Arch self-adaptive sports shoe vamp structure based on integrated sock and flying wing

Abstract

The invention discloses an arch self-adaptive sports shoe vamp structure based on an integrated sock sleeve and flying wings, which comprises a three-section type upper and lower integrated structure shoe body arranged on a sole, and the shoe body comprises a waterproof low section formed by a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) belt, a middle section made of a high-strength light material and an upper section made of a flyknit fabric which are connected in sequence. At least one inelastic flying wing is arranged on the shoe body, one end of each flying wing is fixedly connected to the edge of the inner side of the shoe sole, the other end of each flying wing is a free end, and the free ends can be attached to the arch, then extend towards the lateral malleolus and are attached to the lower area of the lateral malleolus of the shoe body. Each flying wing comprises a hard section, a flexible wrapping section and a flexible hook surface section which are connected in sequence, and the shoe body is correspondingly provided with a hair surface section which is bonded with the hook surface section. Performance optimization is achieved through a three-section type partition structure, the flying wings are used for generating horizontal pulling force to wrap the arch, black toes caused by forward rushing of the foot are prevented, meanwhile, additional support is provided for ankle joints, the ankle sprain risk is reduced, and self-adaptive non-compression wrapping of the arch is achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of footwear products, in particular to a foot arch self-adaptive sneaker upper structure based on an integrated sock and a flying wing, specifically to a sneaker upper structure, especially a sneaker upper structure based on an integrated sock and a flying wing structure that provides dynamic self-adaptive wrapping and support for the foot arch. It is particularly suitable for cycling shoes, football shoes and other sports shoes that require high wrapping and energy transmission. BACKGROUND

[0002] The existing sports shoes, especially those for cross-country running, mountaineering, high-intensity ball games and other scenarios, face multiple challenges in the design of the upper structure. First, the upper needs to balance the performance requirements of different areas, such as the wear resistance of the toe area, the support of the instep area, and the comfort of the mouth area. Traditional uppers often use a single material or simple splicing, making it difficult to optimize the performance of each area.

[0003] Specifically, the functional zoning of traditional uppers in the vertical direction is unclear. For example, many sports shoes use whole cloth or leather, which is simple to manufacture, but it is difficult to balance the problems of easy wear in the toe area, insufficient support in the instep area, and poor comfort in the mouth area. To improve support, additional TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or leather support pieces are often attached to the outside of the upper, which not only increases the weight and manufacturing cost of the shoe, but also causes the combined part of these additional support pieces and the upper to crack easily during intense exercise, affecting the service life of the shoe. At the same time, to improve waterproof performance, a waterproof and breathable film (such as Gore-Tex) is usually added on the inside, but such films are expensive and the composite process with different materials is complex, resulting in high scrap rates.

[0004] Secondly, arch support has always been a focus and difficulty in sports shoe design, especially in high-intensity and long-time sports. Traditional shoes usually provide passive support by adding arch support bumps on insoles or midsoles. However, this static support structure has a fundamental flaw: it cannot adapt to the different arch heights and shapes of different users (high arch, normal arch, flat foot). For flat foot users, the support bumps are too high, which will cause excessive stretching of the plantar fascia and pressure pain; for high arch users, they may not be able to contact the support bumps at all and cannot obtain effective support. More importantly, this static support cannot provide real-time, adaptive and non-compressive wrapping and support according to the dynamic changes of foot shape during movement, especially in complex terrain (such as uphill, downhill, sudden stop, sharp turn). For example, during long downhill movement, the foot will slide forward under the action of inertia and hit the toe cap, causing blood vessels under the toenail to rupture, forming the so-called "black toe" or "runner's black toenail" phenomenon. At the same time, the arch is also prone to fatigue collapse, i.e. "arch collapse", during long-time and high-impact sports due to lack of dynamic and effective support, which will change the biomechanical force line of the foot and cause compensatory injuries of the knee joint, hip joint and even waist and back, seriously affecting sports performance and increasing the risk of injury.

[0005] In addition, although the traditional lacing system can provide basic wrapping and locking functions, its pressure distribution is often uneven, mainly concentrated on a few points on the instep, which is easy to cause local compression, i.e. "shoe laces tight feet" problem. Moreover, the lacing system is difficult to fine-tune and strongly lock the specific area of the arch, which is located in the middle of the foot. Some high-end sports shoes try to use the Boa knob system, which improves the convenience of putting on and taking off and the uniformity of pressure, but its cost is high, and it also cannot achieve specific wrapping of the arch. Some designs use bootie structure to improve the wrapping feeling, but the bootie is usually soft and cannot provide enough tensile strength to effectively resist the forward thrust of the foot in the shoe.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the prior art for a shoe upper structure that can adaptively fit the arch, provide dynamic support, prevent the foot from moving forward, and improve overall wrapping stability. The present invention is a completely new solution to the multiple defects of the prior art, which fundamentally changes the way the arch is supported and wrapped through structural innovation and material zoning. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present application aims to provide an arch self-adaptive sports shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock and a flying wing, which realizes performance optimization through a three-section partition structure, uses the flying wing to generate horizontal tension to wrap the arch, prevents the black toe caused by the forward thrust of the foot, simultaneously provides additional support for the ankle joint, reduces the risk of spraining the ankle, and realizes self-adaptive non-compressive wrapping of the arch, thereby significantly improving the comfort, stability and protection performance of the sports shoes.

[0008] More specifically, the present application aims to solve the following technical problems: 1) how to realize the performance optimization in the vertical direction on the upper structure while ensuring lightweight and integration; 2) how to provide a support structure that can dynamically adapt to different arch shapes and generate active wrapping force during exercise; 3) how to effectively lock the midfoot without relying on traditional laces to prevent the foot from sliding forward and backward in the shoe; 4) how to simultaneously enhance the stability of the ankle joint and reduce the risk of sports injuries through a single structure design; 5) how to realize the adjustability of the structure while ensuring high performance to meet the individual needs of different users.

[0009] The above application object of the present application is realized through the following technical scheme: The present application provides an arch self-adaptive sports shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock and a flying wing, comprising a shoe body arranged on a shoe sole, wherein the shoe body is a three-section integrated structure, comprising a low section, a middle section and an upper section connected in sequence, wherein the low section is located at the bottom of the shoe body and is formed by a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) belt to provide waterproof function, the middle section is connected above the low section and is composed of high-strength lightweight material to provide mechanical support for the waist area of the shoe body, and the upper section is connected above the middle section and is composed of a flyknit fabric to provide comfort and convenience during wearing; at least one inelastic flying wing is arranged on the shoe body, one end of the flying wing is fixedly connected to the inner side edge of the shoe sole, and the other end is a free end, which is configured to be able to fit the arch, extend to the lateral ankle direction and be attached to the corresponding position in the lateral ankle area of the shoe body.

[0010] In the technical solution of the present application, the "three-section upper-lower integrated structure" constitutes a functional whole. The TPU belt of the lower section not only provides waterproof function, but more importantly serves as the "anchoring base" connecting the entire shoe body and the sole, and its high wear resistance and tear resistance ensure that the shoe body will not separate from the sole during intense exercise. The high-strength lightweight material (such as carbon fiber or high-strength nylon) of the middle section forms a rigid "cage frame" that spans the arch area, providing core support for torsion resistance and energy transmission, and is the mechanical core that ensures exercise stability. The flyknit fabric of the upper section constitutes a comfortable "wrapping layer", and its excellent ductility and breathability ensure the comfort of wearing, while the integrated knitted sock structure also provides a convenient on-off experience. The three sections are not simply superimposed, but tightly combined through heat pressing or sewing process to form a whole with continuous mechanical properties and complementary functions, achieving comprehensive performance that a single-material upper cannot achieve.

[0011] The flying wing is the core innovation point of the present application. Its "inelastic" property is crucial, ensuring that the tension it generates is direct and effective, without energy loss due to material stretching. Its one end is fixed to the inner edge of the sole, which is the fulcrum of its mechanical lever, and the tension is applied to the bottom of the arch. The free end extends to the lateral malleolus and is pasted, so that the tension direction is obliquely upward and around the arch, and finally fixed to the outer side of the shoe body. This unique path design allows the flying wing to form a "three-dimensional locking ring" around the middle of the foot when it is tightened: vertically to prevent the arch from collapsing, horizontally to prevent the foot from advancing, and laterally to provide support for the ankle joint.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present application, the flying wing comprises a hard section, a flexible wrapping section and a flexible hook surface section connected in turn; the hard section is fixed to the side edge of the inner side of the sole away from the flexible wrapping section, for providing a structural base to prevent the arch from collapsing; the flexible wrapping section is configured to fit the arch area of the human foot, for generating horizontal tension when worn to achieve a lacing effect, and preventing the foot from advancing; the flexible hook surface section is located at the free end of the flying wing.

[0013] The three-section design of the wing is also based on the optimization of functional division. The hard section is usually made of thermoplastic material (such as TPU or nylon) with certain rigidity, which serves to establish a stable and non-deformable "anchor point". This hard section rises from the edge of the sole and forms the first line of defense against the collapse of the arch. The flexible wrapping section connects the hard section, and the material selection (such as elastic fabric or non-woven fabric) allows it to softly and conformably fit the curved surface of the arch. This design avoids the discomfort caused by direct pressure of hard material on the arch bone structure, achieving "self-adaptive" wrapping. When tension is applied to the wing, the flexible wrapping section can evenly distribute the tension to the entire arch area, forming a comfortable "hammock" effect. The flexible hook surface section at the end is the key to achieving adjustable and repeatable fixation. The hook surface cooperates with the hair surface on the body to allow users to accurately adjust the tightness of the wing according to their foot shape and exercise intensity.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present application, the body has a hair surface section at the lateral malleolus region, and the flexible hook surface section is bonded to the hair surface section to form a Velcro structure, providing additional support for the ankle joint and increasing exercise stability.

[0015] The choice of the fixing point of the wing at the lateral malleolus region is a very ingenious design. From an anatomical point of view, the lateral malleolus (distal end of the fibula) is an important bony landmark on the lateral side of the ankle joint, and the area below it is a key soft tissue area that prevents excessive inversion of the ankle joint (cracked foot). Fixing the end of the wing here is equivalent to adding a dynamic stability band to this critical area that originates from the foot bottom. When the foot has a tendency to invert, this wing will be quickly tightened, generating a pulling force in the opposite direction of inversion, thus actively intervening and suppressing the abnormal activity of the ankle joint, effectively preventing acute cracking of the foot. Unlike the passive wrapping provided by traditional ankle guards or high-top shoes, the wing provides a more dynamic and sensitive active lateral support. The hair surface section has a larger area than the hook surface section, not only providing adjustment margin, but also ensuring that the hook surface can be firmly fixed at a certain position within the range of the hair surface in various exercise postures, and is not easy to come off.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present application, the overall unfolded shape of the wing is in the shape of an airplane wing, made of lightweight high-strength composite material.

[0017] The "aircraft wing-like" design of the flying wing is not just for appearance. This shape contains the wisdom of structural mechanics: the root (hard segment) is wider and thicker to bear the maximum bending moment; from the middle (flexible wrapping segment) it gradually thins and widens to better fit the arch of the foot, increase the force area, and reduce the local pressure; its end (hook segment) is designed to be easy to hold and stick. The use of lightweight high-strength composite materials (such as materials composed of high-performance fibers such as Dyneema®, Kevlar®, and thermoplastic films) is the key to ensuring the performance of the flying wing. Such materials have extremely high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio), which can provide tremendous tensile strength at extremely light weight, ensuring that the flying wing will not break or plastically deform during long-term, high-intensity use, thereby ensuring the reliability and durability of its function.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present application, the low segment, the middle segment and the upper segment are integrally formed by a heat pressing or a stitching process.

[0019] The integrally formed process is the key to ensuring the integrity and durability of the three-segment structure. Through high-frequency heat pressing, the carbon fiber materials of the TPU low segment and the middle segment, and the flyknit fabric of the upper segment can be tightly combined at the molecular or physical level, forming a seamless transition zone. This not only improves the appearance, but more importantly, eliminates the stress concentration points and potential tearing risks that may be caused by traditional stitching connections. The joint formed by heat pressing has good waterproof sealing, further enhancing the waterproof effect of the low segment. Even if a stitching process is used, high-strength thread (such as Bondy thread) and a special stitching pattern (such as zigzag stitching) will be used to ensure sufficient tensile strength and flexibility at the junction of different materials.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present application, the middle segment is composed of carbon fiber composite material or high-strength nylon material.

[0021] Carbon fiber composite material is an ideal material for manufacturing the middle segment support structure due to its excellent stiffness, strength, and lightweight characteristics. The designable layup angle of the carbon fiber composite material can make the support structure have extremely high rigidity in a certain direction (such as the anti-torsion direction), while maintaining a certain compliance in other directions (such as longitudinal bending), thereby better adapting to the natural morphological changes of the foot during movement. High-strength nylon materials, such as Pebax® or Grillamid®, provide another performance balance. They are more ductile than carbon fiber, have better impact resistance, and are easy to make into complex shapes by injection molding, with relatively low production cost. The choice of these two materials allows the shoe upper structure of the present application to be flexibly material-matched and performance-tuned according to different sports scenarios (such as trail running, basketball, and comprehensive training) and cost requirements.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid section of the wing is injection molded from a thermoplastic material and is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole; the flexible wrapping section is made of elastic fabric or non-woven fabric and is sewn or bonded to the rigid section and the flexible hook-and-loop section.

[0023] The connection method of each segment of the winglet is equally crucial. The injection molding of the rigid segment allows for precise control of its shape and size, ensuring a perfect fit and secure connection with the edge of the sole. This connection can be achieved through direct in-mold injection (injecting the rigid segment directly into a predetermined position on the edge of the sole) or reinforced with high-strength stitching. The connection between the flexible wrapping segment and the rigid segment typically employs a "stepped" or "wrap-around" overlapping design, secured with multiple parallel stitches or high-strength adhesives to ensure the connection does not become a weak point under significant tensile forces. The flexible hook-and-loop section is usually formed by directly laminating or sewing a layer of Velcro material onto the end of the flexible wrapping segment; similarly, a strong connection is essential.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the area of ​​the rough surface section of the shoe body is larger than the area of ​​the hook surface section of the wing, so as to provide an adjustable adhesive position for the free end of the wing at different arch heights.

[0025] This design is key to achieving personalized, adaptive adjustment. Because different users have varying arch heights and girths, the free end of the winglet, after wrapping around the foot, will ultimately rest at different positions below the outer ankle. Users with high arches may need to pull the winglet tighter, resulting in a more backward and downward free end; users with low arches may only need a light fit, resulting in a more forward and upward free end. The textured surface is much larger than the hook-and-loop surface, acting like a wide "target," ensuring a secure fit regardless of the hook-and-loop section's position. This stepless adjustment allows a single shoe model to perfectly fit the foot shape of the vast majority of users, truly achieving "adaptive wrapping."

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a recess or guide groove is provided on the inner side of the shoe body corresponding to the arch area, for accommodating and guiding the direction of the wing.

[0027] The guide groove design is a precise detail that optimizes the wing's path and enhances comfort. This recess or guide groove can be an indentation formed by heat pressing on the flyknit fabric, a concave surface formed by the inward bending of the midfoot support structure, or even a three-dimensional space formed by a combination of both. When the wing is tightened, its flexible wrapping section fits precisely into this guide groove. This design brings multiple benefits: First, it defines the wing's line of action, ensuring that the tension is always transmitted along the optimal biomechanical path (i.e., the physiological concavity of the arch), preventing it from shifting or slipping during movement and guaranteeing functional reliability. Second, it "hides" the wing beneath the surface of the upper, making the contact between the wing and the foot flatter, reducing friction discomfort caused by the wing's raised or folded edges, and improving comfort during extended wear. Finally, it makes the entire upper structure cleaner, more integrated, and visually more technologically advanced.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper section of the shoe body is an integrated sock-like structure, and an elastic tightening part is provided at the shoe opening.

[0029] The integrated sock-like construction is ideal for enhancing comfort and convenience. It's woven from a single piece of highly elastic flyknit fabric, naturally wrapping around the ankle and instep like a sock, providing a 360-degree snug fit and eliminating the problem of traditional tongues shifting. The elasticated opening (achieved by incorporating spandex yarn during the weaving process) ensures a tight fit around the ankle, effectively preventing sand and other debris from entering the shoe. It also enhances the heel's locking feel, complementing the forward locking mechanism of the wings to firmly secure the foot within the "cage" of the sole.

[0030] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Zonal Performance Optimization and Synergistic Enhancement: The upper is meticulously divided into vertical functional zones using a three-section, integrated structure. The lower TPU band acts like a "waterproof dam," effectively isolating external moisture and mud, enhancing durability and waterproofing at the sole connection. The midsection, made of high-strength, lightweight materials (such as carbon fiber), forms a "mechanical skeleton," providing strong torsional and mechanical support for the arch and midfoot, ensuring stability during movement and efficiently transferring energy. The upper Flyknit fabric acts as a "comfort swaddling layer," offering excellent breathability, a snug fit, and ease of on and off. The synergistic effect of these three elements achieves a comprehensive performance optimal match—"1+1+1>3"—that cannot be achieved with a single material upper.

[0031] 2. Dynamic Adaptive Arch Support and Active Fit: The unique "wing" design fundamentally revolutionizes arch support. Instead of passively raising the arch, it actively and dynamically conforms to the arch through wings extending from the inside of the sole. The rigid section provides a stable support base, forming a mechanical lever to resist arch collapse; the flexible fit section, like a "second skin," conforms to the physiological curve of the arch, generating a uniform horizontal fit under pressure, achieving a personalized adaptive fit. This active fit avoids the pressure points and discomfort caused by traditional rigid support protrusions, allowing the arch to receive just the right amount of pressure-free support during dynamic movement.

[0032] 3. Effectively prevents forward foot movement, eliminating "black toe" at its source: The horizontal tension generated when the winglets are tightened forms a powerful "locking ring" around the midfoot. This locking ring works in conjunction with the "cage" structure at the heel to firmly lock the foot in the correct position on the sole. Whether on steep downhill slopes, in basketball with sudden stops and turns, or during long runs, it effectively inhibits the tendency for the foot to slide forward inside the shoe, thus fundamentally eliminating repeated impacts between the forefoot and the inner wall of the toe box. This completely solves the long-standing problem of "black toe" that plagues outdoor athletes and runners, greatly improving safety and comfort during exercise.

[0033] 4. Enhances ankle stability and actively prevents ankle sprains: The free end of the winglet is secured to the area below the lateral malleolus via Velcro. This design not only secures the winglet itself but also cleverly constructs a dynamic "ankle stabilization band." When there is a tendency for excessive inversion of the ankle during exercise, this winglet, originating from the sole of the foot and pulling diagonally, is instantly activated, generating a pulling force opposite to the eversion torque, actively intervening and inhibiting abnormal ankle movement. This dynamic, active lateral support is more sensitive and effective than the passive support provided by traditional high-top shoes, significantly reducing the risk of acute ankle sprains when exercising on uneven terrain.

[0034] 5. A Perfect Balance Between Lightweight Design and Structural Strength: The Wing model utilizes lightweight, high-strength composite materials and features a mechanically sound "airplane wing" structure, minimizing weight gain while ensuring sufficient support strength. The three-section upper also adheres to the engineering philosophy of "using the right materials where needed," avoiding the problem of traditional uppers excessively piling on materials to pursue a specific performance (such as support), resulting in a bulky and cumbersome overall shoe. The final product provides top-tier protection while maintaining extreme lightweight design, meeting the demanding requirements of professional athletes and sports enthusiasts for high-performance footwear.

[0035] 6. Personalized Precise Adjustment and Wide Adaptability: The Velcro connection (hook and loop sections) gives the Wing system stepless adjustability. Users can easily and readily fine-tune the arch support based on their individual foot characteristics (arch height, circumference), exercise preferences (preferring a tight fit or loose comfort), and specific exercise scenarios (pulling tighter before going downhill). The ingenious design of the loop section having a larger area than the hook section further expands the adjustment range, ensuring that various foot types, from low to high arches, can find the most comfortable and effective fit, achieving true "customized fit" and "adaptive, pressure-free fit."

[0036] 7. Enhanced overall structural integrity and durability: The three-section structure is integrally formed through hot pressing or stitching. The connection points between the winglets and the upper / sole are specially reinforced, making the entire upper system a highly integrated and structurally stable whole. Compared to traditional spliced ​​uppers, this integrated design eliminates numerous stress concentration points, significantly improving the upper's tear and deformation resistance during intense exercise, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the athletic shoe.

[0037] 8. Particularly suitable for cycling shoes: The one-piece sock-like upper and wing structure of this invention, when applied to cycling shoes, allows the upper to fit more snugly against the foot during the rider's lifting motion, providing a larger force-bearing surface and better support, thereby significantly improving pedaling and lifting efficiency, reducing energy loss, and enhancing cycling performance.

[0038] 9. Particularly suitable for ball sports shoes such as soccer shoes: The flat instep contact surface provided by this invention can increase the controllability of the contact between the shoe upper and the soccer ball and the mechanical transmission effect in soccer shoe applications, enabling players to obtain more accurate foot feel and more efficient power generation when controlling the ball, passing and shooting, thereby improving athletic performance. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Fig. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 2 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0041] Attached reference numerals: 100, sole; 110, lower section; 120, middle section; 130, upper section; 200, wing; 210, rigid section; 220, flexible wrapping section; 230, hook and loop section. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] This invention discloses an arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings, comprising a shoe body disposed on the sole 100. The shoe body is characterized by a three-section, integrated structure comprising a lower section 110, a middle section 120, and an upper section 130 connected sequentially. The lower section 110, located at the bottom of the shoe body where it joins the sole 100, is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tape and provides waterproofing. The middle section 120, connected above the lower section 110, is constructed of a high-strength, lightweight material. It provides mechanical support for the midfoot area of ​​the shoe body; the upper section 130 is connected above the middle section 120 and at least partially covers the instep and ankle areas, and is made of flyknit fabric to provide wearing comfort and convenience; at least one non-elastic wing 200 is also provided on the shoe body, one end of the wing 200 is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole 100, and the other end is a free end, which is configured to conform to the arch of the foot, extend towards the outer ankle and stick to the corresponding position in the area below the outer ankle joint of the shoe body.

[0046] Furthermore, the wing 200 includes a rigid segment 210, a flexible wrapping segment 220, and a flexible hook-and-loop segment 230 connected in sequence; the side of the rigid segment 210 away from the flexible wrapping segment 220 is fixed to the side of the inner side of the sole 100 to provide a structural foundation to prevent arch collapse; the flexible wrapping segment 220 is configured to conform to the arch area of ​​the human foot to generate horizontal tension during wear to achieve a lacing effect similar to shoelaces and to prevent forward foot movement that could lead to black toe; the flexible hook-and-loop segment 230 is located at the free end of the wing 200.

[0047] Furthermore, the shoe body has a textured section in the area below the outer ankle joint, and the flexible hook section 230 is bonded to the textured section to form a Velcro structure, which is used to provide extra support for the ankle joint, increase sports stability, and reduce the risk of ankle sprains.

[0048] Furthermore, the overall unfolded shape of the Flying Wing 200 resembles an airplane wing and is made of lightweight, high-strength composite materials.

[0049] Furthermore, the lower section 110, the middle section 120, and the upper section 130 are integrally molded through hot pressing or stitching processes to form a complete racing shoe structure.

[0050] Furthermore, the middle section 120 is made of carbon fiber composite material or high-strength nylon material.

[0051] Furthermore, the rigid section 210 of the wing 200 is injection molded from thermoplastic material and is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole 100; the flexible wrapping section 220 is made of elastic fabric or non-woven material and is sewn or bonded to the rigid section 210 and the flexible hook-and-loop section 230.

[0052] Furthermore, the area of ​​the rough surface section of the shoe body is larger than the area of ​​the hook surface section 230 of the wing 200, so as to provide an adjustable gluing position for the free end of the wing 200 under different arch heights and shapes.

[0053] Furthermore, a recess or guide groove is provided on the inner side of the shoe corresponding to the arch area to accommodate and guide the direction of the wing 200.

[0054] Furthermore, the upper section 130 of the shoe body has an integrated sock-like structure, with an elastic tightening part at the shoe opening. Example 1

[0055] Reference Figs. 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides an arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings. This structure includes a shoe body mounted on the sole 100 (which can be a combination of a conventional athletic shoe outsole and midsole).

[0056] The shoe features a three-section, one-piece structure, comprising a lower section (110), a midsection (120), and an upper section (130). The lower section (110), located at the bottom edge of the shoe, is a waterproof layer directly bonded to the sole (100). Formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) strips using a high-frequency hot-pressing process, the lower section (110) is tightly fitted around the sole (100), effectively preventing water splashes or rainwater from seeping in through the seams between the sole (100) and the upper during running. The midsection (120), connected above the lower section (110), is located in the midfoot area of ​​the shoe. Made from high-strength, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber reinforced composites or high-modulus nylon (e.g., Pebax®), the midsection (120) is designed to cover the arch area and extend forward and backward along the shoe, forming a rigid, cage-like support structure that provides excellent torsional resistance and lateral support, effectively transferring kinetic energy. The upper section 130 connects to the middle section 120, covering the instep, ankle, and shoe opening area. The upper section 130 is woven from a single piece of highly elastic flyknit fabric, forming a comfortable "sock-like" structure. An elasticated section at the shoe opening can be designed for easy on and off, providing a comfortable fit. The lower section 110, middle section 120, and upper section 130 are tightly joined together through heat pressing, gluing, or stitching, forming a functionally complementary and structurally stable overall shoe upper.

[0057] The core improvement of this invention lies in the addition of a non-elastic wing 200 to the shoe body. (See reference...) Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 The Flying Wing 200 is shaped like a long strip of wing, and its unfolded shape imitates that of an aircraft wing. It is made of lightweight, high-strength composite materials (such as a composite of Dyneema fiber fabric, Kevlar fiber fabric and thermoplastic film) to ensure excellent tensile strength and flexibility at extremely low weight.

[0058] Specifically, the wing 200 includes a rigid segment 210, a flexible wrapping segment 220, and a flexible hook-and-loop segment 230 connected in sequence. The rigid segment 210 is injection molded from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or nylon material and has a certain degree of rigidity. One end of the rigid segment 210 (i.e., the starting end of the wing) is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole 100 by stitching or in-mold injection molding, specifically at a position near the starting point of the arch (see...). Fig. 1 This fixed base point ensures that the wing can exert a stable lever effect. The flexible wrapping section 220 is connected to the rigid section 210 and extends towards the rear of the shoe. The flexible wrapping section 220 is composed of one or more layers of soft, stretchable non-woven or high-density woven fabric, which is soft in texture and configured to conform to the physiological curve of the arch area of ​​the human foot (see...). Fig. 2When the wearer places their foot inside the shoe and tightens the winglets, the flexible wrapping section 220 conforms tightly to the arch of the foot, generating a horizontal pulling force. This force, like a shoelace, pulls and locks the midfoot towards the sole 100, thus securing the foot and preventing it from sliding forward. The flexible hook-and-loop section 230 is located at the very end of the winglets 200, i.e., the free end. This hook-and-loop section 230 is a conventional Velcro hook-and-loop surface covered with tiny hook-like structures on a flexible base layer.

[0059] Correspondingly, a textured surface section is provided on the outer ankle area (i.e., the lateral side of the shoe, corresponding to the area below the lateral malleolus). This textured surface section is a Velcro textured surface that matches the hook-and-loop surface section 230, and its area is larger than that of the hook-and-loop surface section 230 of the wing 200. The free end of the wing 200 is firmly fixed to the lateral side of the shoe body through the mutual adhesion between the hook-and-loop surface section 230 and the textured surface section. This connection method allows the tightness and wrapping position of the wing to be flexibly adjusted according to the specific shape of the wearer's arch.

[0060] Once assembled, the Wing 200 starts from the inside of the sole 100, diagonally wraps upwards across the arch of the foot, then crosses the instep, and finally settles below the outer ankle. This structure achieves multiple functions: Arch support and anti-collapse: The rigid section 210 provides the mechanical basis for resisting arch collapse.

[0061] Anti-forward movement (anti-black toe): The horizontal tension generated by the flexible wrapping section 220 firmly locks the foot in place, preventing the foot from moving forward when going downhill.

[0062] Ankle stability: The terminal fixation point of the Wing 200 is located below the lateral malleolus, which is equivalent to adding a diagonal stabilizing band to the ankle joint, effectively preventing ankle eversion and reducing the risk of ankle sprain. Example 2

[0063] This embodiment is an optimization of Embodiment 1. To further optimize the fit and comfort of the wing 200, an inwardly recessed guide groove is provided on the inner side of the shoe body, corresponding to the arch area and located on the walking path of the wing 200. This guide groove can be an indentation on the flyknit fabric or a concave surface formed by the inward bending of the midsection 120 material. When the wing 200 is tightened, its flexible wrapping section 220 is precisely embedded in the guide groove 150, thereby being confined to the optimal line of mechanical action, preventing it from shifting during movement, and also making the fit between the wing and the shoe body smoother, reducing friction and discomfort. Example 3

[0064] This embodiment optimizes the materials and structure of the wing based on Embodiment 1. The flexible wrapping section 220 of the wing 200 can adopt a double-layer structure, with the inner layer (the side in contact with the foot) being an antibacterial knitted fabric with moisture-wicking function, and the outer layer being a Dyneema fiber fabric that provides the main tensile strength. This ensures both the comfort and hygiene of the wing, as well as its strong mechanical properties. In addition, to increase the uniformity of wrapping, multiple parallel elastic shrinkage seams or embossing can be set in the width direction of the wing 200, especially in the flexible wrapping section 220, so that it can better distribute tension under force and evenly wrap the arch curve of the foot. Example 4

[0065] This embodiment provides another variation of the wing design. Unlike the single wing in Embodiment 1, this embodiment features two wings on the shoe upper: a first wing and a second wing. The structure of the first wing is essentially the same as wing 200 in Embodiment 1, and its main function is to wrap around the arch and prevent the foot from lunging forward. The second wing is located behind the first wing 201, closer to the heel. Its rigid section is also fixed to the inner edge of the sole, but the flexible wrapping section is shorter, and its main function is specifically to wrap around and stabilize the heel bone, enhancing the locking feel of the heel. The free ends of both wings can be attached to the corresponding textured sections on the outer side of the shoe upper. This dual-wing design further enhances the overall locking effect on the mid-rear part of the foot, making it particularly suitable for basketball shoes or hiking boots where stability is extremely important. Example 5

[0066] This embodiment demonstrates another connection method between the wing 200 and the sole 100. Besides directly stitching or injection molding the rigid segment 210 to the sidewall of the sole 100 as in Embodiment 1, this embodiment extends the root of the rigid segment 210 downwards and embeds it into the midsole structure of the sole 100. During the manufacturing process of the sole 100, the rigid segment 210 of the wing 200 can be used as an insert, directly molded with the midsole material (such as EVA foam material) in a secondary molding process. This "embedded" connection method makes the bond between the wing 200 and the sole 100 more robust, the force transmission more direct, and also makes the connection interface between the shoe upper and the sole simpler and more aesthetically pleasing. Example 6

[0067] This embodiment optimizes the fit between the hook-and-loop section 230 of the Wing 200 and the rough-textured section of the shoe body. In addition to basic Velcro adhesion, this embodiment adds an elastic retaining ring at the edge of the rough-textured section to store and secure the free end of the Wing 200. After the wearer tightens and secures the Wing 200, the excess portion of the Wing end can be tucked into or passed through this elastic retaining ring. This design prevents the free end of the Wing 200 from being accidentally lifted or scraped during vigorous activity, further improving the stability and safety of the system. Simultaneously, this design also makes the outer side of the shoe body cleaner, preventing the Wing end from sticking up and affecting aesthetics or causing the hook-and-loop section to rub against the trouser leg. Example 7

[0068] This embodiment provides a specific application example for trail running shoes. In this example, the TPU strip in the lower section 110 not only serves as waterproofing but also extends upwards to the toe area, forming a durable "toe protection plate" to withstand impacts from rocks and tree roots encountered during trail running. The midsection 120 is made of Pebax® material, which combines rigidity and toughness, providing the necessary torsional support for the arch while maintaining flexibility on rough terrain. The upper section 130 features a highly breathable, quick-draining mesh structure with mesh cutouts for areas prone to sweating (such as the instep) to accelerate moisture evaporation. The rigid section 210 of the Wing 200 is injection-molded and embedded in the sole, while the flexible wrapping section 220 uses an elastic fabric with anti-slip silicone dots to enhance friction with the arch and prevent slipping in wet conditions. The textured section is located on the outer side of the shoe and is marked with scales to help users quickly find the most suitable mounting position after multiple wears. Example 8

[0069] This embodiment provides a specific application example for basketball shoes. In this example, the upper structure is reinforced to cope with the frequent sudden stops, changes of direction, and jumps in basketball. The midsection 120 uses a full-length carbon fiber composite material that extends from the arch to the forefoot and heel, forming a wraparound support frame that provides ultimate anti-torsional performance. The upper section 130 features a thicker flyknit fabric and is raised at the collar, working in conjunction with the Wings 200 to provide dual protection for the ankle joint. The Wings 200 employ a dual-wing design (as described in Embodiment 4). The first wing focuses on locking the midfoot to prevent the foot from impacting the toe during sudden stops; the second wing is closer to the heel, with its free end attached to the back of the lateral ankle, specifically designed to reinforce the ankle joint and resist lateral impacts. The hook-and-loop sections of the two wings work in conjunction with the large area of ​​highly abrasion-resistant napped material on the upper to ensure they do not come loose even during intense competition. Example 9 (Application of Cycling Shoes)

[0070] This embodiment provides a specific application example for cycling shoes. Cycling shoes need to efficiently transfer the force of the foot to the pedals, requiring extremely high levels of fit and tensile strength in the upper. In this example, the TPU strap in the lower section 110 not only provides waterproof and abrasion-resistant functionality but also strengthens the connection with the cleat area, ensuring that the upper does not deform under heavy pedaling. The midsection 120 uses high-modulus carbon fiber composite material to form a rigid support plate extending from the arch to the forefoot, effectively resisting the torsion of the foot within the shoe during cycling and directly transmitting pedaling force. The flyknit fabric in the upper section 130 adopts a highly breathable and quick-drying structure and is elastically woven for the instep flexion area to adapt to the flexion and extension changes of the instep during cycling. The rigid section 210 of the wing 200 is fixedly connected to the sole 100 (a carbon fiber sole specifically for cycling shoes) through embedded injection molding, forming a stable mechanical anchor point. Its flexible wrap section 220 is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber (Dyneema®) fabric, which has extremely high tensile strength. When the rider performs an upward lifting action (such as when the shoe is in conjunction with the pedal, during the lifting phase of the pedaling cycle), the wing 200 is instantly tightened, generating a strong horizontal wrapping force that firmly locks the foot to the sole, preventing the heel from lifting or the foot from slipping, thus achieving a "man-shoe as one" fit. This design makes the upper of the shoe fit more snugly when the rider lifts, increasing the force-bearing area and improving the wrapping effect, significantly improving pedaling and lifting efficiency. The flexible hook-and-loop section 230 fits snugly against the outer side of the shoe corresponding to the back of the arch, and can be adjusted according to individual foot shape and riding habits to ensure comfort and stability during long rides. Example 10 (Application of Soccer Boots)

[0071] This embodiment provides a specific application example for soccer shoes. Soccer shoes require a good contact feel between the upper and the soccer ball to achieve precise ball control and power generation. In this example, the TPU strip in the lower section 110 is thickened in the toe area to form an abrasion-resistant coating to cope with frequent friction during kicking. The midsection 120 uses lightweight, high-strength nylon (Pebax®) material to provide arch support while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility to adapt to frequent changes of direction and sudden stops in soccer. The surface of the flyknit fabric in the upper section 130 is specially treated to form a uniform and fine friction texture to enhance friction with the soccer ball. The structure of the wing section 200 is optimized to be flatter and closer to the upper, and its flexible wrapping section 220 uses a non-elastic high-density woven fabric to ensure that the upper is flat and wrinkle-free when stretched. The Wings 200 extends from the inside of the sole and is secured below the outer ankle, keeping the entire instep area (especially the front of the foot) flat and smooth. This avoids the unevenness caused by traditional laces or buckles, increasing the contact area and controllability between the upper and the ball, improving the mechanical transmission and accuracy of passing and shooting. Simultaneously, the arch support provided by the Wings prevents the foot from slipping inside the shoe during powerful kicks, ensuring concentrated power. The Velcro connection between the hook and loop sections allows players to quickly adjust the fit according to the needs of the game for optimal performance. This invention provides an arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings. The structure is rationally designed, the manufacturing process is feasible, and the materials used are all common materials in existing technologies, enabling large-scale production using existing footwear production lines. The superior arch support, anti-slip properties, and enhanced stability it provides make it particularly suitable for high-intensity athletic footwear such as trail running shoes, hiking boots, and basketball shoes, demonstrating significant industrial practical value and market potential.

[0072] In terms of manufacturing process, the present invention can be achieved through the following steps: Shoe Upper Manufacturing: First, a sock-like upper, comprising a 130mm upper section and a portion of a 120mm midsection, is integrally woven using a flyknit process. Then, a 110mm TPU lower section is heat-pressed to the bottom edge of the upper using a high-frequency hot-pressing process. Next, a pre-molded carbon fiber or nylon 120mm midsection support piece is fixed to the midfoot area of ​​the upper using in-mold injection molding or adhesive bonding, forming a complete three-section upper.

[0073] Wing manufacturing: The rigid segment 210 is formed by injection molding. The cut flexible wrapping segment 220 material is sewn to the rigid segment 210 with crocheted thread, and then the hook and loop fastener segment 230 is sewn or heat-pressed to the end of the flexible wrapping segment 220 to form a complete wing 200.

[0074] Final Assembly: The rigid section 210 of the manufactured wing 200 is precisely fixed to the corresponding position on the inner edge of the sole 100 (or its semi-finished product) by sewing or in-mold injection molding. Then, the assembled shoe body is fitted onto the shoe last and subjected to conventional shoemaking processes such as gluing and pressing with the wing already fixed to the sole. Finally, the free end of the wing 200 is pulled taut along a predetermined path (embedded in guide grooves if available) and glued to the rough surface section on the outer side of the shoe body, completing the final product assembly.

[0075] In terms of material selection, in addition to what has been mentioned above, this invention also fully considers environmental protection and sustainability. For example, the TPU in the lower section 110 can be bio-based or recyclable TPU material; the carbon fiber in the middle section 120 can be recycled carbon fiber; and the flyknit fabric in the upper section 130 can be made from recycled polyester fiber. The composite material of the flying wing 200 can also be made from recyclable high-performance fibers. This makes the product of this invention not only possess top-level performance but also conform to the green and environmentally friendly industrial trend.

[0076] This invention provides an arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings. The structure is rationally designed, the manufacturing process is feasible, and the materials used are all common materials in existing technologies, enabling large-scale production using existing footwear production lines. The superior arch support, anti-slip properties, and enhanced stability it provides make it particularly suitable for high-intensity athletic footwear such as trail running shoes, hiking boots, and basketball shoes, demonstrating significant industrial practical value and market potential.

[0077] The implementation principle of this invention is as follows: This invention discloses an arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and a winglet, belonging to the field of footwear technology. The structure includes a three-section, integrated upper body mounted on the sole 100. The upper body includes a waterproof lower section 110 formed by TPU tape, a midsection 120 made of high-strength lightweight material, and an upper section 130 made of flyknit fabric, connected sequentially. At least one inelastic winglet 200 is provided on the upper body. One end of the winglet 200 is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole 100, and the other end is a free end that can conform to the arch of the foot and extend towards the outer ankle, attaching to the area below the outer ankle joint of the upper body. The winglet 200 includes a rigid section 210, a flexible wrapping section 220, and a flexible hook-and-loop section 230 connected sequentially. The upper body is correspondingly provided with a textured section and a hook-and-loop section 230 for bonding. This invention optimizes performance through a three-section partition structure. It utilizes the Flying Wing 200 to generate horizontal tension to wrap around the arch of the foot, preventing forward foot movement that could lead to black toe. At the same time, it provides additional support for the ankle joint, reducing the risk of ankle sprains, and achieves adaptive, pressure-free arch support, significantly improving the comfort, stability, and protective performance of athletic shoes.

[0078] Its core principle can be summarized as "one anchor point, two functions, and triple protection." The anchor point refers to the rigid section 210, where the wing 200 is fixed to the inner side of the sole, serving as the foundation for the entire biomechanical system. The two functions refer to the "horizontal locking function" generated by the flexible wrapping section 220 of the wing 200 and the "ankle stability function" provided by its fixed free end position. The triple protection refers to: first, the basic structural support and protection provided by the midsection 120; second, the dynamic wrapping and anti-forward-rushing protection provided by the wing 200; and third, the active anti-sprain protection provided by the wing tip. These three layers of protection work in a progressive manner to form a comprehensive and dynamic foot protection system.

[0079] The embodiments described in this specific embodiment are all preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape and principle of the present invention, such as replacing the materials of the hard section 210 and the flexible wrapping section 220 of the wing 200 with other polymer materials with similar properties, or setting the textured section in other positions on the shoe body (such as slightly higher than the outer ankle), or increasing or decreasing the number of wings, as long as they adopt the core concept of extending the wing piece from the inside of the sole and obliquely wrapping the arch of the foot to the outside, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foot arch adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings, comprising a shoe body disposed on the sole (100), characterized in that, The shoe body has a three-section, one-piece structure, including the following sections connected in sequence: The lower section (110), located at the bottom of the shoe, is formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) strip to provide waterproofing. The middle section (120), connected above the lower section (110), is made of high-strength lightweight material and is used to provide mechanical support for the mid-waist area of ​​the shoe body; The upper section (130), connected above the middle section (120), is made of flyknit fabric and is designed to provide comfort and convenience for wearing; The shoe body (100) is also provided with at least one inelastic wing (200), one end of which is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole, and the other end is a free end, which is configured to conform to the arch of the foot, extend towards the outer ankle and be attached to the corresponding position in the area below the outer ankle of the shoe body (100).

2. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wing (200) includes a rigid section (210), a flexible wrapping section (220), and a flexible hook-and-loop section (230) connected in sequence; the side of the rigid section (210) away from the flexible wrapping section (220) is fixed to the side of the inner side of the sole to provide a structural foundation to prevent arch collapse; the flexible wrapping section (220) is configured to conform to the arch area of ​​the human foot to generate horizontal tension when worn to achieve a lacing effect similar to shoelaces and to prevent the foot from lunging forward; the flexible hook-and-loop section (230) is located at the free end of the wing (200).

3. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The shoe body (100) has a textured section in the area below the lateral ankle joint, and the flexible hook section (230) is bonded to the textured section to form a Velcro structure, which provides additional support for the ankle joint and increases movement stability.

4. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The overall unfolded shape of the flying wing (200) is like an airplane wing, and it is made of lightweight, high-strength composite material.

5. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and a winglet as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower section (110), middle section (120) and upper section (130) are integrally formed by hot pressing or stitching.

6. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and a winglet as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The middle section (120) is made of carbon fiber composite material or high-strength nylon material.

7. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid section (210) of the wing (200) is injection molded from thermoplastic material and is fixedly connected to the inner edge of the sole; the flexible wrapping section (220) is made of elastic fabric or non-woven material and is sewn or bonded to the rigid section (210) and the flexible hook section (230).

8. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and a winglet, as described in claim 3, is characterized in that... The area of ​​the rough surface section of the shoe body (100) is larger than the area of ​​the hook surface section (230) of the wing (200) to provide an adjustable adhesive position for the free end of the wing (200) at different arch heights.

9. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and wings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the shoe body (100) corresponding to the arch area is provided with a recess or guide groove to accommodate and guide the direction of the wing (200).

10. The arch-adaptive athletic shoe upper structure based on an integrated sock-like upper and a winglet, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that... The upper section (130) of the shoe body (100) is an integrated sock-like structure with an elastic tightening part at the shoe opening.

Images