An upper, an article of footwear

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vamp, footwear product, this vamp includes base layer and lays the reinforcing layer on the base layer, the base layer is by embroidery thread and is made into vamp shape, including high density part and low density part, low density part surrounds the tongue opening arrangement, including a plurality of low density blocks and with low density block common constitution low density part's high density area, and the low density block's embroidery thread density is lower than high density area or high density part, the reinforcing layer includes by the chord embroidery mode and is connected with the first reinforcing cable of base layer top side, second reinforcing cable and third reinforcing cable, first reinforcing cable surrounds low density part and sets up, second reinforcing cable extends to the heel area after the backfolding and extends to the base layer side part edge from the both sides of tongue opening, third reinforcing cable extends to the base layer back side edge from the tongue opening and the shoe opening junction position to the side part edge inclination. This vamp achieves good balance between the support stability and the ventilation heat dissipation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of footwear technology, specifically to a footwear upper and footwear product. Background Technology

[0002] The upper, as the part of footwear that directly wraps around the user's foot, has the core function of providing necessary protection, support, and comfort. In the field of athletic shoes, as users' demands for athletic performance and wearing experience continue to increase, upper design needs to strike a balance between two conflicting performance indicators: firstly, providing sufficient support and stability for the foot during high-speed, high-intensity exercise to prevent sports injuries; and secondly, keeping the foot dry and comfortable during prolonged exercise, i.e., possessing excellent breathability and heat dissipation. Current upper designs have not yet adequately resolved this technical contradiction. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the background art and provide a shoe upper or footwear product that can achieve a good balance between support stability and breathability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] Technical Solution 1: A shoe upper, comprising: a base layer woven from a first yarn using computer embroidery; the base layer is constructed to the shape of the shoe upper and forms a tongue opening and a shoe opening, as well as a toe area, an outer area, an inner area, and a heel area corresponding to the foot; the base layer includes a high-density section and a low-density section; the low-density section is arranged around the tongue opening to correspond to the toe area, the outer area, and the inner area; the high-density section constitutes the rest of the base layer except for the low-density section; the high-density section is woven from embroidery thread at a uniform density, and the low-density section includes several low-density blocks and a high-density area that together with the low-density blocks constitutes the low-density section; the high-density area has the same embroidery thread density as the high-density section; the low-density... The embroidery density of the low-density area is lower than that of the high-density area or the high-density part; the reinforcing layer includes a first reinforcing cord, a second reinforcing cord, and a third reinforcing cord laid and connected to the top side surface of the base layer by a second yarn using a string embroidery method; the first reinforcing cord is arranged around the low-density part; the outer and inner areas of the base layer are respectively provided with a second reinforcing cord, the second reinforcing cord starts from the two sides of the width direction of the shoe tongue opening and extends backward to the heel area, then bends forward and extends to the side edge of the base layer; the heel area of ​​the base layer is provided with a plurality of the third reinforcing cords, the third reinforcing cord starts from the connection position of the shoe tongue opening and the shoe opening and extends backward and obliquely toward the side edge of the base layer to the rear edge of the base layer.

[0006] Technical solution two based on technical solution one: also includes a fourth reinforcing cable made of a second yarn and laid and connected to the top side surface of the base layer in a string embroidery manner, the fourth reinforcing cable being arranged around the first reinforcing cable at a preset distance.

[0007] Technical solution three based on technical solution two: Each low-density block in the low-density section includes two first blocks located on both sides of the width direction of the shoe tongue opening, and a second block located in front of the shoe tongue opening; the first blocks extend along the length direction of the base layer, and the number of the second blocks is two and they are arranged along the width direction.

[0008] Technical solution four based on technical solution three: the two first blocks and the two second blocks are symmetrically arranged with the center line in the width direction of the base layer as the axis of symmetry.

[0009] Technical solution five, based on technical solution one: the width of the third reinforcing cable gradually increases from front to back.

[0010] Technical solution six based on technical solution five: The base layer is formed by arranging the first yarn on a water-soluble base fabric using computer embroidery and then removing the water-soluble base fabric to form a self-supporting mesh structure.

[0011] Technical solution seven based on technical solution six: The first yarn is a fiber yarn of polyester fiber, nylon fiber, or a composite fiber yarn composed of the two.

[0012] Technical solution eight based on technical solution seven: The second yarn is aramid fiber yarn or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber yarn.

[0013] In addition, the present invention also provides a ninth technical solution: a footwear product comprising a sole and an upper as described in any one of technical solutions one to eight, the upper being attached to the sole.

[0014] As can be seen from the above description of this utility model, compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] Technical Solution 1 provides a shoe upper that achieves a good balance between support stability and breathability. The fundamental problem with existing technologies lies in their design philosophy, which typically directly links the structural strength of the upper to the physical density or thickness of the material itself. Whether using heavy, low-breathability leather materials or high-density weaving in specific areas, the essence is to gain support by increasing material accumulation, which inevitably leads to blocked airflow channels, thus sacrificing breathability. This solution separates the support components from the breathable base, and through their synergistic cooperation, achieves excellent structural stability without compromising breathability.

[0016] First, the base layer of this design uses computer embroidery to create functional zones in different areas of the shoe upper. Low-density sections, containing several low-density blocks, are incorporated into the main heat-generating areas such as the toe and sides of the foot. These low-density blocks, due to their significantly lower thread density compared to other parts of the upper, form a highly porous mesh structure, constituting the main, efficient air convection channels of the upper. Unlike existing technologies that use large areas of non-porous materials or homogeneous high-density weaving, this design ensures excellent breathability in key areas of the upper by pre-setting these low-density blocks. Furthermore, the upper is reinforced with a skeletal network formed by a second yarn laid out using a string embroidery technique. While providing support, the reinforcing fibers occupy a very small physical area relative to the total area of ​​the base layer, allowing most of the low-density blocks to be preserved intact. This avoids the problem of sacrificing breathability for enhanced support found in existing technologies.

[0017] More importantly, the specific arrangement of the reinforcing cables within the reinforcement layer allows for a mechanical separation of support and heat dissipation functions in the upper. The first reinforcing cable is arranged around the outer edge of the low-density area, forming a complete stress boundary. When the user moves, tensile and compressive stresses acting on the upper are conducted and dispersed along the stronger first reinforcing cable, rather than directly affecting the weaker low-density areas within it. This structure effectively isolates the low-density areas from the main stress paths of the upper, allowing them to focus on their breathability and heat dissipation functions without excessive deformation or structural damage due to stress.

[0018] Meanwhile, the second and third reinforcing cables constitute the active dynamic locking system of the upper. The second reinforcing cable starts from both sides of the tongue opening, wraps around the midfoot, and then folds back to the side edge, forming a circumferential support structure. When the foot moves laterally, this structure provides strong lateral support, effectively suppressing excessive deformation of the base layer and firmly locking the foot inside the shoe. The third reinforcing cable specifically strengthens the structure in the heel area, extending downwards and backwards from the shoe opening, improving ankle support and stability, and preventing heel slippage during movement. These reinforcing cables, working in conjunction with the high-density components in the base layer, together form a complete and high-strength mechanical support framework.

[0019] In summary, this design achieves the division between the heat dissipation functional area and the basic structural area through high- and low-density partitioning within the base layer; furthermore, an independent mechanical framework is constructed through the reinforcing layer to bear the main dynamic loads during movement. In particular, the design of the first reinforcing cable cleverly establishes an isolation boundary between the heat dissipation area and the load-bearing frame, allowing them to work in parallel without interference. This structural functional decoupling enables the upper, as a whole, to simultaneously possess the highly efficient breathability and heat dissipation performance provided by the low-density blocks, and the high-strength support and stability performance provided by the reinforcing cable and the high-density section.

[0020] Technical solution two also includes a fourth reinforcing cable surrounding the first reinforcing cable. This fourth reinforcing cable works in conjunction with the first reinforcing cable to form a double stress boundary around the low-density area. When the upper is subjected to significant external force, the first reinforcing cable initially bears and disperses the stress, providing preliminary protection for the low-density area. If the external force continues to increase and causes deformation of the base layer surrounding the first reinforcing cable, the outermost fourth reinforcing cable then acts as a second line of defense, bearing the stress. This double-encircling structure greatly enhances the structural rigidity and deformation resistance of the edge area of ​​the low-density area, ensuring that the low-density block maintains its geometric stability even during vigorous movement, thus guaranteeing the continuous and effective heat dissipation function.

[0021] In technical solution three, the specific locations of each low-density block within the low-density section are further defined. This solution arranges the low-density blocks on both sides of the tongue opening width and in front of the tongue opening. These locations precisely correspond to the areas of the foot that generate the most heat and have the most urgent need for heat dissipation during exercise: the forefoot metatarsal region and the instep. By concentrating high-porosity low-density blocks at these key heat dissipation points, the heat dissipation efficiency of the shoe upper is significantly improved, achieving targeted management of foot heat. Compared to homogenized or random ventilation hole designs, this solution provides a more direct and efficient heat dissipation effect.

[0022] In technical solution four, the symmetrical reinforcement structure and heat dissipation areas ensure that the mechanical response and deformation trend of the left and right shoe uppers remain consistent when subjected to loads in the same direction, providing stable and predictable support for the feet. Simultaneously, this symmetry guarantees equal heat dissipation for both feet, avoiding potential comfort reduction due to localized temperature differences. From a manufacturing perspective, the symmetrical design simplifies the programming and calibration process for computer embroidery, improving production efficiency and product consistency.

[0023] In technical solution five, the gradually increasing width of the third reinforcing cable from front to back creates a fan-shaped structure in the heel area. This structure distributes the pressure generated by locking more evenly across a larger heel surface, avoiding the problem of excessive local pressure that might occur with a single thin reinforcing cable, thus significantly improving wearing comfort. Secondly, the wider rear structure creates a more stable base mechanically, more effectively resisting impacts and torsional forces from the rear and lateral sides, further enhancing the locking effect on the heel and overall stability.

[0024] In technical solution six, computer-aided embroidery on a water-soluble base fabric allows for extremely precise control over the direction and density of each yarn, thereby creating a heterogeneous fabric with clear boundaries between high-density and low-density areas and a complex structure. After the water-soluble base fabric is removed, the remaining yarns form a self-supporting mesh structure with a stable shape. This process avoids the technical limitations of traditional weaving or knitting techniques when achieving drastic density changes, and the resulting structure is lighter and more breathable, maximizing airflow in low-density areas and providing a technological guarantee for achieving high breathability.

[0025] Technical Solution Seven specifies the yarn material for the base layer. Polyester and nylon fibers are engineering materials with high strength, high abrasion resistance, and good deformation resistance. Using these yarns to construct the base layer ensures that even in low-density areas, each individual yarn in the upper possesses sufficient strength and toughness, making it less prone to breakage or wear during use. Furthermore, the low moisture absorption of these materials helps to quickly wick away sweat from the feet to the outer side of the upper, keeping the feet dry and working synergistically with the physical breathability of the low-density areas.

[0026] Technical Solution 8 specifies the yarn material for the reinforcing layer. Aramid fiber or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber are high-performance specialty fibers with extremely high tensile strength and extremely low elongation. Using these materials to make the reinforcing cables can provide strong support and lockdown for the shoe upper with minimal material usage and weight increase. Their low elongation ensures that the reinforcing cables do not elongate significantly under stress, thus enabling instantaneous response to foot movements and providing stable support.

[0027] Technical solution nine provides a footwear product that uses the above-mentioned upper, thus having high breathability and strong stability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shoe upper structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the midsole.

[0031] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0032] Base layer 100; Tongue opening 111; Shoe opening 112; Toe area 113; Outer area 114; Inner area 115; Heel area 116; High-density section 120; Low-density section 130; Low-density block 131; High-density area 132; First block 133; Second block 134;

[0033] Reinforcing layer 200; First reinforcing cable 210; Second reinforcing cable 220; Third reinforcing cable 230; Fourth reinforcing cable 240;

[0034] Inner layer 300. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and drawings of this utility model is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0037] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this utility model.

[0038] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this utility model shall be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or components.

[0039] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the terms "comprising", "having", and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to".

[0040] Example

[0041] This invention relates to a footwear product comprising an upper and a sole. The sole can be made of materials conventional in the art, such as, but not limited to, rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), or any combination of the above materials. In one specific embodiment, the sole may include a midsole for providing cushioning and support, and an outsole for providing abrasion resistance and slip resistance. The midsole may be made of foamed materials such as EVA or PU, and the outsole may be made of abrasion-resistant rubber. It should be understood that the specific materials and structure of the sole are conventional designs well known to those skilled in the art and are not the focus of this invention. The core innovation of this invention lies in the specific structure of the upper, which provides excellent support and stability while also ensuring excellent breathability and comfort. The upper structure in the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper of this footwear product consists of an inner lining layer 300, a base layer 100, and a reinforcing layer 200, from the inside out.

[0043] The base layer 100 is woven from a first yarn using computer embroidery. The base layer 100 is shaped like a shoe upper and forms a tongue opening 111 and a shoe opening 112, as well as a toe area 113, an outer area 114, an inner area 115, and a heel area 116 corresponding to the foot. The base layer 100 includes a high-density section 120 and a low-density section 130. The low-density section 130 is arranged around the tongue opening 111 to correspond to the toe area 113, the outer area 114, and the inner area 116. Domain 115; High-density section 120 constitutes the rest of the base layer 100 except for low-density section 130; High-density section 120 is woven with embroidery thread at a uniform density, and low-density section 130 includes several low-density blocks 131 and high-density regions 132 that together with the low-density blocks 131 constitute the low-density section 130; High-density region 132 has the same embroidery thread density as high-density section 120; The embroidery thread density of low-density blocks 131 is lower than that of high-density region 132 or high-density section 120.

[0044] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The base layer 100 is woven from a first yarn using computer embroidery technology, thus forming a single, integrally molded fabric component. In a preferred embodiment, the first yarn used in the base layer 100 is either polyester fiber, nylon fiber, or a composite fiber yarn made from both. In this embodiment, polyester fiber yarn is preferred. The base layer 100 is constructed in the shape of a shoe upper, and therefore, when unfolded into a planar state, it can be considered to consist of a tongue opening 111 and a shoe opening 112. The tongue opening 111 is an opening structure for independently installing a shoe tongue component, and the shoe opening 112 is an opening structure for the user's foot to enter. Furthermore, the base layer 100 corresponds to the foot, forming a toe area 113, an outer area 114, an inner area 115, and a heel area 116, where the toe area 113 corresponds to the toes and forefoot, the outer area 114 corresponds to the outer side of the foot, the inner area 115 corresponds to the inner side of the foot, and the heel area 116 corresponds to the heel. The outer region 114 and the inner region 115 can be considered as the vertical parts of the upper in the three-dimensional shape formed after the upper is attached to the sole, thus distinguishing them from the horizontal toe region 113 at the toe position. The heel region 116 is located at the rear end of both the outer region 114 and the inner region 115 of the base layer 100. During the three-dimensional stitching of the upper, this structure will interlock and connect through sewing or other methods, forming a three-dimensional cup-shaped heel structure that wraps around the user's heel, ultimately forming a complete shoe opening.

[0045] In this embodiment, the base layer 100 is a self-supporting mesh structure formed by the interlacing of the first yarn through embroidery stitches. In the high-density section 120, the embroidery stitches are densely arranged, and the spacing between the yarns is small, thus forming a fine and dense mesh structure. The low-density section 130 contains multiple preset low-density blocks 131, in which the embroidery stitches are arranged more sparsely, and the spacing between the yarns is significantly increased, thereby forming open meshes with a much larger aperture than those in the high-density section 120. These open meshes constitute the main ventilation channels of the shoe upper. Furthermore, the low-density section 130 also includes high-density areas 132. These high-density areas 132 have the same yarn density as the high-density section 120 and work together to form an internal support structure. This structure reinforces the relatively fragile low-density blocks 131, preventing them from being overstretched or deformed under stress. This ensures that the entire low-density section 130 maintains the necessary structural stability while providing high breathability.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, the low-density portion 130 is mainly concentrated in the middle and front regions of the base layer 100, generally forming a U-shaped area surrounding the tongue opening 111. (Refer to...) Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown, the low-density blocks 131 inside are precisely arranged in the areas with the strongest heat dissipation requirements. Specifically, two first blocks 133 are located on the left and right sides of the tongue opening 111, respectively, and extend along the length of the base layer 100, their positions corresponding precisely to the inner and outer sides of the user's foot. In the toe area 113, i.e., in front of the tongue opening 111, two second blocks 134 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the base layer 100, their positions corresponding to the user's toes and upper forefoot. To ensure balanced mechanical performance, the overall layout of the first blocks 133 and the second blocks 134 is symmetrically arranged with the center line of the width direction of the base layer 100 as the axis of symmetry. The edges of the first blocks 133 and the second blocks 134 are irregularly shaped, which provides better aesthetics without compromising the overall heat dissipation effect.

[0047] Correspondingly, the high-density section 120 constitutes the periphery and load-bearing structure of the base layer 100. Specifically, the high-density section 120 completely forms the entire heel area 116, providing the necessary rigidity and shape retention to lock the user's heel in place. Simultaneously, the high-density section 120 also forms the edge area surrounding the shoe opening 112, as well as a continuous strip extending along the side edge of the base layer 100 (i.e., the area that will later join the sole). These areas are where the tensile stress and wear are most concentrated during wear and movement; the high-density structure provides the necessary durability and bonding strength for this purpose.

[0048] In the preparation process, a water-soluble base fabric is first prepared as a temporary carrier. Then, using a computer-controlled embroidery machine, the first yarn is precisely embroidered onto the water-soluble base fabric along a pre-designed complex path containing high-density sections 120 and low-density sections 130. This embroidery process integrally forms the complete outline of the shoe upper and its functional zones of different densities. After the embroidery process is completed, the base fabric with the embroidered threads is washed, and the water-soluble base fabric dissolves and is completely removed. Ultimately, only the mesh structure formed by the interlacing of the first yarns remains. This structure maintains a stable shape without any backing, constituting the self-supporting base layer 100 of this embodiment. This process makes it possible to achieve a precise arrangement of clearly defined, different-density areas on a single fabric component, providing a structural foundation for the subsequent realization of synergistic support and breathability.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 The reinforcing layer 200 includes a first reinforcing cord 210, a second reinforcing cord 220, and a third reinforcing cord 230, which are laid and connected to the top surface of the base layer 100 by a second yarn using a string embroidery method. The first reinforcing cord 210 is arranged around the low-density part 130. The outer region 114 and the inner region 115 of the base layer 100 are each provided with a second reinforcing cord 220. The second reinforcing cord 220 starts from the two sides of the width direction of the tongue opening 111, extends backward to the heel region 116, bends forward, and extends to the side edge of the base layer 100. The heel region 116 of the base layer 100 is provided with a plurality of third reinforcing cords 230. The third reinforcing cords 230 start from the connection position of the tongue opening 111 and the shoe opening 112, extend backward and obliquely towards the side edge of the base layer 100, and extend to the rear edge of the base layer 100. In addition, it includes a fourth reinforcing cable 240, which is laid and connected to the top surface of the base layer 100 by a second yarn using a string embroidery method. The fourth reinforcing cable 240 is arranged around the first reinforcing cable 210 at a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the width of the third reinforcing cable 230 gradually increases from front to back.

[0050] Specifically, the reinforcing layer 200 is formed from the second yarn using a string embroidery process. This process allows high-strength yarns to be laid directly and firmly fixed to the surface of the base layer 100 along a predetermined path, forming a reinforcing cable with low elongation, thereby achieving precise mechanical path planning. As a preferred embodiment, the second yarn is aramid fiber yarn or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber yarn. These high-performance fibers have extremely high tensile strength and extremely low elongation, ensuring that the reinforcing cable can respond instantaneously under stress, providing stable and direct support without significant deformation. In this embodiment, aramid fiber yarn is preferably used.

[0051] The first reinforcing cable 210 is designed to run along the outer edge of the low-density section 130 on the base layer 100, forming a complete, closed ring structure. Its core function is to establish a mechanical isolation zone or stress boundary between the low-density section 130 and the high-density section 120. When the upper is subjected to force, the stress will preferentially be transmitted along this high-strength reinforcing cable, thereby avoiding the direct transfer of dynamic load to the relatively fragile low-density block 131 and effectively protecting the structural integrity of these core heat dissipation areas.

[0052] A second reinforcing cable 220 is symmetrically arranged in the inner region 115 and outer region 114 of the base layer 100. The path of each second reinforcing cable 220 begins at the side edge of the tongue opening 111 in the width direction (i.e., near the lace holes), extends along the length of the base layer 100 towards the heel region 116, and then bends forward towards the side edge after reaching the midfoot. This path, encircling the midfoot and extending downwards, constitutes a dynamic foot locking system. When the user makes lateral movements or sudden stops and changes of direction, the reinforcing cable provides strong lateral support, firmly locking the foot to the sole and effectively suppressing excessive deformation of the base layer 100.

[0053] In the heel area 116 of the base layer 100, multiple (e.g., three to five) third reinforcing cables 230 are provided. These cables begin near the junction of the tongue opening 111 and the shoe opening 112, slope backward and downward, and extend to the rear edge of the base layer 100. Together, they provide stable support for the user's ankle and heel, significantly improving the fit of the upper and preventing heel slippage or slippage during exercise. As a preferred embodiment, the geometry of the third reinforcing cables 230 features a gradually increasing width from front to back. This narrow-to-wide shape better conforms to the anatomical structure of the human heel, distributing locking pressure more evenly over a larger surface area, thereby improving both locking effectiveness and wearing comfort.

[0054] The fourth reinforcing cable 240 also follows a path that surrounds the low-density section 130, but it is positioned outside the first reinforcing cable 210 and spaced a predetermined distance from it. The fourth reinforcing cable 240 and the first reinforcing cable 210 work together to form a double stress boundary around the low-density section 130. When the upper is subjected to a large external force, these two reinforcing cables can progressively bear and disperse the stress, thereby providing more robust and redundant structural protection for the low-density block 131.

[0055] During preparation, the reinforcing layer 200 is embroidered while the base layer 100 is still attached to the water-soluble base fabric after embroidery. At this point, the embroidery equipment is replaced with a second yarn (e.g., aramid fiber yarn), and the process is switched to string embroidery mode. Next, the embroidery program for the reinforcing layer 200 is initiated. The equipment precisely lays and fixes the second yarn onto the top surface of the already embroidered base layer 100 with high tension, sequentially forming a first reinforcing cord 210, a second reinforcing cord 220, a third reinforcing cord 230, and an optional fourth reinforcing cord 240. In this way, the reinforcing layer 200 and the base layer 100 are firmly bonded together as a whole.

[0056] After all embroidery processes are completed, the workpiece with the complete embroidered structure is removed from the embroidery machine. The workpiece is then washed in water. The water-soluble base fabric completely dissolves and is washed away, leaving only the one-piece self-supporting upper structure composed of the first and second yarns. Finally, the upper structure is dried and shaped to obtain the finished upper of this embodiment.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 The inner lining layer 300 of the upper covers the inner surface of the base layer 100 and can be made of polyester woven fabric. Specifically, the inner lining layer 300 is structurally the innermost layer of the entire upper, and it is fixed to the inner surface of the base layer 100 by processes such as sewing, serving as the interface that directly contacts the user's foot or socks. The main function of the inner lining layer 300 is to enhance wearing comfort and protect the internal structure. The yarn of the reinforcing layer 200 and the inner surface of the mesh fabric of the base layer 100 may cause direct friction against the skin. The inner lining layer 300, covering the inside of the base layer 100, provides the foot with a smooth, soft, and skin-friendly contact surface. This effectively isolates the foot from direct contact with the functional structural layers, reduces friction, and provides some moisture-wicking properties, thus maximizing comfort for extended wear while achieving the strong functionality of the upper.

[0058] In the footwear products and uppers involved in this embodiment, the upper achieves a good balance between support stability and breathability. First, the base layer 100 in this solution forms functional zones in different areas of the upper through computer embroidery. Low-density sections 130, containing several low-density blocks 131, are set in the main heat-generating areas corresponding to the toe and sides of the foot. These low-density blocks 131, due to their significantly lower embroidery thread density compared to other parts of the upper, form a mesh structure with high porosity. These structures constitute the main, efficient air convection channels of the upper. Unlike existing technologies that use large areas of non-porous materials or homogeneous high-density weaving, this solution ensures excellent breathability in key areas of the upper by pre-setting these low-density blocks 131. Furthermore, the upper also includes a reinforcing layer 200, which is a skeletal network formed by laying down second yarns using a string embroidery method. While providing support, the reinforcing cables occupy a very small physical area relative to the total area of ​​the base layer 100, allowing most of the low-density blocks 131 to be fully preserved without being obstructed. This avoids the problem of sacrificing breathability for enhanced support, as is common in existing technologies. More importantly, the specific arrangement of the reinforcing cables in the reinforcing layer 200 achieves a mechanical separation between support and heat dissipation functions in the upper. The first reinforcing cable 210 is arranged around the outer edge of the low-density section 130, forming a complete stress boundary. When the user moves, the tensile and compressive stresses acting on the upper are conducted and dispersed along the stronger first reinforcing cable 210, rather than directly affecting the weaker low-density blocks 131 within it. This structure effectively isolates the low-density blocks 131 from the main stress path of the upper, allowing them to focus on their breathability and heat dissipation functions without excessive deformation or structural damage due to stress. Meanwhile, the second and third reinforcing cables 220 and 230 constitute an active dynamic locking system for the upper. The second reinforcing cable 220 starts from both sides of the opening 111 of the shoe tongue, wraps around the middle of the foot, and then folds back to the side edge, forming a circumferential support structure. When the foot moves laterally, this structure provides strong lateral support, effectively suppressing excessive deformation of the base layer 100 and firmly locking the foot inside the shoe. The third reinforcing cable 230 specifically strengthens the structure of the heel area 116, extending backward and downward from the opening 112 of the shoe collar, improving the fit and stability of the ankle and preventing the heel from not fitting properly during exercise. These reinforcing cables work together with the high-density section 120 in the base layer 100 to form a complete, high-strength mechanical support skeleton. In summary, this solution achieves the division of the heat dissipation functional area and the basic structural area through the high and low density partitioning within the base layer 100; and then constructs an independent mechanical framework through the reinforcing layer 200 to bear the main dynamic load during exercise.In particular, the design of the first reinforcing cable 210 cleverly establishes an isolation boundary between the heat dissipation area and the load-bearing frame, allowing the two to work in parallel without interfering with each other. This structural functional decoupling enables the upper to function as a whole, simultaneously providing the efficient breathability and heat dissipation performance offered by the low-density block 131, and the high-strength support and stability performance provided by the reinforcing cable and the high-density section 120.

[0059] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this utility model or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this utility model or the foregoing embodiments, should all be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A shoe upper, characterized in that it comprises: A base layer (100) is woven from a first yarn using a computer embroidery method; the base layer (100) is constructed in the shape of the shoe upper and forms a tongue opening (111) and a shoe opening (112), as well as a toe area (113), an outer area (114), an inner area (115), and a heel area (116) corresponding to the foot; the base layer (100) includes a high-density portion (120) and a low-density portion (130); the low-density portion (130) is arranged around the tongue opening (111) to correspond to the toe area (113), the outer area (114), and the inner area (115). The high-density section (120) constitutes the base layer (100) excluding the low-density section (130); the high-density section (120) is woven with embroidery thread at a uniform density; the low-density section (130) includes several low-density blocks (131) and a high-density region (132) that together with the low-density blocks (131) constitutes the low-density section (130); the high-density region (132) has the same embroidery thread density as the high-density section (120); the embroidery thread density of the low-density blocks (131) is lower than that of the high-density region (132) or the high-density section (120); The reinforcing layer (200) includes a first reinforcing cord (210), a second reinforcing cord (220) and a third reinforcing cord (230) that are laid and connected to the top surface of the base layer (100) by a second yarn in a string embroidery manner; The first reinforcing cable (210) is arranged around the low-density portion (130); The outer region (114) and inner region (115) of the base layer (100) are respectively provided with a second reinforcing cable (220). The second reinforcing cable (220) starts from the two sides of the width direction of the shoe tongue opening (111), extends backward to the heel region (116), bends forward and extends to the side edge of the base layer (100). The heel area (116) of the base layer (100) is provided with a plurality of the third reinforcing cables (230), which start from the connection position of the tongue opening (111) and the shoe opening (112), extend backward and obliquely toward the side edge of the base layer (100) to the rear edge of the base layer (100).

2. The shoe upper as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fourth reinforcing cable (240) that is laid and connected to the top surface of the base layer (100) by a second yarn using a string embroidery method. The fourth reinforcing cable (240) is arranged around the first reinforcing cable (210) at a predetermined distance from the first reinforcing cable (210).

3. The shoe upper as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each low-density block (131) in the low-density section (130) includes two first blocks (133) located on both sides of the width direction of the shoe tongue opening (111), and a second block (134) located in front of the shoe tongue opening (111); the first blocks (133) extend along the length direction of the base layer (100), and there are two second blocks (134) arranged along the width direction.

4. The shoe upper as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The two first blocks (133) and the two second blocks (134) are arranged symmetrically with the center line of the width direction of the base layer (100) as the axis of symmetry.

5. The shoe upper as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the third reinforcing cable (230) gradually increases from front to back.

6. The shoe upper as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The base layer (100) is formed as a self-supporting mesh structure by arranging the first yarn on a water-soluble base fabric in a computer embroidery manner and then removing the water-soluble base fabric.

7. The shoe upper as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first yarn is a fiber yarn made of polyester fiber, nylon fiber, or a composite fiber yarn made of both.

8. The shoe upper as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second yarn is aramid fiber yarn or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber yarn.

9. A footwear product comprising a sole, characterized in that, It also includes the upper as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the upper is attached to the sole.

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