Improved shoe and functional sole for this

Abstract

Functional sole (10) for improving wearing comfort for insertion into a shoe (20) with a high heel (21) and a heel area (23) raised by at least three centimeters relative to a ball area (22), comprising - an elastic main sole (11) with a high resilience, and - a cover layer (12) for reducing the extension running parallel to the surface, wherein the main sole (12) comprises at least one flat section (13, 14) in a region of the forefoot and in a region of the rearfoot, which has a lower Shore hardness than the region surrounding it, characterized in that the region of the rearfoot of the functional sole (10) is arranged higher than the region of the forefoot in accordance with the distance between the ball region (22) and the heel region (23) of the shoe (20), wherein the forefoot region runs substantially parallel to the ground, and wherein at least one of the flat sections (13, 14) is formed by a recess in the cover layer (12).

Description

Introduction

[0001] The invention relates to the field of shoes. In particular, the invention relates to a functional sole for a high-heeled shoe, a shoe with such a functional sole, and a last for its manufacture. State of the art and disadvantages

[0002] High-heeled shoes, also known as "high heels" or "heeled shoes," have been popular for many years. They are characterized by the fact that the heel area is significantly higher, i.e., farther from the ground, than the forefoot area. Typically, the height difference is several centimeters and can even exceed 10 centimeters.

[0003] A well-known problem with wearing such shoes is that the wearer's weight rests primarily on the forefoot, especially the ball of the foot. This can lead to discomfort, particularly with prolonged wear, such as pressure points or a numb feeling in the foot caused by the rise in temperature and the associated swelling of the foot, as well as joint or tendon pain. These problems increase with increasing heel height.

[0004] To reduce these problems, various solutions are known from the state of the art.

[0005] Document US 2007 / 0 234 590 A1 discloses a high-heeled shoe comprising a sole consisting of a plurality of layers, which, however, is an integral part of the shoe and thus not replaceable.

[0006] Document EP 3 462 964 B1 discloses an insole for shoes, the sole comprising a front insert and a front reinforcement bridge having a raised portion for providing resistance to compression of the front insert. This allows for better adjustment of the foot-supporting firmness of the front insert, while maintaining approximately the same firmness over a longer period of time. However, the insole is intended for flat shoes and therefore does not solve the specific problems associated with high-heeled shoes.

[0007] Patent EP 3 609 360 B1 proposes a sole-shaped base body for a high-heeled shoe, which has a series of raised portions to support the foot. One aspect of this is to raise some of the metatarsal bones in order to redirect the pressure that would otherwise only be applied to the inner area of ​​the forefoot to an outer edge of the foot. For efficient pressure distribution, however, it is necessary that these raised portions are positioned precisely to fit the sole of the foot. Due to the individual anatomy of each foot, it will therefore be necessary to keep a relatively large number of base bodies with differently placed raised portions in stock, or to adapt the base body to the anatomy of the wearer, similar to an orthopedic insole.

[0008] Another insole, comprising cushions of varying hardness inserted into recesses and firmly connected to a main sole, extending beyond the main sole, is known from US Pat. No. 2,863,231. However, the structure of this solution is also relatively complex. US Pat. No. 2,785,480 proposes an insole consisting of several layers, in which the midfoot area is supported by a leaf spring, for example, made of metal, which also makes the sole relatively complex in structure. US Pat. No. 2,491,280 also discloses an inner lining for a shoe. Task of the invention and solution

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a device which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] The device should therefore allow the prolonged wearing of high heels, while reducing or avoiding the problems mentioned above (pain, pressure points, fatigue, etc.). Furthermore, the device should be as universally usable as possible, i.e., without the need for individual adjustments.

[0011] The object is achieved by a functional sole according to claim 1 and a shoe according to independent claim 9. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the respective dependent claims, the following description and the figures. Description

[0012] The invention relates to a functional sole for improving comfort for insertion into a high-heeled shoe, as well as to such a shoe. The term "high heel" refers here to a shoe whose heel area is at least 3 centimeters, preferably at least 5 centimeters, higher than its ball area. In particular, the invention relates to a functional sole for a so-called "high-heel" women's shoe.

[0013] The functional sole comprises an elastic main sole with high resilience. The term "rebound capacity" in this context refers to the material's ability to return to its original shape after loading without undergoing permanent plastic deformation. This also occurs without any significant delay, as is the case with gel cushions, for example, which only return to their original shape very slowly, if at all, after loading. This resilience can also be referred to as "rebound resilience" (measured according to DIN 53512). "High" in this context means a value of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and particularly preferably at least 95%.

[0014] The functional sole also has a top layer arranged above the main sole and directly or indirectly connected to it. The top layer serves, among other things, to reduce the expansion of the functional sole, especially the main sole, running parallel to the surface. Thus, it also reduces the (compressive) elasticity of the functional sole. The main sole comprises at least one flat section in one area of ​​the forefoot and one area of ​​the rearfoot that has a lower Shore hardness than the surrounding area. This section is therefore softer than the surrounding area. The Shore hardness for the materials in question is typically specified as Shore A hardness. For the composite, it is preferably between 12 and 40 Shore A. The difference is preferably between 2 and 10 Shore A.

[0015] The invention is characterized in that the rearfoot region of the functional sole is positioned higher than the rearfoot region, corresponding to the distance between the ball region and the heel region of the shoe, with the forefoot region running substantially parallel to the ground. In other words, the functional sole is adapted to the geometry of the high-heeled shoe and, at least with regard to the presence of a forefoot region running substantially parallel to the ground, which is intended for positioning on the ball region of the shoe, and a rearfoot region spaced vertically from the forefoot region, follows the specific geometry of a so-called "high heel." This means that such a high-heeled shoe can actually be equipped with a functional sole that improves wearing comfort, which would not be possible with a substantially flat functional sole known from the prior art.The reason for this is that such soles are severely compressed (bent) in the transition between the forefoot and midfoot areas, which can lead to sole damage even after a short period of wear. Furthermore, this compression creates wrinkles that are uncomfortable to wear and can cause pressure points. Similarly, with a conventional functional sole, the transition between the midfoot and heel areas is stretched to a greater or lesser extent depending on the geometry of the insole. This can also lead to damage or even tearing of the functional sole in the transition area. In the stretched area, the thickness of the functional sole decreases, which can lead to pressure points.

[0016] According to the invention, at least one of the flat sections is formed by a recess in the cover layer. In other words, the cover layer is not continuous, but has "openings" where the underlying surface is exposed. Since the cover layer is missing in these open sections, the elasticity of the composite (or of the main sole, if no further layer is present) is determined solely by the elasticity of the remaining composite or of the main sole. Since the material of the cover layer, which increases overall stiffness, is missing, the "open" sections are softer than the surrounding areas with a cover layer.

[0017] The advantage of this embodiment lies in the simple production of areas with lower elasticity, since neither through-holes have to be made in the main sole, nor do other materials with lower elasticity have to be subsequently inserted into these “holes”, as may be the case in the prior art.

[0018] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0019] The invention avoids the described compression and any possible stretching that may also occur, since the functional sole according to the invention is adapted to the geometry of the high-heeled shoe, which is characterized by the significant vertical distance between the ball and heel areas. This avoids the associated damage to the sole and discomfort during wear. A high-heeled shoe equipped with the functional sole according to the invention can also be worn for long periods, whereby the problems mentioned above (pain, pressure points, signs of fatigue, etc.) are at least reduced. A further advantage is that the functional sole can be used universally, i.e., without the need for individual adjustments, since the provision of the two flat sections described above in conjunction with the described difference in hardness allows the sole to interact with virtually any foot shape.

[0020] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cover layer is flexible but essentially tensile. This means that the cover layer consists of a flexible material that is, however, barely stretchable. The tensile strength in the longitudinal direction is preferably (50 ± 5) N / mm 2 . The tensile strength in the transverse direction is preferably (57 ± 5) N / mm 2 "Longitudinal" means "in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the functional sole," while "transverse" means perpendicular to this direction. The thickness of the top layer is preferably (0.5 ± 0.2) mm.

[0022] It's clear that the top layer is firmly bonded, for example by adhesive, to the underlying layer to create a uniform bond. It's also conceivable that the main sole is foamed onto the top layer, thus firmly bonding it.

[0023] Such a top layer serves, on the one hand, to increase the abrasion resistance and rigidity of the functional sole. On the other hand, such a top layer also allows for the easy creation of areas of lower elasticity, as described below.

[0024] The Shore A hardness of the flat sections is preferably 16 ± 5, and the Shore A hardness of the surrounding areas is 4 ± 2 higher. In other words, the composite of the main sole and top layer is approximately 4 Shore A harder than the main sole alone (with an additional layer if necessary). Tests have shown that these values ​​enable comfortable, long-term wear of high-heeled shoes. If the sections are too soft, the foot sinks in too much; the main sole would then have to be correspondingly thicker so that the foot does not feel the insole but continues to be cushioned with every step. If they are too hard, the shoe is less comfortable, especially when walking. The hardness of the areas surrounding the sections is selected so that the sole of the foot is well supported at all times.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the forefoot area is followed by a midfoot area that bends upwards from the forefoot at an obtuse starting angle, becoming increasingly flatter in a concave curve, and finally terminating in the rearfoot area. While the forefoot area runs essentially parallel to the ground, the midfoot area rises, forming a starting angle to the ground (and thus to the forefoot area). This rise can be linear; however, it is particularly preferred that it follows an increasingly flatter curve that is adapted to the curvature of the middle region of the sole of the foot and sweeps over an obtuse following angle. In this way, the midfoot area can also contribute to supporting the foot, thereby better distributing pressure on the sole of the foot. This results in advantages in terms of comfort and reduces the risk of pressure sores.

[0026] The forefoot area has a length of 5 cm ± 1 cm, and the starting angle is preferably 65° + 10° / -25°, depending on the heel height. The following angle preferably covers 55° ± 15°.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rearfoot area, which accommodates the heel, can be designed as an extension of the midfoot area, i.e., it can run approximately linearly, with its gradient corresponding to that at the end of the midfoot area. According to another embodiment, the midfoot area has a wider angle, which results in the rearfoot area running at a more horizontal angle (i.e., more parallel to the forefoot area).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the transition between the forefoot and midfoot areas and / or the midfoot and rearfoot areas is rounded. This means that there is no sharp "bend," but rather the transition has a certain radius, for example, 0.2 to 1.0 cm. Such a gradual transition can further increase comfort.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the functional sole is designed as a whole with a convex shape and / or has an upwardly rounded edge. The downwardly convex shape increases both comfort and safety, as the foot is supported in the shoe even in the area of ​​the sole edge, and pressure is distributed more effectively. In cases where there is less space in the shoe, the upwardly rounded edge has a similar, albeit possibly less pronounced, effect.

[0030] It should be added that "convex" does not necessarily mean "lying on a circular arc," since the underside of the foot does not have such a simple geometric shape either. Rather, the bilateral shape of the edge of the functional sole is adapted to the bilateral lower edges of the foot.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the flat section arranged in the forefoot region has a butterfly-like shape, and / or the flat section arranged in the rearfoot region has a circular shape. "Butterfly-like shape" indicates that the section has an imaginary longitudinal axis that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sole, is curved outwards at the inward-facing edge, is also curved outwards at the outward-facing edge, and has two bulges on each edge on both the forefoot and midfoot sides, between which a section with an indentation lies. Such a shape has proven particularly effective in fulfilling the task of providing good cushioning in the ball area.

[0032] A (roughly) circular shape in the rear foot area has also proven advantageous. The circle can have a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm, with a diameter of 2 cm being preferred.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the elastic main sole comprises a base layer intended for contact with the insole of a shoe, as well as an intermediate layer arranged between this and the cover layer. The base layer essentially provides the mechanical elasticity and can preferably be made of polyurethane foam. The intermediate layer has the task of improving the mechanical stability of the main sole, particularly against abrasion in the area of ​​the flat sections, without significantly reducing the elasticity of the base layer. Accordingly, the intermediate layer has high extensibility and, at the same time, high abrasion resistance. It can be made of a polyester, for example, and / or have a textile or textile-like structure.

[0034] Preferably, the layers arranged above the base layer are breathable and / or moisture-wicking. Providing such properties significantly improves the comfort of high-heeled shoes, as conventional high-heeled shoes of this type typically do not have these features. These properties result in the foot heating up less in the often very tight-fitting shoe, which also causes it to swell less, which in turn helps reduce pressure on the foot. It should be noted that a specific characteristic of high-heeled shoes is that they must fit snugly around the foot at all times—both when first worn and after extended wear.In contrast to sports shoes, which always exhibit a high degree of stretchability and can therefore (despite the tight fit required during sports) accommodate both a cool foot at the beginning of wear and a foot that has swollen after extended wear without significant pressure points forming, high-heeled shoes, due to their mostly barely or non-stretchable upper materials (leather, non-woven and therefore non-flexible plastics, etc.), do not have the ability to accommodate a foot that changes size over time. Since the microclimate in the shoe is also less humid, perspiration is reduced, and the shoe can be worn longer without feeling uncomfortable. At the same time, less heating during extended wear also leads to a smaller increase in the size of the foot, so that a shoe equipped with the functional sole according to the invention remains tight but comfortable even after extended wear, without forming pressure points.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the functional sole is designed to be inserted into a heeled shoe. The advantage of such a sole is that it is easy to replace for cleaning or in case of damage.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the functional sole is designed to be glued into a heeled shoe. The advantage of such a sole is that it prevents slipping.

[0037] The invention also relates to a shoe, the shoe comprising a shaft and a sole with an insole and optionally an outsole, as well as a ball and heel area and a "high" heel according to the above definition. The shoe is characterized according to the invention in that on the inside of the insole, a functional sole according to the above definition, which fully touches the insole with its underside, is arranged tension-free, independent of any possible load. "Tension-free" here indicates that the functional sole does not have a substantially flat basic shape and is then deformed upon insertion into the shoe and any subsequent loading, but that it independently assumes the said shape adapted to the shape of the insole, even when the functional sole is not loaded.The stretching and compression of the functional sole described above is largely eliminated, and the shoe offers permanently improved comfort compared to conventional high-heeled shoes.

[0038] To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations above.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the insole is reduced to match the respective thickness of the functional sole. This means that the insole is thinner to keep the height of the shoe (more precisely: the upper) approximately the same as that of a conventional high-heeled shoe without a functional sole. The advantage of this embodiment is the visually unobtrusive nature of a shoe with the functional sole according to the invention; however, the insole must be correspondingly more stable.

[0040] In another design, the upper is extended vertically at each side by the respective thickness of the functional sole. The shoe (or more precisely, the upper) is thus slightly higher, but the insole can retain its original thickness and stability.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the sum of the reduced thickness of the insole and the extended height of the upper corresponds to the respective thickness of the functional sole. Accordingly, this embodiment combines the two previously described variants. Thus, a compromise between a (slightly) thinner insole and a (slightly) higher upper can be provided.

[0042] As a result, a platform for the functional sole is provided that is (largely) invisible from the outside, so that the shoe does not look any different from a conventional shoe without the functional sole according to the invention.

[0043] Finally, the invention also relates to a last for producing a shoe according to the above description.

[0044] In particular, the invention relates to a last which, according to the invention, has a thickness increased by the thickness of the functional sole in the area intended for the production of the insole, resulting in the creation of a correspondingly larger (higher) interior of the shoe. The functional sole described above can then be placed into this interior without being noticeable from the outside. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the profile viewed in a side view between the horizontally running section of the forefoot region to the end of the rearfoot region is characterized in that it has, immediately or after a rounding, an upward starting angle of 65° + 10° / -25°, followed by an arc with a downward following angle 35 of 55° ± 15°. In other words, compared to a conventional last profile for heeled shoes, the profile runs less steeply upward in the transition between the forefoot and midfoot regions, and then, particularly preferably up to the end of the rearfoot region, in an arc or at least arc-shaped, without an abrupt change of direction ("kink") as is known from conventional lasts.

[0046] The profile of the underside (i.e., the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot areas) is preferably constructed according to the following table. Certain deviations (0.5% to 5%) are tolerable; the "smoother" contour compared to conventional profiles is essential: X (cm) Y (cm) 0 0,9 1 0,81 2 0,72 3 0,63 4 0,54 5 0,45 6 0,36 7 0,27 8 0,18 9 0,09 10 0,02 11 0 12 0,08 13 0,38 14 1,55 15 3,1 16 4,55 17 5,75 18 6,51 19 7,05 20 7,5 21 7,92 22 8,36 23 8,9

[0047] The first row indicates the value of the toe of the last (beginning of the forefoot), the last row the value of the back (end of the sole-side rearfoot area). The heel area is not shown in the table, as it is not important in this case.

[0048] It is clear that the specified points should preferably be connected with a smooth line to avoid any edges or cracks. It is also clear that the two-dimensional profile runs approximately in the medial plane of the final shoe; therefore, dictated by the anatomy of the sole of the foot, the profile should preferably be aligned toward the edges of the shoe.

[0049] The table is created as an example for the profile of a last for shoe size 39 (EU) and a heel height of 8.9 cm. It is clear that for a different shoe size, scaling must be done in the X direction (values ​​greater than 1 for larger shoe sizes, values ​​less than 1 for smaller shoe sizes), and that for a higher heel, scaling must be done in the Y direction with values ​​greater than 1, and for a lower heel, values ​​less than 1. It is also clear that a change in the heel height alone also changes the sole length, so that scaling in the X and Y directions may be necessary to maintain the selected shoe size. It should be added that the profile according to the invention is particularly suitable for sizes 36 to 42 and is scalable in the manner described.

[0050] A last with such a profile is suitable for producing a shoe according to the invention.

[0051] It is also suitable for producing a functional sole according to the invention, as this is adapted to the profile of the shoe, or vice versa. In this respect, the last determines both the geometry of the shoe, in particular the upper surface of the insole, and the functional sole, which is placed on the insole. Character description

[0052] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to figures. Fig. 1 a sectional view through a shoe equipped with a functional sole of the type according to the invention; Fig. 2 a top view of the functional sole; Fig. 3 a side view of a last according to the invention; Fig. 4 a comparison between a conventional last and a last according to the invention.

[0053] In the Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view through a shoe equipped with a functional sole of the type according to the invention.

[0054] The shoe 20 has a high heel 21, wherein the heel area 23 is raised by at least three, in this case approximately 8 centimeters, compared to the ball area 22.

[0055] The functional sole 10 is inserted into the interior of the shoe 20. It comprises an elastic main sole 11 and a cover layer 12. This serves to reduce the expansion running parallel to the surface of the functional sole 10 under load (not shown).

[0056] The main sole 11 comprises at least one flat section 13, 14 in a region of the forefoot and one in a region of the rearfoot, each shown in dashed lines, which has a lower Shore hardness than the surrounding area. Accordingly, the cushioning and vertical elasticity in these sections 13, 14 are higher than beyond these sections.

[0057] As can be seen, the rear foot area of ​​the functional sole 10 is arranged higher than the forefoot area, corresponding to the distance between the ball area 22 and the heel area 23 of the shoe 20, with the forefoot area running essentially parallel to the ground (approximately horizontally, not shown). In other words, even a functional sole 10 removed from the shoe 20 has the Fig. 1, thus following the geometry of the upper side of the insole 24. This results in the advantage that the inserted functional sole 10 is not subject to any stretching or compression, since it is tension-free in the position shown, which enables long durability and ensures wearing comfort.

[0058] As can be seen, the forefoot area of ​​the functional sole 10 is adjoined by a midfoot area that bends upwards from its plane 16 (dotted line) at an obtuse starting angle 15, which becomes increasingly flatter in a concave curve and finally flows into the rearfoot area. The starting angle 15 is approximately 40°. Both the transition between the forefoot area and midfoot area, as well as between the midfoot area and rearfoot area, is rounded. This results in particularly gentle absorption and good support of the entire foot (not shown), thus preventing fatigue.

[0059] In the present case, the main sole 11 comprises a base layer 11A, on which an intermediate layer 11B is arranged. This intermediate layer 11B is covered by the cover layer 12. The intermediate layer 11B serves to increase the abrasion resistance in the area of ​​the flat sections 13, 14, since otherwise the upper side of the base layer 11A would be directly exposed to the sole of the foot.

[0060] In the present case, the flat sections 13, 14 are each formed by a recess in the cover layer 12. This is also the case in the Fig. 2, the top view of the functional sole 10 (shown alone) is visible. The intermediate layer 11B is visible through sections 13, 14. The flat section 13 located in the forefoot area has a (simplified) butterfly-like shape, and the flat section 14 located in the rearfoot area has a circular shape. The imaginary longitudinal axis of the butterfly-like shape runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the functional sole 10 (not shown).

[0061] Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of a last of the type according to the invention. The last 30 is characterized, among other things, by an arched midfoot and rearfoot region 32, 33, with the midfoot region 32 extending at an obtuse starting angle 34 of approximately 65° + 10° / -25° from the forefoot region 31, which runs essentially parallel to the ground. However, the transition region is rounded.

[0062] The midfoot and rearfoot area 32, 33 adjoining the (optional) upwardly directed curve 36 runs, as shown, approximately in an arc shape, wherein the arc includes a downwardly directed follow angle 35 of approximately 55° ± 15°.

[0063] It should be emphasized that, unlike conventional profiles, this profile does not have a pronounced "bend," which can lead to a loss of comfort. Rather, it begins with a less pronounced upward slope and then tapers off somewhat, finally ending at the rearfoot area at approximately the same point where the profile of the last for a conventional heeled shoe would end. This provides better foot support, reducing pressure peaks and allowing for longer wear of a shoe made with this last.

[0064] This connection is in Fig. 4. This shows the profile of a last 30 according to the invention (solid line) compared with the profile of a last from the prior art (dashed line). Firstly, it can be seen that – with the same heel height – the forefoot region 31 slopes downwards slightly more steeply. This is possible with the same bend angle of the foot (not shown) because the subsequent midfoot region 32 slopes upwards significantly less steeply and does not exhibit the "bend" 37 evident in the profile of the conventional last, or only to a much lesser extent. In the present case, the radius of the bend 37 is approximately 89 mm instead of approximately 59 mm, as in the conventional profile. Therefore, and due to the overall flatter starting angle 34, the foot will rest along the entire sole area of ​​the midfoot and rearfoot, and the pressure on the sole will thus be better distributed.In addition, the beginning of the curve between the forefoot and midfoot area is preferably flatter than with conventional profiles; in this case, it begins at an angle of approximately 5°, compared to an angle of approximately 13° with a conventional profile.

[0065] It should be noted that the profile shown corresponds to the profile with the values ​​in the table above. Since the profile according to the invention, as well as the profile from the prior art, which is also shown, are drawn to scale (and each for the same shoe size and heel height), the deviation resulting from the profile according to the invention can also be quantified by quantitatively comparing the profiles.

[0066] In Fig.Also shown in Figure 4 is the profile of the last 30 according to the invention, which deviates further from the shape of the profile of a known last and provides an enlarged interior space. This is represented by the dotted line, which, however, only deviates from the solid line in the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot regions 31, 32, 33 and is therefore only visible there. In the remaining region, the two lines / profiles coincide. A profile that runs along the dotted line in said region allows the production of a shoe 20 with space for the functional sole 10 according to the invention (not shown in each case), since the last 30 has a thickness increased by the thickness of the functional sole 10 (measured in the vertical direction, or alternatively between the instep / upper side and the sole / lower side) in the region intended for the insole 24 of the shoe 20 (not shown in each case). List of reference symbols 10 functional sole 11 Main sole 11A Soil layer 11B Intermediate layer 12 Top layer 13 flat section on the forefoot 14 flat section on the rear foot 15 starting angles 16 Level 20 shoes 21 paragraph 22 Ball area 23 Heel area 24 insole 30 strips 31 Forefoot area 32 metatarsal area 33 Rearfoot area 34 Starting angle 35 follow angles 36 rounding 37 bend

Claims

[1] Functional sole (10) for improving wearing comfort for insertion into a shoe (20) with a high heel (21) and a heel area (23) raised by at least three centimetres relative to a ball area (22), comprising - an elastic main sole (11) with a high resilience, and - a cover layer (12) for reducing the extension running parallel to the surface, wherein the main sole (12) comprises in a region of the forefoot and in a region of the rearfoot at least one flat section (13, 14) which has a lower Shore hardness than the surrounding area, characterized bythat the region of the rear foot of the functional sole (10) is arranged higher than the region of the forefoot in accordance with the distance between the ball region (22) and the heel region (23) of the shoe (20), wherein the forefoot region runs substantially parallel to the ground, and wherein at least one of the flat sections (13, 14) is formed by a recess in the cover layer (12). [2] Functional sole (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer (12) is flexible but substantially tensile. [3] Functional sole (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the Shore A hardness of the flat sections (13, 14) is 16 ± 5, and the Shore A hardness of the areas surrounding them has a Shore A hardness 4 ± 2 higher. [4] Functional sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forefoot region is adjoined by a midfoot region which bends upwards from the plane (16) thereof at an obtuse angle (15), which runs increasingly flatter in a concave curve and finally opens into the rearfoot region. [5] Functional sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the transition between the forefoot and midfoot areas and / or the midfoot and rearfoot areas is rounded, - and / or wherein the functional sole (10) is convex as a whole and / or has an upwardly rounded edge. [6] Functional sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat section (13) arranged in the region of the forefoot has a butterfly shape, and / or the flat section (14) arranged in the region of the rear foot has a circular shape. [7] Functional sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic main sole (11) comprises a bottom layer (11A) provided for contact with the insole (24) of a shoe (20), and an intermediate layer (11B) arranged between this and the cover layer (12) to increase the abrasion resistance in the region of the flat sections (13, 14). [8] Functional sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the layers (11B, 12) arranged above the base layer (11A) are breathable and / or liquid-transporting. [9] Shoe (20) comprising a shaft and a bottom with an insole (24) as well as a ball and heel area and a heel (21) each as defined in claim 1, characterized by that on the inside of the insole (24) a functional sole (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 is arranged in a tension-free manner, the underside of which is in complete contact with the insole. [10] Shoe (20) according to claim 9, - wherein the thickness of the insole (24) is reduced in accordance with the respective thickness of the functional sole (10), or - wherein the shaft is extended laterally in the vertical direction by the respective thickness of the functional sole (10), or - wherein the sum of the reduced thickness of the insole (24) and the extended height of the shaft corresponds to the respective thickness of the functional sole (10), so that a plateau invisible from the outside is provided for the functional sole (10). [11] Lasts (30) for producing a shoe (20) according to one of claims 9 or 10. [12] Strips according to claim 11, characterized by that the last (30) in the area intended for the production of the insole (24) has a thickness increased by the thickness of the functional sole (10). [13] Last (30) according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the profile viewed in a side view between the horizontally extending section of the forefoot region (31) to the end of the rearfoot region (33) characterized by is that it has, immediately or after a rounding (36), an upward starting angle (34) of 65° + 10° / -25°, followed by an arc with a downward following angle (35) of 55° ± 15°. [14] Last (30) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the profile viewed in a side view, starting at the forefoot area (31), runs according to the following table: X (cm) Y (cm) 0 0,9 1 0,81 2 0,72 3 0,63 4 0,54 5 0,45 6 0,36 7 0,27 8 0,18 9 0,09 10 0,02 11 0 12 0,08 13 0,38 14 1,55 15 3,1 16 4,55 17 5,75 18 6,51 19 7,05 20 7,5 21 7,92 22 8,36 23 8,9 where the profile is scaled in X-direction depending on the desired shoe size and in Y-direction depending on the desired heel height. [15] Shoe (20) manufactured with a last (30) having a profile shaped and optionally scaled as defined in claim 13 or 14. [16] Functional sole (10), with an underside having a profile shaped and optionally scaled as defined in claim 13 or 14.

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