Sole and shoe provided with a sole

Abstract

A sole (10) has a sole main body including a first elastic member (20) including a foam piece and a second elastic member (30A2, 30B2) having a higher elastic modulus than the first elastic member (20) and including a solid viscoelastic body. The sole main body has a facing region where the first elastic member (20) and the second elastic member (30A2, 30B2) face each other, and a gap portion (S) is provided in at least a part of the facing region, so that a surface of the first elastic member (20) in a part of the gap portion (S), that is, a first wall surface is not constrained, and a surface of the second elastic member (30A2, 30B2) in the part of the gap portion (S), that is, a second wall surface is not constrained. A third wall surface in the surface of the second elastic member (30A2, 30B2) located at a position opposite to the second wall surface is exposed toward the outside, so that the third wall surface is not constrained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to shoe soles and shoes with soles. Background Technology

[0002] For example, International Publication No. 2018 / 070045 (Patent Document 1) discloses a shoe with a cushioning element in the sole for the purpose of mitigating the impact of landing. The sole disclosed in this publication includes a midsole, an outsole, and a cushioning element, which is located in the heel area of ​​the foot that supports the wearer's foot and is sandwiched between the midsole and the outsole.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 070045 Utility Model Content

[0006] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0007] The sole disclosed in the aforementioned announcement is designed primarily for use in competitive footwear, offering excellent cushioning in high-load areas and exhibiting good performance in terms of stability, durability, and lightweight upon landing.

[0008] On the other hand, when designing the soles of general walking shoes, unlike racing shoes which are specifically designed for cushioning in high-load areas, the soles need to be designed to provide good cushioning in lower-load areas. However, soles that provide good cushioning in low-load areas often tend to be less durable, which needs to be improved.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, with the aim of providing shoes and soles that provide high cushioning in low-load areas and excellent durability.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a shoe sole comprising: a sole body defining a support surface for supporting the forefoot of a wearer; and an outsole defining a contact surface. The sole body includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member with an elastic modulus higher than that of the first elastic member. The first elastic member comprises a foam, and the second elastic member comprises a solid viscoelastic material. The sole body has a facing region in a first direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the contact surface, where the first elastic member and the second elastic member face each other. In the sole of this disclosure, in at least a portion of the facing region, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are spaced apart, thereby creating a gap between them. This allows the surface of the first elastic member (i.e., a first wall surface) defining the gap to be unconstrained, and the surface of the second elastic member (i.e., a second wall surface) defining the gap to be unconstrained. Furthermore, in one of the shoe soles disclosed above, the third wall surface of the second elastic member, located in the first direction opposite to the second wall surface, is exposed to the outside, so that the third wall surface is not constrained.

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a shoe having the sole described above and an upper disposed above the sole.

[0013] Utility Model Effect

[0014] Based on this disclosure, it is possible to provide shoes and soles that offer high cushioning in low-load areas and excellent durability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the shoe according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the shoe sole.

[0017] Figure 3 Viewed from the inside of the foot Figure 1 A schematic side view of the shoe sole shown.

[0018] Figure 4 Viewed from the outside of the foot Figure 1 A schematic side view of the shoe sole shown.

[0019] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0020] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional view of line VI-VI shown.

[0021] Figure 7 It is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of line VII-VII shown in the diagram.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded 3D view of the shoe sole.

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The image shows a partial cross-sectional three-dimensional view of the midsole of the shoe sole.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole involved in Embodiment 2.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole involved in Embodiment 3.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole involved in Embodiment 4.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic side view of the midsole of the sole according to Embodiment 5, viewed from the outside foot side.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a schematic side view of the midsole of the sole according to Embodiment 6, viewed from the outside foot side.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 7.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 8.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 9.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to Embodiment 10.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 11.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 12.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 13.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 14.

[0037] Figure 23 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 15.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 16.

[0039] Figure 25 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 17.

[0040] Figure 26 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 18.

[0041] Figure 27 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to embodiment 19.

[0042] Figure 28 This is a schematic side view of the sole of the shoe according to Embodiment 20, viewed from the inside of the foot.

[0043] Figure 29 Viewed from the outside of the foot Figure 28 A schematic side view of the shoe sole shown.

[0044] Figure 30 It is along Figure 28 and Figure 29 The schematic cross-sectional view of the XXX-XXX line shown.

[0045] Figure 31 It is along Figure 28 and Figure 29 The schematic cross-sectional view of the XXXI-XXXI line shown is shown.

[0046] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 The enlarged view of region XXXII shown.

[0047] Figure 33 yes Figure 28 The image shows a partial cross-sectional three-dimensional view of the midsole of the shoe sole.

[0048] Figure 34 yes Figure 28 The image shows a three-dimensional view of the cushioning components in the shoe sole. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are labeled with the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0050] <Implementation Method 1>

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the shoe according to embodiment 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the shoe sole. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Viewed from the inside and outside of the foot respectively. Figure 1 A schematic side view of the shoe sole shown. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 and Figure 4 The schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line shown is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 They are respectively along Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional view of lines VI-VI and VII-VII shown. Additionally, Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded 3D view of the shoe sole. Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The image shown is a partial sectional three-dimensional view of the midsole of the shoe sole. The following will refer to these... Figures 1 to 9 The shoe 100 and the sole 10 of the shoe 100 described herein will be explained.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, shoe 100 includes a sole 10 and an upper 60. The sole 10 has a generally flat shape and includes: an upper surface that defines a support surface 11 for supporting the forefoot of the wearer (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 The upper and lower surfaces are: the upper surface 12, which is the contact surface 12 that touches the ground when used, such as during walking and running; and the inner and outer sides of the foot, which connect these upper and lower surfaces. The sole 10 is a component that supports the ball of the wearer's foot. The upper 60 is located above the sole 10 and has a shape that substantially completely covers the portion of the wearer's foot that will be inserted into the sole, beyond the ankle.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the sole 10 runs along the front-to-back direction, which is consistent with the length direction of the wearer's foot in a top-view position. Figure 2 The top and bottom directions in the diagram Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram (in the left-right direction) is divided into: the front foot R1, which supports the toes and footrest of the wearer's foot; the middle foot R2, which supports the arch of the wearer's foot; and the rear foot R3, which supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0054] Here, with the first boundary position defined as a position equal to 40% of the front side end of the sole 10 in the front-to-back direction, and the second boundary position defined as a position equal to 70% of the front side end of the sole 10 in the front-to-back direction, the forefoot portion R1 is the portion included in the front-to-back direction between the front side end and the first boundary position, the midfoot portion R2 is the portion included in the front-to-back direction between the first boundary position and the second boundary position, and the rearfoot portion R3 is the portion included in the front-to-back direction between the second boundary position and the rear side end of the sole.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the sole 10 is divided along a left-right direction (left-right direction in the figure) that is consistent with the width of the wearer's foot in a top view: the inner foot side (the part on the S1 side shown in the figure), which is the anatomically central side of the foot (i.e. the side closer to the center); and the outer foot side (the part on the S2 side shown in the figure), which is the side of the foot opposite to the anatomically central side (i.e. the side farther from the center).

[0056] Here, the dividing line between the inner and outer sides of the sole 10 is called the shoe center SC. This shoe center SC, when worn by a standard wearer with a foot size suitable for shoe 100, connects the portion between the wearer's first and second toes to the central portion of the calcaneus (the so-called heel center). Figure 2 The figure shows a straight line obtained by projecting the straight line formed by the center of the heel onto the sole 10 in the vertical direction. In addition, the front and rear ends of the sole 10 are the ends of the sole 10 located at the center SC of the shoe.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the shoe upper 60 has a shoe upper body 61, a shoe tongue 62, and shoelaces 63. The shoe tongue 62 and shoelaces 63 are both fixed to or attached to the shoe upper body 61.

[0058] The upper part of the upper body 61 has an upper opening that exposes the upper part of the wearer's ankle and part of the instep. On the other hand, the lower part of the upper body 61 has, for example, a lower opening that is covered by the sole 10. In other examples, a bottom is formed by sewing the lower end of the upper body 61.

[0059] The tongue 62 is fixed to the upper body 61 by sewing, welding, gluing, or a combination thereof, in a manner that covers the portion of the instep of the wearer that is exposed in the upper opening. The upper body 61 and the tongue 62 are made of materials such as textiles or woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, synthetic leather, or resins. Especially in shoes requiring breathability or lightweight construction, a double-layered Raschel warp-knitted fabric made of polyester yarn is used.

[0060] The shoelace 63 includes a rope-like member for pulling the periphery of the upper opening of the upper body 61, which exposes part of the wearer's instep, closer together in the width direction of the wearer's foot, and inserts it through a plurality of holes provided at the periphery of the upper opening. With the wearer's foot inserted into the upper body 61, tightening the shoelace 63 allows the upper body 61 to fit snugly against the foot.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the sole 10 comprises a midsole 20, a cushioning component 30, a reinforcing component 40, and an outsole 50. The midsole 20 and the cushioning component 30 constitute the main body of the sole; the midsole 20 is a first elastic component, and the cushioning component 30 is a second elastic component. Here, in... Figures 1 to 8 In the text, for ease of understanding, the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member, is marked in a light color, while the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, is marked in a dark color (in addition, in...). Figure 9 And the following Figures 10 to 34 Similarly, the first elastic component is marked with a light color, while the second elastic component is marked with a dark color.

[0062] The midsole 20 is disposed on the upper part of the sole 10, and the outsole 50 is disposed on the lower part of the sole 10. The cushioning member 30 is disposed at a predetermined position on the inner and outer ends of the sole 10, and the reinforcing member 40 is disposed in the approximately central part of the sole 10 in the front-rear direction, extending from the inner end to the outer end in the left-right direction.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the midsole 20 is the base part of the sole 10, and it exists continuously from the forefoot R1 through the midfoot R2 to the heel R3. The midsole 20 has a generally flat, plate-like shape, and its thickness is relatively thicker than that of the outsole 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, the midsole 20 can be composed of a single component or divided into multiple components.

[0064] Especially referencing Figure 8The midsole 20 includes an upper surface 21, a lower surface 22, an inner foot side surface 23, and an outer foot side surface 24, wherein the upper surface 21 defines the support surface 11 of the aforementioned sole 10. The upper surface 21 of the midsole 20 is joined to the upper body 61, for example, by adhesive or the like, thereby fixing the sole 10 to the upper 60 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0065] The upper surface 21 of the midsole 20 has a shape where its periphery is raised higher than the surrounding area. Consequently, a concave portion is provided on the upper surface 21 of the midsole 20, which serves to receive the upper 60. The portion of the upper surface 21 of the midsole 20 excluding the aforementioned periphery, which is the bottom surface of this concave portion, has a smooth curved shape to fit snugly against the forefoot of the wearer.

[0066] Here, especially as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a cutout that is in the shape of an inverted step when viewed in cross-section is provided at a predetermined position on the lower end of the inner foot side 23 and the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20. This cutout, which is in the shape of an inverted step when viewed in cross-section, provides space for the cushioning member 30 to be embedded and configured.

[0067] The midsole 20 preferably has moderate strength and excellent cushioning. From this point of view, the midsole 20 can be, for example, a foam made of resin containing a resin material as the main component and a foaming agent or crosslinking agent as a secondary component. Alternatively, a foam made of rubber containing a rubber material as the main component and a plasticizer or foaming agent, reinforcing agent, or crosslinking agent as a secondary component can be used instead.

[0068] As the aforementioned resin material, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA, TPAE), or thermoplastic polyester elastomer can be used, for example. As the aforementioned rubber material, butadiene rubber can be used, for example.

[0069] Therefore, the midsole 20 is generally made of soft components with a low modulus of elasticity. As a result, the midsole 20 is more likely to undergo elastic deformation under compressive loads, thus becoming a midsole with excellent cushioning properties.

[0070] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the outsole 50 is mainly assembled to the midsole 20 and has a generally flat, plate-like shape. The outsole 50 is configured such that its thickness is relatively thinner than that of the midsole 20.

[0071] Especially referencing Figure 8The outsole 50 includes an upper surface 51 and a lower surface 52, wherein the lower surface 52 defines the contact surface 12 of the aforementioned sole 10. To improve grip, the lower surface 52 of the outsole 50 may also be formed with a tread pattern by creating uneven surfaces. The upper surface 51 of the outsole 50 is primarily bonded to the lower surface 22 of the midsole 20 by adhesive or the like, and is also bonded to, for example, a cushioning member 30 or a reinforcing member 40 by adhesive or the like.

[0072] The outsole 50 can be composed of a single component or divided into multiple components. Alternatively, the outsole 50 can exist continuously from the forefoot R1 through the midfoot R2 to the rearfoot R3, or it can be provided only in the forefoot R1 and rearfoot R3 excluding the midfoot R2.

[0073] In this embodiment, the outsole 50 is composed of an inner foot-side outsole 50A, an outer foot-side outsole 50B, and a central front outsole 50C. More specifically, the inner foot-side outsole 50A extends from the front end of the forefoot portion R1 to the rear end of the rear foot portion R3 along the inner foot-side end of the sole 10, the outer foot-side outsole 50B extends from the rear portion of the forefoot portion R1 to the rear end of the rear foot portion R3 along the outer foot-side end of the sole 10, and the central front outsole 50C is located in the center of the forefoot portion R1, excluding the periphery.

[0074] The outsole 50 preferably exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and grip. From this perspective, the outsole 50 may, for example, be a component comprising a rubber material as a main component and a plasticizer or reinforcing agent and a crosslinking agent as secondary components. Butadiene rubber may be suitable as a rubber material, for example.

[0075] Therefore, the outsole 50 is generally made of a rigid component with a high modulus of elasticity. As a result, the outsole 50 becomes an outsole with excellent durability, such as abrasion resistance.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the cushioning element 30 is mainly assembled on the midsole 20 and consists of multiple thin plate-shaped or block-shaped components. The cushioning element 30 is mainly a cushioning element that is relatively easy to elastically deform under compressive load, and is set up to locally improve the cushioning and stability of the sole 10 upon landing.

[0077] Especially referencing Figures 6 to 8 The buffer 30 includes an upper surface 31, a lower surface 32, and an inner foot side 33 and an outer foot side 34 connecting the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32. The buffer 30 is designed with various adjustments to its shape in a way that improves its deformability under load in the vertical direction, and its detailed shape will be described later.

[0078] In this embodiment, the cushioning member 30 is divided into an inward-facing front cushioning member 30A1, an inward-facing rear cushioning member 30A2, an outward-facing front cushioning member 30B1, and an outward-facing rear cushioning member 30B2. The inward-facing front cushioning member 30A1 is located at the inward end of the sole 10, spanning the rearward portion of the forefoot R1 and the forefoot R2. The inward-facing rear cushioning member 30A2 is located at the inward end of the sole 10, spanning the rearward portion of the midfoot R2 and the rearfoot R3. The outward-facing front cushioning member 30B1 is located at the outward end of the sole 10, spanning the rearward portion of the forefoot R1 and the forefoot R2. The outward-facing rear cushioning member 30B2 is located at the outward end of the sole 10, spanning the rearward portion of the midfoot R2 and the rearfoot R3.

[0079] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in particular, the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2 and the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2 are present in a manner that is generally continuous from the rear part of the midfoot R2 to the periphery of the rear foot R3, so that they are generally U-shaped as a whole in a manner that surrounds the heel center HC of the sole 10.

[0080] In the state where the instep-side front cushioning member 30A1 is embedded in the aforementioned cutout provided on the instep-side side 23 of the midsole 20, its upper surface 31 and outer surface 34 are joined to the instep-side side 23 of the midsole 20, which defines the cutout portion, for example by adhesive bonding, and its lower surface 32 is joined to the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50, for example by adhesive bonding. That is, the instep-side front cushioning member 30A1 is assembled to the sole 10 while being sandwiched between the midsole 20 and the outsole 50 in the vertical direction, and its outer surface 34 is assembled to the midsole 20.

[0081] In the state where the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2 is embedded in the aforementioned cutout provided on the inner foot side surface 23 of the midsole 20, its upper surface 31 and outer foot side surface 34 are joined to the inner foot side surface 23 of the midsole 20, which defines the cutout portion, for example by adhesive bonding, and its lower surface 32 is joined to the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50, for example by adhesive bonding. That is, the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2, like the inner foot front cushioning member 30A1, is assembled to the sole 10 in a state where it is sandwiched between the midsole 20 and the outsole 50 in the vertical direction, and its outer foot side surface 34 is assembled to the midsole 20.

[0082] When the outward-facing front cushioning member 30B1 is embedded in the aforementioned cutout provided on the outward-facing side 24 of the midsole 20, its upper surface 31 and inner surface 33 are joined to the portion of the outward-facing side 24 of the midsole 20 that defines the cutout, for example by adhesive bonding, and its lower surface 32 is joined to the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50, for example by adhesive bonding. That is, the outward-facing front cushioning member 30B1 is assembled to the sole 10 while being sandwiched between the midsole 20 and the outsole 50 in the vertical direction, and its inner surface 33 is assembled to the midsole 20.

[0083] When the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2 is embedded in the aforementioned cutout provided on the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, its upper surface 31 and inner foot side 33 are joined to the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, which defines the cutout portion, for example, by adhesive bonding, and its lower surface 32 is joined to the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50, for example, by adhesive bonding. That is, the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2, like the outer foot front cushioning member 30B1, is assembled to the sole 10 while being sandwiched between the midsole 20 and the outsole 50 in the vertical direction, and its inner foot side 33 is assembled to the midsole 20.

[0084] The cushioning element 30 preferably has moderate strength and excellent cushioning properties. From this point of view, the cushioning element 30 is, for example, made of a solid viscoelastic material. As a solid viscoelastic material, a soft elastomer can be used, for example. When the cushioning element 30 is made of resin, it can be made of, for example, polyolefin resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyamide thermoplastic elastomer (TPA, TPAE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polyester thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE). On the other hand, when the cushioning element 30 is made of rubber, it can be made of, for example, butadiene rubber.

[0085] The cushioning element 30 can also be made of a polymer composition. In this case, examples of olefin polymers, such as olefin elastomers or olefin resins, can be included as polymers in the polymer composition. Examples of olefin-based polymers include polyethylene (e.g., linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), etc.), polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene-1-hexene copolymers, propylene-4-methyl-1-pentene copolymers, propylene-1-butene copolymers, ethylene-1-hexene copolymers, ethylene-4-methyl-pentene copolymers, ethylene-1-butene copolymers, 1-butene-1-hexene copolymers, 1-butene-4-methyl-pentene, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, propylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, propylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, propylene-ethyl methacrylate copolymers, propylene-butyl methacrylate copolymers, propylene-methyl acrylate copolymers, propylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), and polyolefins of propylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

[0086] Alternatively, the aforementioned polymers may also be amide-based polymers such as amide-based elastomers or amide-based resins. Examples of amide-based polymers include polyamide 6, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 66, and polyamide 610.

[0087] Alternatively, the aforementioned polymers may also be ester-based polymers such as ester-based elastomers or ester-based resins. Examples of ester-based polymers include polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate.

[0088] Alternatively, the aforementioned polymers may also be urethane-based elastomers or urethane-based resins, etc. Examples of urethane-based polymers include polyester-based polyurethanes and polyether-based polyurethanes.

[0089] Alternatively, the aforementioned polymers may also be styrene-based polymers such as styrene-based elastomers or styrene-based resins. Examples of styrene-based elastomers include styrene-ethylene-butene copolymer (SEB), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), hydrides of SBS (styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene copolymer (SEBS)), styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS), hydrides of SIS (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer (SEPS)), styrene-isobutylene-styrene copolymer (SIBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene-butadiene (SBSB), and styrene-butadiene-styrene-butadiene (SBSBS). Examples of styrene-based resins include polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene resin (AS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS).

[0090] In addition, the aforementioned polymers may include, for example, acrylic polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate, urethane acrylic polymers, polyester acrylic polymers, polyether acrylic polymers, polycarbonate acrylic polymers, epoxy acrylic polymers, conjugated diene polymers and their hydrides, urethane methacrylic polymers, polyester methacrylic polymers, polyether methacrylic polymers, polycarbonate methacrylic polymers, epoxy methacrylic polymers, conjugated diene polymers and their hydrides, polyvinyl chloride resins, silicone elastomers, butadiene rubber (BR), isoprene rubber (IR), chloroprene rubber (CR), natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), butyl rubber (IIR), etc.

[0091] Therefore, the buffer element 30 is generally made of a soft component with a low modulus of elasticity. As a result, the buffer element 30 is more likely to undergo elastic deformation under compressive load, thus becoming a buffer element with excellent cushioning performance.

[0092] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the reinforcing member 40 is mainly assembled into the midsole 20 and consists of a plate-shaped member that is roughly U-shaped when viewed in cross-section. The reinforcing member 40 is mainly used to locally improve the rigidity of the sole 10.

[0093] The reinforcing member 40 is positioned approximately at the center of the midfoot portion R2 in the tibial direction, sandwiched between the midsole 20 and the outsole 50. The upper surface of the reinforcing member 40 is bonded to the lower surface 22 of the midsole 20, for example, by adhesive bonding, and its lower surface is bonded to the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50, for example, by adhesive bonding. Furthermore, the inner foot-side end of the reinforcing member 40 is sandwiched between an inner foot-side front cushioning member 30A1 and an inner foot-side rear cushioning member 30A2 in the tibial direction of the sole 10, and the outer foot-side end of the reinforcing member 40 is sandwiched between an outer foot-side front cushioning member 30B1 and an outer foot-side rear cushioning member 30B2 in the tibial direction of the sole 10. The reinforcing member 40 is also bonded to these inner foot-side front cushioning members 30A1, inner foot-side rear cushioning members 30A2, outer foot-side front cushioning members 30B1, and outer foot-side rear cushioning members 30B2, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0094] The reinforcing member 40 is composed of a member with higher rigidity than the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30, and more preferably, it is composed of a member with higher rigidity than the outsole 50. That is, the reinforcing member 40 has a higher modulus of elasticity and is harder than the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30.

[0095] There are no particular limitations on the materials used to form the reinforcing member 40. For example, non-fiber reinforcing resins that can be used, such as polymer resins including urethane thermoplastic elastomers (TPU), amide thermoplastic elastomers (TPA), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), or fiber reinforcing resins that use carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, Dyneema fiber, Zylon fiber, boron fiber, etc., as reinforcing fibers, are suitable.

[0096] Here, especially as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, the sole body including the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 has a facing area where the midsole 20, which serves as a first elastic member, and the cushioning member 30, which serves as a second elastic member, face each other in a first direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the ground surface 12. The aforementioned first direction means any direction that overlaps with a plane parallel to the ground surface 12, for example... Figure 2 Any direction within the plane of the paper belongs to this category.

[0097] Specifically, the relative area includes a boundary defined by the outer foot side 34 of the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2 and the inner foot side 23 of the midsole 20 opposite thereto. Furthermore, the portion of the inner foot side 23 of the midsole 20 that defines this boundary portion is part of the wall surface that defines the aforementioned cutout provided on the inner foot side 23 of the midsole 20.

[0098] Furthermore, this relative area includes a boundary defined by the inner foot side 33 of the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2 and the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20 opposite thereto. In addition, the portion of the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20 that defines this boundary portion is part of the wall surface that defines the aforementioned cutout provided on the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20.

[0099] like Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the midsole 20 of the portion defining the relative area, at predetermined positions on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24, a recess 25 is provided that is recessed towards the inner side of the sole 10. Thus, in the portion where the recess 25 is located, the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 are spaced apart, and consequently, a gap S is formed between the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30. In other words, the gap S is formed by a space within the sole 10, surrounded by the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 at the boundary between them.

[0100] like Figures 2 to 9 As shown, in this embodiment, a portion of the aforementioned opposing region is located in a first region, which is the inner foot side of the sole 10 and belongs to the rear foot R3. In this first region, two recesses 25 are provided on the inner foot side 23 of the midsole 20, which is opposite to the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2. Therefore, two gaps S exist in the portion that is both the inner foot side of the sole 10 and belongs to the rear foot R3.

[0101] Here, the relative area of ​​the portion located in the first region extends along a second direction that intersects the first direction described above and is generally parallel to the contact surface 12 (this second direction is a direction that intersects the left-right direction of the sole 10, which is consistent with the width direction of the wearer's foot, specifically the general front-back direction of the sole 10), and the two gaps S described above are distributed in a manner that are spaced apart from each other in this second direction. That is, these two gaps S are arranged in the front-back direction along the inner foot side end of the rear foot portion R3.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a portion of the aforementioned opposing region is located in a second region, which is the outer foot side of the sole 10 and belongs to the rear foot R3. In this second region, three recesses 25 are provided on the outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, which is opposite to the outer foot side cushioning member 30B2. Thus, three gaps S exist in the portion that is both the outer foot side of the sole 10 and belongs to the rear foot R3.

[0103] Here, the relative area of ​​the portion located in the second region extends along a second direction that intersects the first direction described above and is generally parallel to the contact surface 12 (this second direction is a direction that intersects the left-right direction of the sole 10, which is consistent with the width direction of the wearer's foot, specifically the general front-back direction of the sole 10), and the three gaps S described above are distributed in a manner that are spaced apart from each other in this second direction. That is, these three gaps S are arranged in the front-back direction along the outer foot side end of the rear foot portion R3.

[0104] Therefore, when the sole 10 is cut along a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction in the portion containing these first and second regions, the length along that front-back direction is approximately as follows: Figure 6 The cross-sectional shape shown is similar to that of... Figure 7 The cross-sectional shapes shown will appear alternately.

[0105] On the other hand, no such gap S is formed in the relative area defined by the inner foot side 23 and the inner foot side front cushion 30A1 of the midsole 20, and in the relative area defined by the outer foot side 24 and the outer foot side front cushion 30B1 of the midsole 20.

[0106] With this configuration, in the sole 10 of this embodiment, the surface of the midsole 20 (which is a first wall surface) of the portion defining the gap S is not constrained by facing the gap S without contacting other components, and the surface of the cushioning member 30 (which is a second wall surface) of the portion defining the gap S is not constrained by facing the gap S without contacting other components.

[0107] Furthermore, the third wall surface of the cushioning member 30, which is located in the first direction opposite to the second wall surface (i.e., the surface of the cushioning member 30 that defines the gap S), is exposed towards the outside of the sole 10, so that the third wall surface does not come into contact with other components and is not constrained.

[0108] Therefore, the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment exhibit high cushioning performance in low-load areas and excellent durability. The reasons for this will be explained in detail below.

[0109] Generally, foam components exhibit excellent deformability, but on the other hand, repeated loading can lead to a degradation known as fatigue, making it difficult to say that their durability is necessarily superior. In contrast, solid viscoelastic materials generally offer superior durability compared to foam components, while also possessing similar deformability.

[0110] However, foam components generally have a small Poisson's ratio, and can ensure high deformability even when externally constrained in the direction intersecting the direction of the applied load. In contrast, solid viscoelastics generally have a large Poisson's ratio, and their deformability will significantly deteriorate when externally constrained in that direction.

[0111] In this respect, in the sole 10 and the shoe 100 provided therewith according to this embodiment, as described above, in the portion where the gap S is provided, the cushioning member 30 is not constrained by other components (especially the midsole 20) and is therefore unconstrained. Thus, the gap S becomes the deformation allowance of the cushioning member 30, and its deformability is not significantly reduced. Furthermore, in the portion where the gap S is provided, the midsole 20 is not constrained by other components (especially the cushioning member 30) and is therefore unconstrained. Thus, the gap S also becomes the deformation allowance of the midsole 20.

[0112] Therefore, by configuring the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the decrease in durability caused by fatigue due to the reduction in the amount of foam component constituting the midsole 20, and to ensure the deformation allowance of the cushioning component 30 and the midsole 20 (especially the cushioning component 30) by providing a gap S in a portion of the relative area, thus achieving high cushioning performance. Therefore, with this configuration, a sole and a shoe with a sole can be made that exhibit high cushioning performance in low-load areas and also have excellent durability.

[0113] Here, the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, needs to have a higher elastic modulus than the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member. Furthermore, its elastic modulus needs to be below 2.5 MPa. This is because if the cushioning member 30, as the second elastic member, has a lower elastic modulus than the midsole 20, as the first elastic member, it may experience the same fatigue as the midsole 20, which is the first elastic member. Additionally, if the elastic modulus of the cushioning member 30, as the second elastic member, exceeds 2.5 MPa, its rigidity becomes excessively high, thus worsening its deformability.

[0114] As long as this condition is met, it is not necessary for the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, to be made of a solid viscoelastic material as in this embodiment; other materials can also be used for the cushioning member 30. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member, is preferably 0.5 MPa or more and 2.0 MPa or less, and the elastic modulus of the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, is preferably 0.9 MPa or more and 2.8 MPa or less.

[0115] Furthermore, since the cushioning member 30, which serves as a second elastic member, is arranged along the periphery of the rear foot R3, it has a higher elastic modulus than the midsole 20, which serves as a first elastic member and is located in the center of the rear foot R3 (excluding the periphery). Therefore, the rigidity of the periphery of the rear foot R3 is increased compared to the center. This configuration locally enhances the rigidity of the periphery of the rear foot R3, thereby suppressing heel swaying during landing or standing and contributing to improved stability.

[0116] Furthermore, the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, preferably has a lower hardness than the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member. Regarding the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member, for example, a midsole with a hardness of 30 or higher and 90 or lower in Asker C hardness can be used. Regarding the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, a cushioning member with a hardness of 10 or higher and 60 or lower in Asker C hardness can be used, provided that its hardness is lower than that of the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member.

[0117] Furthermore, the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, preferably has a smaller compressive permanent strain than the compressive permanent strain of the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member. Regarding the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member, for example, a midsole with a compressive permanent strain of 70% or less can be used. Regarding the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, a cushioning member with a compressive permanent strain of 20% or less can be used, provided that its compressive permanent strain is smaller than that of the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member.

[0118] Furthermore, as described above, it is envisioned that the Poisson's ratio of the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, is greater than the Poisson's ratio of the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member. Regarding the midsole 20, which serves as the first elastic member, it is envisioned, for example, that the midsole 20 has a Poisson's ratio of 0.2 or higher and 0.3 or lower; regarding the cushioning member 30, which serves as the second elastic member, it is envisioned, for example, that the cushioning member 30 has a Poisson's ratio of 0.35 or higher and 0.5 or lower.

[0119] Furthermore, as long as these conditions of hardness, compressive permanent strain, and Poisson's ratio are met, it is not necessary for the buffer 30, which serves as the second elastic member, to be made of a solid viscoelastic body as in this embodiment. Buffer 30 made of other materials can also be used.

[0120] like Figure 7As shown, in the shoe 100 and sole 10 of this embodiment, the cushioning member 30 corresponding to the gap S (i.e., the cushioning member 30 defined by the second and third wall surfaces) includes a portion with a generally plate-shaped thickness in the first direction. More specifically, in the upper portion of the cushioning member 30 corresponding to the gap S, the cushioning member 30 has a generally plate-shaped thickness in the left-right direction.

[0121] With this configuration, since a load is applied to the buffer 30 in the vertical direction upon landing, even with a relatively low load, buckling is easily generated in this part, further promoting the deformation of the buffer 30. Therefore, higher cushioning performance can be obtained.

[0122] Furthermore, as described above, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, the upper surface 31 and the outer side surface 34 of the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2 are joined to the inner foot side surface 23 of the midsole 20, for example, by adhesive bonding, and the upper surface 31 and the inner foot side surface 33 of the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2 are joined to the outer foot side surface 24 of the midsole 20, for example, by adhesive bonding. That is, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, the cushioning member 30 is joined to the midsole 20 on the entire surface of the portion in the opposing region where the gap S is not provided.

[0123] This configuration maximizes the contact area between the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30, thus securing the cushioning member 30 firmly to the midsole 20 and resulting in a durable sole and shoe with a sole. However, it is not necessary to join the sole 20 and the cushioning member 30 across the entire surface of the area other than the gap S in the relative region; a portion may be left unjoined.

[0124] Furthermore, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, as described above, by providing multiple gaps S in the corresponding areas, the size of each gap S is prevented from becoming excessively large. This is because if the size of the gap S is too large, insufficient assembly strength may occur due to a smaller joint area between the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30; therefore, this configuration avoids poor durability. Moreover, since the size of the gap S and the joint area are in a trade-off relationship, it is preferable to appropriately adjust the size and joint area of ​​these gaps S while taking into account both durability and cushioning.

[0125] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, each gap S is configured to extend along the normal direction of the contact surface 12. Here, each gap S is preferably an elongated shape extending along the aforementioned direction, and each gap S preferably has an inclined shape that approaches the front end of the sole 10 as it moves toward the upper end side of the sole 10.

[0126] With this configuration, when a load is applied to the cushioning member 30 in the vertical direction upon landing, the portion of the midsole 20 adjacent to the gap S is prone to shear deformation in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the direction of load propagation can be aligned with the direction of force flow during a landing action where the foot lands in the sequence from the rear foot R3 through the midfoot R2 to the forefoot R1. Consequently, energy loss during walking or running can be suppressed.

[0127] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, the total volume of the two gaps S located in the first region (i.e., the portion that is both the inner foot side of the sole 10 and belongs to the rear foot R3) is configured to be smaller than the total volume of the three gaps S located in the second region (i.e., the portion that is both the outer foot side of the sole 10 and belongs to the rear foot R3). The total volume of these gaps S located in the first and second regions can be changed, for example, by adjusting the size or number of each gap S when the sole 10 is viewed from the side.

[0128] In this way, by making the volume of the gap S in the first region smaller than the volume of the gap S in the second region, the overall rigidity of the inner foot side of the sole 10 can be increased compared to the outer foot side. Therefore, overpronation, which causes the wearer's heel to tilt excessively towards the inner foot side when landing, can be suppressed.

[0129] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in the shoe 100 and the sole 10 included in this embodiment, the exposed surfaces of the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20 are provided with a plurality of grooves 27 extending in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the contact surface 12, and the exposed surfaces of the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the cushioning member 30 are provided with a plurality of grooves 37 extending in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the contact surface 12.

[0130] With this configuration, when a load is applied to the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 in the vertical direction upon landing, the deformation of these components is promoted, further improving cushioning performance. In particular, by providing a groove 37 in the exposed portion (i.e., the third wall surface) of the cushioning member 30 corresponding to the gap S (i.e., the portion of the cushioning member 30 defined by the second and third wall surfaces described above), and combining this with the deformation allowance of the portion of the cushioning member 30 corresponding to the gap S ensured by the gap S, even greater deformability is achieved, and consequently, cushioning performance is significantly improved.

[0131] Furthermore, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, a plurality of concave portions 36 are provided at predetermined positions on the outwardly exposed surface of the cushioning member 30, which are deeper and wider than the groove portions 37 described above. Each of these concave portions 36 is preferably an elongated shape extending along the normal direction of the contact surface 12, and each concave portion 36 preferably has an inclined shape that approaches the front end of the sole 10 as it moves toward the upper end side of the sole 10.

[0132] With this configuration, when a load is applied to the cushioning member 30 in the vertical direction upon landing, the portion of the cushioning member 30 adjacent to the concave portion 36 is prone to shear deformation in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the direction of load propagation can be aligned with the direction of force flow during a landing action that occurs in the order of landing from the rear foot R3 through the middle foot R2 to the front foot R1. Consequently, energy loss during walking or running can be suppressed.

[0133] Moreover, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the shoe 100 and its sole 10 according to this embodiment, the midsole 20 at the position corresponding to each gap S has a connecting passage 26, one end of which opens in the wall portion defining the gap S and the other end of which opens in the upper surface 21. The connecting passage 26 connects the gap S to the outside.

[0134] The connecting passage 26 is provided to prevent the various gaps S formed inside the sole 10 from being sealed relative to the outside. That is, it is to prevent the following situation from occurring: when the various gaps S are sealed relative to the outside, during heat treatment or other processes during the manufacturing of the sole 10, the air sealed in the gaps S expands and causes unexpected deformation of the sole 10.

[0135] Therefore, this configuration prevents defects from occurring during manufacturing and allows for the production of soles 10 and shoes 100 equipped with them with a high yield. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting path 26 is shown extending to the upper surface 21 of the midsole 20, but it can also be provided to extend to the lower surface 22, the inner foot side 23, or the outer foot side 24. Alternatively, the connecting path 26 may not be provided in the midsole 20, but rather in the cushioning member 30, or it may be provided in a manner that extends along the boundary between the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30.

[0136] <Implementation Method 2>

[0137] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole according to Embodiment 2. Hereinafter, referring to this... Figure 10 The sole 10A according to this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the sole 10A according to this embodiment is provided by the shoe 100 instead of the sole 10 according to Embodiment 1 described above.

[0138] like Figure 10 As shown, the sole 10A of this embodiment has the same structure as the sole 10 of Embodiment 1 described above, except that the materials of the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2 and the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2 are different from those of the sole 10 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0139] Specifically, the inner foot rear cushioning member 30A2 and the outer foot rear cushioning member 30B2 are each made of a resin foam containing a resin material as the main component and a foaming agent or crosslinking agent as a secondary component. Alternatively, a rubber foam containing a rubber material as the main component and a plasticizer or foaming agent, reinforcing agent, or crosslinking agent as a secondary component may be used instead.

[0140] As the aforementioned resin material, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA, TPAE), or thermoplastic polyester elastomer can be used, for example. As the aforementioned rubber material, butadiene rubber can be used, for example.

[0141] In the shoe sole 10A of this embodiment, the midsole 20 is also made of foam, just like the shoe sole 10 of Embodiment 1 described above. Therefore, both the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 are made of foam. However, the foam member constituting the cushioning member 30 as the second elastic member has a higher elastic modulus than the foam member constituting the midsole 20 as the first elastic member. In addition, its elastic modulus is 2.5 MPa or less.

[0142] In this configuration, similar to the case of Embodiment 1 described above, by providing a gap S in a portion of the relative area, the gap S can ensure the deformation allowance of the cushioning member 30 and the midsole 20 (especially the cushioning member 30), thus enabling a shoe sole with high cushioning performance. Therefore, the effects described in Embodiment 1 above can be obtained.

[0143] <Implementation Methods 3 and 4>

[0144] Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are schematic cross-sectional views of the shoe soles involved in embodiments 3 and 4, respectively. The following refers to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The soles 10B and 10C involved in these embodiments will be described. In addition, the soles 10B and 10C are provided by the shoe 100 instead of the sole 10 involved in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0145] like Figure 11 As shown, the sole 10B according to Embodiment 3 differs from the sole 10 according to Embodiment 1 only in the location of the gap S. Specifically, in the sole 10B, the gap S is provided only in the first region of the relative area where the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 face each other (i.e., the part that is both the inner foot side of the sole 10B and belongs to the rear foot R3).

[0146] like Figure 12 As shown, the sole 10C according to Embodiment 4 differs from the sole 10 according to Embodiment 1 only in the location of the gap S. Specifically, in the sole 10C, the gap S is provided only in the second region of the opposing area where the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 face each other (i.e., the part that is both the outer side of the sole 10C and belongs to the rear foot R3).

[0147] When any of these configurations is adopted, similarly to the case of Embodiment 1 described above, by providing a gap S in a portion of the relative area, the gap S can ensure the deformation allowance of the cushioning member 30 and the midsole 20 (especially the cushioning member 30), thus enabling a sole with high cushioning performance. Therefore, the effects described in Embodiment 1 above can be obtained.

[0148] <Implementation Methods 5 and 6>

[0149] Figure 13 and Figure 14 These are schematic side views of the midsole of the shoe sole according to embodiments 5 and 6, viewed from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 13 and Figure 14The soles 10D and 10E involved in these embodiments will be described. Furthermore, these soles 10D and 10E are provided by the shoe 100 in place of the sole 10 involved in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0150] like Figure 13 As shown, the sole 10D according to Embodiment 5, compared with the sole 10 according to Embodiment 1, differs only in that the recess 25 provided in the midsole 20 for forming the gap S is provided not only in the rear foot R3 but also in the midfoot R2. In this configuration, the gap S is formed not only in the rear foot R3 of the sole 10D but also in the midfoot R2. Furthermore, in Figure 13 For ease of understanding, the recess 25 is marked with a slanted line.

[0151] like Figure 14 As shown, the sole 10E according to Embodiment 6, compared with the sole 10 according to Embodiment 1 described above, differs only in that the recess 25 provided in the midsole 20 for forming the gap S is configured as an elongated shape extending along the front-rear direction of the sole 10E. Furthermore, in Figure 13 For ease of understanding, the recess 25 is marked with a slanted line.

[0152] When any of these configurations is adopted, similarly to the case of Embodiment 1 described above, by providing a gap S in a portion of the relative area, the gap S can ensure the deformation allowance of the cushioning member 30 and the midsole 20 (especially the cushioning member 30), thus enabling a sole with high cushioning performance. Therefore, the effects described in Embodiment 1 above can be obtained.

[0153] <Implementation Methods 7 to 19>

[0154] Figures 15 to 27 These are schematic cross-sectional views of the shoe soles according to embodiments 7 to 19. Hereinafter, refer to... Figures 15 to 27 The soles 10F to 10R of these embodiments 7 to 19 will be described. Furthermore, when compared with the sole 10 of embodiment 1 described above, the soles 10F to 10R of embodiments 7 to 19 are all provided by the shoe 100 except for the shape of the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30.

[0155] like Figure 15As shown, in Embodiment 7, the sole 10F has cutouts on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, which are inverted step shapes when viewed in cross-section. Recesses 25, which are rectangular in cross-section, are further provided on the walls defining these cutouts. The cushioning members 30 are embedded in the cutouts such that they are covered by the outer foot side 34 (approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section) and the inner foot side 33 (approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section) of the cushioning member 30 on the outer foot side, respectively. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 25 in the midsole 20 and the walls of the cushioning members 30 covering them.

[0156] like Figure 16 As shown, in Embodiment 8, the sole 10G has cutouts on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, each with an inverted step shape when viewed in cross-section. Recesses 25, also inverted step shapes when viewed in cross-section, are further provided on the walls of each of these cutouts. The cushioning members 30 are embedded in the cutouts such that these recesses 25 are respectively covered by the outer foot side 34 of the cushioning member 30 (which is approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section) on the inner foot side and the inner foot side 33 of the cushioning member 30 (which is approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section) on the outer foot side. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recess 25 in the midsole 20, the wall of the cushioning member 30 covering it, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0157] like Figure 17 As shown, in Embodiment 9, the sole 10H has recesses 25 on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, which are inverted step-shaped when viewed in cross-section. These recesses 25 are respectively embedded in the recesses 25 such that the cushioning members 30, which are approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section on the inner foot side, and the cushioning members 30, which are approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section on the outer foot side, are respectively covered by the recesses 25. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 25 in the midsole 20, the wall surface of the cushioning members 30 covering them, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0158] like Figure 18As shown, in embodiment 10, the sole 10I has rectangular recesses 25 on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, respectively. These recesses 25 are covered by the outer foot side 34 of the cushioning member 30, which is approximately I-shaped in cross-section, located on the inner foot side, and the inner foot side 33 of the cushioning member 30, which is approximately I-shaped in cross-section, located on the outer foot side. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 25 in the midsole 20 and the walls of the cushioning member 30 covering them.

[0159] like Figure 19 As shown, in embodiment 11, the sole 10J has rectangular recesses 35 in cross-section on both the outer side 34 of the cushioning member 30 located on the inner side and the inner side of the cushioning member 30 located on the outer side. These recesses 35 are covered by the inner side 23 and the outer side 24 of the midsole 20, respectively. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 35 in the cushioning member 30 and the wall surface of the midsole 20 covering them.

[0160] like Figure 20 As shown, in embodiment 12, the sole 10K has recesses 25 that are stepped in cross-section on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, and recesses 35 that are inverted stepped in cross-section on the outer foot side 34 of the cushioning member 30 located on the inner foot side and the inner foot side of the cushioning member 30 located on the outer foot side, respectively. The midsole 20 and the cushioning members 30 are combined in such a way that these recesses 25 and 35 overlap each other. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 25 provided in the midsole 20 and the recesses 35 provided in the cushioning member 30.

[0161] like Figure 21 As shown, in Embodiment 13, the sole 10L has recesses 35 that are stepped in cross-section on both the outer side 34 of the cushioning member 30 located on the inner side and the inner side of the cushioning member 30 located on the outer side. These recesses 35 are covered by the inner side 23 and the outer side 24 of the midsole 20, respectively. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 35 of the cushioning member 30, the wall surface of the midsole 20 covering them, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0162] like Figure 22As shown, in embodiment 14, the sole 10M has recesses 25 that are stepped in cross-section on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20. Similarly, recesses 35 that are stepped in cross-section are provided on the outer foot side 34 of the cushioning member 30 located on the inner foot side and the inner foot side of the cushioning member 30 located on the outer foot side. The midsole 20 and the cushioning members 30 are combined in such a way that these recesses 25 and 35 overlap each other. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 25 in the midsole 20 and the recesses 35 in the cushioning member 30.

[0163] like Figure 23 As shown, in Embodiment 15, the sole 10N has recesses 25 on the inner foot side 23 and outer foot side 24 of the midsole 20, which are inverted step shapes when viewed in cross-section. These recesses 25 are covered by the outer foot side 34 of the cushioning member 30, which is approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section, located on the inner foot side, and the inner foot side 33 of the cushioning member 30, which is approximately I-shaped when viewed in cross-section, located on the outer foot side. In this case, each gap S is defined by the recesses 25 in the midsole 20, the wall surface of the cushioning member 30 covering them, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0164] like Figure 24 As shown, in Embodiment 16, the sole 100 is configured with a single cushioning member 30 extending from the inner foot side end to the outer foot side end. A rectangular recess 35, visible in cross-section, is provided on the lower surface 32 of the cushioning member 30, and the midsole 20 is embedded in the recess 35 at a distance spaced from its sidewalls. In this configuration, the individual gaps S are defined by the recess 35 of the cushioning member 30, the side surface of the midsole 20, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0165] like Figure 25 As shown, in Embodiment 17, the sole 10P is configured with a midsole 20 extending from the inner foot side to the outer foot side. A rectangular recess 25, visible in cross-section, is provided on the lower surface 22 of the midsole 20. A pair of cushioning members 30, each having a stepped recess 35 visible in cross-section and spaced apart from the sidewall of the recess 25, are respectively embedded at both ends of the recess 25. In this configuration, each gap S is defined by the recess 25 in the midsole 20, the recess 35 in the cushioning member 30, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0166] like Figure 26As shown, in Embodiment 18, the sole 10Q is configured with a midsole 20 extending from the inner foot side to the outer foot side. A rectangular recess 25, visible in cross-section, is provided on the lower surface 22 of the midsole 20. A pair of cushioning members 30, each having a stepped recess 35 visible in cross-section and spaced apart from the sidewalls of the recess 25, are respectively embedded at both ends of the recess 25. In this configuration, each gap S is defined by the recess 25 in the midsole 20 and the recess 35 in the cushioning member 30.

[0167] like Figure 27 As shown, in Embodiment 19, the sole 10R is configured with a midsole 20 extending from the inner foot side to the outer foot side. A rectangular recess 25, visible in cross-section, is provided on the lower surface 22 of the midsole 20. A pair of I-shaped cushioning members 30, visible in cross-section, are respectively embedded at both ends of the recess 25, spaced apart from the sidewalls of the recess 25. In this configuration, each gap S is defined by the recess 25 of the midsole 20, the sidewalls of the cushioning members 30, and the upper surface 51 of the outsole 50.

[0168] When any of these configurations is adopted, similarly to the case of Embodiment 1 described above, by providing a gap S in a portion of the relative area, the gap S can ensure the deformation allowance of the cushioning member 30 and the midsole 20 (especially the cushioning member 30), thus enabling a sole with high cushioning performance. Therefore, the effects described in Embodiment 1 above can be obtained.

[0169] <Implementation Method 20>

[0170] Figure 28 and Figure 29 These are schematic side views of the sole of the shoe according to Embodiment 20, viewed from the inner and outer sides of the foot, respectively. Figure 30 and Figure 31 They are along Figure 28 and Figure 29 The schematic cross-sectional view of lines XXX-XXX and XXXI-XXXI shown in the figure. Figure 32 yes Figure 31 An enlarged view of region XXXII shown. Additionally, Figure 33 yes Figure 28 The image shown is a partial sectional three-dimensional view of the midsole of the shoe sole. Figure 34 yes Figure 28 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the cushioning components in the shoe sole. The following will refer to these... Figures 28 to 34The shoe sole 10S according to this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, compared with the shoe sole 10 according to Embodiment 1 described above, the shoe sole 10S according to this embodiment is configured to lack the reinforcing member 40 (see...). Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 8 The difference lies in the shape of the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30, which are different from the sole 10 described in Embodiment 1 above, and are provided by the shoe 100 instead of the sole 10 described above.

[0171] like Figures 28 to 32 As shown, the sole 10S has a midsole 20, a cushioning element 30, and an outsole 50. The midsole 20 and the cushioning element 30 constitute the main body of the sole; the midsole 20 is a first elastic member, and the cushioning element 30 is a second elastic member. The midsole 20 is located on the upper part of the sole 10S, and the outsole 50 is located on the lower part of the sole 10S. The cushioning element 30 is positioned at predetermined locations on the inner and outer ends of the sole 10S.

[0172] In this embodiment, the cushioning member 30 is constructed by dividing it into an inner foot-side cushioning member 30A and an outer foot-side cushioning member 30B. The inner foot-side cushioning member 30A is present in a manner that spans the portion of the inner foot-side end of the sole 10S belonging to the rear foot portion R3 and the portion of the outer foot-side end of the sole 10S that is closer to the rear end of the rear foot portion R2 and the rear foot portion R3. Thus, the inner foot-side cushioning member 30A and the outer foot-side cushioning member 30B are present in a manner that is substantially continuous around the periphery of the rear foot portion R3, thereby forming a generally U-shaped overall shape that surrounds the heel center HC of the sole 10S.

[0173] Here, especially as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, in the shoe sole 10S according to this embodiment, the shoe sole body including the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 has opposing areas where the midsole 20, which serves as a first elastic member, and the cushioning member 30, which serves as a second elastic member, face each other in a first direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the ground surface 12. The aforementioned first direction means any direction that overlaps with a plane parallel to the ground surface 12, for example... Figure 30 Any direction within the plane of the paper belongs to this category.

[0174] like Figures 30 to 34As shown, in the midsole 20 of the portion defining the relative area, a recess 25 is provided at a predetermined position on the inner foot side 23 and the outer foot side 24, which are recessed towards the inner side of the sole 10S. In the midsole 20 of the portion defining the relative area, a recess 35 is provided at a predetermined position on the outer foot side 34 of the inner foot side cushioning member 30A and the inner foot side 33 of the outer foot side cushioning member 30B, which are recessed towards the outer side of the sole 10S.

[0175] Here, as described above, the inner foot-side cushioning member 30A is located not only in the portion belonging to the rear foot portion R3 of the inner foot-side end of the sole 10S, but also in the portion of the rear foot portion R3 that is located towards the rear end of the outer foot-side end of the sole 10S. Therefore, the surface of the inner foot-side cushioning member 30A opposite to the sole 10S is located not only in the inner foot-side end of the sole 10S, but also in the outer foot-side end of the sole 10S. Therefore, strictly speaking, the portion of the surface of the inner foot-side cushioning member 30A opposite to the sole 10S located at the aforementioned outer foot-side end can also be described as the inner foot-side end face facing the inner foot side, but for convenience, this portion is also included here and referred to as the outer foot-side surface 34 of the inner foot-side cushioning member 30A.

[0176] The recess 25 in the midsole 20 and the recess 35 in the cushioning member 30 exist facing each other. Therefore, in the portions containing these recesses 25 and 35, the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 are spaced apart, resulting in a gap S between them. In other words, the gap S is defined by the recesses 25 in the midsole 20 and 35 in the cushioning member 30, thus forming a space within the sole 10S that is surrounded by the midsole 20 and the cushioning member 30 at the boundary between them.

[0177] like Figures 28 to 34 As shown, in this embodiment, a portion of the aforementioned relative region is located in a first region, which is the inner foot side of the sole 10S and belongs to the rear foot R3. A recess 25 and a recess 35 are provided in this first region. Therefore, a gap S exists in the portion that is both the inner foot side of the sole 10S and belongs to the rear foot R3.

[0178] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a portion of the aforementioned opposing region is located in a second region, which is the outer foot side of the sole 10S and belongs to the rear foot R3. Two recesses 25 and two recesses 35 are provided in this second region. Thus, two gaps S exist in the portion that is both the outer foot side of the sole 10S and belongs to the rear foot R3.

[0179] Thus, the one gap S provided in the first region and the two gaps S provided in the second region exist in such a way that they surround the heel center HC of the sole 10S.

[0180] With the above configuration, in the shoe sole 10S of this embodiment, the surface of the midsole 20 (which is a first wall surface) of the portion defining the gap S is not constrained by facing the gap S without contacting other components, and the surface of the cushioning member 30 (which is a second wall surface) of the portion defining the gap S is not constrained by facing the gap S without contacting other components.

[0181] Furthermore, the third wall surface of the cushioning member 30, which is located in the first direction opposite to the second wall surface (i.e., the surface of the cushioning member 30 that defines the gap S), is exposed to the outside of the sole 10S. Thus, the third wall surface does not come into contact with other components and is not constrained.

[0182] Therefore, when the sole is configured as described in this embodiment, similar to the sole 10 described in Embodiment 1, the gap S functions as a deformation allowance for the cushioning member 30 and the midsole 20 (especially the cushioning member 30). Thus, it provides high cushioning in low-load areas and can suppress fatigue caused by reducing the amount of foam used in the midsole 20, thereby improving durability.

[0183] Here, as Figure 32 As shown, in the sole 10S of this embodiment, a narrowing portion 38 is provided in the portion of the outer foot side cushioning member 30B adjacent to the aforementioned gap S. This narrowing portion 38 is formed by providing an outwardly protruding portion 39 on the outer foot side surface 34 of the outer foot side cushioning member 30B adjacent to it.

[0184] More specifically, in the sole 10S of this embodiment, when the portion of the outsole cushioning member 30B adjacent to the gap S in the first direction (i.e., the direction in which the midsole 20 and the outsole cushioning member 30B face each other) is designated as the first portion P1, and the portion of the outsole cushioning member 30B that is not adjacent to the gap S in the first direction but is adjacent to the first portion P1 in the normal direction of the ground surface 12 is designated as the second portion P2, the outer dimension T1 of the first portion P1 in the first direction is smaller than the outer dimension T2 of the second portion P2 in the first direction, thereby providing a narrowing portion 38 in the outsole cushioning member 30B at the position corresponding to the gap S.

[0185] Furthermore, although its detailed description is omitted here, in the sole 10S of this embodiment, the portion of the inner foot side cushioning member 30A adjacent to the aforementioned gap S is also provided with the same narrowing portion 38 provided in the outer foot side cushioning member 30B.

[0186] In this way, by providing a narrowing portion 38 in the portion of the cushioning member 30 adjacent to the gap S, the portion of the cushioning member 30 with the narrowing portion 38 will be induced to buckle. Therefore, with this configuration, the cushioning member 30 is easy to buckle, thereby the cushioning member 30 has a high deformation capacity in a lower load area, and thus can become a shoe sole and shoe with a sole that provides high cushioning performance.

[0187] Furthermore, in the sole 10S according to this embodiment, the volume of each gap S is smaller compared to the sole 10 according to Embodiment 1 described above. If configured in this way, even without providing a connecting path 26 between the gap S and the external space (see...),... Figure 7 During the heat treatment process in the manufacturing of the sole 10S, etc., it is possible to suppress unexpected deformation of the sole 10S caused by the expansion of air sealed in the gap S, and to manufacture soles and shoes with soles with good yield.

[0188] <Summary of the disclosed content of the implementation methods, etc.>

[0189] The feature points disclosed in embodiments 1 to 20 described above are summarized below.

[0190] [Postscript 1]

[0191] A type of shoe sole that has:

[0192] The main body of the sole, which defines the support surface of the wearer's foot; and

[0193] The outsole, as specified, is the contact surface.

[0194] The aforementioned sole body includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member with an elastic modulus higher than that of the first elastic member.

[0195] The elastic modulus of the second elastic member is below 2.5 MPa.

[0196] The aforementioned sole body has a relative area in which the first elastic member and the second elastic member face each other in a first direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the aforementioned contact surface.

[0197] In at least a portion of the aforementioned relative regions, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are arranged at a distance from each other, thereby providing a gap between the first elastic member and the second elastic member. Thus, the surface of the first elastic member (i.e., the first wall surface) in the portion of the gap is not constrained, and the surface of the second elastic member (i.e., the second wall surface) in the portion of the gap is also not constrained.

[0198] The third wall surface of the second elastic member, located in the first direction opposite to the second wall surface, is exposed to the outside, so that the third wall surface is not constrained.

[0199] [Postscript 2]

[0200] According to the sole described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0201] The aforementioned first elastic component includes a foam component.

[0202] The aforementioned second elastic member comprises a solid viscoelastic body.

[0203] [Postscript 3]

[0204] According to the sole described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0205] Both the first elastic member and the second elastic member mentioned above include foam components.

[0206] [Postscript 4]

[0207] A type of shoe sole that has:

[0208] The main body of the sole, which defines the support surface of the wearer's foot; and

[0209] The outsole, as specified, is the contact surface.

[0210] The aforementioned sole body includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member with an elastic modulus higher than that of the first elastic member.

[0211] The aforementioned first elastic component includes a foam component.

[0212] The aforementioned second elastic member comprises a solid viscoelastic body.

[0213] The aforementioned sole body has a relative area in which the first elastic member and the second elastic member face each other in a first direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the aforementioned contact surface.

[0214] In at least a portion of the aforementioned relative regions, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are arranged at a distance from each other, thereby providing a gap between the first elastic member and the second elastic member. Thus, the surface of the first elastic member (i.e., the first wall surface) in the portion of the gap is not constrained, and the surface of the second elastic member (i.e., the second wall surface) in the portion of the gap is also not constrained.

[0215] The third wall surface of the second elastic member, located in the first direction opposite to the second wall surface, is exposed to the outside, so that the third wall surface is not constrained.

[0216] [Postscript 5]

[0217] The sole is described according to any one of notes 1 to 4, wherein,

[0218] The second elastic member defined by the second wall and the third wall includes a portion of approximately plate shape with a thickness in the first direction.

[0219] [Postscript 6]

[0220] The sole is described according to any one of notes 1 to 5, wherein,

[0221] When the portion of the second elastic member adjacent to the gap in the first direction is designated as the first portion, and the portion of the second elastic member not adjacent to the gap in the first direction but adjacent to the first portion in the normal direction of the ground surface is designated as the second portion, the external dimensions of the first portion in the first direction are smaller than the external dimensions of the second portion in the first direction, thereby providing a narrowing portion at the position corresponding to the gap in the second elastic member.

[0222] [Postscript 7]

[0223] The sole is described according to any one of notes 1 to 6, wherein,

[0224] A first recess is provided in the portion of the aforementioned relative area defined by the first elastic member.

[0225] A second recess is provided in the portion of the aforementioned relative area defined by the second elastic member.

[0226] The first recess and the second recess face each other, thus forming the gap.

[0227] [Postscript 8]

[0228] The sole is described according to any one of notes 1 to 7, wherein,

[0229] The aforementioned relative region includes a portion where the aforementioned gap is not provided, and in this portion, the aforementioned first elastic member and the aforementioned second elastic member are engaged.

[0230] [Postscript 9]

[0231] According to the sole described in Appendix 8, wherein,

[0232] The aforementioned sole body is provided with a connecting passage that allows the aforementioned gap to connect with the outside.

[0233] [Postscript 10]

[0234] According to the sole described in Appendix 8 or 9, wherein,

[0235] The aforementioned relative region extends along a second direction that intersects the aforementioned first direction and is substantially parallel to the aforementioned ground surface.

[0236] The aforementioned gaps are provided in a plurality of manner, which are spaced apart from each other in the aforementioned second direction.

[0237] [Postscript 11]

[0238] The sole is described according to any one of notes 1 to 9, wherein,

[0239] The aforementioned relative region extends along a second direction that intersects the aforementioned first direction and is substantially parallel to the aforementioned ground surface.

[0240] The second direction mentioned above is the direction that intersects the left and right directions of the sole, which are aligned with the width direction of the wearer's foot.

[0241] [Postscript 12]

[0242] According to the sole described in Appendix 11, wherein,

[0243] The aforementioned gap extends along the normal direction of the aforementioned contact surface and has an inclined shape that approaches the front end of the aforementioned sole as it moves toward the upper side of the sole.

[0244] [Postscript 13]

[0245] According to the sole described in Appendix 11 or 12, wherein,

[0246] It features: a forefoot section, a toe section that supports the wearer's foot, and a foot pedal section;

[0247] The midfoot section, which supports the arch of the wearer's foot; and

[0248] The back part, which supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0249] The aforementioned relative areas are arranged at least within the first and second areas, wherein the first area is the inner foot side portion of the sole and belongs to the rear foot portion, and the second area is the outer foot side portion of the sole and belongs to the rear foot portion.

[0250] The aforementioned gap is located in each of the aforementioned first region and the aforementioned second region.

[0251] [Postscript 14]

[0252] According to the sole described in Appendix 13, wherein...

[0253] The volume of the void portion located in the first region is smaller than the volume of the void portion located in the second region.

[0254] [Postscript 15]

[0255] The sole is described according to any one of notes 1 to 14, wherein,

[0256] A groove is provided on the third wall surface, extending in a direction that intersects the normal direction of the ground surface.

[0257] [Postscript 16]

[0258] According to the sole described in Appendix 15, wherein,

[0259] The third wall surface is provided with a concave portion that reaches the upper and lower ends of the third wall surface and has a depth greater than the depth of the groove.

[0260] The concave portion has an inclined shape that approaches the front end of the sole as it moves toward the upper end of the sole.

[0261] [Postscript 17]

[0262] A type of shoe that has:

[0263] The sole described in any one of notes 1 to 16; and

[0264] The upper is located above the sole.

[0265] <Other methods, etc.>

[0266] In the embodiments 1 to 20 described above, the case where the relative areas defined by the midsole as the first elastic member and the cushioning member as the second elastic member are both arranged to extend along the periphery of the sole was illustrated. However, the location of the relative areas is not necessarily limited to this; they can also be arranged to run longitudinally or transversely through the sole. In this case, when a gap is provided in the relative area that runs longitudinally or transversely through the sole, the various effects described above will also be obtained accordingly.

[0267] Furthermore, the shape, size, number, and arrangement of each part disclosed in Embodiments 1 to 20 above can be modified in various ways as long as they do not depart from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0268] Furthermore, the characteristic features shown in the above embodiments can be combined with each other as long as they do not depart from the main idea of ​​the disclosure.

[0269] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of this utility model is defined by the claims, and also includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0270] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0271] 10, 10A~10S: Outsole; 11: Support surface; 12: Ground contact area; 20: Midsole; 21: Upper surface; 22: Lower surface; 23: Inner side of the foot; 24: Outer side of the foot; 25: Recess; 26: Connecting channel; 27: Groove; 30: Cushioning component; 30A: Inner side cushioning component; 30A1: Inner side front cushioning component; 30A2: Inner side rear cushioning component; 30B: Outer side cushioning component; 30B1: Outer side front cushioning component; 30B2: Outer side rear cushioning component; 31: Upper surface; 32: Lower surface; 33: Inner side of the foot 34: Outer side of the foot, 35: Concave part, 36: Concave part, 37: Groove part, 38: Narrowing part, 39: Protrusion part, 40: Reinforcing component, 50: Outsole, 50A: Inner side outsole, 50B: Outer side outsole, 50C: Central front outsole, 51: Upper surface, 52: Lower surface, 60: Upper, 61: Upper body, 62: Tongue, 63: Lace, 100: Shoe, HC: Heel center, P1: First part, P2: Second part, R1: Forefoot, R2: Midfoot, R3: Heel, S: Gap, SC: Shoe center.

Claims

1. A shoe sole, characterized in that, have: The main body of the sole, which defines the support surface of the wearer's foot; and The outsole, as specified, is the contact surface. The sole body includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member with an elastic modulus higher than that of the first elastic member. The first elastic member includes a foam component. The second elastic member comprises a solid viscoelastic body. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are contained in opposing regions facing each other in a first direction orthogonal to the normal direction of the ground plane. In at least a portion of the relative regions, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are arranged at a distance from each other, thereby providing a gap between the first elastic member and the second elastic member. This means that the surface of the first elastic member (i.e., the first wall surface) in the portion of the gap is not constrained, and the surface of the second elastic member (i.e., the second wall surface) in the portion of the gap is also not constrained. The third wall surface of the second elastic member, located in the first direction opposite to the second wall surface, is exposed to the outside, so that the third wall surface is not constrained.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein, The second elastic member, defined by the second wall and the third wall, comprises a generally plate-shaped portion with a thickness equal to its external dimensions in the first direction.

3. The sole according to claim 1, wherein, When the portion of the second elastic member adjacent to the gap in the first direction is designated as the first portion, and the portion of the second elastic member not adjacent to the gap in the first direction but adjacent to the first portion in the normal direction of the ground surface is designated as the second portion, the external dimensions of the first portion in the first direction are smaller than the external dimensions of the second portion in the first direction, thereby providing a narrowing portion at the position corresponding to the gap in the second elastic member.

4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein, A first recess is provided in a portion of the defined relative area of ​​the first elastic member. A second recess is provided in a portion of the defined relative region of the second elastic member. The first recess and the second recess face each other, thus forming the gap portion.

5. The sole according to claim 1, wherein, The relative region includes a portion where the gap is not provided, and in this portion the first elastic member and the second elastic member are engaged.

6. The sole according to claim 5, wherein, The sole body is provided with a connecting passage that allows the gap to communicate with the outside.

7. The sole according to claim 5, wherein, The relative region extends along a second direction that intersects the first direction and is substantially parallel to the ground plane. The gaps are provided in a plurality of manner, which are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

8. The sole according to claim 1, wherein, The relative region extends along a second direction that intersects the first direction and is substantially parallel to the ground plane. The second direction is the direction that intersects the left and right directions of the sole, which are aligned with the width direction of the wearer's foot.

9. The sole according to claim 8, wherein, The gap extends along the normal direction of the contact surface and has an inclined shape that approaches the front side of the sole as it moves toward the upper side of the sole.

10. The sole according to claim 8, wherein, It features: a forefoot section, a toe section that supports the wearer's foot, and a foot pedal section; The midfoot section supports the arch of the wearer's foot; as well as The back part, which supports the heel of the wearer's foot. The relative regions are arranged at least within a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is a portion of the inner foot side of the sole and belongs to the rear foot, and the second region is a portion of the outer foot side of the sole and belongs to the rear foot. The void is located in each of the first region and the second region.

11. The sole according to claim 10, wherein, The volume of the void located in the first region is smaller than the volume of the void located in the second region.

12. The sole according to claim 1, wherein, The third wall surface is provided with a groove that extends in a direction that intersects the normal direction of the ground surface.

13. The sole according to claim 12, wherein, The third wall surface is provided with a concave portion that reaches the upper and lower ends of the third wall surface and has a depth greater than the depth of the groove. The concave portion has an inclined shape that approaches the front end of the sole as it moves toward the upper side of the sole.

14. A shoe, characterized in that, have: The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and The upper is located above the sole.

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