Sole with variable damping properties

Abstract

Disclosed is a sole for a running shoe having an elastic midsole (1) with a base area (2) delimiting the midsole (1) counter to the vertical direction (V) of the midsole and a surface (3) delimiting the midsole (1) in the vertical direction (V), wherein the midsole (1) is divided into a heel area (FB), a midfoot area (MFB) and a forefoot area (VFB); and wherein the midsole (1) has a plurality of channels (41, 42, 43) running in the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1) and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1), wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) each have an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole, and wherein each channel (41, 42, 43) has a longitudinal main axis (411, 421) in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction (L) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q);and wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) of at least one channel (41) arranged in the heel region is greater than the acute angle (α-42) between the base surface (2) and the main longitudinal axis (421) of at least one channel (42, 43) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or in the forefoot region (VFB).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of shoe technology, in particular to 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 provide satisfactory cushioning for 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 running, the groove-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings close. Due to this horizontal deformability, forces acting horizontally on the sole and shoe, for example, when running on sloping terrain, can also be efficiently cushioned, thus avoiding high stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips. Description of the invention

[0005] In the case of soles with segmented, downward-projecting, laterally open, groove-shaped elements, depending on the sole material used, fatigue of the material can occur after prolonged use, so that on the one hand the cushioning decreases and on the other hand the lateral openings of the groove-shaped elements become irreversibly deformed, as the elastic properties of the material can be lost after prolonged use. Furthermore, in the sole known from WO 2016 184 920, the groove-shaped elements are each present as individual elements protruding from the sole. Depending on the weight and foot position of the wearer, this can lead to an irregular closure of the lateral openings, which can cause the wearer to feel a floating effect, as the respective upper and lower layers of the groove-shaped elements do not lie exactly on top of one another, but for example in the transverse direction of the sole, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, ordirection of travel, can be spatially shifted from each other.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been shown that the greatest cushioning effect is needed in the heel area of ​​the sole, since the runner makes initial contact with the ground with their heel when running. In contrast, only a significantly lower cushioning effect is necessary in the forefoot area. It has even been shown that cushioning structures in the forefoot area can have negative effects. While cushioning structures in the forefoot area can provide cushioning during impact, a runner must overcome the elasticity of the cushioning structures during the push-off, which occurs almost entirely via the forefoot area. This results in a loss of force that cannot be used for the push-off itself.

[0007] The present invention is based on the general object of further developing the prior art in the field of running shoe soles and preferably overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art in whole or in part. In advantageous embodiments, a sole is provided which, on the one hand, can cushion forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe when running, but on the other hand shows no or at least less material fatigue even after a longer period of use. In further advantageous embodiments, the occurrence of a floating effect is avoided. In some advantageous embodiments, the cushioning effect in the heel area is increased compared to the prior art, while a lower cushioning effect is provided in the forefoot area compared to the heel area, so that significantly less force is lost during the push-off and this force is practically completely available for the push-off process.

[0008] The general problem is solved by a sole according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims, as well as the description and the drawings.

[0009] In a first aspect, the general technical problem is solved by a sole for a running shoe with an elastic midsole. The sole has a base area that delimits the midsole counter to the vertical direction of the midsole and a surface that delimits the midsole in the vertical direction. It is understood that the base area faces the ground when running, i.e. in the operative state, and the surface faces the wearer's foot, or the insole. The midsole is divided into a heel region, a midfoot region and a forefoot region. The person skilled in the art will understand that these regions are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the running direction, and in particular that the midfoot region is arranged between the heel region and the forefoot region. The midsole also has a plurality of channels running in the transverse direction of the midsole and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the midsole.These are preferably open laterally, i.e. on the lateral and medial sides of the midsole. The channels each have an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. Each channel has a longitudinal main axis in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. The acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base area of ​​at least one channel arranged in the heel area is greater than the acute angle between the base area and the longitudinal main axis of at least one channel arranged in the midfoot area and / or in the forefoot area.It has been shown that the elongated contour of the channel and the fact that the acute angle between the base surface and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel in the heel area is larger than that of a channel in the midfoot and / or forefoot area, results in a significantly increased cushioning effect in the heel area. In addition, the smaller acute angles between the base surface and the main longitudinal axis in the forefoot and / or midfoot area result in a lower cushioning effect, which means that hardly any energy is lost through cushioning during push-off, which occurs almost entirely via the forefoot and optionally the midfoot area. Furthermore, the increased acute angle of the channel(s) in the heel area results in not only vertical cushioning, but also significant horizontal cushioning of the forces acting horizontally when running.Preferably, all channels in the heel area of ​​the midsole have a larger acute angle between the base surface and their respective main longitudinal axis than all channels in the forefoot area and / or the midfoot area.

[0010] The characteristic of the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis of a channel and the base of the midsole can also be replaced by the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis of the respective channel and the channel perpendicular through the center of the respective channel. Accordingly, the channel perpendicular runs through the center of the channel and is perpendicular to the base of the midsole, or intersects it essentially at an angle of 90°. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with a curved base of the midsole, the intersection point can be defined by the tangent to the midsole at the intersection point of the midsole with the channel perpendicular.In this case, too, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective channel perpendicular of at least one channel arranged in the heel region is greater than the obtuse angle between the respective channel perpendicular and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel arranged in the midfoot region and / or in the forefoot region. Thus, in all embodiments described here, the feature of the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base of the midsole can be replaced by the feature of the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of the respective channel and the channel perpendicular of the respective channel. Those skilled in the art will understand that an obtuse angle lies between 90° and 180° and an acute angle lies between 0° and 90°.

[0011] One aspect of the invention therefore also relates to a sole for a running shoe with an elastic midsole. Such a sole has a base area that delimits the midsole counter to the vertical direction of the midsole and a surface that delimits the midsole in the vertical direction. The midsole is divided into a heel area, a midfoot area and a forefoot area. The midsole also has a plurality of channels that run in the transverse direction of the midsole and are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the midsole. These channels are preferably open laterally, i.e. on the lateral and medial side of the midsole. The channels each have an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole.Each channel has a longitudinal main axis in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. The obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the respective channel perpendicular of at least one channel arranged in the heel area is greater than the obtuse angle between the respective channel perpendicular and the longitudinal main axis of at least one channel arranged in the midfoot area and / or in the forefoot area. The channel perpendicular of a channel runs through the center of the respective channel and is perpendicular to the base area of ​​the midsole. The center of the channel is generally located on the longitudinal main axis. It is understood that the embodiments and advantages of the corresponding acute angles described here apply equivalently to the corresponding embodiments with obtuse angles.

[0012] The term "elongated contour" in the context of the present invention means that the channel, in cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane, extends further in one direction in this cross-sectional plane than in another direction. In other words, a channel with an "elongated contour" can be described as slit-shaped. A person skilled in the art understands a slit-shaped channel to be a channel which, in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, has an elongated, narrow contour and therefore provides an elongated, narrow opening in the midsole. Thus, the extent of such a channel is greater along one spatial direction than along a different spatial direction within the same spatial plane. A channel generally has opposing channel walls that define the opening of the channel.In a channel with an elongated contour, the direct distance between the channel walls in the cross-section along the above-mentioned cross-sectional plane is greater in a first direction than in another spatial direction within the same spatial plane, in particular than in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] The main longitudinal axis of a channel runs parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction in which the channel extends, and runs in cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane through the center of the channel. The main longitudinal axis lies in the V,L plane of the midsole, i.e. it does not run in the transverse direction of the midsole, but in the longitudinal and / or vertical direction of the midsole. Typically, the main longitudinal axis can run through the points on the channel walls that are furthest apart in cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. Thus, the channel walls of a channel can be further apart from each other along the main longitudinal axis of the channel than along any other axis in the V,L plane of the corresponding channel.

[0014] Typically, the longitudinal main axis of a canal intersects the base, or a tangent to the intersection point of the longitudinal main axis and the base, at an acute angle.

[0015] Furthermore, the channels, in particular all of the midsole channels, run in cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole from their respective longitudinal end closest to the heel edge to their respective end closest to the sole tip, rising vertically or parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, none of the midsole channels run in cross-section along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole from their respective longitudinal end closest to the heel edge to their respective end closest to the sole tip, falling vertically. The main longitudinal axis of the respective channels, in particular of all of the midsole channels, therefore rises vertically from the heel edge to the sole tip or is parallel to the longitudinal direction.However, the main longitudinal axis of the respective channels does not fall vertically from the heel edge to the toe of the sole.

[0016] Directional information as used in the present disclosure is to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by an axis from the heel region to the forefoot region 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. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the midsole. The vertical direction V in the context of the present invention refers to a direction from the underside of the sole towards the insole, or in the operative state towards the wearer's foot, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the sole or midsole. The lateral side of the sole is the outer boundary of the sole, which rests against the outer instep of the wearer's foot when worn.The medial side of the sole, or midsole, refers to the outer inner boundary of the sole, which is arranged opposite the lateral side. In a pair of running shoes, the medial sides of the two running shoes face each other when worn, and the lateral sides face away from each other. The forefoot area, for example, extends from the tip of the sole in the opposite direction to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole in the longitudinal direction. The heel area, for example, extends from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction to 20-30% of the total length of the midsole in the longitudinal direction. The midfoot area extends directly between the heel area and the forefoot area, so that the longitudinal length of the midfoot area makes up the remaining portion of the total length, in particular 15-50% of the total length.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will understand that if the base surface is curved in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, in particular if it is convex towards the ground when walking, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface refers to the angle between the longitudinal main axis and the respective tangent to the base surface at the intersection point of the longitudinal main axis and the base surface. It should be noted that the acute angle of a channel in which the longitudinal main axis of the channel does not intersect with the base surface can be defined at the intersection point of the longitudinal main axis with the extending tangent at the point of contact between the base surface and the heel edge on the base surface.

[0018] Elastic, in particular soft-elastic materials for soles are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, materials with a Young's modulus of approximately 0.0001 to 0.2 GPa, in particular 0.001 to 0.1 GPa can be used, which can be regarded as elastic or soft-elastic material within the meaning of the present invention. Such materials can typically comprise polymer foams. Polyurethane, in particular thermoplastic polyolefins, polyolefin block polymers, polyvinyl acetates, in particular EVA, polyurethane (TPU) or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), polyamides, e.g. PA-11, PA-12, nylon, polyether block amide (PEBAX ®< ), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or mixtures thereof, can be used as elastic or soft-elastic materials.

[0019] Preferably, the channels in the lateral region of the midsole are completely bounded by the soft-elastic midsole, with the exception of any lateral and / or medial openings. In particular, the channels are completely bounded by the midsole in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the 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, i.e., is segmentation-free.This significantly improves the durability of the sole, as the midsole is generally more stable than a segmented midsole. Furthermore, fatigue of the soft, elastic midsole over the lifetime of the sole or running shoe is avoided or at least significantly reduced. This allows the beneficial cushioning effect of the midsole to be consistently maintained over a long period of time.

[0020] For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is understood to be a recess which can typically be tubular. In general, a channel is wholly or partially delimited by its channel walls, with the exception of the lateral openings. Typically, the channels are empty. In particular, the channels can be open and continuous, i.e., a channel is preferably not a blind hole. Preferably, a channel, in particular all channels of the midsole, extend continuously from the lateral side of the midsole to the medial side of the midsole. In preferred embodiments, the channels can run substantially parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the total proportion of the open surface of the midsole, i.e., the total proportion of the lateral surfaces of the channel openings, can be smaller than the total proportion of the closed surface of the midsole, i.e., the total part of the outer surface of the midsole that does not have any channels.In some embodiments, the channels are arranged exclusively in a longitudinal direction, i.e., from the heel edge to the toe of the sole, one behind the other. This does not preclude some or all of the channels from being offset from one another in the vertical direction. Preferably, no channels are arranged entirely and / or partially above one another in the vertical direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the channels are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction from the heel edge to the toe of the sole, and at least two or more channels are offset from one another in the vertical direction. In certain embodiments, the channels are arranged in the lateral and / or medial region of the midsole in at least a first and a second horizontal plane. The first and second horizontal planes are vertically offset from one another. 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 cushioning is no longer limited to individual segments of the sole, but extends essentially across the entire midsole.

[0022] A horizontal plane of the sole describes a plane that is essentially parallel to the underside of the sole, or essentially 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 at the forefoot and / or heel.

[0023] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the deformability of the channels may include, for example, vertical convergence of the channel walls and / or longitudinal shearing of the channel. Typically, the upper and lower channel walls may contact each other under the action of the forces occurring during running, causing the corresponding channel to deform until it is laterally closed.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic midsole is formed in one piece. The 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.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the channels have lateral openings in the lateral region of the midsole. The channels are preferably deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction under the action of vertical and / or longitudinal forces occurring during running until the lateral openings are closed. Typically, the upper and lower channel walls can touch under the action of the forces occurring during running.

[0026] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface becomes smaller from a channel in the heel region, in particular the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to a channel in the midfoot region and / or to a channel in the forefoot region, in particular to the channel closest to the sole tip. In particular, the acute angle can continuously become smaller from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole to the channel closest to the sole tip, at least over a partial region in the longitudinal direction of the sole or over the entire length of the sole in the longitudinal direction. For example, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface becomes continuously smaller from channel to channel, from the heel edge to the midfoot region. In the forefoot region, the acute angle can be consistently 0°.In particular, the longitudinal main axis of the channels in the forefoot area can be parallel to the base area. As a result, the channels slope downwards from the heel edge towards the tip of the sole when viewed from channel to channel. This results in increased cushioning in the heel area, while the smaller acute angle between the base area and the longitudinal main axis in the forefoot area and / or midfoot area results in less cushioning, which means that hardly any energy is lost through cushioning during push-off. Generally speaking, the greater the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis of a channel and the base area, the greater the cushioning effect. It is therefore advantageous for the channel closest to the heel edge to have the largest acute angle, because this is where the required cushioning effect is greatest.The further a channel is arranged longitudinally towards the sole tip, the lower the required damping effect, so that the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface is selected to be smaller.

[0027] Alternatively, the above embodiment can be described such that the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the channel perpendicular of the respective channel decreases from a channel in the heel region, in particular the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to a channel in the midfoot region and / or to a channel in the forefoot region, in particular the channel closest to the sole tip. In particular, the obtuse angle can decrease continuously from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole to the channel closest to the sole tip, at least over a partial region in the longitudinal direction of the sole or over the entire length of the sole in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base of each channel increases from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction toward the toe of the sole, and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction toward the toe of the sole. In such embodiments, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base of each channel can continuously increase from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, from channel to channel, up to a steep channel further longitudinally toward the toe of the sole, the steep channel representing the midsole channel with the largest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base of the channel, and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction toward the toe of the sole.In such embodiments, the midsole thus has channels in the heel area, with the channel closest to the heel edge having the smallest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base of the channel of all channels in the heel area. The corresponding acute angle then increases, in particular continuously, for example, over the two channels following in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole. The midfoot area can then be directly connected to these channels, with the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base of the channel closest to the heel edge in the midfoot area being smaller than the corresponding acute angle of at least one, at least two, or all channels in the heel area.

[0029] Alternatively, the above embodiment can be described such that the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the channel normal of each channel from the channel located closest to the heel edge of the midsole first increases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole.

[0030] Appropriate analyses have shown that such designs are particularly advantageous because they allow all the channels in the heel area to close almost completely when the foot is stepped on. This means that both vertical and horizontal forces are absorbed efficiently and that a secure stance is enabled when the foot is stepped on without the shoe floating. It has also been shown that the horizontally acting forces are not necessarily greatest at the heel edge, i.e. at the channel closest to the heel edge, but generally in a section of the heel area further along the length, closer to the tip of the sole. Since the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of each channel, or ratherThe obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the perpendicular of the channel, from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, first increases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole, thus achieving maximum absorption of the horizontally acting forces.

[0031] The midsole channel, which of all midsole channels has the largest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base surface, or the largest obtuse angle between its main longitudinal axis and its channel perpendicular, is therefore preferably located in the heel area and is called a steep channel.

[0032] The steep channel is typically arranged from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction to the sole tip at 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 30%, in particular 25% to 30%, of the total length of the sole or the midsole.

[0033] The steep channel, i.e. the channel of the midsole which, of all the channels of the midsole, has the largest acute angle between its longitudinal main axis and the base surface, or the largest obtuse angle between its longitudinal main axis and its channel perpendicular, can in some embodiments be the third channel of the midsole in the longitudinal direction from the heel edge.

[0034] The acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of the steep channel is preferably between 35° and 85°, in particular between 40° and 75°. The obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the perpendicular to the channel of the steep channel can be between 125° and 170°, in particular between 125° and 165°, preferably between 155° and 165°. The relatively large angle of the steep channel achieves not only good vertical cushioning in this area of ​​the midsole, but also significant horizontal cushioning.

[0035] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region, is between 0° and 15°, in particular 0° to 5°, in particular 0° to 2°. An angle of 0° means that the longitudinal main axis of the channel and the base surface are arranged essentially parallel to one another. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent to the base surface, which lies vertically below the channel on the base surface. Such small angles mean that, on the one hand, sufficient damping is still provided so that the wearer's joints are sufficiently protected, but on the other hand the damping is not so great that a significant proportion of the impression energy is lost due to the damping.

[0036] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the respective channel perpendicular of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region, is between 90° and 100°, in particular 90° and 95°. An angle of 90° means that the longitudinal main axis of the channel and the base surface are arranged substantially parallel to one another. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent adjacent to the base surface, which lies vertically below the channel against the base surface.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the longitudinal main axis of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region, is arranged substantially parallel to the base surface.

[0038] In some embodiments, each channel has a lateral main axis. The lateral main axis is typically perpendicular to the respective longitudinal main axis of the channel. The height, i.e., the direct distance between the channel walls of a channel, along the lateral main axis of a channel arranged in the forefoot region is smaller than the width along the lateral main axis of a channel arranged in the midfoot region and / or heel region. This achieves a high cushioning effect in the heel region. At the same time, the cushioning effect in the forefoot region is significantly smaller, resulting in less energy being lost during the push-off.

[0039] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of a channel arranged in the heel area, in particular of all channels arranged in the heel area, is between 5° and 85°, in particular between 35° and 85°, preferably between 40° and 75°. The relatively large angle not only achieves good vertical damping, but also high horizontal damping, since the channels can be closed by the horizontal forces acting during walking, in particular by contacting the channel walls of a channel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the respective channel perpendicular of a channel arranged in the heel area, in particular of all channels arranged in the heel area, is between 110° and 175°, in particular between 125° and 170°, preferably between 125° and 165°. The relatively large angle not only achieves good vertical damping, but also high horizontal damping, since the channels can be closed by the horizontal forces acting during running, in particular by contacting the channel walls of a channel.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface, or the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the respective channel perpendicular, becomes continuously smaller from the channel arranged closest to the heel edge of the midsole towards the sole tip in the heel area or even exclusively in the heel area.

[0042] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of a channel arranged in the midfoot region is between 0° and 35°, preferably between 0° and 25°. The midfoot region represents an intermediate region where, on the one hand, a certain cushioning effect is still required upon impact, but on the other hand, the cushioning effect must not be too great, since the front part of the midfoot region, viewed in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole, is already used for the imprint on the ground. Particularly preferably, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of a channel that directly adjoins a channel in the heel region is greater than 0°, for example, between 10° and 35° or 10° to 25°.In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface becomes continuously smaller from the channel located closest to the heel edge of the midsole in the midfoot region towards the toe of the sole in the heel region.

[0043] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the respective channel perpendicular of a channel arranged in the midfoot region is between 90° and 120°, preferably between 90° and 115°.

[0044] In further embodiments, the channels on the lateral side and / or the medial side of the midsole each have lateral openings. These openings can close due to the forces occurring during running, in particular completely close when the channel walls of a channel touch each other. Thus, the channels arranged in the heel area and / or those in the midfoot area and / or those in the forefoot area can be designed to completely close the lateral openings due to the forces occurring during running. The forces occurring during running are typically due to the weight of the wearer, which can be, for example, between 40 and 120 kg, in particular between 50 and 100 kg.

[0045] In some embodiments, the channels are designed such that the channels assume an S-shape when completely closed, in particular when the side openings are completely closed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the channels each have a rectangular, oval, pentagonal, hexagonal and / or teardrop-shaped, in particular lanceolate, contour in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. It is also possible for one or more channels of the midsole to have a different contour than other channels of the midsole. In particular, the midsole can have up to 5 channels with different contours. A teardrop-shaped contour refers to a shape which is essentially characterized by an isosceles triangle and an attached circular segment. The person skilled in the art understands that these contours also include shapes with rounded corners, e.g. a rectangle with rounded corners.A drop-shaped, particularly lanceolate, contour is particularly preferred, especially when the part of the circular segment of the drop shape is aligned towards the base. This allows for particularly high horizontal damping of forces acting in a horizontal direction when walking. Furthermore, a drop-shaped, particularly lanceolate, contour allows for particularly controlled closure of the channels, thus avoiding a floating effect. This is because channels with a drop-shaped contour, in particular, are designed to assume an S-shape when closed. It is therefore understood that channels with a drop-shaped contour are arranged primarily in the heel area. In the forefoot and / or midfoot area, however, channels with a different contour, in particular a rectangular, pentagonal and / or hexagonal contour, can be provided.

[0047] In some embodiments, the channels each have a width of 0.3 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, along the main longitudinal axis. The width describes the distance between the channel walls of a channel along the main longitudinal axis and thus, in some embodiments, the greatest extent in the cross-sectional plane along the longitudinal direction and transverse to the transverse direction of the sole.

[0048] In some embodiments, the channels each have a height of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.3 cm to 1 cm, along the lateral main axis.

[0049] In some embodiments, the steep channel has a width along the main longitudinal axis that is greater than the width along the respective main longitudinal axis of any other channel of the midsole.

[0050] In some embodiments, the steep channel has a height along the lateral major axis that is greater than the height along the respective lateral major axis of any other channel of the midsole.

[0051] In some embodiments, the vertical distance of at least one, in particular a single, channel in the heel area between the respective channel and the surface of the midsole is smaller than that of another channel in the heel area and / or than that of another channel in the midsole. It has been shown that a smaller vertical distance for a channel in the heel area leads to an improved cushioning effect than if the vertical distance is larger. The closer the channel is arranged to the surface, i.e. the smaller the corresponding vertical distance, the better the cushioning effect. Such embodiments achieve an ideal compromise between good cushioning and a sole that still enables a strong imprint with the least possible loss of power.

[0052] The vertical distance between a channel and the midsole surface refers to the shortest distance along the vertical direction of the sole between a channel, or its channel wall, and the midsole surface. Typically, this vertical distance corresponds to the smallest thickness of the midsole in the vertical direction between the respective channel and the midsole surface.

[0053] Preferably, for a channel in which the vertical distance of the corresponding channel is smaller than for another channel, the vertical distance of the channel to the base surface of the midsole is conversely greater than for the other channel. Thus, the corresponding channel with the smaller vertical distance to the surface of the midsole is arranged offset in the vertical direction from the other channel(s). Conversely, the other channels can be described as offset in the opposite direction to the channel with the smaller vertical distance to the surface of the midsole.

[0054] In some embodiments, in the channels in the heel area and optionally in the midfoot area, in particular exclusively in the channels in the heel area, the vertical distance between the respective channel and the surface of the midsole of each channel decreases from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole. It has been shown that the horizontally acting forces are not necessarily greatest at the heel edge, i.e. at the channel closest to the heel edge, but in a part of the heel area arranged further longitudinally closer to the tip of the sole. As a result of the decreasing vertical distance, the greatest cushioning can be arranged in the correspondingly most stressed area, which on the one hand protects the wearer, but on the other hand does not result in a sole that is perceived as too soft, i.e. spongy.

[0055] In some embodiments, the vertical distance of the respective channel to the surface of the midsole, starting from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, first decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction toward the sole tip and then increases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction toward the sole tip. In other words, the channels in such embodiments are arranged such that, when viewed from the lateral side or the medial side of the sole, the vertical distances of the respective channels first decrease in the heel region in the longitudinal direction toward the sole tip, then reach a minimum, and then increase again.

[0056] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the channel in the heel region which is arranged longitudinally closest to the sole tip, in particular the third channel from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction towards the sole tip, and the surface of the midsole may be smaller than the vertical distance between any other channel of the midsole and the surface of the midsole.

[0057] In preferred embodiments, the vertical distance of the steep channel to the surface of the midsole may be smaller than the distance of any other channel to the surface of the midsole.

[0058] In some embodiments, some of the channels, in particular all of the channels, of the midsole can taper in the transverse direction from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole. Thus, the open area of ​​such a channel becomes smaller in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane along the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole from the lateral side in the transverse direction to the medial side of the midsole. This has the advantage of increasing the stability of the sole, in particular during impact, without significantly reducing the cushioning properties. Additionally or alternatively, some of the channels, in particular all of the channels, of the midsole can taper in the transverse direction from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole. These two alternatives support different running styles of the wearer, depending on whether the sole is subjected to increased lateral or medial loading.It is also possible, for example, for the channels in the forefoot area to taper transversely from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole, and for the channels in the heel area to taper transversely from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole, and vice versa. Furthermore, the channels in the midfoot area can taper transversely from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole, or they can taper transversely from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole.

[0059] A further aspect of the invention relates to a shoe, in particular a running shoe with a sole according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0060] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sole according to one of the embodiments described here for producing a shoe, in particular a running shoe.

[0061] The following numbered embodiments are also part of the disclosure: 1. In a first embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole for a running shoe with an elastic midsole having a base area delimiting the midsole counter to the vertical direction of the midsole and a surface delimiting the midsole in the vertical direction, wherein the midsole is divided into a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region; and wherein the midsole has a plurality of channels running in the transverse direction of the midsole and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the midsole, wherein the channels each have an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, and wherein each channel in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction,has a longitudinal main axis; and wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of at least one channel arranged in the heel region is greater than the acute angle between the base surface and the longitudinal main axis of at least one channel arranged in the midfoot region and / or in the forefoot region. 2. In a second embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the first embodiment, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface becomes smaller from a channel in the heel region, in particular the channel arranged closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to a channel in the midfoot region and / or to a channel in the forefoot region, in particular to the channel arranged closest to the sole tip.in particular, it continuously decreases from channel to channel. 3. In a third embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of each channel, from the channel arranged closest to the heel edge of the midsole, first increases from channel to channel towards the sole tip and then decreases from channel to channel towards the sole tip. 4. In a fourth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the third embodiment, wherein the midsole channel which, of all the midsole channels, has the largest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface is arranged in the heel region. 5. In a fifth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the fourth embodiment,wherein the channel of the midsole which has the greatest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface is the third channel of the midsole in the longitudinal direction from the heel edge. 6. In a sixth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-5, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region, is between 0° and 15°, in particular 0° to 5°, in particular 0° to 2°. 7. In a seventh embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the sixth embodiment, wherein the longitudinal main axis of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region,is arranged substantially parallel to the base surface. 8. In an eighth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-7, wherein each channel has a lateral main axis and wherein the height along the lateral main axis of a channel arranged in the forefoot region is smaller than the height along the lateral main axis of a channel arranged in the midfoot region and / or in the heel region. 9. In a ninth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-8, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of a channel arranged in the heel region is between 5° and 85°, in particular between 35° and 85°, preferably between 40° and 75°. 10. In a tenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 6 to 9,wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface becomes continuously smaller from the channel arranged closest to the heel edge of the midsole towards the sole tip in the heel region. 11. In an eleventh embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-10, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of a channel arranged in the midfoot region is between 0° and 35°, preferably between 0° and 25°. 12. In a twelfth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-11, wherein the channels on the lateral side and / or the medial side of the midsole each have lateral openings. 13. In a thirteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the twelfth embodiment,wherein the midsole and the channels arranged in the heel area and / or the midfoot area and / or the forefoot area are designed to completely close the lateral openings due to the forces occurring during running. 14. In a fourteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-13, wherein the channels each have a rectangular, oval, teardrop-shaped, pentagonal and / or hexagonal contour in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. 15. In a fifteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-14,wherein one or all of the channels arranged in the heel region has or have a drop-shaped contour in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. 16. In a sixteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-15, wherein the channels each have a width of 0.3 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, along the longitudinal main axis. 17. In a seventeenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-16, wherein the channels each have a height of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.3 cm to 1 cm, along the lateral main axis. 18. In an eighteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-17, wherein in particular in the case of the channels in the heel region,the vertical distance between the respective channel and the surface of the midsole of each channel decreases from the channel arranged closest to the heel edge of the midsole towards the sole tip. 19. In a nineteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to any one of the previous embodiments 1-18, wherein the vertical distance between the channel in the heel region which is arranged closest to the sole tip in the longitudinal direction, in particular the third channel from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction towards the sole tip, and the surface of the midsole is smaller than the vertical distance between any other channel of the midsole and the surface of the midsole. 20. In a twentieth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to any one of the previous embodiments 1-19, wherein some of the channels, in particular all of the channels,of the midsole each taper in the transverse direction from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole, and / or wherein some of the channels, in particular all of the channels, of the midsole each taper in the transverse direction from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole. 21. In a twenty-first embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-20, wherein at least some of the channels are formed such that the channels assume an S-shape when fully closed. 22. In a twenty-second embodiment, the disclosure relates to a shoe, in particular a running shoe, comprising a sole according to one of the previous embodiments 1-21. 23. In a twenty-third embodiment, the disclosure relates to a use of a sole according to one of the embodiments 1 to 21 for producing a shoe, in particular a running shoe. Brief explanation of the figures

[0062] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description. Figure 1a,b shows a schematic side view of an inventive sole for a running shoe according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a channel with a drop-shaped channel in the V,L plane as provided in some inventive embodiments of the sole; Figure 3a,b show photographs of a heel area of ​​a shoe with an inventive sole in the unloaded and loaded state; Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a running shoe with a sole according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an inventive sole for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the sole according to Figure 5in which the course of the channels in the sole is illustrated; Figure 7 shows a sectional view from below of the course of the cut channels in a sole according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the channels are shown for illustration as lying in one plane; Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of a shoe with a sole according to the invention for a running shoe according to a further embodiment of the invention. Ways to implement the invention

[0063] In the Figures 1a and 1ba sole according to the invention for a running shoe is shown, which has an elastic midsole 1. The midsole 1 is delimited counter to the vertical direction V by the base area 2 and in the vertical direction V by the surface 3. In addition, the midsole 1 is divided into a heel region FB, a midfoot region MFB and a forefoot region VFB. As shown, these three regions are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction, with the midfoot region MFB being arranged between the heel region FB and the forefoot region VFB. The midsole 1 comprises a plurality of channels 41, 42, 43 running in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for reasons of clarity, only three of the channels are designated). These channels can generally be arranged substantially parallel to one another in the transverse direction Q.The channels 41, 42, 43 each have an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. In the coordinate system shown, this cross-sectional plane is the V,L plane. Each channel 41, 42, 43 in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q has a longitudinal main axis 411, 421 (for reasons of clarity, only the longitudinal main axes of two of the channels are shown). It can be seen that the acute angle α-41 between the longitudinal main axis 411 and the base surface 2, or the tangent at the intersection point of the longitudinal main axis 411 and the base surface 2, of the channel 41 arranged in the heel area FB is greater than the acute angle α-42 between the base surface 2 (orthe tangent at the intersection point of the longitudinal main axis 411 and the base area 2) and the longitudinal main axis 421 of at least the channel 42 arranged in the midfoot area MFB. The angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base area becomes continuously smaller from channel to channel from the heel edge 5 to the sole tip 6 up to the midfoot area and is essentially 0° in the forefoot area, i.e. the longitudinal main axis of the channels in the forefoot area VFB is parallel to the base area 2. The channels also each have a lateral main axis 422 (for reasons of clarity, only the lateral main axis 422 of the channel 42 is shown), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal main axis. The height of a channel is defined as the distance between the channel walls of a channel along the lateral main axis. As in the . Figure 1As shown, the height of the channel 43 arranged along the lateral main axis of the forefoot area VFB is smaller than the height along the lateral main axis of a channel 41, 42 arranged in the midfoot area MFB and / or in the heel area FB. The channels in the forefoot area VFB have a rectangular contour in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1. Since the edge lengths of two mutually parallel edges of the rectangle in one direction are longer than the edge lengths of the two other parallel edges, the corresponding channels have an elongated contour.

[0064] In the Figure 1b is the embodiment of the Figure 1ashown, However, instead of the acute angles α-41 and α-42 between the longitudinal main axis 411 and 421 and the base area 2, or the tangent at the intersection point of the longitudinal main axis 411 and 421 and the base area 2, the obtuse angle β-41 between the longitudinal main axis 411 and the channel perpendicular 413 of the channel 41 is shown. The channel perpendicular runs through the center point M-41 of the channel 41, which lies on the longitudinal main axis 411 and from which, in particular, the front and rear ends of the channel 41 are equidistant. In addition, the channel perpendicular is perpendicular to base surface 2, or to the tangent to base surface 2 at the intersection of the channel perpendicular (cf. channel perpendicular 413) with base surface 2 (cf. tangent T-41). Similarly, the obtuse angle β-42 between the longitudinal principal axis 421 of channel 42 and the channel perpendicular 423 of channel 42 is shown.The obtuse angle β-41 of the channel 41, which is arranged in the heel area FB, is greater than the obtuse angle β-42, which is arranged in the midfoot area MFB.

[0065] In the Figure 2is a channel with a drop-shaped contour in cross-section along the V,L plane, i.e. along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. The drop-shaped contour is essentially composed of an isosceles triangle, in this case with a rounded tip, and a spherical segment, in this case a hemisphere, as indicated by the dotted line. A drop-shaped contour can therefore also be described as a lanceolate contour, for example. Such a drop-shaped contour has proven to be particularly advantageous for the heel area, since both a horizontal force FH, i.e. acting against the longitudinal direction L, and a vertical force, i.e.The force FV acting in the vertical direction V can be efficiently dampened because this leads to a partial or complete closure of the lateral openings as the channel walls of the respective channel move toward each other. This allows dampening of horizontally acting forces without any segmentation of the midsole and even in channels that are formed entirely by the midsole in the V,L plane.

[0066] In the Figure 3a A running shoe with a midsole according to the invention is depicted in an unloaded state. When the vertical and horizontal forces occurring during running act on the midsole, the channels close, particularly in the longitudinal direction L, and are essentially S-shaped. This allows for efficient damping of both horizontal and vertical forces occurring during running.

[0067] In the Figure 4a running shoe with a midsole 1 according to the invention is shown according to a further embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the midsole of the Figure 1 , indicates the Figure 4The midsole 1 shown has channels 41 and 42 in the heel area FB and partly also in the midfoot area MFB (for better clarity, only three channels are shown), which have a hexagonal contour in cross-section along the V,L plane, i.e. along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. This contour does not have to be a regular hexagon, as shown. The longitudinal main axis 421 of the channel 42 runs in the V,L plane through the center of the channel 42 and runs parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction in which the channel extends. In addition, the longitudinal main axis runs through the points of the channel walls that are furthest apart from each other in cross-section along the above-mentioned cross-sectional plane. The channels in the forefoot area and partly also channels in the midfoot area have a rectangular contour with rounded corners, as is the case, for example, withshown for channel 43.

[0068] In the Figure 5 A further embodiment of the sole according to the invention with midsole 1 is shown. This is delimited counter to the vertical direction V by the base area 2 and in the vertical direction V by the surface 3. In addition, the midsole 1 is divided into a heel area FB, a midfoot area MFB and a forefoot area VFB. The midsole 1 comprises several channels 41a, 41b, 41c and 42a running in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for reasons of clarity, only four of the channels are labeled). The channels 41a, 41b and 41c are arranged in the heel area, while the channel 42a is arranged in the midfoot area and represents the channel in the midfoot area that is closest to the heel edge 5. As in the Figure 1In the embodiment shown, each channel, in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q, has a longitudinal main axis (for reasons of clarity, these are not labeled). It can be seen that the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base of each channel, from the channel 41a closest to the heel edge of the midsole, first increases from channel to channel 41b, 41c in the longitudinal direction towards the sole tip and then decreases again from channel to channel 42a in the longitudinal direction towards the sole tip. It should be noted that the acute angle of channel 41a is defined by the longitudinal main axis of channel 41a and the extending tangent at the point of contact of the base 2 and the heel edge 5. Channel 41c is the steep channel of the midsole, i.e.the channel which, of all the channels in the midsole, has the largest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base surface. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the midsole 1 shown, the vertical distance D 41c of the channel 41c, i.e. the steep channel, and the vertical distance D 41c of the channel 41b, both of which are arranged in the heel area, to the surface 3 of the midsole 1 is smaller than that of the channel 41a in the heel area and / or than that of another channel 42a of the midsole 1. The vertical distance D 41a , D 41b , D 41c between the respective channel 41a, 41b, 41c and the surface 3 of the midsole becomes continuously smaller from the channel 41a arranged closest to the heel edge of the midsole from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole in the heel area. The vertical distance reaches a minimum at the steep channel 41c and then increases again in the longitudinal direction L towards the sole tip 6 at the following channel 42a.

[0069] The Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment from the Figure 5 It can be seen that the steep channel 41c has the largest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base surface. In both the channels toward the heel edge and the channels toward the sole tip, the corresponding acute angle between the respective main longitudinal axis and the base surface is generally smaller than in the steep channel 41.

[0070] The Figure 7shows a highly schematic horizontal section of a sole according to another embodiment of the invention. In fact, the channels are not necessarily all located in the same plane. It is intended to illustrate that in this embodiment, the channels 41, 42, and 43 (for reasons of clarity, only three of the channels are labeled) taper transversely from the lateral side LS of the midsole to the medial side MS of the midsole.

[0071] In the Figure 8a running shoe with a midsole 1 according to the invention is shown according to a further embodiment of the invention. The longitudinal main axis 421 of the channel 42 runs in the V,L plane through the center of the channel 42 and runs parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction in which the channel extends. In addition, the longitudinal main axis runs through the points of the channel walls that are furthest apart from one another in the cross-section along the above-mentioned cross-sectional plane. The channels are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L from the heel edge 5 to the sole tip 6 and are arranged in the lateral and / or medial region of the midsole 1 in at least a first and a second horizontal plane. The first and second horizontal planes are vertically offset from one another.The channel 41 is arranged in the first horizontal plane and the channel 42 is arranged in the second horizontal plane which is offset in the vertical direction.

Claims

1. Sole for a running shoe with an elastic midsole (1) with a base area (2) delimiting the midsole (1) counter to the vertical direction (V) of the midsole and a surface (3) delimiting the midsole (1) in the vertical direction (V), wherein the midsole (1) is divided into a heel area (FB), a midfoot area (MFB) and a forefoot area (VFB); and wherein the midsole (1) has a plurality of channels (41, 42, 43) running in the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1) and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1), wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) each have an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole, and wherein each channel (41, 42, 43) has a longitudinal main axis (411, 421) in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction (L) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q);and wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) of at least one channel (41) arranged in the heel region is greater than the acute angle (α-42) between the base surface (2) and the main longitudinal axis (421) of at least one channel (42, 43) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or in the forefoot region (VFB).

2. Sole according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) becomes smaller from a channel in the heel area, in particular the channel (41) arranged closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1), to a channel in the midfoot area and / or to a channel in the forefoot area, in particular to the channel arranged closest to the sole tip (6), in particular becomes continuously smaller from channel to channel.

3. Sole according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) of each channel from the channel (41) arranged closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1) first becomes larger from channel to channel in the direction of the sole tip (6) and then becomes smaller from channel to channel in the direction of the sole tip (6).

4. Sole according to claim 3, wherein the channel of the midsole which, of all the channels of the midsole, has the largest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) is arranged in the heel region, wherein preferably the channel of the midsole which has the largest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) is the third channel of the midsole in the longitudinal direction (L) from the heel edge (5).

5. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface (2) of at least one channel (43) arranged in the forefoot region (VFB), in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region (VFB), is between 0° and 15°, in particular 0° to 5°, in particular 0° to 2°, wherein preferably the longitudinal main axis of at least one channel (43) arranged in the forefoot region (VFB), in particular of all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region (VFB), is arranged substantially parallel to the base surface.

6. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each channel (41, 42, 43) has a lateral main axis (422) and wherein the height along the lateral main axis of a channel (43) arranged in the forefoot region (VFB) is smaller than the height along the lateral main axis (422) of a channel (41, 42) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or in the heel region (FB).

7. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) of a channel (41) arranged in the heel region (FB) is between 5° and 85°, in particular between 35° and 85°, preferably between 40° and 75°.

8. Sole according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) becomes continuously smaller from the channel (41) arranged closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1) towards the sole tip (6) in the heel region (FB).

9. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acute angle (α-42) between the longitudinal main axis (421) and the base surface (2) of a channel (42) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) is between 0° and 35°, preferably between 0° and 25°.

10. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) on the lateral side and / or the medial side of the midsole (1) each have lateral openings.

11. Sole according to claim 10, wherein the midsole (1) and the channels (41, 42, 43) arranged in the heel area (FB) and / or in the midfoot area (MFB) and / or in the forefoot area (VFB) are designed to completely close the lateral openings due to the forces occurring during running.

12. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) each have a rectangular, oval, drop-shaped, pentagonal and / or hexagonal contour in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1).

13. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular in the case of the channels in the heel area, the vertical distance between the respective channel and the surface of the midsole of each channel becomes smaller from the channel (41) arranged closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1) from channel to channel in the direction of the sole tip (6).

14. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical distance between the channel in the heel region which is arranged longitudinally closest to the sole tip, in particular the third channel from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction towards the sole tip, and the surface of the midsole is smaller than the vertical distance between any other channel of the midsole and the surface of the midsole.

15. Shoe, in particular a running shoe, comprising a sole according to one of the preceding claims.

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