A sole structure, an article of footwear
The modular sole design addresses the issues of insufficient foot torsion and weak energy return in forefoot-landing runners, enabling more efficient energy transfer and propulsion to meet professional needs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANTA (CHINA) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
Smart Images
Figure CN224474119U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of footwear product technology, specifically to a sole structure and footwear product. Background Technology
[0002] Footwear products consist of an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed from suitable materials to accommodate, secure, and support the foot against the sole structure. The upper can work with laces, Velcro, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. The bottom portion of the upper, closest to the foot, is attached to the sole structure.
[0003] The sole structure comprises different components arranged and connected in layers between the ground and the upper. At the bottom layer of the sole structure is the outsole, which provides abrasion resistance and traction to the ground; it may be formed of rubber or other suitable materials. Above the outsole is the midsole, which provides cushioning and rebound for the foot and is at least partially formed of a polymer foam material that deforms upon pressure applied to it by the foot to cushion the foot by reducing the reaction force of the ground. A footbed may be defined on the upper surface of the midsole, the contour of which may be configured to conform to the contour of the sole surface of the foot. The sole structure may also include an insole or insole for enhancing comfort, which is fixedly or detachably attached to the upper surface of the midsole and located within the cavity defined by the midsole and the upper.
[0004] Current shoe sole structures, especially for running shoes, generally employ a high-rebound foam midsole combined with an embedded rigid reinforcing plate (such as a carbon fiber plate). This energy feedback system, which combines high-elastic potential energy storage / release (provided by the thick midsole) and leverage / gait guidance (provided by the carbon plate), has been proven to effectively reduce runners' energy consumption and significantly improve performance in long-distance running events such as marathons. However, runners with different postures have differences between forefoot and heel strikes. Forefoot strikers have a shorter ground contact time and rely on the forefoot and toes for power. Current shoe sole structures do not provide sufficient natural foot rotation for forefoot strikers, and the energy feedback at the moment of push-off is weak, failing to meet the professional needs of forefoot strikers. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a sole structure and footwear product that can improve the problem of insufficient natural torsion of the foot and weak energy feedback at the moment of push-off in forefoot-landing runners.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] Technical Solution 1: A shoe sole structure comprising: an upper midsole that extends continuously to form a footbed; a lower midsole including a first support module, a second support module, and a third support module attached to and / or formed on the lower surface of the upper midsole and spaced apart from each other; the first support module being located in the lateral forefoot region of the upper midsole; the second support module being located in the medial forefoot region and part of the arch region of the upper midsole; the third support module being located in the heel region of the upper midsole; the compression deformation rate of the first support module being lower than that of the second support module; and an outsole attached to the upper midsole. The lower midsole has a bottom surface; and a reinforcing plate disposed between the upper and lower midsoles, and arranged at least corresponding to the forefoot, arch, and heel portions of the upper midsole; the reinforcing plate has a straight section in a longitudinal section corresponding to the metatarsal region of the foot; wherein the bottom surface of the second support module forms an arcuate rolling profile in a longitudinal section, and with the ground as a reference, the lowest point of the arcuate rolling profile tangent to the horizontal plane is configured to be located after the straight section of the reinforcing plate; and the first support module at least partially overlaps the straight section of the reinforcing plate in the vertical direction.
[0008] Technical Solution 2 based on Technical Solution 1: A gap groove is formed between the first support module and the second support module; one end of the gap groove opens to the outside of the upper midsole and corresponds to the metatarsal region of the foot, and the other end opens to the inside of the upper midsole and corresponds to the toe position of the foot.
[0009] Technical Solution 3 based on Technical Solution 2: The spacer groove has a first spacer segment and a second spacer segment that are connected to each other; the first spacer segment starts from the opening of the spacer groove on the outside of the upper midsole and extends obliquely toward the inside and front end of the upper midsole, and bends forward at the middle position corresponding to the left and right direction of the upper midsole to connect with the second spacer segment; the second spacer segment starts from the connection position and extends obliquely toward the inside and front end of the upper midsole, and the inclination angle of the second spacer segment relative to the left and right direction of the upper midsole is greater than the inclination angle of the first spacer segment relative to the left and right direction of the upper midsole.
[0010] Technical Solution 4 based on Technical Solution 3: The widths of the first and second interval segments of the interval slot are configured to gradually increase in the portion near their respective openings.
[0011] Technical solution five based on technical solution one: a hollow groove is formed between the second support module and the third support module; the rear edge of the second support module and the front edge of the third support module are respectively recessed forward and backward with a first relief groove and a second relief groove; the width of the reinforcing plate is at least not less than the width of the first relief groove and the second relief groove, and is exposed in the first relief groove, the second relief groove and the hollow groove.
[0012] Technical solution six based on technical solution five: The reinforcing plate is provided with two protruding ridges extending along its length and protruding from its bottom surface in the left and right directions; the protruding ridges at least partially overlap with the above-mentioned second support module and third support module in the vertical direction.
[0013] Technical solution seven based on technical solution six: the boundaries of the two protruding ridges in the left-right direction of the reinforcing plate do not exceed the side walls of the first and second relief grooves in the left-right direction of the upper bottom.
[0014] Technical solution eight based on technical solution seven: The reinforcing plate is exposed in the portion of the first relief groove, the second relief groove and the hollow groove, and the portion located between the two protruding ridges protrudes towards the bottom from the portion located outside the two protruding ridges.
[0015] Technical Solution Nine based on Technical Solution One: The reinforcing plate corresponds to the toe area of the foot and is divided into a first rebound section and a second rebound section that are spaced apart from each other along the left and right direction by a dividing groove; the first rebound section corresponds to the outer side of the upper midsole to correspond to the first support module; the second rebound section corresponds to the inner side of the upper midsole to correspond to the second support module.
[0016] Technical solution ten based on technical solution nine: The first rebound section has a stabilizing section located before the second rebound section, and the stabilizing section extends along the left and right direction of the reinforcing plate.
[0017] Technical solution eleven based on solution one: The bottom surface of the upper insole is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the reinforcing plate.
[0018] Technical solution 12 based on solution 11: The bottom surface of the reinforcing plate is provided with a plurality of limiting ribs adapted to the first support module, the second support module, and the third support module to restrict the movement of the first support module, the second support module, and the third support module in the front-back direction.
[0019] Technical Solution Thirteen based on Technical Solution One: Under the same test conditions and with the same compression displacement, the ratio of the reaction forces of the first support module and the second support module is greater than 1.5.
[0020] Technical Solution Fourteen, based on Technical Solution One: The upper insole, the second support module, and the third support module are all made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer foam material.
[0021] Technical solution 15: The reinforcing plate is made of carbon fiber material.
[0022] In addition, this utility model also provides technical solution sixteen: a footwear product, which includes an upper and a sole structure as described in any one of technical solutions one to fifteen, wherein the upper is attached to the upper midsole in the sole structure.
[0023] As can be seen from the above description of this utility model, compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0024] Technical solution one provides a sole structure, which includes an upper midsole, a lower midsole, an outsole, and a reinforcing plate. Through the coordinated operation of the above components, the sole structure can improve the natural torsional effect of the foot and the energy feedback at the moment of push-off for forefoot strike runners, thereby meeting the professional needs of forefoot strike runners.
[0025] As described in the background section, existing shoe sole structures are designed for general runners. For forefoot strikers, this limits the necessary and natural torsional deformation of the foot during the contact and takeoff process. Furthermore, existing sole structures present an inherent physical contradiction between cushioning and propulsion in the forefoot area. To achieve cushioning and roll, the midsole must be a compressible, soft material. However, at the moment of push-off, runners need an incompressible, rigid surface to maximize energy transfer. When the push-off force is applied to a compressible, soft surface, some of the energy intended to propel the body forward is absorbed and dissipated due to the compression and deformation of the midsole material, resulting in reduced propulsion efficiency.
[0026] Therefore, this technical solution uses the upper midsole as the base to form the footbed, and the lower midsole is designed as three mutually separated support modules: the first, second, and third. This separated structure, especially the physical discontinuity formed in the midfoot area, gives the sole structure the freedom to undergo torsional deformation under ground impact and foot pressure. For forefoot strikers, their feet need to perform complex pronation and supination movements when adapting to the ground and adjusting their posture. This mutually separated modular structure can better accommodate this natural biomechanical movement rather than restrict it, thus solving the problem of "restricting the natural torsion of the foot" mentioned in the background technology. At the same time, the bottom surface of the second support module is constructed with an arc-shaped rolling profile, and its lowest contact point is positioned behind the straight section of the reinforcing plate. When the runner lands on their forefoot, because the contact point is relatively rearward, the center of pressure of the body will fall in front of the contact point, which will generate a forward tilting torque that propels the entire system forward. This torque can effectively counteract some of the ground braking force generated at the moment of contact, making the transition from landing to the body's center of gravity passing the support point smoother and faster, allowing the runner to transition from landing to pushing off the ground faster, reducing energy consumption and increasing stride frequency.
[0027] Secondly, the lower midsole of the forefoot is divided into two modules with different performance characteristics: a first support module located on the outer side and a second support module located on the inner side. The first support module has a lower compressibility than the second support module. During the landing phase, the runner's foot pressure typically acts first on the outer side. The high-stiffness first support module provides a stable initial support surface here, which is less prone to compressibility, thus reducing excessive pronation and supination caused by the impact of landing and establishing a stable foundation for the subsequent push-off. During the push-off phase, the first support module, due to its low compressibility, provides a solid, non-sagging support base. The reinforcement plate corresponding to the metatarsal area is designed as a straight, flat section. When subjected to the push-off force, the main function of this flat section is to act as a rigid lever to transmit torque, rather than gradually bending like a curved plate. Furthermore, the first support module and the flat section of the reinforcement plate overlap vertically, ensuring that when the runner's push-off force is transmitted through the rigid lever of the reinforcement plate, it acts directly on the rigid foundation of the first support module. The straight sections of the first support module and the reinforcing plate work together to efficiently transfer energy, structurally avoiding the application of huge push-off forces to a compressible surface and significantly reducing energy loss caused by compression deformation of the midsole material. Simultaneously, the geometry of the straight sections of the reinforcing plate ensures that the elastic potential energy released upon bending under stress, as well as the push-off force generated by the runner, are concentrated and primarily acted in the horizontal forward direction. This ensures that energy is more effectively converted into propulsion for the runner, rather than being dispersed in other directions.
[0028] In summary, this sole structure, through its modular, separate design, adapts to the natural gait of forefoot runners and improves transition efficiency through specific rolling geometry. It constructs a rigid propulsion system by functionally partitioning the forefoot and having a high-rigidity first support module work in conjunction with the straight section of the reinforcing plate. This system allows the sole to provide a rolling transition when the runner needs cushioning, and switch to providing rigid propulsion when force is required, thus resolving the performance contradictions existing in current technologies and improving propulsion efficiency.
[0029] In technical solution two, a gap is formed between the first support module and the second support module, which physically separates the outer and inner regions of the forefoot. This separation structure allows the forefoot of the sole to better accommodate the natural flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joints along the axis from the outside to the inside during the runner's push-off. Because of this pre-designed flexion area, the force required for the sole to flex is reduced, decreasing the internal energy loss caused by the deformation of the sole material during flexion. This results in a smoother push-off motion and reduced energy loss during propulsion.
[0030] In technical solution three, the spacer groove is formed by the connection of a first and a second spacer segment. Its overall path begins at a small angle from the lateral metatarsal region, then bends at a larger angle and slopes towards the medial toe tip. This path shape matches the pressure center transfer trajectory of a forefoot-landing runner from lateral contact to medial push-off. This allows the bending and torsional axes of the sole to align with the natural biomechanical axis of the foot during movement, reducing the physical limitations imposed by the sole material on the natural torsional movements of the foot. This results in a smoother push-off motion and reduces energy consumption caused by deformation of the sole material.
[0031] In technical solution four, the width of the first and second interval segments of the spacer groove is configured to gradually increase at their respective openings near the edge of the sole. When the forefoot of the sole bends or twists due to running, the force can be transmitted more smoothly from the groove to other parts of the midsole, making the deformation initiation of the sole smoother. This design also improves the fatigue resistance of the material and extends the service life of the sole.
[0032] In technical solution five, a hollow groove is formed between the second and third support modules, and a first and second clearance groove are set on the corresponding edges of the two modules. By removing part of the material from the midfoot sole, the overall weight of the sole is directly reduced, thereby reducing the energy required for the runner to swing their legs during exercise. Furthermore, the reinforcing plate is exposed at the hollow and clearance groove positions, so that the reinforcing plate is not constrained by the lower midsole at these positions. This allows it to better adapt to the natural torsion of the foot while ensuring the overall torsional resistance of the sole structure.
[0033] In technical solution six, the bottom surface of the reinforcing plate has two protruding ribs arranged along its length, and these ribs partially overlap with the second and third support modules in the vertical direction. The two protruding ribs effectively increase the structural thickness of the reinforcing plate, thereby significantly improving its longitudinal bending resistance. This allows the reinforcing plate to transmit greater force with less deformation when acting as a push-off lever, improving energy transfer efficiency. The overlap of the ribs with the upper and lower support modules ensures that this enhanced rigidity is effectively transferred throughout the entire sole structure.
[0034] In technical solution seven, the boundaries of the two protruding ridges in the left and right directions of the reinforcing plate are limited within the range of the side walls of the first and second relief grooves. This ensures that the force carried and transmitted by the protruding ridges can be accurately and smoothly introduced into the main body of the second and third support modules. This avoids the uneven stress concentration points that may occur at the joint edge between the reinforcing plate and the foam material due to the protruding ridges exceeding the relief grooves, thus ensuring the mechanical integrity and stability of the entire mid-foot support structure.
[0035] In technical solution eight, the portion of the exposed reinforcing plate located between the two convex ridges protrudes further towards the bottom than the portion outside the ridges. This configuration creates a shallow, downward-facing arch in the center of the reinforcing plate. The arch itself possesses high structural strength, effectively resisting pressure from above. This design enhances the reinforcing plate's support for the arch, helping to maintain arch stability during long-distance running, preventing excessive collapse, and thus reducing fatigue.
[0036] In technical solution nine, the reinforcing plate is divided into a first rebound section and a second rebound section in the area corresponding to the toes via a dividing groove. This separate design removes the overall rigid constraint of the forefoot area of the reinforcing plate, allowing its medial and lateral portions to produce a certain degree of independent flexion. This better accommodates the natural flexion pattern of the metatarsal joints of the foot during a runner's push-off, which is not a single-axis hinge but a multi-joint linkage, especially allowing the big toe greater freedom of movement, thereby achieving a fuller and more powerful push-off.
[0037] In technical solution ten, the first rebound section (outer side) of the reinforcing plate has a stabilizing segment positioned ahead of the second rebound section (inner side). At the end of the runner's push-off motion, when the foot rolls inward and the force is primarily generated by the big toe, this lateral and forward-positioned stabilizing segment provides final lateral support. It prevents the foot from rolling inward too quickly, increases stability at the moment of takeoff, ensures that the force of the push-off is more stably directed forward, and improves the control and efficiency of the movement.
[0038] In technical solution eleven, the bottom surface of the upper insole is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the reinforcing plate. This receiving groove provides a precise installation position for the reinforcing plate, ensuring that the reinforcing plate can be correctly fixed in the appropriate position and guaranteeing the effectiveness of the function.
[0039] In technical solution twelve, the bottom surface of the reinforcing plate is provided with limiting ribs that are adapted to the three support modules. These limiting ribs and the corresponding structures on the support modules form a mechanical interlock, which can physically restrict the forward and backward movement of the first, second, and third support modules relative to the reinforcing plate. Under the repeated impact and shear force during running, this structure can maintain a stable relative position between the components, ensuring that the entire sole works collaboratively as a whole and preventing functional failure due to component misalignment.
[0040] In technical solution thirteen, the ratio of the reaction forces of the materials of the first support module and the second support module under the same compressive displacement is greater than 1.5. This difference in stiffness is key to achieving the functional zoning of the forefoot: the high-stiffness outer module provides a stable support platform upon landing, reducing energy loss; while the lower-stiffness inner module can better cooperate with the arc-shaped rolling profile to compress, achieving a smooth transition and rolling.
[0041] In technical solution fourteen, the upper midsole, the second support module, and the third support module are made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer foam. This material has good elasticity and energy return characteristics. It can deform to absorb energy when subjected to foot impact pressure, thus achieving cushioning. After the pressure is removed, it quickly returns to its shape, returning the stored elastic potential energy to the runner, thereby improving the energy utilization efficiency of running while providing a comfortable feel.
[0042] In technical solution 15, the reinforcing plate is made of carbon fiber, which can minimize the weight of the sole while ensuring that it has sufficiently high bending resistance as a rigid lever.
[0043] Technical solution sixteen provides a footwear product that adopts the above-mentioned sole structure. Therefore, the footwear product can improve the natural torsion effect of the foot and maximize the torque at the moment of push-off, thereby meeting the professional needs of forefoot strike runners. Attached Figure Description
[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0045] Figure 1This is an exploded view of the shoe sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0046] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the shoe sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the shoe sole structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the shoe sole structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 2 ;
[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the shoe sole structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3 ;
[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing plate in the sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing plate in the sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .
[0052] Explanation of key figure labels:
[0053] Upper layer bottom 100; receiving groove 110;
[0054] Lower layer bottom 200; first support module 210; second support module 220; third support module 230;
[0055] Reinforcing plate 300; Straight section 310; Protruding rib 320; First spring-loaded part 331; Second spring-loaded part 332; Separating groove 333; Stabilizing section 334; Limiting rib 340; Protrusion 351; Wing 352;
[0056] Spacing groove 410; outer opening of the spacing 411; inner opening of the spacing 412; first spacing section 413; second spacing section 414; spacing section connecting part 415;
[0057] Hollowed-out groove 421; first clearance groove 422; second clearance groove 423. Detailed Implementation
[0058] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0059] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and drawings of this utility model is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.
[0060] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.
[0061] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this utility model shall be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or components.
[0062] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the terms "comprising", "having", and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to".
[0063] This utility model relates to a footwear product, which includes an upper and a sole structure, as shown in the following embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sole structure includes an upper midsole 100, a lower midsole 200, a reinforcing plate 300, and an outsole (not shown in the figure). The upper of the footwear product is attached to the upper midsole 100 of this sole structure, and the attachment method can be heat fusion, bonding, stitching, etc. The outsole is attached to the bottom surface of the lower midsole 200, and the outsole can be made of rubber, nylon, or TPU material, and is fixed by heat fusion, bonding, or other methods.
[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper midsole 100 extends continuously to form a footbed. The upper midsole 100 is configured as a continuous support member whose shape conforms to the shape of the foot, thus providing a support platform for direct contact with the foot. Furthermore, based on the shape of the upper midsole 100, corresponding to the foot, the upper midsole 100 can be divided along the front-to-back direction into a forefoot section, an arch section, and a heel section, or alternatively, a forefoot area, an arch area, and a heel area. This division is not a detailed distinction of the upper midsole 100 at specific locations, but rather a rough division corresponding to various parts of the foot; this method of division is well known to those skilled in the art.
[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lower midsole 200 includes a first support module 210, a second support module 220, and a third support module 230, which are attached to and / or formed on the lower surface of the upper midsole 100 and are separated from each other. Specifically, the lower midsole 200 and the upper midsole 100 cooperate to form the midsole component of the shoe sole structure. The lower midsole 200 and the upper midsole 100 can be separately formed and then attached together by means of bonding, hot pressing, etc., or they can be formed simultaneously in a mold. Alternatively, some support modules in the lower midsole 200, such as the first support module 210, can be separately formed from the upper midsole 100, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230, and then attached to the bottom surface of the upper midsole 100, while the upper midsole 100, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 can be formed integrally. Of course, other forming methods can be used as the forming method of this midsole component as long as they are technically feasible, and are not limited here.
[0066] Among them, reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The first support module 210 is located in the outer forefoot region of the upper midsole 100; the second support module 220 is located in the inner forefoot region and part of the arch region of the upper midsole 100; and the third support module 230 is located in the heel region of the upper midsole 100. The outer region here is defined relative to the inner and outer sides of the foot. Taking the left foot as an example, when standing, the left side of the left foot is the outer side, and the right side is the inner side; the opposite is true for the right foot. Furthermore, the vertical, horizontal, front-back, and left-right directions of this sole structure are all determined with the sole structure placed normally on a horizontal surface as a reference, with the toe as the front end and the heel as the rear end. The separation between the first support module 210, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 means that each of these support modules is independently attached to the bottom surface of the upper midsole 100, without direct connection to each other. This creates groove-like gaps between adjacent support modules in the sole structure, and the size of these grooves can be adjusted according to actual needs. However, it should be noted that the second support module 220 covers part of the arch area of the upper midsole 100, while the third support module 230 covers the heel area. Therefore, the size of the grooves between the second support module 220 and the third support module 230 will be larger to match the position and area of the second support module 220 and the third support module 230.
[0067] The first support module 210 has a lower compressibility deformation rate than the second support module 220. Compressibility deformation rate refers to the degree to which a material changes shape when compressed by an external force. More specifically, under the same pressure, a material with a higher compressibility deformation rate will produce a larger compressive displacement and behave more softly; conversely, a material with a lower compressibility deformation rate exhibits higher stiffness or hardness and is not easily compressed. In this embodiment, the difference in compressibility deformation rates between the first support module 210 and the second support module 220 is achieved by using different materials.
[0068] Specifically, under the same test conditions and with the same compression displacement, the ratio of the reaction forces of the materials used in the first support module 210 and the second support module 220 is greater than 1.5. For example, according to the test standard GB / T1041-2008 "Determination of Compression Properties of Plastics", the compression deformation rate of the materials used in the first support module 210 and the second support module 220 is tested. The test results need to meet the following requirement: when the test blocks of both materials are compressed by 10 mm, the reaction force generated by the material used in the first support module 210 is approximately 0.8 KN (i.e., 800 Newtons), while the reaction force generated by the material used in the second support module 220 is approximately 0.4 KN (i.e., 400 Newtons), and the ratio of the two is approximately 2.0. This value is greater than 1.5, which meets the technical requirements of this utility model.
[0069] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, the upper midsole 100, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 are all made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer foam. The first support module 210 can be made of 3D-printed material with a specific structure, or other known materials that can meet the above-mentioned compression set requirements. Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer foam has advantages such as light weight, high energy return rate, fatigue resistance, and good low-temperature performance. Its high energy return rate can more effectively convert the impact energy absorbed by the midsole when the runner lands into kinetic energy to propel forward, thereby improving running economy. This foam material can be made through processes such as supercritical fluid foaming (e.g., nitrogen or carbon dioxide foaming). By adjusting the process parameters during the foaming process, final foams with different densities, hardness, and compressive properties can be prepared using the same base polymer. Therefore, this type of material is particularly suitable for the modular design of this invention. It can meet the functional requirements of the upper midsole 100, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 for comfort cushioning and high rebound, while also facilitating good bonding and transition between different modules, ensuring the integrity of the sole structure and wearing comfort. Furthermore, the outsole is also similarly segmented, forming three parts corresponding to the first support module 210, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230, and is attached to each of these three support modules respectively.
[0070] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A spacer groove 410 is formed between the first support module 210 and the second support module 220; one end of the spacer groove 410 opens to the outside of the upper midsole 100 and corresponds to the metatarsal region of the foot, and the other end opens to the inside of the upper midsole 100 and corresponds to the toe position of the foot.
[0071] Furthermore, the spacer groove 410 has a first spacer segment 413 and a second spacer segment 414 that are connected to each other; the first spacer segment 413 extends obliquely from the opening of the spacer groove 410 located on the outside of the upper midsole 100 toward the inside and front end of the upper midsole 100, and bends forward at the middle position corresponding to the left and right direction of the upper midsole 100 to connect with the second spacer segment 414; the second spacer segment 414 extends obliquely from the connection position toward the inside and front end of the upper midsole 100, and the inclination angle of the second spacer segment 414 relative to the left and right direction of the upper midsole 100 is greater than the inclination angle of the first spacer segment 413 relative to the left and right direction of the upper midsole 100.
[0072] In this embodiment, the widths of the first interval segment 413 and the second interval segment 414 of the interval slot 410 are configured to gradually increase in the portion near their respective openings.
[0073] Specifically, the spacer 410 is physically manifested as a gap penetrating the thickness of the lower layer bottom 200, which completely separates the first support module 210 and the second support module 220. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The overall path and opening position of the spacer slot 410 are precisely configured. One end is an outer opening 411 located on the outer side of the sole structure, corresponding to the metatarsal head region of the runner's foot, which is the initial contact area and main force-bearing area for forefoot strike. The other end is an inner opening 412 located on the inner side of the sole structure, extending to the front of the runner's big toe, which is the final fulcrum for push-off. This separated structure allows the forefoot of the sole to better accommodate the natural flexion movement of the metatarsal joints along the axis from the outside to the inside during push-off. Because of this pre-defined flexion area, the force required for sole flexion is reduced, decreasing internal energy loss due to deformation of the sole material during flexion, thus making the runner's push-off smoother and reducing energy loss during propulsion.
[0074] The path of the spacer 410 is not a simple straight line, but consists of two segments with different inclination angles. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The first interval segment 413 begins at the outer opening 411 and extends obliquely towards the inner side and forefoot of the sole. When this interval segment reaches approximately the middle position corresponding to the upper midsole 100, it bends forward through a smoothly curved interval segment connector 415 and connects with the second interval segment 414. The second interval segment 414 then begins at this connector and continues to extend obliquely towards the inner side and forefoot of the sole, eventually reaching the inner opening 412. The oblique angle of the second interval segment 414 relative to the left-right direction of the sole is significantly greater than that of the first interval segment 413, causing the latter half of the interval groove 410 to turn more sharply towards the toe. This path shape matches the pressure center transfer trajectory of a forefoot-landing runner from lateral contact to medial push-off. This allows the bending and torsional axes of the sole to conform to the natural biomechanical axis of the foot during movement, reducing the physical restrictions of the sole material on the natural torsional movements of the foot, making the runner's push-off motion smoother, and reducing the energy consumption caused by resisting the deformation of the sole material.
[0075] Furthermore, to optimize stress distribution and further improve the deformation compliance of the sole, the width of the slot 410 is not uniform. For example... Figure 3As shown, the width of the groove is gradually widened in the first interval 413 near the outer opening 411 and in the second interval 414 near the inner opening 412. This gradually widening design with flared openings at both ends avoids stress concentration at the ends of the groove when the sole bends and twists, allowing deformation to spread more smoothly throughout the forefoot area, thereby improving structural durability and comfort during movement.
[0076] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The reinforcing plate 300 is located between the upper midsole 100 and the lower midsole 200, and is arranged at least corresponding to the forefoot, arch, and heel portions of the upper midsole 100; see reference. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The reinforcing plate 300 corresponds to the metatarsal region of the foot and has a straight segment 310 that is linear in longitudinal section. Specifically, the reinforcing plate 300 is a separate plate-like component and has higher rigidity than the upper midsole 100 and the lower midsole 200, which is due to its special material. As a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing plate 300 can be made of carbon fiber material, and it can also be a composite material component, such as being made of composite materials such as carbon fiber and glass fiber. The installation position of the reinforcing plate 300 in the sole structure is defined between the upper midsole 100 and the lower midsole 200. Referring to... Figure 2 The upper midsole 100 has a receiving groove 110 on its bottom surface that matches the shape and size of the reinforcing plate 300. In the assembled state, the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 300 is attached to the bottom surface of the upper midsole 100, and its lower surface is attached to the upper surface of the lower midsole 200, thus forming a sandwich-like layered structure. This reinforcing plate 300 serves as the mechanical framework of the entire sole structure, extending from the heel to the forefoot, ensuring effective force transmission and support along the entire length of the sole. Furthermore, the reinforcing plate 300 is not entirely curved. (Refer to...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the section corresponding to the metatarsal region of the foot (i.e., the forefoot bone region), a straight section 310 is specifically designed. "Straight in longitudinal section" means that when the reinforcing plate 300 is cut along the forefoot and vertical directions of the sole and its side profile is observed, this straight section 310 is geometrically a straight line, without any upward or downward curvature. Before and after this straight section 310, the reinforcing plate 300 can be formed into an arc-shaped structure. The purpose of this straight section 310 is to act as a pure, highly efficient rigid lever, rather than a progressively bending spring, during the crucial phase of the runner's push-off. It ensures that the runner's push-off force is transmitted most directly to generate a horizontal propulsive torque, thereby improving propulsive efficiency.
[0077] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The bottom surface of the second support module 220 forms an arc-shaped rolling profile in the longitudinal section, and with the ground as a reference, the lowest point where the arc-shaped rolling profile is tangent to the horizontal plane is positioned after the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300; and the first support module 210 at least partially overlaps the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the arc-shaped rolling profile here describes the geometry of the bottom surface of the second support module 220. When viewed along the fore-and-aft direction of the sole, the bottom surface presents a continuous, downwardly convex, smooth curve, similar to the bottom profile of a rocker component. The lowest point of the arc-shaped rolling profile refers to the only point or line where the arc-shaped profile is tangent to the horizontal ground when the sole is placed on an ideal horizontal surface. The coordinate position of this lowest point in the fore-and-aft direction of the sole is positioned after the coordinate position of the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300, that is, closer to the heel side. In other words, the lowest point can only be reached by moving a certain distance from the rear end of the straight section 310 (the point closest to the heel) along the front-to-back axis towards the heel. The spatial arrangement between the first support module 210 and the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 is described with at least partial overlap in the vertical direction. This means that the first support module 210 is physically positioned directly below the straight section 310. In a top-down view, the projected area of the straight section 310 and the projected area of the first support module 210 overlap at least partially. The arc-shaped rolling profile guides the runner's center of gravity to roll smoothly and quickly forward after landing, reducing the braking effect at the moment of impact. When the runner lands on their forefoot, their center of pressure naturally falls in front of the lowest contact point. According to the lever principle, this immediately generates a torque that propels the entire sole structure forward, actively helping the runner accelerate the transition from the landing phase to the push-off phase. With the addition of the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 and the vertical overlap between the straight section 310 and the first support module 210, when the runner makes the final and most powerful push-off, the force is transmitted through the foot to the upper midsole 100, then to the rigid straight section 310 lever, and finally directly onto the solid and incompressible first support module 210 before being transmitted to the ground. This avoids the problem of the push-off energy being absorbed and dissipated by stepping on soft materials.
[0078] Among them, reference Figure 3 and Figure 4A hollow groove 421 is formed between the second support module 220 and the third support module 230. The rear edge of the second support module 220 and the front edge of the third support module 230 are respectively recessed forward and backward, forming a first relief groove 422 and a second relief groove 423. The width of the reinforcing plate 300 is at least not less than the width of the first relief groove 422 and the second relief groove 423, and is exposed beyond the first relief groove 422, the second relief groove 423, and the hollow groove 421. Specifically, the hollow groove 421 is formed by the groove-shaped gap between the second support module 220 and the third support module 230 of the lower midsole 200 in the front-rear direction. The first relief groove 422 is not an independent groove, but rather constitutes the geometry of the rear edge of the second support module 220, which has a recessed contour facing the toe. Similarly, the second relief groove 423 is the geometry constituting the front edge of the third support module 230, which has a concave profile facing the heel. The concave profiles of the first relief groove 422 and the second relief groove 423 face each other, and the openings of the first relief groove 422 and the second relief groove 423 face each other. Due to the presence of the cutout groove 421, the first relief groove 422 and the second relief groove 423, the portions of the upper midsole 100 not covered by the reinforcing plate 300, and the portions of the reinforcing plate 300 not covered by the lower midsole 200, are exposed in the visible portion of the sole structure. By removing part of the material from the midfoot, the overall weight of the sole is directly reduced, thereby reducing the energy required for the runner to swing their legs during exercise. Furthermore, the reinforcing plate 300 is exposed at the positions of the hollowed-out groove 421 and the relief groove, so that the reinforcing plate 300 is not restricted by the lower midsole 200 at this position. It can better adapt to the natural torsion of the foot, while ensuring the overall anti-torsion effect of the sole structure.
[0079] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 The reinforcing plate 300 has two protruding ribs 320 extending along its length and protruding from its bottom surface in the left-right direction. The protruding ribs 320 at least partially overlap with the second support module 220 and the third support module 230 in the vertical direction. The boundaries of the two protruding ribs 320 in the left-right direction of the reinforcing plate 300 do not exceed the side walls of the first relief groove 422 and the second relief groove 423 in the left-right direction of the upper midsole 100. Specifically, the groove walls here refer to the side wall surfaces that constitute the first relief groove 422 and the second relief groove 423 and are located in the left-right direction of the sole. The two protruding ribs 320 are reinforcing rib structures integrally formed from the bottom surface of the reinforcing plate 300 and protruding downwards in the length direction, and these two protruding ribs 320 have a certain width in the left-right direction, rather than being slender ribs. Based on the top view, the total width defined by the outermost edges of the two protruding ridges 320 is set to be less than or equal to the minimum lateral distance defined between the left and right side walls of the first clearance groove 422 and the second clearance groove 423. See details... Figure 3 The left edge of the left-side protrusion 320 does not extend beyond the left wall of the first relief groove 422 in the portion of the left side, and does not extend beyond the left wall of the second relief groove 423 in the portion of the right side. Similarly, the right edge of the right-side protrusion 320 does not extend beyond the right wall of the first relief groove 422 in the portion of the right side, and does not extend beyond the right wall of the second relief groove 423 in the portion of the right side. Furthermore, the forward portions of the two protrusions 320 overlap with the second support module 220, and the rear portions overlap with the third support module 230. That is, the bottom surface of the protrusions 320 is directly attached to the upper surface of these two support modules, thereby ensuring that the two protrusions 320 are completely seated on the supporting surfaces of the two support modules below, and do not extend beyond the recessed sidewalls of these two support modules in the arch region in the lateral direction. The function of the two protrusions 320 is equivalent to increasing the structural thickness of the reinforcing plate 300, thereby greatly improving the longitudinal bending resistance of the reinforcing plate 300. This allows the reinforcing plate 300 to transmit greater force with less deformation when acting as a push-off lever, improving energy transfer efficiency. The overlap of the protruding rib 320 with the upper and lower support modules ensures that this enhanced rigidity is effectively transferred throughout the entire sole structure. Furthermore, it ensures that the force carried and transmitted by the protruding rib 320 can be accurately and smoothly introduced into the main body of the second support module 220 and the third support module 230, avoiding uneven stress concentration points that might occur at the joint edge between the reinforcing plate 300 and the foam material due to the protruding rib 320 exceeding the clearance groove, thus guaranteeing the mechanical integrity and stability of the entire midfoot support structure.
[0080] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The reinforcing plate 300 is exposed in portions of the first relief groove 422, the second relief groove 423, and the hollowed-out groove 421. The portion of the reinforcing plate 300 located between the two protruding ribs 320 protrudes downwards beyond the portion outside the two protruding ribs 320. Specifically, the portion of the reinforcing plate 300 between the two protruding ribs 320 forms a protrusion 351, and the portion outside the two protruding ribs 320 forms a wing 352. Specifically, the wing 352 extends towards the inner and outer edges of the sole, and in a coordinate system with the ground as the reference, the surface position of the protrusion 351 is closer to the ground than the surface position of the wing 352, i.e., lower in the vertical direction. This staggered configuration creates a shallow arched profile in the arch area of the reinforcing plate 300, with a central concave shape and upward-sloping sides. This arched structure itself has high structural strength and can effectively resist pressure from above. This design enhances the arch support of the reinforcing plate 300, helping to maintain arch stability during long-distance running, preventing excessive collapse, and thus reducing fatigue.
[0081] Reference Figure 6and Figure 7 The reinforcing plate 300 corresponds to the toe region of the foot and is divided into a first rebound section 331 and a second rebound section 332 spaced apart along the left-right direction by a dividing groove 333. The first rebound section 331 corresponds to the outer side of the upper midsole 100 and corresponds to the first support module 210; the second rebound section 332 corresponds to the inner side of the upper midsole 100 and corresponds to the second support module 220. Furthermore, the first rebound section 331 has a stabilizing section 334 located before the second rebound section 332, and the stabilizing section 334 extends along the left-right direction of the reinforcing plate 300. Specifically, the dividing groove 333 is a narrow opening extending rearward from the foremost end of the reinforcing plate 300, physically dividing the foreground of the reinforcing plate 300 corresponding to the toe region of the foot into two parts that can move independently to a certain extent: the first rebound section 331 located on the outer side and the second rebound section 332 located on the inner side. The stabilizing segment 334 forms a physical extension of the foremost part of the first rebound section 331, and its forefoot edge is positioned ahead of the forefoot edge of the second rebound section 332, closer to the toe. This makes the forefoot portion of the reinforcing plate 300 appear as an asymmetrical fork-like structure in a top view, with the outer fork toe longer than the inner one. This separate design releases the overall rigidity of the forefoot area of the reinforcing plate 300, allowing for a degree of independent flexion on its inner and outer sides. This better accommodates the natural flexion pattern of the metatarsal joints of the foot during push-off, which is not a single-axis hinge but a multi-joint linkage, especially allowing the big toe greater freedom of movement for a more complete and powerful push-off. Furthermore, at the end of the push-off motion, when the foot rolls to the inner side and the force is mainly generated by the big toe, this forefoot-positioned stabilizing segment 334 provides final lateral support. It prevents the foot from rolling inward too quickly, increasing stability at the moment of takeoff and ensuring that the force of the push-off is more stably directed forward, improving control and efficiency. Under the repeated impacts and shear forces during running, this structure maintains a stable relative position between the components, ensuring that the entire sole works as a whole and preventing performance failure due to component misalignment.
[0082] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The bottom surface of the reinforcing plate 300 has several protruding limiting ribs 340 that are adapted to the first support module 210, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 to restrict the movement of the first support module 210, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 in the front-back direction. Specifically, the bottom surface of the reinforcing plate 300 is integrally formed and protrudes downward to form the aforementioned limiting ribs 340. The position and shape of the limiting ribs 340 are adapted to the edge position and shape of the parts of the first support module 210, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 that contact the reinforcing plate 300. After the sole structure is assembled, these limiting ribs 340 will abut against the edges of the first support module 210, the second support module 220, and the third support module 230 in the front-back direction, thereby forming a mechanical locking structure that restricts the sliding or displacement of each support module relative to the reinforcing plate 300 in the front-back direction.
[0083] This embodiment relates to a sole structure comprising an upper midsole 100, a lower midsole 200, an outsole, and a reinforcing plate 300. Through the coordinated operation of these components, the sole structure enhances the natural torsional function of the foot and the energy return during push-off for forefoot-striking runners, thus meeting their professional needs. In this technical solution, the upper midsole 100 forms the base of the footbed, while the lower midsole 200 is designed as three distinct support modules. This distinct structure, particularly the physical discontinuity in the midfoot area, provides the sole structure with the freedom to torsional deform under ground impact and foot pressure. For forefoot-striking runners, the foot requires complex pronation and supination movements to adapt to the ground and adjust posture. This modular structure better accommodates this natural biomechanical movement rather than restricting it, thus solving the problem of "restricting natural foot torsional function" mentioned in the background art. Meanwhile, the bottom surface of the second support module 220 is constructed with an arc-shaped rolling profile, and its lowest contact point is positioned behind the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300. When the runner's forefoot lands, because the contact point is relatively rearward, the center of pressure of the body will fall in front of the contact point, which will generate a forward tilting torque that propels the entire system forward. This torque can effectively counteract some of the ground braking force generated at the moment of contact, making the transition from landing to the body's center of gravity passing the support point smoother and faster, allowing the runner to transition from landing to push-off more quickly, reducing energy consumption, and increasing stride frequency. Secondly, the lower midsole 200 of the forefoot is divided into two modules with different performance: the first support module 210 located on the outer side and the second support module 220 located on the inner side. The compression deformation rate of the first support module 210 is lower than that of the second support module 220. During the landing phase, the runner's foot pressure usually acts on the outer side first. The high-rigidity first support module 210 provides a stable initial support surface, resistant to compression deformation, thus reducing excessive inward and outward pronation of the foot due to landing impact and establishing a stable foundation for subsequent push-off. During the push-off phase, the first support module 210, with its low compression deformation rate, provides a solid, non-sagging support base. The portion of the reinforcing plate 300 corresponding to the metatarsal region is designed as a straight, flat section 310. This flat section 310, when subjected to push-off force, primarily functions as a rigid lever to transmit torque, rather than gradually bending like a curved plate. Furthermore, the first support module 210 and the flat section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 overlap vertically, ensuring that when the runner's push-off force is transmitted through the rigid lever of the reinforcing plate 300, it acts directly on the rigid foundation of the first support module 210.The first support module 210 and the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 work together to efficiently transfer energy, structurally avoiding the application of huge push-off forces to a compressible surface and significantly reducing energy loss caused by compression deformation of the midsole material. Simultaneously, the geometry of the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 ensures that the elastic potential energy released after bending under stress, as well as the push-off force generated by the runner's active exertion, are concentrated and primarily acted in the horizontal forward direction. This ensures that energy is more effectively converted into propulsion for the runner, rather than being dispersed in other directions. In summary, this sole structure, through its modular, separate design, adapts to the natural gait of the forefoot runner and improves transition efficiency through specific rolling geometry. It constructs a rigid propulsion system by functionally partitioning the forefoot and allowing the high-rigidity first support module 210 and the straight section 310 of the reinforcing plate 300 to work in tandem. This system allows the sole to provide a rolling transition when the runner needs cushioning, and to switch to providing rigid propulsion when force is needed, thus resolving the performance contradictions in existing technologies and improving propulsion efficiency.
[0084] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this utility model or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this utility model or the foregoing embodiments, should all be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A shoe sole structure, characterized in that, include: Upper midsole (100), which extends continuously to form the footbed; The lower midsole (200) includes a first support module (210), a second support module (220), and a third support module (230) attached to and / or formed on the lower surface of the upper midsole (100) and separated from each other; the first support module (210) is located in the outer forefoot region of the upper midsole (100); the second support module (220) is located in the inner forefoot region and part of the arch region of the upper midsole (100); the third support module (230) is located in the heel region of the upper midsole (100); the compression deformation rate of the first support module (210) is lower than that of the second support module (220); Outsole, which is attached to the bottom surface of the lower insole (200); and A reinforcing plate (300) is disposed between the upper midsole (100) and the lower midsole (200), and is arranged at least corresponding to the forefoot, arch and heel of the upper midsole (100); the reinforcing plate (300) has a straight section (310) in a straight shape in longitudinal section corresponding to the metatarsal region of the foot; The bottom surface of the second support module (220) forms an arc-shaped rolling profile in the longitudinal section, and with the ground as a reference, the lowest point of the arc-shaped rolling profile that is tangent to the horizontal plane is configured to be located after the straight section (310) of the reinforcing plate (300); and the first support module (210) overlaps at least partially with the straight section (310) of the reinforcing plate (300) in the vertical direction.
2. The sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A spacer groove (410) is formed between the first support module (210) and the second support module (220); one end of the spacer groove (410) opens to the outside of the upper midsole (100) and corresponds to the metatarsal region of the foot, and the other end opens to the inside of the upper midsole (100) and corresponds to the toe position of the foot.
3. The sole structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The spacer groove (410) has a first spacer segment (413) and a second spacer segment (414) that are connected to each other. The first spacer segment (413) starts from the opening of the spacer groove (410) located on the outside of the upper midsole (100) and extends obliquely toward the inside and front end of the upper midsole (100). It bends forward at the middle position corresponding to the left and right direction of the upper midsole (100) and connects with the second spacer segment (414). The second spacer segment (414) starts from the connection position and extends obliquely toward the inside and front end of the upper midsole (100). The oblique angle of the second spacer segment (414) relative to the left and right direction of the upper midsole (100) is greater than the oblique angle of the first spacer segment (413) relative to the left and right direction of the upper midsole (100).
4. The sole structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The widths of the first interval segment (413) and the second interval segment (414) of the interval slot (410) are configured to gradually increase in the portion near their respective openings.
5. The sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A hollow groove (421) is formed between the second support module (220) and the third support module (230); the rear edge of the second support module (220) and the front edge of the third support module (230) are respectively recessed forward and backward with a first relief groove (422) and a second relief groove (423); the width of the reinforcing plate (300) is at least not less than the width of the first relief groove (422) and the second relief groove (423), and is exposed in the first relief groove (422), the second relief groove (423) and the hollow groove (421).
6. The sole structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate (300) is provided with two protruding ribs (320) extending along its length and protruding from its bottom surface in the left-right direction; the protruding ribs (320) at least partially overlap with the second support module (220) and the third support module (230) in the vertical direction.
7. A sole structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The boundaries of the two protruding ridges (320) in the left-right direction of the reinforcing plate (300) do not exceed the side walls of the first relief groove (422) and the second relief groove (423) in the left-right direction of the upper bottom (100).
8. A sole structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate (300) is exposed in the portions of the first relief groove (422), the second relief groove (423) and the hollow groove (421), and the portion located between the two protruding ribs (320) protrudes towards the bottom beyond the portion located outside the two protruding ribs (320).
9. A sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate (300) corresponds to the toe area of the foot and is divided into a first rebound portion (331) and a second rebound portion (332) that are spaced apart from each other by a partition groove (333) along the left and right direction; the first rebound portion (331) corresponds to the outer side of the upper midsole (100) and corresponds to the first support module (210); the second rebound portion (332) corresponds to the inner side of the upper midsole (100) and corresponds to the second support module (220).
10. A sole structure as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first rebound section (331) has a stabilizing section (334) located before the second rebound section (332), the stabilizing section (334) extending in the left-right direction of the reinforcing plate (300).
11. A sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the upper insole (100) is provided with a receiving groove (110) for accommodating the reinforcing plate (300).
12. A sole structure as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the reinforcing plate (300) is provided with a plurality of limiting ribs (340) that are adapted to the first support module (210), the second support module (220), and the third support module (230) to restrict the movement of the first support module (210), the second support module (220), and the third support module (230) in the front-back direction.
13. The sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the reaction forces of the first support module (210) and the second support module (220) under the same test conditions and with the same compression displacement is greater than 1.
5.
14. The sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper insole (100), the second support module (220), and the third support module (230) are all made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer foam material.
15. A sole structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate (300) is made of carbon fiber.
16. A footwear product comprising an upper, characterized in that, It also includes a sole structure as described in any one of claims 1-15, wherein the upper is attached to the upper midsole (100) in the sole structure.