sole element

Abstract

Sole element (100) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising: (a.) a midsole (105); (b.) a sole plate (120) with an anisotropic bending property; and (c.) a first reinforcing element (130); (d.) wherein the sole plate (120) is arranged on the upper side of the midsole (105); (e.) wherein the anisotropic bending property is a bending stiffness that allows dorsal bending of the sole plate (120); and (f.) wherein the midsole (105) includes a recess (115) designed to accommodate the sole plate (120) and the first reinforcement element (130) on the upper surface of the midsole (105).

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sole element, a shoe and methods for their manufacture. 2. State of the art

[0002] The sole of a shoe is crucial for both the comfort experienced by an athlete and the ability to achieve maximum performance. A key aspect for both comfort and performance is the stiffness of the sole. For example, a flexible sole might be perceived as more comfortable when walking or running at low speeds. However, at high running speeds, a stiffer sole can be advantageous to prevent injuries and improve performance. Therefore, developers often face a trade-off in order to offer a sole that is comfortable, protects the wearer's foot, and enables maximum performance.

[0003] US 2018 / 0338568A1 discloses a sole structure for a footwear article comprising a sole plate with a midfoot area and at least one forefoot and one heel area. The sole plate has a wave-like profile in a cross-section. The wave-like profile comprises multiple waves, each with a crest and a depression. The sole plate has ribs that correspond to the crest and depression of each wave and extend longitudinally through the midfoot area and at least one forefoot and heel area.

[0004] US 2011 / 0030245A1 concerns a sole for a running shoe consisting of three layers and an upper on the midsole, the upper having two curved fingers at the front end extending along a longitudinal curve and a little finger in the middle. The upper is also made flexible transversely precisely where the fingers of the upper begin along this line. Furthermore, the upper is also made flexible longitudinally along another line.

[0005] US 2009 / 0031584A1 refers to a stability layer for a shoe that can be positioned over a midsole layer of the shoe, the stability layer being able to have different thicknesses so that it can gradually become thinner towards a forefoot area to ensure a smooth transition from the stability layer to the underlying midsole layer.

[0006] US 2014 / 0202039A1 relates to a work shoe with a molded foot support platform, wherein a toe support area of ​​the foot support platform is significantly stiffer than a midfoot support area and the midfoot support area is more flexible than a midfoot zone of the support platform.

[0007] US 2019 / 0 150 563 A1 relates to a shoe comprising an upper and a sole, wherein a spring plate is arranged between the upper and the sole on the top of grooves of a midsole.

[0008] US 2018 / 0222148A1 relates to anisotropic materials, specifically composite beam structures with variable anisotropic properties, that can be used in footwear, such as soccer cleats. A footwear article comprises an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly has one or more internally bonded plate assemblies, each consisting of an assembly with anisotropic properties and including a dorsal layer and a plantar layer.

[0009] US 2018 / 0 199 665 A1 relates to a sole structure for a footwear article comprising a midsole structure with multiple elements arranged in layers within the midsole structure and an outsole structure. The multiple elements comprise a first cushioning element with a first compressible material, a second cushioning element with a second compressible material connected to the outsole structure, and a plate positioned between the first and second cushioning elements, the plate being configured to flex at one or more specific locations along its length.

[0010] US 2018 / 0 132 564 A1 relates to a sole structure for footwear with an upper comprising an outsole defining a first opening, a cushioning element arranged on the outsole defining a second opening, and a plate positioned between the cushioning element and the upper. The plate includes an anterior point located in a forefoot area, a posterior point located closer to a heel area than the anterior point, a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point between the anterior and posterior points, and an anterior curved area with a radius of curvature extending through the forefoot and midfoot areas, comprising a curved forefoot section extending from the MTP point to the anterior point and a curved midfoot section extending from the MTP point toward the posterior point.Overlapping parts of the first and second openings expose an area of ​​the plate.

[0011] US 2010 / 0 307 025 A1 concerns a midsole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, which is asymmetrical in the midfoot area, has an upper heel section that encloses the wearer's heel bone, and an upward-curving toe end. In the midfoot area, a vertical medial support structure extends from the midsole and provides support for the arch of the foot. Similarly, a vertical lateral support structure supports the outside of the foot in the midfoot area.

[0012] US 2017 / 0 095 033 A1 relates to a plate for footwear with a sole structure comprising an anterior point located in a forefoot area of ​​the sole structure, a posterior point located closer to a heel area of ​​the sole structure than the anterior point, and a concave section extending between the anterior and posterior points. The concave section has a constant radius of curvature from the anterior point to a metarsophalangial point (MTP) of the sole structure.

[0013] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved sole for a shoe. 3. Summary of the invention

[0014] This goal is achieved through the principles of independent claims. Advantageous variations are contained in dependent claims.

[0015] In one embodiment, a sole element for a shoe, particularly a sports shoe, comprises (a.) a midsole and (b.) a sole plate with anisotropic bending properties, (c.) wherein the sole plate is arranged on the upper side of the midsole. The anisotropic bending properties of the sole plate allow the sole element to bend anisotropically in one direction, thus maximizing the performance of the shoe wearer. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that arranging the sole plate on the upper side of the midsole, together with this specific bending property in one direction, leads to improved comfort for the wearer of the shoe. Thus, the sole element of the present invention provides a more comfortable walking experience because the sole plate is only rigid when needed, and no discomfort arises from the sole plate, e.g.,during push-off, but flexible during landing and in the transition phase of the carrier's gait cycle, such as in a long-distance runner.

[0016] Therefore, a positive effect on the running economy of the long-distance runner can be achieved without loss of running comfort.

[0017] According to the invention, the anisotropic bending property is a bending stiffness that allows for dorsal flexion of the sole plate. The bending direction of the sole element plays an important role in the comfort and performance of a sole and thus of a shoe. The inventors have found that dorsal flexion is an important factor for a highly responsive running gait, especially for the push-off of the long-distance runner during a gait cycle. Furthermore, it helps to reduce forefoot injuries, as it prevents lateral slippage of the forefoot.

[0018] It should be noted that the terms "flexion" and "bending," as used in this application, may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the term "dorsal flexion" refers to an upward bend in a region of the sole element. In contrast, the term "plantar flexion" refers to a downward bend in a region of the sole element. Downward is a direction towards the ground when the shoe is worn with the sole element in its usual configuration. Upward is the opposite direction, e.g., towards the sky, when the shoe is worn in its usual configuration. It should also be understood that the zero line for defining a neutral position for these two different types of flexion (or bending) is a horizontal line through the longitudinal extent of the sole element.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sole plate can have a first and a second bending stiffness to allow dorsal bending of the sole plate, the first bending stiffness being less than the second bending stiffness. Furthermore, the sole plate can have the first bending stiffness below a first dorsal bending angle and the second bending stiffness above the first dorsal bending angle.

[0020] All these described embodiments follow the same idea: to further optimize the aforementioned flexural stiffness of a sole element. For example, if the sole plate has a first flexural stiffness and a second flexural stiffness, both for upward bending in the toe area of ​​the sole element, where the first flexural stiffness is lower than the second flexural stiffness, the sole element can engage optimally during walking while preventing foot injury from excessive upward bending of the toes.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first dorsal flexion angle is in the range of 20° to 40°, preferably in the range of 25° to 35°, and most preferably in the range of 28° to 32°. It has been shown that the specified values ​​represent a reasonable compromise between the necessary stiffness for performance during push-off, particularly when attempting to bend the sole element to a specific angle, and sufficient flexibility to ensure adequate comfort upon landing. Push-off here refers to the action in which the long-distance runner must push off the ground with their foot at each step, while landing refers to the action in which the long-distance runner's foot touches the ground at the end of each step.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sole plate is pre-bent in the forefoot area, preferably at an angle of between 20° and 40° relative to the aforementioned horizontal line through the elongated extension of the sole element. In other words, when at rest and without any bending or flexing forces acting upon it, the forefoot area of ​​the sole plate can bend upwards at an angle of between 20° and 40°.

[0023] The anisotropic flexion characteristic can be located in a forefoot area of ​​the sole plate, preferably in a metatarsal area, and most preferably in a metatarsal joint area. Therefore, the flexural stiffness of the sole element, which allows for dorsal flexion, can be improved, as this position of the flexion angle on the sole plate is anatomically optimized for the needs of long-distance runners. A torsional movement upon landing of the shoe can be permitted, and energy loss in the metatarsal joint area can be avoided.

[0024] The sole plate can allow a drop of 5-15 mm, preferably 8-12 mm, and most preferably 9-11 mm, in the heel area of ​​the sole element towards the forefoot area. The term "drop" in this application is defined as the difference between the height of the sole element in the heel area and the height of the sole element in the forefoot area. In other words, it is the height difference between the heel area and the forefoot area of ​​the shoe. Such a drop of the sole element provides sufficient cushioning in the somewhat rigid heel area of ​​the sole element, as well as improved flexural rigidity in the forefoot area.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sole element can comprise a first height in the metatarsal region of the sole element in the range of 8–17 mm, preferably 10–15 mm, most preferably 11–14 mm, and / or a second height in the heel region of the sole element in the range of 16–26 mm, preferably 18–24 mm, most preferably 19–23 mm. The inventors have recognized that these specified values ​​for the heights of the sole element under the foot of the long-distance runner above the ground have a positive effect on efficiency.

[0026] The soleplate can be made of a fiber-reinforced material. The material can also include glass. Fibers or fiber-reinforced composites are lightweight yet exceptionally strong. In particular, glass or fiberglass are quite inexpensive, moisture-resistant, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, fibers can generally be processed in various ways.

[0027] According to the invention, the sole element additionally comprises a first reinforcement element. Furthermore, the first reinforcement element can be arranged below the sole plate. It can also be arranged in a midfoot region of the sole plate. A reinforcement element serves to increase the stability of the sole element in selected areas. In addition, such an embodiment of a reinforcement element can act as a torsional and / or stabilizing element in the midfoot region, providing additional midfoot flexion support and increased midfoot flexion stiffness. In particular, together with the aforementioned flexion stiffness for the forefoot region due to the sole plate itself, an optimized flexion ratio for these two regions can be maintained to prevent foot injuries, since the midfoot of the shoe should be stiffer than the forefoot.

[0028] The first reinforcement element can be at least partially surrounded by the midsole. Such an arrangement of the first reinforcement element can provide additional support, as the forces occurring during running can be distributed evenly across the midsole material.

[0029] The first reinforcing element can comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This material has high abrasion resistance. Particularly in combination with a midsole, which can consist of randomly arranged particles that themselves may comprise expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, such a reinforcing element can be advantageously used because it can form a chemical bond with the expanded particles that is extremely durable and resistant and requires no additional adhesives. This makes the production of such sole elements simpler, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.

[0030] According to the invention, the midsole includes a recess adapted to receive the sole plate on the upper side of the midsole. Furthermore, the recess is further adapted to receive the first reinforcing element on the upper side of the midsole. In other words, the sole plate, together with the reinforcing element beneath the sole plate, can be placed in the recess as a kind of cavity, so that the two components can be firmly attached to the midsole. This provides the long-distance runner with greater stability.

[0031] The recess can have a depth in the range of 0.8–1.8 mm, preferably 1.0–1.6 mm, most preferably 1.1–1.5 mm. This embodiment allows the sole plate to sit flush with the midsole. Therefore, the long-distance runner will not feel the rigid sole plate, and running will not be uncomfortable.

[0032] In some designs, the midsole may include a second reinforcement element. Generally, this second reinforcement element can also serve as a torsional and / or stabilizing element for the midsole and, together with a cushioning element within the midsole, act as an additional cushioning element. Furthermore, the second reinforcement element may be made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This material is characterized by high stability, low weight, and relatively good cushioning properties.

[0033] The second reinforcement element can at least partially encase a cushioning element in the midsole. This allows the sole element to be given additional stability in the form of an edge. Furthermore, such an edge, together with the sole plate and the first reinforcement element, both of which are located in the midsole, offers better energy return, sufficient cushioning, reduced weight, and improved stability.

[0034] The midsole can contain particles made of an expanded material. These particles may or may not be randomly arranged. Using particles made of an expanded material significantly simplifies the production of such a midsole, as the particles are particularly easy to handle. For example, the particles can be filled into a mold under pressure or with the aid of a transport fluid, and this mold is then used to manufacture the sole element or midsole.

[0035] The expanded material can include expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU). This material is characterized by its particularly good elastic and cushioning properties and high energy return, meaning that a large portion of the energy absorbed upon impact is recovered. This is especially advantageous in insole designs for long-distance runners.

[0036] The sole element can additionally include an outsole element. Furthermore, the outsole element can comprise at least two unconnected sections. These at least two unconnected sections can also include a variety of differently shaped projections. This allows for greater support of the entire sole element and offers a high degree of design freedom to meet the individual needs of long-distance runners.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which includes a sole element as described herein. The shoe thus has a lightweight, durable sole element that offers optimal support and wearing comfort.

[0038] Furthermore, the shoe may also include at least one of the following elements: a shoe upper, a Strobel plate and an insole, wherein the insole preferably comprises ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a sole element for a shoe, as described herein. The method may comprise the following steps: (a) providing a midsole; (b) providing a sole plate with an anisotropic bending property on the upper surface of the midsole; (c) providing a first reinforcing element; (d) wherein the anisotropic bending property is a bending stiffness that allows dorsal flexion of the sole plate; and (e) wherein the midsole comprises a recess formed on the upper surface of the midsole to receive the sole plate and the first reinforcing element. Furthermore, the sole element may comprise at least one of the following: a second reinforcing element and an outsole element, as described herein.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a shoe, as described herein, comprising the following steps: (a.) attaching the upper part of the shoe to the sole element, (b.) arranging the Strobel plate on the top of the sole plate, and (c.) arranging the insole on the Strobel board.

[0041] All described embodiments relate to improved methods for providing optimal flexural stiffness in a sole element or shoe. Further details, as well as technical effects and advantages, are described in detail above with regard to the sole element or shoe. 4. Brief description of the characters

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows an anisotropic bending property of an exemplary sole plate for a sole element according to the invention; Fig. 2a: shows an exploded view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention; Fig. 2b: shows two side views of an exemplary sole plate with a first reinforcement element for a sole element according to the invention; Fig. 2c: shows a side view of an exemplary midsole with a cushioning element and a second reinforcement element for a sole element according to the invention; and Fig. 2d: shows a side view of an exemplary outsole element for a sole element according to the present invention; Fig. 2e: shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention; and Fig. 2f: shows a top view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0043] In the following, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail with particular reference to a sole element for a shoe, especially a sports shoe for long-distance runners. However, the concept of the present invention can be applied in the same or a similar manner to other shoes, such as casual shoes, lace-up shoes, laceless shoes, or boots, such as work boots, or to sports equipment.

[0044] It is understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified and combined in various ways, provided they are compatible, and that certain features can be omitted where they appear unnecessary.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the principle of the anisotropic bending property of a sole plate 120 for a sole element according to the invention. As can be seen, the sole element 120 comprises a heel region 121, a midfoot region 122, a forefoot region 123, and a toe region 124. Furthermore, the forefoot region 123 of the sole element partially comprises a metatarsal region 123a, which includes a metatarsal joint region 123b. It should be noted that these regions for the sole plate 120 also apply to the sole element 100, which comprises the sole plate 120, as well as to other elements of the sole element 100, as described in the remaining sections. Fig. 2a-f are shown and explained.

[0046] The anisotropic bending property of the sole plate 120 is a bending stiffness that allows for dorsal bending. As mentioned above, the terms "bending" and "flexion" can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the term "dorsal bending" refers to upward bending in a region of the sole element 120. In contrast, the term "plantar bending" refers to downward bending in a region of the sole element 120. Downward bending is a direction towards the ground when a shoe with the sole element, including the sole plate 120, is worn in its usual configuration. Upward bending is the opposite direction, e.g., towards the sky, when such a shoe is worn in its usual configuration. Additionally, the term "stiffness" is given by the slope of the stress-strain curve, which, simply put, plots the applied force against the resulting deformation.

[0047] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the dashed horizontal line through the elongated extension of the sole plate 120 is the zero line, defining a neutral position for the two different types of flexion (or bending). The sole plate 120 in Fig. 1 thus allows a dorsal bending or curvature of the sole plate 120 upwards with respect to the zero line.

[0048] The sole plate 120 has a first and a second flexural stiffness to allow for dorsal flexion of the sole plate 120, with the first flexural stiffness being lower than the second flexural stiffness. As mentioned previously, different flexural stiffnesses allow for the fulfillment of the individual requirements of long-distance runners.

[0049] Furthermore, the sole plate 120 has the first bending stiffness below a first dorsal deflection angle (α), which defines a specific angular range, as indicated by the double arrow in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates this. The first dorsal flexion angle (α) can be in the range of 20°–40°, preferably in the range of 25°–35°, and most preferably in the range of 28°–32°. Additionally or alternatively, other ranges could be possible, depending on the specific requirements of the user, e.g., weight or other anatomical conditions such as supination or pronation, etc., or specific running conditions, e.g., uphill running or flat-ground running, etc. The second flexion stiffness is greater than the first dorsal flexion angle (α), as indicated by the single arrow in Figure 1. Fig. 1 shown.

[0050] The first flexural stiffness is lower than the second flexural stiffness. Such a first flexural stiffness below the first dorsal flexion angle (α) provides sufficient flexibility for adequate comfort when landing a shoe with the sole plate 120, while the second flexural stiffness above the first dorsal flexion angle (α) provides the necessary stiffness for performance during push-off, especially when attempting to flex the sole plate 120 and thus the entire sole element and the shoe.

[0051] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the anisotropic bending property is located in the forefoot region 123 of the sole plate 120. The location of the bending property can be characterized by the bending or flexion position on the zero line, where the sole plate 120 begins to bend. Furthermore, a specific area around this bending or flexion position can be located in the metatarsal region 123a of the sole plate 120, preferably along the metatarsal joint region 123b of the sole plate 120.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2a shows an exploded view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2b shows two side views of an exemplary sole plate 120 according to Fig. 1 with a first reinforcement element 130 of the sole element 100. Fig. Figure 2c shows a side view of an exemplary midsole 105 with a cushioning element 110 and a second reinforcement element 140 of the sole element 100. Fig. Figure 2d shows a side view of an exemplary outsole element 150 of the sole element 100. Fig. Figure 2e shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2f shows a top view of a sole element 100 according to the invention.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2a, the inventive sole element 100 for a shoe comprises a midsole 105 and a sole plate 120 with anisotropic bending properties, wherein the sole plate 120 is arranged on the upper surface of the midsole 105. Such an arrangement of the sole plate 120 on the upper surface of the midsole 105, together with the specific bending properties in one direction, relates to improved possibilities of providing optimal bending properties, for example, bending stiffness in the sole element 100, together with optimal wearing comfort for the long-distance runner of a shoe with this sole element 100. The sole plate 120 can have one or more of the features of the embodiment described above. Fig. exhibit 1.

[0054] The midsole 105 comprises a cushioning element 110, which is made from a large number of particles. The particles are made from an expanded material such as expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU). It is also conceivable that any other suitable material could be used, such as any other particle foam suitable for the manufacture of midsoles, e.g., expanded polyamide (ePA); expanded polyether block amide (ePEBA); expanded polylactide (ePLA); expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET); expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT); or expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE).

[0055] Furthermore, the expanded particles within the damping element 110 are randomly arranged. Alternatively, the expanded particles can be arranged in a specific pattern within the damping element 110. Further features of the damping element 110 are described by reference to Fig. 2c explained.

[0056] The soleplate 120 incorporates a fiber-reinforced material. Suitable materials include carbon fibers or carbon fiber composites, as they are lightweight yet exceptionally strong. Glass or glass fibers are also viable options, being relatively inexpensive, moisture-resistant, and offering a high strength-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, glass fibers can be processed in various ways. Additionally or alternatively, any material or material blend can be used that provides sufficient stiffness combined with low weight and can be engineered to offer flexibility at specific angles.

[0057] The composite sole element 100 can comprise a first height in the metatarsal region 124 of the composite sole element 100 in the range of 8 - 17 mm, preferably 10 - 15 mm, most preferably 11 - 14 mm, and / or a second height in the heel region 121 of the composite sole element 100 in the range of 16 - 26 mm, preferably 18 - 24 mm, most preferably 19 - 23 mm.

[0058] Fig. Figure 2b shows two side views of the exemplary sole plate 120 together with the first reinforcement element 130 of the sole element 100, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2a shows the first reinforcement element 130 being positioned below the sole plate 120, so that the wearing comfort for a long-distance runner is not impaired. Therefore, the first reinforcement element 130 can also be adapted to the curvature of the sole plate 120.

[0059] The first reinforcement element 130 is located in the midfoot area 122 of the sole plate 120. This first reinforcement element can act as a torsional and / or stabilizing element in the midfoot area 122, providing a long-distance runner with additional flexion support and increased flexion stiffness in the midfoot. In particular, together with the first flexion stiffness below the first dorsal flexion angle of the sole plate 120, an optimized flexion ratio for the midfoot area 122 can be maintained to prevent foot injuries, as the midfoot area 122 of the sole element 120 should be stiffer than other areas, such as the forefoot area 123. Additionally or alternatively, a multitude of first reinforcement elements are also conceivable to enhance this effect.Some of these numerous initial reinforcement elements can also be arranged in other areas of the sole plate 120 to provide greater stiffness.

[0060] The first reinforcement element 130 comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU, which is highly abrasion and tear resistant. It is also conceivable that other suitable materials could be used, e.g., carbon, polyamide, rubber, polypropylene, PP, polystyrene, PS, etc., or that a material with fibers, as described above for the sole plate 120, could be used.

[0061] The first reinforcement element 130 further comprises three elongated projections 135. These can provide increased stiffness in the midfoot area 122 of the sole element 120 and improved stability during torsional movements. Depending on the long-distance runner's requirements, more or fewer projections are also conceivable. Non-elongated shapes with a geometric profile, such as dots, rectangles, triangles, etc., can also be used. The projections 135 also ensure better attachment, adhesion, or fit of the first reinforcement element to the midsole 105.

[0062] Fig. Figure 2c shows a side view of the midsole 105 with the cushioning element 110 and the second reinforcement element 140 of the sole element 100, as in Fig. 2a shown.

[0063] The second reinforcement element 140 comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which is characterized by high stability and relatively good damping properties. It is also conceivable that other suitable materials could be used, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), etc., or that a material with fibers could be used, as mentioned above for the sole plate 120 and the first reinforcement element 130.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2c, the second reinforcement element 140 at least partially encloses the cushioning element 110 of the midsole 105. In other words, it provides an edge for the further stability of the cushioning element 110, and thus for the midsole 105 and the sole element 100. Furthermore, this edge, together with the sole plate 120 and the first reinforcement element 130, provides improved energy return, sufficient cushioning, reduced weight, and enhanced stability.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2a, the second reinforcement element 140 is essentially U-shaped and surrounds the cushioning element 110 along the medial side around the toe area 125 to the lateral side of the midsole 105. Additionally or alternatively, the second reinforcement element 140 can essentially encircle the entire circumference of the cushioning element 110 to ensure increased stability.

[0066] The midsole 105 includes a recess 115, which is adapted to accommodate the first reinforcement element 130 and the sole plate 120 on the upper surface of the midsole 105. This arrangement, together with the anisotropic flexural properties of the sole plate 120, provides optimal flex characteristics while simultaneously ensuring optimal wearing comfort for the shoe wearer.

[0067] Furthermore, if the first reinforcing element is 130, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2b, the first reinforcement element 130 is attached to the upper surface of the midsole 105 and is at least partially surrounded by the midsole 105. This embedding of the first reinforcement element 130 provides additional support for the midsole 105, as the forces occurring during walking can be distributed evenly across the material of the midsole 105, thus preventing undesirable displacement of the first reinforcement element 130.

[0068] The recess 115 can have a depth in the range of 0.8–1.8 mm, preferably 1.0–1.6 mm, most preferably 1.1–1.5 mm. This allows the sole plate 120 and the first reinforcing element 130 to sit flush with the intermediate sole 105. Furthermore, the recess 115 includes three elongated grooves 116 for receiving the three elongated projections 135 of the first reinforcing element 130, as shown in Fig. 2b shown, are suitable.

[0069] Fig. Figure 2D shows a side view of the outsole element 150 of the sole element 100, as in Fig. 2a shown.

[0070] The outer sole element 150 can be prefabricated, for example, by injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming or other methods known to those skilled in the art for converting 2D designs into 3D molded parts.

[0071] As in Fig. As can be seen in 2d, the outsole element 150 comprises a first non-connected section 150a and a second non-connected section 150b, wherein the first non-connected section 150a comprises a first plurality of shaped projections that are distinct from a second plurality of shaped projections of the second non-connected section 150b.

[0072] The first set of shaped protrusions of the first unconnected section 150a has a triangular profile to provide increased slip resistance to a long-distance runner during heel strike. Additionally or alternatively, other profiles such as circular, angular, or other geometric shapes are also conceivable.

[0073] The second set of shaped projections of the second unconnected section 150b has an elongated, straight shape. A first subset of the second set extends transversely, i.e., from a medial side of the outsole element 150 to a lateral side of the outsole element 150, or vice versa. A second subset of the second set extends longitudinally, i.e., from a heel area of ​​the outsole element 150 to a toe area of ​​the outsole element 150, or vice versa. Thus, the two subsets of the second unconnected section 150b form a regular pattern. Additionally or alternatively, other geometries of the two subsets, or more than two subsets, are also conceivable.

[0074] Fig. Figure 2e shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention.

[0075] The sole plate 120 can allow the heel area 121 to sink onto the forefoot area 123 of the composite sole element 100 by a difference of 5–15 mm, preferably 8–12 mm, most preferably 9–11 mm. The term “sink” in this application is defined as the difference between the height of the sole element 100 in the heel area 121 and the height of the sole element 100 in the forefoot area 123. In other words, it is the height difference between the heel area 121 and the forefoot area 123 of the sole element 100.

[0076] Fig.Figure 2f shows a top view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention. In this illustration, a flexion or bending position is shown along the metatarsal joint region 123b, wherein this position can be defined as follows: 70 to 75% of the length of the sole plate 120 on the medial side and 60 to 65% of the length of the sole plate 120 on the lateral side.

Claims

A sole element (100) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising: (a.) a midsole (105); (b.) a sole plate (120) with an anisotropic bending property; and (c.) a first reinforcing element (130); (d.) wherein the sole plate (120) is arranged on the upper side of the midsole (105); (e.) wherein the anisotropic bending property is a bending stiffness that allows dorsal bending of the sole plate (120); and (f.) wherein the midsole (105) comprises a recess (115) formed on the upper side of the midsole (105) to receive the sole plate (120) and the first reinforcing element (130). Sole element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sole plate (120) has a first and a second bending stiffness to allow dorsal bending of the sole plate (120), wherein the first bending stiffness is less than the second bending stiffness. Sole element (100) according to claim 2, wherein the sole plate (120) has the first bending stiffness below a first dorsal bending angle and the second bending stiffness above the first dorsal bending angle. Sole element (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first dorsal flexion angle is in the range of 20° - 40°, preferably in the range of 25° - 35°, most preferably 28° - 32°. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anisotropic bending property is located in a forefoot area (123) of the sole plate (120), preferably in a metatarsal area (123a) of the sole plate (120), most preferably in a metatarsal joint area (123b) of the sole plate (120). Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole plate (120) allows a drop of a heel area (121) to a forefoot area (123) of the sole element (100) in the range of 5 - 15 mm, preferably 8 - 12 mm, most preferably 9 - 11 mm. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first height at a metatarsal region (123a) of the sole element (100) in the range of 8 - 17 mm, preferably 10 - 15 mm, most preferably 11 - 14 mm, and / or a second height at a heel region (121) of the sole element (100) in the range of 16 - 26 mm, preferably 18 - 24 mm, most preferably 19 - 23 mm. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole plate (120) comprises a material with fibers. Sole element (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the material comprises glass. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first reinforcement element (130) is arranged below the sole plate (120). Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first reinforcement element (130) is arranged in a midfoot area (122) of the sole plate (120). Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first reinforcement element (130) is at least partially surrounded by the intermediate sole (105). Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first reinforcement element (130) comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (115) has a depth in the range of 0.8 - 1.8 mm, preferably 1.0 - 1.6 mm, most preferably 1.1 - 1.5 mm. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate sole (105) comprises a second reinforcing element (140). Sole element (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second reinforcing element (140) comprises ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA. Sole element according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second reinforcement element (140) at least partially encloses a damping element (110) of the midsole (105). Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the midsole (105) comprises particles of an expanded material. Sole element (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the expanded material comprises an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, eTPU. Sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an outer sole element (150). Sole element (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the outer sole element (150) comprises at least two unconnected sections (150a, 150b). Sole element (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least two unconnected sections (150a, 150b) comprise different pluralityes of differently shaped projections. Shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a sole element (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Shoe according to the preceding claim, further comprising one of the following elements: a shoe upper, a Strobel plate and an insole, wherein the insole preferably comprises ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA. A method for manufacturing a sole element (100) for a shoe according to any one of claims 1-22, comprising: (a.) providing a midsole (105); (b.) providing a sole plate (120) with anisotropic bending properties on the upper surface of the midsole (105); and (c.) providing a first reinforcing element (130); (d.) wherein the anisotropic bending properties are a bending stiffness that allows dorsal bending of the sole plate (120); and (e.) wherein the midsole (105) comprises a recess (115) formed on the upper surface of the midsole (105) to receive the sole plate (120) and the first reinforcing element (130). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the following elements is provided: a second reinforcement element (140) and an outsole element (150). Method for manufacturing a shoe according to claim 24, comprising: (a.) attaching the shoe upper to the sole element (100); (b.) arranging the Strobel plate on the top of the sole plate (120); and (c.) arranging the insole on the Strobel plate.

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