Flexible snowshoe

Abstract

The invention relates to a snowshoe (1) comprising a base structure (2) forming a shoe area (3) and a lift area (4), in which the lift area comprises a side projection (5) on each side of the shoe area (3), a front portion (7) of the snowshoe substantially corresponding to the front of the shoe area (3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a shoe area and a lift area. The lift area comprises a lateral overhang on each side of the shoe area and extends towards the rear of the shoe area to form a rear tip. The snowshoe has advantageous characteristics of flexibility and ergonomics. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] THESnowshoes have been around for many years. They were originally designed to allow people to move across snow-covered terrain. They are also very common in Nordic countries, which are frequently affected by heavy snowfall. However, these extreme conditions increasingly reflect the reality of snowshoe use today. In fact, these days, they are mainly used in a "sport and leisure" setting by hikers. Since users come in a wide variety of levels, from beginners to expert hikers, the requirements of each level are very different. This heterogeneity forces manufacturers to constantly develop new products to best meet the diverse needs. Today, we therefore find several product ranges, each with specific advantages.But manufacturers continue to look for innovative solutions that can provide greater comfort and improved dynamic performance.

[0003] Generally speaking, snowshoes consist of a frame, a front tip, a rear portion, and a binding system. This basic configuration allows for easy movement on snow due to increased lift, preventing you from sinking into the snow.

[0004] THEThe front and rear spatulas are also designed to allow for an easy gait, with a rolling motion of the foot, facilitating walking by making it more natural. However, this objective is generally not achieved due to the bulk of the snowshoes, their shape, the shoe support and their surface often making them difficult to handle. Thus, in use, the snowshoer's gait is often difficult, because the walker must lift the front of the snowshoe, pull the snowshoe forward, and then place it flat, without being able to perform a natural and ergonomic rolling of the foot. These constraints mean that the vast majority of users quickly show signs of fatigue and / or discomfort even after a short hike.

[0005] OfMany users use snowshoes very occasionally, for example during a stay in a winter resort. In these cases, snowshoes are rented from specialist shops. To meet profitability constraints, rental companies want to keep the equipment as long as possible and demand very robust and durable products from manufacturers. In response to these requirements, manufacturers offer snowshoes with a rigid structure.

[0006] This aspect has several drawbacks. First, the lack of flexibility makes snowshoes not very ergonomic. The snowshoe with a rigid structure does not conform to the shape of the shoe, nor to the surface on which it is placed. Second, the materials used are selected with the primary goal of meeting the requirements of lightness, durability and rigidity. These types of materials generally offer low or even mediocre traction performance. To overcome these limitations, several products are equipped with metal inserts designed to increase grip on snow or ice. This feature is practical for these types of terrain, but users may have to walk on hard ground, when crossing a road for example, where snowshoes are no longer suitable.

[0007] Finally, to compensate for the snowshoe's rigidity and make walking easier, snowshoes have either a joint or a double tip, i.e., a tip at the front of the foot and another at the back, or a very raised front tip combined with a substantially flat rear portion. These features allow the user to have a more natural gait than with completely flat snowshoes. However, front tips require the user to lift their foot relatively high, which requires additional effort with each step. Without this unnatural movement, the front tip can hit an obstacle and / or catch on the ground and cause a fall. Furthermore, because the feet have a slight opening angle, the rear tips can interfere with each other when walking. If they get stuck together, there is a risk of falling.

[0008] THEShoes are fixed on a support articulated with the sieve to facilitate the pivoting of the foot when walking. This articulation generates noise. The joints are rigid blocking the flexibility of the shoes and the foot. These supports are not suitable for walking on sloping ground. The absence of deformation of the support and the sieve implies a non-vertical position of the foot which becomes unaligned with the lower limb. These movements can be sources of pathologies.

[0009] Miscellaneous documents illustrate the different types of existing snowshoes with the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0010] ByFor example, document FR2912928 describes a snowshoe with a tip at the front, a rear portion, and a headframe. The foot is attached to the snowshoe by the front part of the shoe so that the back of the foot is mobile on the snowshoe. A pivoting attachment plate is mounted on the headframe frame with a joint. Thus, the architecture allows the foot to pivot on the snowshoe. A lateral joint is also provided. These features allow for a more natural rolling motion of the foot. But the architecture is complex and expensive to implement.

[0011] THEDocument US6006453 describes a snowshoe with a front tip and a rear portion and a frame formed by rails, the foot being fixed to the snowshoe only by the front part of the shoe. The tips are interchangeable and several sizes are available by adjusting the extension of the rails to adapt according to the use of the snowshoe and the shoe size of the user. Despite this architecture, the presence of the front tip forces the user to raise the feet relatively high when walking, leading to premature fatigue of the user.

[0012] Wealso knows asymmetrical snowshoes. For example, document FR2560055 describes asymmetrical snowshoes, with multi-point, articulated, offset, off-center bindings, allowing easy movement on varied snowy terrain. The snowshoe is characterized by its ease of use. To progress, the effort exerted by the user is considerably reduced thanks to the articulated binding system, the tapering of the frame, the stabilizing fin and the crampon. This snowshoe, however, has the aforementioned drawbacks linked to the presence of the front spatula, forcing the user to raise the foot relatively high.

[0013] Always with the aim of improving comfort and grip, deformable snowshoes have been developed.

[0014] For example, document FR2768938 describes a racket comprising a head surrounded by a frame, the contour of which defines the bearing surface, and a support piece which extends inside and on which the user's shoe is fixed. The contour of the frame is open. More precisely, it has an opening providing a solution of continuity between the outside and the inside of the frame where the support piece is located. This opening is intended to make the parts of the frame which are located on either side flexible, or more flexible, the maximum flexibility being obtained at the location of the opening. By this characteristic, the frame of the racket is capable of deforming in a different way on both sides of the opening and therefore of adapting to a difficult terrain configuration, i.e. not defining a single support plane, which results in better grip.This racket, however, has the aforementioned drawbacks linked to the presence of the front spatula, forcing the user to raise the foot relatively high.

[0015] THE Document US2010132225 describes a snowshoe having a flexible attachment interface, a tip at the front and a rear portion. The rear portion is made of a softer material than the front. This feature allows the snowshoe to cushion the user's foot when walking in order to increase comfort. Despite this, the snowshoe has the aforementioned disadvantages related to the presence of the front tip, forcing the user to raise their foot relatively high.

[0016] Document US2014041258 describes a racket consisting of a long, wide head and a tip at the front and a rear portion. The racket is formed from a flexible material in which a plurality of cone-shaped circles joined together are provided. The circles can deform under the user's weight, in order to compensate for the terrain relief to ensure good support and improve comfort. However, the racket has the aforementioned drawbacks related to the presence of the front tip, forcing the user to lift the foot relatively high.

[0017] In Continuing the evolution of deformable rackets, flexible rackets were developed.

[0018] Byexample, document FR2999446 describes a snowshoe which is in the form of an elongated plate called a sieve on which is mounted a binding intended to hold the user's shoe, the binding being of the type pivoting around a transverse axis (X, X'), said sieve comprising a central part located in the area occupied by the shoe, which is extended at the front beyond the pivot axis (X, X') by a front portion called a spatula curved upwards, and at the rear beyond the central portion by a rear portion called a heel. The sieve is flexible at least longitudinally and at least in the central portion. The snowshoe also has the aforementioned drawbacks linked to the presence of the front spatula, forcing the user to raise the foot relatively high.

[0019] Document WO9506502 describes a snowshoe formed from a semi-flexible platform comprising connecting means for connecting the heel and the front of a user's shoe to the platform. The latter is molded from a semi-flexible plastic material capable of flexing when walking. This characteristic makes it a slightly flexible snowshoe but not sufficiently flexible to obtain real comfort when rolling the foot. The snowshoe also has the aforementioned drawbacks linked to the presence of the front tip, forcing the user to raise the foot relatively high.

[0020] THEdocument FR2743501 describes a snowshoe for walking, particularly on snow, consisting of a substantially flat platform, equipped with reversible attachment members for the user's foot to said platform, made of cellular elastomer. This snowshoe is light, rigid but with a certain elasticity. This characteristic allows the user to have a more comfortable snowshoe than conventional snowshoes. However, the snowshoe has the aforementioned drawbacks linked to the presence of the front tip, forcing the user to raise the foot relatively high.

[0021] THEdocument US20170225061 describes a substantially flat snowshoe, comprising a base structure forming a shoe area and a bearing area surrounding the shoe area, except at the front, where the positioning of the attachment causes the shoe to overhang at the front of the snowshoe. When walking, the tip of the foot is thus likely to catch on or interfere with a possible obstacle, increasing the risk of potential falls. In addition, the natural gait pattern is not respected.

[0022] Document FR2623724 describes a pair of shoes specially designed for sliding on snow. Each shoe has a special sliding sole curved at the front. A foot-hugging liner is included in an upper shell.

[0023] Document WO02 / 43516 describes a racket comprising a rigid frame on which is fixed a supporting structure provided with an attachment for the user's shoes.

[0024] To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0025] First of all, a first objective of the invention is to provide a flexible and ergonomic snowshoe.

[0026] Another objective of the invention is to provide a snowshoe with good reach and optimal grip on all types of ground and on varied terrain.

[0027] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe of simple and inexpensive design.

[0028] Finally, another objective of the invention is to provide a snowshoe that facilitates walking and has the necessary characteristics for the user to have the most natural gait possible.

[0029] To do this, the invention provides a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a shoe area and a lift area and in which the lift area comprises a lateral overhang on each side of the shoe area, the front of the snowshoe ending in a front beak corresponding to the front of the shoe area and housing the front part of the shoe and the base structure being elastically deformable.

[0030] Thanks to these features, and in particular the fact that the front of the racket and the front of the shoe area match, ergonomics and comfort are optimized. In addition, the user uses the racket in a normal walking pattern, with a foot roll that respects the body's biomechanics, for increased comfort and improved performance. The racket also offers increased safety, particularly by preventing falls.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the front portion of the snowshoe is raised. Such an arrangement forming a front area which rises upwards makes it possible to avoid friction and interference with the ground and possible obstacles when walking.

[0032] According to another advantageous embodiment, the basic structure comprises a main reinforcement element comprising at least three sectors substantially in the shape of a “T” and corresponding respectively with support zones A of the first metatarsal, B of the fifth metatarsal and C of the heel.

[0033] This feature allows for a snowshoe that is flexible enough to adapt to the terrain, but also rigid enough to provide good lift and grip. The main reinforcement element ensures the transfer of lateral support from the snowshoe when walking on slopes to the different areas of the foot. These reinforcements are directed towards the key ergonomic points of the foot. The main reinforcement is centered at the first metatarsal to the inner tip of the snowshoe to promote propulsion when walking on slopes. Stabilization of the uphill foot when walking on slopes is ensured by lines of reinforcement between the fifth metatarsal and the outer tip of the snowshoe.

[0034] OfAdvantageously, the basic structure comprises a secondary reinforcing element having a lower level of rigidity than the main reinforcing element, said secondary reinforcing element extending between said sectors of the main reinforcing element. This arrangement makes it possible to provide a good level of lift, while maintaining structural flexibility promoting the ergonomics of the racket.

[0035] According to another advantageous embodiment, the basic structure also comprises a comfort layer made of expanded or non-expanded material, covering all or part of the main reinforcement element.

[0036] This feature allows for a racket with a simple, comfortable, and inexpensive design.

[0037] OfAdvantageously, the basic structure is elastically deformable. This characteristic allows for respecting physiological gait, in addition to allowing ergonomic and natural foot rolling.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the basic structure has a solid surface. The absence of sieves, holes or perforations provides better load-bearing capacity and creates thermal insulation between the snow and the shoe.

[0039] Also advantageously, the snowshoe also has two side edges, arranged on either side of the shoe area.

[0040] TheseThe edges provide good lateral support for the foot due to the correct positioning of the shoe on the snowshoe. The shoe area may include studs and / or non-slip material to improve support and prevent the foot from slipping on the snowshoe. The forces are better transmitted to the snowshoe, and overall performance is improved. These edges can also be used as a support for a tightening system.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing area is curved, preferably on the lateral overhangs. This feature prevents the accumulation of snow next to the shoe and makes the snowshoe more rigid.

[0042] Ofadvantageously, each of the lateral overhangs has a lower surface, said lower surface being raised on at least one of the two lateral overhangs. This arrangement allows for better ergonomics, for example by reducing the risks of friction with the ground or possible obstacles, in particular when walking flat.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the basic structure is made of thermoplastic material, preferably included in the list of the following families: thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer such as for example polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene.

[0044] Thesematerials withstand a harsh operating environment, offer good wear resistance (particularly friction), and allow for a substantially flexible and particularly lightweight structure. All these characteristics contribute to user comfort and provide increased pleasure of use. The density of polyethylene vinyl acetate is approximately 0.1 to 0.2, and of thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer approximately 0.4 to 0.8.

[0045] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the material of the basic structure is expanded or not.

[0046] Advantageously, the rear of the shoe area is asymmetrical and preferably with a clearance freeing the inner side. Such an embodiment makes it possible to avoid interference between the two rears of the shoe area, and facilitates walking, particularly at high speed, where the risks of collisions between the snowshoes are higher.

[0047] Also advantageously, the rear of the shoe area is raised and / or twisted outwards and / or has an opening.

[0048] AThis arrangement with a rising portion helps prevent friction and interference with the ground and possible obstacles. The raised portion allows for a more ergonomic and natural foot roll. This arrangement allows snow to be evacuated to the sides, avoiding projections. The twisted structure also provides stiffness to the snowshoe. The possible opening also serves as a means of gripping and / or hanging.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment, a shoe is integrated into the shoe area. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0050] All the details of the implementation are given in the following description, supplemented by the Figures 1 to 11c , presented solely for non-limiting example purposes, and in which: there Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a racket intended to be worn on the left foot, seen from above; Figure 2is a schematic representation of the racket of the Figure 1 elevation view, with shaded representation symbolizing a user's shoe for various shoe sizes; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of another example of a racket, seen in perspective from the rear; the Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the racket of the Figure 3 , perspective view from the front; the Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the racket of the Figure 3 , elevation view; the Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the racket of the Figure 3 , elevation view from the rear. Figures 7a to 7g are schematic sections illustrating various examples of cross-sections of basic structures with various types of side overhang profiles; figure 8is a schematic representation of an example of primary and secondary reinforcement elements of a basic racket structure intended to be worn on the left foot; figure 9 is a schematic representation of another example of primary and secondary reinforcement elements of a basic racket structure intended to be worn on the left foot; Figure 10 is a schematic representation of yet another example of primary and secondary reinforcing elements of a basic racket structure intended to be worn on the right foot. Figures 11a to 11c are schematic sections illustrating various examples of longitudinal sections ( Figure 11a ) and transverse ( Figures 11b and 11c ) of a racket provided with a comfort layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION RACKET BODY AND BASIC STRUCTURE

[0051] THE figures 1 to 6 illustrate, from various points of view, an example of a racket according to the invention. As clearly visible in Figures 1 and 3, the snowshoe 1 comprises a base structure 2 comprising a shoe area 3 and a bearing area 4 which surrounds the shoe area 3, except at the front of the shoe area, where the snowshoe ends by forming a front portion 7. This front portion comprises a front beak 8 corresponding substantially to the front of the shoe area 3. This results in a snowshoe without a front spatula, considerably promoting ergonomics and walking comfort. In addition, the user can use his snowshoes by walking in a manner similar to normal walking with shoes, by rolling the foot, that is to say by first placing the heel, then the sole of the foot, and finally the front of the foot. The rolling then continues with the lifting of the heel and ends with propulsion at the toes. As illustrated, the front beak 8 is advantageously curved in shape, forming a sort of protective shell for the front end of the shoe.

[0052] On each side of the shoe area 3, the lift area 4 includes a lateral overhang 5. At the rear, the lift area 2 extends beyond the shoe area 3 to form the rear of the shoe area 3. As clearly visible in the Figure 1 , the basic structure has a solid surface. The 4-point bearing zone thus provides an optimal weight distribution effect, for minimal sinking into the snow, and for a well-balanced gait. The continuity of the surface also provides good thermal insulation, protecting the feet from the cold and humidity.

[0053] To further promote ergonomics and promote ease of use and comfort, the base structure 2 is preferably made from an elastically deformable material, giving it great flexibility of use. The deformability of the base structure allows the rear tip to flex under the effect of the weight of the walker when the latter brings his heel close to the ground and places it. The flexibility of the snowshoe also makes it possible to optimize the ergonomic behavior, in accordance with and respecting the biomechanics of the foot, which results in walking with a rolling of the foot, as previously mentioned.

[0054] There Figure 5 and the Figures 7a to 7g allow the shaping of the bearing zone 4 to be illustrated in a curved manner, preferably on the lateral overhangs 5. The lateral overhangs can thus be produced according to various types of profiles, such as for example rectangular ( Figure 7a ), with inclined external walls ( Figure 7b), in an arc of a circle ( Figure 7c ), dishes ( Figure 7d ), inclined outwards ( Figure 7e ), or inwards ( Figure 7f ), or even in the shape of a “V” ( figure 7g ).

[0055] Each of the lateral overhangs 5 ​​comprises a lower surface 16, said lower surface 16 being raised on at least one of the two lateral overhangs 5, as shown in the examples of Figures 7d, 7e, 7f and 7g The side overhangs are flexible enough to fit around various terrain obstacles such as holes, stones, or other obstacles.

[0056] The basic structure 2 is advantageously made of a thermoplastic material, preferably included in the list of the following families: thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer. Polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene is advantageously used. The material of the basic structure 2 may be expanded or unexpanded, depending on the applications.

[0057] As shown in the example of the Figure 1 , the rear of the shoe area 3 is preferably asymmetrical and advantageously includes a clearance 15 freeing the inner side.

[0058] As shown in the Figure 6 , the rear of the shoe area 3 is raised and / or twisted outwards. It preferably has an opening 19. REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE

[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment, to prevent the snowshoe from being too flexible, and generating little or no lift, the base structure 2 comprises a main reinforcing element 20 provided to provide sufficient rigidity so that the transfer of the walker's weight is well distributed over the entire surface of the snowshoe.

[0060] As illustrated in figures 8, 9 and to the Figure 10, the main reinforcing element 20 comprises at least three sectors 21, 22, 23 corresponding respectively with support zones A of the first metatarsal, B of the fifth metatarsal and C of the heel.

[0061] The main reinforcing element 20 is designed to transmit any forces likely to be received by the sectors 21, 22, 23 to the rest of the basic structure 2.

[0062] As shown in the example of Figure 8a, the main reinforcing element 20 has for example a substantially “T” shaped profile.

[0063] The sectors 21, 22 may extend into adjacent lateral overhang areas 5. Similarly, the heel sector 23 may also extend into the lateral overhang area 5 towards the rear of the heel and / or on each side thereof.

[0064] To obtain the continuous (or opening-free) structure of the load-bearing zone 4 and to contribute to distributing the user's weight, the basic structure 2 comprises a secondary reinforcement element 30. This secondary reinforcement element has a lower level of rigidity than that of the main reinforcement element 20.

[0065] The secondary reinforcing element 30 is arranged between the sectors 21, 22, 23 of the main reinforcing element 20.

[0066] To improve comfort, the basic structure 2 also includes a comfort layer 40 made of expanded or non-expanded foam, covering all or part of the main reinforcement element 20, as shown in the examples of Figures 11a, 11b and 11c , in median axial section at the Figure 11a , and at different longitudinal positions of the racket for the Figures 11b and 11c For example, a thermoplastic material is used to make the comfort layer.

[0067] As shown for example in figures 2 to 5 , two side edges 9 are arranged on either side of the shoe area 3. The side edges 9 are preferably made in one piece with the base structure 2, for maximum robustness.

[0068] As illustrated in the examples of realization of the figures 8, 9 and 10 , the main reinforcement may also comprise a cubo-scaphoid sector 24, 25, which extends substantially between the support zones of the scaphoid and the cuboid.

[0069] In the example of the Figure 10 , the cubo-scaphoidal zone 24, 25 extends on either side into the zone of the adjacent lateral overhangs 5.

[0070] Also in the example of realization of the Figure 10 , the main reinforcing element comprises a cuboid-5th metatarsal axis extending substantially between the support zones of the cuboid 24 and the 5th metatarsal 22.

[0071] There Figure 10also illustrates that the main reinforcing element may comprise lateral sectors 26, 27 extending over at least a portion of each of the lateral overhangs 5. Alternatively, these lateral sectors 26, 27 are connected to each other.

[0072] According to yet another embodiment, the previously described reinforcement structure can be used on one or more other types of rackets, for similar functions. FIXING SYSTEM

[0073] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, as shown in figures 2 to 6 , the racket comprises a shaft cover 10 extending longitudinally from said front beak 8 to the instep and laterally between each of the lateral edges 9. The shaft cover with the front beak 8 and the lateral edges 9 form a front shoe housing 6, adapted to house the front part of the shoe.

[0074] Considering the racket in the axial direction, that is to say in the length direction, the shaft cover 10 is preferably made of a unitary piece covering the shoe from the front beak 8 to the instep. This unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with zones of elasticity.

[0075] To implement this elasticity, it is provided for example that the elastic material is an elastic fabric, preferably substantially waterproof. According to various embodiment variants, it is provided for example that the fabric comprises meshes oriented substantially at 45° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket, or that the fabric comprises one or more mesh zones oriented substantially at 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket. In another variant, the fabric is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene.

[0076] Considering the racket in the transverse direction, or perpendicular to the axial direction, the rod cover 10 covers the entire surface located between the front beak 8 on the one hand, and at least one of the lateral edges 9 on the other hand. In the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 2 and 3 , a tightening element 18, such as for example a lacing or a strap or a belt, cooperates with the rod cover 10.

[0077] An anti-recoil element 13, fixed for example on the lateral edges 9 and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the shoe, is illustrated in the examples of figures 2 to 6 . Such a clamping element 18 may be coupled to one or more blockers 14, as shown in the example of the Figure 2 .

[0078] According to various potential embodiments, the rod cover 10 is made removable, and / or extends to form a gaiter made in one piece with said rod cover 10. In another variant, the rod cover 10 and the front beak 8 are in one piece.

[0079] According to yet another embodiment, the previously described attachment system can be used on one or more other types of rackets, for similar functions.

[0080] Reference numbers used in the figures 1 Snowshoeing 2 Basic structure 3 Shoe area 4 Lifting area 5 Lateral overhang 6 Accommodation 7 Front portion 8 Frontal beak 9 Side ledge 10 Stem cover 11 Spatula 12 Kick protection zone 13 Anti-recoil 14 Blocker 15 Spatula release 16 Lower surface of lateral overhang 17 18 Clamping element 19 Rear spatula opening 20 Main reinforcement element 21 Support sector 1st metatarsal 22 5th metatarsal support sector 23 Heel support sector 24 Cuboid support sector 25 Scaphoid support sector 26 Lateral reinforcement 27 Lateral reinforcement 30 Secondary reinforcement element 40 Comfort layer

Claims

1. Snowshoe (1) including a base structure (2) elastically deformable forming a shoe zone (3) and a lift zone (4) and in which the lift zone (4) includes a lateral projection (5) on each side of the shoe zone (3), the front of the shoe zone accommodating the front part of a shoe, characterized in that the front of the snowshoe terminates in a toecap (8) corresponding to the front of the shoe zone, forming a snowshoe without a front shovel.

2. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in claim 1, in which the front portion (7) of the snowshoe is raised.

3. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2, in which the base structure (2) includes a main reinforcing element (20) including at least three substantially T-shaped sectors (21, 22, 23) respectively corresponding to support zones A for the first metatarsal, B for the fifth metatarsal and C for the heel.

4. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in claim 3, in which the base structure (2) includes a secondary reinforcing element (30) having a level of stiffness lower than that of the main reinforcing element (20), said secondary reinforcing element (30) extending between said sectors (21, 22, 23) of the main reinforcing element (20).

5. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in either one of claims 3 or 4, in which the base structure (2) also includes an expanded or non-expanded material comfort layer (40) covering all or part of the main reinforcing element (20).

6. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the base structure (2) includes a solid surface.

7. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including two lateral rims (9) arranged on respective opposite sides of the shoe zone (3).

8. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the lift zone (4) is curved, preferably along the lateral projections (5).

9. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the lateral projections (5) includes a lower surface (16), said lower surface (16) being raised on at least one of the two lateral projections (5).

10. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the base structure (2) is made of a thermoplastic type material, preferably included in the list of the following families: polyurethane thermoplastic, elastomer thermoplastic such as for example polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene.

11. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the rear of the shoe zone (3) forms a rear shovel (11) and said rear shovel (11) is asymmetrical and preferably includes a cutout (15) freeing the interior side.

12. Snowshoe (1) as claimed in claim 11, in which the rear shovel (11) is raised and / or twisted toward the outside and / or includes an opening (19).

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