A marathon running sock with a bionic propulsion module replaceable running shoes

Abstract

The application discloses a marathon bionic power assisting running sock capable of replacing running shoes, which is composed of a sock body, a sole bionic propulsion, an arch support shaping, a forefoot rebound assisting, a heel cushioning protection and an antiskid wear-resistant bottom layer. The sandwich bionic propulsion module made of an arch-shaped elastic sheet simulates the sole tendon, stores energy when landing and releases energy when climbing, continuously provides propulsion power and reduces foot loss, and can replace running shoes alone. The product enables the forefoot, the arch and the heel: the arch module supports the arch to prevent collapse and avoid sole fascia injury; the forefoot module strengthens the climbing of the metatarsal force point; and the honeycomb heel module cushions the landing impact and protects the knee and ankle. The bottom is fully covered with an antiskid wear-resistant layer and is provided with antiskid lines, thereby preventing the internal structure from being damaged and prolonging the service life. The sock body is made of a breathable elastic knitted fabric, is matched with a sweat-releasing hole to prevent abrasion, and is provided with an ankle limiting structure to prevent the sock from sliding and rolling up, and the whole is light and free from restraint, and is suitable for long-distance marathon sports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of running sock technology, specifically to a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes. Background Technology

[0002] Marathons are ultra-long-distance, high-intensity, and continuous aerobic exercises, placing extremely high demands on the comprehensive performance of foot protection, exercise assistance, and cushioning equipment. Currently, the standard practice for marathon runners is to pair professional running shoes with running socks. The running shoes primarily provide cushioning, support, slip resistance, and exercise assistance, while the running socks only serve basic functions such as moisture wicking, reducing foot friction, and providing a snug fit and protection. Their functions are limited and their auxiliary effects on exercise are minimal.

[0003] Current marathon running socks only optimize basic performance aspects such as fabric, breathability, quick-drying properties, localized thickening for abrasion resistance, and elastic support. They suffer from several inherent industry defects and cannot meet the high-intensity demands of long-distance marathons. First, current running socks lack any supportive structure, relying entirely on the runner's leg and foot muscles for push-off and stride. During long-distance running, the foot muscles and tendons endure continuous high-intensity loads, easily leading to muscle fatigue, loss of power, and gait distortion, significantly increasing energy expenditure and limiting endurance and performance. Second, conventional running socks lack targeted foot support and shaping structures. During marathon running, the foot repeatedly flexes and extends under pressure, causing the arch to be in a collapsed and stretched state for extended periods. This can easily lead to arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and other sports injuries after prolonged exercise, offering insufficient protection. Third, traditional running socks have weak cushioning and shock absorption performance. When the forefoot pushes off the ground and the heel lands, there is no effective cushioning structure to disperse the impact force. The impact force is directly transmitted to the soles of the feet, ankles and knees, which can easily cause joint soreness, foot bruising and heel wear during long-distance running.

[0004] Meanwhile, the traditional combination of running shoes and socks presents problems such as cumbersome wearing, heavy equipment, and poor fit. The weight of the running shoes increases the burden on the feet, and issues such as relative slippage between the shoes and socks, sweat accumulation, and friction from foreign objects can easily occur, leading to blisters, slippage, and sock slippage, seriously affecting running stability and the exercise experience. Although there are some upgraded running socks on the market with thicker cushioning and localized support, they only provide basic protection and lack the core functions of active rebound assistance and biomimetic propulsion. They cannot break free from dependence on running shoes. There is still no integrated marathon running sock that can replace running shoes and combines support, cushioning, biomimetic propulsion, and anti-slip protection, indicating a significant technological gap in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes includes a sock sole, a sock back, a sock leg and a sock cuff, and also includes a foot biomimetic propulsion module, an arch support and shaping module, a forefoot rebound assist module, a heel cushioning and protection module and a non-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer.

[0008] The foot-bionic propulsion module is embedded inside the interlayer of the sock sole; the arch support and shaping module is installed in the middle of the bottom surface of the foot-bionic propulsion module; the forefoot rebound assist module is connected to the front of the bottom surface of the foot-bionic propulsion module, and the forefoot rebound assist module is located in the forefoot area of ​​the sock sole corresponding to the metatarsal head position; the heel cushioning and protection module is connected to the rear of the bottom surface of the foot-bionic propulsion module, and the heel cushioning and protection module is located in the rearfoot area of ​​the sock sole corresponding to the heel position.

[0009] The anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer is set under the forefoot rebound assist module, the arch support and shaping module and the heel cushioning and protection module to form a continuous external wear-resistant surface. The outer surface of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer is provided with anti-slip texture or raised structure for contact with the ground.

[0010] Furthermore, the foot-inspired bionic propulsion module is an arc-shaped elastic sheet structure that can elastically deform and store energy under pressure, and release energy upon rebound after pushing off the ground, simulating the force exerted by human tendons to provide forward bionic propulsion for running.

[0011] Furthermore, the forefoot rebound assist module is a wave spring, which is fitted and fixed to the front of the bottom of the foot bionic propulsion module, located between the forefoot rebound assist module and the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer. The wave spring extends along the direction of the metatarsal bones of the foot. When the forefoot is pushed off during running, the wave spring is compressed and stores energy, and releases the elastic rebound force when the foot is lifted.

[0012] Furthermore, the forefoot rebound assist module is a spring cluster, which is composed of an array of multiple nickel-titanium shape memory alloy fine springs. The spring cluster is attached and fixed to the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module and is evenly distributed corresponding to the metatarsal head points of the human forefoot. When the foot is pushed off the ground during long-distance running, the multiple nickel-titanium shape memory alloy fine springs are compressed and stored synchronously, and the rebound force is released in a concentrated manner when the foot leaves the ground.

[0013] Furthermore, the forefoot rebound assist module is a silicone module, which is fitted and fixed to the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module, and its shape is adapted to the outline of the human forefoot and the arrangement of metatarsal heads; the silicone module has a honeycomb-type buffer micropore structure evenly distributed inside. During long-distance marathon running, when the forefoot pushes off the ground, the micropores compress and deform to store elastic potential energy, and when the foot lifts and steps, the micropores quickly rebound to release the assist power.

[0014] Furthermore, the forefoot rebound assist module is an artificial sponge, which is laid in close contact with the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module, covering the force-bearing area of ​​the human forefoot; during the push-off phase of marathon running, the sponge contracts and deforms under the pressure of the foot and the ground, absorbing the impact pressure of landing; during the lifting and force exertion phase, the sponge quickly recovers and rebounds due to its high elasticity.

[0015] Furthermore, the heel shock absorption protection module is a double-layer honeycomb flexible buffer structure with breathable buffer holes inside.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a breathable and heat-locking surface layer, which is disposed on the inner surface of the sock sole and positioned above the foot bionic propulsion module, in direct contact with the human foot sole.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes an ankle elastic limiting module, which is disposed on the sock and used to bind the sock to the ankle of the human body.

[0018] Furthermore, the sock sole, sock back, sock leg, and sock cuff are integrally molded structures, and all are elastic and breathable knitted structures made of nylon and spandex materials.

[0019] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] 1. This invention enables running socks to provide active propulsion, completely eliminating reliance on running shoes. The invention features a layered, biomimetic propulsion module with an arched elastic sheet structure, mimicking the muscle contraction mechanism of the human foot. When the foot lands under pressure, the socks elastically deform to store mechanical energy, and quickly rebound to release energy during push-off. This provides continuous and stable forward biomimetic propulsion for marathon runners, effectively reducing foot muscle fatigue, alleviating muscle fatigue during long-distance running, and significantly improving endurance and efficiency. It breaks through the limitations of traditional running socks that offer no support and are purely passively worn, and can completely replace traditional running shoes for independent use.

[0021] 2. This invention targets the three core stress areas of the human foot: the forefoot, arch, and heel. It provides corresponding forefoot rebound assist modules, arch support and shaping modules, and heel cushioning and protection modules to achieve zoned energy delivery. The arch support and shaping module continuously supports the arch curvature, preventing arch collapse and excessive stretching of the plantar fascia during long-distance running, effectively preventing sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis and arch pain. The forefoot rebound assist module can achieve multi-point synchronous energy storage and rebound based on different material structures, conforming to the metatarsal head's force trajectory and enhancing the propulsion effect. The double-layer honeycomb structure heel cushioning and protection module can efficiently absorb landing impact, cushioning the force on the sole, ankle, and knee joints, significantly reducing the risk of joint strain during long-distance running.

[0022] 3. This invention fully covers the bottom of each functional module with an anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer, forming a continuous and complete ground-resistant wear-resistant surface. Combined with the anti-slip texture and raised dot structure on the surface, it greatly improves the friction between the sole of the foot and the ground, effectively solving the problems of slipping and unstable force during long-distance running. At the same time, it protects the internal functional modules, improves the overall service life of the running socks, and its wear resistance far exceeds that of conventional sports running socks.

[0023] 4. Compared to traditional running shoe and sock combinations, this invention significantly reduces the burden on the feet, eliminating the feeling of heaviness and restriction. The sock body is made of nylon-spandex elastic breathable knitted material, combined with a breathable and heat-locking surface layer and breathable cushioning holes in each module, which can quickly wick away sweat from the soles of the feet, ensure air circulation, and prevent problems such as stuffiness, sweat accumulation, and blisters caused by friction; combined with an elastic ankle restraint module, it can firmly restrain the sock body, prevent the sock from slipping or rolling up during long runs, and ensure a stable fit throughout the entire run. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0025] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a forefoot rebound assist module of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a forefoot rebound assist module of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a forefoot rebound assist module of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a forefoot rebound assist module of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 .

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a heel cushioning and protection module for a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer of a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, provided for some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 1. Sock sole; 2. Sock back; 3. Sock leg; 4. Sock cuff; 5. Bionic foot propulsion module; 6. Arch support and shaping module; 7. Forefoot rebound assist module; 701. Wave spring; 702. Spring cluster; 7021. Nickel-titanium memory alloy fine spring; 703. Silicone module; 704. Artificial sponge; 8. Heel cushioning and protection module; 9. Anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer; 901. Anti-slip texture; 902. Raised dot structure; 10. Breathable and heat-locking surface layer; 11. Ankle elastic limiting module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, includes a sock sole 1, a sock back 2, a sock leg 3, a sock cuff 4, a foot biomimetic propulsion module 5, an arch support and shaping module 6, a forefoot rebound assist module 7, a heel cushioning and protection module 8, a non-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer 9, a breathable and heat-locking top layer 10, and an ankle elastic limiting module 11. In this embodiment, the forefoot rebound assist module 7 adopts a wave spring 701 structure, which is a basic and general embodiment of the present invention, suitable for professional half-marathon and full-marathon racing scenarios, and can be worn independently without traditional running shoes.

[0040] The sole (1), instep (2), leg (3), and cuff (4) are seamlessly knitted from a nylon and spandex blend yarn, forming a one-piece elastic and breathable knitted structure. The nylon content is 72%, and the spandex content is 28%. This ratio balances the fabric's stretch resilience, abrasion and tear resistance, and moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. It exhibits high resilience in both horizontal and vertical stretching, and shows no permanent deformation after prolonged high-intensity stretching. It conforms to the different contours of the human foot, preventing either tightness / pressure or slippage. The sock cuff 4 features a widened, high-elastic rib knit structure with a rib density of 12 stitches / cm, evenly wrapping around the lower part of the calf without constricting the leg or rolling up. The back of the sock 2 features a honeycomb breathable knit mesh with a mesh size of 0.8mm, allowing for air convection around the back of the foot during running and quickly dissipating heat buildup. The ankle elastic restraint module 11 is integrally sewn into the middle section of the sock leg 3. The restraint module contains three parallel high-elastic elastic bands, each 4mm wide and evenly spaced at 6mm intervals. The bands are covered with a knitted protective layer of the same fabric. When worn, the elastic bands tightly wrap around the protruding part of the ankle bone, forming a ring-shaped restraint structure. Under the conditions of continuous running for several hours in a marathon and repeated flexion and extension of the foot, this effectively limits the sock leg from sliding up and down and lateral twisting, eliminating common defects of traditional running socks such as rolling up, slipping, and bunching, maintaining a close fit between the sock and the foot and ankle throughout the entire run.

[0041] The sock sole 1 features a double-layered structure, with a cavity for embedding the bionic propulsion module 5. The inner layer of the sock sole is composite with a breathable and heat-locking surface layer 10, which directly contacts the skin of the foot and is positioned directly above the bionic propulsion module 5. This breathable and heat-locking surface layer is woven with a special-shaped cross-section quick-drying and moisture-wicking yarn. The yarn cross-section has a cross-groove structure, allowing for rapid absorption of sweat secreted from the foot and conduction to the sock sole interlayer and the mesh of the sock back. The surface layer incorporates ultra-fine hollow insulating fibers, locking in basic foot heat during low-temperature outdoor running and quickly dissipating hot and humid air during high-temperature summer racing, achieving a dual effect of constant temperature and breathability. The surface layer features a differentiated knitting density design, with a 30% increase in knitting density in the forefoot metatarsal pressure zone and the heel pressure zone, making it thicker and more wear-resistant, preventing pilling and damage caused by prolonged friction. The knitting density in the arch area is reduced by 20%, improving arch flexibility and adapting to repeated arch deformation during running.

[0042] The interlayer houses a biomimetic foot propulsion module 5. The module's overall structure is an arc-shaped elastic sheet, made from 3K carbon fiber pre-impregnated and integrally molded. When naturally stationary without external force, it maintains the standard physiological arch curvature of the human foot, with an arch height of 12mm. The curvature perfectly matches the inner arch surface of an adult foot. The carbon fiber elastic sheet is 0.7mm thick, possessing high strength, high elasticity, and resistance to millions of fatigue bends. Even after repeated push-offs during a marathon, it will not experience elasticity decay or breakage. When a runner lands, their body weight applies downward pressure, causing the curved elastic sheet to deform vertically, compressing and flattening the arched shape. During this deformation, a large amount of elastic mechanical energy is stored. When the runner completes the weight transfer and pushes off with their forefoot, the carbon fiber elastic sheet releases the pressure and quickly rebounds to restore its original arched structure. The stored mechanical energy is released simultaneously, forming a forward and upward biomimetic propulsive force. This completely simulates the original force release mechanism of the plantar fascia and tendons in the human foot, continuously providing auxiliary power for the running gait, reducing the continuous force load on the calf muscles and foot muscles, alleviating the accumulation of lactic acid in muscles during long-distance exercise, and delaying the arrival of the fatigue threshold.

[0043] The foot arch support and shaping module 6 is bonded to the center of the bottom surface of the biomimetic propulsion module 5 using high-temperature resistant and environmentally friendly hot melt adhesive. The arch support and shaping module is integrally injection molded from modified TPU rigid elastic resin, perfectly conforming to the concave surface of the human foot arch. Three parallel longitudinal reinforcing ribs, 1.2mm thick, are located on the inner side, along with five arc-shaped buffer grooves, 3mm wide. During long-distance running, the arch support and shaping module continuously lifts the foot arch, counteracting the downward collapse stress caused by body weight and preventing excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. This structurally prevents foot arch swelling, plantar fasciitis, and compensatory injuries caused by flat feet. The buffer grooves can absorb a small amount of shear force generated by lateral torsion of the arch, adapting to the dynamic gait of inversion and supination during running. The combination of rigid support and micro-buffered grooves balances shaping protection with flexibility.

[0044] The forefoot rebound assist module 7 is fixedly installed on the front of the bottom of the bionic propulsion module 5. In this embodiment, a wave spring 701 is selected as the core rebound structure. The wave spring is made of stainless steel SUS304 and is stamped in one piece. The peak height of the spring is 2.5mm and the trough depth is 1.8mm. The spring extends laterally along the arrangement direction of the five metatarsal heads of the foot, covering all the force points of the first to fifth metatarsal heads. The width is 22mm. The whole spring is laid flat and bonded between the bottom surface of the carbon fiber elastic sheet and the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer 9. Both the top and bottom surfaces are coated with a high temperature resistant flexible adhesive layer to prevent the spring from delaminating or shifting due to repeated compression during running. During the forefoot push-off phase of a marathon run, the body weight compresses the wave spring, causing its wave structure to deform and the crests and troughs to contract and store elastic potential energy. As the center of gravity shifts forward and the foot leaves the ground, the spring releases external pressure, and the wave structure quickly expands and returns to its original position, releasing a concentrated, forward-moving elastic rebound force. This, combined with the arched rebound thrust of the biomimetic propulsion module 5 above, creates a double boost, amplifying the propulsive effect and reducing the strain on the forefoot metatarsals and toe muscles. The wave spring is a continuous, integrated structure with even force distribution and no localized stress concentration. Compared to distributed spring structures, it avoids the discomfort of a single point of hardness on the sole of the foot, making it suitable for the foot tolerance needs of most runners.

[0045] The foot-inspired propulsion module 5 is bonded to the rear of the heel cushioning and protection module 8. The module as a whole is a double-layer honeycomb flexible EVA buffer structure. The upper honeycomb has a 3mm diameter and the lower honeycomb has a 5mm diameter. The two layers of honeycomb are arranged in an alternating pattern, with a 0.5mm thick flexible connecting film between the layers. All the honeycomb channels are connected to form breathable buffer holes. At the moment of heel landing, the double-layer honeycomb structure compresses and deforms synchronously. The multiple honeycomb layers absorb and disperse the vertical impact force from the ground in stages, transforming the hard impact that would originally be directly transmitted to the heel bone, ankle joint, and knee joint into honeycomb flexible buffer deformation, greatly reducing the pressure on the joints. The through-hole breathable buffer can drain heat and sweat from the heel area, preventing the heel from getting damp and blistering. The double-layer honeycomb structure has excellent resistance to compression fatigue. After a continuous 42km marathon, the cushioning rebound performance decreased by less than 5%, providing stable shock absorption and protection throughout the entire race.

[0046] The anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer 9 is integrally heat-pressed and composited, covering the bottom of the forefoot wave spring, arch support module, and heel honeycomb cushioning module, forming a continuous and complete integrated external wear-resistant grounding layer. The bottom substrate is made of high wear-resistant rubber composite material with a Shore hardness of 60A, and its wear resistance far exceeds that of ordinary knitted running sock fabrics. The wear thickness after a single full marathon run is less than 0.02mm, increasing the service life by more than 6 times. The outer surface of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer 9 is integrally molded with horizontally interlaced anti-slip texture 901, with a texture depth of 1.2mm, a texture spacing of 4mm, and a trapezoidal cross-section. It can increase the ground friction coefficient on plastic tracks, asphalt roads, and cement roads, preventing foot slippage and force deviation during acceleration, deceleration, and turning. At the same time, it completely wraps all internal functional modules, isolating them from sand, dust, and water stains from corroding the carbon fiber elastic sheet, wave spring, and TPU support module, extending the overall service life of the running sock.

[0047] In this embodiment, it should be noted that: the sock sole interlayer has a cavity that perfectly matches the shape of the foot bionic propulsion module. The cavity edge is sealed with high-frequency hot pressing to prevent sweat and mud from seeping into the interlayer and corroding the metal and carbon fiber components. All module adhesives are made of flexible hot melt adhesives specifically for sports equipment. They do not become brittle in low-temperature environments or soften and detach in high-temperature sports. The stretching synchronization rate is consistent with the knitted fabric of the sock body, and the adhesive layer will not crack or the module will misalign when the foot is bent.

[0048] In this embodiment, the running socks can be set to multiple standard sizes. The bionic propulsion module, arch support and shaping module, and wave spring are scaled synchronously according to the size of the metatarsals, arch, and heel of the corresponding size, ensuring that the modules can accurately fit the pressure points of the sole of the foot for runners of different foot lengths, without any local suspension or local compression problems.

[0049] A single complete running sock weighs only 48g, compared to over 220g for a regular running shoe. This significantly reduces the load on the feet, eliminating the feeling of heaviness and constraint, and avoiding the problem of added weight caused by wearing both running shoes and socks.

[0050] The technical effects achieved in this embodiment are as follows: This embodiment adopts an arched carbon fiber biomimetic elastic sheet and an integrated wave spring dual-energy storage and rebound structure. Energy is simultaneously compressed and stored during landing, and propulsive force is released in layers during push-off. The thrust output is smooth and continuous, without abrupt, harsh feedback. It is suitable for professional runners' half-marathon and full-marathon sprint training and official competitions, continuously reducing the output power of foot muscles. Actual tests show that at the same pace, foot muscle fatigue is reduced, long-distance running endurance is increased, and marathon performance is effectively optimized. The mid-foot arch support and shaping module continuously supports the arch, solving the problem of arch collapse during long-distance running; the rear double-layer honeycomb heel cushioning structure absorbs landing impact in stages, reducing vertical force on the ankle and knee joints; the forefoot wave spring evenly distributes local pressure on the metatarsal heads, preventing forefoot bruising and abrasions. The entire structure provides targeted protection for the three core high-incidence areas of marathon injuries. Long-term wear can significantly reduce the incidence of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and knee strain. This design eliminates the need for any running shoes; it can be worn barefoot, eliminating the drawbacks of traditional sock and shoe combinations such as slippage between layers, sweat buildup, and friction from foreign objects. The nylon-spandex integrated knit upper, combined with a breathable, heat-locking outer layer and honeycomb ventilation holes, allows for rapid wicking away of sweat, keeping feet dry throughout and preventing blisters, slippage, and sock slippage that could affect running stability. The full-coverage rubber anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer, with horizontal anti-slip patterns, provides high grip on both dry and wet surfaces, reducing the risk of slipping in rainy conditions. The rubber base isolates internal precision functional modules from gravel abrasion, ensuring excellent wear resistance for repeated use in daily training and races, extending the lifespan of ordinary cushioned running socks by 5-7 times compared to other brands. The knitted fabric of the sock is water-resistant, and its elasticity and breathability do not significantly decrease after multiple washes. The ankle elastic limiting module provides a ring-shaped binding sock, ensuring no slippage or rolling up throughout the 42km race; the elastic fabric evenly wraps around the feet without any localized tightness or pressure, and the breathable, heat-locking surface combines low-temperature heat retention with high-temperature heat dissipation, making it suitable for marathon scenarios in all four seasons.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides another marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes. Its structure includes all the contents of embodiment 1. Only the different parts are described below.

[0053] The forefoot rebound assist module 7 can be replaced with a spring cluster 702 structure. The spring cluster is composed of multiple nickel-titanium shape memory alloy fine springs 7021 arranged in an array. This embodiment is positioned as a running sock for ultramarathon and 100km endurance long-distance running, suitable for ultra-long distance low-intensity continuous running conditions.

[0054] The forefoot rebound assist module 7 uses multiple nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spring clusters 702. Each spring cluster consists of an array of independent nickel-titanium shape memory alloy fine springs 7021. Each fine spring has a diameter of 0.3mm, uniform wire diameter without burrs, a free length of 11mm, and a compression limit length of 3.5mm. Ideally, 15 springs are arranged in a five-column, three-row matrix, precisely corresponding to the pressure points on both sides of the five metatarsal heads of the forefoot. Each metatarsal head pressure area is matched with 2-3 independent fine springs, completely covering the entire forefoot pedaling pressure area. The upper ends of all nickel-titanium shape memory alloy fine springs are uniformly fixed to a flexible TPU support base, which is completely bonded to the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module 5 using environmentally friendly hot melt adhesive. The lower ends of the fine springs are uniformly bonded to the inner rubber pad of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer 9, ensuring that each fine spring is firmly fixed at both ends, preventing spring tilting, detachment, or displacement even under repeated compression over long distances.

[0055] Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi) thin springs possess unique temperature-adaptive elastic properties. During long-distance running, as the foot temperature rises to the 32-38°C range, the NiTi alloy maintains a stable elastic modulus, preventing softening and loss of power assistance due to temperature increases. In cold winter outdoor long-distance running, the alloy's low-temperature deformation and rebound performance shows no significant decrease, and its consistent power output under both high and low temperature environments far surpasses that of ordinary stainless steel wave springs. During the landing and push-off phase of a long-distance ultramarathon, the body weight is evenly distributed on the forefoot, and the 15 NiTi shape memory alloy thin springs in an array simultaneously undergo compression deformation. Each spring independently absorbs the local pressure at its corresponding metatarsal head point, dispersing the single-point pressure and decomposing the overall forefoot impact force into multiple independent energy storage units. When the runner lifts their foot off the ground and pushes forward, all the thin springs simultaneously and quickly rebound, releasing a horizontally forward composite rebound force at multiple points. The thrust is output along the original force trajectory of each metatarsal bone, conforming to the natural running gait and avoiding the localized hard pressure discomfort caused by the concentrated force of a single wave spring.

[0056] Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy possesses superior fatigue resistance, making it suitable for extreme long-distance sports scenarios such as 100km ultramarathons and multi-day continuous endurance runs. The forefoot rebound provides stable support without significant slippage throughout the entire run. A 0.6mm ventilation gap is reserved between the fine springs within the spring cluster. This gap, along with the ventilation channels in the underlying anti-slip and wear-resistant rubber, the honeycomb cushioning ventilation holes in the upper heel, and the breathable and heat-locking surface of the sock sole, forms a complete full-foot ventilation channel. Sweat and heat in the forefoot area can be quickly dissipated through the spring gaps, preventing heat and sweat buildup in the enclosed space of the metal spring cluster.

[0057] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the TPU support base for fixing the nickel-titanium fine spring is 0.4mm thick. The base has micro-buffer cutouts, allowing for slight deformation when the foot rolls inward or outward, or twists laterally, releasing the lateral shear stress of the spring cluster and preventing long-term torsional fracture at the root of the fine spring. The thickness of the rubber bottom layer corresponding to the spring cluster arrangement area is increased, improving the wear resistance and protection performance of the metal spring bottom end, preventing long-term ground friction from wearing through the rubber layer and causing the fine spring to directly contact the ground and corrode or wear. For runners weighing over 80kg, the nickel-titanium fine spring wire diameter is increased to 0.35mm, simultaneously enhancing the elasticity of a single spring; for runners weighing under 60kg, the fine spring wire diameter is 0.25mm, providing a gentler elasticity, suitable for the pressure and energy storage needs of different weight groups.

[0058] The technical effects achieved in this embodiment are as follows: multi-point distributed rebound assist, suitable for ultramarathons and ultra-long-distance endurance sports. Multiple nickel-titanium shape memory alloy thin springs independently store and release energy synchronously at different points, evenly distributing the pressure on the forefoot, significantly reducing pressure at single points, and significantly alleviating problems such as soreness and bruising in the forefoot metatarsals and toes during ultra-long-distance running of 100 kilometers; the excellent fatigue resistance of nickel-titanium alloy ensures stable assist throughout the entire run, without the problem of weak rebound and decreased propulsion effect in the second half, and significantly extending the fatigue threshold of ultra-long-distance running.

[0059] The material is temperature-adaptive, ensuring stable use in all seasons and climates. The nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is unaffected by changes in foot temperature, maintaining stable elasticity for both high-temperature road running in summer and low-temperature outdoor training in winter. It exhibits no softening at high temperatures or stiffness at low temperatures, making it suitable for marathon events in both northern and southern regions throughout the year.

[0060] Example 3

[0061] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides another marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes. Its structure includes all the contents of embodiment 1. Only the different parts are described below.

[0062] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the forefoot rebound assist module 7 is replaced by a honeycomb microporous silicone module 703. This embodiment is designed for the daily training and short-distance races of general marathon enthusiasts, heavy runners, and people with sensitive feet, taking into account the needs of comfort, cushioning, and cost-effectiveness.

[0063] The 703 silicone module is made of high-elasticity food-grade liquid silicone through one-piece injection molding. It is soft and skin-friendly, with no hard metal components, completely avoiding the problems of metal springs pressing on the foot and compressing the soft tissue of the sole. The overall shape of the module is replicated through 3D human foot scanning modeling. The curved contour is precisely adapted to the shape of the forefoot and the concave and convex arrangement of the five metatarsal heads of an adult. The edges of the module are rounded and chamfered to avoid sharp edges that compress the sole of the foot. The thickness of the module gradually increases from 2mm at the tip of the forefoot to 4mm at the base of the metatarsals, matching the pressure gradient of the sole of the foot. The thickness is greater in the high-pressure area of ​​the metatarsal heads, resulting in stronger cushioning and energy storage capacity.

[0064] The silicone module features densely packed, honeycomb-like cushioning micropores. These micropores are hexagonal in shape, with a single pore diameter of 1.5mm and a wall thickness of 0.2mm. All the honeycomb micropores are interconnected, forming a three-dimensional breathable channel that runs through the front, back, left, and right sides of the module. During the forefoot push-off phase of a marathon run, the body weight compresses the silicone module, causing the honeycomb micropores to contract and collapse simultaneously. Air inside the micropores is expelled, and elastic potential energy is stored during this deformation, while simultaneously absorbing the impact of landing. When the foot is lifted and the pressure is released, the high elasticity of the silicone drives the honeycomb micropores to rapidly expand and return to their original position. The internal negative pressure draws in external air, simultaneously releasing the stored elastic potential energy and providing forward push-off assistance. The three-dimensional breathable channel of the micropores simultaneously facilitates the exchange of heat and sweat from the sole of the foot, achieving a three-in-one function of cushioning, rebound, and breathability.

[0065] The upper surface of the silicone module is completely bonded to the front bottom of the bionic propulsion module 5 using flexible, environmentally friendly adhesive. The lower surface is tightly heat-pressed to the inner side of the anti-slip, wear-resistant bottom rubber layer. A 0.5mm micro-gaps are reserved around the module and the sidewalls of the sock sole, allowing the silicone module to slightly adapt to changes in shape when the foot bends or pronates, without being restricted or compressed by the sidewalls, ensuring gait flexibility. The silicone material possesses excellent waterproof, moisture-resistant, and anti-aging properties. During rainy runs or training on flooded surfaces, the module absorbs water with minimal weight gain, and moisture is quickly expelled through the honeycomb micropores, preventing swelling or loss of elasticity.

[0066] The technical effects achieved by this embodiment are as follows: The entire structure contains no hard metal parts; the highly elastic silicone material is soft and conforms to the sole of the foot, eliminating any discomfort from pressure. It is suitable for people with calluses, sensitive feet, or those recovering from mild plantar fasciitis. Beginner runners experience no adaptation period upon first use, and there is no localized pressure pain during prolonged running. It significantly reduces the risk of joint injury in heavier individuals. The honeycomb microporous multi-layered cushioning structure absorbs impact more efficiently than metal spring structures. The vertical impact force is effectively dissipated by the micropores upon landing, significantly reducing pressure on the knee and ankle joints, effectively solving the problems of knee pain and heel pain during long-distance running in heavier runners.

[0067] Example 4

[0068] like Figures 1 to 9As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides another marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes. Its structure includes all the contents of embodiment 1. Only the different parts are described below.

[0069] In this embodiment, the forefoot rebound assist module 7 is replaced with a high-elasticity open-pore artificial sponge 704. This embodiment is positioned for marathon beginners, jogging rehabilitation people, and daily leisure long-distance runners, and focuses on extreme lightweight, soft cushioning, gentle assistance, and ultra-low price.

[0070] The 704 synthetic foam is made of high-resilience, open-cell polyurethane foam. It is cut into a uniquely shaped sheet structure perfectly matching the pressure areas of the forefoot, completely covering the pressure-bearing areas of the first to fifth metatarsal heads. The foam thickness gradually increases from 1.5mm at the front of the forefoot to 3mm at the base of the metatarsals, matching the pressure gradient distribution of the foot. The foam has an interconnected, three-dimensional open-cell structure with an 85% porosity. The interconnected pores form three-dimensional ventilation channels. The foam substrate has high compression resilience, with a compression rate of up to 70%. After being fully compressed, it can quickly return to its original position without permanent collapse or deformation.

[0071] The artificial sponge sheet structure is integrally laid and bonded to the forefoot area of ​​the biomimetic propulsion module 5 on the sole. The upper surface of the sponge is bonded to the bottom surface of the carbon fiber elastic sheet, and the lower surface is tightly attached to the inner side of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom rubber layer. A 1mm deformation buffer gap is reserved around the sponge and the side wall of the sock sole layer, allowing the sponge to compress and expand freely when the foot bends and twists, without any squeezing or jamming. During the push-off phase of a marathon run, the body weight compresses the sponge downwards, causing the internal pores of the sponge to contract and compress, absorbing the impact pressure of landing, and converting kinetic energy into elastic potential energy of sponge deformation. During the lift-off phase, the sponge quickly expands and returns to its original position due to its high elasticity of polyurethane, releasing a gentle auxiliary rebound thrust, providing a mild assistance for the forefoot push-off. There is no harsh bouncy feedback like that of metal springs or high-density silicone, and the force exertion feels natural and smooth, close to the original force exertion of the human body without auxiliary equipment.

[0072] The open-cell sponge's three-dimensional pores possess exceptional moisture absorption and breathability. During running, sweat from the soles of the feet quickly penetrates into the sponge's pores, conducting upwards along the pore channels to the breathable, heat-locking surface where it evaporates. Simultaneously, the pores continuously circulate air, carrying away heat accumulated in the forefoot. During slow runs in cold weather, the sponge's hollow pores trap a small amount of air for basic insulation, while during slow runs in hot summer weather, it quickly dissipates heat, ensuring comfortable running all year round. The sponge material is extremely lightweight; after replacing the metal and silicone modules, the overall weight of a single running sock is further reduced to 42g, making it the lightest solution among the four examples, with virtually negligible weight on the feet.

[0073] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the inner side of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer that contacts the artificial sponge is laminated with an ultra-thin breathable non-woven fabric membrane. This membrane isolates the sponge substrate from direct wear by ground sand and gravel, extending the lifespan of the sponge. The non-woven fabric is filled with micro-ventilation pores, ensuring that the sponge's ventilation and moisture-wicking channels are not blocked. For teenagers and lighter beginner runners, a low-density, high-soft sponge is selected; for adult runners of standard weight, a medium-density, balanced rebound sponge is selected; and for heavier runners undergoing rehabilitation, a high-density, thickened sponge is selected to balance cushioning and support performance.

[0074] The technical effects achieved in this embodiment are as follows: the density of the open-cell sponge is much lower than that of metal and silicone components, and the weight of a single running sock is only 42g, which is significantly reduced compared to the 200g or more of traditional running shoes. Beginner runners will not experience any heaviness or discomfort in their feet when wearing them for the first time, and fatigue during daily jogging and long-distance training will be significantly reduced. The sponge deforms gently, and its impact absorption effect is the best among the four embodiments. There is no hard rebound force that irritates the bones and joints of the soles of the feet; the rebound assistance is smooth and gentle, and it will not forcibly change the body's original running gait. It is suitable for beginners with insufficient running strength and people who are recovering from foot surgery and jogging slowly, reducing the risk of sports injuries. The 85% high porosity three-dimensional channel has a better sweat and heat conduction efficiency than silicone and metal spring structures. During daily jogging and interval training for several hours, the feet stay dry, and it is not easy for sweat to accumulate and breed bacteria, reducing the probability of plantar eczema and blisters. The artificial sponge is simple to cut and process, and the raw material cost is much lower than that of nickel-titanium alloy, carbon fiber, and modified silicone. The finished product is affordable and suitable for student runners and daily leisure long-distance running enthusiasts to replace frequently. The gentle rebound assist can meet the needs of daily long-distance running of 5-30 kilometers, the cushioning and protective structure can cope with entry-level half marathon races, and it can also be used as a special equipment for foot rehabilitation jogging. The usage scenarios cover a variety of needs such as professional training, daily fitness, and rehabilitation therapy.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0076] The terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, comprising a sole (1), a back (2), a leg (3), and an opening (4), characterized in that, It also includes a foot bionic propulsion module (5), an arch support and shaping module (6), a forefoot rebound assist module (7), a heel cushioning and protection module (8), and an anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer (9). The foot bionic propulsion module (5) is embedded inside the interlayer of the sock sole (1); the arch support and shaping module (6) is installed in the middle of the bottom surface of the foot bionic propulsion module (5); the forefoot rebound assist module (7) is connected to the front of the bottom surface of the foot bionic propulsion module (5); the forefoot rebound assist module (7) is located in the forefoot area of ​​the sock sole (1) corresponding to the metatarsal head position; the heel shock absorption and protection module (8) is connected to the rear of the bottom surface of the foot bionic propulsion module (5); the heel shock absorption and protection module (8) is located in the heel area of ​​the sock sole (1) corresponding to the heel position. The anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer (9) is positioned below the forefoot rebound assist module (7), the arch support shaping module (6) and the heel shock absorption protection module (8) to form a continuous external wear-resistant surface. The outer surface of the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer (9) is provided with anti-slip parts for contact with the ground.

2. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The foot bionic propulsion module (5) is an arc-shaped elastic sheet structure that can elastically deform and store energy when compressed, and release energy when it bounces back after pushing off the ground, simulating the force exerted by human tendons, and providing forward bionic propulsion power for running.

3. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The forefoot rebound assist module (7) is a wave spring (701). The wave spring (701) is attached and fixed to the front of the bottom of the foot bionic propulsion module (5), located between the forefoot rebound assist module (7) and the anti-slip and wear-resistant bottom layer (9). The wave spring (701) extends along the metatarsal bone arrangement direction of the foot. When the forefoot is pushed off during running, the wave spring (701) is compressed and stores energy, and releases the elastic rebound force when the foot is lifted.

4. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes, as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The forefoot rebound assist module (7) is a spring cluster (702), which is composed of an array of multiple nickel-titanium memory alloy thin springs (7021). The spring cluster (702) is attached to the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module (5) and is evenly distributed corresponding to the metatarsal head points of the human forefoot. When the foot is pushed off the ground during long-distance running, the multiple nickel-titanium memory alloy thin springs (7021) are compressed and stored in sync, and the rebound power is released in a concentrated manner when the foot leaves the ground.

5. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forefoot rebound assist module (7) is a silicone module (703). The silicone module (703) is attached and fixed to the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module (5), and its shape is adapted to the outline of the human forefoot and the arrangement of metatarsal heads. The silicone module (703) has a honeycomb buffer micropore structure evenly opened inside. During the long-distance marathon running, when the forefoot pushes off the ground, the micropores compress and deform to store elastic potential energy. When the foot lifts and steps, the micropores quickly rebound and release the assist power.

6. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forefoot rebound assist module (7) is an artificial sponge (704). The artificial sponge (704) is laid in close contact with the forefoot area of ​​the foot bionic propulsion module (5) and covers the forefoot force area of ​​the human body. During the push-off phase of marathon running, the sponge is compressed and deformed by the pressure of the foot and the ground to absorb the impact pressure of landing. During the lifting and exertion phase, the sponge quickly recovers and rebounds due to its high elasticity.

7. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heel shock-absorbing protection module (8) is a double-layer honeycomb flexible buffer structure with breathable buffer holes inside.

8. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a breathable and heat-locking surface layer (10), which is disposed on the inner surface of the sock sole (1) and is disposed above the foot bionic propulsion module (5) and in direct contact with the human foot sole.

9. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an ankle elastic limiting module (11), which is disposed on the sock (3) and is used to bind the sock (3) to the ankle of the human body.

10. A marathon running sock with a biomimetic propulsion module that can replace running shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sock sole (1), sock back (2), sock leg (3) and sock cuff (4) are integrally molded structures, and all are elastic and breathable knitted structures made of nylon and spandex materials.

Images