Heeled shoe according with human engineering

Abstract

Ergonomic high-heeled shoes are described. Such a high-heeled shoe may include a support surface for receiving an outer front portion of a foot. The support surface is configured to reduce stress concentration on the first metatarsal head and the second metatarsal head, and to reduce other deformation forces exerted on the forefoot. In addition, the support surface may be configured to counteract forward force vectors experienced as the heel height increases to further reduce deformation forces exerted on the forefoot.

Description

[0001] Priority application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 393,945, filed on July 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to heeled shoes, including high-heeled shoes. Some embodiments relate to high-heeled shoes with ergonomic construction that reduces forefoot pressure and other ailments typically associated with traditional high-heeled shoes. Background Art

[0004] High heels are common. Typically, high heels are constructed so that the wearer's heel is elevated to a position higher, and in some cases much higher, than the wearer's forefoot. Some people consider high heels to be desirable because they can make the wearer appear taller and can emphasize the length and / or shape of the wearer's legs.

[0005] A large number of women in today's society wear high heels. Therefore, high heels can have many styles, including high heeled trousers, stiletto heels, block heels, Cuban heels, cone heels, wedge heels and many other high heels. High heels can also have a variety of different heights (i.e., the height of the heel portion relative to the forefoot portion of the shoe) from 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches or even higher.

[0006] Although the term "high heel" is not typically used to refer to men's shoes, many men's shoes do include a raised heel portion. The heel height associated with men's shoes tends to be less than the heel height associated with women's shoes, but some men's shoes may include a heel height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A common example of a men's shoe style with a raised heel portion is a boot.

[0007] While high heels have proven to be desirable, many wearers commonly complain of the well-known discomfort and foot pain associated with their use. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure provides an ergonomic heeled shoe design that can advantageously reduce or alleviate the discomfort and foot pain typically associated with high heels. As will be described herein, the heeled shoe design can include a support surface (which can, for example, be provided as a portion of one or more of the insole or midsole of a shoe) that is ergonomically configured to receive and support the lower front portion of the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the support surface is configured to reduce stress concentration on the first metatarsal head region and the second metatarsal head region of the forefoot, and to reduce other deforming forces applied to the forefoot. Additionally, in some embodiments, the support surface can be configured to offset the forward force vector experienced as the heel height increases.

[0009] In some embodiments, an ergonomic heeled shoe can include a support surface configured to support the forefoot (e.g., support at least a portion of the foot beneath the metatarsal heads) in a manner that takes into account the natural and anatomical cascade of the metatarsal heads. The support surface can include a varying height in a lateral direction (e.g., across the lateral width of the foot) at a location generally beneath the metatarsal heads.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support level of the first metatarsal head (associated with the first toe or big toe) will be at, above, or below the support level of the second metatarsal head, and the support level of the second metatarsal head (associated with the second toe) can be at or below the support level of the first metatarsal head or the related base of the metatarsal. Moving in the lateral direction from the second metatarsal, the support level of the third metatarsal head (associated with the third toe) can be at, above, or below the support level of the second metatarsal head, the support level of the fourth metatarsal head (associated with the fourth toe) can be at or above the support level of the third metatarsal head, and the support level of the fifth metatarsal head (associated with the fifth toe or little toe) can be at or above the support level of the fourth metatarsal head. That is, the second metatarsal head can be supported in the lowest position, and the relative height of the support surface can increase when moving away from the second metatarsal head in the lateral direction (towards the outside) and the medial direction (towards the inside). In some embodiments, the support surface in the area of ​​the metatarsal heads may be highest on the sides.

[0011] Further, the support surface in the area of ​​the phalanges or toes can also include a unique structure based on the natural anatomical structure of the foot and / or reduce crowding of the phalanges or toes. For example, the support surface in the area of ​​the phalanges can include a varying height in the lateral direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support surface in the area of ​​the phalanges or toes can be constructed so that the support level of the first phalange (first toe or big toe) will be at, above, or slightly below the support level of the second phalange (second toe), the support level of the third phalange (third toe) will be at or below the support level of the second phalange, the support level of the fourth phalange (fourth toe) will be at or below the support level of the third phalange, and the support level of the fifth phalange (little toe) will be at, above, or below the support level of the fourth phalange. Thus, in some embodiments, the phalanges can be supported so that the third phalange and / or the fourth phalange are generally supported at the lowest height, wherein the height of the support surface increases in the medial direction so that the first phalange can be supported at the highest height.

[0013] Additionally, in some embodiments, the support surface in the area of ​​the metatarsal heads can be configured to counteract or support the wearer's foot against a forward force vector associated with raising the wearer's heel. This can be accomplished, for example, by configuring the support surface in the area of ​​the wearer's metatarsal heads to be slightly inclined in a forward direction (i.e., toward the front of the foot or toes).

[0014] In one aspect, a heeled shoe may include a support surface for receiving a user's forefoot, wherein the user's metatarsal heads are supported in space relative to the natural cascade anatomical structure of the metatarsal heads. In some embodiments, the shoe is constructed so that a cross-section having an axis vertically oriented to be parallel to gravity and a second axis generally oriented to pass through the approximate load point of the metatarsal heads will tend to have support levels at different heights relative to each other under each metatarsal head. As an example, the support level for the first metatarsal head will be at, above, or slightly below the support level for the second metatarsal head, the support level for the second metatarsal head will be at or below the support level for the first metatarsal head, the support level for the third metatarsal head will be at, above, or slightly below the support level for the second metatarsal head, the support level for the fourth metatarsal head will be higher than the support level for the third metatarsal head, and the support level for the fifth metatarsal head will be higher than the support level for the fourth metatarsal head.

[0015] In some embodiments, the relative height of the metatarsal support is a function of normal foot anatomy and the relative difference between the heel height and the metatarsal support height.

[0016] In another aspect, a heeled shoe may include a support surface for receiving a user's forefoot, wherein the user's metatarsal heads are supported in space by the weight-bearing surface, the weight-bearing surface having an inclined component angled with a horizontal plane in a posterior-anterior direction. In some embodiments, the inclination of the weight-bearing surface is a function of the heel height.

[0017] In another aspect, a heeled shoe may include a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user, wherein a medial post is present at a level equal to a first metatarsal head of the user to prevent medial migration of the forefoot relative to the support surface.

[0018] On the other hand, a heeled shoe may include a support surface and a toe cap for receiving a user's forefoot, wherein the user's toes are supported in space relative to the natural cascading anatomy of the toes. In some embodiments, a cross-section having an axis oriented vertically parallel to gravity and a second axis oriented generally in a medial-lateral direction will tend to have support levels at different heights relative to each other below the distal aspects of each of the user's five phalanges. As an example, the support level for the first phalanx will be at, above, or below the support level for the second phalanx, the support level for the second phalanx will be at, above, or below the support level for the first phalanx, the support level for the third phalanx will be at, above, or below the support level for the second phalanx, the support level for the fourth phalanx will be at, above, or below the support level for the third phalanx, and the support level for the fifth phalanx will be at, below, or above the support level for the fourth phalanx.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cross-section is generally inclined from medial to lateral. In some embodiments, there is increased space in the toe box for the smaller toes of the user. In some embodiments, wherein the support under the first phalanx is horizontal to slightly inclined from back to front. In some embodiments, wherein the support under the second phalanx is horizontal to slightly inclined from back to front. In some embodiments, the support under the third phalanx, the fourth phalanx, and the fifth phalanx is horizontal to slightly downwardly inclined from back to front.

[0020] For the purpose of the present disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features are described herein. It should be understood that, according to any particular embodiment, not all of these advantages may be achieved. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure herein may be specifically implemented or performed in a manner that achieves one or more advantages taught herein, without having to achieve other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0021] All embodiments described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. These and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular disclosed embodiment or embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the heeled shoe design described herein will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate rather than limit the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings incorporated into and forming part of this specification are for the purpose of illustrating the concepts disclosed herein and may not be to scale.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe.

[0024] FIG. 2A is a side view diagrammatically illustrating a wearer's foot wearing high-heeled shoes.

[0025] FIG. 2B is an X-ray image of a wearer's foot wearing high heels.

[0026] Figures 3A and 3B are x-ray images of a right foot and a left foot, respectively, illustrating the anatomical cascade of the metatarsal heads. Figure 3A also includes an example length between the metatarsal heads and the transverse tarsal joint, and Figure 3B includes an example width measurement of the foot across the metatarsal heads.

[0027] 4A to 4F provide various views of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe including a support surface configured to support a wearer's foot. In FIGS. 4A to 4D , the support surface is shown as a shaded surface to more clearly illustrate its profile profile. A more detailed view of the support surface is shown in FIGS. 4E to 4F to illustrate what the profile profile may look like when in use. The upper portion of the high-heeled shoe is not shown to better allow visualization of the support surface.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the outside thereof.

[0029] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the inside thereof.

[0030] FIG4C is a front view thereof.

[0031] FIG4D is a top view thereof.

[0032] FIG. 4E is an alternative front view thereof.

[0033] FIG. 4F is an alternative top view thereof.

[0034] 5A is a top view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe including a support surface configured to support a wearer's foot, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D .

[0035] 5B illustrates a cross-section taken generally through the location of each metatarsal head of a wearer's foot to illustrate the relative support heights of each metatarsal head.

[0036] 5C illustrates a cross-section taken generally through the location of each toe of a wearer's foot to illustrate the relative support heights of each toe.

[0037] FIG. 5D illustrates the relative heights between the cross-section of FIG. 5B (taken through the metatarsal heads) and the cross-section of FIG. 5C (taken through the toes).

[0038] 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe including a support surface configured to support a wearer's foot, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5D .

[0039] Fig. 6B illustrates a longitudinal section of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal bones and toes. In Fig. 6B, only the forefoot portion is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] As mentioned at the outset, the present application relates to heeled shoes, including high-heeled shoes. Specifically, the present application describes high-heeled shoes with ergonomic construction that can provide improved comfort and wearability, alleviate forefoot pressure and other ailments typically associated with traditional high-heeled shoes, and / or take into account the natural anatomical shape of the wearer's foot. The high-heeled shoes described herein can reduce or eliminate many of the problems or disadvantages associated with currently available high-heeled shoes.

[0041] The current design of high-heeled shoes may lead to adverse health effects on the wearer. Studies have associated the use of high-heeled shoes with musculoskeletal problems such as lumbar discomfort, forefoot pain, and hallux valgus. Some studies have revealed that high-heeled shoes change the balance of the wearer and can cause changes in the center of pressure and plantar pressure. The rise of the heel leads to an uneven distribution of plantar pressure. Stress is transferred from the hindfoot to the forefoot. This change in forefoot pressure is associated with the effect of high-heeled shoes on foot deformities, including problems such as the development of metatarsalgia, callus formation, an increased rate of ulcers under the metatarsal heads, and painful bone deformities. Studies have shown that when wearing high-heeled shoes, a front-inner force transfer occurs in the foot, increasing the forefoot force and enhancing force concentration.

[0042] As described herein, a major shortcoming in previous attempts to create comfortable high-heeled shoes is the lack of consideration of the anatomy and biomechanics of the foot. By designing high-heeled footwear around the anatomy and biomechanics of the foot (i.e., according to the principles described herein), a more comfortable shoe can be constructed that can reduce or eliminate the above-mentioned musculoskeletal health issues and provide a more comfortable user experience.

[0043] An especially important anatomical and biomechanical consideration in developing high heels is the cascade of the metatarsal heads of the wearer's foot, especially when the foot is positioned in a high heel position as when wearing high heels. Failure to consider the natural cascade of the metatarsal heads can have several direct and indirect consequences.

[0044] First, it may directly lead to increased pressure under the first and second metatarsal heads, which in turn may cause various secondary consequences. When the heel is raised, the forefoot assumes a supinated position because the lateral metatarsal heads fall onto the insole. This supinated position of the forefoot can then lead to relative pronation of the big toe, which, combined with the narrow toe box (which is common in high-heeled shoes) and the lateral forces acting on the big toe, has a profound effect in the development of hallux valgus. Supination of the forefoot can further lead to inversion of the hindfoot, ultimately reducing the compliance of the subtalar joint and leading to reduced ground adaptation.

[0045] Additionally, the base of the second metatarsal is rigidly fixed to the midfoot, whereas the other radials of the foot are flexible at the midfoot-metatarsal base junction. Thus, it may be important to consider the distal aspect of the second metatarsal (i.e., the second metatarsal head) as a new relevant base when developing high-heeled shoes.

[0046] In view of the anatomical considerations described above and further described throughout the present disclosure, the high-heeled shoe designs described herein are advantageously constructed. Specifically, the high-heeled shoe of the present application can be constructed to accommodate the forefoot relative to the relative change in the spatial geometry of the foot, which relative change is accompanied by the elevated heel position associated with the use of the high-heeled shoe. Some design features may include a natural cascade of metatarsal heads, a medial toe cap that limits the pronation and eversion forces applied to the big toe, and / or a toe cap that provides sufficient width for the toes and forefoot. Further, some design features may take into account force vectors that transition more forward as the heel height increases. Therefore, the high-heeled shoe designs of the present application address and solve the needs and limitations of ergonomic high-heeled shoes in previous attempts.

[0047] These and other features of the high-heeled shoes described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated examples. In view of the principles of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the features of the illustrated embodiments may be modified, combined, removed and / or replaced.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe 100. Although a particular configuration of a high-heeled shoe 100 is illustrated—the illustrated configuration is a stiletto configuration—it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that other configurations are possible. The illustrated configuration is provided by way of example to contextualize the principles described herein.

[0049] As shown in FIG1 , the high-heeled shoe 100 includes a forefoot portion 102 and a heel portion 104. The forefoot portion 102 is generally configured to receive the wearer's forefoot at a position relatively close to the ground, while the heel portion 104 is configured to receive the wearer's heel at a position elevated above the ground by the heel 106 of the high-heeled shoe 100. Therefore, the high-heeled shoe 100 generally slopes downward from the heel portion 104 to the forefoot portion 102. The elevation 112 and the angle 110 of the slope are based at least in part on the height of the heel 108. When the high-heeled shoe is worn, the elevated heel position and slope of the shoe may tend to cause the wearer's foot to slide further into the forefoot portion 102 (e.g., into the toe of the high-heeled shoe), thereby causing the above-mentioned anatomical and biomechanical problems and general discomfort.

[0050] FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view of a wearer's foot 116 wearing a high-heeled shoe, and FIG. 2B is an X-ray image of the wearer's foot wearing the high-heeled shoe. It is apparent from these figures that the elevated heel position presented during use of the high-heeled shoe 100 can result in increased pressure on the metatarsal heads 118 of the foot 116, and specifically, on the first and second metatarsal heads 118A and 118B (identified in FIG. 3A ). This is particularly evident in FIG. 2B , which includes an extremely elevated heel position and a very aggressive shoe slope.

[0051] Further, because the foot 116 may tend to slide down the slope 114 of the high-heeled shoe 100, the toes 120 may become squeezed into the typically narrow toe box commonly associated with high-heeled shoes.

[0052] Considering Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A, high-heeled shoe 100 generally includes outsole 122, midsole 124 and insole 126. Outsole 122 generally includes the outer part of the bottom of the shoe. During use, outsole 122 (or part thereof) generally contacts the ground. Midsole 124 generally includes a support or cushioning layer positioned above outsole 122. Midsole 124 can provide structural support and / or a certain degree of cushioning for the shoe. In many high-heeled shoes 100, shank pad 130 can be included on midsole or embedded in midsole to provide further structural support for the shoe (see Fig. 2B). Shank pad 130 can be a generally rigid material extending generally from heel 104 toward forefoot 102. Example shank pad 130 is visible in the X-ray image of Fig. 2B. Finally, insole 126 is generally positioned in the shoe, above midsole 124. During use, the foot 116 rests directly on the top of the insole 126. The insole 126 can be attached to the shoe or can be removed. In many cases, the insole 126 includes a soft, compressible material, such as foam, which provides comfort and cushioning for the shoe.

[0053] As described herein, the insole 126 and / or midsole 124 include a support surface 128 that supports the wearer's foot during use of the high-heeled shoe 100. That is, the wearer's foot rests directly on the insole 126, which in turn is supported and rests on the midsole 124. Thus, the shape and configuration of the insole 126 and / or midsole 124 can directly affect the spatial configuration assumed by the foot 116 when the high-heeled shoe 100 is worn.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1, for most conventional high-heeled shoes, the shape of the support surface 128 in the forefoot portion 102 of the shoe 100 is generally flat or slightly concave, with slightly convex lateral and medial edges. This construction of conventional high-heeled shoes does not take into account the natural cascade of the metatarsal heads 118 of the foot 116, thereby causing the above-mentioned problems.

[0055] Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are respectively example X-ray images of right foot and left foot, illustrating an example of the anatomical cascade of metatarsal heads. Fig. 3A includes an example length (in mm) between metatarsal heads 118A-E and transverse tarsal joint 132, and Fig. 3B includes an example width measurement (in mm) of the foot generally across metatarsal heads 118A-E on lateral direction 133. It should be understood that the included dimensions are provided by way of example and illustration, and are not restrictive. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the specific anatomical structure of the foot varies from person to person based on various factors.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 3A, the second metatarsal head 118B is usually positioned farthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132. In the illustrated example, the second metatarsal head 118B is located at about 117mm from the transverse tarsal joint 132. In the illustrated example, the first metatarsal head 118A is the second farthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132, at a distance of 115mm. The third metatarsal head 118C is the third farthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132, at a distance of 113mm. Then, the fourth metatarsal head 118D and the fifth metatarsal head 118E are each positioned at a distance closer and closer to the transverse tarsal joint 132. In the illustrated example, the fourth metatarsal head 118D is positioned at 105mm from the transverse tarsal joint 132, and the fifth metatarsal head 118E is positioned at 92mm from the transverse tarsal joint 132. While the illustrated relative lengths—with the second metatarsal head 118B positioned farthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132, followed by the first metatarsal head 118A, the third metatarsal head 118C, the fourth metatarsal head 118D, and the fifth metatarsal head 118E positioned at increasingly closer distances—are generally correct for most people's feet, they are not correct in every case. For example, for some people, the third metatarsal head 118C may be positioned farther from the transverse tarsal joint 132 than the first metatarsal head 118A.

[0057] Moreover, the base of the second metatarsal 118B is rigidly fixed to the midfoot, while the other metatarsals of the foot are flexible at the midfoot-metatarsal base joint. Thus, it may be important to consider the distal position of the second metatarsal 118B as a new relative base when developing high-heeled shoes.

[0058] This cascading positioning of the metatarsal heads 118 should be considered when constructing the support surface 128 of the high-heeled shoe 100. An example high-heeled shoe including a support surface 128 constructed to consider the natural anatomical cascade of the metatarsal heads 118 is shown below in FIGS.

[0059] 4A to 6B provide various views of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe 100 configured with a support surface 128 as described herein, which ergonomically supports the forefoot of the wearer's foot in a configuration that takes into account the anatomical cascade of the metatarsal heads 118. Because the shape of the support surface 128 is generally complex, FIGS. 4A to 4D provide various shaded views of the support surface to better illustrate its contours. Further, FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate the high-heeled shoe 100 with the upper of the shoe removed to better allow visualization of the support surface 128. To further understand the configuration of the support surface 128, FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate various cross-sections associated with the support surface 128, and FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate various longitudinal sections associated with the support surface 128.

[0060] 4A-6B , note that support surface 128 may include features of insole 126 and / or midsole 124 of high-heeled shoe 100. That is, insole 126 may be configured to have the profiles and configurations described herein, midsole 124 may be configured to have the profiles described herein, and / or a combination of configurations and shapes of insole 126 and midsole 124 may provide the profiles for support surface 128 described herein.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F, support surface 128 can be configured to have different support levels (i.e., relative heights) for the forefoot. For example, different support levels can be provided at locations where each metatarsal head 118 is generally supported, and different support levels can be provided at locations where each phalanx or toe 120 is generally supported.

[0062] In some embodiments, the level of support 144B for the second metatarsal head 118B can be at, above, or below the level of support 144A for the first metatarsal head 118A. The level of support 144B for the second metatarsal head 118B can generally be the lowest level of support for any metatarsal head 118, and thus can be considered a baseline level. Moving in a lateral direction from the second metatarsal head 118B, the level of support 144C for the third metatarsal head 118C can be at, above, or below the level of support 144B for the second metatarsal head 118B, the level of support 144D for the fourth metatarsal head 118D can be at or above the level of support 144C for the third metatarsal head 118C, and the level of support 144E for the fifth metatarsal head 118E can be at or above the level of support 144D for the fourth metatarsal head 118D. That is, the second metatarsal head 118B can be supported in a reference position, and the height of the support surface 128 can increase when moving away from the second metatarsal head 118B in the lateral direction (toward the outside) and the medial direction (toward the inside). In some embodiments, the support surface 128 in the area of ​​the metatarsal head 118 can be highest at the side (i.e., below the fifth metatarsal head 118E).

[0063] Provide some examples of using the average size associated with women's feet at this.Again, specific numerals are provided by way of example and illustration, and should not be construed as restrictive.As a first example, for the angle of inclination 110 (referring to Fig. 1) of 45 degrees measured from forefoot to heel, the second metatarsal head 118B will be positioned at benchmark or lowest level, the first metatarsal head 118A can be positioned at approximately 1.4mm higher than the benchmark level, the 3rd metatarsal head 118C can be positioned at approximately 2.8mm higher than the benchmark level, the 4th metatarsal head 118D can be positioned at approximately 8.5mm higher than the benchmark level, and the 5th metatarsal head 118E can be positioned at approximately 17.7mm higher than the benchmark level.

[0064] As a second example, for a cant angle 110 of 30 degrees measured from forefoot to heel, the second metatarsal head 118B can be positioned at a reference level, the first metatarsal head 118A can be approximately 1 mm above the reference level, the third metatarsal head 118C can be positioned approximately 2 mm above the reference level, the fourth metatarsal head 118D can be positioned approximately 6 mm above the reference level, and the fifth metatarsal head 118E can be positioned at a level approximately 12.5 mm above the reference level.

[0065] As can be seen from these examples, in some cases, the relative height difference associated with various metatarsal heads 118 increases as heel height increases, and decreases as heel height decreases. The illustrated examples provide example functions for relating metatarsal height changes to heel height, and should not be used to unambiguously represent the determination of metatarsal elevation. This is merely a demonstration of how metatarsal support levels 144A-144E vary as a function of heel height due to the anatomical cascade of metatarsal heads 118. Anatomical structures vary from individual to individual, and these numbers may also be slightly different in other embodiments.

[0066] Further, in some embodiments, the support surface 128 in the area of ​​the metatarsal head 118 can be configured to counteract the forward force vector associated with raising the wearer's heel or to support the wearer's foot 116 against this vector. This can be achieved, for example, by configuring the support surface 128 in the area of ​​the wearer's metatarsal head 118 to be slightly tilted in the forward direction (i.e., toward the front of the foot or toes), for example, as shown in the longitudinal section illustrated in Figure 6B. In some embodiments, the slightly forward tilt angle of the support surface 128 below the metatarsal head can be determined as a function of the heel height. In many cases, the tilt angle can increase with the height of the heel.

[0067] In the area of ​​the toes 120, the support surface 128 may include a configuration where different toes are supported at different support levels 146. For example, the support surface 128 in the phalanges or toe area may be configured such that the support level 146A for the first phalanx 120A is positioned at or above the support level 146B for the second phalanx 120B, the support level 146C for the third phalanx 120C is positioned at or below the support level 146B for the second phalanx 120B, the support level 146D for the fourth phalanx 120D is positioned at or below the support level 146C for the third phalanx 120C, and the support level 146E for the fifth phalanx 120E is positioned above, at, or below the support level 146E for the fourth phalanx 120E. Thus, in some embodiments, the phalanges 120 can be supported such that the third phalange 120C and / or the fourth phalange 120D are generally supported at the lowest height, wherein the height of the support surface 128 increases in the medial direction such that the first phalange 120A can be supported at the highest height.

[0068] The configuration of the support surface will now be further considered with respect to various cross-sections and longitudinal sections as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C (relating to cross-sections) and FIGS. 6A and 6B (relating to longitudinal sections).

[0069] 5A is a top view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe 100 including a support surface 128 configured to support a wearer's foot. The general relative positions of metatarsal heads 118 and toes 120 are illustrated. Two cross-sections are also illustrated, a first section (shown in FIG. 5B ) extending generally laterally through metatarsal heads 118 and a second section (shown in FIG. 5C ) extending generally laterally through toes 120.

[0070] Fig. 5 B illustrates the cross section that the position of each metatarsal head 118 that passes through the foot of wearer is obtained, with the example of the relative support 144 height of each metatarsal head 146 that illustrates.As shown in the figure, the second metatarsal head 118B is supported at the minimum support height 144B place, and this minimum support height can be considered as reference height.The first metatarsal head 118A is supported at the support height 144A place, and this support height is greater than the support height 144B of the second metatarsal head 144B.In other embodiments, the support height 144B of the second metatarsal head 118B can be supported at the support height 144A place or top of the first metatarsal head 118A.The 3rd metatarsal head 118C is supported at the support height 144C place, and this support height is greater than the support height 144B of the second metatarsal head 144B. In some embodiments, the support height 144A of the first metatarsal head 118A can be at, below, or above the support height 144C of the third metatarsal head 118C. The support height 144D of the fourth metatarsal head 118D is generally higher than the support height 144C of the third metatarsal head 118C. The support height 144E of the fifth metatarsal head 118E is generally higher than the support height 144D of the fourth metatarsal head 118D.

[0071] As described above, the second metatarsal head 118B may generally be supported at a lowest support height 144B, whereby support height 144B may be considered a datum or reference height with respect to which support heights 144A, 144C, 144D, and 144E are considered.

[0072] In some embodiments, support height 144A is greater than support height 144B. For example, support height 144A can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144B. In some embodiments, support height 144A and support height 144B are equal.

[0073] In some embodiments, support height 144C is greater than support height 144B. For example, support height 144C may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144B. In some embodiments, support height 144A and support height 144C are equal. In some embodiments, support height 144C may be equal to support height 144A. In some embodiments, support height 144C may be higher than support height 144A, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144A. In some embodiments, support height 144C may be lower than support height 144A, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm lower than support height 144A.

[0074] In some embodiments, support height 144D is greater than support height 144C. For example, support height 144D can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144C. In some embodiments, support height 144C and support height 144D are equal.

[0075] In some embodiments, support height 144E is greater than support height 144D. For example, support height 144E can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144D. In some embodiments, support height 144D and support height 144E are equal.

[0076] 4E-4F show more detailed views of the support surface 128 to demonstrate what may be utilized in an actual design of a high-heeled shoe 100 having an insole 126 and a cascading smooth topography supporting the metatarsal heads 118 and forefoot of the toes 120. FIG.

[0077] These height ranges are provided by way of example, and other relative heights are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon consideration of this disclosure, that the relative support heights 144A-144E may vary based on foot or shoe size (where larger foot or shoe sizes generally include more variation in height) and different heel heights (where higher heel heights generally result in more variation in height).

[0078] Fig. 5C illustrates a cross section taken through the position of each toe 120 generally passing through the wearer's foot to illustrate the relative support height 146 of each toe 120. As shown, the third toe 120C and the fourth toe 120D can be supported at the lowest support height 146C and 146D. In all embodiments, support height 146C and 146D do not need to be equal. For example, in some embodiments, support height 146C can be greater than or less than support height 146D. The support height 146E associated with little toe 120E can be generally higher than the support height 146D of the fourth toe 120D. In some embodiments, support height 146D and 146E can be equal. The support height 146B associated with the second toe 120B can be generally higher than the support height 146C of the third toe 120C. In some embodiments, support height 146B and 146C can be equal. The support height 146A associated with the first or big toe 120A can be generally higher than the support height 146B of the second toe 120B. In some embodiments, the support heights 146A and 146B can be equal.

[0079] As described above, the third toe 120C and the fourth toe 120D can be supported at the lowest support heights 146C and 146D. In all embodiments, the support heights 146C and 146D do not need to be equal. For example, in some embodiments, the support height 146C can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm or 10mm larger or smaller than the support height 146D, the range between these values, etc.

[0080] The support height 146E associated with the little toe 120E may be generally 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, ranges between these values, or higher than the support height 146D of the fourth toe 120D. In some embodiments, the support heights 146D and 146E may be equal.

[0081] The support height 146B associated with the second toe 120B may be typically 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, ranges therebetween, or higher than the support height 146C of the third toe 120C.

[0082] In some embodiments, support heights 146B and 146C may be equal. Support height 146A associated with first or big toe 120A may be typically 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, ranges between these values, etc. higher than support height 146B of second toe 120B. In some embodiments, support heights 146A and 146B may be equal.

[0083] In some embodiments, support height 146A is greater than support height 146B. For example, support height 146A can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 146B. In some embodiments, support height 146A and support height 146B are equal.

[0084] These height ranges are provided by way of example, and other relative heights are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, after considering this disclosure, that the relative support heights 146A-146E to the toe 120 can vary based on foot or shoe size (where larger foot or shoe sizes generally include more variation in height) and different heel heights (where higher heel heights generally result in more variation in height).

[0085] 5D illustrates an example relative height between the cross-section of FIG. 5B (taken through metatarsal heads 118) and the cross-section of FIG. 5C (taken through toes 120). As shown, the support height 144B generally associated with the second metatarsal head 118B is generally at a minimum or base height relative to all other metatarsal heads 118A, 118C, 118D, and 118E and all toes 120.

[0086] Figure 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe 100 including a support surface 128 configured to support a wearer's foot. Figure 6A illustrates various longitudinal sections through the metatarsal heads and toes extending generally along the first through fifth radials of the foot.

[0087] Fig. 6 B illustrates the longitudinal section taken along the line illustrated in Fig. 6 A for each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth radials of the foot extending through metatarsal heads 118 and toes 120. In Fig. 6 B, only the forefoot portion is illustrated. Among other things, Fig. 6 B illustrates that for each longitudinal section, the support surface can be configured to have a slight slope or angle below the area configured to support metatarsal heads 118, and it is configured to offset the forward force caused by the increase in heel height. This, for example, can help prevent the wearer's foot from sliding down into the toe of the shoe. In some embodiments, this angle of the support surface can be about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees or about 15 degrees, but other higher and lower angles can be used.

[0088] In the foregoing description, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0089] In fact, although the present invention is disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the present invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, although several variations of the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be performed and still fall within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or replaced with one another to form a variation pattern of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described. Thus, it is contemplated that the scope of the present invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the above-mentioned specific embodiments.

[0090] It should be understood that the systems and methods of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, wherein no single aspect is solely responsible for or requires the desired properties disclosed herein. The various features and processes described above can be used independently of each other, or can be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variations of a sub-combination. Individual features or groups of features are not necessary or indispensable for each and every embodiment.

[0092] It should also be understood that, unless otherwise specifically stated or otherwise understood within the context of use, conditional language used herein, such as "can", "might", "may", "for example", etc., is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include and other embodiments do not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way necessary for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements and / or steps are included in any particular embodiment or whether to be performed in any particular embodiment with or without author input or prompting. The terms "include", "comprise", "have", etc. are synonymous and are used inclusively in an open-ended manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), so that when, for example, it is used to connect a column of elements, the term "or" means one, some or all of the elements in the column. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the articles "a", "an", and "the" used in this application and the appended claims should be interpreted as meaning "one or more" or "at least one". Similarly, although operations can be depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, it should be appreciated that such operations do not need to be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or all illustrated operations are performed to achieve the desired result. Further, the accompanying drawings can schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart. However, other operations not depicted can be incorporated into the example methods and processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any illustrated operations. In addition, in other embodiments, operations can be rearranged or reordered. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. In addition, other embodiments are also within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired result.

[0093] Further, although the methods and devices described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but on the contrary, the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the appended claims. Further, the disclosure of any specific features, aspects, methods, properties, characteristics, qualities, attributes, elements, etc. herein in combination with implementations or embodiments can be used for all other implementations or embodiments described herein. Any method disclosed herein does not need to be performed in the described order. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by the practitioner; however, these methods may also include any third-party instructions for these actions, either explicitly or implicitly. The scope disclosed herein also covers any and all overlaps, sub-ranges and combinations thereof. Languages ​​such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "between...", etc. include the referenced numbers. A number preceded by a term such as "about" or "approximately" includes the recited number and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, e.g., ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, "about 3.5 mm" includes "3.5 mm". A phrase preceded by a term such as "approximately" includes the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, "approximately constant" includes "constant". Unless otherwise noted, all measurements were made under standard conditions, including temperature and pressure.

[0094] As used herein, phrases referring to "at least one" in a list of items refer to any combination of these items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of the following: A, B, or C" is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B and C. Unless otherwise specifically stated, connecting language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is additionally understood in a context as commonly used to convey that an item, term, etc. can be at least one of X, Y, or Z. Thus, such connecting language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to exist separately. The titles provided herein, if any, are only for convenience and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein.

[0095] Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A heeled shoe comprising: A support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user, wherein the metatarsal heads of the user are supported in space relative to the natural cascading anatomy of the metatarsal heads.

2. The heeled shoe according to claim 1, wherein: A cross section having one axis oriented vertically parallel to gravity and a second axis oriented generally through the approximate load point of the metatarsal heads will tend to have support levels at different heights under each metatarsal head relative to each other, whereby: The level of support for the second metatarsal head will be the relative base of the metatarsal; the level of support for the first metatarsal head will be at, above, or slightly below said level of support for said second metatarsal head; The level of support for the third metatarsal head will be at, above, or slightly below said level of support for the second metatarsal head; The level of support for the fourth metatarsal head will be higher than said level of support for said third metatarsal head; as well as The level of support for the fifth metatarsal head will be higher than the level of support for the fourth metatarsal head.

3. The heeled shoe according to claim 2, wherein: The relative height of metatarsal support is a function of normal foot anatomy and the relative difference between heel height and metatarsal support height.

4. A heeled shoe comprising a support surface for receiving a user's forefoot, wherein: The metatarsal heads of the user are supported in space by a weight-bearing surface having an inclined component that forms an angle with a horizontal plane in a posterior-anterior direction.

5. The heeled shoe according to claim 4, wherein: The inclination of the load-bearing surface is a function of the height of the heel.

6. A heeled shoe comprising a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user, wherein: A medial post is present at a level equal to the user's first metatarsal head, thereby preventing medial migration of the forefoot relative to the support surface.

7. A heeled shoe comprising: a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user, wherein the toes of the user are supported in space relative to the natural cascade anatomy of the toes; and Toe cap.

8. The heeled shoe according to claim 7, wherein: A cross section having one axis oriented vertically parallel to gravity and a second axis oriented generally in the medial-lateral direction will tend to have support levels at different heights relative to each other beneath the distal aspects of the five phalanges of the user, whereby: The level of support for the first phalanx will be at, above, or below the level of support for the second phalanx; the support level for the second phalanx will be at, below, or above the support level for the first phalanx; The level of support for the third phalanx will be at, below, or above said level of support for the second phalanx; The level of support for the fourth phalanx will be at, below, or above said level of support for said third phalanx; as well as The level of support for the fifth metatarsal will be at or above the level of support for the fourth metatarsal.

9. The heeled shoe according to claim 8, wherein: The cross section is horizontal to generally inclined from the inside to the outside.

10. The heeled shoe according to claim 7, wherein: There is increased space in the toe box for the user's smaller toes.

11. The heeled shoe according to claim 7, wherein: The support beneath the first phalanx is horizontal to slightly inclined from posterior to anterior.

12. The heeled shoe according to claim 7, wherein: The support beneath the second phalanx is horizontal to slightly inclined from posterior to anterior.

13. The heeled shoe according to claim 7, wherein: The support below the third metatarsal, the fourth metatarsal and the fifth metatarsal is horizontal to slightly downwardly inclined from back to front.

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