A component for footwear

Abstract

A component (1) for footwear is intended to be interposed between a foot and the ground. The component (1) is delimited by an upper surface (1a) which, during use, is turned towards the foot. The upper surface (1a) comprises a weight-bearing region (2) in which a metatarsal support element (P) is provided, the metatarsal support element being positioned at, and below, a plurality of metatarsal heads of a user's foot. The metatarsal support element (P) comprises a plurality of regions (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) having different deformability for supporting respective metatarsal heads of the plurality of metatarsal heads.

Description

[0001] A COMPONENT FOR FOOTWEAR

[0002] The present invention relates to a component for footwear intended to be interposed between a user’s foot, inserted inside the footwear, and the ground.

[0003] In greater detail, the present invention relates to a component for footwear configured to receive, resting thereon, and to support, a plurality of metatarsal heads of a user’s foot.

[0004] The present invention further relates to footwear comprising the aforesaid component.

[0005] In other words, the present invention fits into the footwear industry.

[0006] The component is preferably, but not exclusively, suitable for being associated with footwear having a heel, preferably a high heel, and thus having a predetermined inclination.

[0007] In other words, the component is preferably, but not exclusively, suitable for being associated with footwear having a high differential, in the use configuration, between the region where the forefoot rests, in particular the portion of the metatarsal bones adjacent to the proximal phalanxes, and the region on which the calcaneus rests.

[0008] A foot inserted inside footwear comprising a heel is positioned in plantar flexion, i.e. it is placed on an inclined plane because of the heel itself.

[0009] In this condition, the relationship of the tibiotarsal joint of the foot is not neutral, unlike when the foot is inserted inside footwear without a heel.

[0010] A weight-bearing region is defined inside the shoe, on which the metatarsal heads rest. In traditional footwear, the weight-bearing region is delimited by a flat horizontal support surface.

[0011] When the relationship of the tibiotarsal joint is neutral, i.e. when the foot is inserted inside footwear without a heel, the metatarsal heads of the foot all rest on the support surface in the same manner, thereby ensuring a good distribution of the load, as well as a physiological behaviour of the entire anatomy of a user’s foot.

[0012] In contrast, when the relationship of the tibiotarsal joint is not neutral, i.e. when the foot is inserted inside footwear comprising a heel, the metatarsal heads do not rest evenly on the support surface. More specifically, only the metatarsal heads of the longer metatarsals rest on the support surface of the footwear, so those metatarsals are overloaded compared to the shorter metatarsals. A condition of this type, which allows neither a good load distribution nor a physiological behaviour of the entire anatomy of the foot, may be a cause of static-dynamic alterations of the entire locomotor system. More specifically, a foot forced into high-heeled footwear takes on a plantarflexion configuration: the front ligaments of the ankle are extended, and the metatarsal bones are approximately vertical and turned towards the ground.

[0013] In plantarflexion the subtalar joint, with a movement of supination, causes the mid- and forefoot to shift medially in internal rotation, adducts (or moves closer to the midline of the body), and consequently lateralises the load due to the weight and directs it onto the central metatarsal heads. The result is a lack of support of the first metatarsal, which increases the load on the second and third metatarsals, with a lack of support also on the fourth and fifth metatarsals.

[0014] In other words, a user who wears a high-heeled shoe rests his or her foot on the support surface of the footwear, transferring the weight of his or her body almost entirely onto the metatarsal heads of the second and third metatarsals, thus determining an uneven load distribution that is burdensome for the central metatarsals.

[0015] As the cooperation of the heads of the first, fourth and fifth metatarsal is reduced, a condition arises where the lower portion of the ankle, and in particular the subtalar joint, pronates in an attempt to compensate for the instability created by the shoe heel, which forces a strong differential between the support of the heel of the foot and the metatarsal joint. This precludes a correct muscle recruitment, necessary for secure walking and an effective erect stance.

[0016] Furthermore, vascular dynamism is reduced, and an inflammation of joint and muscle tissues is favoured, with the possible occurrence of pathologies correlated thereto.

[0017] The problems mentioned can also occur, proportionally, when footwear having a heel that is less high, or in any case higher than 0 mm, is used.

[0018] More specifically, such problems can arise in correlation with the most traumatic phases of walking, i.e. the unipedal and propulsive phases.

[0019] The prior art envisages adding a layer of soft material to the insole of footwear comprising a heel, the soft material being placed in the weightbearing region onto which nearly the totality of the weight is transferred.

[0020] Other solutions, by contrast, envisage the use of plantar insoles applied directly to the user’s foot, in proximity to the metatarsal fascia. Such insoles comprise at least one layer of soft material.

[0021] For both solutions, the strategy identified for confronting the abovedescribed problems is thus to pad and soften the part of the footwear in contact with the metatarsal heads in order to improve comfort by means of a dampening effect.

[0022] However, such solutions only serve to remedy the effects of the problems without confronting the causes thereof.

[0023] A need strongly felt by footwear users is to be able to use footwear, particularly with reference to high-heeled footwear, which allows them to reduce the risk of having to confront the consequences tied to the occurrence of the previously discussed problems.

[0024] In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a component for footwear, intended to be positioned between the foot and the ground, and footwear that reduces the discomfort due to the abovementioned drawbacks.

[0025] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a component for footwear and footwear which can enable a better and more comfortable walking of a user, as well as moderate complexity, cost and production times.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a component for footwear and footwear that can improve user comfort.

[0027] It is likewise an object of the present invention to provide a component for footwear and footwear that can improve balance and stability during the phases of walking, in particular in the phase of unipedal loading and in the propulsive phase.

[0028] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a component for footwear, and by footwear, comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.

[0029] The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] In particular, the present invention relates to a component for footwear intended to be interposed between a foot and the ground.

[0031] The component is delimited by an upper surface which, during use, is turned towards the foot, and comprises a weight-bearing region in which a metatarsal support element is provided.

[0032] When the shoe is worn, the metatarsal support element is positioned at a plurality of metatarsal heads of the foot and below the plurality of metatarsal heads themselves.

[0033] The metatarsal support element has a plurality of regions having different deformability for supporting respective metatarsal heads.

[0034] This allows for modulating the load bearing on the metatarsal heads of a user, thus favouring comfort and greater stability.

[0035] The plurality of regions of the metatarsal support element comprises regions having different deformability. In other words, the plurality of regions of the metatarsal support element comprises regions having a different elastic modulus.

[0036] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the metatarsal support element comprises a first, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth region having different deformability, configured respectively to support the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth metatarsal head of a user’s foot. Preferably, the second region has a higher deformability than the first, the third, the fourth and the fifth region.

[0037] Preferably, the fifth region has a lower deformability than the first, the second, the third and the fourth region.

[0038] Advantageously, this embodiment allows each metatarsal head to be associated with a respective region, so as to favour a modulation of the forces applied on the individual metatarsals of a user’s foot, thereby ensuring an increase in static and dynamic support comfort, i.e. a broader and more homogeneous base of support and propulsion.

[0039] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of regions of the metatarsal support element comprises a central region, configured to support the second and the third metatarsal head, a first lateral region, configured to support the first metatarsal head and a second lateral region, configured to support the fourth and the fifth metatarsal head.

[0040] Preferably, the central region has a higher deformability than the first and the second lateral region.

[0041] In one version, the plurality of regions of the metatarsal support element is defined by a respective plurality of materials having different deformability. Preferably, the plurality of materials comprises materials having different density.

[0042] The present invention also relates to footwear, preferably footwear with a heel, comprising the abovementioned component.

[0043] Advantageously, the component and the footwear of the present invention enable more functional and comfortable walking of the user by favouring a differentiated support for the metatarsal heads, consequently enabling a better distribution of weight.

[0044] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly in the approximate and thus non-limiting description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a component for footwear, and of footwear. The description will be set forth below with reference to the appended drawings, provided for indicative purposes, and thus non-limiting, in which:

[0045] - figure 1 is a schematic top view of a component for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

[0046] - figure 2 is a perspective view of the component in figure 1 , according to an alternative version;

[0047] - figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of the component in figure 1 ;

[0048] - figure 4 is a sectional view like the one in figure 3, relating to a component for footwear according to an alternative version;

[0049] - figure 5 is a sectional view like the one in figure 3, relating to a component for footwear according to another alternative version;

[0050] - figures 6 to 8 are schematic sectional views, not to scale, of the component in figure 1 , drawn along a longitudinal direction.

[0051] With reference to the appended figures, the reference number 1 denotes in its entirety a component for footwear, adapted to be interposed between a user’s foot and the ground.

[0052] In one embodiment, the component 1 is produced in the form of an insole, in which case it is intended to be positioned inside footwear so as to come directly into contact with a user’s foot.

[0053] In one embodiment, the component 1 is produced in the form of an outsole, intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the component 1 is produced in the form of a structural insert, or a midsole, intended to be positioned between the insole and the outsole.

[0055] Advantageously, the component 1 is adaptable to a structural insert, to an insole, or to a midsole, i.e. to components present in all footwear and inserted inside any footwear during the production thereof.

[0056] In detail, a component 1 , suitable for being used in high-heeled footwear, has been represented by way of non-limiting example in figures 1 and 2. In other words, the component 1 is also suitable for being used in other types of footwear, such as, by way of example, sports footwear or footwear without a heel, or with a low heel.

[0057] The component 1 is delimited by an upper surface 1 a which, during use, is intended to be turned towards a user’s foot, more in particular towards the plantar surface of the foot. In other words, during use, the upper surface 1 a is turned upwards.

[0058] The upper surface 1 a comprises a weight-bearing region 2, configured and positioned along the upper surface 1 a in such a way as to accommodate a plantar region of a user’s foot interposed between the metatarsal bones and the proximal phalanxes.

[0059] In greater detail, the weight-bearing region 2 is configured to receive the metatarsal heads of the foot resting thereon.

[0060] In the weight-bearing region 2 a metatarsal support element “P” is provided, the metatarsal support element “P” being intended to be positioned at the metatarsal heads of the foot. The metatarsal support element “P”, during use, is turned towards the user’s foot so as to support the metatarsal heads of the foot, which rest upon the metatarsal support element “P”.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the component 1 can comprise a front portion 10, adapted to be positioned in a position adjacent to the toes of the foot, and a rear portion 11 , adapted to be positioned in a position adjacent to the heel of the foot. The metatarsal support element “P” can be interposed between the front portion 10 and the rear portion 11 . The metatarsal support element “P” can have the same thickness as the front portion 10 and the rear portion 11 . The metatarsal support element “P” can be joined to the front portion 10 and to the rear portion 1 1 on respective anchorage surfaces 12, for example by gluing.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 6, the anchorage surfaces 12 are rectilinear and substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 1 a. In other words, during use the anchorage surfaces 12 are substantially vertical.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 8, the anchorage surfaces 12 are inclined relative to the vertical direction. This allows the area of the anchorage surfaces 12 to be increased, thus making available a larger surface for applying an adhesive substance. Consequently, the metatarsal support element “P” is firmly anchored to the front portion 10 and to the rear portion 1 1 .

[0064] More generally, the anchorage surfaces 12 can have any desired form.

[0065] In another alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 7, a recess 3 can be obtained on the component 1 ; housed therein is the metatarsal support element “P”, which can be glued to the recess 3. The recess 3 can be obtained by removing material or by thermoforming. Preferably, the recess 3 comprises a flat or arched bottom surface 3a, and the metatarsal support element “P” is shaped complementarily to the recess 3.

[0066] The metatarsal support element “P” is configured to receive the metatarsal heads of a user’s foot resting thereon, so as to modulate the load bearing upon the metatarsal heads themselves, thereby favouring comfort and a greater stability of use by a user.

[0067] The metatarsal support element “P” can be positioned in such a way that the upper surface thereof is flush with the upper surface 1 a of the component 1 .

[0068] When inserted inside the recess 3, the metatarsal support element “P” thus defines a flat rest surface for the metatarsal heads of the foot.

[0069] The metatarsal support element “P” comprises a plurality of regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45” having different deformability, or different yieldingness, for supporting respective metatarsal heads of a user’s foot.

[0070] The term “deformability”, or “yieldingness” means an ability of a material to undergo deformation when subjected to a predetermined load.

[0071] In other words, the term “deformability” or “yieldingness” means an ability of a body to modify a geometric configuration (shape and / or size) thereof when subjected to an external stress, which, in the case of the present invention, is generated by the weight of a user transferred from the metatarsal heads of the latter’s foot onto the metatarsal support element “P”.

[0072] “Deformability” or “yieldingness” is quantified by means of a factor associated with each material, i.e. by means of the elastic modulus.

[0073] In one embodiment (not illustrated in the appended figures), the metatarsal support element “P” is produced in the form of a monolithic body formed from a single material, processed in such a way that the latter has a different deformability or ductility, or a different elastic modulus, in each region of the plurality of regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45”. Preferably, each region of the plurality of regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45” has a different hardness or density.

[0074] In other words, the metatarsal support element “P” is produced in the form of a monolithic body having regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45” having differentiated deformability.

[0075] In the illustrated examples, the plurality of regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45” of the metatarsal support element “P” is defined by a respective plurality of materials “M1”, “M2”, “M3”, “M4”, “M5”, “M23”, “M45” having a different deformability or yieldingness, i.e. a different elastic modulus.

[0076] In other words, the materials “M1 ”, “M2”, “M3”, “M4”, “M5”, “M23”, “M45” have a different hardness or density.

[0077] In greater detail, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the metatarsal support element “P” comprises a plurality of monolithic bodies, made of respective materials “M1 ”, “M2”, “M3”, “M4”, “M5”, “M23”, “M45”, connected or connectable to one another so as to define a single body having regions “P1”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45” having differentiated deformability, i.e. the metatarsal support element “P”.

[0078] Advantageously, the plurality of regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, “P23”, “P45” or of materials “M1”, “M2”, “M3”, “M4”, “M5”, “M23”, “M45” having different deformability favours a modulation of the forces bearing on the metatarsals of a user’s foot, thereby ensuring an increase in static and dynamic support comfort, i.e. a broader and more homogeneous support and propulsion base.

[0079] In accordance with a first embodiment, illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the metatarsal support element “P” comprises five regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”, wherein each region is intended to receive a respective metatarsal head of a user’s foot resting thereon.

[0080] In other words, a first region “P1 ” is configured to support the first metatarsal head, a second region “P2” is configured to support the second metatarsal head, a third region “P3” is configured to support the third metatarsal head, a fourth region “P4” is configured to support the fourth metatarsal head and a fifth region “P5” is configured to support the fifth metatarsal head.

[0081] Preferably, the second region “P2” has a higher deformability than the first, third, fourth and fifth regions “P1 ” “P3”, “P4”, “P5”. For example, the second region “P2” can have a lower elastic modulus than the first, third, fourth and fifth regions “P1” “P3”, “P4”, “P5”.

[0082] Preferably, the third region “P3” has a deformability comprised between a deformability of the first region “P1 ” and a deformability of the second region »P2”

[0083] For example, the third region “P3” can have a lower elastic modulus than the first region “P1 ” and a higher elastic modulus than the second region »P2”

[0084] Preferably, the fourth region “P4” has a lower deformability than the third region “P3”.

[0085] For example, the fourth region “P4” can have a higher elastic modulus than the third region “P3”.

[0086] Preferably, moreover, the fourth region “P4” has a higher deformability than said first region “P1”.

[0087] For example, the fourth region “P4” can have a lower elastic modulus than the first region “P1”.

[0088] Preferably, the fifth region “P5” has a lower deformability than the first, second, third and fourth regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”.

[0089] For example, the fifth region “P5” can have a higher elastic modulus than the first, second, third and fourth regions “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”.

[0090] Preferably, the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth region “P1 ”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4” and “P5” are respectively defined by a first, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth material “M1 ”, “M2”, “M3”, “M4” and “M5” having different elastic moduli, i.e. different deformability.

[0091] In accordance with a second embodiment, illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the metatarsal support element “P” comprises three regions “P1 ”, “P23”, “P45”, wherein each region is intended to receive at least one respective metatarsal head of a user’s foot resting thereon.

[0092] In greater detail, a central region “P23” is configured to support the second and the third metatarsal head of a user’s foot, a first lateral region “P1 ” is configured to support the first metatarsal head of a user’s foot, and a second lateral region “P45” is configured to support the fourth and the fifth metatarsal head of a user’s foot.

[0093] Preferably, the central region “P23” has a higher deformability than the first lateral region “P1 ” and than the second lateral region “P45”.

[0094] For example, the central region “P23” can have a lower elastic modulus than the first lateral region “P1” and than the second lateral region “P45”.

[0095] Preferably, the first lateral region “P1” has a higher deformability than the second lateral region “P45”.

[0096] For example, the first lateral region “P1” can have a lower elastic modulus than the second lateral region “P45”.

[0097] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in figure 4, the central region “P23”, and the first and the second lateral region “P1 ”, “P45” are respectively defined by a first, a second, and a third material “M1 ”, “M23”, “M45”, having different elastic moduli, i.e. different deformability.

[0098] In accordance with a further embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the first lateral region “P1 ” has a deformability equal to a deformability of the second lateral region “P45”.

[0099] In other words, the first lateral region “P1 ” has an elastic modulus that is equal to an elastic modulus of the second lateral region “P45”.

[0100] Preferably, in this case the central region “P23” is defined by a respective material “M23”, whilst the first and the second lateral region “P1 ”, “P45” are respectively defined by a same material “M1 ”. Alternatively, in an embodiment not illustrated in the appended figures, the first and the second lateral region “P1 ”, “P45” are respectively defined by two different materials having the same deformability, for example the same elastic modulus.

[0101] Advantageously, the present invention achieves the established objects by limiting the drawbacks complained of in the prior art and providing a component 1 for footwear that is capable of achieving a more efficient distribution of weight on all the metatarsal heads and can be produced fast and economically.

[0102] In fact, the metatarsal support element “P” is intended to receive the metatarsal heads and has regions “P1”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”; “P23”, “P45” having differentiated deformability, and in particular a deformability allowing for a more functional positioning of the metatarsal heads when the foot is in the plantarflexion configuration. In other words, thanks to the metatarsal support element “P”, each metatarsal head can rest upon a respective region “P1”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”; “P23”, “P45” having a deformability coherent with the physiology of the foot.

[0103] More specifically, the longer metatarsal heads, and above all the second metatarsal head, can penetrate into the metatarsal element “P” more deeply than the shorter metatarsal heads. In this manner, all the metatarsal heads can rest upon the component 1 , so that the weight of the person wearing the footwear is evenly distributed over all the metatarsal heads.

[0104] In other words, the component 1 for footwear according to the present invention provides a better and more functional metatarsal support surface for each metatarsal head, designed based on the dimensions and the height differential of the footwear.

[0105] User comfort is thus improved.

[0106] In fact, thanks to the presence of the weight-bearing region 2, at least partially sunken, i.e. thanks to the recess 3, the aforesaid component 1 limits the sliding forward of the foot relative to the footwear, thereby preventing the occurrence of aesthetic problems such as jamming of the toes and empty space in the rear part of the footwear.

[0107] A further object achieved is that of providing a component 1 for footwear capable of improving the user’s balance and stability during all phases of walking and standing erect, by increasing muscular recruitment and specifically of the glutes.

[0108] In fact, thanks to the more even distribution of the loads on the metatarsal heads, achieved by means of the regions “P1”, “P2”, “P3”, “P4”, “P5”; “P23”, “P45” having different deformability of the metatarsal support element “P”, the support of the foot is more stable, to the benefit of the muscular structure of the human body and a more fluid gait.

[0109] In detail, the metatarsal support element “P” is made of materials “M1 ”, “M2”, “M3”, “M4”, “M5”, “M23”, “M45” having a different density, i.e. different yieldingness, and intended to receive at least one respective metatarsal head resting thereon, in order to compensate for the different morphology of the metatarsal heads of a user’s foot.

[0110] As shown in Figure 1 , in a plan view, the component 1 can be delimited by delimitation lines L1 , L2 having a curved geometry.

[0111] Alternatively, the delimitation lines L1 , L2 can have a rectilinear geometry, as shown in the example in Figure 2.

[0112] The present invention also relates to footwear (not shown in the appended figures) comprising the above-described component 1.

[0113] Preferably, the footwear has a high heel, i.e. comprised from 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 140 mm, even more preferably from 30 mm to 130 mm, even though this condition is not necessary.

[0114] Advantageously, the footwear according to the present invention enables the user to maintain better posture during use, thus reducing the occurrence of the problems illustrated above.

[0115] In particular, the wearability of footwear with a large height differential, i.e. of footwear comprising a high heel, is favoured. In other words, the footwear according to the present invention allows for modulating the load below the metatarsal heads of a user’s foot, thereby favouring comfort as well as stability during use of the footwear itself, and consequently preventing the occurrence of pathologies deriving from continuous use of footwear with a heel.

[0116] Furthermore, the component 1 is easy to produce and has limited production costs.

[0117] Therefore, the present invention is capable of overcoming the drawbacks emerging from the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A component (1 ) for footwear intended to be interposed between a foot and the ground, wherein the component (1 ) is delimited by an upper surface (1 a) which, during use, is turned towards the foot, and wherein the upper surface (1 a) comprises a weight-bearing region (2) in which a metatarsal support element (3) is provided, the metatarsal support element (P) being intended to be positioned at a plurality of metatarsal heads of the foot and below said plurality of metatarsal heads, the metatarsal support element (P) comprising a plurality of regions (P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5, P23, P45) having different deformability for supporting respective metatarsal heads of the plurality of metatarsal heads.

2. The component (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of regions (P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5, P23, P45) comprises a region (P2, P23) which is configured to support at least the second metatarsal head and has a greater deformability than the remaining regions (P1 , P3, P4, P5, P45) of said plurality of regions (P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5, P23, P45).

3. The component (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of regions (P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5, P34, P45) of said metatarsal support element (P) comprises:- a first region (P1 ), configured to support the first metatarsal head;- a second region (P2), configured to support the second metatarsal head;- a third region (P3), configured to support the third metatarsal head;- a fourth region (P4), configured to support the fourth metatarsal head;- a fifth region (P5), configured to support the fifth metatarsal head, wherein the second region (P2) has a higher deformability than the first region (P1 ), the third region (P3), the fourth region (P4) and the fifth region (P5).

4. The component (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein said third region (P3) has a deformability comprised between a deformability of said first region (P1 ) and a deformability of said second region (P2).

5. The component (1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said fourth region (P4) has a lower deformability than said third region (P3).

6. The component (1 ) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said fourth region (P4) has a higher deformability than said first region (P1 ).

7. The component (1 ) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said fifth region (P5) has a lower deformability than said first region (P1 ), said second region (P2), said third region (P3) and said fourth region (P4).

8. The component (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of regions (P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5, P23, P45) of said metatarsal support element (P) comprises:- a central region (P23), configured to support the second and the third metatarsal head;- a first lateral region (P1 ), configured to support the first metatarsal head;- a second lateral region (P45), configured to support the fourth and the fifth metatarsal head; wherein the central region (P23) has a higher deformability than the first lateral region (P1 ) and than the second lateral region (P45).

9. The component (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said first lateral region (P1 ) has a higher deformability than said second lateral region (P45).

10. The component (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said first lateral region(P1 ) has a deformability that is equal to a deformability of said second lateral region (P45).

11. The component (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of regions (P1 , P2, P3, P4, P5, P23, P45) of said metatarsal support element (P) is defined by a respective plurality of materials (M1 , M2, M3, M4, M5, M23, M45) having different deformability.

12. The component (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said metatarsal support element (P) is interposed between a front portion (10) and a rear portion (1 1 ) of the component (1 ) and is glued to the front portion (10) and rear portion (1 1 ) on respective gluing surfaces (12).

13. The component (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein said metatarsal support element (P) is housed in a recess (3) provided in said component (1 ).

14. Footwear comprising a component (1 ) according to any preceding claim.

15. The footwear according to claim 14, wherein said component (1 ) is made as one of: an outsole of the footwear, an insole of the footwear, and a midsole of the footwear.

16. The footwear according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a heel having a height, measured from the ground, of from 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 140 mm, more preferably from 30 mm to 130 mm.

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