Shoe insole, especially for flip-flops or sandals

Abstract

Insole for flip-flops or sandals. An insole comprises a sockliner (12), a walking layer (11), and a biomechanical element (130) positioned between the sockliner (12) and the walking layer (11). The biomechanical element (130), which provides arch support, has a rear portion (134) adapted to be positioned in the heel area of ​​the insole (10). This rear portion (134) has a cavity (135) housing a shock-absorbing element (150). The insole can be used for all types of footwear, and particularly for flip-flops or sandals. See Figure 1 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Sole for shoes, particularly flip-flops or sandals

[0001] The present invention relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular of the flip-flop or sandal type.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a shoe having means for holding on the sole only a front part of a user's foot.

[0003] The invention is not limited to this type of shoe but also relates to a sole for any type of shoe: open shoes with means for supporting a rear part of a user's foot or closed shoes such as basketball shoes or sneakers.

[0004] The invention finds its application for example in the field of summer footwear, preferably flip-flop or sandal type shoes, also commonly called flip-flops, barefoot, etc.

[0005] Generally speaking, a flip-flop or sandal type shoe includes means for supporting a front part of the foot, such as a strap or strap. In a flip-flop, the supporting means start between the toes of the foot and run along the dorsal side to the midfoot. In a sandal or flip-flop, the supporting means extend across the front of the foot.

[0006] In the field of summer footwear, flip-flop or sandal type shoes have the disadvantage of not providing proper foot support. In fact, in general, the soles of flip-flops and sandals are flat. Thus, the soles do not respect the particular shape of the sole of the foot. During long journeys, walking in flip-flop or sandal type shoes can be painful for the user, or even become pathogenic in the long term. To improve the comfort of wearing flip-flop or sandal type shoes, shoes comprising a specific sole have been produced.

[0007] Thus, document FR 3 083 407 discloses such a flip-flop or sandal type shoe comprising a sole and means for holding only a front part of a user's foot to the sole.

[0008] The sole comprises a first layer called the cleanliness layer and a second layer called the walking layer, the cleanliness layer being adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user and the walking layer being adapted to be in contact with the ground.

[0009] Between these two layers of walking and cleanliness are arranged different support elements: a first support element formed from a portion of material adapted to be arranged under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot; a second support element formed from a portion of material adapted to be arranged in the region of the internal arch of the foot; and a third support element formed from a portion of material arranged as an external counter-support to the sole.

[0010] The first support element, the second support element and the third support element are made from a single piece of the same material.

[0011] These three foot support elements thus constitute a biomechanical layer between the cleanliness layer and the walking layer and form a single biomechanical control element, allowing better control of the entire midfoot.

[0012] The biomechanical control element improves support and control of the sole of the foot while walking or standing, by correctly positioning the foot on the sole of the shoe.

[0013] The biomechanical control element is particularly important for shoes in which the support means are limited to a front portion of the user's foot, but it improves the support and control of the sole of the foot in any type of shoe, open or closed.

[0014] This biomechanical control element not only allows all internal and external biomechanical controls to be combined but also allows support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot to be added, which is located on a sagittal plane and begins at the front of the heel and ends at the rear of the forefoot. This support for the longitudinal medial arch, called the longitudinal-medial arch of the foot, is obtained by joining the second support element and the third support element

[0015] It allows better stability of the foot, limiting the effects of foot fatigue during walking or prolonged standing, the effects of traction on the arch of the foot during walking and internal rotational processes of the foot which can generate multiple osteo-articular and musculo-tendinous pathologies in the back, knee or foot.

[0016] The correct positioning on the walking sole of the biomechanical control element is also ensured automatically thanks to its single-piece nature. The manufacture and / or assembly of the sole are thus facilitated.

[0017] Document FR 3 083 407 also describes the implementation of a shock-absorbing element in the heel region of the sole.

[0018] The shock-absorbing element makes it possible to absorb the impacts of the foot when striking the step by limiting the forces of restitution from the ground and thus reducing the risks of injury linked to these impacts.

[0019] The shock absorbing element is housed in a cavity formed in the tread layer of the sole.

[0020] This damping element integrated into the step layer, however, has the disadvantage of being constrained in thickness and dependent on the thickness of the tread layer of the sole.

[0021] Furthermore, at the cavity formed in the tread layer to house the damping element, the thickness of the tread layer is reduced. Reducing the thickness of the tread layer increases the risk of wear of this tread layer at the heel region of the sole.

[0022] The present invention aims to improve the structure of a sole for a shoe, in particular of the flip-flop or sandal type, and to resolve all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0023] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a sole comprising at least two superimposed layers, a first layer called the cleanliness layer and a second layer called the walking layer, the cleanliness layer being adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user and the walking layer being adapted to be in contact with the ground, said sole comprising a biomechanical element arranged between said cleanliness layer and said walking layer.

[0024] Said biomechanical element comprises at least three foot support elements formed in a single piece of the same material, a first support element being a portion of material adapted to be arranged under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, a second support element being a portion of material adapted to be arranged in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot and a third support element being a portion of material arranged as an external counter-support of said sole, the junction of the second support element and the third support element forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot.

[0025] According to the invention, the biomechanical element further comprises a rear portion adapted to be arranged in the heel region of the sole, said rear portion comprising a cavity housing a shock-absorbing element.

[0026] The biomechanical element is thus improved by providing better cushioning at the heel when walking. The shock-absorbing element housed in the cavity of the rear portion of the biomechanical element may have a thickness adapted to the desired cushioning characteristics. Similarly, the material may be chosen independently of that forming the biomechanical element and may have absorption and cushioning properties adapted to the heel strike when walking.

[0027] Furthermore, the walking layer of the sole, free of any insert at the heel, can have a constant thickness and present less risk of premature wear.

[0028] Preferably, said rear portion extends in the extension of the second support element, the third support element and said junction forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot.

[0029] A continuity of material is thus obtained between the heel and the midfoot part. while walking avoiding any feeling of separation of the rear portion and the middle part of the sole when walking.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the rear portion comprises an upper surface adapted to be in contact with the heel of the foot and a peripheral rim projecting from said upper surface of the rear portion.

[0031] The rear part thus forms a heel cup increasing the surface area supporting the heel of the foot and improving load distribution both when walking and when the foot is placed on the ground.

[0032] Preferably, the damping element housed in said cavity is flush with the opening of the cavity in the upper surface of the rear portion.

[0033] A surface continuity under the heel of the foot is thus obtained at the level of the shock-absorbing element housed in the cavity of the rear portion.

[0034] According to one embodiment characteristic, the damping element is made of a material different from the material of the biomechanical element.

[0035] It is thus possible to select a material having specific properties for cushioning at the heel.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the middle portion of the midfoot element, at the junction of the second support element and the third support element, is convex from the back to the front of the sole.

[0037] Particular support for the arch of the foot is thus provided by the midfoot element.

[0038] Advantageously, the midfoot element is transversely concave, in the transverse direction of the sole.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the biomechanical element is attached to a front footbed portion, said front footbed portion being formed from a material different from the material of the biomechanical element.

[0040] The sole thus combines in a single technical unit specific materials to produce the biomechanical element, the shock-absorbing element and the front part of the foot bed.

[0041] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a shoe comprising a sole as described above.

[0042] The shoe according to the invention has characteristics and advantages similar to those described above in relation to the sole.

[0043] The shoe according to the invention is thus equipped with a very comfortable sole, well suited to walking or prolonged standing.

[0044] The sole according to the invention is particularly well suited to equipping a shoe of the flip-flop or sandal type, but also finds its application in any type of shoe, open or closed.

[0045] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

[0046] In the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

[0047] [Fig.l] is a schematic exploded perspective view of a shoe according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of a biomechanical element of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0049] [Fig.3] is a schematic view from below of the biomechanical element of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0050] [Fig.4] is a median cross-sectional view along line AA of the biomechanical element [Fig.2];

[0051] [Fig.5] is an external profile view of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2];

[0052] [Fig.6] is an internal profile view of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2];

[0053] [Fig.7] is a rear perspective view of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2];

[0054] [Fig.8] is a schematic top view illustrating the association of the bio element mechanics of [Fig.2] to a front part of the foot bed of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0055] [Fig.9] is an external profile view illustrating the association of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2] with a front footbed portion of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.l]; and

[0056] [Fig. 10] is an internal profile view illustrating the association of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2] with a front footbed portion of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0057] The figures illustrate in a non-limiting manner a shoe for the right foot of a pair of shoes. In the drawings, the terms "front", "rear", "internal" and "external" have been added to facilitate reading and identification of the different elements described.

[0058] Of course, the shoe for the left foot of a pair of shoes according to the invention is made symmetrically.

[0059] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and the dimensions and ratios in the figures should not be considered strictly to scale.

[0060] We will first describe with reference to [Fig.l] a shoe according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0061] In this embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner, the shoe is an open shoe, of the flip-flop type.

[0062] In the remainder of the description, the illustrated and described shoe of the flip-flop type, comprises means for holding the user's foot comprising a Y-shaped strap, provided with a toe tab adapted to be inserted between the first and second toes. of the user. These holding means are conventional and do not need to be described in more detail here. In particular, they may be of the type described in document FR 3 083 407.

[0063] Of course, the holding means could be different and be formed of one or more straps extending transversely relative to the sole, forming a sandal or flip-flop type shoe.

[0064] Thus, when walking, the user's foot lifts off the sole, at least at the heel and part of the arch of the foot or midfoot, only the front part of the foot being held to the sole by the holding means of the strap or strap type.

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the shoe 1 thus comprises a sole 10 and means 20 for holding the front part of a user's foot to the sole 10.

[0066] The sole 10 comprises a step layer 11 adapted to be in contact with the ground.

[0067] This walking layer is also called in the remainder of the description first sole 11.

[0068] The first sole 11 is generally made of hard rubber, capable of resisting friction, compression and shear stresses, commonly found in walking, regardless of the type of terrain (bitumen, gravel, sand, earth).

[0069] The insole 11 can be made of Thermoplastic Poly Urethane (TPU), Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or Poly Urethane (PU).

[0070] The first sole 11 is relatively thin and, for example, has a thickness of between 1 and 1.5 mm, and in a non-limiting manner equal to 1.2 mm.

[0071] The lower face of the first sole 11 may be provided in a known manner with non-slip means and be marked with a brand logo and / or an indication of the shoe size.

[0072] The upper face of the first sole 11 is provided with a peripheral rim 111, projecting from the plane formed by the upper face of the first sole 11. This peripheral rim 111 forms a wall or interlocking wall for an intermediate sole 13 which will be described below.

[0073] The sole 10 further comprises a clean layer 12, also called a covering sole 12 in the remainder of the description.

[0074] The covering sole 12 is adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user.

[0075] It must therefore be made of a material suitable for being in contact with the foot.

[0076] Without limitation, shape memory materials may be used. The cover sole 12 may be customizable in order to remain in the style and the identity of the shoe brand.

[0077] Preferably, the material used for the covering sole 12 is waterproof and does not slip when in contact with water. It must also be resistant to heat and ultraviolet radiation.

[0078] Finally, the material used must also have bactericidal and fungicidal properties, remain odorless after use and not heat the foot regardless of the skin type.

[0079] The cover sole 12 must also resist compressive, shear and stretching stresses.

[0080] Preferably, the material used for the covering sole 12 is a natural material or a micro-cellular expanded material.

[0081] As well illustrated in [Fig.l], the sole 10 comprises a technical middle layer 13, also referred to hereinafter as the intermediate sole 13.

[0082] This midsole 13 has the function of controlling the foot when walking and thus ensuring the comfort of the foot in the shoe.

[0083] We recall that walking is broken down into three phases of support:

[0084] a first phase called taligrade, corresponding to the attack of the step on the ground;

[0085] a second phase called plantigrade, corresponding to the rolling of the foot on the ground; and

[0086] a third phase called digitigrade, corresponding to the propulsion phase of the foot in order to take the step.

[0087] The midsole 13 is arranged between the cleanliness layer 12 and the walking layer 11.

[0088] It mainly comprises a biomechanical element 130, which also forms a rear part of the footbed of the sole 10, also called in English terminology “rear footbed”.

[0089] The midsole 13 also comprises a front footbed portion 140 of the sole 10, also referred to in English terminology as the “front footbed”.

[0090] The midsole 13 further comprises a shock-absorbing element 150 intended to be placed at the heel of the foot and to cushion the impact of the step on the ground.

[0091] The biomechanical element 130 is arranged between the cleanliness layer 12 and the walking layer 11.

[0092] The biomechanical element 130 comprises in this embodiment three foot support elements, formed in a single piece and in the same material. The biomechanical element 130 is thus placed projecting from the plane formed by the walking sole 11.

[0093] As visible in figures 2 and 3, a first support element 131 is a portion of material adapted to be arranged under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, called Sub-Capital of the First Metatarsal (SCM1) or also commonly called an- capital.

[0094] This first support element 131 makes it possible to support the first metatarsal head of the foot during the propulsion phase, in order to reduce its lever arm and optimize the propulsion of the foot during walking. It makes it possible to limit the effects of constraints on the head of the first metatarsal of the foot during the rolling of the step. The lever arm of this joint is thus reduced, which limits the effects of joint and muscular constraint. In this way, the foot tires significantly less when walking.

[0095] A second support element 132 is a portion of material adapted to be arranged in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot or internal hemi-dome (ICD) of the foot.

[0096] A third support element 133 is a portion of material arranged as an external counter-support for the sole 10 or external hemi-dome (HCE).

[0097] The junction of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133 forms a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot.

[0098] More precisely, as clearly illustrated in [Fig. 4], the portion of material of the third support element 133, arranged as an external counter-support for the sole 10, is situated substantially opposite, in a transverse direction Y of the sole 10 (see [Fig. 2]), the portion of material of the second support element 132 adapted to be arranged in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot.

[0099] The biomechanical element 130 is transversely concave, along the transverse direction Y of the sole 10.

[0100] In the median transverse plane of the sole 10, the maximum height H2 corresponding to the top S2 of the second support element 132 is equal for example to 29 mm in this embodiment.

[0101] Typically, the maximum height H2 of the second support element 132 may be between 5 and 60 mm.

[0102] The maximum height H3 corresponding to the top S3 of the third support element 133 is equal for example to 30 mm in this embodiment.

[0103] The maximum height H3 of the third support element 133 can be between 2 and 30 mm.

[0104] As also visible in Figures 5 and 6, the first support element 131 is flat and has a thickness e of the order of 2 mm in this embodiment.

[0105] Typically, the thickness e of the first support element 131 may be between 1 and 8 mm.

[0106] The width T of the biomechanical element 130 in the median cross-sectional plane of the sole is, for example, for a size 46 shoe size, equal to 8.1 cm.

[0107] The height h of the midfoot element 130 varies in the longitudinal direction X, between the back and the front.

[0108] The height h of the midfoot element 230 can be between 2 mm and 170 mm.

[0109] Of course, the height H2, H3 of the vertices S2, S3 and the degree of concavity in the cross-sectional plane of the sole vary homothetically depending on the models and sizes.

[0110] Furthermore, the middle part of the biomechanical element 130, at the junction of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133, is convex from the rear to the front of the sole 10.

[0111] The biomechanical element 130 thus comprises three arches for supporting the sole of the foot: an internal arch (internal hemi-dome HCl) which allows improved control of the supination effect (internal rotation) of the foot during the rolling of the step and controls and supports the internal arch of the foot when the foot is flat on the ground; an external arch (external hemi-dome HCE) which supports the external arch of the foot when the foot is flat on the ground and allows lateral control and stability of the ankle when walking; and a mid-longitudinal arch, at the junction of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133, which is placed under the medial arch of the foot stretched between the heel and the forefoot and limits the traction effects on the different parts constituting the plantar arch, when walking.

[0112] Generally speaking, the biomechanical element 130 makes it possible to control the foot at the time of the step. The foot has a plantar arch which, under the effect of the weight of the body and the speed of movement, undergoes an internal collapse called pronation. By controlling this pronatory effect and by using the first support element 131 and the second support element 132, it is possible to avoid such an internal collapse. The third foot support element 133 makes it possible to provide external counter-support in order to ensure the lateral stability of the foot.

[0113] The biomechanical element 130 further comprises a rear portion 134 adapted to be arranged in the heel region of the sole.

[0114] As visible in [Fig.7], the rear portion 134 extends in the extension of the second support element 132, the third support element 133 and the junction forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot.

[0115] The rear portion 134 comprises an upper surface 134a adapted to be in contact with the heel of the foot and a peripheral rim 134b projecting from the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134.

[0116] The rear portion 134 thus forms a heel cup which makes it possible to increase the comfort effect and the distribution of loads under the heel, in particular during prolonged standing.

[0117] The rear portion 134 of the biomechanical element 130 makes it possible to ensure a continuity of the biomechanical element 130 between the heel and the midfoot during walking, thus avoiding a sensation of separation or cutting of the midsole 13 between the rear and medial parts during walking.

[0118] In the plane of the first sole 11, the biomechanical element 130 extends between the rear part of the heel and the retro-capital limit of the last four metatarsal heads (M2, M3, M4, M5) while extending under the first metatarsal head (M1) in a flat manner to end behind the first phalanx of the big toe.

[0119] Preferably, the peripheral rim 134b of the rear portion 134 extends in the continuity of the peripheral edges respectively of the second support element 132 and of the third support element 133, corresponding to the vertices S2 and S3 respectively of the second support element 132 and of the third support element 133.

[0120] As visible in figures 5, 6 and 7, the rear portion 134 of the biomechanical element 130 has a maximum height H4, slightly greater than the maximum height H2, H3 of the second support element 132 and of the third support element 133. By way of example, the maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 is equal to 32 mm in this embodiment.

[0121] The maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 can be between 10 and 180 mm.

[0122] As visible in figures 6 and 7, the biomechanical element 130 thus has an internal profile and an external profile of variable height, decreasing progressively from the maximum height H4 of the rear portion to the front of the biomechanical element 130.

[0123] On the side of the external profile of the biomechanical element 130 illustrated in [Fig.5], the biomechanical element 130 is formed of the rear portion 134 and the third support element 133. The maximum height of this external profile decreases progressively from the maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 to a minimum height H5 of the front end of the third support element 133. The minimum height H5 of the front end of the third support element 133 is equal to 20 mm in this embodiment.

[0124] The minimum height H5 of the front end of the third support element 133 may be between 4 and 40 mm.

[0125] The front end of the third support element 133 comprises a groove 133' whose role will be described below in relation to the front part of the foot bed 140 of the sole 10.

[0126] On the side of the internal profile of the biomechanical element 130 illustrated in [Fig.6], the biomechanical element 130 is formed of the rear portion 134, the second support element 132 and the first support element 131. The maximum height of this profile external gradually decreases from the maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 to the minimum height H6 of the front end of the second support element 132. The minimum height H6 of the front end of the second support element 132 is equal to 19 mm in this embodiment.

[0127] The minimum height H6 of the front end of the second support element 132 may be between 4 and 40 mm.

[0128] The front end of the second support element 132 is extended by the first support element 131.

[0129] The second support element 132 is thus connected forwards to the first support element 131, at a connection zone D forming a recess of reverse concavity relative to the convex shape of the second support element 132.

[0130] The front end of the second support element 132 and the first support element 131 comprise a recess 132' whose role will be described below in relation to the front foot bed portion 140 of the sole 10.

[0131] The rear portion 134 comprises a cavity 135 configured to house the damping element 150.

[0132] It is thus possible to place in the thickness of the biomechanical element 130 a damping element 150 of chosen shape and thickness.

[0133] The cavity 135 may have a depth large enough to accommodate a damping element 150 of sufficient thickness to dampen the heel when the step strikes the ground.

[0134] In this exemplary embodiment, the depth P of the cavity 135 in a direction perpendicular Z to the biomechanical element 130 may be between 2 and 20 mm, and for example between 4 and 10 mm, preferably between 5 and 8 mm, and by way of example equal to 6 mm.

[0135] Preferably, the damping element 150 housed in the cavity 135 is flush with the opening of the cavity 135 in the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134 of the biomechanical element 130.

[0136] Thus, the shock-absorbing element 150 forms a continuity of flat surface in the plane formed by the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134 under the user's heel.

[0137] The thickness of the damping element 150 in the direction perpendicular Z to the biomechanical element 130 is then substantially equal to the depth P of the cavity 135.

[0138] This damping element 150 is in this embodiment of cylindrical shape with oval cross-section.

[0139] Of course, the shape of this damping element 150 may be different, and therefore for example, be cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section or be drop-shaped or even horseshoe-shaped.

[0140] The positioning of the damping element 150 in the cavity 135 of the rear part 134 of the biomechanical element is such that the damping begins when the heel strikes the ground, that is to say at the postero-external part of the heel.

[0141] The shock-absorbing element 150 thus forms an insert at the heel. It preferably extends under the plantar surface of the heel and ends at the anterior part of the heel.

[0142] Alternatively, the damping element 150 may form a slight excess thickness on the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134 when it is positioned in the cavity 135 of the biomechanical element 130.

[0143] By way of non-limiting example, when the cavity 135 has a depth P of the order of 6 mm, the thickness of the damping element 150 may be of the order of 8 mm and form an excess thickness of 2 mm on the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134, under the heel.

[0144] Thus, the shock-absorbing element 150 corresponds in anatomical terms to an active biomechanical element, from the posterior part of the heel to the anterior part of the heel, when striking the ground or while standing.

[0145] It limits the ground restitution forces at the moment of foot impact during the taligrade phase and thus reduces the risks of injury linked to this phenomenon.

[0146] The damping element 150 may be made of a material different from the material of the biomechanical element 130.

[0147] The choice of material for the shock-absorbing element 150 is guided by two functions: comfort of the foot and cushioning when the step hits the ground.

[0148] it can thus be made of a shock-absorbing material of the Thermoplastic Poly Urethane (TPU) type chosen for its shock-absorbing properties, called TPU Absorb.

[0149] The damping element 150 can for example be made of Noène® or Sorbothane®.

[0150] The biomechanical element 130 may be made of a material of the Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Poly Urethane (PU), Poly Ethylene (PE) or Thermoplastic Poly Urethane (TPU) type or any other suitable material.

[0151] Preferably, it is made of semi-rigid TPU for good distribution of loads in the sole and good control of the foot support.

[0152] Its density varies from 120 kg / m3 to 150 kg / m3.

[0153] Furthermore, its Shore A hardness is between 25 and 90, preferably between 40 and 80, and preferentially between 50 and 70.

[0154] As illustrated in Figures 8-10, the biomechanical element 130 is attached to a front portion of the foot bed 140.

[0155] The front footbed portion 140 is preferably formed from a different material of the material of the biomechanical element 130.

[0156] The front portion of the foot bed 140 may be made of Thermoplastic Poly Urethane (TPU), chosen for its energy return properties, called TPU Rebound.

[0157] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the front portion of the foot bed 140 extends in line with the biomechanical element 130.

[0158] It has a substantially flat shape and comprises excess thicknesses of material, of a shape complementary on the one hand to the groove 133' formed at the front of the third support means 133 and on the other hand to the recess 132' formed at the front end of the second support means and of the first support means 131.

[0159] The front footbed portion 140 thus extends partially under the biomechanical element 130 and extends the midsole 13 towards the front of the sole 10. The front footbed portion 140 provides assistance with propulsion of the front of the foot when walking.

[0160] The front footbed portion 140 and the biomechanical element 130 may be secured to each other by plastic molding.

[0161] By associating the front part of the foot bed 140 with the biomechanical element 130, a technical unit of the midsole 13 is created.

[0162] The shoe 1 thus formed has the particularity of having an intermediate sole 13 which, while forming a technical unit, can be composed of three types of materials with different biomechanical properties and densities.

[0163] Furthermore, the manufacture of the midsole 13 is made easier and less expensive, by allowing the use of a single mold to accommodate the biomechanical element 130, the front footbed portion 140 and the shock-absorbing element 150.

[0164] The different layers or distinct soles 11, 12, 13 are associated with each other, for example by gluing.

[0165] It is possible, in a non-limiting manner, for example to use ultrasonic welding to secure the first sole 11, the covering sole 12 and the intermediate sole 13.

[0166] Of course, the examples of embodiment given above are not limiting.

[0167] The midsole 13 described above is only one possible embodiment of the invention. The means for holding the foot at the front of the shoe could also cooperate with means for holding the foot at the back (not shown).

[0168] As indicated previously, the sole 10 can be integrated into any type of shoe, open or closed.

Claims

Claims

1. Sole comprising at least two superimposed layers, a first layer called the cleanliness layer (12) and a second layer called the walking layer (11), the cleanliness layer (12) being adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user and the walking layer (11) being adapted to be in contact with the ground, said sole (10) comprising a biomechanical element (130) arranged between said cleanliness layer (12) and said walking layer (11), said biomechanical element (130) comprising at least three foot support elements formed in a single piece of the same material, a first support element (131) being a portion of material adapted to be arranged under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot,a second support element (132) being a portion of material adapted to be arranged in the region of the internal arch of the foot and a third support element (133) being a portion of material arranged as an external counter-support for said sole (10), the junction of the second support element (132) and the third support element (133) forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot, characterized in that the biomechanical element (130) further comprises a rear portion (134) adapted to be arranged in the region of the heel of the sole (10), said rear portion (134) comprising a cavity (135) housing a shock-absorbing element (150).,

2. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear portion (134) extends in the extension of the second support element (132), of the third support element (133) and of said junction forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot.

3. Sole according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said rear portion (134) comprises an upper surface (134a) adapted to be in contact with the heel of the foot and a peripheral rim (134b) projecting from said upper surface (134a) of the rear portion (134).

4. Sole according to claim 3, characterized in that the damping element (150) housed in said cavity (135) is flush with the opening of the cavity (135) in said upper surface (134a) of the rear portion (134).

5. Sole according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the damping element (150) is made of a material different from the biomechanical element material (130).

6. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle part of the biomechanical element (130), at the junction of the second support element (132) and the third support element (133), is convex from the rear to the front of the sole (10).

7. Sole according to claim 6, characterized in that the biomechanical element (130) is concave transversely, in the transverse direction (Y) of the sole (10).

8. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biomechanical element (130) is fixed to a front footbed portion (140), said front footbed portion (140) being formed from a material different from the material of the biomechanical element (130).

9. Shoe comprising a sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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