RUNNING SHOE SOLE WITH SOFT ELASTIC MIDSOLE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of shoe technology, in particular for sports and leisure shoes, and concerns a sole for a running shoe. State of the art

[0002] A variety of running shoes with various cushioning systems are known in the state of the art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles featuring a gel core in the heel area to ensure vertical cushioning during impact are widespread. Furthermore, improvements in vertical cushioning properties have been achieved by placing individual spring elements in the heel area between the outsole and insole.

[0003] While the aforementioned soles improve the vertical cushioning properties of the shoes, they cannot adequately cushion horizontal forces acting on the sole and shoe. Forces with a large horizontal component are further amplified, especially on uneven terrain, and due to a lack of adequate cushioning, they are one of the main causes of frequent knee and hip pain.

[0004] WO 2016 184 920, owned by the applicant, discloses a sole comprising downwardly protruding, laterally open, segmented, and groove-shaped elements. Under the influence of the forces occurring during walking, the groove-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings close. Segmenting the sole also segments the cushioning effect, creating non-cushioned or less cushioned areas in the sole. Other soles known in the prior art are disclosed in US 2004 154 189 A1, US 2009 211 114 A1, and DE 28 16 619 A1. Description of the invention

[0005] In many sporting activities, such as running, the shoe's initial contact with the ground occurs in the heel area. As a result, the forces acting on the shoe are significantly greater in this area than in the forefoot or midfoot areas of the sole. To accommodate this, running shoes generally feature particularly pronounced cushioning in the heel area. While such a design allows for at least sufficient vertical cushioning, this pronounced cushioning has a negative impact on the overall weight of the shoe. As a result, the running shoes known from the prior art either have unsatisfactory cushioning and / or are heavy.

[0006] Another disadvantage of conventional running shoe soles is their short lifespan. Extended use often results in a significant loss of cushioning effect. This is often caused by fatigue of the cushioning material.

[0007] In addition, common soles for running shoes often lack a cushioning effect that is variable across different areas and sub-areas of the sole.

[0008] It is therefore the general object of the invention to further develop the state of the art in the field of running shoes and preferably to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In advantageous embodiments, a sole with an improved cushioning effect is provided, which is preferably lightweight.

[0009] In further embodiments, hierarchical cushioning is provided from the heel area through the midfoot area to the forefoot area, wherein the cushioning effect is preferably not segmented.

[0010] In further embodiments, a sole with a cushioning effect is provided which has improved durability over a longer period of time.

[0011] In a further embodiment, a sole is provided with cushioning that is variable across different areas and sub-areas of the shoe.

[0012] The general object of the invention is solved in a general manner by the subject matter of the independent patent claim.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims and the disclosure as a whole.

[0014] The sole for a running shoe according to the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0015] By arranging the channels in at least a first and a second horizontal plane, a significant improvement in the cushioning effect is achieved. In addition, the fact that the first and second horizontal planes are vertically offset from one another allows what is known as hierarchical cushioning to be created. The cushioning is no longer limited to individual segments of cushioning elements, but extends essentially across the entire midsole. Hierarchical cushioning is particularly advantageous because the channels in the first horizontal plane, which is closer to the underside, are more flexible and can therefore be deformed more easily than the channels in the second horizontal plane. This allows an additional cushioning effect to be created in specific, designated locations, thereby significantly improving both the overall cushioning effect and the wearer's comfort.This effect can be further enhanced by additional channels in other horizontal planes.

[0016] Directional information as used in the present disclosure is to be understood as follows: A horizontal plane of the sole describes a plane which is substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. It is also understood that the horizontal plane can also be slightly curved. This can be the case, for example, if the sole, as is typical for running shoes, is slightly curved vertically upwards in the forefoot area and / or the heel area. The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by an axis from the heel area to the forefoot area and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The transverse direction Q of the sole runs transversely to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. The transverse direction thus runs along a transverse axis of the midsole.In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V refers to a direction from the underside of the sole in the direction of the insole, or in the operative state in the direction of the wearer's foot, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the midsole.

[0017] Furthermore, the lateral region of the midsole refers to an area along the lateral inner and outer sides of the midsole of a running shoe pair, wherein the area extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the lateral region is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The medial region of the midsole refers to an area along the longitudinal axis in the middle of the midsole, which extends in the transverse direction of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the medial region is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm.

[0018] For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is understood to be a recess, which can typically be tubular. Generally, a channel is defined entirely or partially by channel walls. Typically, the channels are empty. However, it is also possible for the channels to be filled in some embodiments, for example, with an elastically deformable foam or with a gas.

[0019] According to the present invention, the channels are each delimited by a front and a rear wall. A wall can be formed by a flat surface, or by two or more surfaces that have one or more folded edges. The term "folded edge" also encompasses embodiments that are slightly rounded and therefore not completely angular. Such a folded edge therefore runs along the channel and thus in the transverse direction of the midsole. In some embodiments of the invention, the front and / or rear wall of a channel can be designed as a so-called stable wall. A stable wall refers to a wall that has no folded edge and extends essentially vertically along the midsole. A wall with a folded edge is therefore easier to deform than a stable wall.

[0020] It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the deformability of the channels may include, for example, vertical merging of the channel walls and / or shearing of the channel in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the phrase "bottom surface that comes into contact with the ground during walking" also includes embodiments in which the midsole is coated with an additional layer, such as an outsole. In such cases, contact with the ground is at least partially achieved by such an outsole.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the soft-elastic midsole is formed in one piece. The soft-elastic midsole is thus preferably made of a single material and is therefore more stable than a midsole consisting of multiple components, particularly components glued or welded together.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the channels have lateral openings in the lateral region of the midsole. The channels are deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction under the action of vertical and / or longitudinal forces occurring during walking until the lateral openings close.

[0024] Typically, the upper and lower canal walls can touch each other under the influence of the forces occurring during running.

[0025] In typical embodiments, the channels may have an elongated shape in the longitudinal cross-section.

[0026] Preferably, the channels in the lateral region of the midsole are completely bounded by the soft, elastic midsole. In such an embodiment, the channel walls in the lateral region of the midsole can therefore be formed entirely by the midsole. Typically, the channels in the side view of the sole can therefore be described as transverse openings in an otherwise preferably one-piece midsole. In preferred embodiments, the midsole has no segmentation. This can significantly improve the durability of the sole, since the midsole is generally much more stable than a segmented midsole. Furthermore, fatigue of the soft, elastic midsole over the service life of the sole or running shoe is avoided or at least significantly reduced.This allows the beneficial cushioning effect of the midsole to be maintained consistently over a long period of time.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the channels in a medial region of the midsole are delimited on one side by a layer extending across the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region. Preferably, the at least one side is the side facing the wearer's foot in the operative state. Consequently, in such an embodiment, the channels can have a substantially U- or V-shaped cross-section in the medial region of the midsole. Alternatively, the cross-section can also be described by an upwardly open trapezoid.

[0028] Typically, the layer extending over the heel area, the midfoot area and the forefoot area consists of an elastic and incompressible plate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the midsole has a groove extending longitudinally from the heel area to at least the midfoot area. Typically, the groove extends only as far as the midfoot area. However, it is also possible for the groove to extend substantially through the entire midsole, connecting it only at the toe and heel. Typically, the groove is open to the ground and is delimited on the lateral flanks by the soft, elastic midsole and on the base surface either by the insole of the running shoe or by a layer as described above. The groove is particularly preferably essentially V-shaped, so that the flanks are inclined. This prevents stones and pieces of wood from getting trapped. The transverse channels in the midsole can preferably be open towards the groove.

[0030] A design in which the groove extends from the heel to the midfoot area has proven particularly advantageous. This groove allows for better deformability of the channels, which is particularly advantageous with thicker walls, such as those typically found in the heel and midfoot areas. In the forefoot area, however, a significantly weaker cushioning effect is typically required, which is why the channel walls in this area are significantly thinner and thus more easily deformable than the channels in the heel and midfoot areas.

[0031] In a further embodiment, at least one channel has a slope in the vertical direction. Typically, the vertical slope of the channels runs in the transverse direction and can in particular rise from the lateral region to the medial region. A channel which has such a slope can typically be arranged in the lateral region of the midsole in the first horizontal plane and, due to the slope in the medial region, can be arranged in a further third horizontal plane that is vertically offset from the first horizontal plane. In the same way, a channel in the lateral region of the midsole can be arranged in the second horizontal plane and, due to the slope in the medial region, can be arranged in a further fourth horizontal plane that is vertically offset from the second horizontal plane.While the first and second horizontal planes are vertically offset from one another, it is possible for the third and fourth horizontal planes to be identical, i.e., not vertically offset from one another. However, it is also possible for the third and fourth horizontal planes to also be vertically offset from one another.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, all channels in the heel and midfoot area have a vertical incline. Such a vertical incline of the channels in the heel and midfoot area has the advantage of increasing stability in these areas and reducing or eliminating any floating effect that may occur. Typically, the vertical incline of the channels runs transversely and can increase, in particular, from the lateral area to the medial area.

[0033] Preferably, the midsole, as described above, has a groove extending longitudinally from the heel area into the midfoot area. Furthermore, all channels in the heel and midfoot areas can have a vertical incline. In this case, the channels can be open in the transverse direction of the midsole toward the groove.

[0034] Typically, the vertical gradient can be an upward gradient, meaning that the channel slopes toward the wearer's foot in the operative state. For example, the channels in the lateral region of the midsole can be arranged in a first, lower horizontal plane and a second, upper horizontal plane, and can be arranged in a third and fourth horizontal plane by the gradient in the medial region, respectively, with the third and fourth horizontal planes being arranged vertically above the first and second horizontal planes.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the channel is formed entirely by the midsole in the lateral region of the midsole and only partially by the midsole in the medial region, so that in the medial region, at least one side of the channel, typically the upper side, i.e., the side facing the wearer's foot in the operative state, is delimited by a layer extending across the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region. The vertical incline can be arranged between the lateral and medial regions, or partially in the medial and partially in the lateral region of the midsole.

[0036] A midsole according to the invention with one or more channels having a vertical incline has several advantages. Firstly, this enables efficient cushioning in the lateral region of the midsole. At the same time, however, the stability of the sole is increased, thus preventing or at least reducing the so-called floating effect associated with horizontal deformation. A further advantage is the generally increased stability of the medial region of the midsole, which results in an improved and more stable running feel. In embodiments with a channel as described above, one or more vertically rising channels prevent any instabilities associated with the channel.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the soft-elastic midsole between at least one channel and the underside is thinner in the lateral region of the midsole than in the medial region of the midsole. This makes the medial region of the midsole more stable. Furthermore, the service life of the running shoe, or rather the sole, can be significantly increased, as fatigue of the soft-elastic midsole over its service life is avoided or at least significantly reduced.

[0038] Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the width of the soft elastic midsole between each channel in the heel and midfoot area and the underside in the lateral area of ​​the midsole is thinner than in the medial area of ​​the midsole.

[0039] The channels in the first horizontal plane are offset horizontally in the longitudinal direction relative to the channels in the second horizontal plane. This further enhances the effect of hierarchical cushioning. For example, the channels can be arranged such that when the heel strikes, a channel in the first horizontal plane is deformed first. This channel is therefore the first channel in the transverse direction, viewed from the heel area in the running direction. The following second channel is then offset vertically upwards in the second horizontal plane and arranged horizontally towards the toe of the sole. The following third channel in the transverse direction would accordingly be again in the first horizontal plane and offset horizontally in the direction of the toe of the sole relative to the second channel. Such an alternating arrangement can extend over the entire length of the sole, or preferably only over the heel and midfoot area.The horizontal offset of the channels in the first and second horizontal planes has several advantages. For example, the hierarchical arrangement means that the cushioning is no longer limited to individual segments of cushioning elements, but extends essentially across the entire midsole. The channels in the second horizontal plane, which are generally arranged above the first horizontal plane (i.e., in the operative state, towards the wearer's foot), can only be deformed with greater force due to their positioning than the channels in the first horizontal plane below. The channels in the second horizontal plane are therefore suitable for enhancing the cushioning effect in areas subject to particularly high stress, such as the heel and midfoot area.By offsetting the channels horizontally, the overall width and thus the weight of the midsole can be minimized without having a negative impact on the cushioning effect.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the channels in the forefoot area are arranged in only a single horizontal plane. Generally, the additional cushioning effect provided by the transverse arrangement of channels in a second horizontal plane, which is located above the first horizontal plane, is only required in highly stressed areas of the sole, such as the heel and midfoot areas, so that channels in the second horizontal plane in the forefoot area can be omitted.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the channels have a hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section in cross-section, particularly preferably in the lateral region of the soft-elastic midsole. Typically, at least one corner of the penta or hexagon is arranged in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in or against the running direction. For example, a corner of the penta or hexagon can be arranged in the running direction towards the sole tip or against the running direction towards the sole end. In addition, the penta or hexagon can have an asymmetry, for example the sides of the penta or hexagon in the running direction, i.e. sides which run essentially parallel to the ground, can be longer than the other sides of the penta or hexagon. This gives the channels an elongated shape in cross-section.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the channels have two sides in cross-section that are essentially parallel to each other and to the floor or underside. The angular shape of the channels in cross-section has a positive effect on the deformability of the channels. The hexagonal shape is particularly suitable for channels arranged in the second, upper horizontal plane, as these have a lower deformability due to their position. This deformability can be increased to a certain extent by the hexagonal shape. Consequently, due to the correct shape of the channels, the deformability of each individual channel can be individually and flexibly adapted to its position and the specific forces acting on the channel.

[0043] The channels typically have a height (extension of the channels in the vertical direction) of 2 to 10 mm and a length (extension of the channels in the longitudinal direction) of 5 to 35 mm, preferably 10 to 30 mm, in the lateral area of ​​the midsole.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the front wall of at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the heel area has a folded edge. In addition, the rear wall of the at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the heel area is designed as a stable wall. The rear wall therefore has no folded edge and preferably consists of a smooth surface. Such an embodiment has proven to be particularly advantageous because the strongest forces act on the rear wall of the at least one channel in the heel area due to the initial contact of the shoe when walking in the heel area. The rear wall designed in this way means that these relatively strong forces can be absorbed efficiently. Furthermore, the folded edge on the front wall of the at least one channel in the heel area enables the channel to be deformed until it closes under the forces occurring during walking.

[0045] For example, the cross-section of the respective at least one channel in this embodiment can be pentagonal, with one corner of the pentagon being directed in the running direction towards the sole tip and one side of the pentagon being arranged in the rear wall.

[0046] Conversely, however, it is also possible for the rear wall of at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the heel area to have a folded edge, and for the front wall of the at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the heel area to be designed as a stable wall. This can be useful, for example, for providing an alternative cushioning profile if required.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the front wall of at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the forefoot area is designed as a stable wall. In addition, the rear wall of the at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the forefoot area has a folded edge. The front wall therefore has no folded edge and preferably consists of a surface without edges. The greatest forces acting on the forefoot area emanate from the runner's imprint. It has therefore proven particularly advantageous for the front wall of the at least one channel in this area to be designed as a stable wall and to have no folded edge. This ensures that the imprint force emanating from the runner can be used almost entirely for the imprint and is not absorbed by the sole.Since the rear wall of at least one channel in the forefoot area has a folded edge, an excellent cushioning effect during stepping and rolling is also guaranteed in this area.

[0048] Conversely, however, it is also possible for the front wall of at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the forefoot area to have a folded edge, and for the rear wall of the at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the forefoot area to be designed as a stable wall. This can be useful, for example, for providing an alternative cushioning profile if required.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the front wall and the rear wall of at least one channel in the first horizontal plane in the midfoot region each have a folding edge. Relatively low forces occur at least in part of the midfoot region, since a large portion of the forces are already absorbed in the heel area during impact, and a large portion of the imprint acts on the forefoot area of ​​the sole. Thus, it has proven advantageous to increase the deformability of at least one channel in the midfoot region by providing both the front and rear walls with a folding edge.

[0050] Particularly preferably, hexagonal channels can be provided in cross-section, which have an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] Preferably, the front wall and the rear wall of at least one channel, preferably all channels, each have a folded edge in the second horizontal plane. This is advantageous because it increases the deformability of the channels in the second, upper horizontal plane, which, due to their positioning within the midsole, generally have a lower deformability than the channels in the first, lower horizontal plane.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the channels in the heel and midfoot areas have a vertical incline, while the channels in the forefoot area do not have a vertical incline. The additional stability provided by the vertical incline is particularly advantageous in areas subject to high wear, such as the heel area and / or parts of the midfoot area. In the forefoot area, however, this is not absolutely necessary, so that the additional complexity in this area of ​​the sole can be dispensed with. For example, the channels in the forefoot area can completely penetrate the midsole in the transverse direction and lie essentially in a horizontal plane. It is also possible, for example, that in the lateral area of ​​the midsole in the forefoot area, the channels are completely bordered by the soft-elastic midsole and in the medial area by one side, preferably the upper, i.e.In the operative state, the side facing the wearer's foot is bounded by a layer. Typically, this is an insole or an elastic, incompressible plate of the type already described. Brief explanation of the figures

[0053] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an inventive sole for a running shoe according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a view of the underside of an inventive sole for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of an inventive sole for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 shows a schematic section in the longitudinal direction (along BB according to Fig. 2) of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 shows a schematic section in the transverse direction (along AA according to Fig. 2 ) of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0054] The Figure 1 The schematic side view shown shows an embodiment of a sole for a running shoe with a soft-elastic midsole 1. The soft-elastic midsole is shown from the outside and has a bottom 2 that comes into contact with the ground B, shown as a dashed line, when running. Furthermore, the midsole 1 comprises several channels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b and 4c running in the transverse direction Q in a lateral region of the midsole (for better clarity, not all channels of the inventive sole shown are labeled). Figure 1shows the lateral area of ​​the midsole in plan view. The channels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e are arranged in a first horizontal plane as shown. Since the sole is slightly wound upwards at the tip in the vertical direction (V), the first horizontal plane has a slight curvature, in this case a convex curvature as seen from the ground. The soft elastic midsole also comprises channels 4a, 4b and 4c, which are arranged in a second horizontal plane. The two horizontal planes are offset from one another in the vertical direction V. The coordinate system makes it clear that the horizontal planes essentially lie in the plane of the transverse Q and longitudinal direction L of the midsole, i.e. taking into account the slightly vertical curvature of the midsole.In the embodiment shown, the channels of the first horizontal plane extend over the entire length of the soft, elastic midsole, while the channels of the second horizontal plane extend only over the heel and midfoot area. However, it is also conceivable that channels in the second horizontal plane are also arranged in the forefoot area.

[0055] The first horizontal plane forms the lower plane, i.e. the plane positioned closer to the underside 2, and the second horizontal plane forms the upper plane, i.e. the plane which, in the operative state, is arranged closer to the wearer's foot. In the embodiment shown, the channels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b and 4c each have a lateral opening in the lateral region of the midsole 1. In the operative state, these can be deformed by the forces occurring when walking until they close. The closure can occur essentially by vertical deformation and / or by horizontal deformation in the longitudinal direction, i.e. by shearing the channels. The channels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b and 4c are also completely delimited in the lateral region of the midsole 1 by the soft-elastic midsole 1. Thus, all channel walls in the lateral area are formed by the soft elastic midsole.

[0056] In the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the channels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e of the first horizontal plane are arranged horizontally offset in the longitudinal direction from the channels 4a, 4b and 4c of the second horizontal plane. Since the initial contact of the sole typically occurs in the heel area, the first channel 3a is deformed first. During the stepping and rolling process, the second channel 4a is deformed sequentially, followed by the third channel 3b, the fourth channel 4b, the fifth channel 3c, etc. Due to their positioning within the midsole 1, the channels in the second horizontal plane 4a, 4b and 4c can only be deformed with greater force than the channels 3a to e of the lower horizontal plane.

[0057] The Figure 2shows a view of the underside 2 of a midsole 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In addition, a division of the midsole into a forefoot area VB, a midfoot area MFB and a heel area FB is shown. This serves the person skilled in the art merely as a guideline and is not intended to define the exact boundaries of the areas. The midsole 1 shown has a groove 6 extending from the heel area into the midfoot area. The groove is directed towards the ground B, ie in the view shown the Figure 2 It is open towards the viewer and is bounded on the lateral flanks by the soft-elastic midsole 1 and on the base by a layer 5. It is also visible that the lateral flanks are inclined, so that the groove 6 is V-shaped and opens towards the viewer. Furthermore, channels such as channels 3b and 4b are visible, which are open towards the groove and lead into it.

[0058] In the Figure 3An embodiment of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe with a soft-elastic midsole 1 is shown. The channels 3a, 3d, 3e, and 4c (as well as the remaining channels shown, but not labeled for clarity) each have a front wall 31 and a rear wall 32. In addition, the channels in the lateral region of the soft-elastic midsole 1 are pentagonal or hexagonal in cross-section.

[0059] Channel 3a, which is arranged in the heel area, has a pentagonal cross-section, with one corner of the pentagon being arranged in the longitudinal direction and in the running direction, i.e. in the direction of the sole tip 7. The pentagon is also asymmetrical, since the sides of the pentagon are longer in the longitudinal direction than the other sides of the pentagon. The channel therefore has a flat shape. The sides of the pentagon in the longitudinal direction are also parallel to each other and essentially parallel to the ground, or parallel to the underside. Furthermore, the front wall 31 of the channel 3a has a folded edge, which in cross-section corresponds to the corner of the pentagon arranged in the running direction towards the sole tip 7. For a better overview, Figure 3 The folded edge 33 is merely referenced in channel 3b with a reference symbol. The rear wall 32 is designed as a rigid wall and thus has no folded edge.

[0060] The channel 3d, which is arranged in the midfoot area and in the first horizontal plane, and the channel 4c, which is arranged in the midfoot area of ​​the second horizontal plane, each have a hexagonal cross-section. One corner of the hexagon points longitudinally in the running direction and one corner points longitudinally opposite to the running direction. Each hexagon is asymmetrical in design because the sides of the hexagon are longer longitudinally than the other sides of the hexagon. The channel therefore has a flat shape. In addition, both the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 of the channels 3d and 4c each have a folded edge. These folded edges correspond in cross-section to the corners of the hexagon arranged in the running direction towards the sole tip 7 and opposite to the running direction towards the sole end 9.

[0061] The channel 3e, which is located in the forefoot area of ​​the soft-elastic midsole and in the first horizontal plane, has, like the channel 3a, the shape of an asymmetrical pentagon in cross-section. However, the channel 3e is designed such that one corner of the pentagon is arranged in the longitudinal direction and opposite to the running direction. Furthermore, the rear wall 32 of the channel 3e has a folded edge, which in cross-section corresponds to the corner of the pentagon arranged opposite to the running direction to the sole end 9 of the midsole. The front wall 31, on the other hand, is designed as a stable wall and therefore has no folded edge.

[0062] In the Figure 4is a schematic longitudinal section of a further embodiment of the sole according to the invention for a running shoe with a soft, elastic midsole 1. In the heel area, the channels 3a, 3b and 4a in the lateral area of ​​the midsole are indicated as dashed lines. The channels have a gradient in the vertical direction and, due to this gradient, are arranged in a further third and fourth horizontal plane in the medial area. The third and fourth horizontal planes are identical, i.e. they are not offset from one another in the vertical direction. However, the third and fourth horizontal planes are offset from both the first and the second horizontal plane in the vertical direction. The channels 3a, 3b and 4a are each shown as solid lines in the medial area.While the channels in the lateral area of ​​the midsole 1 are completely bounded by the midsole, in the medial area they are only partially bounded by the midsole and are bounded on the upper side by a layer 5.

[0063] Channel 3e, located in the forefoot area, has no incline in the medial area. However, channel 3e is also only partially bounded in the medial area by the soft-elastic midsole 1. On the upper side, channel 3e is bounded by layer 5.

[0064] In the Figure 5 A further embodiment of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe with a soft elastic midsole 1 is shown. Figure 5also shows a schematic division of the midsole into the lateral area LB and the medial area MB. These areas extend in the transverse, longitudinal, and vertical directions. However, the arrows shown do not define exact area boundaries. Figure 5 is a cross-section of the midsole 1 through the channel 3a of the first horizontal plane, which in the lateral region is completely delimited by the soft-elastic midsole 1. The channel also has a gradient 8 in the vertical upward direction, i.e. in the operative state in the direction of the wearer's foot. In the medial region, the channel 3a is only partially delimited by the soft-elastic midsole, since the upper boundary of the channel 3a in the medial region is formed by the layer 5. The midsole also has a groove 6, which is delimited by the midsole and the layer 5. The groove 6 is essentially V-shaped. List of reference symbols

[0065] 1 Soft elastic midsole 2 Bottom 3a-e Channels of the first horizontal plane 4a-c Channels of the second horizontal plane 5 Layer 6 Groove 7 Toe 8 Rise 9 End of sole 31 Front wall 32 Rear wall 33 Folded edge BBottom FB Heel area LLongitudinal direction LBlateral area MBmedial area MFBMidfoot area QTransverse direction VVertical direction VBForefoot area

Claims

1. Sole for a running shoe having a soft-elastic midsole (1) which has an underside (2) which comes at least partially into contact with the ground (B) during running, the midsole (1) comprising a plurality of channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) extending in the transverse direction (Q), the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) being arranged in a lateral area of the midsole (1) in at least a first and a second horizontal plane, wherein the first and second horizontal plane are vertically offset from one another, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) of the first horizontal plane are arranged horizontally in the longitudinal direction offset relative to the channels (4a, 4b, 4c) of the second horizontal plane, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) are arranged in such a way that, with respect to a first channel arranged in the first horizontal plane as seen from the heel region (FB) in the running direction, a subsequent second channel is arranged in the second horizontal plane vertically offset upwards and horizontally in the direction of the sole tip, and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) are each delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall (31) and a rear wall (32), characterized in that the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) are vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) deformable until their closure under the action of forces occurring during running, acting vertically (V) and / or in the longitudinal direction.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) have lateral openings in the lateral area of the midsole (1), and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e 4a, 4b, 4c) are preferably vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction deformable under the action of forces occurring during running acting vertically and / or in the longitudinal direction until the lateral openings are closed.

3. The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) have an elongated shape in cross-section.

4. The sole according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) in the lateral area of the midsole (1) are completely delimited by the soft-elastic midsole (1).

5. The sole according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) in a medial area of the midsole (1) are delimited on one side by a layer extending over the heel area (FB), the midfoot area (MB) and the forefoot area (VB), the layer (5) preferably consisting of an elastic incompressible plate.

6. The sole according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the midsole (1) has a groove (6) extending longitudinally from the heel area (FB) to at least the midfoot area (MB).

7. The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) has an inclination (8) in the vertical direction, wherein preferably the at least one channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) is arranged in the lateral area of the midsole (1) in the first horizontal plane and, due to the inclination (8) in the medial area, is arranged in a further third horizontal plane offset from the first horizontal plane.

8. The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a width of the soft-elastic midsole (1) between at least one channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) and the underside is thinner in the lateral area of the midsole than in the medial area of the midsole.

9. The sole according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3e) in the forefoot area (VB) are arranged in a single horizontal plane only.

10. The sole according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e ,4a, 4b, 4c) have a hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section.

11. The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall (31) of at least one channel (3a, 3b) in the first horizontal plane in the heel area (FB) has a folding edge (33) and the rear wall (32) of the at least one channel (3a, 3b) in the first horizontal plane in the heel area (FB) is formed as a stable wall.

12. The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall (31) of at least one channel (3e) in the first horizontal plane in the front foot area (VB) is formed as a stable wall and the rear wall (32) of the at least one channel (3e) in the first horizontal plane in the front foot area (VB) has a folding edge (33).

13. The sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall (31) and the rear wall (32) of at least one channel (3d) each have a folding edge (33) in the first horizontal plane in the midfoot area (MB); and / or wherein the front wall (31) and the rear wall (32) of at least one channel (4a, 4b, 4c) in the second horizontal plane each have a folding edge (33).

14. The sole according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c) in the heel area (FB) and midfoot area (MB) have an inclination (8) in the vertical direction and preferably the channels (3e) in the forefoot area (VB) have no inclination in the vertical direction.