Sole of sports shoe

Abstract

An inner sole of a sports shoe includes a top surface disposed to face a foot of a wearer of the shoe-when the inner sole is disposed in the shoe. The top surface of the inner sole includes at least two textured regions. The texture regions each include a plurality of protrusions, recesses, or holes. The top surface also includes at least one non-textured region without protrusions, recesses or holes. The first texture area is located on the toe portion of the inner sole, and the second texture area is located on the heel portion of the inner sole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to an insole for a sports shoe. Some embodiments described herein relate to a sole component for a sports shoe. Further embodiments relate to an upper for a sports shoe. Background Art

[0002] A large number of factors are known to affect athletic performance. Some of the most common are related to human physiology, biomechanics, and various movement control factors. Traditional sports equipment has long been recognized as a facilitator or enhancer of these factors in order to improve core performance and minimize injury and discomfort. Over the past fifty to sixty years, academic and industry researchers and engineers have pushed the boundaries of sports theory knowledge and practical applications by developing increasingly sophisticated materials, product designs, and training programs aimed at improving performance.

[0003] Although these developments are still ongoing, in some areas, the limits of what can be achieved from an engineering and design perspective have been reached, and the industry is looking for other areas where novel performance products can be produced that have a significant and perceivable effect on performance.

[0004] A relatively new class of sports products focuses on manipulating perception and attention in order to optimize game performance. One fundamental mechanism is called proprioception (also known as kinesthesia), and involves the sensing of one's own movement, force, and body position. Proprioception is mediated by proprioceptors and mechanosensory neurons located within the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. Proprioceptive signals are transmitted to the central nervous system, where they are combined with information from other sensory systems, such as the visual system and the vestibular system, to produce an overall representation of body position, movement, and acceleration. Sensory feedback from proprioceptors is important for stabilizing body posture and coordinating body movements.

[0005] For example, US2022 / 0134046A1 relates to a mechanosensory stimulation garment having a plurality of protrusions disposed across an inner surface of a fabric garment, the plurality of protrusions configured in size, grouping, and spacing to specifically align with skin receptors when in contact with a user.

[0006] US2005 / 252039A1 relates to a method of providing an insole and an insole for a shoe to increase sensory stimulation of the foot in the shoe. The method includes preselecting locations on the foot where nerves are to be stimulated; and providing means for stimulating raised portions of the insole at the preselected locations during a stepping motion of the foot located on the insole.

[0007] DE102005053768A1 relates to a method for manufacturing an insole, in particular a proprioceptive insole for footwear, which has at least one predefined raised area on a substantially flat support with a substantially constant thickness, and typically has a plurality of such areas.

[0008] Background information on the stimulation of cutaneous receptors or afferent nerves can be found, for example, in the following articles: "Distribution and behaviour of glabrous cutaneous receptors in the human foot sole" by Kennedy et al. (Journal of Physiology (2002), 538.3, pp. 995 - 1002), and "Modeling foot sole cutaneous afferents: FootSim" by Katic et al. (iScience 26, 105874, January 20, 2023).

[0009] However, there is still room for improvement in known sports shoes in terms of proprioception and athletic performance, especially regarding the location of foot stimulation, and in considering other aspects that lead to a positive training and competition experience, such as a feeling of comfort and reduced unnecessary pressure on the foot. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The above object is achieved at least in part by the claimed subject matter. Various suitable embodiments are described by the overall disclosure of the present application.

[0011] In one aspect, these objects are solved by an insole for a sports shoe, which has a top surface arranged to face the foot of the shoe's wearer when the insole is arranged in the shoe, wherein the top surface includes at least two textured areas, wherein each textured area includes a plurality of protrusions, recesses, holes, or a combination thereof, wherein the top surface includes at least one non - textured area that does not have any protrusions, recesses, or holes, and wherein a first textured area is located in the toe region of the insole and a second textured area is located in the heel region of the insole.

[0012] In the context of the present application, an insole is understood to be adapted to be arranged in a shoe, or arranged in a shoe such that when the shoe is worn in the normal manner, the wearer's foot will contact the insole with the wearer's sole. The insole is sometimes referred to as an insole or a sockliner. It generally has a flat shape and extends from the toe region of the shoe to the heel region. In the context of the present application, the insole can be fixedly or removably attached to the shoe. The top surface of the insole is understood to be the surface of the insole that faces the wearer's foot when the insole is arranged in the shoe. It should be understood that the shoe and the insole can be "left-footed" or "right-footed", and a "left-footed" insole is intended to be inserted or assembled into a "left-footed" shoe, while a "right-footed" insole is intended to be inserted or assembled into a "right-footed" shoe.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the insole includes at least two textured regions. One region is understood to be a part of the top surface of the insole. The textured region includes a plurality of protrusions, recesses, holes, or combinations thereof. Generally, a protrusion is understood to be a prominent feature of the top surface that includes an obvious tip; a recess is understood to be a dent in the top surface that does not form a hole; a hole is understood to be an orifice that extends to the opposite bottom surface. In some embodiments, the textured region includes a plurality of such protrusions, recesses, holes, or combinations thereof. Thus, the textured region can be distinguished from other regions that do not have such protrusions, recesses, or holes, which are represented as non-textured regions. In some embodiments, the non-textured region can be a region of a smooth, flat, or planar top surface.

[0014] It should be understood that the textured region can include only protrusions, only recesses, only holes, or a combination of protrusions, recesses, or holes. Thus, the textured region can include only protrusions, or can include only recesses, or can include only holes, or can include only protrusions and recesses, or can include only protrusions and holes, or can include only recesses and holes, or can include protrusions, recesses, and holes. Additionally, the first textured region can include one of the above combinations, and the second textured region can include another of the above combinations. For example, the first textured region can include only recesses, while the second textured region can include only protrusions, and vice versa. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that proprioceptive effects can be achieved through protrusions, recesses, and holes.

[0015] In addition, according to some embodiments, the first texture region is located in the toe region of the insole. The toe region of the insole is understood as the region where the wearer's toes are located when the insole is properly arranged in the shoe worn by the wearer. Generally, throughout the specification, any reference to an anatomical area or region on the insole or upper or sole of a shoe is understood to relate to the human foot wearing a shoe having such an insole, upper or sole. Thus, the heel region or part is understood to be any region or part located at the heel of the human foot. Similar definitions apply to the "metatarsal", "arch", "metatarsal-arch transition", "medial side of the foot" and "lateral side of the foot" regions or parts.

[0016] In addition, according to some embodiments, the second texture region is located in the heel region of the insole. Thus, the insole defines at least two texture regions located in the toe region and the heel region respectively, and at least one non-textured region. The inventors have found that such an arrangement of protrusions, recesses or holes allows for optimal stimulation of the most important cutaneous receptors or afferent nerves. By stimulating at least the toe and heel regions of the athlete, the proprioception of the foot can be improved to a measurable extent in terms of athletic performance, responsiveness and agility. On the other hand, the non-textured region increases comfort because not all regions of the human foot are equally important for proprioception, and the protrusions, recesses or holes in the high-pressure regions of the foot may be felt as uncomfortable. In addition, stimulating the target locations of the foot increases the proprioceptive effect.

[0017] Therefore, the insole according to the embodiments described herein achieves a balance between a significant proprioceptive effect on athletic performance and a comfortable feeling. In addition, the protrusions, recesses and holes formed in the insole increase the breathability of the foot. Although air can flow directly through the holes formed in the insole, the protrusions formed on the insole and the recesses formed in the insole result in the formation of lateral air channels under the foot. Slight movement of the foot in the shoe promotes the flow and exchange of air, which results in a certain degree of temperature regulation.

[0018] Another beneficial effect of the embodiments of the present application is the massage effect on the foot, which promotes blood circulation. Therefore, compared with a non-textured surface, the foot is not so prone to numbness. In addition, the surface texture formed by the protrusions, recesses and holes increases the friction between the insole and the foot or sock, which increases the overall stability of the shoe. Moreover, the holes generally help to save the material and weight of the shoe.

[0019] It should be understood that the insole according to the embodiments described herein can be a separate element, i.e., different from other components of the shoe, or an integral component, i.e., integral with another component or multiple components of the shoe. For example, the insole can be integral with the midsole, outsole, or outsole plate of the shoe. The insole can also be made integral with the lasting board or Strobel sole. Thus, the protrusions, recesses, or holes will be arranged on the inner surface of the midsole, outsole, or outsole plate. Alternatively, the protrusions, recesses, or holes can be arranged on the inner surface of the lasting board or Strobel sole.

[0020] Compared with the area of the human foot corresponding to the non-textured area of the insole, the textured area can correspond to the area of the human foot with a higher density of mechanoreceptors. In this way, targeted stimulation can be carried out in the area of the foot, thereby producing the most significant beneficial proprioceptive effect. The area of the insole corresponding to the lower density of mechanoreceptors can be non-textured, which increases the feeling of comfort and allows for more discriminatory and anatomically precise stimulation. As used herein, "mechanoreceptors" are understood to be skin receptors or afferent nerves in the sole of the human foot that are capable of sensing mechanical pressure or skin stretch or the absence thereof on the skin of the human foot.

[0021] Another advantage of the insole according to the embodiments described herein is that it can reduce foot movement within the shoe, which can also improve comfort and performance during certain sports. Thus, the protrusions, recesses, or holes increase the friction between the insole and the wearer's foot or sock. In this way, the insole helps to create an interaction particularly between the insole or insole pad and the sock, skin, or foot. These interactions have a higher friction than existing footwear, and even allow for a reduction in the amount of stability required by the upper, which can in turn save manufacturing costs and also result in a lighter shoe. In addition, athletes and competitors often wear specific grip socks, and the need for grip socks can potentially be reduced by the insole according to the embodiments described herein. Instead, athletes or competitors can wear socks that focus on comfort rather than grip.

[0022] The first textured area and the second textured area can be different and separated by a non-textured area. Thus, the first and second textured areas form separate and distinct parts on the top surface of the insole. The non-textured area according to this particular embodiment is at least partially arranged between the textured areas to separate them. This allows for a very targeted stimulation of the mechanoreceptors in the human foot, while the non-textured area between the two stimulating textured areas increases the contrast of the stimulation, which increases the proprioceptive effect as well as the wearing comfort. Additionally, the different patterns of the textured and non-textured areas can also provide sport-specific stimulation. For example, during different phases of the gait cycle, such as rolling through the stance phase, push-off, landing, etc., specific stimulation can be provided.

[0023] The second texture area may be located at the rearmost part of the heel region. The inventors have found that this specific location on the human foot is important for positive proprioceptive effects.

[0024] The insole may further include a third texture area in the outer foot part of the heel region and a fourth texture area in the inner foot part of the heel region. During lateral movement, this arrangement of the texture areas advantageously stimulates the heel, where during lateral movement, the stress on the foot, and thus on the shoe and insole, is more located on the outer or inner side of the foot. The third and fourth areas may be separate and different from each other. For example, a non-textured area may be arranged between the third and fourth texture areas.

[0025] The first non-textured area may be located in the central part of the heel region. Generally, the highest pressure of the human foot heel on a plane (such as an insole) is exerted by the central part of the heel. Anatomically, the bone of the heel, or calcaneus, is located in the heel, which has a spherical shape, resulting in this peak-like pressure distribution. By providing a non-textured area in this central heel region, discomfort caused by protrusions, recesses or holes is avoided. However, the texture areas (such as the third and fourth texture areas that may be arranged around the central heel region as mentioned above) still provide sufficient proprioception to achieve a measurable positive effect on sports performance and responsiveness.

[0026] The first non-textured area may extend from the heel region along the inner foot part to the metatarsal region and may not extend to the toe region. The absence of protrusions, recesses or holes on the inner side of the foot and on a part of the metatarsal region does not negatively affect proprioception, but increases wearing comfort.

[0027] The first texture area may extend along the outer foot part from the toe region in the midfoot region and may end before the heel region. The inventors have found that these areas are important for proprioception, and the protrusions, recesses or holes in these areas increase the positive proprioceptive effect.

[0028] A non-textured area may be located in the big toe region. This increases overall wearing comfort without compromising the positive proprioceptive effects mentioned herein.

[0029] A non-textured area may be located in the inner foot metatarsal region and surrounded by the first texture area. In this way, unnecessary pressure in the inner foot metatarsal region is avoided. However, due to this area being surrounded by protrusions, recesses or holes, a significant proprioceptive effect is achieved.

[0030] A non-textured area may be located at the metatarsal-arch transition part of the outer foot. Similar to the positions mentioned above, unnecessary pressure is avoided and a significant proprioceptive effect is also achieved.

[0031] The insole may further include a fifth texture area located in the metatarsal-arch transition area on the medial side of the foot. The inventors have found that this specific location advantageously increases the proprioceptive effect. This is due to the fact that this specific area exhibits a high density of mechanoreceptors.

[0032] The density of protrusions, recesses or holes on the first part of the insole may be higher than that on the second part of the insole. For example, compared with the medial side of the insole, the density of protrusions, recesses or holes on the lateral side of the insole may be higher. The density of mechanoreceptors is generally higher on the lateral side of the human foot, such that a higher density of protrusions, recesses or holes on this side generally achieves a significant positive proprioceptive effect, while the medial side of the foot may have a lower density of protrusions, recesses or holes, which increases wearing comfort but also tangibly contrasts with the lateral side of the foot, which again amplifies the proprioceptive effect. The density in the context of the present application should be understood as the number of protrusions, recesses or holes per unit surface area, for example the number of protrusions, recesses or holes per square centimeter. The surface area may include the textured and non-textured areas of the insole, such that the density is understood as an average value.

[0033] The hardness of the protrusions may vary across the insole. In some embodiments, the first texture area may have protrusions of a first hardness and the second texture area may have protrusions of a second hardness, where the second hardness is different from the first hardness. Thus, the hardness can be adapted to the density and sensitivity of the mechanoreceptors in the human foot. Additionally or alternatively, the hardness may reflect the local hardness of the human foot skin, where harder protrusions are placed in the harder areas of the human foot skin compared to softer areas. In another example, the hardness of the protrusions may reflect the thickness of the adipose tissue in the human foot.

[0034] The hardness of the protrusions may be related to the hardness of the human foot skin. Thus, harder protrusions are placed in areas of the human foot with higher skin hardness, while softer protrusions may be placed in areas of the human foot with lower skin hardness. In this way, even when harder skin covers these mechanoreceptors, the underlying mechanoreceptors can still be sufficiently stimulated. On the other hand, mechanoreceptors covered by softer skin are not over-stimulated. Additionally, by aligning the hardness of the protrusions with the surface characteristics of the human foot, wearing comfort is improved.

[0035] The textureless area can be located in an area having a local maximum of the pressure distribution that is the pressure distribution of the pressure caused by a human foot standing on the insole. The pressure distribution of a human foot can generally be measured by a pressure plate, thereby generating a pressure distribution, i.e., specific pressure values associated with specific positions on the pressure plate. When the insole described herein is arranged in a shoe, the pressure distribution of the wearer's foot, even if different from the measured pressure distribution, will be similar. The pressure distribution will show local maxima where the pressure is highest compared to surrounding positions. Arranging the textureless area in the local maximum of such a pressure distribution increases wearing comfort.

[0036] At least one local maximum of the pressure distribution can be surrounded by a textured area. In this way, while avoiding the negative effects of providing protrusions, recesses, or holes at the local pressure maximum, the proprioceptive effect described herein is achieved. Pressure local maxima can exist, for example, in the central part of the heel and in the central part of the metatarsal heads of the toes. At these positions, protrusions, recesses, or holes may be felt uncomfortable.

[0037] The protrusions can have a pyramidal shape. The inventors have found that this shape allows for a very significant positive proprioceptive effect. Additionally, from a production perspective, pyramids are advantageous and can be obtained, for example, by molding.

[0038] The pyramids can have a rounded tip. The inventors have found that a rounded tip does not impair proprioception but is considered more comfortable than a sharp tip. Additionally, with a rounded tip, the wear of the socks is reduced.

[0039] The average diameter of the protrusions can be 1 - 10 mm, 2 - 5 mm, or 3 - 4 mm. The inventors have found that these dimensions produce the desired proprioceptive effect on the mechanoreceptors of the human foot but are still felt to be comfortable.

[0040] The average height of the protrusions can be 0.5 - 5 mm, 0.75 - 3 mm, or 1 - 1.5 mm. The inventors have found that these height ranges produce the desired proprioceptive effect on the mechanoreceptors of the human foot but are still felt to be comfortable.

[0041] The hardness of the protrusions is 40 - 70 Shore A or 50 - 60 Shore A. The inventors have found that this hardness range produces the desired proprioceptive effect on the mechanoreceptors of the human foot but is still felt to be comfortable.

[0042] The insole can further include a fabric layer on which the protrusions, recesses, or holes are arranged. The fabric layer increases the comfort. Additionally, the fabric has the ability to absorb and wick away moisture, which is an important aspect for an insole.

[0043] The insole may further include a foam layer, with the fabric layer disposed on the foam layer. The foam layer creates a soft feeling on the foot and can compensate for the different foot anatomies of different wearers. Additionally, it can provide a certain degree of cushioning. Despite the foam layer, the protrusions, recesses, or holes on the insole still provide the positive proprioceptive effects described herein.

[0044] The foam layer may include a polymer foam, particularly a polyurethane (PU) foam - such as at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam, polyamide (PA) foam, polyether block amide (PEBA) foam, thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE) foam. Alternatively, the foam layer may include a particulate foam material, particularly one or more of the following materials: expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU); expanded polyamide (ePA); expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA); expanded polylactide (ePLA); expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET); expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT); expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE).

[0045] The foam particles may be made of or contain an expanded thermoplastic material, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polylactate (PLA), polyamide (PA), polyether block amide (PEBA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE). The foam particles may be beads containing multiple polymer types in one foam particle, or the foam particles may be a mixture of different particles of different foam polymers, or a combination thereof. The foam particles may include 90% by weight of one or a mixture of these materials. These foam particles are the particles that include the so-called bead foams, also known as pellets or particulate foams in the art. Generally, the foam obtained by using connected foam particles is given the title "e" to indicate the bead form of the polymer foam component, such as eTPU.

[0046] Generally, the foam layer may have multiple hardness components or materials. For example, the foam layer may have a higher hardness in the heel area compared to the toe area. In another example, the foam layer may include EVA and PU.

[0047] The height of the protrusions can be differentiated across the insole. For example, the protrusions in the heel area of the insole may be higher compared to other areas of the insole. Generally, the size of the protrusions can be adapted to the sensitivity of the foot area.

[0048] The shape of the protrusions can be differentiated across the insole. Generally, the shape of the protrusions can be adapted to the sensitivity of the foot area.

[0049] The insole may have been manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. Exemplary additive manufacturing processes include material extrusion, stereolithography, liquid additive manufacturing, and selective laser sintering. Additive manufacturing allows for the production of geometries that are impossible to obtain by molding and has a high potential for customization.

[0050] The insole may be integral with the sole component of the shoe. The sole component may be a midsole, an outsole, or an outsole plate. Thus, the protrusions will project from the midsole, outsole, or outsole plate. The integral insole advantageously reduces the weight of the shoe and also prevents movement of the insole within the shoe.

[0051] The insole according to the embodiments described herein may be an orthotic insert. Thus, the orthotic insert may include protrusions, recesses, or holes as described herein. The orthotic insert may be customized for a particular wearer and may compensate for orthopedic problems that the wearer may have. In this way, the orthotic insert may not cover the entire foot of the wearer. For example, the orthotic insert may extend only along the medial or lateral side of the foot. In another example, the orthotic insert may not extend along the entire length of the foot. For example, the orthotic insert may cover only the heel region, the arch region, or the toe region of the foot.

[0052] Some embodiments described herein relate to a shoe having an insole as described herein. It goes without saying that the technical features, advantages over the prior art, and improvements shown or described for the insole equally apply to the shoe, particularly to sports shoes. And vice versa.

[0053] The shoe may also include a midsole, an outsole, or an outsole plate, where the insole may be a separate element from the midsole, outsole, or outsole plate, or where the insole may be integral with the midsole, outsole, or outsole plate. In this way, the advantageous effects described herein may be provided by the midsole itself or by a separate element. This allows for highly integrated solutions or allows for the option of a customized insole.

[0054] Some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing an insole as described herein. The method includes the steps of: providing a base layer; and molding protrusions onto the base layer to form a textured area and a non-textured area. Again, it goes without saying that the technical properties, advantages over the prior art, and improvements of the insole shown or described equally apply to the method.

[0055] Generally, the sports shoes in the embodiments described herein may be football shoes, running shoes, outdoor shoes, or basketball shoes. This list is not exhaustive, but the inventors have noted advantageous proprioceptive effects, particularly for the types of sports shoes mentioned.

[0056] Some embodiments described herein relate to an article of footwear that includes an insole having a first surface opposite a second surface, where the first surface includes a non-textured region and where a plurality of protrusions are disposed on the second surface. The article of footwear includes a midsole having a top surface with a plurality of mating elements, where the insole is removably secured to the midsole. When the second surface of the insole is arranged to face the top surface of the midsole, the plurality of protrusions are engaged by the plurality of mating elements and the second surface of the insole faces and engages the top surface of the midsole.

[0057] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plurality of mating elements can include a plurality of recesses.

[0058] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plurality of mating elements can be arranged in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the plurality of protrusions.

[0059] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first surface can be free of protrusions.

[0060] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the second surface can have protrusions disposed in a first region and no protrusions disposed in a second region.

[0061] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the toe region includes a first protrusion, the heel region includes a second protrusion, and the midfoot region includes a non-textured region free of protrusions.

[0062] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the midsole is made of a foam material.

[0063] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plurality of protrusions can be formed by a liquid polymer application method.

[0064] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plurality of protrusions can be integrally formed with the insole.

[0065] Some embodiments described herein relate to a sole assembly for an article of footwear, the sole assembly including a first shoe layer having a first surface opposite a second surface and a plurality of holes that extend through the first shoe layer from the first surface to the second surface in one or more regions of the first shoe layer and are configured to provide a proprioceptive effect. The sole assembly further includes a second shoe layer coupled to the second surface, where the second shoe layer does not include holes and is configured to be placed in contact with a wearer's foot.

[0066] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first shoe layer includes a foam material.

[0067] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the second shoe layer includes a fabric material.

[0068] In any of the various embodiments described herein, a first hole of the plurality of holes may be disposed in the toe region, and a second hole of the plurality of holes may be disposed in the heel region. In some embodiments, a non-textured area may be disposed in the midfoot region of the first insole layer.

[0069] Some embodiments described herein relate to a sole for a footwear item, the sole including an insole having a top surface, a toe region, a midfoot region, and a heel region and configured to support a wearer's foot. The sole includes a first protrusion disposed at the toe region of the insole, a second protrusion disposed along the outer side of the foot in the midfoot region of the insole, a third protrusion disposed on the heel region of the insole, and a first non-protruding non-textured area disposed at the inner side of the foot in the midfoot region.

[0070] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the sole may further include holes extending through the midfoot region.

[0071] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the second protrusion may have a size smaller than that of the first protrusion.

[0072] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the sole may further include a second non-textured area at the center of the heel region.

[0073] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the sole may further include a second non-textured area at the outer side of the foot in the toe region.

[0074] In any of the various embodiments described herein, an enlarged protrusion is disposed in the toe region, wherein the enlarged protrusion includes a generally triangular shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings:

[0076] Figure 1A-1C An exemplary embodiment of the insole is shown.

[0077] Figure 2A-2D An exemplary protrusion according to an embodiment is shown.

[0078] Figure 3 A fabric having protrusions for use in an insole according to an embodiment is shown.

[0079] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an insole according to an embodiment is shown.

[0080] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a sole component according to some embodiments is shown.

[0081] Figure 6A-6D Shows an exemplary embodiment of an insole or sole component printed in 3D according to an embodiment.

[0082] Figure 7 Shows an embodiment of an insole.

[0083] Figure 8A-8D Shows an embodiment of an insole having protrusions of different shapes.

[0084] Figure 9A Shows an embodiment of an insole having protrusions and holes.

[0085] Figure 9B Shows having Figure 9A the shoe with the insole shown.

[0086] Figure 9C Shows in more detail Figure 9B the upper of the shoe.

[0087] Figure 10A-10C Shows an embodiment of a shoe, insole and midsole according to an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 11 Shows an exemplary embodiment of an upper.

[0089] Figure 12A Shows a perspective view of the first side of an insole according to an embodiment.

[0090] Figure 12B Shows Figure 12A a perspective view of the second side of the insole.

[0091] Figure 13 Shows a midsole for an insole according to an embodiment for Figure 12A-12B the insole.

[0092] Figure 14A Shows Figure 12A the insole disposed in Figure 13 the midsole.

[0093] Figure 14B Shows Figure 12B the insole disposed in Figure 13 the midsole.

[0094] Figure 15A and 15B Show cross-sectional views of the first and second sides of an insole positioned to be coupled to a midsole according to an embodiment.

[0095] Figure 16A and 16B Show a top view and a bottom view of a sole assembly according to an embodiment.

[0096] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of a sole assembly having a first layer and a second layer according to one embodiment is shown.

[0097] Figure 18A A top view of the top side of an insole according to one embodiment is shown.

[0098] Figure 18B Shows Figure 18A A cross-sectional view of a protrusion of the insole of.

[0099] Figure 18C Shows Figure 18A A cross-sectional view of an enlarged protrusion of.

[0100] Figure 19 A top view of the top side of an insole according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Description

[0101] Only some possible embodiments are described in detail below. However, the present application is not limited to these embodiments, and many other embodiments can be applied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be modified in various ways, and can be combined with each other as long as they are compatible, and certain features can be omitted as long as they do not seem necessary. In particular, the disclosed embodiments can be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

[0102] It should be understood that not all features of the described embodiments must be present to achieve the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure, which is defined by the subject matter of the claims. The disclosed embodiments can be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. Specifically, those skilled in the art will understand that the features and functional elements of one embodiment can be combined with the technically compatible features and functional elements of any other embodiment of the present disclosure, as long as the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure.

[0103] Although the following embodiments are mainly described with reference to soles for shoes, particularly for sports shoes, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure can be equivalently applied to a plurality of different technical fields or usage scenarios.

[0104] Throughout the present application, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. For clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of the components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without excessive detail, where such details will be apparent to those skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings herein, or where such details would obscure a more relevant understanding of the embodiments.

[0105] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, for the sake of avoiding redundancy, reference is also made to the explanations in the previous sections, which are also applicable to the following description. Additionally, for the sake of brevity and clarity, not all features, parts, elements, aspects, components or steps are explicitly indicated by reference numerals. This applies particularly to cases where those skilled in the art recognize that these features, parts, elements, aspects, components or steps exist in multiple numbers.

[0106] Generally, with respect to the protrusions shown in the drawings and mentioned in the following description, it should be understood that those protrusions can be replaced by recesses or holes to achieve a similar proprioceptive effect. Similarly, with respect to the holes shown in the drawings and mentioned in the following description, it should be understood that those holes can be replaced by protrusions or recesses. Similarly, with respect to the recesses shown in the drawings and mentioned in the following description, it should be understood that those recesses can be replaced by protrusions or holes. In particular, any specific protrusion pattern can be replaced by a similar recess or hole pattern, any specific hole pattern can be replaced by a similar protrusion or recess pattern, and any specific recess pattern can be replaced by a similar protrusion or hole pattern.

[0107] Figure 1A and 1B An embodiment is shown in which Figure 1A a side view of the insole 1 as viewed from the medial side of the foot of the insole 1 is shown, Figure 1B and a rear view of the same insole 1 is shown. The insole 1 is sometimes referred to as an insole or an insole pad and is generally intended to be placed in a shoe (not shown in the figures). In this way, the insole 1 will be placed inside the shoe so that the foot of the wearer of the shoe can be placed on the insole 1. Thus, the insole 1 defines a top surface 2 adapted to face the foot of the wearer and a bottom surface (not shown in the figures) adapted to face the midsole of the shoe.

[0108] In Figure 1A and 1B the exemplary embodiment of, the insole 1 includes a plurality of layers. The base layer is formed by a foam layer 11, which constitutes most of the insole 1 and generally defines its shape. The foam layer 11 can be made of, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), but other materials can also be used. For example, the foam layer 11 can include a polymer foam, particularly at least one of the following: polyurethane (PU) foam - such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam, polyamide (PA) foam, polyether block amide (PEBA) foam, or thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE) foam.

[0109] Alternatively, the foam layer 11 may comprise particulate foam material, particularly one or more of the following materials: expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU); expanded polyamide (ePA); expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA); expanded polylactide (ePLA); expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET); expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT); or expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE).

[0110] The foam particles may be made of or comprise expanded thermoplastic material, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polylactide (PLA), polyamide (PA), polyether block amide (PEBA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE). The foam particles may also be beads containing multiple polymer types within one foam particle, or the foam particles may be a mixture or combination of different particles of different foam polymers. In some embodiments, the foam particles are one or a mixture of these materials at 90% by weight. These foam particles are the particles that comprise so-called bead foams, also known as pellets or particulate foams in the art. Generally, foams obtained using connected foam particles are given the designation "e" to indicate the bead form of the polymer foam component, such as eTPU.

[0111] Generally, the foam layer 11 may comprise multiple hardness components or materials. For example, the foam layer 11 may have a higher hardness at the heel portion compared to the toe portion. In another example, the foam layer 11 may comprise EVA and PU.

[0112] On top of the foam layer 11, a fabric layer 10 is arranged. Figure 1A and 1B An example of the fabric layer 10 in [the relevant context] is a knitted fabric that can be warp-knitted or weft-knitted. Generally, other fabrics, such as woven fabrics, meshes or non-woven fabrics, may be used. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the insole 1 comprises a single layer or more than two layers.

[0113] In Figure 1A and 1B embodiments, a plurality of protrusions 4a are provided on the fabric layer 10. The protrusions 4a are shown in more detail in Figure 1C which figure is the same as the exemplary insole 1 in Figure 1A and 1B but shown in a close-up view. As Figure 1C shown, the protrusions 4a have a pyramidal shape with a rounded tip 6, which is shown in more detail in Figure 2A and 2B In Figure 1A , 1BIn the exemplary embodiments of 1C, the protrusion 4a is made of polyurethane (PU), but other materials such as rubber can also be used.

[0114] Figure 2A and 2B illustrates a diagram of the protrusion 4a in the exemplary embodiments of Figure 1A and 1B 1C. Each protrusion 4a has a rounded tip 6. In alternative embodiments, the tip is not rounded, as will be described with reference to Figure 2C and 2D . In the Figure 2B dimension diagram, the protrusion 4a has a height of 1.2 mm and a base area of 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm, as shown by dimensions 7, 8, and 9 respectively. In other embodiments, the dimensions will be different. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to protrusions having a pyramidal shape, and in other embodiments, the protrusions can have a hemispherical, rhombic, or elliptical shape, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0115] Figure 2C and 2D illustrates an alternative shape of the protrusion 4a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 4a also has a pyramidal shape. However, the tip 6 of the pyramid is not rounded but sharp. Similar to the protrusion 4a of Figure 2A and 2B , the pyramid shown in Figure 2C and 2D has an exemplary height of 1.2 mm and an exemplary base area of 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm, as shown by dimensions 7, 8, and 9 respectively. In other embodiments, the dimensions can be different.

[0116] Moreover, in other embodiments, across the surface of the insole 1, the shapes of these protrusions 4a can be differentiated. Thus, the shape of the protrusions 4a in the toe region can be different from the shape in the heel region. Similarly, although in the Figure 1A , 1B and 1C embodiments, the protrusions 4a have the same dimensions regardless of their position on the upper surface 2 of the insole 1, in other embodiments, the dimensions can vary. Thus, the protrusions 4a can have a smaller diameter in the toe region compared to the heel region. As for the dimensions of the protrusions 4a mentioned herein, they can also be understood as averages, for example, with respect to certain parts of the insole 1, such as the toe region and the heel region. Furthermore, the term "diameter" need not be understood to refer to a circular shape, but rather to the overall size of the base of the protrusion 4a, or alternatively, to the distance between the tips of the protrusion 4a. Thus, Figure 2AThe shown protrusion 4a has a square base with a length 8 and a width 9. Thus, the diameter of this particular protrusion 4a is referred to as its length or width. Alternatively, the length of the diagonal can be used as the diameter. In Figure 2B and 2D examples, the diameter can be the length 8 or the width 9 of Thus, the term "diameter" used here relates to the order of magnitude of the protrusion.

[0117] In Figure 1A 、 1B and exemplary embodiments of 1C, the protrusion 4a has a hardness of 40 - 70 Shore A and can have a hardness of 50 - 60 Shore A. In other embodiments, the hardness will be different. In other embodiments, the hardness can be differentiated along the insole 1, for example, by using different materials in different parts of the insole 1. For example, a harder material of the protrusion 4a can be used in the toe part compared to the heel part.

[0118] In some embodiments, the protrusions, recesses or holes can be arranged in one or more rows or columns, where the rows extend along the direction between the inner side and the outer side of the foot of the insole 1, and the columns extend along the direction between the toe part and the heel part. Thus, the protrusions, recesses or holes can be arranged in a grid pattern. The number of protrusions, recesses or holes in each row or column can be different to provide a desired layout of the textured area.

[0119] The insole can include one or more textured areas, as Figure 1A-1C shown. The textured areas can be spaced apart from each other and can be separated by one or more non-textured areas 5a. The textured areas of the insole 1 can have different shapes and arrangements. In addition, the protrusions of each textured area can be different in one or more of shape, size, density or material, as discussed in further detail herein. In Figure 1A -C embodiments, the protrusion 4a forms a first textured area 3a in the toe part, a second textured area 3b in the heel part, a third textured area 3c in the outer side part of the heel part, a fourth textured area 3d in the inner side part of the heel part, and a fifth textured area 3e in the inner side metatarsal - arch transition part of the foot. In some embodiments, the second textured area 3b can be arranged in the rearmost end part of the heel part. The non-textured area 5a is located in the inner side metatarsal part of the foot. Another non-textured area 5b is located in the outer side metatarsal - arch transition part of the foot. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the textured areas and the non-textured areas can be different.

[0120] Figure 3 An exemplary fabric layer 10 with overmolded protrusions 4a is shown. The fabric layer 10 is shown before cutting and before being connected to the foam layer 11, for example, by gluing, stitching or welding.

[0121] Figure 4 An exemplary method 100 for manufacturing an exemplary insole 1 as described herein is shown. Method steps 110, 120, and 130 relate to manufacturing the foam layer 11, and method steps 140, 150, and 160 relate to manufacturing the textile layer 10 with overmolded protrusions 4a. Finally, method step 170 relates to attaching the fabric layer 10 to the foam layer 11. Thus, method steps 110, 120, and 130 can be performed simultaneously with method steps 140, 150, and 160. In other embodiments, the foam layer 11 can be manufactured before the fabric layer 10, and in other embodiments, the fabric layer 10 can be manufactured first.

[0122] In step 110, an EVA foam layer is cut from a block of EVA material. The cutting can be done by a knife, laser, water jet, etc. The cutting process can be automated, e.g., by a robotic arm. Alternatively, the EVA foam layer is directly molded in a mold. For this, EVA raw material (e.g., as pellets) is placed in the mold and shaped using pressure and / or heat. In step 120, the cut or molded EVA foam layer is cold pressed, and in step 130, the EVA foam layer is trimmed to the desired shape.

[0123] In step 140, PU is injected into a mold that has indentations corresponding to the protrusions 4a on the insole to be manufactured. The PU is then molded into fabric, e.g., Figure 3 the fabric shown, and in step 160, the fabric is trimmed to the desired shape, e.g., by cutting or stamping. Finally, in step 170, the fabric is attached to the foam layer to obtain an insole 1 as shown in the embodiments of Figure 1A 、 1B and 1C.

[0124] To demonstrate the effectiveness of the insole described herein, a study of 20 participants was conducted. The study investigated the differences between the textured insole as described herein and a control insole with a smooth top surface during side-cut and start-stop tasks. During the side-cut task, participants were asked to perform a running exercise on grass, where two parallel lines were marked with cones. Participants started from the left or right (randomly selected) and proceeded along the designated line for 50 meters while maintaining a consistent speed. Throughout the exercise, they listened for an auditory cue, the word "now". Upon hearing the cue, they were asked to immediately and sharply (45 degrees) cut in their running direction and transition to the other parallel line. The task was designed to test agility and the ability to quickly change direction.

[0125] In the start-stop task (performed along a similar 50-meter straight track), participants were required to start running upon hearing the word "start" and stop immediately upon hearing the word "stop". Throughout the task, auditory cues were given repeatedly, with a total of 15 commands (start, stop, and now) heard by each participant in each task. Each "start" command was always followed by a "stop" command and vice versa. These stimuli were separated by random intervals between 2500 and 5000 milliseconds, during which participants were expected to respond appropriately.

[0126] The third test ("acoustic stroop") consisted of a series of 16 random words "right" or "left" (8 of each). The words were recorded using a two-channel (stereo) tape recorder such that when wearing headphones, each individual word was heard in only one ear (right or left). For half of these words, the meaning of the word corresponded to the ear in which it was heard ("right" - right ear; "left" - left ear), while for the other half, it was swapped ("right" - left ear; "left" - right ear). The order of the consistent and inconsistent "word-ear" pairs was randomized, as was the time interval between consecutive words (a random time between 2.5 and 5 seconds). Participants were instructed to respond immediately upon hearing the word and to respond "Correct" to the consistent "word-ear" cases and "Wrong" to the inconsistent "word-ear" cases. The above responses were recorded on the same AV track as the stimuli using a remote telephone recording device. During processing, the audio files were digitized to create sound envelopes for both the stimuli and the responses, and the time between the peak of the stimulus and the response was quantified and recorded as the "reaction time".

[0127] Then the participants completed all three tests, and the reaction time for each test was recorded. The entire dataset recorded for this study consisted of 120 independent time segments (40 time segments for each independent test: auditory Stroop, lateral turn, and start-stop run). Among them, due to data recording or synchronization issues, data from 7 time segments (5.8%) were unavailable. The study results showed that participants wearing the insole described in this article showed a significant increase in agility for the lateral turn task - manifested as a significant decrease in reaction time (p-value = 0.044). For both conditions, the reaction times for the start-stop run task were almost the same (p-value = 0.33). For the average reaction time of the textured insole, it was 1.34 seconds for the lateral turn task and 1.40 seconds for the start-stop run task. For the average reaction time of the control condition, it was 1.41 s for the lateral turn task and 1.42 s for the start-stop run task. The average auditory Stroop test reaction value was 606 ms for the control condition and 526 ms for the textured insole condition. The difference between the two conditions was significant (p-value = 0.003).

[0128] The study shows that the textured insole described in this article significantly reduced the reaction time for a standard cognitive task (auditory Stroop test) and also led to an improvement in an ordinary rugby task (lateral turn). The improvement in lateral turn time reached statistical significance for 20 subjects. Therefore, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of the insole described in this article.

[0129] Figure 5 An embodiment involving another embodiment is shown, namely the sole component 20 of a sports shoe, which is a midsole in the Figure 5 embodiment. Generally, the sole component 20 according to this aspect can be a midsole, a Strobel sole, a quarter board, or a similar component arranged to contact the foot of the wearer. In other embodiments, the sole component can be a part of the upper, for example, in a Moccasin-type shoe construction, where the upper extends under the foot and is partially arranged between the foot and the midsole or the outsole. The midsole 20 includes a top surface 2, which is arranged to face the foot of the wearer of the shoe (in which the midsole will be arranged). The top surface 2 includes a plurality of protrusions 4a and holes 4b. Therefore, the content described herein regarding the protrusions 4a on the insole, such as Figure 1A -C, 3, 6A-D, 7, 8A-D, 9A, and 10C, the exemplary insole 1 shown, can also be applied to this embodiment involving the sole component. In particular, the mentioned advantages of the protrusions 4a and the described proprioceptive effects also apply to the sole component. Similarly, the holes 4b also provide the proprioceptive effects as described herein.

[0130] Figure 5In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the midsole 20 is made of a foam material. As an example, the upper part of the midsole 20 is made of EVA, while the lower part of the midsole 20 is made of a supercritical foam material. In other embodiments, the sole member 20 may comprise a polymer foam, particularly at least one of the following: polyurethane (PU) foam - such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam, polyamide (PA) foam, polyether block amide (PEBA) foam, or thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE) foam.

[0131] Alternatively, the sole member may comprise a particulate foam material, particularly one or more of the following materials: expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU); expanded polyamide (ePA); expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA); expanded polylactide (ePLA); expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET); expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT); or expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE).

[0132] The foam particles may be made of an expanded thermoplastic material, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polylactide (PLA), polyamide (PA), polyether block amide (PEBA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE). The foam particles may also be beads containing multiple polymer types in one foam particle, or the foam particles may be a mixture or combination of different particles of different foam polymers. In some embodiments, the foam particles are one or a mixture of these materials at 90% by weight. These foam particles are particles including so-called bead foams, also known as pellets or particulate foams in the art. Generally, foams obtained by using connected foam particles are designated with the title "e" to indicate the bead form of the polymer foam component, such as eTPU.

[0133] Figure 5 The protrusion 4a in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has an average height of 1.3 mm, and the average height may be different in other embodiments. Generally, the protrusions of the sole member according to this embodiment may be larger (e.g., 1 - 4 mm) than the protrusions on the insole described herein.

[0134] In Figure 5In an embodiment, the shoe in which the midsole 20 is to be integrated will not have an insole disposed on top of the midsole 20. In other embodiments, an insole will be disposed on top of the midsole 20. In this case, the insole will include a plurality of holes such that a plurality of protrusions 4a of the midsole 20 will extend through the plurality of holes. In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions 4a and the thickness of the insole can be adjusted such that the protrusions 4a extend above the top surface of the insole, for example, 0.5 mm. Thus, the positive proprioceptive effects described herein can be achieved. In addition, the insole can have the protrusions 4a described herein. Thus, generally, the embodiments related to the insole 1 and the sole component 20 can be combined.

[0135] Figure 5 The protrusions 4a in the embodiments have a dome-like shape. In other embodiments, the shape can be different, for example, spherical, pyramidal, etc. Moreover, the positions of the protrusions 4a can be different. For example, the protrusions can alternatively or additionally be located in the toe region or in the arch region to provide arch support. Moreover, the shape, height, diameter, or hardness of the protrusions 4a can also be differentiated on the sole component 20. Generally, these characteristics can be adapted to the density or sensitivity of the mechanoreceptors of the human foot, or to the pressure exerted by the human foot on the sole component 20. Similar considerations also apply to the context described with respect to the insole 1.

[0136] Below, embodiments related to the sole component 20 are described:

[0137] 1. A sole component for a sports shoe, comprising a top surface arranged to face the foot of the wearer of the sports shoe, wherein the top surface includes a plurality of protrusions.

[0138] 2. The sole component according to embodiment 1, wherein the sole component is a midsole, a Strobel sole, or a lasting board.

[0139] 3. The sole component according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the protrusions are arranged in the toe region of the sole component.

[0140] 4. The sole component according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the protrusions are arranged in the heel region of the sole component.

[0141] 5. The sole component according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the protrusions have a diameter of 1 - 8 mm, 2 - 6 mm, or 3 - 4 mm.

[0142] 6. The sole component according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the height of the protrusions is 0.5 - 6 mm, 0.8 - 5 mm, or 1 - 4 mm.

[0143] 7. The sole part according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the protrusion is located around an area having a local maximum of the pressure distribution, which is the pressure distribution of the pressure caused by the human foot standing on the sole part.

[0144] 8. The sole part according to the previous embodiment, wherein no protrusion is arranged at the local maximum of the pressure distribution.

[0145] 9. The sole part according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sole part has been manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

[0146] 10. A sports shoe having a sole part according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0147] 11. The sports shoe according to the foregoing embodiment, further comprising an insole arranged on the sole part, wherein the insole includes a plurality of holes such that a plurality of protrusions of the sole part protrude through the plurality of holes.

[0148] 12. The sports shoe according to the previous embodiment, wherein the insole has an average thickness such that the plurality of protrusions protruding through the plurality of holes protrude from the top surface of the insole by 0.1 - 1 mm, 0.2 - 0.8 mm or 0.3 - 0.7 mm.

[0149] 13. The sports shoe according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the insole has been manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

[0150] Figure 6A 、 6B 、6C and 6D show further exemplary embodiments, wherein the insole 1 or the sole part 20 has been manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. Thus, Figure 6A 、 6B 、6C and 6D and the following description apply to both an additive - manufactured insole and an additive - manufactured sole part (such as a midsole or a part thereof). Exemplary additive manufacturing processes include material extrusion, stereolithography, liquid additive manufacturing, and selective laser sintering. Additive manufacturing is also referred to as 3D printing.

[0151] Figure 6A shows the top layer of a 3D - printed lattice structure that includes a plurality of arches 61, which form protrusions 4a that cause the proprioceptive effect as described herein. The lattice structure can be provided to the insole 1 or the sole part 20 as described herein. Similarly, holes 4b are formed between the arches 61, and the holes 4b also cause the proprioceptive effect as described herein. The arches 61 are compressible to some extent to provide a comfortable feeling for the foot. The arches 61 form Figure 6AThe textured area 3a of the insole 1 or sole part 20 shown. A non-textured area 5, which is also 3D printed, is also provided.

[0152] Figure 6B An extremely squashable (extremely compressible) layer forming the thick beams of the insole 1 is shown. The insole 1 in this exemplary embodiment is obtained by 3D printing and is disposed on top of a midsole 20, which is also 3D printed. In Figure 6B the embodiment, the insole 1 is a separate element from the midsole 20, i.e., it has been manufactured in a separate 3D printing process and then disposed on top of the midsole 20. In other embodiments, the insole 1 can be manufactured together with the midsole 20 in a single 3D printing process such that the two are integral parts. The thick beams of the insole 1 or midsole 20 form holes 4b therebetween, and the holes 4b cause a proprioceptive effect as described herein. Alternatively, the thick beams can be interpreted as protrusions causing a proprioceptive effect.

[0153] Figure 6C A 3D printed insole 1 or sole part 20 is shown, which has a raised arch 62 and a heel portion 63 for increased support and deformation. In this example, the top layer includes "tabletop" elements 4a, which are the same at the heel and the medial arch of the foot. These elements are protrusions 4a as described herein and cause a proprioceptive effect.

[0154] Figure 6D A 3D printed insole 1 or sole part 20 is shown, which has nodes 4a protruding from the top surface and interacting with the foot. The nodes have a mushroom-like shape and form protrusions 4a providing a proprioceptive effect as described herein. In other embodiments, the nodes can have different shapes. Also, the nodes 4a form a textured area 3a, which is adjacent to a non-textured area 5, which is also 3D printed.

[0155] Figure 7 An embodiment of the insole 1 according to one embodiment is shown. The insole 1 according to this embodiment is a two-layer construction having a bottom foam layer and a fabric layer on top of the foam layer. The insole 1 includes a plurality of holes 4b. A first subset of the holes 4b has a larger diameter than a second subset of the holes 4b. Thus, the holes define a first textured area 3a at the toe portion of the insole 1. The first textured area includes large-diameter holes and small-diameter holes. Another textured area 3b is located at the heel portion. The area 3b only contains large-diameter holes. At the arch portion of the insole 1, small-diameter holes are provided, while at the portion between the toe and the arch, a mixture of large-diameter and small-diameter holes is provided. Figure 7 The embodiment is an example of an insole 1 having only holes as proprioceptive elements but no protrusions.

[0156] Figure 8A -D describes an embodiment of the insole 1 with protrusions of different shapes. In Figure 8A , the protrusion 4a has a pyramidal shape similar to that of the embodiment of Figure 1A -C. However, since the pyramid has a relatively large base area, the number of pyramids in the embodiment of Figure 1A -D is usually smaller compared to the embodiment of Figure 8A -C. In other words, the density of the pyramids 4a is lower.

[0157] In the embodiment of Figure 8B -D, the protrusion 4a has a dome-like shape. In the embodiment of Figure 8C -D, the protrusion 4a has a prismatic shape. In the embodiment of Figure 8D -D, the protrusion 4a has a spike-like shape. An exemplary density of the spikes is 5 per cm 2 , an exemplary height is 7 mm, and an exemplary diameter is 2 mm.

[0158] Generally, for the embodiment of Figure 8A -D, the arrangement of the textured regions 3a - e and the non-textured region 5 is similar to that of the embodiment of Figure 1A -C. Therefore, what has been said about the textured and non-textured regions of the embodiment of Figure 1A -C also applies to the embodiment of Figure 8A -D.

[0159] Conversely, Figure 9A shows an embodiment of the insole 1 having both protrusions 4a and holes 4b. The insole 1 of this exemplary embodiment is made of a foam material. The protrusions 4a are integral with the foam material and are obtained by molding the material in a mold having recesses corresponding to the protrusions 4a. The holes 4b are also formed during the molding process. Alternatively, the holes can be obtained by stamping. In the embodiment of Figure 9A -D, the protrusions 4a form a first textured region 3a at the toe portion of the insole 1 and a second textured region 3b at the heel portion of the insole 1.

[0160] Figure 9B shows a shoe 80 into which the insole 1 shown in Figure 9A is inserted. The shoe 80 includes an upper 30 and a sole structure 81.

[0161] Figure 9C Only Figure 9BThe upper 30 of the shoe 80 as shown. The upper 30 includes a plurality of protrusions 4a on its inner side - i.e., the side facing the foot of the wearer of the shoe 80. The protrusions 4a in this exemplary embodiment are made of TPU and are applied to the upper 30 by printing. As described herein, the protrusions 4a on the upper 30 also have a proprioceptive effect on the foot of the wearer of the shoe 80. Thus, Figure 9C The upper 30 of the shoe is part of another embodiment.

[0162] Figure 10A Another exemplary embodiment of a shoe 80 according to an embodiment is shown. The shoe includes an insole 1 having holes. The insole 1 is Figure 10C shown in more detail and is made of a foam material. Figure 10B The shoe 80 with the insole removed is shown. It can be seen that the top surface of the sole member 20 of the shoe 80 includes protrusions 4a that are configured to project through corresponding holes 4b in the insole 1, as also Figure 10A shown. Thus, the protrusions 4a engage some of the holes 4b of the insole 1. This causes the insole 1 to be "registered" with the sole member 20, which avoids slippage of the insole 1 in the shoe. In addition, since the insole 1 is soft and compressible, if pressure is applied by the foot, it will be compressed such that the protrusions will contact the foot. Thus, a proprioceptive effect is achieved through both the protrusions 4a and the holes 4b. Depending on the magnitude of the pressure (the pressure will vary, for example, during the gait cycle), the stimulation of the foot will be mainly caused by the protrusions 4a of the sole member 20 or by the holes 4b of the insole 1.

[0163] Some embodiments relate to an upper 30 for a sports shoe. Figure 11 An exemplary embodiment is shown. The upper 30 includes a plurality of protrusions 4a. Thus, the positive proprioceptive effects described herein with respect to the insole 1 also apply to the upper 30. In addition, the embodiments related to the insole 1 and the sole member 20 can generally be combined with the embodiments of the upper 30. Thus, a sports shoe can include an insole 1 and an upper 30 as described herein. Alternatively, it can include a sole member 20 and an upper 30 as described herein.

[0164] Figure 11 The upper 30 in the example of Figure 11In an embodiment, the protrusions 4a are visible as they protrude through the mesh. In other embodiments, the protrusions 4a are not visible from the outside as they protrude from the inner surface of the shoe upper to provide proprioception to the wearer's foot. Thus, the protrusions 4a form raised portions on the inner surface of the shoe upper 30. The inner surface of the shoe upper 30 is defined as the surface that is adapted to face the wearer's foot of the shoe (in which the shoe upper 30 is incorporated).

[0165] The protrusions 4a can be provided during the manufacturing of the fabric that constitutes the shoe upper. For example, in the case of a knitted shoe upper, certain knitted elements can be provided during the knitting process that protrude from the surface of the knitted fabric. Alternatively, the protrusions can be provided to an existing fabric, for example, by gluing, welding, or stitching. Another possibility is to mold the protrusions onto the fabric as described above with respect to the fabric layer 10 of the insole 1.

[0166] Generally, the insole 1, the sole component 20, and the shoe upper 30 having protrusions, recesses, or holes to achieve a proprioceptive effect as described herein can be customized according to the needs of the wearer. In particular, the first insole 1, the sole component 20, the shoe upper 30, or a shoe including one or more of those components having a specific texture pattern can be provided to the wearer. Then, for example, as described above, the proprioceptive effect is measured. This provides information on what impact the insole 1, the sole component 20, or the shoe upper 30 has on the performance of the wearer. Considering the feedback of the wearer, the texture pattern can be redesigned, and the insole 1, the sole component 20, the shoe upper 30, or a shoe including one or more such components can be given to the wearer again for another round of testing. Through such a feedback loop, the insole 1, the sole component 20, or the shoe upper 30 can be customized, and the performance is further improved.

[0167] The user may wish to have the ability to select: the insole provides a flat or non-textured surface for contact with the foot, or has a textured area that provides a proprioceptive effect as described herein. Switching between different footwear items to provide a flat surface or a textured surface may be undesirable as the user may need to purchase, store, and travel with multiple pairs of shoes. Similarly, having multiple insoles that provide different textured surfaces and non-textured surfaces can also be cumbersome. Thus, a footwear item having a removable insole can help improve the versatility of the footwear item and provide convenience to the user, the removable insole having a non-textured first surface and a textured second surface (e.g., including protrusions, recesses, or holes).

[0168] Figure 12A and 12BShows top and bottom perspective views of an insole 200 according to an embodiment. The insole 200 includes a first surface 210 opposite to a second surface 220. The insole 200 includes a toe portion 202, a midfoot portion 204, and a heel portion 206, which respectively correspond to the toes, midfoot or arch, and heel of a wearer's foot when the insole 200 is in use. The insole 200, also referred to as an insole or an insole pad, may have the features described herein with respect to the insole 1. The insole 200 may be formed in the same manner and use the materials described herein with respect to the insole 1.

[0169] The first surface 210 of the insole 200 may be free of protrusions, recesses, or holes. The first surface 210 may be textureless. In some embodiments, a covering layer may be disposed on the first surface 210 to contact the wearer's foot. The covering layer may include a fabric layer. The covering layer may improve the comfort of the wearer, and / or provide moisture absorption, and may reduce the slippage of the wearer's foot relative to the insole 200.

[0170] The second surface 220 of the insole 200 may include one or more portions having textured regions with one or more protrusions, recesses, or holes 224. The protrusions, recesses, or holes may be disposed in one or more of the following portions: the toe portion 202, the midfoot portion 204, the heel portion 206, the medial side or the lateral side of the foot of the insole 200, and combinations thereof. The protrusions 224 may have the geometric shapes and arrangements described herein with respect to the protrusions 4a. In some embodiments, one or more of the toe portion 202, the midfoot portion 204, and the heel portion 206 of the second surface 220 may include protrusions, recesses, or holes 224. One or more portions of the second surface 220 may be textureless regions 226 and may be generally smooth or flat. The textureless regions 226 are free of protrusions, holes, or recesses. In Figure 12A an embodiment, a plurality of first protrusions 224a are provided in the toe portion 202. The midfoot portion 204 is a textureless region 226 and does not include protrusions, recesses, or holes. The heel portion 206 includes a plurality of second protrusions 224b. The first and second protrusions 224a, 224b may differ in geometric shape, size, arrangement, hardness, or a combination thereof. For example, the first protrusions 224a may have a first shape, while the second protrusions 224b may have a second shape different from the first shape. In another example, the first protrusions 224a may have a first size, while the second protrusions 224b may have a second size different from the first size. In another example, the first protrusions 224a may be arranged in a first pattern or may have a first density (number of protrusions per unit area), while the second protrusions 224b may be arranged in a second pattern or may have a second density.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second surface 220 may include a covering layer thereon. The covering layer may include a fabric layer. The covering layer may enhance the comfort of the wearer, and / or provide moisture absorption, and may reduce the slippage of the wearer's foot relative to the insole 200. The covering layer may conform to the protrusions, recesses, or holes such that the wearer's foot can feel the protrusions, recesses, or holes through the covering layer.

[0172] The user may choose to position the insole 200 in a footwear item such that the first surface 210 or the second surface 220 faces the wearer's foot. Thus, if the user desires a non-textured surface facing the user's foot, the user may position the insole 200 such that the first surface 210 faces upwardly towards the wearer's foot. This may provide comfort to the wearer. The first surface 210 does not provide a proprioceptive effect. Instead, if the user desires to engage their foot with a textured surface having protrusions 224, e.g., for a proprioceptive effect, the user may position the second surface 220 to face the wearer's foot.

[0173] In other embodiments, the first surface 210 may have a first textured region and the second surface 220 may provide a second textured region different from the first textured region. Thus, the user may choose which texture contacts their foot. For example, the first surface 210 may have protrusions—under a first pattern and having a first geometry—and the second surface 220 may have protrusions—having a second pattern and / or a second geometry. In another example, the first surface may include protrusions while the second surface may include recesses or holes.

[0174] According to one embodiment, a midsole 250 configured to removably receive the insole 200 is shown in Figure 13 FIG. The midsole 250 may include a foam material. The midsole 250 may include a toe portion 252, a midfoot portion 254, and a heel portion 256. The midsole 250 is configured to support the wearer's foot from the heel to the toe. The top surface 262 of the midsole 250 may include one or more mating elements 264 for engaging the protrusions 224 of the insole 200. As Figure 13 shown, the mating elements 264 may include recesses to receive the protrusions of the insole 200. However, in alternative embodiments where the insole 200 includes recesses, the midsole may include protrusions to be disposed within the recesses. The mating elements 264 may be arranged in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the protrusions 224 so as to align with and engage the protrusions 224. In this way, the second surface 220 of the insole 200 may be placed in facing engagement with the top surface 262 of the midsole 250. As a result, the insole 200 is firmly positioned on the midsole 250 and there is no gap or space between the insole 200 and the midsole 250.

[0175] In some embodiments, the midsole 250 may include a rim 270 that extends around all or a portion of the outer edge of the top surface 262 of the midsole 250. The rim 270 may extend upwardly from the top surface 262 in a direction away from the midsole 250. The insole 200 may be configured to be received on the top surface 262 and within the area defined by the rim 270 of the midsole 250. The rim 270 may help facilitate proper positioning of the insole 200 on the midsole 250.

[0176] For example, as Figure 14A and 14B shown, the insole 200 is received on the midsole 250. As Figure 14A shown, the first surface 210 of the insole 200 faces upwardly toward the wearer's foot. The first surface 210 is non-textured and provides a flat surface for contact with the wearer's foot. The protrusions on the second surface face downwardly toward the top surface of the midsole 250 and engage within the recesses of the midsole 250. Conversely, if the wearer desires to use a textured surface, the wearer may position the insole 200 on the midsole 250 such that the second surface 220 faces upwardly toward the wearer's foot, as Figure 14B shown. The first surface 210 faces downwardly toward the top surface of the midsole.

[0177] When the user switches from the first surface facing up to the second surface facing up, the user switches which shoe the insole 200 is inserted into. For example, if the insole 200 is positioned in the left shoe with the first surface 210 facing up, to have the second surface 220 facing up, the user places the insole 200 in the right shoe, and vice versa.

[0178] Figure 15A and 15B show cross-sectional views of an insole 200 disposed on a midsole 250 according to one embodiment. As Figure 15A shown, the insole 200 is disposed with the second surface 220 facing downwardly toward the top surface 262 of the midsole 250. The protrusions 224 are aligned with and received within mating elements 264, which are shown as recesses. The protrusions 224 may partially or fully fill the recesses 264. The protrusions 224 and the recesses 264 may have complementary shapes. For example, the protrusion 224 may have a hemispherical shape and the recess 264 may have a hemispherical shape. When the protrusions 224 are received by the mating elements 264, the second surface 220 may face-engage or be flush against the top surface 262. In this way, the first surface 210 may remain substantially flat.

[0179] Figure 15BAn insole 200 is shown with the second surface 220 set to face upwardly towards the wearer's foot. In this way, the protrusion 224 faces the wearer's foot. The first surface 210 is arranged to face downwardly towards the top surface 262 of the midsole 250. The first surface 210 is substantially flat and rests on the top surface 262 of the midsole 250, while the recess 264 remains empty or unfilled.

[0180] In some embodiments, the insole 300 may have one or more layers. As shown in FIG. 16, the insole 300 has at least a first insole layer 320 and a second insole layer 330. The first insole layer 320 may include a foam material. The second insole layer 330 may include a fabric material. The insole 300 may include protrusions, recesses or holes 324 formed in the first insole layer 320 to provide a proprioceptive effect. As Figure 16A shown, the first insole layer 320 includes a plurality of holes 324 formed therein. The holes 324 may extend completely through the first insole layer 320 from the first surface 322 to the opposite second surface. As Figure 16A shown, the first hole 324 may be provided in the toe region 302, for example, at the inner side 307 of the toe region 302. The toe region 302 may also include a non-textured area 326 without holes. The non-textured area 326 may be arranged on the outer side 309 of the toe region 302. No holes are arranged in the midfoot region 304 such that the midfoot region 304 has a non-textured area 326. The second hole 324 is arranged in the heel region 306.

[0181] The second insole layer 330 may be arranged on the second surface of the first insole layer 320. The second insole layer 330 may completely or partially cover the second surface of the first insole layer 320. The second insole layer 330 may not include protrusions, holes or recesses. The second insole layer 330 may cover the holes 324, as Figure 16B shown. The second insole layer 330 may be thin so that when the footwear including the insole 300 is worn, the wearer can feel the holes 324 in their feet. The second insole layer 330 may cover the holes 324 to prevent dirt and debris from entering the holes 324. The second insole layer 330 may also be used to provide additional comfort, absorb moisture and / or reduce slippage between the wearer's foot and the insole 300.

[0182] For example, as Figure 17 shown, the first insole layer 320 includes a plurality of holes 324 extending from the first surface 322 to the opposite second surface 328. The second insole layer 330 is arranged on the second surface 328. The second insole layer 330 does not include holes and covers the holes 324 of the first insole layer 320. The second insole layer 330 is thin enough so that the wearer's foot can feel the holes 324 in the first insole layer 320 through the second insole layer 330.

[0183] The first shoe sole layer 320 can be formed by molding a foam material (such as EVA, etc.). The second shoe sole layer 330 of fabric material is manufactured separately and attached to the surface of the first shoe sole layer 320, such as the second surface 328. The second shoe sole layer 330 can be fixed to the first shoe sole layer 320 by any of a variety of means, including by glue or adhesive, and other fasteners and fastening methods known in the art. Although a first layer and a second layer are shown, it should be understood that additional layers may be present, such as multiple fabric layers and / or multiple foam layers. Additionally, the shoe sole layer can include additional components therein, such as, reinforcing bars or plates, and the like.

[0184] In some embodiments, the midsole or footwear can include a sole having integrally formed protrusions, recesses, or holes. In such embodiments, the footwear can include sandals or thongs. The thong can include a sole and an upper. The upper can include one or more straps configured to cover or wrap a portion of the wearer's foot to assist in securing the thong to the wearer's foot. The sole can include a top surface having one or more protrusions, recesses, or holes integrally formed therewith. Thus, the sole and the protrusions can be integrally formed, for example, by molding the sole and the protrusions as a single piece. This helps to simplify manufacturing. The user can wear the thong during training or before a game or match and can switch to different footwear, such as a non-slip shoe or a sneaker, for use during the game or match.

[0185] According to Figure 18A- Some embodiments of -C illustrate an insole 500. The insole 500 may include a first surface 510 opposite to a second surface 520, wherein the first surface 510 has protrusions, recesses or holes for contacting the wearer's foot to provide a proprioceptive effect. The insole 500 includes a first protrusion 514a that extends along the inner side 507 of the toe portion 502 towards the midfoot portion 504. The first protrusion 514a may be disposed in a region corresponding to the wearer's big toe. The center of the region corresponding to the wearer's big toe may not include a protrusion. A non-textured area may be disposed on the outer side of the toe portion 502 under the wearer's other toes to improve wearing comfort. The insole 500 includes a second protrusion 514b that extends along the outer side 509 of the insole 500, from the heel portion 506 along the midfoot portion 504 and towards the toe portion 502, to provide a proprioceptive effect. The inner side 507 of the midfoot portion 504 may include a non-textured area 516a. The non-textured area may correspond to the wearer's arch, and the non-textured area may provide comfort to the wearer. A third protrusion 514c may be disposed in the heel portion 506 and on both the inner side 507 and the outer side 509. The protrusions may provide a proprioceptive effect. The center of the heel portion 506 may include a non-textured area 516b. This may help relieve pressure on the center of the wearer's heel.

[0186] As Figure 18B shown, the protrusion 514 may have a circular shape and may have a hemispherical shape in a side view cross-sectional diagram. The width or diameter D of the protrusion 514 is about 3.5 mm. The maximum height H of the protrusion 514 above the first surface 510 of the insole 500 is about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, each protrusion 514 may have substantially the same shape and size.

[0187] The insole 500 may further include one or more enlarged protrusions 518. The enlarged protrusions may be mounds. The enlarged protrusions 518 may be disposed in the toe portion 502 of the insole. The enlarged protrusions 518 may enhance the connection between the wearer's foot and the insole 500, and particularly provide a surface for the wearer's big toe to grip. The enlarged protrusions 518 may be disposed at the center of the toe portion 502 and may extend between the inner side 507 and the outer side 509 of the insole 500. The enlarged protrusions 518 are shown as having a generally triangular or pyramidal shape. In other embodiments, the enlarged protrusions 518 may have alternative shapes, such as oval or circular, etc. As Figure 18CAs shown, measured in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 510 from the first surface 510 to the apex 519, the enlarged protrusion 518 may have a maximum height H of approximately 3.5 mm. The enlarged protrusion 518 may slope downward from the apex 519 having the maximum height H towards the medial side 507 of the foot and the lateral side 509 of the foot, and may also slope downward towards the tip of the toe region 502. The apex 519 may be disposed generally at the center of the toe region 502 - between the medial side 507 of the foot and the lateral side 509 of the foot.

[0188] Figure 19 An insole 600 according to an embodiment is shown. The insole 600 includes one or more regions having protrusions to provide a proprioceptive effect and one or more regions having non-textured areas for comfort. The insole 600 includes a first protrusion 614a of a first size that is disposed throughout the toe region 602 and extends between the medial side 607 of the foot and the lateral side 609 of the foot. The toe region 602 includes a non-textured area 616a on its lateral side 609 of the foot. This area may correspond to the second to fifth toes of the wearer such that when the insole 600 is used, the protrusion 614 is disposed under the big toe but not under the other toes of the wearer. This may provide a proprioceptive effect while maintaining wearing comfort. In some embodiments, the size of the first protrusion 614a may decrease towards the non-textured area 616a to provide a gradual transition between the area having the protrusion and the non-textured area. The midfoot region 604 may include a plurality of holes 614d disposed centrally in the midfoot region 604. A second protrusion 614b of a second size may be disposed on the lateral side 609 of the midfoot region 604. The second protrusion 614b may have a smaller size than the first protrusion 614a and may have a smaller diameter, a smaller height, or both. The first and second protrusions 614a, 614b are shown in a top view as each having a circular shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second protrusions 614a, 614b may differ in shape. In some embodiments, the size of the first protrusion 614a may gradually decrease towards the midfoot region 604. The heel region 606 may include a third protrusion 614c. The third protrusion 614c may extend throughout the heel region 606 from the medial side 607 of the foot to the lateral side 609 of the foot. The third protrusion 614c may have a third size. The third size may be the same as the first size. In some embodiments, the size of the third protrusion 614c may decrease towards the midfoot region 604.

[0189] In some embodiments, the protrusions described herein can be formed by, for example, the liquid polymer application method disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 18 / 806,358. The liquid polymer application method can be used to form three-dimensional structures, such as protrusions, such as pyramids or columns. The protrusions formed by the liquid polymer application method can generate additional grip and can help minimize the difference in grip between wet and dry conditions, such that the grip is maintained even under wet conditions.

[0190] The liquid polymer application method can include: providing a polymer, providing a solvent, and mixing the polymer with the solvent to produce a liquefied polymer.

[0191] In some embodiments, the polymer for the liquid polymer application method can be an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer. The polymer can be selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyamide (TPE-A or TPA), thermoplastic polyester (TPE-E or TPE), thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (TPE-S or TPS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U or TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPE-V or TPV), rubber or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U or TPU), and / or combinations thereof.

[0192] In some embodiments, the solvent for the liquid polymer application method is a mixture selected from the group consisting of solvent-based solvents and / or aqueous solvents. The solvent can be selected from the group of solvent-based solvents, or from the group consisting of: (C 1 -C 6) ethers, (C 1 -C 10 ) esters, (C 1 -C 8 ) ketones, (C 1 -C 8 ) alkanes, and / or combinations thereof. The solvent can be a mixture of one or more of tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), cyclohexane (CYC), ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, THF, and / or CYC.

[0193] The liquefied polymer is deposited at one or more desired locations, such as on the surface of a shoe sole. The liquefied polymer can be deposited by brushing, coating, dipping, smearing, automated dispensing, automated printing, controlled dispensing.

[0194] After the liquefied polymer is deposited at the desired location, the liquefied polymer can be textured or structured to provide a desired shape or pattern. The liquefied polymer can then be cured to form protrusions on the sole. The curing step can be carried out using radiation - such as infrared radiation (IR). In this way, the liquefied component deposited on the second component cures on the second component while removing the solvent and drying the deposited liquefied component.

[0195] Relative to forming protrusions by injection molding, the liquid polymer application method may be advantageous. Injection molding requires a specially constructed mold and may require removing or cutting excess material after molding. In addition, the liquid polymer application method allows the protrusions to be placed more precisely on the sole without using glue or an adhesive.

[0196] The embodiments described herein relate to an insole of a sports shoe that includes a top surface configured to face the foot of the wearer of the shoe when the insole is disposed in the shoe. The top surface includes at least two textured regions, where each of the textured regions includes a plurality of protrusions, recesses, or holes. The top surface includes at least one non-textured region that does not have protrusions, recesses, or holes. A first textured region is located at the toe portion of the insole, and a second textured region is located at the heel portion of the insole. The insole can be removably secured to a footwear item. The second surface or bottom surface of the insole can be non-textured and can be free of protrusions, recesses, or holes. The insole can be positioned such that the top surface or the bottom surface faces upwardly toward the foot of the wearer. The midsole of the footwear item can include mating elements, such as recesses, for receiving the protrusions of the insole. The protrusions can be formed on the top surface by a liquid polymer application method. The protrusions can be integrally formed with the top surface of the insole, such as by an additive manufacturing method or by an injection molding method. The insole can include a fabric layer on the top surface and / or the bottom surface. The wearer can feel the protrusions, recesses, or holes through the textile layer.

[0197] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the textured regions correspond to regions of the human foot that have a higher density of mechanoreceptors compared to the regions of the human foot corresponding to the non-textured regions of the insole.

[0198] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the textured regions are different and are separated by non-textured regions.

[0199] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the hardness of the protrusions is related to the hardness of the skin of the human foot.

[0200] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the textureless region is located in a region corresponding to a local maximum of the pressure distribution that is the pressure distribution of the pressure caused by a human foot standing on the insole. In some embodiments, at least one local maximum of the pressure distribution is surrounded by a textured region.

[0201] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the protrusion has an average diameter of 1 - 10 mm, 2 - 5 mm, or 3 - 4 mm.

[0202] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the protrusion has an average height of 0.5 - 5 mm, 0.75 - 3 mm, or 1 - 1.5 mm.

[0203] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the protrusion has a hardness of 40 - 70 Shore - A or 50 - 60 Shore - A.

[0204] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the insole has been manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

[0205] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the insole is integral with an additional sole component of the shoe.

[0206] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method of manufacturing an insole as described herein, the method including the step of providing a base layer, and one or both of: molding protrusions on the base layer to form textured regions and textureless regions, and forming recesses or holes in the base layer to form textured regions and textureless regions.

[0207] List of Reference Numerals

[0208] 1 Insole

[0209] 2 Top Surface

[0210] 3a - e Textured Regions

[0211] 4a Protrusion

[0212] 4b Hole

[0213] 5, 5a - b Textureless Regions

[0214] 6 Tip of the Protrusion

[0215] 7 Height of the Protrusion

[0216] 8 Length of the Protrusion

[0217] 9 Width of the Protrusion

[0218] 10 Fabric Layer

[0219] 11 Foam layer

[0220] 20 Sole component

[0221] 30 Upper

[0222] 61 Arch

[0223] 62 Arch region

[0224] 63 Heel region

[0225] 80 Shoe

[0226] 81 Sole structure

[0227] 100 Method for manufacturing an insole

[0228] 110 Cutting step

[0229] 120 Cold pressing step

[0230] 130 Trimming step

[0231] 140 Pouring step

[0232] 150 Molding step

[0233] 160 Trimming step

[0234] 170 Attaching step

[0235] 200 Insole

[0236] 202 Toe part

[0237] 204 Midfoot part

[0238] 206 Heel part

[0239] 210 First surface

[0240] 220 Second surface

[0241] 224a,b Protrusions, holes or recesses

[0242] 226 Non-textured area

[0243] 250 Midsole

[0244] 252 Toe part

[0245] 254 Midfoot part

[0246] 256 Heel part

[0247] 262 Top surface

[0248] 264 Fitting element

[0249] 270 edge

[0250] 300 insole

[0251] 302 toe region

[0252] 304 midfoot region

[0253] 306 heel region

[0254] 307 inner side of the foot

[0255] 309 outer side of the foot

[0256] 320 first shoe sole layer

[0257] 324 hole

[0258] 330 second shoe sole layer

[0259] 500 insole

[0260] 502 toe region

[0261] 504 midfoot region

[0262] 506 heel region

[0263] 507 inner side of the foot

[0264] 509 outer side of the foot

[0265] 510 first surface

[0266] 514a, b, c protrusions

[0267] 516a, b non-textured areas

[0268] 518 enlarged protrusion

[0269] 519 vertex

[0270] 520 second surface

[0271] 600 insole

[0272] 602 toe region

[0273] 604 midfoot region

[0274] 606 heel region

[0275] 607 inner side of the foot

[0276] 609 outer side of the foot

[0277] 610 top surface

[0278] 614a, b, c, d protrusions, holes or recesses

[0279] 616a, b textureless areas

Claims

1. A sole for a shoe, the sole comprising: an inner sole, the inner sole comprising a top surface arranged to face a foot of a wearer of the shoe when the inner sole is arranged in the shoe, wherein the top surface comprises a first textured region and a second textured region, wherein the first textured region and the second textured region each include a plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes, wherein the top surface includes a non-textured area that does not contain protrusions, recesses, or holes, and The first texture area is located at the toe portion of the inner sole, and the second texture area is located at the heel portion of the inner sole.

2. The sole of claim 1, wherein the second textured area is located in a rearmost portion of the heel region.

3. The sole of claim 1 further comprising a third textured area in a lateral portion of the heel region and a fourth textured area in a medial portion of the heel region.

4. The sole of claim 1, wherein the non-textured area may be located in a central portion of a heel region.

5. The sole of claim 4, wherein the non-textured area extends from a heel region along a medial region to a metatarsal region and does not extend to a toe region.

6. The sole of claim 1, wherein the first textured area extends along the lateral foot region from a toe region in the midfoot region and ends prior to a heel region.

7. The sole of claim 1, wherein the non-textured area is located in the big toe area.

8. The sole according to claim 1, wherein: The non-textured area is located in the medial metatarsal region of the foot and is surrounded by a first textured area.

9. The sole of claim 1, wherein the non-textured area is located at the metatarsal-arch transition on the lateral side of the foot.

10. The sole of claim 1 further comprising a fifth textured area located on the medial side of the foot in a metatarsal-arch transition region.

11. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The density of the plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes on the lateral side of the inner sole is higher than that on the medial side of the inner sole.

12. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes include protrusions, and wherein the hardness of the protrusions is differentiated across the inner sole.

13. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes of the first textured region or the second textured region comprises protrusions, and wherein one or more of the protrusions have a pyramidal shape. The shoe sole of claim 13 , wherein the one or more protrusions have rounded tips.

15. The sole of claim 1, further comprising a fabric layer, wherein the plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes are arranged on the fabric layer.

16. The sole of claim 15, further comprising a foam layer, wherein the fabric layer is disposed on the foam layer.

17. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes include protrusions, and wherein the heights of the protrusions are differentiated across the inner sole.

18. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of protrusions, recesses or holes comprises protrusions, and wherein the shapes of the protrusions are differentiated throughout the inner sole.

19. A shoe comprising the sole according to claim 1.

20. The shoe of claim 19, further comprising a midsole, an outsole, or an outsole plate, wherein the inner sole is integral with the midsole, the outsole, or the outsole plate.

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