to the front midsole 110A, as... Figure 6 (A) and Figure 6 As shown in (B), the rear ends of the inner foot side reinforcement member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcement member 122 are sandwiched between the front side midsole 110A and the rear side midsole 110B, so that these parts are embedded in the midsole 110 and not exposed to the outside.

[0122] Furthermore, the mutual joining of the front side midsole 110A, rear side midsole 110B, inner foot side reinforcing member 121, outer foot side reinforcing member 122, rear inner foot side outsole 131, rear outer foot side outsole 132, and front side outsole 133 can be carried out by any method, such as by adhesive.

[0123] like Figures 2 to 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the midsole 110 has a first protrusion 111 and a second protrusion 112 protruding towards the contact surface 134. Both the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112 are located on the lower surface of the rear midsole 110B. The first protrusion 111 is located on the inner foot side and rear end side of the sole 100A, while the second protrusion 112 is located on the outer foot side and rear end side of the sole 100A.

[0124] More specifically, the first protrusion 111 extends along the retardative direction of the sole 100A, spanning from the rearward portion of the inner side of the midfoot R2 to the rearward portion of the inner side of the rearfoot R3. The second protrusion 112 extends along the retardative direction of the sole 100A, spanning from the rearward portion of the outer side of the midfoot R2 to the rearward portion of the outer side of the rearfoot R3. Thus, the groove 113 extending along the retardative direction of the sole 100A is located on the lower surface of the midsole 110 (more precisely, the lower surface of the rear midsole 110B) of the portion of the midsole 110 that is positioned between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112.

[0125] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the first protrusion 111 includes a first bottom surface 111a located on the side of the contact surface 134, and a first side surface 111b located on the inner foot side when viewed from the first bottom surface 111a. These first bottom surfaces 111a and first side surfaces 111b are smoothly connected. Furthermore, the groove 113 is defined on another side of the first protrusion 111 located on the outer foot side when viewed from the first bottom surface 111a.

[0126] A rear inner foot side outsole 131 serving as a first cover is assembled on the first protrusion 111. Specifically, the rear inner foot side outsole 131 includes a first bottom wall portion 131a covering the first bottom surface 111a of the first protrusion 111, and a first side wall portion 131b covering the first side surface 111b of the first protrusion 111. The first bottom wall portion 131a defines the ground surface 134 by covering the first bottom surface 111a, and the first side wall portion 131b covers the first side surface 111b by standing upright from the periphery of the inner foot side of the first bottom wall portion 131a.

[0127] On the other hand, the second protrusion 112 includes a second bottom surface 112a located on the side of the contact surface 134, and a second side surface 112b located on the outer foot side when viewed from the second bottom surface 112a. These second bottom surfaces 112a and second side surfaces 112b are smoothly connected. Furthermore, the groove 113 is defined on the other side of the second protrusion 112 located on the inner foot side when viewed from the second bottom surface 112a.

[0128] A rear outer foot side outsole 132 serving as a second cover is assembled on the second protrusion 112. Specifically, the rear outer foot side outsole 132 includes a second bottom wall portion 132a covering the second bottom surface 112a of the second protrusion 112, and a second side wall portion 132b covering the second side surface 112b of the second protrusion 112. The second bottom wall portion 132a defines the ground surface 134 by covering the second bottom surface 112a, and the second side wall portion 132b covers the second side surface 112b by being erected upwards from the periphery of the outer foot side of the second bottom wall portion 132a.

[0129] Here, the contact surface 134 defined by the first bottom wall portion 131a and the second bottom wall portion 132a is the part that contacts the ground when the wearer is standing on a flat surface, i.e., in an upright position. Specifically, as described below... Figure 10 and Figure 12 The portion indicated by the diagonal line in the middle corresponds to the ground surface 134. For the first bottom wall portion 131a and the second bottom wall portion 132a, only the portion indicated by the diagonal line corresponds to the ground surface 134 (i.e., only the portion that is in contact with the flat ground when standing corresponds to the ground surface 134), and the portion that is not indicated by the diagonal line (i.e., the portion that is not in contact with the flat ground when standing) is not included.

[0130] Furthermore, the front outsole 133, serving as the third cover, is attached to the lower surface of the front insole 110A. The front outsole 133 is positioned across the forefoot portion R1 and the midfoot portion R2, towards the front end, and includes a third bottom wall portion 133a covering the lower surface of the front insole 110A. Moreover, the front outsole 133 includes a third side wall portion extending from the periphery of the third bottom wall portion 133a, which covers the side surface of the front insole 110A.

[0131] In this embodiment, when the wearer performs a turning motion, the shoe 1 and its sole 100A are modified to improve the cushioning performance of the rear inner foot side of the sole, which is the part in contact with the ground in the initial stage of landing.

[0132] That is, during the turning motion, in most cases, the shoe is tilted inwards and the front foot rises above the back foot (i.e., the wearer's foot is tilted inwards and the toes (points) are raised relative to the heel) when landing. In this case, as mentioned above, in the initial stage of landing, the rear inner foot side of the sole touches the ground, and then the entire sole touches the ground.

[0133] Therefore, in the shoe 1 of this embodiment and the sole 100A therein, as described above, by providing the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112 protruding toward the contact surface 134 in a state divided into an inner foot side and an outer foot side in the rear end side of the midsole 110 (in other words, by providing a groove 113 extending along the front-rear direction of the sole 100A in the rear end side of the midsole 110), the deformability of the rear inner foot side of the sole 100A is improved, thereby improving the cushioning performance during body rotation.

[0134] That is, in the shoe 1 and the sole 100A included in this embodiment, in the initial stage of the turning action, the part of the sole 100A with the first protrusion 111 touches the ground before the other parts, and is not affected by the other parts of the midsole 110. The first protrusion 111 deforms rapidly and significantly, thereby absorbing the impact transmitted to the wearer by the deformation of the first protrusion 111, resulting in a large cushioning performance.

[0135] Furthermore, in the shoe 1 and its included sole 100A of this embodiment, the shape of the periphery of the inner foot side of the sole 100A where the first protrusion 111 is provided (more specifically, the periphery corresponding to the specific area SR described below (see reference)) is further improved. Figures 10 to 12 We have focused on improving the shape of the parts of the device while also considering both enhanced cushioning performance and stability when standing. The following will provide a detailed explanation of these aspects.

[0136] Figure 10 (A) includes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged bottom view of a specific area of ​​the shoe sole. Figure 10 (B) to Figure 10 (D) are respectively along Figure 10 (A) shows a partial cross-sectional view of the XB-XB line to the XD-XD line. Figure 11 (A) includes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged side view of a specific area on the inner side of the sole. Figure 11 (B) to Figure 11 (D) are respectively along Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the XIB-XIB line to the XID-XID line shown in (A). Furthermore, Figure 12 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the shape of the outsole of the shoe.

[0137] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the specific area SR is an area with a defined width in the front-to-back direction of the sole 100A. Its frontal position is defined by the frontal specific position SP1, and its rearal position is defined by the rearal specific position SP2. The specific area SR includes the rearward portion of the midfoot R2 and the frontward portion of the rearfoot R3.

[0138] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 The specific position SP1 on the front side is a position that is based on the front end of the sole 100A in the front-to-back direction and is equivalent to 70% of the dimension of the distance from the front end to the rear end of the sole 100A in the front-to-back direction (the distance L100 shown in the figure is equivalent to the dimension) (the distance L70 shown in the figure is equivalent to the dimension).

[0139] On the other hand, the specific rear position SP2 is a position corresponding to the rear end position of the first bottom wall portion 131a of the rear inner foot side outer bottom 131, which is the first cover portion (i.e., the rear end position of the contact surface 134 when the rear inner foot side outer bottom 131 is in the standing position).

[0140] The specific region SR located between these front side specific positions SP1 and rear side specific positions SP2 is the area that comes into contact with the ground during the initial stage of the rotation movement. More specifically, the inner foot side end of the specific region SR touches the ground primarily during the initial stage of the rotation movement.

[0141] like Figure 10 (A) to Figure 10 As shown in (D), in the sole 100A, when viewed along the normal direction of the contact surface 134, the first ridge line RL1 of the rear inner foot side outsole 131 located at the boundary between the first bottom wall portion 131a and the first side wall portion 131b is positioned such that it moves away from the first outline line OL1 of the rear inner foot side outsole 131 defined by the first side wall portion 131b, from the front side specific position SP1 toward the rear side specific position SP2.

[0142] In other words, within the specific region SR, the distance between the first edge line RL1 and the first outline line OL1 ( Figure 10 (B) to Figure 10 The distances D11 to D13 shown in (D) are equivalent to the distances mentioned above, and they increase as they move toward the rear. That is, the distances D11 to D13 satisfy the condition D11 < D12 < D13.

[0143] Here, the first bottom wall portion 131a and the first side wall portion 131b are formed continuously to each other. Therefore, by satisfying the aforementioned condition, the portion of the first side wall portion 131b located between the first ridge line RL1 and the first outline line OL1 increases in size as it faces rearward. The portion of the first side wall portion 131b located between the first ridge line RL1 and the first outline line OL1 is the part that touches the ground before other parts in the initial stage of the rotational movement. Therefore, by increasing the area of ​​this portion, the load applied to the sole 100A upon contact with the ground is dispersed, resulting in improved cushioning performance.

[0144] On the other hand, if the area of ​​the portion of the first sidewall 131b located between the first ridge line RL1 and the first outline OL1, corresponding to the specific region SR, is increased as a whole, the area of ​​the ground surface 134 will naturally decrease accordingly, thus there is a risk of compromised stability when in a standing position.

[0145] Therefore, as in this embodiment, by increasing the size of the first sidewall portion 131b located between the first ridge line RL1 and the first outline line OL1 in the specific region SR, not only can the impact cushioning during turning movements be improved, but also the stability when standing can be adequately ensured. Therefore, by manufacturing the shoe 1 of this embodiment and its included sole 100A, it is possible to produce a sole and a shoe that balances stability when standing and impact cushioning during turning movements.

[0146] In addition to meeting the conditions mentioned above, the sole 100A of this embodiment also meets the following conditions.

[0147] First, such as Figure 9 As shown, in the sole 100A, the first side 111b of the first protrusion 111 of the midsole 110 includes an upper side 111b1 that is substantially orthogonal to the contact surface 134, and a lower side 111b2 that smoothly connects the first bottom surface 111a to the upper side 111b1, as shown. Figure 11 As shown in (A), the first sidewall portion 131b of the rear inner foot side outsole 131 includes an upper first sidewall portion 131b1 covering the upper sidewall 111b1 and a lower first sidewall portion 131b2 covering the lower sidewall 111b2.

[0148] Then, as Figure 11 (A) to Figure 11As shown in (D), in the sole 100A, when viewed along the left and right direction of the sole 100A, the second ridge line RL2 of the rear inner foot side outsole 131 located at the boundary between the upper first sidewall portion 131b1 and the lower first sidewall portion 131b2 is positioned such that it moves away from the second outline line OL2 of the rear inner foot side outsole 131 defined by the first bottom wall portion 131a, from the front side specific position SP1 toward the rear side specific position SP2.

[0149] In other words, within the specific region SR, the distance between the second ridge line RL2 and the second outline line OL2 ( Figure 11 (B) to Figure 11 The distances D21 to D23 shown in (D) are equivalent to the distances mentioned above, and they increase as they move toward the rear. That is, the distances D21 to D23 satisfy the condition D21 < D22 < D23.

[0150] By satisfying the aforementioned condition, the lower first sidewall portion 131b2, located between the second ridge line RL2 and the second outline line OL2, increases in size as it faces rearward. This lower first sidewall portion 131b2, located between the second ridge line RL2 and the second outline line OL2, is the portion that touches the ground before other portions during the initial stage of the rotational movement. Therefore, by satisfying the aforementioned condition, the impact cushioning during the rotational movement is improved.

[0151] Next, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in the sole 100A, the radius of curvature of the surface of the first sidewall portion 131b (i.e., the lower first sidewall portion 131b2 located between the first ridge line RL1 and the first outline line OL1) gradually increases from a specific position SP1 on the front side to a specific position SP2 on the rear side.

[0152] By satisfying the aforementioned conditions, not only can the stability during standing and the impact buffering during rotation be reliably balanced, but the first sidewall portion 131b located between the first ridge line RL1 and the first outline OL1 has a smooth shape, thus exhibiting excellent design.

[0153] Furthermore, referring to Figure 12 The sole 100A has a contact surface 134 along the portion of the area SR included in the specific area. Figure 11 When the outlines of the outer sole 130 are drawn in a way that coincides with the cut lines from XIIA-XIIA to XIID-XIID, a specific condition is met. Here, in Figure 12In the diagram, curve CL0 represents the outline of the ground surface 134, and curves CL1 to CL4 represent the outlines of the cross-sections of the inner rear foot side outer bottom 131 and the outer rear foot side outer bottom 132 at distances of 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm from the ground surface 134 upwards. That is, curves CL0 to CL4 are so-called contour lines.

[0154] In shoe sole 100A, the drawing is as follows Figure 12 In the case shown in the figure, curves CL1 to CL4 of the rear instep outsole 131 corresponding to the instep side satisfy the condition that curve CL0 moves away from a specific position SP1 on the front side towards a specific position SP2 on the rear side. The portion of the rear instep outsole 131 corresponding to the outside side, the portion of the rear outside outsole 132 corresponding to the instep side, and the portion corresponding to the outside side do not satisfy the condition; only the portion of the rear instep outsole 131 corresponding to the instep side satisfies the condition.

[0155] The curves CL0 to CL4 of the inner foot side outsole 131 corresponding to the inner foot side are equivalent to the part of the shoe sole 100A that touches the ground before other parts in the initial stage of the rotation movement. Therefore, the condition is met by the curves CL0 to CL4 of the aforementioned part, thereby improving the impact cushioning during the rotation movement.

[0156] Therefore, by satisfying at least one of the conditions, it is possible to manufacture a sole and a shoe that can balance stability in a standing position with impact cushioning during turning movements.

[0157] Here, in the shoe 1 and its included sole 100A of this embodiment, further efforts have been made in each part to improve the impact cushioning during turning movements. These efforts will be explained below.

[0158] First, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 11 As shown, in the sole 100A, an inwardly recessed portion 131c is provided at the upper end of the first sidewall portion 131b of the rear inner foot side outsole 131. The inwardly recessed portion 131c is formed by providing a notch at the upper end of the first sidewall portion 131b. In the portion where the inwardly recessed portion 131c is provided, the upper end of the first sidewall portion 131b of the rear inner foot side outsole 131 is located on the side of the contact surface 134 relative to the surrounding area.

[0159] When configured as described above, the rear inner foot side outsole 131 can be deformed in a bending manner in the front-back direction, based on the portion where the inward portion 131c is provided. Therefore, the deformation capacity of the rear inner foot side portion of the sole 100A can be improved, thereby further improving the cushioning performance during body rotation.

[0160] Moreover, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the sole 100A, the shape of the groove 113 of the midsole 110 located between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112 has also been carefully considered. Figure 13 (A) to Figure 13 (C) are respectively with Figure 10 (B) to Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the entire sole at the same location as the cross-section shown in (D).

[0161] like Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the groove 113 formed between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112, as described above, includes a portion extending along the front-rear direction of the sole 100A. As described above, by providing the groove 113 on the rear end side of the midsole 110, the deformability of the rear inner foot side portion of the sole 100A is improved, thereby enhancing the cushioning performance during body rotation.

[0162] Here, as Figure 13 (A) to Figure 13 As shown in (B), in the sole 100A, at any position from a specific position SP1 on the front side to a specific position SP2 on the rear side, the sole 100A is cut along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the sole 100A. In the case where an imaginary line VL connecting the endpoints P1 and P2 of the midsole 110 of the opening surface 113a of the specified groove 113 and the perpendicular bisecting line VB of the imaginary line VL are drawn in the cross section, the area Q1 enclosed by the imaginary line VL, the perpendicular bisecting line VB and the inner foot side portion of the outline of the groove 113 is larger than the area Q2 enclosed by the imaginary line VL, the perpendicular bisecting line VB and the outer foot side portion of the outline of the groove 113 is.

[0163] With the configuration described above, the side opposite to the first side 111b of the first protrusion 111 (i.e., the side of the outer foot side of the first protrusion 111 defined by the groove 113) has a generally steeper gradient, making it easier to deform the first protrusion 111 using the root side portion as a base point. Therefore, by configuring it in this way, the deformability of the rear inner foot side portion of the sole 100A can be improved, thereby further improving the cushioning performance during turning movements.

[0164] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the sole 100A, the midsole 110 is divided into a front side midsole 110A and a rear side midsole 110B. The midsole 110 is formed by overlapping these parts. In the overlapping part of the front side midsole 110A and the rear side midsole 110B, the rear ends 121b and 122b of the inner foot side reinforcement member 121 and the outer foot side reinforcement member 122 are embedded in the midsole 110 by being sandwiched between the front side midsole 110A and the rear side midsole 110B.

[0165] In the configuration described above, the outsole 130 (rear instep side outsole 131 or rear outstep side outsole 132), the midsole 110 (rear side midsole 110B), the reinforcing structure 120 (instep side reinforcing member 121 or outstep side reinforcing member 122), and the midsole 110 (front side midsole 110A) are arranged sequentially from the ground surface 134 side. Therefore, the midsole 110 is located directly above the outsole 130 without passing through the reinforcing structure 120, thus maximizing the cushioning function.

[0166] Furthermore, in the shoe 1 of this embodiment and the sole 100A included therein, the outsole 130 of the rear end side of the midsole 110 is configured in such a way that it is divided into a rear inner foot side outsole 131 as a first cover and a rear outer foot side outsole 132 as a second cover (that is, the first cover and the second cover include different components that are separate from each other), so these components can be formed from different materials.

[0167] In the aforementioned case, if the rear inner foot side outsole 131 of the first cover is made of a material with a lower rigidity ratio than the material of the rear outer foot side outsole 132 which is the second cover, the deformation capacity of the rear inner foot side portion of the sole 100A can be improved, thereby further improving the cushioning performance during turning movements.

[0168] Furthermore, in the shoe 1 and its sole 100A of this embodiment, the first protrusion 111 provided in the midsole 110 and the rear inner foot side outsole 131, which serves as the first cover, are both located closer to the inner foot side than the center position in the left-right direction of the sole 100A. If configured in this manner, the cushioning performance during body rotation can be improved more reliably.

[0169] (Implementation Method 2)

[0170] Figure 14 (A) is an enlarged side view of the inner foot side of a portion including a specific area of ​​the sole of embodiment 2. Figure 14 (B) to Figure 14(D) are respectively along Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional view of the XIVB-XIVB line to the XIVD-XIVD line shown in (A). Hereinafter, refer to the... Figure 14 The sole 100B of this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the sole 100B of this embodiment is included in the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A of Embodiment 1.

[0171] like Figure 14 As shown, the sole 100B of this embodiment differs from the sole 100A of Embodiment 1 only in that the recessed strip 115 is provided at a predetermined position on the midsole 110.

[0172] Specifically, refer to Figure 14 A recessed strip 115 is formed on the outer exposed surface 114 of the midsole 110. The outer exposed surface 114 is the portion of the midsole 110 that is adjacent to the upper end of the first sidewall portion 131b of the rear inner foot side outsole 131, which serves as the first cover portion, and is exposed above the first sidewall portion 131b. The recessed strip 115 extends along the upper end of the first sidewall portion 131b of the rear inner foot side outsole 131.

[0173] The length of the recessed strip 115 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably arranged to overlap with the specific region SR. Moreover, the recessed strip 115 may extend beyond the front end (i.e., the front side specific position SP1) and / or the rear end (i.e., the rear side specific position SP2) of the specific region SR and extend towards the front side and / or the rear side of the specific region SR.

[0174] With the configuration described above, the first protrusion 111 can be easily deformed using the portion where the recessed strip 115 is provided as a base point. Therefore, by configuring it in this way, the deformability of the rear inner foot side portion of the sole 100B can be further improved, thereby further improving the cushioning performance during body rotation.

[0175] Therefore, by manufacturing the shoe 1 of this embodiment and the sole 100B including therein, not only can the same effect as described in embodiment 1 be obtained, but a higher performance sole and shoe including therein can also be manufactured.

[0176] (Summary of the disclosures in the implementation methods)

[0177] The characteristic structures disclosed in Embodiments 1 and 2 are summarized as follows.

[0178] The sole of one embodiment of this disclosure is formed by connecting a forefoot portion supporting the toes and footrest of the wearer's foot, a midfoot portion supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot portion supporting the heel of the wearer's foot along a direction consistent with the length of the wearer's foot, i.e., a front-to-back direction, and includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole is arranged to span the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion, and the rearfoot portion. The outsole defines the contact surface when standing by covering at least a portion of the lower surface of the midsole. The midsole includes a first protrusion protruding toward the contact surface side at a position on the inner foot side in the left-right direction, consistent with the width direction of the wearer's foot, and on the rear foot side in the front-to-back direction. The portion of the midsole with the first protrusion includes a first bottom surface located on the contact surface side and a first side surface located on the inner foot side in the left-right direction when viewed from the first bottom surface. The outsole includes a first cover portion, which includes a first bottom wall portion and a first side wall portion. The first bottom wall portion defines the contact surface by covering the first bottom surface. The first side wall portion extends upward from the periphery of the inner foot side in the left-right direction of the first bottom wall portion and covers the first side surface. Taking the front end of the outsole in the front-rear direction of a certain embodiment of the present disclosure as a reference, a position corresponding to 70% of the dimension from the front end to the rear end of the outsole in the front-rear direction is designated as a front-side specific position, and the rear end position of the first bottom wall portion in the front-rear direction is designated as a rear-side specific position. When viewed along the normal direction of the contact surface, the first ridge line of the first cover portion located at the boundary between the first bottom wall portion and the first side wall portion is positioned away from the first outline of the first cover portion defined by the first side wall portion as it moves from the front-side specific position toward the rear-side specific position.

[0179] In the sole of one embodiment of the present disclosure, both the first protrusion and the first cover can be positioned across the midfoot and the rearfoot.

[0180] In the sole of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion and the first cover may both be located on the inner side of the foot in a position closer to the center in the left-right direction.

[0181] In the sole of one embodiment of this disclosure, the first side surface may include: an upper side surface substantially orthogonal to the contact surface; and a lower side surface smoothly connecting the first bottom surface to the upper side surface. Furthermore, the first sidewall portion may include: an upper first sidewall portion covering the upper side surface; and a lower first sidewall portion covering the lower side surface. In this case, when viewed along the left-right direction, the second ridge line of the first cover portion located at the boundary between the upper and lower first sidewall portions can be positioned such that it moves away from the second outline of the first cover portion defined by the first bottom wall portion, from a specific position on the front side towards a specific position on the rear side.

[0182] In one embodiment of the sole of this disclosure, the midsole includes a second protrusion projecting toward the contact surface side at a location on the lateral side in the left-right direction and on the rear end side in the front-back direction. In this case, the portion of the midsole with the second protrusion may include: a second bottom surface located on the contact surface side; and a second side surface located on the lateral side in the left-right direction when viewed from the second bottom surface. Furthermore, the outsole may include a second cover portion, the second cover portion including: a second bottom wall portion defining the contact surface by covering the second bottom surface; and a second side wall portion extending upward from the periphery of the lateral side of the second bottom wall portion in the left-right direction and covering the second side surface.

[0183] In the sole of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the groove of the midsole formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion may include a portion extending along the front-rear direction. In this case, in a cross section orthogonal to the front-rear direction at any position from the specific position on the front side to the specific position on the rear side, when drawing an imaginary line connecting the endpoints of the midsole defining the opening surface of the groove to each other, and a perpendicular bisecting line of the imaginary line, the area enclosed by the inner foot side portion of the imaginary line, the perpendicular bisecting line, and the outline of the groove may be greater than the area enclosed by the outer foot side portion of the imaginary line, the perpendicular bisecting line, and the outline of the groove.

[0184] In the sole of a shoe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cover and the second cover may include different components that are separate from each other.

[0185] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the material constituting the first cover portion may be different from the material constituting the second cover portion.

[0186] In the sole of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inwardly recessed portion may be provided at the upper end of the first sidewall portion.

[0187] In a shoe sole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the midsole may include an external exposed surface adjacent to the upper end of the first sidewall portion and exposed above the first sidewall portion. In this case, a recessed strip extending along the upper end of the first sidewall portion may be provided on the external exposed surface.

[0188] The sole of one embodiment of this disclosure may further include a reinforcing structural portion assembled to the midsole. In this case, when viewed along the normal direction of the contact surface, the reinforcing structural portion may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the first cover portion. Moreover, in this case, in the portion where the reinforcing structural portion overlaps with the first cover portion, the first cover portion, the midsole, the reinforcing structural portion, and the midsole are sequentially positioned from bottom to top by embedding the reinforcing structural portion in the midsole.

[0189] A shoe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sole of the shoe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and an upper located above the sole.

[0190] (Other implementation methods, etc.)

[0191] In Embodiments 1 and 2, the case in which the first sidewall portion of the part located between the first ridge line and the first outline line in the specific region SR is configured as a curved convex shape is illustrated. However, the shape of the portion is not particularly limited to this. It is preferred to be a non-concave shape such as a convex shape or a planar shape, and it may also be a concave shape such as a curved concave shape.

[0192] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, a shoe constructed by using shoelaces to tightly connect the upper body to the foot was described. However, a shoe can also be constructed by using Velcro to tightly connect the upper body to the foot, or a shoe constructed by using a sock-like upper body so that the upper body is tightly connected to the foot simply by inserting the foot into the upper body. That is, the shape of the upper can be appropriately changed according to the purpose of the shoe.

[0193] As described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not intended to be limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A shoe sole comprising a forefoot portion supporting the toes and a stepping portion, a midfoot portion supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot portion supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, connected in a direction consistent with the length of the wearer's foot, i.e., a front-to-back direction, and comprising: The midsole is configured to span across the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot. and The outsole defines the contact surface when in a standing position by covering at least a portion of the lower surface of the midsole. The midsole includes a first protrusion protruding toward the contact surface side in a position that is consistent with the width of the wearer's foot, i.e., on the inner foot side in the left-right direction and on the rear end side in the front-back direction. The midsole portion having the first protrusion includes a first bottom surface located on the side of the contact surface and a first side surface located on the inner foot side in the left-right direction when viewed from the first bottom surface. The outsole includes a first cover portion, which includes a first bottom wall portion and a first side wall portion. The first bottom wall portion defines the contact surface by covering the first bottom surface. The first side wall portion extends upward from the periphery of the inner foot side in the left-right direction of the first bottom wall portion and covers the first side surface. With the front end of the sole in the front-rear direction as a reference, and a position corresponding to 70% of the dimension from the front end to the rear end of the sole in the front-rear direction is set as the front-side specific position, and the position of the rear end of the first bottom wall portion in the front-rear direction is set as the rear-side specific position, when viewed along the normal direction of the contact surface, the first ridge line of the first cover portion located at the boundary between the first bottom wall portion and the first side wall portion is positioned such that it moves away from the first outline of the first cover portion defined by the first side wall portion as it moves from the front-side specific position toward the rear-side specific position.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein... Both the first protrusion and the first cover are positioned across the middle foot and the rear foot.

3. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein... Both the first protrusion and the first cover are located on the inner side of the foot, which is closer to the center in the left-right direction.

4. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first side includes: The upper side surface is substantially orthogonal to the ground plane. And the lower side, smoothly connecting the first bottom surface to the upper side. The first sidewall portion includes: an upper first sidewall portion that covers the upper side surface; and the lower first sidewall portion, covering the lower side surface, When viewed along the left-right direction, the second ridge line of the first cover portion located at the boundary between the upper first sidewall portion and the lower first sidewall portion is positioned such that it moves away from the second outline of the first cover portion defined by the first bottom wall portion, from the front side specific position toward the rear side specific position.

5. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein... The midsole, located on the outer foot side in the left-right direction and on the rear end side in the front-back direction, includes a second protrusion that projects toward the contact surface side. The midsole, including the portion with the second protrusion, comprises: The second bottom surface is located on the side of the ground surface; And the second side, located on the outer foot side in the left-right direction when viewed from the second bottom surface. The outsole includes a second cover portion, the second cover portion including: a second bottom wall portion, which defines the ground surface by covering the second bottom surface; The second side wall portion is erected upward from the periphery of the outer foot side in the left-right direction of the second bottom wall portion and covers the second side surface.

6. The sole according to claim 5, wherein... The groove in the midsole formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion includes a portion extending along the front-to-back direction. In a cross section orthogonal to the front-rear direction at any position from the specific position on the front side to the specific position on the rear side, when drawing an imaginary line connecting the endpoints of the middle bottom of the opening surface of the groove to each other, and a perpendicular bisector of the imaginary line, the area enclosed by the inner leg side portion of the imaginary line, the perpendicular bisector, and the outline of the groove is greater than the area enclosed by the outer leg side portion of the imaginary line, the perpendicular bisector, and the outline of the groove.

7. The sole according to claim 5, wherein... The first cover and the second cover include different components that are separate from each other.

8. The sole according to claim 7, wherein The material constituting the first cover is different from the material constituting the second cover.

9. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein An inwardly recessed portion is provided at the upper end of the first sidewall portion.

10. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The midsole includes an exposed outer surface that is adjacent to the upper end of the first sidewall portion and protrudes above the first sidewall portion. A recessed strip extending along the upper end of the first sidewall portion is provided on the exposed outer surface.

11. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The reinforced structural section is assembled into the midsole. Viewed along the normal direction of the ground plane, the reinforcing structure is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the first cover. In the portion where the reinforcing structure overlaps with the first cover, the first cover, the midsole, the reinforcing structure, and the midsole are sequentially positioned from bottom to top by embedding the reinforcing structure in the midsole.

12. A shoe comprising: The sole as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; and The upper is located above the sole.

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