IMPROVED SHOE AND FUNCTIONAL SOLE FOR THIS

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 common 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 on 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 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 firmness of the front insert supporting the foot, while maintaining a relatively constant 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] US5860229A relates to an insole consisting of a soft-elastic lower layer made of a non-toxic, organically compatible material, such as rubber, a flexible and pliable top layer made of, in particular, naturally tanned leather, and studs made of elastically deformable material arranged in certain areas of the sole surface selected according to the aspect of reflexology. Task of the invention and solution

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a device which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The object is achieved by a functional sole according to claim 1 and a shoe according to independent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the respective dependent claims, the following description and the figures. Description

[0011] The invention is defined by independent claim 1. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[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" refers to the material's ability to return to its original shape after loading without undergoing permanent plastic deformation, and 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 cover layer arranged above the main sole and directly or indirectly connected to it. The cover 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, or more precisely: the functional 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 1 and 100, more preferably between 5 and 80, and particularly preferably between 12 and 40, or between 15 and 30, or between 16 and 25 Shore A.The difference is between 0.5 and 100, preferably between 1 and 20, and particularly preferably between 2 and 10 or even 3 and 8 Shore A. It should also be noted that the aforementioned numerical values ​​can be combined with each other as desired.

[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 essentially parallel to the ground. In other words, the functional sole is adapted according to the invention to the specific geometry of the high-heeled shoe and follows the specific geometry of a so-called "high heel," at least with regard to the presence of a forefoot region running essentially parallel to the ground, which is intended for positioning on the ball region of the shoe, and a rearfoot region that is vertically spaced from the forefoot region.The result is that such a high-heeled shoe can actually be equipped with a functional sole that improves comfort, something that would not be possible with a conventional, essentially flat functional sole. The reason for this is that such conventional soles are severely compressed (bent) in the transition between the forefoot and midfoot area of ​​a high-heeled shoe, which can lead to damage to the sole even after a short period of wear. In addition, compression creates wrinkles that are perceived as uncomfortable when worn and can cause pressure points. Analogously, in a conventional functional sole, the transition between the midfoot and heel area is stretched to a greater or lesser extent depending on the geometry of the insole in this area.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 the main sole, if no further layer is present) is determined solely by the elasticity of the remaining composite or 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.

[0018] The advantage of this lies in the easy production of areas with lower elasticity, since there is no need to create continuous "holes" in the main sole, nor do other materials with lower elasticity have to be subsequently inserted into these "holes", as can be the case in the prior art.

[0019] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0020] The invention avoids the described compression and any 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, 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.

[0021] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cover layer is flexible but essentially tensile. This means that the cover layer is made of a flexible material that is, however, barely stretchable. The tensile strength in the longitudinal direction is (50 ± 20) N / mm 2 , preferably (50 ± 10) N / mm 2 , and particularly preferably (50 ± 5) N / mm 2 . The tensile strength in the transverse direction is (57 ± 20) N / mm 2 , preferably (57 ± 10) N / mm 2 , and particularly preferably (57 ± 5) N / mm 2 . The tensile strength in the longitudinal direction can be smaller, larger, or the same as in the transverse direction. "Longitudinal" means "in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the functional sole," and "transverse" accordingly means perpendicular to this direction. The thickness of the cover layer is (1.0 ± 0.8) mm, preferably (0.5 ± 0.3) mm, and particularly preferably (0.5 ± 0.2). The resulting parameters can also be combined with one another as desired.

[0023] 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.

[0024] On the one hand, such a top layer serves 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 above.

[0025] The Shore A hardness of the flat sections is preferably 16 ± 8 and more preferably 16 ± 5, and the Shore A hardness of the surrounding areas is 4 ± 3 and preferably 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The forefoot area has a length of 5 cm ± 2 cm and preferably 5 cm ± 1 cm. The starting angle is 65° + 15° / -35°, depending on the heel height, and preferably 65° + 10° / -25°, or 65° + 5° / -15°. The following angle covers 55° ± 25°, and preferably 55° ± 15°. The following angle is preferably smaller than the starting angle.

[0028] The rear foot area, which accommodates the heel, can be designed as an extension of the midfoot area, i.e., approximately linear, 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 rear foot area running at a more horizontal angle (i.e., more parallel to the forefoot area). For clarification, reference is also made to the Figure 4 and 5 , radius 37.

[0029] 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, 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.3 cm, 0.4 cm, ... up to 1.0 cm. Such a gradual transition can further increase comfort.

[0030] 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.

[0031] It should be added that "convex" doesn't necessarily mean "lying on a circular arc," since the underside of the foot doesn't 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.

[0032] 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, 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 according to the invention 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 outward at the inward-facing edge, is also curved outward at the outward-facing edge, and has two bulges located on both the forefoot and midfoot sides, between which a section with an indentation lies. The width of this shape is between 3 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm, and particularly preferably approximately 4 cm, and its length is between 2 cm and 6 cm, preferably between 2.5 cm and 4 cm, and particularly preferably approximately 3 cm.The width can also be 90%, preferably 80%, and particularly preferably 75% of the width of the sole at the corresponding point. The length can be 70%, preferably 50%, and particularly preferably 40% of the respective length of the section. This shape has proven particularly effective in fulfilling the task of providing good cushioning in the ball area.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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. It can be present partially or entirely between the base and cover layer.

[0038] The invention also relates to a 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. According to the invention, the shoe is characterized in that a functional sole, as defined above, is arranged on the inside of the insole, the underside of which is in full contact with the insole, without tension, regardless 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 subsequent possible loading, but rather that it independently assumes the aforementioned shape adapted to the shape of the insole, even when the functional sole is not under load.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.

[0039] To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations above.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Finally, the invention also relates to a last for producing a shoe according to the above description.

[0045] 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 again made to the above explanations.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the profile viewed in a side view between the horizontally extending section of the forefoot area and the end of the rearfoot area is characterized by having, immediately or after a curve, an upward starting angle of 65° + 10° / -25°, followed by an arc with a downward following angle of 55° ± 15°. The values ​​and value ranges mentioned above in this context (starting angle, following angle) can also be used. In other words, compared to a conventional last profile for heeled shoes, the profile initially runs somewhat steeper upwards in the transition between the forefoot and midfoot areas, and then, particularly preferably up to the end of the rearfoot area, in an arc or at least arc-shaped, without an abrupt change of direction ("bend") as is known from conventional lasts.

[0047] 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) Y1 (cm) Y2 (cm) SdT 0 0,9 0,5 0,18 1 0,81 0,45 0,15 2 0,72 0,4 0,11 3 0,63 0,35 0,09 4 0,54 0,3 0,07 5 0,45 0,25 0,05 6 0,36 0,2 0,04 7 0,27 0,15 0,02 8 0,18 0,1 0 9 0,09 0,05 0,05 10 0,02 0 0,12 11 0 0,1 0,33 12 0,08 0,43 1 13 0,38 1,9 3,1 14 1,55 4,1 5,7 15 3,1 6,1 7,2 16 4,55 7,5 8,2 17 5,75 8,4 8,8 18 6,51 9,1 9,4 19 7,05 9,7 9,9 20 7,5 10,3 10,4 21 7,92 11 11 22 8,36 23 8,9

[0048] The first row indicates the value of the tip of the last (beginning of the forefoot), the last row the value of the back (end of the sole-side rear foot area). The heel area is not shown in the table, as it does not play a significant role in this case. The first column shows the value in the X-direction, starting at the forefoot area (toe area). The second column ("Y1") contains example values ​​for the profile of a last for a sole with a length of 23 cm and a heel height of 8.9 cm; the third column ("Y2") contains values ​​for a profile with a length of 21 cm and a heel height of 11 cm, as described in the description of the Figure 5 shown below, where the profile of the Fig. 5is merely mirrored around the vertical axis. The fourth column ("SdT") shows, in comparison, the profile from the state of the art, which has the same length (21 cm) and an identical heel height (11 cm), and thus also an identical shoe size.

[0049] It is clear that the specified points should preferably be connected with a smooth line to avoid 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] A last with such a profile is suitable for producing a shoe according to the invention.

[0052] 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

[0053] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to figures. Figure 1 a sectional view through a shoe equipped with a functional sole of the type according to the invention; Figure 2 a top view of the functional sole; Figure 3 a side view of a strip according to the invention; Figure 4 a comparison between a conventional last and a last according to the invention; Figure 5 an enlarged view of the sole area from the Fig. 4 .

[0054] In the Figure 1is a sectional view through a shoe equipped with a functional sole of the type according to the invention.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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. 1shown geometry, 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.

[0059] 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 convex curve and finally flows into the rearfoot area. The starting angle 15 in this case 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 Figure 2The plan view of the functional sole 10 (shown alone) is shown. The intermediate layer 11B is visible through sections 13, 14. The flat section 13 arranged in the forefoot area has a (simplified) butterfly-like shape, and the flat section 14 arranged 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).

[0062] 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, wherein the midfoot region 32 extends 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.

[0063] 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°.

[0064] It should be emphasized that – unlike conventional profiles – this profile does not have a pronounced "bend," which can lead to a loss of comfort. Instead, 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.

[0065] This connection is in Figure 4This shows the scaled profile of a last 30 according to the invention (solid line) compared with the also scaled profile of a last from the prior art (dashed line). Firstly, it is noticeable that – with the same heel height – the forefoot area 31 slopes downwards slightly more steeply. This is possible – with the same foot bend angle (not shown) – because the subsequent midfoot area 32 slopes upwards significantly less steeply and does not exhibit the "bend" / radius 37 evident in the profile of the conventional last, or only to a much lesser extent. In this 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.

[0066] It should be noted that the profile shown corresponds to the profile that (scaled if necessary) has the values ​​in the table mentioned 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.

[0067] In Figure 4Also shown 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, deviates from the solid line only in the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot areas 31, 32, 33 and is therefore only visible there. In the remaining area, the two lines / profiles coincide. A profile that runs along the dotted line in said area 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 area intended for the insole 24 of the shoe 20 (not shown in each case).

[0068] In Figure 5is an enlarged view of the sole area from the Fig. 4 Shown is a conventional last profile 41, the last profile 42 according to the invention, as well as a profile of a foot sole 43. It should be noted that the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the same profile in mirror image. Therefore, reference can also be made to the table above, the last column of which concerns the known profile ("SdT").

[0069] The table below shows the parameters for a last intended for the production of a size 37 shoe (sample size). Accordingly, a functional sole made with this last and a shoe made with this last will have a corresponding profile in the sole area. Description parameter invention SdT Foot Dev. Heel height [mm] B 110 110 0% Distance from the back of the shoe to the center of the heel [mm] A 30 30 30 0% Angle of the heel support [°] D 30,3 27,8 - 9% Front position heel strike center (horizontal) [mm] M 25,4 26,6 25,4 -5% Upper position heel strike center (vertical) [mm] P 94,2 96,5 94,2 -2% Arch radius [mm] E 89 59 - 51% Foot arch radius front position (horizontal) [mm] F 53,4 58,6 - -9% Arch radius height position (vertical) [mm] G 71,8 74,9 - -4% Footrest distance [mm] C 111,6 131,1 111,6 -15% Plantar flexion exit angle [°] H 5,2 13,2 - -61% Plantar exit radius [°] J 16,6 25 - -34% Anterior position of the plantar exit radius (horizontal) [°] K 89 93,2 - -5% Upper position of the plantar exit radius (vertical) [°] L 5,5 7,9 - -30%

[0070] The values ​​specified in the table show where the inventive profile differs from a conventional profile. "Horizontal" means "in the X direction," "vertical" means "in the Y direction." The heel height B is identical in both cases (110 mm in this case). The value A (distance from the back of the shoe to the center of the heel) is also the same. The value D (angle of the heel support) is approximately 9% larger, which allows for a smoother transition from the rearfoot area 33 to the adjoining midfoot area 32. The value M (front position of the heel strike center horizontal) is accordingly approximately 5% lower, and the value P (upper position of the heel strike center vertical) is approximately 2% lower.

[0071] The radius or bend 37, value E (radius of the foot arch), is significantly larger (approximately 51%) than the conventional profile (value E*), resulting in the improved support of the sole of the foot according to the invention. The value F (arch radius in the front horizontal position) is therefore approximately 9% lower, and the value G (arch radius in the height of the vertical position) is approximately 4% lower.

[0072] The beginning of the transition between the forefoot and midfoot areas 31, 32, value C (distance of the footrest), is shifted toward the heel by approximately 15%, providing more space and contact surface for the ball of the foot. Angle H (plantar flexion exit angle) is significantly flatter (approximately 61%); the subsequent radius, value J (plantar exit radius), can be smaller (approximately 34%), but this is not harmful, as the foot does not touch this area anyway. The center of the arc of value J is approximately 5% closer to the heel perpendicular (line at "B"), value K (front position of the plantar exit radius horizontally), and it is approximately 30% closer to the ground (line at "C"), value L (upper position of the plantar exit radius vertically).

[0073] It is clear that the above values ​​and percentages are merely guidelines, and that profiles that can still be considered in accordance with the invention may differ from them to some extent. One of the crucial aspects is the metatarsal region 32, which runs in a gentler curve, with essentially the same outer dimensions (length) of the sole as the prior art, and accordingly the same shoe size. List of reference symbols

[0074] 10Functional sole 11Main sole 11ABottom layer 11BIntermediate layer 12Top layer 13Flat section on the forefoot 14Flat section on the rearfoot 15Start angle 16Plane 20Shoe 21Heel 22Ball area 23Heel area 24Insole 30Last 31Forefoot area 32Midfoot area 33Rearfoot area 34Starting angle 35Following angle 36Rounding 37Kink, radius 41Inventive last profile 42Conventional last profile 43Profile of a foot sole A, ... , Lvalues

Claims

1. Functional sole (10) for improving the wearing comfort for insertion into a shoe (20) with a high heel (21) and a heel region (23) which is raised by at least three centimetres in relation to a ball region (22), comprising - an elastic main sole (11) with a high resilience, and - a cover layer (12) to reduce the expansion parallel to the surface, wherein the functional sole (10) in a region of the forefoot and in a region of the rear foot each comprises at least one flat section (13, 14) which has a lower Shore hardness than the region surrounding it, wherein 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), and wherein the forefoot region extends substantially parallel to the ground, and wherein at least one of the flat sections (13, 14) is formed by a cut-out in the cover layer (12).

2. Functional sole (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer (12) is flexible but essentially 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 that is 4 ± 2 higher.

4. Functional sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forefoot region is followed by a midfoot region which bends upwards from its plane (16) 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 area and midfoot area and / or midfoot area and rearfoot area is rounded, - and / or wherein the functional sole (10) is convex as a whole and / or has an upwardly rounded edge, - and / or wherein the layers (11B, 12) arranged above the bottom layer (11A) are breathable and / or liquid-transporting.

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 rearfoot 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) intended for contact with the insole (24) of a shoe (20), as well as an intermediate layer (11B) arranged between this and the top layer (12) for increasing the abrasion resistance in the region of the flat sections (13, 14).

8. Shoe (20), comprising an upper and a bottom with an outsole (24) as well as a ball and heel region and a heel (21), each as defined in claim 1, wherein a functional sole (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, which is in full contact with the underside of the outsole (24), is arranged on the inner side of the outsole (24) in a stress-free manner.

9. Shoe (20) according to claim , - wherein the thickness of the outsole (24) is reduced in accordance with the respective thickness of the functional sole (10), or - wherein the upper 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 outsole (24) and the extended height of the upper 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).

10. Shoe (20) according to claim 8, manufactured with a rail (30), wherein the upper side of its outsole (24) has a profile shaped and optionally scaled as follows: - the profile viewed in a side view between the horizontally extending section of a forefoot region (31) to the end of a rearfoot region (33) has an upwardly directed starting angle (34) of 65° +10° / -25° immediately or after a rounding (36), which is followed by an arc with a downwardly directed subsequent angle (35) of 55° ± 15°; or - the profile viewed in a side view, starting at the forefoot area (31), runs along column Y1 or Y2 of the following table: X (cm)Y1 (cm)Y2 (cm)00,90,510,810,4520,720,430,630,3540,540,350,450,2560,360,270,270,1580,180,190,090,05100,0201100,1120,080,43130,381,9141,554,1153,16,1164,557,5175,758,4186,519,1197,059,7207,510,3217,9211228,36238,9 whereby the profile is scaled in the X-direction depending on the desired shoe size and in the Y-direction depending on the desired heel height.

11. Functional sole (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, with an underside having a profile shaped and possibly scaled as follows: - ±the profile viewed in a side view between the horizontally extending section of a forefoot region (31) to the end of a rearfoot region (33) has an upwardly directed starting angle (34) of 65° +10° / -25° immediately or after a rounding (36), which is followed by an arc with a downwardly directed following angle (35) of 55° ± 15°; or - the profile viewed in a side view, starting at the forefoot area (31), runs along column Y1 or Y2 of the following table: X (cm)Y1 (cm)Y2 (cm)00,90,510,810,4520,720,430,630,3540,540,350,450,2560,360,270,270,1580,180,190,090,05100,0201100,1120,080,43130,381,9141,554,1153,16,1164,557,5175,758,4186,519,1197,059,7207,510,3217,9211228,36238,9 whereby the profile is scaled in the X-direction depending on the desired shoe size and in the Y-direction depending on the desired heel height.