Sole with variable damping properties

Abstract

A sole for a running shoe is disclosed, comprising an elastic midsole (1) with a base area (2) limiting the midsole (1) opposite to the vertical direction (V) of the midsole and a surface (3) limiting 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 several channels (41, 42, 43) extending 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 principal 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 (2) of at least one channel (41) arranged in the heel region is greater than the acute angle (α-42) between the base (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 field

[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 wide variety of running shoes with different cushioning systems are known in the current state of the art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles featuring a gel core in the heel area to provide vertical cushioning upon impact are widespread. Further improvements in vertical cushioning properties have been achieved by placing individual spring elements in the heel area between the outsole and the insole.

[0003] While the aforementioned insoles improve the vertical cushioning properties of the shoes, they do not provide satisfactory cushioning for forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe. Forces with a large horizontal component are further amplified, especially on uneven terrain, and due to insufficient cushioning, represent one of the main causes of frequently occurring knee and hip pain.

[0004] From WO 2016 184 920 of the applicant, a sole is known which has downwardly projecting, laterally open, segmented, and channel-shaped elements. Under the influence of the forces occurring during walking, the channel-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 the shoe, for example when walking on sloping terrain, can be efficiently dampened, thereby preventing high stress on the joints, especially the knees and hips. Description of the invention

[0005] In soles with segmented, downward-projecting, laterally open, channel-shaped elements, material fatigue can occur over extended use, depending on the sole material. This can lead to a reduction in cushioning and irreversible deformation of the lateral openings of the channel-shaped elements, as the material's elastic properties can be lost after prolonged use. Furthermore, in the sole known from WO 2016 184 920, the channel-shaped elements are each present as individual elements projecting from the sole. Depending on the wearer's weight and foot position, the lateral openings may close unevenly, potentially causing the wearer to experience a "swimming" effect. This is because the upper and lower layers of the channel-shaped elements do not lie precisely on top of each other, but rather, for example, in the transverse direction of the sole, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.The direction of travel may be spatially shifted relative to each other.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been shown that the greatest cushioning effect is needed in the heel area of ​​the sole, as the runner makes initial contact with the ground via the heel. In contrast, significantly less cushioning is required in the forefoot area. It has even been found that cushioning structures in the forefoot can have negative effects. While cushioning structures in the forefoot can provide shock absorption upon impact, the runner must overcome the elasticity of these structures during push-off, which occurs almost entirely through the forefoot. This results in a loss of energy that cannot be used for the push-off itself.

[0007] The present invention is based on the general objective of further developing the prior art in the field of running shoe soles and preferably overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art wholly or partially. In advantageous embodiments, a sole is provided which, on the one hand, can dampen forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe during running, and on the other hand, exhibits no or at least less material fatigue even after prolonged use. In further advantageous embodiments, the occurrence of a "swimming effect" is avoided. In some advantageous embodiments, the damping effect in the heel area is increased compared to the prior art, while a lower damping effect is provided in the forefoot area compared to the heel area, so that significantly less force is lost during push-off and this force is practically entirely available for the push-off process.

[0008] The general problem is solved by a sole according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, as well as in 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 bounds the midsole opposite to its vertical direction and a surface that bounds the midsole vertically. It is understood that, during running (i.e., in its operational state), the base area faces the ground and the surface faces the wearer's foot, i.e., the insole. The midsole is divided into a heel area, a midfoot area, and a forefoot area. Those skilled in the art understand that these areas are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the running direction), and in particular, the midfoot area is positioned between the heel area and the forefoot area. The midsole also has several channels running transversely across the midsole and arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction.These channels are preferably open laterally, i.e., on the lateral and medial sides of the midsole. In cross-section, each channel has an elongated contour along a cross-sectional plane running longitudinally along the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction. Each channel has a principal longitudinal axis running longitudinally along the cross-sectional plane and perpendicular to the transverse direction. The acute angle between the principal longitudinal axis and the base of at least one channel located in the heel area is greater than the acute angle between the base and the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot area.It has been shown that the elongated contour of the channel, combined with the fact that the acute angle between the base and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel in the heel area is larger than in a channel in the midfoot and / or forefoot area, results in significantly increased cushioning in the heel area. Furthermore, the smaller acute angle between the base and the main longitudinal axis in the forefoot and / or midfoot area results in less cushioning, meaning that during push-off, which occurs almost entirely via the forefoot and optionally the midfoot, very little energy is lost through cushioning. Additionally, the increased acute angle of the channel(s) in the heel area not only provides vertical cushioning but also significant horizontal cushioning of the forces acting horizontally during running.Preferably, all channels in the heel area of ​​the midsole have a larger acute angle between the base surface and its respective main longitudinal axis than all channels in the forefoot area and / or in the midfoot area.

[0010] The characteristic of an acute angle between the longitudinal axis of a channel and the base of the midsole can also be replaced by an obtuse angle between the longitudinal axis of the respective channel and the perpendicular to the channel passing through its center. The perpendicular to the channel accordingly passes through the center of the channel and is perpendicular to the base of the midsole, or intersects it at an angle of approximately 90°. A person skilled in the art understands that, in the case of a curved base of the midsole, the point of intersection can be defined by the tangent to the midsole at the point where the midsole intersects the perpendicular to the channel.In this case as well, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective perpendicular of at least one channel arranged in the heel area is greater than the obtuse angle between the respective perpendicular and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel arranged in the midfoot and / or forefoot area. 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 perpendicular of the respective channel. Those skilled in the art 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 relates to a sole for a running shoe with an elastic midsole. Such a sole has a base area that bounds the midsole opposite to the vertical direction of the midsole and a surface that bounds 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 several channels extending transversely and arranged one behind the other longitudinally. 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 principal longitudinal axis extending along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. The obtuse angle between the principal longitudinal axis and the respective channel perpendicular of at least one channel located in the heel area is greater than the obtuse angle between the respective channel perpendicular and the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot area. The channel perpendicular of a channel passes through its center point and is perpendicular to the base of the midsole. The center point of the channel generally lies on the principal longitudinal axis. It is understood that the embodiments and advantages described here for the corresponding acute angles apply equivalently to the corresponding embodiments with obtuse angles.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "elongated contour" means that the channel extends further in cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane in one direction than in another. In other words, a channel with an "elongated contour" can be described as slot-shaped. A person skilled in the art understands a slot-shaped channel to be one 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 along one spatial direction is greater 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 cross-section along the aforementioned 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 principal longitudinal axis of a channel runs parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction in which the channel extends, and in cross-section runs along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane through the center of the channel. The principal longitudinal axis lies in the V,L plane of the midsole; that is, it does not run transversely across the midsole, but rather longitudinally and / or vertically across it. Typically, the principal longitudinal axis passes 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 along the principal longitudinal axis than along any other axis in the V,L plane of the corresponding channel.

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

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

[0016] Directional terms as used in the present disclosure are to be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by an axis from the heel area to the forefoot area and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The transverse direction Q of the sole runs transversely to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the midsole. The vertical direction V, in the context of the present invention, denotes a direction from the underside of the sole toward the insole, or, in the operational state, toward the foot of the wearer, 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, in the worn state, rests against the outer instep of the wearer's foot.The medial side of the sole, or midsole, refers to the outer inner edge of the sole, which is positioned opposite the lateral side. Therefore, in a pair of running shoes, the medial sides of the two shoes face each other when worn, while the lateral sides face away from each other. The forefoot area, for example, extends from the toe of the sole against the longitudinal direction to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole longitudinally. The heel area, for example, extends from the edge of the heel longitudinally to 20-30% of the total length of the midsole longitudinally. The midfoot area lies 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, specifically 15-50% of the total length.

[0017] A person skilled in the art understands 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, and is particularly convex towards the ground when walking, the acute angle between the longitudinal axis and the base surface denotes the angle between the longitudinal axis and the respective tangent to the base surface at the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis and the base surface. It should be noted that the acute angle of a channel in which the longitudinal axis of the channel does not intersect the base surface can be defined at the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis and the extending tangent at the point of contact between the base surface and the heel edge on the base surface.

[0018] Elastic, and 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, particularly 0.001 to 0.1 GPa, can be used, which, within the meaning of the present invention, can be considered elastic or soft-elastic materials. Typically, such materials can include 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 enclosed by the soft, elastic midsole, with the exception of any lateral and / or medial openings. In particular, the channels are completely enclosed 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 can therefore be formed entirely by the midsole in the lateral region. Typically, the channels can thus be described in a side view of the sole as transverse openings in an otherwise preferably one-piece midsole. In preferred embodiments, the midsole is not segmented, i.e., it is segmentation-free.This significantly improves the durability of the sole, as the midsole is generally much more stable compared to a segmented midsole. Furthermore, fatigue of the soft, elastic midsole over the lifespan of the sole or running shoe is prevented or at least significantly reduced. This allows the beneficial cushioning effect of the midsole to be maintained consistently over a long period.

[0020] For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is understood to be a recess, which is typically tubular in shape. Generally, a channel is wholly or partially bounded by its channel walls, except at 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, and 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 area of ​​the midsole, i.e., the total proportion of the lateral areas of the channel openings, can be smaller than the total proportion of the closed area of ​​the midsole, i.e., the total proportion of the outer surface of the midsole that does not have channels.In some embodiments, the channels are arranged exclusively in the longitudinal direction, i.e., from the heel edge to the toe of the sole, one behind the other. This does not preclude some or even all of the channels from being arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction. Preferably, no channels are arranged wholly or partially one above the other in the vertical direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the channels are arranged longitudinally from the heel edge to the toe of the sole, one behind the other, and vertically, at least two or more channels are offset from each other. In certain embodiments, the channels are arranged in the lateral and / or medial region of the midsole in at least one first and one second horizontal plane. Here, the first and second horizontal planes are vertically offset from each other. By arranging the channels in at least one first and one second horizontal plane, a significant improvement in cushioning is achieved. Furthermore, the cushioning is no longer limited to individual segments of the sole, but extends essentially over 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 should also be understood that the horizontal plane can be slightly curved. This can be the case, for example, if the sole, as is typical for running shoes, is slightly curved upwards vertically at the forefoot and / or heel.

[0023] It is clear to those skilled in the art that the deformability of the channels can include, for example, the vertical merging of the channel walls and / or the shearing of the channel in the longitudinal direction. Typically, the upper and lower channel walls can come into contact under the influence of the forces occurring during operation, so that the corresponding channel is deformed to the point of lateral closure.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic midsole is formed in one piece. The elastic midsole thus preferably consists of a single material and is therefore more stable than a midsole consisting of several components, in particular components glued or welded together.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the channels have lateral openings in the lateral region of the midsole. Preferably, the channels are deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction under the influence of forces acting vertically and / or longitudinally during walking, until the lateral openings are closed.

[0026] Typically, the upper and lower canal walls can touch under the influence of the forces occurring during running.

[0027] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface decreases from a channel in the heel area, particularly the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to a channel in the midfoot area and / or to a channel in the forefoot area, particularly the channel closest to the toe of the sole. In particular, the acute angle from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole to the channel closest to the toe of the sole can decrease continuously, at least over a portion of the longitudinal length of the sole or over the entire longitudinal length of the sole. For example, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface decreases continuously from channel to channel from the heel edge to the midfoot area. In the forefoot area, the acute angle can be consistently 0°.In particular, the main longitudinal axis of the channels in the forefoot area can be parallel to the base plate. This means that, viewed from channel to channel, the channels slope downwards from the heel edge towards the toe. This results in increased cushioning in the heel area, while the smaller acute angles between the base plate and the main longitudinal axis in the forefoot and / or midfoot area provide less cushioning, thus minimizing energy loss during push-off. Generally, the larger the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base plate, the greater the cushioning effect. Therefore, it is advantageous for the channel closest to the heel edge to have the largest acute angle, as this is where the required cushioning effect is greatest.The further a channel is positioned longitudinally towards the tip of the sole, the less damping effect is required, so the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface is chosen to be smaller.

[0028] Alternatively, the above embodiment can be described such that the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the perpendicular of the respective channel decreases from a channel in the heel area, in particular the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to a channel in the midfoot area and / or to a channel in the forefoot area, in particular the channel closest to the toe of the sole. In particular, the obtuse angle from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole to the channel closest to the toe of the sole can decrease continuously, at least over a partial longitudinal section of the sole or over the entire longitudinal length of the sole.

[0029] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of each channel increases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole. In such embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of each channel can increase continuously from channel to channel, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, up to a steeper channel located further longitudinally towards the toe of the sole. This steeper channel represents the midsole channel with the largest acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of the channel, and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole.In such embodiments, the midsole thus has channels in the heel area, wherein the channel closest to the heel edge exhibits the smallest acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of all channels in the heel area. The corresponding acute angle then increases, for example, continuously, over the two channels that follow longitudinally towards the toe of the sole. The midfoot area can then directly adjoin these channels, wherein the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of the channel closest to the heel edge in the midfoot area is smaller than the corresponding acute angle of at least one, at least two, or all channels in the heel area.

[0030] Alternatively, the above embodiment can be described such that the obtuse angle between the longitudinal main axis and the channel perpendicular of each channel first increases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the tip of the sole.

[0031] Corresponding analyses have shown that such designs are particularly advantageous because they allow all channels in the heel area to close almost completely upon impact. This means that both vertically and horizontally acting forces are efficiently absorbed, and a secure stance is ensured without any slippage. Furthermore, it has been shown that the horizontally acting forces are not necessarily greatest at the heel edge, i.e., in the channel closest to the heel edge, but generally in a section of the heel area further along the longitudinal axis, closer to the toe. Since the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of each channel, or...The obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the channel perpendicular, of which 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 achieves maximum absorption of the horizontally acting forces.

[0032] The channel of the midsole, which of all channels of the midsole 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 arranged in the heel area and is called a steep channel.

[0033] The steep channel is typically arranged from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole at 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 30%, in particular 25% to 30%, of the total length of the sole or midsole.

[0034] The steep channel, i.e. the channel of the midsole which of all channels of the midsole 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, can in some embodiments be the third channel of the midsole in the longitudinal direction from the heel edge.

[0035] The acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of the steep channel is preferably between 35° and 85°, particularly between 40° and 75°. The obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the perpendicular of the steep channel can be between 125° and 170°, particularly between 125° and 165°, preferably between 155° and 165°. Due to the relatively large angle of the steep channel, good vertical cushioning is achieved in this area of ​​the midsole, as well as significant horizontal cushioning.

[0036] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, and in particular between all channels arranged in the forefoot region, is between 0° and 15°, in particular between 0° and 5°, and in particular between 0° and 2°. An angle of 0° means that the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base are substantially parallel to each other. In the case of a curved base, this parallelism refers to a tangent to the base which lies vertically below the channel. Such small angles ensure that, on the one hand, sufficient damping is provided to adequately protect the joints of the support, while on the other hand, the damping is not so great that a significant proportion of the impact energy is lost due to damping.

[0037] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective perpendicular of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, and in particular between all of the channels arranged in the forefoot region, is between 90° and 100°, and in particular between 90° and 95°. An angle of 90° means that the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface are substantially parallel to each other. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent to the base surface that lies vertically below the channel.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, the longitudinal principal axis of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot area, in particular of all the channels arranged in the forefoot area, is arranged substantially parallel to the base surface.

[0039] In some embodiments, each channel has a principal lateral axis. This principal lateral axis is typically perpendicular to the respective principal longitudinal axis of the channel. The height, i.e., the direct distance between the channel walls, along the principal lateral axis of a channel located in the forefoot is smaller than the width along the principal lateral axis of a channel located in the midfoot and / or heel. This results in a high level of cushioning in the heel area. Simultaneously, the cushioning effect in the forefoot area is significantly lower, thus reducing energy loss during push-off.

[0040] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of a channel arranged in the heel area, in particular of all channels arranged in the heel area, is between 5° and 85°, more specifically between 35° and 85°, preferably between 40° and 75°. The relatively large angle not only achieves good vertical cushioning but also significant horizontal cushioning, since the channels can be closed by the horizontal forces acting during running, in particular by contact between the channel walls.

[0041] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective perpendicular of a channel arranged in the heel area, and in particular of all channels arranged in the heel area, is between 110° and 175°, more specifically between 125° and 170°, and preferably between 125° and 165°. This relatively large angle not only achieves good vertical cushioning but also significant horizontal cushioning, as the channels can be closed by the horizontal forces acting during running, particularly by contact between the channel walls.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface, or the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective channel perpendicular, decreases continuously from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole towards the tip of the sole in the heel area or exclusively in the heel area.

[0043] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of a channel arranged in the midfoot area is between 0° and 35°, preferably between 0° and 25°. The midfoot area represents an intermediate zone where, on the one hand, a certain degree of cushioning is still required upon impact, but on the other hand, the cushioning effect must not be too great, since the anterior part of the midfoot area, viewed longitudinally towards the toe of the sole, is already used for pushing off the ground. Particularly preferred is an acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base of a channel that directly adjoins a channel in the heel area greater than 0°, for example, between 10° and 35° or 10° and 25°.In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface of the channel located closest to the heel edge of the midsole in the midfoot area decreases continuously in the direction of the sole tip in the heel area.

[0044] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective perpendicular of a channel arranged in the midfoot area is between 90° and 120°, preferably between 90° and 115°.

[0045] In further embodiments, the channels on the lateral and / or medial side of the midsole each have lateral openings. These openings can close, and in particular close completely, due to the forces generated during running, by the channel walls coming into contact. Thus, the channels located in the heel area, the midfoot area, and / or the forefoot area can be designed to completely close the lateral openings due to the forces generated during running. The forces generated during running are typically due to the weight of the wearer, which can be, for example, between 40 and 120 kg, and in particular between 50 and 100 kg.

[0046] In some embodiments, the channels are designed in such a way that, when completely closed, especially when the side openings are completely closed, the channels assume an S-shape.

[0047] In some embodiments, the channels each have a rectangular, oval, pentagonal, hexagonal, and / or teardrop-shaped, particularly 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 five channels with different contours. A teardrop-shaped contour is defined as a shape that essentially consists of an isosceles triangle and an adjoining circular segment. Those skilled in the art understand that these contours also include shapes with rounded corners, i.e., a rectangle with rounded corners.A teardrop-shaped, particularly lanceolate, contour is especially preferred, particularly when the circular segment of the teardrop shape is oriented towards the base. This allows for particularly high horizontal damping of forces acting in a horizontal direction during running. Furthermore, a teardrop-shaped, particularly lanceolate, contour allows for a particularly controlled closure of the channels, thus preventing a swimming effect. This is because channels with a teardrop-shaped contour are designed to assume an S-shape when closed. It follows that channels with a teardrop-shaped contour are primarily used in the heel area. In the forefoot and / or midfoot area, however, channels with a different contour, particularly a rectangular, pentagonal, and / or hexagonal contour, may be used.

[0048] 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 along the main longitudinal axis and thus, in some embodiments, the greatest extent in the cross-sectional plane along the longitudinal direction and transversely to the transverse direction of the base.

[0049] In some embodiments, the channels have a height of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.3 cm to 1 cm, along the main lateral axis.

[0050] In some embodiments, the steep channel along the main longitudinal axis has a width that is greater than the width along the respective main longitudinal axis of each other channel of the midsole.

[0051] In some embodiments, the steep channel along the main lateral axis has a height that is greater than the height along the respective main lateral axis of each other channel of the midsole.

[0052] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between at least one, and in particular a single, channel in the heel area 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 in a channel in the heel area results in improved cushioning than a larger vertical distance. The closer the channel is 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 allows for a powerful push-off with minimal energy loss.

[0053] 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 rather its channel wall, and the midsole surface. Typically, this vertical distance therefore corresponds to the minimum thickness of the midsole in the vertical direction between the respective channel and the midsole surface.

[0054] Preferably, in a channel where the vertical distance to the midsole surface is smaller than in another channel, the vertical distance of that channel to the midsole surface is larger than in the other channel. Thus, the channel with the smaller vertical distance to the midsole surface is vertically offset from the other channel(s). Conversely, the other channels can be described as offset against the vertical direction from the channel with the smaller vertical distance to the midsole surface.

[0055] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the channels in the heel area and, optionally, in the midfoot area, particularly exclusively in the heel area, decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole. It has been shown that the horizontally acting forces are not necessarily greatest at the heel edge, i.e., in the channel closest to the heel edge, but rather in a portion of the heel area located further longitudinally towards the toe. Due to the decreasing vertical distance, the greatest cushioning can therefore be positioned in the area of ​​highest stress, 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.

[0056] In some embodiments, the vertical distance of each channel to the surface of the midsole decreases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then increases from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole. In other words, in such embodiments, the channels are arranged such that the vertical distances of the respective channels, viewed from the lateral or medial side of the sole, decrease in the heel area, reach a minimum, and then increase again in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole.

[0057] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the channel in the heel area, which is located longitudinally closest to the toe of the sole, in particular the third channel from the heel edge in the direction of the toe of the sole, 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.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the vertical distance of the steep channel to the surface of the midsole can be smaller than the distance of any other channel to the surface of the midsole.

[0059] In some embodiments, some, and in particular all, of the channels in 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 decreases in cross-section along a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, from the lateral side to the medial side. This has the advantage of increasing the stability of the sole, especially during impact, without significantly reducing its cushioning properties. Additionally or alternatively, some, and in particular all, of the channels in 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 more lateral or medial stress.It is also possible, for example, that the channels in the forefoot area taper laterally from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole, and that the channels in the heel area taper laterally from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole, and vice versa. Furthermore, the channels in the midfoot area can taper laterally from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole, or from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole.

[0060] Another aspect of the invention relates to a shoe, in particular a running shoe with a sole according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0061] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sole according to one of the embodiments described here for the manufacture of a shoe, in particular a running shoe.

[0062] The following numbered embodiments remain 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 bounding the midsole opposite to the vertical direction of the midsole and a surface bounding the midsole in the vertical direction, wherein the midsole is divided into a heel area, a midfoot area and a forefoot area; and wherein the midsole has several channels extending transversely to 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 has a longitudinal contour along the cross-sectional plane and perpendicular to the transverse direction.a longitudinal principal axis; and wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal principal 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 principal 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 principal axis and the base surface decreases from a channel in the heel region, in particular the channel located 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 located closest to the toe of the sole.in particular, becomes continuously smaller 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 first increases from channel to channel towards the toe of the sole, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then decreases from channel to channel towards the toe of the sole. 4. In a fourth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the third embodiment, wherein the midsole channel which has the largest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of all the midsole channels is located in the heel area. 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 largest acute angle between the main longitudinal 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 preceding embodiments 1-5, wherein the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all the channels arranged in the forefoot region, is between 0° and 15°, in particular 0° and 5°, in particular 0° and 2°. 7. In a seventh embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to the sixth embodiment, wherein the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel arranged in the forefoot region, in particular of all 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 preceding embodiments 1-7, wherein each channel has a major lateral axis and wherein the height along the major lateral axis of a channel arranged in the forefoot region is less than the height along the major lateral 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 preceding embodiments 1-8, wherein the acute angle between the major longitudinal 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 embodiments 6 to 9,wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of the channel located closest to the heel edge of the midsole decreases continuously in the heel area. 11. In an eleventh embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-10, wherein the acute angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface of a channel located in the midfoot area 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 preceding 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 in the midfoot area and / or in the forefoot area are designed to completely close the lateral openings through the forces occurring during walking. 14. In a fourteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-13, wherein the channels each have a rectangular, oval, teardrop, 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 preceding embodiments 1-14,wherein one or all of the channels arranged in the heel area have a teardrop-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 preceding 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 main longitudinal axis. 17. In a seventeenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding 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 main lateral axis. 18. In an eighteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-17, wherein, in particular, the channels in the heel area,The vertical distance between each channel and the surface of the midsole of each channel decreases from channel to channel in the direction of the toe of the sole, starting with the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole. 19. In a nineteenth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-18, wherein the vertical distance between the channel in the heel area that is longitudinally closest to the toe of the sole, in particular the third channel in the longitudinal direction from the heel edge towards the toe of the sole, and the surface of the midsole is smaller than the vertical distance between each other channel of the midsole and the surface of the midsole. 20. In a twentieth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-19, wherein a portion of the channels, in particular all channels,21. In a twenty-first embodiment, the disclosure relates to a sole according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-20, wherein at least a portion of the channels are configured 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 preceding embodiments 1-21. 23. In a twenty-third embodiment, the disclosure relates to the use of a sole according to one of embodiments 1 to 21 for the manufacture of a shoe, in particular a running shoe. Brief explanation of the characters

[0063] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description. Figure 1a,b shows a schematic side view of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a channel with a teardrop-shaped channel in the V,L plane as provided in some embodiments of the sole according to the invention; Figures 3a,b show photographs of a heel area of ​​a shoe with a sole according to the invention in the unloaded and loaded state; Figure 4 schematically shows a 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 a sole according to the invention 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 5where the course of the channels in the sole is illustrated; Figure 7 shows in a sectional view a 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 to lie in a plane for illustration purposes; 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

[0064] In the Figures 1a and 1bFigure 1 shows a sole according to the invention for a running shoe, which has an elastic midsole 1. The midsole 1 is bounded by the base 2 opposite the vertical direction V and by the surface 3 in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, the midsole 1 is divided into a heel area FB, a midfoot area MFB, and a forefoot area VFB. As shown, these three areas are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction, with the midfoot area MFB positioned between the heel area FB and the forefoot area VFB. The midsole 1 comprises several channels 41, 42, 43 extending in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for clarity, only three of the channels are labelled). These channels can generally be arranged substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction Q.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 has a longitudinal principal axis 411, 421 in cross-section along the cross-sectional plane in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q (for clarity, only the longitudinal principal axes of two of the channels are shown). It can be seen that the acute angle α-41 between the longitudinal principal axis 411 and the base surface 2, or the tangent at the intersection of the longitudinal principal axis 411 and the base surface 2, of channel 41 located in the heel area FB is larger than the acute angle α-42 between the base surface 2 (or the tangent at the intersection of the longitudinal principal axis 411 and the base surface 2).the tangent at the intersection of the longitudinal main axis 411 and the base surface 2) and the longitudinal main axis 421 of at least the channel 42 located in the midfoot region MFB. The angle between the longitudinal main axis and the base surface decreases continuously from channel to channel from the heel edge 5 to the toe of the sole 6 into the midfoot region and is essentially 0° in the forefoot region, i.e., the longitudinal main axis of the channels in the forefoot region VFB is parallel to the base surface 2. The channels also each have a lateral main axis 422 (for clarity, only the lateral main axis 422 of channel 42 is shown), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal main axis. The height of a channel is defined as the distance between the canal walls of a channel along the lateral main axis. As in the . Figure 1As shown, the height along the main lateral axis of the forefoot area VFB of channel 43 is less than the height along the main lateral axis of a channel 41, 42 located 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 are longer in one direction than the edge lengths of the other two parallel edges, the corresponding channels have an elongated contour.

[0065] In the Figure 1b is the embodiment of the Figure 1aInstead of the acute angles α-41 and α-42 between the longitudinal axis 411 and 421 and the base 2, or the tangent at the intersection of the longitudinal axis 411 and 421 and the base 2, the obtuse angle β-41 between the longitudinal axis 411 and the perpendicular 413 of the canal 41 is shown. The perpendicular passes through the midpoint M-41 of the canal 41, which lies on the longitudinal axis 411 and from which, in particular, the front and rear ends of the canal 41 are equidistant. Furthermore, the perpendicular to the canal is perpendicular to the base 2, or to the tangent (see tangent T-41) that lies against the base 2 at the intersection of the perpendicular to the canal (see perpendicular to the canal 413) with the base 2. Similarly, the obtuse angle β-42 between the major longitudinal axis 421 of the canal 42 and the perpendicular to the canal 423 of the canal 42 is shown.The obtuse angle β-41 of the canal 41, which is located in the heel area FB, is larger than the obtuse angle β-42, which is located in the midfoot area MFB.

[0066] In the Figure 2Figure 1 shows a channel with a teardrop-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 teardrop-shaped contour essentially consists of an isosceles triangle, in this case with a rounded apex, and a spherical segment, in this case a hemisphere, as indicated by the dotted line. A teardrop-shaped contour can therefore also be described, for example, as a lanceolate contour. Such a teardrop-shaped contour has proven particularly advantageous for the heel area, as it effectively reduces 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 towards each other. This allows for damping of horizontally acting forces without any segmentation of the midsole, and even in channels that are completely formed by the midsole in the V,L plane.

[0067] In the Figure 3a The figure shows a running shoe with a midsole according to the invention in its unloaded state. When the vertical and horizontal forces occurring during running act on the midsole, the channels close, particularly in the longitudinal direction L, forming an essentially S-shaped channel. This allows for efficient damping of both horizontal and vertical forces occurring during running.

[0068] In the Figure 4A running shoe with a midsole 1 according to the invention is shown in a further embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the midsole of the Figure 1 , indicates the in the Figure 4The midsole 1 shown in the image has channels 41 and 42 in the heel area (FB) and partially also in the midfoot area (MFB) (for clarity, only three channels are labeled in total). These channels 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. As shown, this contour does not necessarily have to be a regular hexagon. The main longitudinal axis 421 of channel 42 runs through the center of channel 42 in the V,L plane and is parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction in which the channel extends. Furthermore, the main longitudinal axis passes through the points on the channel walls that are furthest apart in cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. The channels in the forefoot area and partially also channels in the midfoot area have a rectangular contour with rounded corners, as shown, for example, in the image.shown for channel 43.

[0069] In the Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the insole according to the invention with a midsole 1. This midsole is bounded opposite the vertical direction V by the base surface 2 and in the vertical direction V by the surface 3. Furthermore, 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 (for clarity, only four of the channels are labelled) extending transversely Q and longitudinally L of the midsole 1. Channels 41a, 41b, and 41c are arranged in the heel area, while channel 42a is located in the midfoot area and is the channel in the midfoot area that is closest to the heel edge 5. As shown in Figure 1, the midsole 1 is divided into a heel area FB, a midfoot area FB, and a midfoot area FB. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, each channel in cross-section has a longitudinal axis L in the cross-sectional plane and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q (these are not labeled for clarity). It is evident that the acute angle between the longitudinal axis and the base of each channel, starting with channel 41a, which is closest to the heel edge of the midsole, first increases from channel 41b, 41c in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole, and then decreases again from channel 42a in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole. It should be noted that the acute angle of channel 41a is defined by the longitudinal axis of channel 41a and the extending tangent at the point of contact between 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 illustrated embodiment of the midsole 1, the vertical distance D 41c of channel 41c, i.e., the steep channel, as well as the vertical distance D 41c of channel 41b, both of which are located in the heel area, to the surface 3 of the midsole 1 is smaller than that of channel 41a in the heel area and / or than that of any other channel 42a of the midsole 1. The vertical distance D 41a, D 41b, D 41c between the respective channels 41a, 41b, 41c and the surface 3 of the midsole decreases continuously from channel to channel in the longitudinal direction towards the toe of the sole in the heel area, starting with channel 41a, which is located closest to the heel edge of the midsole. The vertical distance reaches a minimum at the steep channel 41c and then increases again in the longitudinal direction L towards the bottom tip 6 at the following channel 42a.

[0070] The Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment from the Figure 5 It is evident that the steep channel 41c exhibits the largest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base surface. In both the channels towards the heel edge and the channels towards the toe of the sole, the corresponding acute angle between the respective main longitudinal axis and the base surface is generally smaller than in the steep channel 41.

[0071] The Figure 7Figure 1 schematically shows a highly simplified horizontal section of a sole according to a further embodiment of the invention. In reality, the channels do not necessarily all lie in the same plane. The illustration is intended to show that, in this embodiment, the channels 41, 42, and 43 (for clarity, only three of the channels are labeled) taper in the transverse direction from the lateral side LS of the midsole to the medial side MS of the midsole.

[0072] In the Figure 8A running shoe with a midsole 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown. The main longitudinal axis 421 of the channel 42 runs in the V,L plane through the center of the channel 42 and is parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction in which the channel extends. Furthermore, the main longitudinal axis runs through the points on the channel walls that are furthest apart in cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. The channels are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L from the heel edge 5 to the toe 6 of the sole and are arranged in at least a first and a second horizontal plane in the lateral and / or medial region of the midsole 1. The first and second horizontal planes are vertically offset from each other.Channel 41 is arranged in the first horizontal plane and channel 42 is arranged in the second horizontal plane, which is offset vertically to it.

Claims

1. Sole for a shoe with an elastic midsole (1) having a base area (2) limiting the midsole (1) opposite to the vertical direction (V) of the midsole and a surface (3) limiting 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 several channels (41, 42, 43) extending 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 principal 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 longitudinal main axis (411) and the base (2) of at least one channel (41) arranged in the heel region is greater than the acute angle (α-42) between the base (2) and the longitudinal main axis (421) of at least one channel (42, 43) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or in the forefoot region (VFB), wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base (2) of a channel (41) arranged in the heel region (FB) is between 40° and 75°, and wherein the acute angle (α-42) between the longitudinal main axis (421) and the base (2) of a channel (42) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) is between 0° and 35°.

2. Sole according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) decreases from a channel in the heel area (FB), in particular the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1), to a channel in the midfoot area (MFB) and / or to a channel in the forefoot area (VFB), in particular to the channel located closest to the toe of the sole (6), and in particular decreases continuously 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 first increases from channel to channel in the direction of the toe (6) of the midsole (1) being located closest to the heel edge (5), and then decreases from channel to channel in the direction of the toe (6), wherein preferably the midsole channel which has the largest acute angle between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) of all the midsole channels is located in the heel area (FB).

4. 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 at least one channel (43) arranged in the forefoot area (FFO), in particular of all the channels arranged in the forefoot area (FFO), is between 0° and 15°, in particular 0° and 5°, in particular 0° and 2°.

5. Sole according to claim 4, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the longitudinal main axis (411) and the base surface (2) of the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1) becomes continuously smaller in the direction of the sole tip (6) in the heel area (FB).

6. 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 25°.

7. 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, wherein the midsole (1) and the channels (41, 42, 43) arranged in the heel area (H) and / or the midfoot area (MF) and / or the forefoot area (FFO) are designed to completely close the lateral openings through the forces occurring during running.

8. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) each have a rectangular, oval, teardrop, 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).

9. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or all of the channels (41) arranged in the heel area (FB) have a teardrop-shaped 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).

10. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular in the channels in the heel area (FB), the vertical distance between the respective channel and the surface of the midsole (1) of each channel decreases from channel to channel in the direction of the sole tip (6) from the channel (41) that is located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1).

11. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical distance between the channel in the heel area (FB), which is arranged longitudinally closest to the sole tip (6), in particular the third channel extending longitudinally from the heel edge (5) towards the sole tip (6), and the surface of the midsole (1) is smaller than the vertical distance between any other channel of the midsole (1) and the surface of the midsole (1).

12. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the channels (41, 42, 43), in particular all channels (41, 42, 43), of the midsole (1) each taper in the transverse direction (Q) from the lateral side to the medial side of the midsole (1), and / or wherein a portion of the channels (41, 42, 43), in particular all channels (41, 42, 43), of the midsole (1) each taper in the transverse direction (Q) from the medial side to the lateral side of the midsole.

13. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the channels (41, 42, 43) is designed such that the channels (41, 42, 43) assume an S-shape when fully closed.

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

15. Use of a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for the manufacture of a shoe, in particular a running shoe.

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