Thick-sole badminton shoes

Abstract

The utility model relates to a pair of thick sole badminton shoes, which comprises soles and vamps arranged on the soles, the soles are composed of insoles, heel elastic pads, lateral stabilizing pieces and outsoles, the heel elastic pads are embedded in the heel parts of the front sides of the insoles, the lateral stabilizing pieces are embedded in the areas from half soles to middle feet on the outer sides of the insoles, and the outsoles are embedded in the lateral stabilizing pieces. The outsole is adhered to the back surface of the midsole, and the thickness of a forefoot touchdown point of the midsole is 12mm. The sole of the badminton shoe has the midsole thickness of 12mm, and has the advantages of shock resistance, comfort, starting, stability and light weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a thick-soled badminton shoe, belonging to the field of sports shoe technology. Background Technology

[0002] Badminton shoes on the market are generally divided into stability, all-around, and speed / lightweight / cushioning series. Among these, the midsole material and structure are key factors influencing the classification of cushioning shoes. The thickness and material of the midsole significantly affect cushioning performance; generally, a thicker midsole provides better cushioning. Choosing athletic shoes with better shock absorption can protect the lower limbs from sports injuries.

[0003] With the continuous advancement of running shoe technology, the midsole thickness of running shoes on the market is indeed showing a trend of becoming increasingly thicker. This design not only provides a comfortable feel but also improves athletic performance to a certain extent, making it popular among many runners and even the official shoes for some competitive events. Thicker-soled running shoes effectively reduce the impact on the body during running by increasing the thickness of the midsole, providing runners with a more comfortable feel. The lightweight and improved rebound performance of midsole materials, such as the use of EVA material, further enhances the cushioning effect of the running shoe, reducing the impact on the feet during exercise. For example, the Zoom Vaporfly Elite has a forefoot thickness of 21mm, and through the lightweight midsole material and the design of a lightweight carbon fiber plate throughout the foot, it allows for reduced energy consumption through midsole rebound during running, thereby improving running efficiency. This design not only overturns the traditional thinking that long-distance running shoes should have thin outsoles and be close to the ground but also redefines marathon running shoes. Major sports brands such as NIKE, PUMA, ADIDAS, and ASICS have also launched their own thick-soled running shoe series, which have played a significant role in helping athletes improve their performance. Therefore, with continuous technological advancements and material innovations, thick-soled running shoes are poised to become one of the mainstream products in the future running shoe market.

[0004] As is well known, badminton is a fast-paced and high-intensity sport, placing specific demands on badminton shoes. During the sport, athletes frequently employ high-intensity techniques such as strides, jumps, crossovers, and shuffles to maintain rapid movement and execute various directional actions. Therefore, badminton shoe design must meet requirements in multiple aspects, including shock absorption, stability, torsional rigidity, grip, and lightweight design. Specifically, the fast and high-intensity nature of badminton demands that the athlete's foot-to-ground reaction time be as short as possible for rapid acceleration. However, traditional badminton shoes often sacrifice shock absorption and comfort while controlling midsole thickness, hardness, and weight. According to the basic midfoot thickness settings of the three major badminton shoe brands (VICTOR, YONEX, and LI-NING), the forefoot contact point thickness is typically between 5-8mm, with a maximum of no more than 10mm. For midsoles exceeding 8mm, the average hardness is between 58-62C, and the average weight is between 320-356g. This design aims to balance the needs of rapid acceleration and shock absorption comfort, ensuring athletes maintain peak performance during intense matches.

[0005] Furthermore, based on the wearing experience of badminton shoes with soles thicker than 8mm, it was found that while they offer good shock absorption, they do indeed negatively impact wearing comfort and athletic performance. Specifically:

[0006] (1) Decreased flexibility due to increased midsole thickness

[0007] Thick-soled badminton shoes, due to their thicker midsole, reduce the shoe's flexibility and increase its weight. While this design improves shock absorption to some extent, it sacrifices the shoe's agility. In badminton, quick movement and turning are crucial, and thick-soled shoes perform relatively poorly in these aspects, potentially impacting the athlete's performance.

[0008] (2) The trade-off between midsole hardness, stability, and comfort

[0009] If the midsole stiffness is set below 60C, although the feel is more comfortable, it will reduce the stability of the shoe and increase the risk of sports injuries. Conversely, if the midsole stiffness is increased to above 60C, although the stability of the shoe is improved, its comfort will be reduced, and the shoe will be more difficult to bend, further affecting flexibility.

[0010] (3) Disadvantages in initiation and smoothness

[0011] Compared to thin-soled shoes, thick-soled shoes are at a disadvantage in terms of starting speed and smoothness. In badminton, rapid starts and stops are common movements, and thick-soled shoes, due to their relatively thicker soles, may not perform as well as thin-soled shoes in these movements, thus affecting the athlete's rhythm and efficiency.

[0012] In conclusion, although badminton shoes with a sole thickness of 8mm or more perform well in terms of shock absorption, there is still room for improvement in the design of thick soles for badminton shoes due to reduced flexibility, trade-offs between midsole hardness and stability and comfort, and disadvantages in responsiveness and smoothness. Utility Model Content

[0013] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the problems existing in the prior art and provide a thick-soled badminton shoe with a 12mm thick midsole that integrates shock absorption, comfort, start-up, stability and lightweight, providing athletes with all-round support and protection.

[0014] The technical solution of this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows:

[0015] A thick-soled badminton shoe includes a sole and an upper disposed on the sole. The sole consists of a midsole, a heel cushion, a lateral stabilizer, and an outsole. The heel cushion is embedded in the heel area on the front of the midsole. The lateral stabilizer is embedded in the forefoot to midfoot area on the outer side of the midsole. The outsole is attached to the back of the midsole. The thickness of the forefoot contact point of the midsole is 12mm.

[0016] The further improved technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0017] Preferably, a midfoot stabilizing plate is embedded in the midfoot portion of the midsole.

[0018] Preferably, the thickness of the heel of the midsole is 23mm, and the height difference between the forefoot and heel contact points is 11mm.

[0019] Preferably, the midsole is a high-performance EVA midsole with a hardness of 50-55C; the heel elastic pad is a TPU pad, which is circular, 13mm thick, and has a hardness of 35±3C; the lateral stabilizing plate is a TPU sheet, which is 1.5mm thick and has a hardness of 85D; and the outsole is a rubber outsole.

[0020] The heel cushion is made of TPU material with a hardness of 35±3C, which is indeed lower than the hardness of the body (50-55C). This design utilizes the high elasticity, excellent pressure resistance, and fatigue resistance of TPU material to provide better shock absorption for thick platforms.

[0021] Preferably, the forefoot portion of the midsole has five curved grooves, the depth of which is 6mm.

[0022] Preferably, the cross-section of the curved groove is funnel-shaped, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with an upper width of 3mm and a lower width of 1mm.

[0023] Preferably, the outsole is composed of an integral base layer and a wear-prone area. The base layer has a thickness of 3 mm, and the wear-prone area is located at the rubber corner on the inner side of the forefoot, with a thickness of 4 mm and a length of 90 mm.

[0024] The outsole is the part of the shoe that contacts the ground. Its basic layer is 3mm, providing basic isolation and protection between the shoe and the ground. However, in the rubber corners of the inner forefoot area, which are prone to wear and tear, the thickness is increased to 4mm because this area has more frequent contact with the ground and wears out faster during movement. The distance in this area is 90mm. This design can enhance the shoe's abrasion resistance and durability. In particular, increasing the thickness in areas prone to wear ensures that the shoe provides sufficient protection while maintaining good flexibility and comfort.

[0025] Preferably, the lateral stabilizing plate consists of a forefoot region B, a forefoot region C, and a midfoot region. The forefoot regions B and C have L-shaped cross-sections, and the midfoot region is a three-dimensional triangular structure composed of a combination of three triangular faces.

[0026] Preferably, the three-dimensional triangular structure is embedded between the midsole and the outsole.

[0027] Preferably, the bottom of the forefoot region B extends 10mm from the outer side of the forefoot to the inner side, the bottom of the forefoot region C extends 6mm from the outer side of the forefoot to the inner side, and the deepest part of the midfoot region is 8mm.

[0028] Badminton's rapid-fire, stop-and-go nature means its performance is heavily influenced by the forefoot design of badminton shoes. Traditional badminton shoes typically have a 5mm thick midsole at the contact point, a thinner, firmer sole that improves stability during rapid starts and landings. However, a thinner midsole reduces shock absorption, increasing the risk of foot injuries. Conversely, a thicker midsole provides good shock absorption but offers less stability. Therefore, badminton shoes with a midsole thickness exceeding 10mm are currently unavailable.

[0029] The badminton shoe sole of this invention features a 12mm midsole thickness and combines shock absorption, comfort, responsiveness, stability, and lightweight design.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0031] (1) Seismic resistance

[0032] The main feature of this utility model badminton shoe is that the thickness of the forefoot contact point is significantly increased to 12mm, which is a significant improvement compared to the 5mm thickness of traditional badminton shoes (see...). Figure 1 This design significantly reduces the average vertical load factor, delays the time of impact, and thus improves the shock absorption effect.

[0033] (2) The midsole hardness is set at 50-55C for comfortable foot feel, which is about 5-10 degrees softer than the previous midsole hardness. The forefoot flex groove is widened and deepened. The adjustment of the midsole hardness and the design of the forefoot flex groove increase the flexion ability of the forefoot of the thick sole. While providing better cushioning, it makes the shoe more natural when flexing, improves the foot feel and forefoot flexibility of the shoe, and meets the dual needs of athletes for shoe performance and comfort.

[0034] (3) Initiation

[0035] The height difference between the forefoot and heel landing points on a thick-soled platform is 11mm (see...). Figure 2 This can prevent the height difference from being too high, which would result in a large tilt angle and affect overall stability, while a height difference from being too low would make the wearing experience too flat and affect starting performance.

[0036] (4) Stability

[0037] In badminton, the high-frequency, high-tension sudden stops and lateral movements cause repeated muscle contractions, leading to fatigue. If the shoe's lateral support is inadequate, the risk of sprains increases. To meet the high stability demands of athletes, a high-rigidity TPU material is embedded in the lateral support area of ​​the midsole from the forefoot to the midfoot, significantly increasing the shoe's support and stability. This design not only ensures a tight fit between the TPU and the lateral surface of the midsole, but also extends the TPU inwards by at least 6mm at the bottom. This structure provides stable foot support, effectively resisting strong outward impacts and offering reliable foot protection.

[0038] (5) Lightweight

[0039] Due to the nature of badminton footwork, the inner toe area of ​​shoes experiences significant wear and tear; therefore, the rubber thickness of traditional badminton shoes is typically set at 4-5mm. For badminton shoes with relatively thick midsoles and greater weight, the rubber thickness at the platform is reduced to 3mm to decrease the overall weight of the shoe. Simultaneously, to provide better wear resistance in the easily worn area on the inner forefoot, the rubber thickness at the corners of this area is increased to 4mm. This approach reduces weight while maintaining the wear resistance required for the flexural areas used in badminton. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a comparison of the thickness of the badminton shoe of this utility model and a traditional badminton shoe. The left image shows the badminton shoe of this utility model, and the right image shows a traditional badminton shoe.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the height difference between the front and rear of the badminton shoe of this utility model.

[0042] Figure 3The diagram shows the toe angle of the badminton shoe of this utility model and a traditional badminton shoe. The left image is of the badminton shoe of this utility model, and the right image is of a traditional badminton shoe.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the COP movement speed of a typical running shoe group and a toe-up group.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a side view of the sole of the thick-soled badminton shoe of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a top view of the sole of the thick-soled badminton shoe of this utility model.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a material distribution diagram of the sole of the thick-soled badminton shoe of this utility model.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the insole design in this utility model.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the forefoot flexion groove in this utility model.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the toe and tail of the shoe in this utility model.

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the forefoot lateral support piece in this utility model.

[0051] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Sectional view along direction B.

[0052] Figure 13 for Figure 11 The C-direction sectional view.

[0053] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional triangular structure.

[0054] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic pad at the heel in this utility model.

[0055] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate of this utility model.

[0056] Figure 17 for Figure 16 The sectional view along direction D.

[0057] In the picture: 1. Midsole, 2. Heel cushioning, 3. Lateral stabilizer, 4. Midfoot stabilizer, 5. Outsole, 6. Flex groove. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples given. Example 1

[0059] like Figures 5 to 17 As shown, the thick-soled badminton shoe includes a sole and an upper mounted on the sole. The sole consists of a midsole 1, a heel cushioning pad 2, a lateral stabilizing plate 3, a midfoot stabilizing plate 4, and an outsole 5. The heel cushioning pad 2 is embedded in the heel area on the front of the midsole 1. The lateral stabilizing plate 3 is embedded in the forefoot to midfoot area on the outer side of the midsole 1. The midfoot stabilizing plate 4 is embedded in the midfoot area on the front of the midsole 1. The outsole 5 is attached to the back of the midsole 1. The thickness of the forefoot contact point of the midsole 1 is 12mm, the thickness of the heel contact point of the midsole 1 is 23mm, and the height difference between the forefoot contact point and the heel contact point is 11mm. The midsole 1 is the main body of the shoe sole, which uses a high-performance EVA midsole with a hardness of 50-55C; the heel elastic pad 2 is a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) pad, which is circular, 13mm thick, and has a hardness of 35±3C; the midfoot stability plate 4 is made of carbon (CARBON); the lateral stability plate 3 is a TPU plate with a basic thickness of 1.5mm and a hardness of 85D; and the outsole 5 is a rubber outsole.

[0060] The forefoot area of ​​the midsole 1 has 5 flex grooves 6, each 6mm deep. The cross-section of the flex grooves 6 is funnel-shaped, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with an upper width of 3mm and a lower width of 1mm.

[0061] Outsole 5 consists of a base layer and a wear-prone area that are integrated into one piece. The base layer is the main part of Outsole 5 and is 3mm thick. The wear-prone area is located at the rubber corner on the inner side of the forefoot, and is 4mm thick and 90mm long.

[0062] The lateral stabilizer 3 consists of a forefoot region B, a forefoot region C, and a midfoot region. Forefoot regions B and C have L-shaped cross-sections. The bottom of forefoot region B extends 10mm from the outer side of the forefoot inwards, and the bottom of forefoot region C extends 6mm from the outer side of the forefoot inwards. The midfoot region is a three-dimensional triangular structure composed of three arranged triangles, with a maximum depth of 8mm at its deepest point. This three-dimensional triangular structure is embedded between the midsole 1 and the outsole 5.

[0063] The thickness of the forefoot contact point of this badminton shoe is increased to 12mm compared to traditional badminton shoes. This design makes the sole thicker, providing better cushioning and protection for athletes. Tests show that the average vertical load rate of this badminton shoe is significantly reduced. By increasing the sole thickness, this invention effectively delays the impact time, reduces the average vertical load rate, and improves shock absorption. This design not only improves the shock absorption of the badminton shoe but also helps enhance athletic performance. The thicker sole provides better support and stability, reducing foot fatigue and the risk of injury during exercise. Delaying the impact time also allows athletes to better control their movements and rhythm, improving coordination and flexibility.

[0064] The midsole of this invention features a hardness design of 50-55C, which is 5-10 degrees softer than traditional midsoles. This adjustment in hardness provides better cushioning, reducing impact on the feet and improving comfort during running or walking. The deepened and widened forefoot flex groove increases the flexion capability of the thicker forefoot platform, allowing for more natural bending, reducing the feeling of restriction, and increasing freedom of movement. The adjusted midsole hardness and the forefoot flex groove design not only provide better cushioning but also enhance forefoot flexibility during movement.

[0065] The height difference between the forefoot and heel of this invention is 11mm. This height difference is a crucial factor to consider when designing a shoe sole, directly affecting the shoe's comfort and athletic performance. If the height difference is too high, the shoe will tilt at a large angle when worn, potentially causing instability and increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, controlling the height difference at 11mm ensures that the shoe provides sufficient support while maintaining stability. On the other hand, if the height difference is too low, the shoe will appear too flat. While this design may increase the contact area with the ground and improve stability, it sacrifices the shoe's responsiveness. In sports requiring rapid movement and acceleration, such as badminton, a low sole can cause sluggish reaction times. Therefore, an 11mm height difference ensures sufficient responsiveness while maintaining stability.

[0066] This utility model relates to a thick-soled badminton shoe with a 4mm thick toe cap and a 12mm thick forefoot contact point. The angle between the forefoot contact point and the toe cap is approximately 16 degrees. Traditional badminton shoes typically have a 5mm thick forefoot contact point. The toe cap thickness is 3.5-4mm or more, with an angle of approximately 13 degrees (see...). Figure 3The larger the angle, the greater the toe lift. The toe lift of this invention contributes more to smooth forward movement than traditional badminton shoes. Research has found that good smoothness is closely related to the change in velocity in the forward-backward direction of the center of pressure (COP). This velocity change should be a gradual increase, not a sudden surge. A gradual increase helps maintain the smoothness and stability of movement, reducing discomfort or a feeling of blockage caused by sudden changes. Figure 4 As shown in the study on the impact of the upward tilt of the toe on forefoot smoothness in 2020 thick-soled running shoes, it is pointed out that the greater the upward tilt of the toe, the smoother the change in COP speed in the range from midfoot to forefoot takeoff (65-85%), which helps to reduce the abruptness during forefoot takeoff and makes the movement smoother.

[0067] In badminton, the high-frequency, high-tension sudden stops and lateral movements cause repeated muscle contractions, leading to fatigue. If the shoe's lateral support is inadequate, the risk of sprains increases. Adding an anti-rollover plate to the lateral side of the shoe reduces this risk. During vigorous exercise, the anti-rollover plate increases the contact area between the foot and the ground, providing additional support. Furthermore, arch support is a crucial factor in badminton shoe design. Good arch support distributes pressure more evenly, preventing excessive pressure on the lateral side during forward or lateral movements, helping to maintain ankle stability and improve foot aerodynamics. To meet the high stability demands of athletes, high-rigidity TPU material is embedded in the lateral support area of ​​the midsole from the forefoot to the midfoot, significantly increasing the shoe's support and stability. This design not only ensures a tight fit between the TPU and the lateral surface of the midsole, but also extends the TPU inwards by at least 6mm at the bottom. The high-rigidity TPU material itself has excellent support and deformation resistance; embedding it in a key area of ​​the midsole greatly enhances the overall stability of the shoe. Meanwhile, the inward extension of the TPU design further expands the support range, providing more comprehensive and effective support for the foot when subjected to lateral impacts, thereby reducing the risk of injury. Considering the dynamic changes in an athlete's foot during strenuous exercise, precise support points and extended width ensure stable support under various movement conditions. In short, this structure provides stable foot support, effectively resists strong lateral impacts, and offers reliable foot protection.

[0068] Since the midsole of badminton shoes is 12mm thick, in order to provide sufficient stability during sports and avoid injuries, a three-dimensional triangle is designed in the midfoot area, which extends 8mm inward to form the most concave part of the midfoot, creating a three-dimensional triangular embedded design that allows the midfoot to achieve a high degree of stability.

[0069] In addition to the embodiments described above, this utility model may have other implementations. All technical solutions formed by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A thick-soled badminton shoe, comprising a sole and an upper disposed on the sole, characterized in that: The outsole consists of a midsole, a heel cushion, a lateral stabilizing plate, and an outsole. The heel cushion is embedded in the heel area on the front of the midsole. The lateral stabilizing plate is embedded in the forefoot to midfoot area on the outer side of the midsole. The outsole is attached to the back of the midsole. The thickness of the forefoot contact point of the midsole is 12mm.

2. The thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that: A midfoot stabilizing plate is embedded in the midfoot portion of the midsole.

3. The thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the heel of the midsole is 23mm.

4. The thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The midsole is a high-performance EVA midsole with a hardness of 50-55C; the heel elastic pad is a TPU pad, which is circular, 13mm thick, and has a hardness of 35±3C; the lateral stabilizing plate is a TPU sheet, 1.5mm thick, and has a hardness of 85D; the outsole is a rubber outsole.

5. A thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that: The forefoot portion of the midsole has five curved grooves, each with a depth of 6mm.

6. The thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cross-section of the curved groove is funnel-shaped, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with an upper width of 3mm and a lower width of 1mm.

7. A thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outsole consists of a base layer and a wear-prone area that are integrated into one piece. The base layer is 3mm thick, and the wear-prone area is located at the rubber corner on the inner side of the forefoot, with a thickness of 4mm and a length of 90mm.

8. The thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lateral stabilizing plate consists of a forefoot region B, a forefoot region C, and a midfoot region. The forefoot regions B and C have L-shaped cross-sections, and the midfoot region is a three-dimensional triangular structure composed of a combination of three triangular faces.

9. A thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that: The three-dimensional triangular structure is embedded between the midsole and the outsole.

10. A thick-soled badminton shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottom of the forefoot region B extends 10mm from the outer side of the forefoot to the inner side, the bottom of the forefoot region C extends 6mm from the outer side of the forefoot to the inner side, and the deepest part of the midfoot region is 8mm.

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