Cushioning sole and cushioning sneaker
By using a viscoelastic interlayer and support unit design in athletic shoes, vertical impact force is absorbed and horizontal shear force is reduced, which solves the shortcomings of existing athletic shoes in controlling horizontal shear force and achieves better cushioning and knee protection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520620536.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Current athletic shoes lack a systematic solution for mitigating horizontal shear forces during running, resulting in a high risk of knee injuries.
The shoe uses a viscoelastic interlayer to connect the inner and outer layers of the sole. By utilizing the deformation of the interlayer and the design of the support unit, it absorbs vertical impact and weakens horizontal shear force. The relative sliding between the inner and outer layers of the sole reduces the risk of knee joint injury.
It effectively reduces vertical impact and horizontal shear force during running, improves the cushioning performance of sports shoes, and significantly reduces the probability of knee joint injury.
Smart Images

Figure CN223929614U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of footwear technology, and in particular to a shock-absorbing sole and a shock-absorbing sports shoe. Background Technology
[0002] Running has become a popular form of exercise due to its low barrier to entry, minimal venue restrictions, and significant health benefits. Wearing athletic shoes while running can effectively reduce the risk of sports injuries and improve athletic performance. However, it is noteworthy that despite continuous innovation in shoe manufacturing technology, the incidence of sports injuries has not decreased significantly. Data shows that among runners, 52% of men and 49% of women reported at least one lower limb injury in the past 12 months. And among all injuries, knee injuries account for a staggering 42.1%.
[0003] Sports biomechanical analysis shows that when the foot strikes the ground during running, the combined force includes two vector components: vertical impact force and horizontal shear force. The biomechanical mechanism of knee joint injury is significantly correlated with horizontal shear force. Excessive shear force can easily lead to irreversible injuries such as knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tears.
[0004] Current athletic shoe design primarily focuses on two approaches: first, enhancing cushioning by improving the properties of midsole materials, but this approach is limited by advancements in materials science; second, altering the midsole structure to absorb impact through geometric deformation. Both designs aim to improve cushioning performance to mitigate vertical impacts during exercise, thereby reducing the risk of sports injuries. It's evident that current commercially available running shoe technologies generally focus on attenuating vertical impacts, lacking a systematic solution for controlling horizontal shear forces. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a shock-absorbing sole and shock-absorbing sports shoes to reduce the vertical impact force and horizontal shear force borne by the feet.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A cushioning sole includes, from top to bottom, an inner sole layer, a middle layer, and an outer sole layer. The middle layer is made of a viscoelastic material. The middle layer allows the inner sole layer and the outer sole layer to slide relative to each other under the action of an external force, and allows them to return to their original positions after the external force is removed. The middle layer has multiple limiting holes that extend vertically through it. Multiple support units are connected between the inner sole layer and the outer sole layer. Each support unit corresponds to one of the limiting holes and is inserted into the limiting hole. The outer wall shape of the support unit is adapted to the inner wall shape of the limiting hole.
[0008] Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the intermediate interlayer gradually increases along the direction from the forefoot to the heel.
[0009] Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the intermediate interlayer is 3-5mm, the thickness T2 of the inner layer of the sole is 10-20mm, and the thickness T3 of the outer layer of the sole is 8-15mm.
[0010] Furthermore, the support unit includes an upper support member and a lower support member. The upper support member is fixedly connected to the lower side of the inner layer of the sole, and the lower support member is fixedly connected to the upper side of the outer layer of the sole. The upper end of the lower support member and the lower end of the upper support member are both disposed in the limiting hole.
[0011] Furthermore, at least within the limiting hole corresponding to the forefoot, the lower end of the support unit is inclined toward the forefoot.
[0012] Furthermore, when the support unit is tilted, the acute angle α formed between the axis of the support unit and the vertical direction is less than 35°.
[0013] Furthermore, at the position corresponding to the forefoot, the dimension L1 of the limiting hole in the width direction of the intermediate interlayer gradually decreases towards the heel; at the position corresponding to the heel, the dimension L2 of the limiting hole in the width direction of the intermediate interlayer gradually decreases towards the forefoot.
[0014] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of each of the support units increases along the direction from the forefoot to the heel.
[0015] Furthermore, the inner and outer layers of the sole are made of EVA or TPEE, and the intermediate layer is made of viscoelastic silicone; the Shore hardness of the inner layer is 45C-55C, the Shore hardness of the intermediate layer is 30C-36C, and the Shore hardness of the outer layer is 36C-45C.
[0016] A cushioned athletic shoe, comprising the aforementioned cushioned sole.
[0017] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0018] This invention features excellent shock absorption performance. It employs a viscoelastic intermediate layer connecting the inner and outer layers of the sole. The compression deformation of the intermediate layer effectively absorbs vertical impact forces and promotes a controllable, small-range relative sliding between the inner and outer layers of the sole in the anteroposterior direction of the foot. This weakens the horizontal shear force in the anteroposterior direction of the knee joint, effectively reducing the risk of knee joint injury. Multiple support units connect the inner and outer layers of the sole. These support units can deform vertically to reduce vertical ground reaction forces and tilt as the inner and outer layers slide relative to each other, further reducing horizontal shear forces and enhancing the protective effect. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state of this utility model before and after being subjected to external force.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the half-section structure of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the intermediate interlayer structure of this utility model (I).
[0024] Figure 6 This is a top view (II) of the intermediate interlayer structure of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a top view of the intermediate interlayer structure of this utility model (III).
[0026] Figure 8 This is a top view of the intermediate interlayer structure of this utility model (IV).
[0027] Figure 9 This is a top view of the intermediate interlayer structure of this utility model (V).
[0028] Explanation of main component symbols: 1. Inner layer of sole; 2. Intermediate layer; 21. Limiting hole; 3. Outer layer of sole; 4. Support unit; 41. Upper support component; 42. Lower support component; T1. Thickness of intermediate layer; T2. Thickness of inner layer of sole; T3. Thickness of outer layer of sole; L1-L2. Dimensions of limiting hole in the width direction of intermediate layer; a. Acute angle between the axis direction of support unit and the vertical direction. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0030] Example 1
[0031] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this utility model discloses a shock-absorbing shoe sole, comprising an inner sole layer 1, a middle layer 2, and an outer sole layer 3, which are arranged and connected sequentially from top to bottom. The inner sole layer 1 and the outer sole layer 3 are made of EVA or TPEE, and the middle layer 2 is made of a viscoelastic material, preferably viscoelastic silicone. The materials used in the three-layer structure all have good stability and durability, and can withstand long-term foot traffic. The middle layer 2 is fully covered and can be either an external structure or an internal structure. The hardness of the middle layer 2 is lower than that of the inner sole layer 1 and the outer sole layer 3, making it soft and elastic overall, and exhibiting both viscous fluid (energy dissipation) and elastic solid (energy storage) characteristics.
[0032] By utilizing the deformation of the intermediate layer 2 under stress, vertical impact forces can be effectively absorbed. It also allows for a small-scale, controllable relative sliding between the inner sole layer 1 and the outer sole layer 3 under external force. Therefore, biomechanical comparative tests conducted in the laboratory revealed that, under high-speed imaging, after the prototype shoe with this sole lands, the inner sole layer 1 exhibits significant sliding relative to the outer sole layer 3, moving towards the front of the foot. This demonstrates that the deformation of the intermediate layer 2 can reduce the braking effect during running and weaken the horizontal shear force in the anterior-posterior direction of the knee joint, thereby reducing the probability of knee joint injuries. Conversely, after the external force is removed, the intermediate layer 2 promotes the return of the inner sole layer 1 and the outer sole layer 3 to their original shape.
[0033] In this embodiment, the inner layer 1 of the sole has the highest hardness, with a Shore hardness of 45C-55C; the outer layer 3 of the sole has the second highest hardness, with a Shore hardness of 36C-45C; and the intermediate layer 2 has the lowest hardness, with a Shore hardness of 30C-36C. The intermediate layer 2 has the smallest thickness, with a thickness value T1 of 3-5mm; the inner layer 1 has the largest thickness, with a thickness value T2 of 10-20mm; and the outer layer 3 has a thickness between the two, with a thickness value T3 of 8-15mm. Preferably, the thickness value T1 of the intermediate layer 2 gradually increases along the direction from the forefoot to the heel. That is, the intermediate layer 2 is relatively thin at the position corresponding to the forefoot, resulting in less deformation under force, which can prevent excessive deformation of the forefoot area when the foot pushes off the ground, thus preventing force loss.
[0034] like Figure 3-5As shown, the intermediate interlayer 2 has multiple limiting holes 21, which extend vertically through the intermediate interlayer 2. Multiple support units 4 connect the inner sole layer 1 and the outer sole layer 3. The number and position of the support units 4 correspond one-to-one with the limiting holes 21. Each support unit 4 is inserted into the corresponding limiting hole 21, and the shape of the outer wall of the support unit 4 is adapted to and matches the shape of the inner wall of the limiting hole 21.
[0035] The support unit 4 can be a one-piece design, simultaneously connecting the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 of the sole, or it can be a split design. For example, in this embodiment, each support unit 4 is divided into an upper support member 41 and a lower support member 42. The upper support member 41 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the inner layer 1 of the sole, and the lower support member 42 is fixedly connected to the upper side of the outer layer 3 of the sole. The upper support member 41 and the lower support member 42 in any support unit 4 are vertically aligned, such that the upper end of the lower support member 42 and the lower end of the upper support member 41 abut against the same limiting hole 21. Preferably, the upper support member 41 is integrally connected to the inner layer 1 of the sole, and the lower support member 42 is integrally connected to the outer layer 3 of the sole.
[0036] Similar to the intermediate layer 2, the support unit 4 deforms under pressure during movement, effectively reducing the vertical ground reaction force. Driven by the limiting hole 21, it tilts as the inner layer 1 and outer layer 3 of the sole slide relative to each other, further reducing the horizontal shear force in the anterior-posterior direction of the knee joint. With the synergistic effect of the intermediate layer 2 and the support unit 4, the sole possesses excellent cushioning performance, effectively reducing the vertical impact and horizontal shear force on the foot, enhancing protection, and preventing sports injuries, especially knee injuries.
[0037] The support unit 4 is basically columnar, vertically or inclinedly positioned between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 of the sole. The height of the entire support unit 4 matches the thickness of the intermediate interlayer 2 at its location. The specific shape, size, spacing, density, and tilt angle of each support unit 4 can be the same or different. These parameters can be determined based on the movement patterns during walking and running and the anatomical characteristics of the human body, using methods such as high-speed photography, force tables, foot pressure plates, and finite element simulation. This ensures that the parameters conform to the anatomical structure and movement patterns of the foot, maximizing the buffering of vertical reaction forces and horizontal shear forces from the ground while maintaining sole support, thereby reducing damage to the knee joint.
[0038] In this embodiment, similar to the thinning of the intermediate interlayer 2 at the corresponding position on the forefoot, at least within the limiting hole 21 corresponding to the forefoot, the lower end of the support unit 4 is inclined towards the forefoot to ensure that there is no loss of force when the foot pushes off the ground. Based on the magnitude of the horizontal shear force in the front-back direction during movement, the inclination angle of the support unit 4 is approximately set within 35°, that is, the acute angle α formed between the axis of the columnar support unit 4 and the vertical direction is less than 35°.
[0039] The cross-section of the support unit 4 is one or a combination of circles, triangles, trapezoids, and semicircles. For example... Figure 6 As shown, at the position corresponding to the forefoot, the dimension L1 of the limiting hole 21 in the width direction of the intermediate layer 2 gradually decreases towards the heel. That is, the deformation of the corresponding part can be controlled by making the wide side of the support unit 4 face towards the toe and the narrow side face towards the rear of the shoe, thereby ensuring that the force is not lost when the foot pushes off the ground. Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the dimension L2 of the limiting hole 21 in the width direction of the intermediate layer 2 can be further reduced towards the forefoot at the position corresponding to the heel position, so as to better prevent force leakage.
[0040] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cross-sectional area of each support unit 4 increases along the direction from the forefoot to the heel. That is, the support unit 4 corresponding to the forefoot position is relatively thinner, and the support unit 4 corresponding to the heel position is relatively thicker, so as to enhance the support of the support unit 4 accordingly, which conforms to the characteristics of foot structure and movement law.
[0041] Example 2
[0042] Based on the above embodiment one, this utility model also discloses a shock-absorbing sports shoe, including the above-mentioned shock-absorbing sole, which has excellent shock absorption and protective performance, and can effectively reduce the probability of sports injuries, especially knee joint injuries.
[0043] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A shock-absorbing shoe sole, characterized in that: The shoe includes an inner sole layer (1), a middle layer (2), and an outer sole layer (3) arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The middle layer (2) is made of a viscoelastic material. The middle layer (2) allows the inner sole layer (1) and the outer sole layer (3) to slide relative to each other under the action of external force, and allows the inner sole layer (1) and the outer sole layer (3) to return to their original positions after the external force is removed. The middle layer (2) has multiple limiting holes (21) that pass through the middle layer (2) vertically. Multiple support units (4) are connected between the inner sole layer (1) and the outer sole layer (3). Each support unit (4) corresponds to one of the limiting holes (21). The support unit (4) passes through the limiting hole (21), and the outer wall shape of the support unit (4) is adapted to the inner wall shape of the limiting hole (21).
2. The cushioning sole as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness T1 of the intermediate interlayer (2) gradually increases along the direction from the forefoot to the heel.
3. The cushioning sole as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness T1 of the intermediate interlayer (2) is 3-5 mm, the thickness T2 of the inner layer (1) of the sole is 10-20 mm, and the thickness T3 of the outer layer (3) of the sole is 8-15 mm.
4. The cushioning sole as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support unit (4) includes an upper support member (41) and a lower support member (42). The upper support member (41) is fixedly connected to the lower side of the inner layer (1) of the sole, and the lower support member (42) is fixedly connected to the upper side of the outer layer (3) of the sole. The upper end of the lower support member (42) and the lower end of the upper support member (41) are both located in the limiting hole (21).
5. The cushioning sole as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: At least within the limiting hole (21) corresponding to the forefoot, the lower end of the support unit (4) is inclined toward the forefoot.
6. The cushioning sole as described in claim 5, characterized in that: When the support unit (4) is tilted, the acute angle α formed between the axis of the support unit (4) and the vertical direction is less than 35°.
7. The cushioning sole as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: At a position corresponding to the forefoot position, the size L1 of the limiting hole (21) in the width direction of the intermediate interlayer (2) gradually decreases towards the heel; at a position corresponding to the heel position, the size L2 of the limiting hole (21) in the width direction of the intermediate interlayer (2) gradually decreases towards the forefoot.
8. The cushioning sole as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of each of the support units (4) increases along the direction from the forefoot to the heel.
9. The cushioning sole as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner layer (1) and the outer layer (3) of the sole are made of EVA or TPEE, and the middle layer (2) is made of viscoelastic silicone. The Shore hardness of the inner layer (1) is 45C-55C, the Shore hardness of the middle layer (2) is 30C-36C, and the Shore hardness of the outer layer (3) is 36C-45C.
10. A cushioned athletic shoe, characterized in that: Includes the cushioning sole as described in any one of claims 1-9.