Sports shoe

Abstract

A sports shoe comprising a body 101 for engaging a foot, a fastener 104 for engaging a user’s lower leg and a support element 102a sewn into the shoe body and extending to the fastener wherein tension in the support element opposes inversion or eversion of a foot relative to a lower leg. The support element 102a may be unarticulated, have a concave region and be less flexible than the shoe body. It may be attached to the side, underside or midsole of the shoe body or between two layers or fabric. There may also be a shroud to cover the sports shoe with an adjustable opening. A second support element may be provided on a second side which also opposes inversion and eversion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to sports shoes providing ankle support. BACKGROUND Ankle injuries are a common problem among athletes in sports such as netball, tennis and basketball. During such sports, an athlete’s ankle joint is required to exhibit sudden rotation in a number of different directions. The ankle joint allows relative movement between an athlete’s foot and their lower leg. The ankle joint is required to exhibit motion about different degrees of freedom including inversion, eversion, internal and external rotation, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle joint allows the athlete to raise and point their toes. Internal and external rotation of the ankle joint allows the athlete to rotate their foot about the longitudinal axis of the lower leg. Injuries commonly occur during inversion or eversion of the athlete’s foot relative to their lower leg when the rotation of ankle joint exceeds a comfortable range of motion. Rotation of the ankle beyond the comfortable range of motion can place excessive strain on surrounding ligaments resulting in an ankle sprain. Inversion ankle sprains can occur when the ankle rolls outwards and the foot rotates in a direction towards the opposite foot i.e. towards the body’s midline. An inversion ankle sprain may occur when the external angle between the outside of the foot (e.g. the right side of a right foot) and the outside of the lower leg (e.g. the right side of a right leg) exceeds a certain angle. Eversion ankle sprains can occur when the ankle rolls inwards and the foot rotates in a direction away from the opposite foot i.e. away from the body’s midline. An eversion ankle sprain may occur when the external angle between the inside of the foot (e.g. the left side of a right foot) and the inside of the lower leg (e.g. the left side of a right leg) exceeds a certain angle. To reduce the chance of injury, it is therefore advantageous to maintain the angle between the foot and the lower leg within a comfortable range. Some known shoes have uppers that extend to above the wearer’s ankle. Such shoes can provide some ankle support due to the stiffness of the shoe in the ankle region. However, the level of support is typically low and the stiffness of the shoe in the ankle region can impede the movement of the ankle in other forms of motion. Some shoes incorporate rigid ankle support braces. These can be heavy, and because the brace is rigid it can be uncomfortable to wear and difficult to adapt for different wearers. Elastic bandages applied over the ankle can provide a limited level of support but are unsuitable for the demands of most sports. It is known to restrict the motion of the ankle using adhesive tape wrapped around an athlete’s foot and lower leg. Adhesive tape can need to be re-applied, can be unpleasant to remove, and can cause skin irritation. It would be desirable to have an improved shoe able to restrict the range of motion during eversion and inversion of the ankle joint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect, there is provided a sports shoe comprising a shoe body for engaging the foot of a wearer so as to restrict relative motion between the foot and the shoe body; a fastener for engaging the lower leg of the wearer; and a support element sewn into the shoe body and extending between the shoe body and the fastener, the fastener configured to secure the support element to the lower leg of the wearer, the sports shoe being configured such that tension in the support element opposes inversion or eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. The support element may be flexible. The support element may be unarticulated. The support element may comprise a concave region. The support element may engage a first side region of the shoe body. The support element may engage the underside of the shoe body. The shoe may comprise an inner sock configured to provide a barrier between the lower leg of the wearer and the support element. The inner sock may be configured to engage the lower leg of the wearer so as to restrict relative motion between the lower leg and the support element. The fastener may comprise an adjustable strap attached to the inner sock, the strap configured to engage the support element and the lower leg of the wearer. The sports shoe may comprise a sole element configured to engage the underside of the shoe body. The sports shoe may comprise a shroud, the shroud being configured to engage the sole element of the shoe and house the shoe body, the support element and the fastener. The shroud may comprise an adjustable opening for providing the wearer with access to the shoe body, the support element and the fastener. The sports shoe may comprise a sole engagement element configured to engage the sole element and the shroud. The sole engagement element may be configured to resist motion of the support element in a direction away from the lower leg of the wearer. The sports shoe may comprise a second support element attached to the shoe body and extending between the shoe body and the fastener, the fastener configured to secure the support element to the lower leg of the wearer. The second support element may engage a second side region of the shoe body. The first side region and the second side region of the shoe body may be located on opposing sides of the lower leg of the wearer when the shoe body engages the foot of the wearer. Tension in the support element may oppose one of inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer and tension in the second support element may oppose the other of inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. The support element and the second support element may attach to one another to form a U-shaped support structure, the U-shaped support structure configured to engage the underside of the shoe body. The shoe body may be formed from a relatively flexible material. The support element may be formed of a material that is less flexible than the material from which the shoe body is formed. The support element may attach to a first side region of the shoe body. The fastener may comprise a flexible strap. The support element may engage a midsole of the sole element. The shoe body may engage the lower leg of the wearer. The shoe body may comprise the support element and the fastener. The shoe body may comprise two layers of fabric between which the support element is positioned. The support element may be sewn into a region between the two layers of fabric of the shoe body. There may be provided a sports shoe comprising: a sole element defining a footbed for supporting the foot of a wearer; a shoe body engaged with the sole element and formed of a pliable material, the shoe body comprising a first portion for enveloping the foot of a wearer and a second portion for enveloping at least a part of the lower leg of the wearer and comprising a fastener for securing the second portion around the lower leg of a wearer; and a support element extending between the sole element and the fastener and being attached to the sole element and to a side region of the shoe body, wherein the support element is formed of a material which is less pliable than the material from which the shoe body is formed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows components of a sports shoe including a support element. Figure 2 shows components of a sports shoe including two support elements. Figure 3 shows components of a sports shoe including a U-shaped support structure. Figure 4 shows a sports shoe. Figure 5 shows a sports shoe including a shroud in a closed configuration. Figure 6 shows a sports shoe including a shroud in an open configuration. Figure 7 shows components of a sports shoe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a particular application. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Embodiments of the shoe to be described below can provide a lightweight and comfortable sports shoe which provides the desired restriction of eversion and inversion of the ankle joint while allowing the wearer to maintain the full range of motion about other degrees of freedom of the ankle joint. The sports shoe 100 includes a shoe body 101, as illustrated in figure 1. When the shoe is worn by a wearer, the shoe body 101 engages the foot of the wearer. The shoe body comprises a portion for enveloping the foot of the wearer. The shoe body may be shaped such that the shoe body fits snugly around the foot. In other words, as seen in figure 1, the shoe body is foot-shaped. The shoe body seen in figure 1 includes a toe portion 107 which engages the front of the wearer’s foot. The shoe body includes a heel portion 108 which engages the heel of the wearer’s foot. The shoe body includes two side regions 105a, 105b which flank the wearer’s foot. The side region 105a engages the outside face of the foot. The side region 105b engages the inside face of the foot. The shoe body includes an underside 106 on which the wearer’s foot rests. It will be appreciated that according to another example, the shoe body may not include an underside or the underside of the shoe body may not be integral with the rest of the shoe body. The shoe body may also engage the lower leg of the wearer. In other words, the shoe body may comprise a portion for enveloping at least part of the lower leg of the wearer. The shoe body may extend upwards from the wearer’s foot to surround a portion of the wearer’s lower leg. The shoe body may envelop the foot of the wearer and the lower leg of the wearer. The shoe body may envelop the wearer’s ankle joint between the foot and the lower leg. The shoe body restricts relative motion between the wearer’s foot and the shoe body. The shoe body is securely attached to the wearer’s foot. The shoe body 101 seen in figure 1 does not entirely encompass the foot of the wearer. The shoe body includes a slot or gap at the part of the shoe body which would engage the top of the foot. Alternatively, the shoe body may include a tongue which extends across the gap seen in figure 1 so that the shoe body encompasses the entire circumference of the wearer’s foot. The shoe body 101 seen in figure 1 can be secured to the wearer’s foot by means of laces 110 which extend across the gap in the shoe body across the top of the wearer’s foot. According to this example, the shoe body includes webbing 109. The webbing may be incorporated into both side regions 105a, 105b of the shoe body. Laces 110 may be threaded through the webbing 109 to tighten the shoe body around the foot of the wearer. According to other examples, the shoe body may be secured to the foot by another means, for example hook-and-loop fastener straps or an adjustable elastic cord. Where the shoe body extends upwards from the wearer’s foot to surround a portion of the wearer’s lower leg, the laces, straps or elastic cord used to secure the shoe body to the wearer’s foot may also extend upwards of the foot. The shoe body can therefore be securely attached to the wearer’s foot and lower leg. The shoe body restricts relative motion between the wearer’s foot and the shoe body while allowing motion of the wearer’s foot relative to the wearer’s lower leg. The shoe body may be formed from a relatively flexible material. The shoe body may be formed from a pliable material. For example, the shoe body may be made from a woven or knitted fabric material or a polymer sheet material. The shoe body may further include foam elements, for example at the heel portion 108. The shoe body may further include mesh, for example at the toe portion 107. The shoe also includes a support element 102a. The support element 102a is attached to the shoe body 101. For example, the support element may be adhered to the shoe body. The support element may be sewn into the shoe body. The shoe body may comprise two layers of fabric between which the support element may be positioned. The support element may be sewn into a region between the two layers of fabric of the shoe body. In the example seen in figure 1, the support element 102a is attached to the side region 105a of the shoe body. Therefore, when the shoe 100 is worn, the support element is located on the outside face of the wearer’s foot. The support element is located proximal to the ankle joint of the wearer. The support element 102a is configured to oppose inversion of the ankle joint. The support element may be formed of a non-pliable material. The support element 102a has an elongate shape. The support element 102a extends generally from the foot to the lower leg in a direction parallel to that of the lower leg. In other words, the support element extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the ground. The shoe 100 also includes a fastener 104 for engaging the lower leg of the wearer. The fastener is a flexible element that can be secured around the wearer’s lower leg. In the example seen in figure 1, the fastener is attached to the support element 102a. The fastener 104 is configured to secure the support element to the lower leg of the wearer. In the example seen in figure 1, the fastener 104 comprises a strap configured to wrap around the wearer’s lower leg. According to one example, the strap is configured to wrap around the entire circumference of the wearer’s lower leg. According to a different example, the strap may be configured to wrap around the circumference of the wearer’s lower leg more than once. According to a further example, the strap is configured to wrap around only a portion of the circumference of the wearer’s lower leg. In the example seen in figure 1, the strap makes direct contact with the lower leg of the wearer (subject to any sock also worn by the wearer). According to a different example, the strap may also engage the foot of the wearer. For example, the strap may be configured to wrap around the wearer’s lower leg and extend downward towards the foot of the wearer. The fastener may have a spiral configuration which engages at least part of the wearer’s lower leg and a part of the wearer’s foot. The fastener may comprise a strap having two ends, a first end terminating adjacent the lower leg of the wearer and the second end terminating adjacent the foot of the wearer. The fastener may also engage the shoe body 101. For example, the second end of the strap may be attached to the shoe body. The fastener may engage one or more parts of the shoe body 101, for example a side region of the shoe body 105a, 105b or the underside 106. A fastener which engages more than one part of the wearer’s foot or lower leg may be configured to secure the support element to the wearer’s foot or lower leg at more than one location. For example, a strap which wraps around the wearer’s foot and lower leg may be configured to secure the support element to the shoe body at a first location and to the wearer’s lower leg at a second location. The length of the strap is adjustable such that the strap can be adapted to different wearers. Before use, the wearer will tighten the strap around the lower leg so that the strap wraps around both the lower leg and the support element, thereby securing the support element to the lower leg. The strap may comprise complementary strips of hook and loop tape so that the desired length of the strap can be fixed during use. The fastener is used to fix the position of the support element to maintain maximal contact with the lower leg of the wearer. The arrangement of the shoe body, support element and fastener means that when the support element is secured to the lower leg of the wearer by the fastener, tension is maintained in the support element. The tension in the support element acts to resist motion of the shoe body relative to the fastener in a direction analogous to inversion of the ankle joint. The support element under tension may be less flexible than the material of the shoe body. The fastener 104 may be in the form of a flexible strap. The strap can pass around the lower leg of a wearer, above the ankle joint. The strap can be secured around the lower leg so as to resist movement of the strap along the leg. The strap may be provided with a mechanism for securing it closed. That mechanism may, for example, be a hook-and-loop fastening or a lace-up fastening. The mechanism for securing the strap around the wearer’s lower leg may be independent of a mechanism for securing the shoe body around the wearer’s foot (e.g. laces 110). In that way, the tension in each region can be set independently. This can allow the strap or fastener to be fitted more tightly to the wearer’s upper leg than the shoe body is fitted to the wearer’s foot, which can improve the comfort and performance of the shoe. The fastener may be integral with the shoe body. In other words, the shoe body may comprise the fastener. For example, where the shoe body encompasses part of the lower leg of the wearer as well as the foot of the wearer, the shoe body may include a strap configured to wrap at least partially around the wearer’s lower leg. The shoe body may comprise hook and loop fastenings for allowing the strap to be secured to another part of the shoe body. As explained above, when the shoe 100 is worn by the wearer, the shoe body engages the wearer’s foot so as to restrict relative motion between the foot and the shoe body. As seen in figure 1, support element 102a is positioned on the outside face of the wearer’s foot. Therefore, when the shoe 100 is worn by a wearer and the fastener 104 used to secure the support element 102a to the wearer’s lower leg, the tension in the support element, which is located proximal to the ankle joint, acts to resist inversion of the ankle joint. In other words, the sports shoe 100 is configured such that tension in the support element opposes inversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. In other words, the shoe is configured to prevent the angle between the outside of the wearer’s foot (e.g. the right side of a right foot) and the outside of the lower leg (e.g. the right side of a right leg) from exceeding a certain angle. The support element 102a is shaped so as to follow the contours of the outside face of the foot and lower leg of the wearer. In the example seen in figure 1, the support element 102a includes a convex region 111 configured to abut the side region of the shoe body. The support element 102a includes a concave region 112 configured to abut the lower leg of the wearer. The support element 102a comprises a single piece. The support element seen in figure 1 is unarticulated. In other words, the support element does not include a hinge or revolute joint. The support element 102a may be formed of a material that is less flexible than the material from which the shoe body is formed (e.g. a non-pliable material), however so as to permit the wearer to move their foot sufficiently to comfortably partake in sports, the shoe is designed so as not to be overly restrictive. The support element may therefore be flexible. The support element may not be uniformly flexible. For example the support element may be more flexible about a longitudinal axis than about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Such a support element may be configured to permit a greater degree of freedom in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and internal and external rotation than in eversion and inversion. The support element 102a may be composed of a material with some flexibility such as moulded plastic. In this way, the support element 102a is not required to include a rotary joint to permit movement of the ankle joint about other degrees of freedom e.g. dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The shoe body 101 that engages and grips the foot of the wearer may be formed of fabric, leather, polymer sheet or any other suitable material. That material may terminate with an exposed edge below the fastener 104 when the shoe is being worn. This can allow for a gap between the fastener and that upper edge, which can help to avoid the fastener restricting motion of the ankle in modes of rotation other than inversion and eversion. As seen in figure 1, the support element 102a does not engage the full width of the lower leg. The support element engages only a portion of the lower leg. For this reason, as well as the flexibility of the support element, the wearer is still able to raise and point their toes and rotate their foot about the longitudinal axis of the lower leg. In other words, the support element does not impinge on the ability of the ankle joint to exhibit internal and external rotation, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The shoe 100 is therefore configured to oppose inversion of the ankle joint while permitting the ankle joint to exhibit other degrees of freedom without restriction. Figure 2 illustrates components of a similar sports shoe 200 comprising the same shoe body 101 and fastener 104 and two support elements 102a, 102b. Support element 102a is as previously described with respect to figure 1. The support element 102b is attached to the shoe body 101. For example, the support element may be adhered to the shoe body. The support element may be sewn into the shoe body. In the example seen in figure 2, the support element 102b is attached to the side region 105b of the shoe body. Therefore, when the shoe 200 is worn, the support element is located on the inside face of the wearer’s foot. The support element is located proximal to the ankle joint of the wearer. The support element 102b is configured to oppose eversion of the ankle joint. The support element 102b has an elongate shape. The support element 102b extends generally from the foot to the lower leg in a direction parallel to that of the lower leg. In other words, the support element extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the ground. The support element 102b is shaped so as to follow the contours of the inside face of the foot and lower leg of the wearer. In the example seen in figure 2, the support element 102b includes a convex region 203 configured to abut the side region of the shoe body. The support element 102b includes a concave region 204 configured to abut the lower leg of the wearer. The support element 102b comprises a single piece. The support element seen in figure 2 is unarticulated. In other words, the support element does not include a hinge or revolute joint. The shoe 200 also includes the fastener 104 previously described. In the example seen in figure 2, the fastener 104 is configured to secure both support elements 102a, 102b to the lower leg of the wearer. The arrangement of the shoe body, support elements and fastener means that when the support elements are secured to the lower leg of the wearer by the fastener, tension is maintained in both of the support elements. The tension in the second support element 102b acts to resist motion of the shoe body relative to the fastener in a direction analogous to eversion of the ankle joint. The support element 102b under tension may be less flexible than the material of the shoe body. When the shoe 200 is worn by the wearer, the shoe body engages the wearer’s foot so as to restrict relative motion between the foot and the shoe body. As seen in figure 2, support element 102b is positioned on the inside face of the wearer’s foot. Therefore, when the shoe 100 is worn by a wearer and the fastener 104 used to secure the support element 102b to the wearer’s lower leg, the tension in the support element, which is located proximal to the ankle joint, acts to resist eversion of the ankle joint. In other words, the sports shoe 200 is configured such that tension in the support element opposes eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. In other words, the shoe is configured to prevent the angle between the inside of the wearer’s foot (e.g. the left side of a right foot) and the inside of the lower leg (e.g. the left side of a right leg) from exceeding a certain angle. Since shoe 200 comprises both support elements 102a, 102b positioned on the outside face and inside face of the shoe body, respectively, and secured to the lower leg by fastener 104, the sports shoe 200 is configured such that tension in the support elements oppose inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. The support element 102b may be formed of a material that is less flexible than the material from which the shoe body is formed, however so as to permit the wearer to move their foot sufficiently to comfortably partake in sports, as described with respect to support element 102a, the support element 102b is designed so as not to be overly restrictive. The support element may therefore be flexible. The support element may not be uniformly flexible. For example, the support element may be more flexible about a longitudinal axis than about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Such a support element may be configured to permit a greater degree of freedom in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and internal and external rotation than in eversion and inversion. The support element 102a may be composed of a material with some flexibility such as moulded plastic. In this way, the support element 102a is not required to include a hinge to permit movement of the ankle joint about other degrees of freedom e.g. dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The support element 102b engages only a portion of the lower leg. In other words, the support element 102b does not impinge on the ability of the ankle joint to exhibit internal and external rotation, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The shoe 200 is therefore configured to oppose eversion and inversion of the ankle joint while permitting the ankle joint to exhibit other degrees of freedom without restriction. The shoe 200 further comprises inner sock 201. The inner sock may be attached to the shoe body. For example, the inner sock may be integral with the shoe body. When shoe 200 is worn, the inner sock is located between the foot of the wearer and the shoe body 101. The inner sock further extends around the ankle joint and up the lower leg of the wearer. The inner sock terminates above the ankle joint of the wearer. As seen in figure 2, the inner sock extends from the foot to the lower leg and beyond the support elements 102a, 102b and fastener 104. In other words, the inner sock terminates at a location higher up the wearer’s lower leg than the support elements and fastener. In use, the inner sock is positioned between the wearer’s lower leg and the support elements. In other words, when the shoe 200 is worn, the support elements 102a, 102b are positioned between the inner sock 201 and the fastener 104. The inner sock is configured to provide a barrier between the lower leg of the wearer and the support element. The inner sock 201 may be formed from a pliable, elastic material such that the inner sock conforms to the shape of the wearer’s foot and lower leg. The inner sock may be formed from a stretchable material, such as neoprene or a woven or knitted fabric material. The fastener may be attached to the inner sock. When the fastener is used to secure the support elements to the lower leg, the fastener also secures the support elements to the inner sock. The inner sock providing a barrier between the lower leg and the support elements therefore improves the comfort of the shoe for the wearer. The material of the inner sock may be textured, for example the inner sock may include ridges or bumps. The inner sock may therefore act to increase engagement between the shoe body and the wearer’s foot by increasing the frictional forces acting between the shoe body and the foot. The inner sock may therefore aid the shoe’s ability to restrict relative motion between the foot and the shoe body. Similarly, the inner sock may be configured to grip the lower leg of the wearer. The inner sock may act to increase engagement between the support elements and the fastener with the wearer’s lower leg. The inner sock may aid the shoe’s ability to restrict relative motion between the lower leg and the fastener. The inner sock may aid the shoe’s ability to restrict relative motion between the lower leg and the support elements. In this way, the inner sock is configured to contribute to the shoe’s ability to oppose inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. The inner sock may further comprise a tab 205. The tab may be used by the wearer while putting on and / or removing the shoe 200. As explained above, according to the example seen in figure 2, each support element 102a, 102b engages an opposite side region 105a, 105b of the shoe body. According to one example, each support element is attached to a side region of the shoe body. According to another example, each support element may attach to the underside 106 of the shoe body. An end of each support element may be anchored to the underside of the shoe body. In an example where the shoe body does not have an underside but instead attaches directly to the sole element, each support element may attach to the sole element. Each support element may be anchored to the sole element of the shoe. For example, an end of the support element may be secured to the sole element of the shoe. According to a further example, the two support elements 102a, 102b may be formed integrally as a single support structure which extends across the width of the underside of the shoe body. Figure 3 illustrates components of a sports shoe 300. In the example seen in figure 3, the two support elements form a single U-shaped support structure 302. Besides support structure 302, sports shoe 300 has the same components as shoe 200 seen in figure 2. The support structure 302 may have a stirrup-like configuration. The support structure may be shaped so as to wrap around the underside 106 of the shoe body 101 and extend up both sides of the shoe body, terminating above the ankle joint of the wearer. The support element 302 may therefore engage the full width of the underside of the shoe body. The support structure 302 is attached to the shoe body 101. For example, the support structure may be adhered to the shoe body. The support element may be sewn into the shoe body. The support structure 302 may be attached to the underside of the shoe body. The support structure 302 may be attached to the underside of the shoe body across the full width of the shoe body. The support structure 302 may be attached to one or two side regions of the shoe body. The support structure 302 is therefore configured to strengthen the engagement between the support structure and the shoe body 101 by increasing the surface area of the shoe body which makes contact with the support elements. In this way, the support structure 302 aids the shoe’s ability to resist motion of the shoe body relative to the fastener in directions analogous to eversion and inversion of the ankle joint. Figure 4 illustrates a sports shoe 400 having the same components as those shown and described with respect to figure 2. Additionally, the shoe 400 includes a sole element 401. The underside of the shoe body engages the sole element. In use, the shoe body 101 rests atop the sole element 401. The sole element 401 is comprises a midsole 402 and an outsole 403. The midsole 402 engages the underside of the shoe body 101. The outsole 403 engages the underside of the midsole 402. The midsole may be formed of a resiliently deformable material such as foam. It will be appreciated that in an example in which the shoe body does not include an underside, the midsole may engage one or more other portions of the shoe body. According to such an example, the support elements 102a, 102b or support structure 302 may engage the midsole 401 of the sole element. The outsole may be formed of a durable material such as rubber. The underside of the outsole may be textured. The underside of the outsole may feature a traction pattern for increasing grip between the shoe and the ground. The traction pattern may include indents and / or protrusions. The traction pattern may comprise a series of grooves. The underside of the outsole may include additional elements such as studs or lugs. In the examples described above, the shoe is provided with a sole element, shoe body, a fastener and at least one support element. The sole element forms the base of the shoe. It is sufficiently rigid that it provides substantial resistance to bending under the weight of a wearer. For example, it may be incapable of bending through 90 degrees under an applied torque of 10Nm between the front and rear of the sole. The midsole of the sole element has a footbed on which the wearer’s foot in the shoe body can rest when the shoe is being worn. The outsole has an outer surface or layer for providing grip. The shoe body is secured around its periphery to the sole element. The shoe body is formed of a flexible material. The shoe body has a fastener mechanism such as laces, retractive cables or hook-and-loop straps for securing it around a wearer’s foot. The action of securing also secures the wearer’s foot to the sole element. The footbed is shaped to receive the base of a foot. This means that when the sole element is secured to the foot, the sole element and the foot move together. The relative rigidity of the sole element means that force can be applied to the foot through the sole. The support element (102a and / or 102b) may be a tape or cord which extends from the fastener to the underside or to a side region of the shoe body from which tension can be applied through the shoe body to the sole element. The support element is flexible. The support element is inextensible. The support element extends down the side of the shoe, to allow it to apply force to the sole element and / or shoe body of the shoe when it is in tension as a result of eversion or inversion of the wearer’s ankle. There may be support elements on either side of the shoe. In the examples described above, the support elements extend from the fastener to a location where they are fixed to a side region or underside of the shoe body. That location is on or in the region of the underside of the shoe body of the shoe. This can allow tension in the support element effectively to apply force to the sole element of the shoe. In the case of each support element that location may, for example, be less than 30mm or less then 20mm or less than 10mm from the underside of the shoe body, measured in a vertical direction when the shoe is upright on a horizontal surface. Over the extent between the fastener and that location the respective support element may extend independently of the body of the shoe. The support element may overlap the shoe body and be moveable relative to the shoe body in the region of overlap. The respective support element might not be attached to the shoe body over that extent. This can help to allow the support element to convey tension to the base of the shoe, to stabilise the ankle, whilst avoiding it being deformed by any shaping of the body of the shoe. For example, the shoe body will typically constrict around an opening at or below the ankle joint, whereas it may be desirable for the support elements to run in a straight line from their fixing point to the fastener to their fixing point on the body of the shoe. Conveniently, the support elements can take the form of a flat strip without the shoe body or upper of the shoe being deformed from its natural configuration when the shoe is worn. Figure 5 illustrates a sports shoe 500 having the same components as those shown and described with respect to figure 4. Additionally, the shoe 500 comprises a shroud 501. The shroud comprises a main body 502 and a cuff 503. The main body 502 of the shroud 501 attaches to the sole element 401 around the circumference of the sole element and is configured to cover the shoe body 101. The main body 502 of the shroud 501 includes side regions 502a, 502b, a heel region 502c and a toe region 502d. The shroud extends upwards from the sole element 401 over the shoe body 101, inner sock 201, support elements 102a, 102b and fastener 104. When the shoe is worn, the shroud extends around the ankle joint and up the lower leg of the wearer. The cuff 503 extends around the circumference of the lower leg of the wearer. The cuff terminates above the ankle joint of the wearer. The cuff is configured to cover the fastener 104. The shroud may terminate at the same position relative to the wearer’s lower leg as the inner sock 201. The shroud therefore acts as a protective covering for the shoe body, inner sock, support elements and fastener. In other words, the shoe body, inner sock, support elements and fastener are located between the wearer and the shroud when the shoe 500 is worn. The shroud may have a close fit with respect to the shoe body 101, the inner sock 201, the support elements 102a, 102b and the fastener 104. The shroud may be composed primarily of a stretchable material such as a woven fabric material. The shroud therefore does not impinge on the ability of the ankle joint to exhibit internal and external rotation, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. According to another example, the shroud may be composed of a water-resistant material. Due to the close-fitting nature of the shroud with respect to the rest of the components of the shoe, the shroud is configured to resist movement of the support elements 102a, 102b in directions away from the lower leg of the wearer by providing some force on the support elements in directions towards the lower leg. The shroud therefore helps to reduce the perpendicular distance between the support elements and the wearer’s lower leg. In this way, the shroud contributes to the ability of shoe 500 to oppose eversion and inversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. Due to the stretchable quality of the shroud, the shroud does not act as a hard physical barrier causing discomfort for the wearer, but merely provides some resistance to lateral motion of the support elements away from the wearer’s ankle joint. Figure 5 illustrates the shroud in a closed configuration in which the shroud covers the shoe body, inner sock, support elements and fastener. The shroud may be openable so as to allow the wearer to more easily put on and remove the shoe. The shroud may therefore also have an open configuration, as seen in figure 6. The shroud 501 seen in figure 5 comprises a slit 504. The slit extends along the shroud in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wearer’s foot. The slit extends from the upper edge of the cuff of the shroud and towards the toe region 502d of the main body of the shroud. According to other examples, the slit 504 may be located elsewhere on the shroud, for example adjacent a side region 502a, 502b of the main body of the shroud. According to further examples, the shroud may include more than one slit and / or another type of opening. In the example of figure 5, the shroud further comprises a zip fastening 505 configured to allow the slit 504 to be opened and closed. The zip fastening extends along the length of the slit 504. According to other examples, other fastening means may be used to allow the shroud to adopt both open and closed configurations, for example poppers, buttons or magnets. The shoe 500 may further include a sole engagement portion 507 configured to secure the sole element 401 to the rest of the shoe 500. The sole engagement portion 507 may adjoin sole element 401. According to this example, the sole engagement portion 507 attaches to the sole element 401 around its circumference and extends upwards from the sole element 401 overlapping a lower portion of the shroud 501. According to a different example, the sole engagement portion 507 may be integrally formed with the sole element 401. The sole engagement portion engages the side regions 502a, 502b and a heel region 502c of the main body of the shroud. The sole engagement portion 404 may be adhered to the main body of the shroud. The sole engagement portion 507 is thus configured to improve the security of the engagement between the shroud and the sole element 401. Furthermore, the sole engagement portion 507 overlaps a lower portion of the support elements 102a, 102b. In other words, the base of each support element 102a, 102b is sandwiched between the inner sock and shoe body on one side and the shroud and sole engagement portion 507 on its opposite side. The sole engagement portion 507 is therefore also configured to resist movement of the support elements 102a, 102b in directions away from the lower leg of the wearer by providing some force on the support elements in directions towards the lower leg. In this way, the sole engagement portion also contributes to the ability of shoe 500 to oppose inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer. Figure 7 shows a further example of a sports shoe 700. View (a) illustrates the shoe without the sole element and without the shroud 501. View (b) illustrates the shoe with the sole element 401 but without the shroud 501. Although it is not shown in figure 7, it will be appreciated that shoe 700 may also include a shroud 501 as previously described. The shoe 700 comprises a shoe body 101 which, when the shoe is worn by a wearer, engages the foot of the wearer. The shoe body 101 restricts relative motion between the wearer’s foot and the shoe body. In this example, the shoe body 101 also engages the lower leg of the wearer. The shoe body thus also restricts relative motion between the wearer’s lower leg and the shoe body. In other words, the shoe body comprises a portion for enveloping the foot of the wearer and a portion for enveloping at least part of the lower leg of the wearer. The shoe body 101 extends upwards from the wearer’s foot to surround a portion of the wearer’s lower leg. The shoe body envelops the foot of the wearer and the lower leg of the wearer. The shoe body therefore also envelops the wearer’s ankle joint between the foot and the lower leg. The shoe body may be formed from a relatively flexible material. The shoe body may be formed from a pliable material The shoe body includes a slot or gap at the part of the shoe body which would engage the top of the foot. In this example, the shoe body 101 comprises a tongue 701 which extends across the gap seen in figure 1 so that the shoe body encompasses the entire circumference of the wearer’s foot. The shoe body 101 is secured to the wearer’s foot by means of laces which extend across the tongue in the shoe body across the top of the wearer’s foot. The shoe body includes webbing 109. The webbing may be incorporated into both side regions of the shoe body. In this example, the laces are a loop of elastic cord 702. The elastic cord 702 is threaded through the webbing 109 to tighten the shoe body around the foot of the wearer. The elastic cord 702 also extends up to the lower leg of the wearer and is threaded through tabs 703 on the portion of the shoe body which engages the wearer’s lower leg. The elastic cord 702 is threaded through a cord lock 704. When the shoe is worn by a wearer, the elastic cord is configured to be tightened by pulling on the end of the cord and secured by the cord lock 704. The elastic cord is thus configured to secure the shoe body to the wearer’s foot and to the wearer’s lower leg. The shoe 700 also includes a support element 102a as previously described. The support element 102a is contained within the shoe body 101. In other words, the shoe body 101 comprises the support element 102a. In this example, the support element is sewn into the shoe body (indicated by dotted lines). For example, the shoe body may comprise at least two layers of fabric and the support element may be positioned between the two layers of fabric. The support element may be sewn into a region between the two layers of fabric of the shoe body. As seen in the example seen in figure 7, the shoe body may comprise stitches around the perimeter of the support element so as to secure the support element within the shoe body. In other words, the support element is held in place within the shoe body by stitching. The support element 102a may be formed of a material that is less flexible than the material from which the shoe body is formed. The support element 102a may be formed from a non-pliable material. Therefore, the shoe body may include a region which is relatively flexible (where the support element is not present) and a region which is less flexible (where the support element is present). The shoe 700 also includes a fastener 104 for engaging the lower leg of the wearer. In this example, the fastener comprises a flexible strap 705 which forms part of the shoe body 101. The strap 705 extends from the shoe body and wraps partially around the lower leg of the wearer. The strap 705 is provided with a mechanism for securing it closed. In this example, the strap 705 includes a hook-and-loop fastening. The strap includes a strip of hook-and-loop tape 706 configured to engage with a complementary strip 707on the inside of the shoe body. The strap 705 and securing mechanism can therefore be used to secure the support element 102a to the lower leg i.e. to reduce relative motion between the lower leg and the support element 102a. As described above, in this example, the elastic cord 702 extends upwards of the foot and is used to secure the shoe body 101 to the lower leg. The elastic cord 702 may therefore also contribute to securing the support element 102a to the lower leg. In other words, the fastener for engaging the lower leg of the wearer may be one or both of the flexible strap 705 and the elastic cord 702. It will be appreciated that this shoe may also have an equivalent second support element 102b on the opposite side of the shoe (not shown), as previously described. The shoe may also include an inner sock as previously described (also not shown). View (b) illustrates the same sole element 401 previously described which engages with the underside of the shoe body 101 and / or the side regions of the shoe body. The support element 102a may attach to the sole element 401. Each support element may be anchored to the sole element of the shoe. For example, an end of the support element may be secured to the sole element of the shoe. The support element may specifically engage the midsole 402 of the sole element 401. The shoe body 101 may also include a heel cup 708 configured to strengthen the heel portion 108 of the shoe body which engages the heel of the wearer’s foot. Put another way, the shoe comprises a sole unit and an upper unit. The sole unit provides a base for the shoe. It may include a sole layer for contacting the ground and a cushioning layer above the sole layer. The cushioning layer may be made of a polymer foam, for example an EVA, TPU or PEBX foam. The upper surface of the sole provides a footbed for supporting a wearer’s foot when the foot is fully in the shoe. The upper unit comprises one or more enclosures or socks for the wearer’s foot. Where there are multiple enclosures, one may be inside another. Each enclosure is formed of flexible or pliable material, for example polymer sheet or fabric material. Each enclosure may have a foot portion shaped and positioned to envelop a wearer’s foot when the foot is fully in the shoe. One or more enclosures may include an ankle portion that is shaped and positioned to envelop the ankle of a wearer when the wearer’s foot is fully in the shoe. There may be a fastening for closing a or each foot portion to tighten it around the foot of a wearer. That fastener may, for example, be a lace or a zip. There may be a fastening for closing a or each ankle portion to tighten it around the ankle of a wearer. That fastener may, for example, be a lace or a strap provided with a hook or loop fastener, with there being a complementary zone of hook or loop fastener being located to attach to the fastener. In one example, there may be an inner enclosure or sock of a substantially inelastic material, for example having a Young’s modulus in tension of greater than 1 GPa; and an outer enclosure or sock of a substantially elastic material, for example having a Young’s modulus in tension of less than 1 GPa. This arrangement can allow the inner enclosure to provide stability to the wearer’s ankle, and the outer enclosure to provide a conformal covering to the shoe. To help stabilise the wearer’s ankle, one or more stiffening elements (also referred to as support elements) are provided. Each stiffening element is anchored at its lower end to the sole unit. It may be embedded in the sole unit or bonded to a surface of the sole unit. Each stiffening element extends upwards adjacent to, or within, one of the enclosures. Each stiffening element is firmly attached to one of the enclosures, for example by stitching or bonding. In this way, the stiffening element can provide rigidity to the enclosure. In one arrangement an innermost enclosure (which may be the only enclosure) is stiffened in this way. In one arrangement there is an enclosure which is formed by two layers of material which overlap over the majority of the area of the enclosure and are attached to each other so as to constitute a single enclosure. The stiffening element may extend between those layers. This can help to allow the stiffening element to provide rigidity in multiple directions of flex. An enclosure to which a stiffening element is attached may be formed of a substantially inelastic material as set out above. The or each stiffening element may be attached to the ankle portion of the respective enclosure. A stiffening element may extend up the side of the respective enclosure, extending upwards from the sole unit to the ankle portion. Such elements may be on the inner (medial) and / or outer (lateral) sides of the shoe. The stiffening element may be stiff, rigid and / or non-pliable. The stiffening element may be arc-shaped in horizontal cross-section. This can improve its resistance to bending. The shoe may be any item of footwear that has the requisite components as set out herein. It may be a boot. In the present context, a flexible or pliable element or material (for example the shoe body) may have a flexural rigidity of less than 5 x 10-11 GPa.m4 or less than 2 x 10-11 GPa.m4 or less than 5 x 10-12 GPa.m4 A stiff or rigid or non-pliable or non-flexible element or material (for example a support element) may have a flexural rigidity of greater than 1 x 10’8 GPa.m4 or greater than 1 x 10’7 GPa.m4 or greater than 5x10’ 7GPa.m4 or greater than 1 x 10’6 GPa.m4 The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sports shoe comprising:a shoe body for engaging the foot of a wearer so as to restrict relative motion between the foot and the shoe body;a fastener for engaging the lower leg of the wearer; anda support element sewn into the shoe body and extending between the shoe body and the fastener,the fastener configured to secure the support element to the lower leg of the wearer, the sports shoe being configured such that tension in the support element opposes inversion or eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer.

2. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein shoe body is formed from a relatively flexible material.

3. The sports shoe according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the support element is unarticulated.

4. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element comprises a concave region.

5. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element is formed of a material that is less flexible than the material from which the shoe body is formed.

6. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element attaches to a first side region of the shoe body.

7. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element engages the underside of the shoe body.

8. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener comprises a flexible strap.

9. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, the sports shoe comprising a sole element configured to engage the underside of the shoe body.

10. The sports shoe according to claim 9, wherein the support element engages a midsole of the sole element.

11. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, the sports shoe comprising a shroud, the shroud being configured to engage the sole element of the shoe and house the shoe body, the support element and the fastener.

12. The sports shoe according to claim 11, wherein the shroud comprises an adjustable opening for providing the wearer with access to the shoe body, the support element and the fastener.

13. The sports shoe according to any of claims 10 to 12, the sports shoe comprising a sole engagement element configured to engage the sole element and the shroud.

14. The sport shoe according to claim 13, wherein the sole engagement element is configured to resist motion of the support element in a direction away from the lower leg of the wearer.

15. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, the sports shoe comprising a second support element attached to the shoe body and extending between the shoe body and the fastener, the fastener configured to secure the support element to the lower leg of the wearer.

16. The sports shoe according to claim 15, wherein the second support element engages a second side region of the shoe body.

17. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein the first side region and the second side region of the shoe body are located on opposing sides of the lower leg of the wearer when the shoe body engages the foot of the wearer.

18. The sports shoe according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein tension in the support element opposes one of inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer and tension in the second support element opposes the other of inversion and eversion of the foot of the wearer with respect to the lower leg of the wearer.

19. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe body engages the lower leg of the wearer.

20. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe body comprises the support element and the fastener.

21. The sports shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoe body comprises two layers of fabric between which the support element is positioned.5 22. The sports shoe according claim 21, wherein the support element is sewn into a region between the two layers of fabric of the shoe body.27

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