Shoe with improved heel support

Abstract

To improve the fit of shoes, in particular sports shoes.SOLUTION: A sports shoe comprises an upper and a heel element arranged to at least partially overlap with at least a part of the upper. The heel element is configured to envelop at least a part of a heel of a wearer of the shoe and is movable with respect to the upper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1-1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Nos. 18 / 400,799 and 18 / 982,990, filed on December 29, 2023 and December 16, 2024, respectively, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to footwear with improved heel support.

Background Art

[0003] Footwear needs to provide sufficient support for the wearer's feet. This is particularly important for athletic shoes such as running shoes, basketball shoes, tennis shoes, or training shoes that perform sudden stops, accelerations, cutting movements, jumps, etc. For this purpose, footwear comprises a shoe upper that receives the foot, adheres the foot to the sole structure of the footwear, and supports the foot. Another important aspect is the correct size, width, and shape of the footwear, which need to be as close as possible to the size, width, and shape of the foot to provide a snug fit.

[0004] However, the size, width, and shape of industrially manufactured footwear are usually available only at a certain quantization level, whereby some wearers are often between two available sizes, widths, and / or shapes. This can be compensated to some extent by shoelaces, straps, surface fasteners, or similar fastening mechanisms that allow the wearer to tighten the upper. However, such fastening mechanisms usually only target the instep part of the foot, i.e., the dorsal side. Therefore, even if the wearer tightens the fastening mechanism, the heel of the foot may still not be sufficiently fixed. Since the heel may slip inside the footwear, even if the fastening mechanism applies some significant pressure, the wearer may feel that the footwear is loose. This can cause discomfort and friction, and the friction can cause water swelling and degrade performance over time.

[0005] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the fit of footwear, particularly athletic shoes, under the condition that the same foot cannot have two and industrially manufactured footwear can only provide limited types of sizes, widths, and shapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure include footwear comprising an upper and a movable heel element disposed at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the upper. The heel element is configured to wrap at least a portion of the wearer's heel of the footwear and is movable relative to the upper. The movable configuration between the heel element and the upper allows the wearer to adjust the fit of the footwear. In some embodiments, the wearer may adjust the fit of the footwear by pulling on the shoelaces of the footwear. By way of example and not limitation, the disclosure herein contemplates at least the following embodiments.

[0007] A first embodiment (I) of the present application is directed to footwear (18), particularly athletic shoes, and includes an upper (1) and a heel element (2) disposed at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the upper (1), the heel element (2) being configured to wrap at least a portion of the wearer's heel of the footwear and being movable relative to the upper (1).

[0008] In a second embodiment (II), the upper (1) described in the first embodiment (I) does not include a heel portion.

[0009] In a third embodiment (III), the heel element (2) described in the first embodiment (I) or the second embodiment (II) overlaps the upper (1) on the lateral and medial surfaces of the upper (1), and in particular, the heel element (2) overlaps the upper (1) only on the lateral and medial surfaces of the upper (1).

[0010] In a fourth embodiment (IV), the upper (1) described in the first embodiment (I) or the third embodiment (III) includes a heel portion (3), and the heel element (2) is disposed inside the upper.

[0011] In the fifth embodiment (V), the heel element (2) described in the third embodiment (III) or the fourth embodiment (IV) has an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface, and most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion (3) of the upper (1) such that a gap (4) is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element (2) and the heel portion (3) of the upper (1).

[0012] In the sixth embodiment (VI), the heel element (2) described in any one of embodiments (I) to (V) defines a rim portion (5), and at least a part of the rim portion (5) connects the heel element (2) to the remainder of the footwear.

[0013] In the seventh embodiment (VII), the rim portion (5) described in the sixth embodiment (VI) is connected to the upper (1), the strobel board (6), the insole, the midsole, and / or the outsole of the footwear.

[0014] In the eighth embodiment (VIII), the rim portion (5) described in the sixth embodiment (VI) or the seventh embodiment (VII) connects the heel element (2) to the remainder of the footwear by a plurality of seams, adhesives, and / or welds.

[0015] In the ninth embodiment (IX), the heel element (2) described in any one of embodiments (I) to (VIII) comprises a fibrous material.

[0016] In the tenth embodiment (X), the heel element (2) described in any one of embodiments (I) to (IX) comprises an upper portion (9a) and a lower portion (9b), and the lower portion (9b) is disposed closer to the sole of the footwear than the upper portion (9a).

[0017] In the eleventh embodiment (XI), the lower portion (9b) described in the tenth embodiment (X) has a higher elasticity than the upper portion (9a).

[0018] In the twelfth embodiment (XII), the upper portion (9a) described in the tenth embodiment (X) or the eleventh embodiment (XI) is filled with a cushioning material (15).

[0019] In the thirteenth embodiment (XIII), the cushioning material (15) described in the twelfth embodiment (XII) is a foamed material.

[0020] In the fourteenth embodiment (XIV), the upper portion (9a) described in any one of the embodiments (X) to (XIII) includes a mesh material.

[0021] In the fifteenth embodiment (XV), the heel element (2) described in any one of the embodiments (I) to (XIV) is coupled to the shoelace (10) of the footwear.

[0022] In the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), the heel element (2) described in the fifteenth embodiment (XV) is configured to receive the shoelace (10) of the footwear at different positions on the heel element (2).

[0023] In the seventeenth embodiment (XVII), the heel element (2) described in the sixteenth embodiment (XVI) includes one or more loops (11a, 11b, 11c), lugs, and / or punched holes for receiving the shoelace (10) on both sides of the heel element (2).

[0024] In the eighteenth embodiment (XVIII), the shoelace (10) described in any one of the embodiments (XV) to (XVII) passes from the first lace hole of the upper (1) through the first lace hole of the heel element (2) to the second lace hole of the upper (1).

[0025] In the nineteenth embodiment (XIX), the first lace hole of the upper (1) described in the eighteenth embodiment (XVIII) is located on the first surface of the footwear (18), and the first lace hole of the heel element (2) and the second lace hole of the upper (1) described in the eighteenth embodiment (XVIII) are located on the second surface of the footwear (18) opposite to the first surface.

[0026] In the 20th embodiment (XX), the eyelets of the upper (1) described in the 18th embodiment (XVIII) or the 19th embodiment (XIX) and / or the eyelets of the heel element (2) described in the 18th embodiment (XVIII) or the 19th embodiment (XIX) are loops, webbing (28), lugs or punched holes.

[0027] In the 21st embodiment (XXI), the footwear described in any one of embodiments (I) or (III) to (XX) further includes a flap (13) connecting the heel portion (3) of the upper and the heel element (2).

[0028] In the 22nd embodiment (XXII), the heel element (2) described in the 15th embodiment includes a fulcrum (35) for receiving the shoelace (10), and the fulcrum (35) is configured to provide a lever means for moving the heel element (2) relative to the upper (1) when the wearer pulls the shoelace (10).

[0029] In the 23rd embodiment (XXIII), the shoelace (10) described in the 22nd embodiment passes from the eyelet (38) of the upper (1), through the shoelace guide (37) of the heel element (2), to the fulcrum (35).

[0030] In the 24th embodiment (XXIV), the heel element (2) described in any one of embodiments (I) to (XXIII) consists of an integral additive - manufactured component.

[0031] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings. Together with the detailed description, the drawings illustrate the principles of the disclosed embodiments and are further useful to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use them. These drawings are for illustrative purposes and not limiting. It should be understood that the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

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[0033] The indefinite articles "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless there is an obvious contradiction or the context states otherwise.

[0034] The terms "comprising", "consisting of", and "including" are open-ended transitional phrases. An enumeration of elements following a transitional phrase of "comprising", "consisting of", or "including" is a non-exclusive enumeration such that there may be additional elements other than those specifically recited in that enumeration. The phrase "substantially consisting of" limits the composition of a component to those that do not materially affect the specific materials and the basic and novel characteristics of that component. The phrase "consisting of" limits the composition of a component to specific materials and excludes any unspecified materials.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail herein with reference to the embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "in some embodiments", etc. indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Also, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, it can be said to affect that feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0036] In the following, only some possible embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and many other embodiments are applicable without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The presented embodiments can be modified in many aspects, can be combined with each other when interchangeable, and specific features may be omitted as long as they are considered to be omissible. In particular, the disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining specific features of one embodiment with one or more features of other embodiments.

[0037] It should be understood that not all features of the disclosed aspects / embodiments need to be present in order to achieve the technically advantageous effects provided by the present disclosure as defined by the subject matter of the claims. The disclosed aspects / embodiments can be modified by combining specific features of one aspect / embodiment with one or more features of other aspects / embodiments. Specifically, those skilled in the art should understand that the features and / or functional elements of one aspect / embodiment can be combined with technically interchangeable features and / or functional elements of any other aspect / embodiment of the present disclosure, provided that the resulting combination falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Throughout this specification and the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. For the sake of clarity and brevity, certain aspects of the components or steps of a particular embodiment are presented without more detail than necessary where such detail is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the technology herein and / or where such detail would impede a more relevant understanding of the embodiment.

[0039] As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and / or to avoid redundancy, reference is also made to the description in the preceding chapters, which also applies to the following detailed description. Also, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, not all features, parts, elements, aspects, components and / or steps are explicitly denoted by reference numerals. This is particularly the case where those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are multiple such features, parts, elements, aspects, components and / or steps.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved heel support for footwear, particularly athletic shoes, and include an upper and a heel element disposed at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the upper. The heel element is configured to enclose at least a portion of the wearer's heel of the footwear and is movable relative to the upper. By the relative movement between the heel element and the upper, the wearer can adjust the fit of the footwear. And by enabling the wearer to adjust the fit of the footwear, the heel element allows the wearer to improve the fit of the footwear to their particular foot shape and size. Such improvements can lead to improved performance of the footwear, such as improvements in the support of the foot during athletic activities and / or improvements in preventing foot inflammation (e.g., swelling).

[0041] These advantageous effects and other advantageous effects described herein can overcome the problems and disadvantages of conventional footwear. These advantageous effects are achieved by the footwear described herein, particularly by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. At least a portion of the exemplary embodiments is defined in the dependent claims.

[0042] "Elements" in the context of the present disclosure include, for example, not only soft structures based on fibers but also harder structures based on molded plastic elements. Combinations of multiple materials with different properties are also possible.

[0043] Footwear according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a heel element that surrounds, covers, and secures the wearer's heel. Since the heel element is movable relative to the upper, the heel element can be adapted to the size, width, and shape of the foot. In this way, a precise fit is provided, and the heel element can be adapted to feet of various sizes, widths, and / or shapes. Thus, the footwear according to the present disclosure at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of prior art footwear with respect to fit and adaptability.

[0044] For example, the heel elements described herein can be applied to basketball shoes. Conventional basketball shoes have a fixed heel with no adjustment function in the heel pocket. Embodiments of the present disclosure specifically provide lockdown and agility. It is common for basketball players to wear shoes that are one or two sizes larger to accommodate ankle braces. Embodiments of the present disclosure feature a self-adjusting separable heel element that reduces movement within the footwear and provides a customized fit that adapts to each individual athlete. The adaptable or articulating heel element holds a low-cut shape for agile gameplay while accommodating what is needed for personal support (e.g., ankle braces). While basketball shoes are a possible application example, embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to any sport.

[0045] In some embodiments, the upper may not include a heel portion. In such embodiments, rather, the heel element performs the function of the heel portion. Since the movement of the heel element is not restricted by the heel portion of the upper, it can optimally conform to the foot.

[0046] The heel element can overlap the upper on the outer and inner sides of the foot of the upper. In some embodiments, the heel element may overlap the upper only on the outer and inner sides of the foot of the upper. The outer and inner portions of the upper that overlap the heel element can provide some outer and inner guides to the heel element.

[0047] In some embodiments, the upper may include a heel portion, and the heel element can be disposed inside the upper. In such embodiments, the heel portion of the upper provides additional support and protects the wearer's sensitive heel.

[0048] The heel element can have an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface. In some embodiments, most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion of the upper such that a gap is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element and the heel portion of the upper. With this configuration, the heel element can be movable even in embodiments where it is covered by the heel portion of the upper.

[0049] As used herein, the upper and heel element described as "not connected" to each other means that the upper and heel element are not fixedly joined in the plane in which both the upper and heel element extend such that the upper and heel element are movable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the relative movement between the upper and the heel element consists of a sliding movement of the heel element relative to the upper, a pivotal movement of the heel element relative to the upper, or both.

[0050] In some embodiments, the relative movement between the upper and the heel element can be initiated by pulling the shoelace of the footwear. In some embodiments, the relative movement between the upper and the heel element can reduce the distance between the shoelace hole in the heel element and the shoelace hole in the upper. As described herein, in some embodiments, this change in distance can be generated by the wearer pulling the shoelace of the footwear. This change in distance can provide a lockdown of the wearer's heel by pulling the heel element forward.

[0051] In the context of the present disclosure, "inward" should be understood as being directed towards the foot of the wearer wearing the footwear. Conversely, "outward" in the context of the present disclosure indicates the opposite direction, i.e., the direction away from the foot.

[0052] The gap formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element and the heel portion of the upper in the context of the present disclosure means that the heel element and the heel portion can be separated, for example, by inserting a finger therebetween. The presence of the gap does not necessarily mean that the heel element and the heel portion of the upper do not contact each other. For example, when the footwear is in use, the heel of the wearer's foot will press the heel element against the heel portion of the upper. This may depend on the size of the foot compared to the size of the footwear and, for example, the type of movement the wearer makes.

[0053] The heel element may define a rim portion, and at least a part of the rim portion may connect the heel element to the remainder of the footwear. In some embodiments, the said part of the rim portion of the heel element may be connected to the strobel board and the rim portion of the upper of the footwear. In some, the said part of the rim portion of the heel element may be connected only to the strobel board of the footwear. In any case, the heel element may be firmly coupled to the remainder of the footwear at the rim portion, yet still float freely within the footwear. In some embodiments, the rim portion may be connected to the upper, strobel board, insole, midsole and / or outsole of the footwear. Thus, the heel element may be connected to the remainder of the footwear on its bottom side, i.e., the side facing the ground. Thus, the foot is firmly coupled to the footwear, particularly, for example, during the late stance or heel-off phase of the walking cycle.

[0054] The rim portion may connect the heel element to the remainder of the footwear by a plurality of stitches, adhesives and / or welds. In this way, a firm and permanent connection is achieved.

[0055] In some embodiments, the heel element may comprise a fibrous material. The fibrous material is perceived as soft and provides comfort to the foot. Further, it may help to let moisture escape from the foot.

[0056] The heel element may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion may be disposed closer to the sole of the footwear than the upper portion. In such an embodiment, the heel element is split into two parts, and they may provide different functions to the target area of the foot.

[0057] In some embodiments, the lower portion of the heel element may have a higher stretchability than the upper portion. In such an embodiment, the lower portion of the heel element may conform to the heel of the foot and provide an improved fit.

[0058] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the heel element may be filled with a cushioning material. In this way, the sensitive Achilles tendon is protected and the wearing comfort is enhanced. Further, it creates a snug fit around the foot.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cushioning material may be made of a foam material. The foam material provides the necessary cushioning effect and simplifies the manufacturing process. For example, the foam material may be provided as a pre-formed insert.

[0060] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the heel element may be made of a mesh material. The mesh material has a plurality of holes or openings for ventilation. Further, the mesh material is sufficiently stretch-resistant to hold the heel of the foot within the footwear. In some embodiments, the upper portion may comprise a reinforcing material added to complement the structure and / or strength of the mesh material. The upper portion of the heel element may additionally or alternatively comprise a knitted fabric, leather, woven fabric, synthetic leather, or any combination thereof.

[0061] The heel element can be coupled to the shoelace of the footwear. Thus, the wearer of the footwear can, by tightening the shoelace, cause the heel element described herein to act so as to snugly wrap around the heel. The pressure exerted on the heel by the heel element is adjustable according to the needs of the wearer in response to the force applied while tightening the shoelace.

[0062] In some embodiments, the heel element can be configured to receive the shoelace of the footwear at different positions of the heel element. For example, at a first position, the heel element can generally be disposed closer to the heel portion of the upper, and at a second position, the heel element can be disposed closer to the vamp portion of the upper. In this way, the fit of the footwear can be adapted to the individual foot size and / or foot shape of the wearer.

[0063] The heel element may have one or more shoelace holes (e.g., loops, lugs, and / or punched holes) on both sides of the heel element for receiving the shoelace. By inserting the shoelace into one of the shoelace holes, the heel element is firmly coupled to the vamp region of the footwear. By selecting an appropriate shoelace hole, the position of the heel element relative to the shoe upper can be adjusted to compensate for the individual foot size or shape and to obtain a snug fit.

[0064] In some embodiments, the shoelace can pass from a first shoelace hole of the upper, through a first shoelace hole of the heel element, and to a second shoelace hole of the upper. Thus, when the shoelace is pulled to tighten the footwear, the heel element is activated and moves towards the wearer's heel, locking down the heel. In such an embodiment, the first shoelace hole of the upper can be located on a first surface of the footwear, and the first shoelace hole of the heel element and the second shoelace hole of the upper can be located on a second surface of the footwear opposite the first surface. In this way, the heel element may be integrated in a cross-lacing that is easy to tighten and loosen and provides a fixed fit. The shoelace holes of the upper and / or the shoelace holes of the heel element can be loops, webbing, lugs, or punched holes or any other structure suitable for fixing the shoelace to the footwear.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shoelace can pass from the first lace hole of the upper, through the shoelace guide of the heel element to the fulcrum of the heel element, and then to the second lace hole of the upper. In this way, when the shoelace is pulled for tightening, the heel element starts to act, moves towards the wearer's heel, and locks down the heel. In such embodiments, the shoelace guide can be configured to position the shoelace at a predetermined angle along the heel element with respect to the fulcrum so that the fulcrum provides an optimal lever action when the shoelace is pulled by the wearer. In this way, the heel element can be easily linked and moved towards the wearer's heel, providing a fixed and comfortable fit.

[0066] In some embodiments, the footwear may include a flap connecting the heel portion of the upper and the heel element. In such embodiments, the wearer of the footwear can not only generally grasp the flap and pull the footwear towards the foot when putting on the footwear, but also pull the heel element towards the heel portion of the shoe upper to facilitate the insertion of the foot.

[0067] In some embodiments, the heel element may include a plurality of openings. In this way, ventilation of the foot is realized, which generally adds to the comfort of wearing.

[0068] In some embodiments, the heel element can be manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques. In such embodiments, the heel element can consist of an integral additive manufacturing component.

[0069] Figures 1A - 1D show a shoe upper 1 and a heel element 2 for footwear according to some embodiments. The footwear in this example is a sports shoe and includes a sole (not shown) that will be attached to the bottom side of the upper 1. Generally, the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to various sports including high - intensity interval training, running, and basketball training, etc. The above is a non - limiting enumeration.

[0070] The heel element 2 is disposed inside the upper 1 in a manner that overlaps at least a part of the heel portion 3 of the upper 1. The heel element 2 is configured to wrap at least a part of the wearer's heel of the footwear. Thus, the heel element 2 has an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface. The inward-facing surface will face the foot of the wearer putting on the footwear. The outward-facing surface will face in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the foot. As shown in the figures, particularly in FIGS. 1A and 1B, most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion 3 of the upper 1 such that a gap 4 is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element 2 and the heel portion 3 of the upper 1. Accordingly, the heel element 2 is movable relative to the upper 1, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, so as to adapt to various foot sizes, widths, lengths, and shapes.

[0071] The heel element 2 generally defines a rim portion 5 that defines the boundary or limit of the heel element 2. At least a part of the rim portion 5 connects the heel element 2 to the remainder of the footwear. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A - 1D, the heel element 2 is stitched to both the strobel board 6 and the rim portion of the upper 1. This seam is indicated by the shaded area 7 in FIG. 1C. In FIG. 1D, the seam 8 connecting the heel element 2 to the strobel board 6 and the upper 1 is visible from the inside of the upper 1. In other embodiments, the heel element 2 may be stitched or otherwise connected (e.g., adhered or welded) to other parts of the footwear, such as the midsole, outsole, insole, etc.

[0072] Both the upper 1 and the heel element 2 in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A - 1D are made of a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material may consist of a mesh material, a warp or weft knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A - 1D, the heel element 2 comprises an upper portion 9a and a lower portion 9b, particularly as shown in FIG. 1D. In some embodiments, the upper portion 9a comprises a pad or a cushion insert made of foam material. An important advantage of such embodiments is that they create a snug fit around the foot. The inner side of the upper portion 9a, i.e., the side facing the foot, is made of a soft material. In some embodiments, the upper portion 9a may comprise a mesh material. In some embodiments, the lower portion 9b is made of a material having higher stretchability than the upper portion 9a. Both portions 9a and 9b may be connected by a seam.

[0074] In particular, as shown in FIG. 1B, the heel element 2 is coupled to the shoelace 10 of the footwear. This is achieved by a shoelace hole (e.g., loop 11a) through which the shoelace 10 is inserted. Similar shoelace holes (e.g., loops) are located on the opposite side of the heel element 2 to receive the shoelace 10. Further, the heel element 2 includes additional shoelace holes (e.g., loops 11b and 11c) that enable compensation for different foot sizes, lengths, shapes, etc. by fixing the heel element 2 to the upper 1 at different positions. Thus, when the shoelace 10 is inserted into the first shoelace hole (e.g., loop 11a), the heel element 2 is in the position closest to the heel portion 3 of the upper 1. On the other hand, when the shoelace 10 is inserted into the second shoelace hole (e.g., loop 11c), the heel element is in a position closer to the vamp 12 of the footwear. When the shoelace 10 is inserted into the third shoelace hole (e.g., loop 11b), the heel element 2 is in an intermediate position. The opposite side of the heel element 2 includes three lacing holes (e.g., loops similar to loops 11a, 11b, and 11c). In some embodiments, the number of shoelace holes may be different, or the heel element 2 may include shoelace holes in the form of lugs and / or punched holes instead of loops. In some embodiments, the shoelace holes may be in the form of hooks, straps, or similar means for fastening the heel element to the upper at various positions. The loops 11a, 11b, and 11c in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A - 1D are realized by straps sewn to the outside of the heel element 2, and the seams are arranged to form three gaps that form the loops 11a, 11b, and 11c. In some embodiments, the shoelace holes may be located in flap-like extensions, e.g., extensions 16a and 16b described below in connection with FIG. 3.

[0075] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A - 1D, the footwear may include a flap 13 that connects the heel portion 3 of the upper 1 and the heel element 2. In such an embodiment, the wearer of the footwear can not only generally grasp the flap 13 and pull the footwear towards the foot when putting on the footwear, but also pull the heel element 2 towards the heel portion 3 of the shoe upper 1 to facilitate the insertion of the foot. The flap 13 in the exemplary embodiment is realized by a strap sewn to the outer side of the upper 1 and the outward-facing surface of the heel element 2.

[0076] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the heel element 2 according to some embodiments. FIG. 2C shows the heel elements of FIGS. 2A and 2B disposed on the shoe upper 1 for some embodiments of the footwear. Also in this example, the heel element 2 includes an upper portion 9a and a lower portion 9b. The upper portion 9a includes a foam insert at the position indicated by the region denoted by reference numeral 15. The foam insert has, for example, a thickness of 5 mm, but may have a different thickness in other embodiments. The upper portion 9a includes a front and a back joined by a seam and a welt indicated by line 14. The lower portion 9b is an elastic insert having a higher elasticity than the upper portion 9a. Also, the heel elements of FIGS. 2A - 2C include shoelace loops 11a and 11b for receiving the shoelaces of the footwear.

[0077] FIG. 3 shows the position of the heel element 2 in the shoe upper 1 of the footwear according to some embodiments. The rim or edge of the heel element is highlighted and indicated by reference numeral 5 in FIG. 3. Thus, the heel element 2 will cover at least a portion of the wearer's heel. The heel element 2 forms two flap-like extensions 16a and 16b that extend from the bottom portion of the footwear to the Achilles tendon and up to the instep portion. Shoelace holes (e.g., loops 11a, 11b, and 11c described with respect to FIGS. 1A - 1D) will be located in these extensions 16a and 16b. The heel element 2 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the shoe upper 1 at the bottom portion 17 of its rim portion 5.

[0078] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show a footwear 18 according to some embodiments. Figure 4A shows a side view, Figure 4B shows a top view, and Figure 4C shows an outer / back view of the foot. The footwear 18 includes an upper 1, a heel element 2, and a sole structure 19. Different from the previous embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 3, the upper 1 does not include a heel portion and instead is open at the heel. In such an embodiment, the upper 1 includes a rear peripheral rim 50 that defines a hollow rearward opening in the footwear 18. The rear peripheral rim 50 may include an outer foot surface that defines the outer foot surface of the rearward opening and an inner foot surface that defines the inner foot surface of the rearward opening. The heel element 2 is not fixedly connected to the upper 1 and is movable relative to the upper 1. The heel element 2 is connected to the remainder of the footwear at the strobel board. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A - 4C, the heel element 2 fits within the rear peripheral rim 50 of the upper 1 and surrounds the hollow rearward opening defined by the rim 50.

[0079] Figure 5A is a schematic view of the upper 1 and the heel element 2 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A - 4C, showing the positions of both elements relative to each other. This shows the upper 1 in a flat configuration, i.e., before being integrated into the footwear. The heel element 2 is not connected to the upper 1 such that the heel element 2 is movable relative to the upper 1. The upper 1 does not include a heel portion. In the final footwear, rather, the heel element 2 forms the rear portion of the footwear that surrounds the foot. As shown in Figure 5A, the heel element 2 and the upper 1 partially overlap in the region indicated by reference numeral 20. Such a region exists on both sides, i.e., the outer and inner foot surfaces, in the final footwear 18. Figure 5A also shows an optional support shroud 21 (or stabilizing sheath / gusset) that is attached to the bottom edge of the heel element 2 but not to the upper. The support shroud 21 may rather be connected to the remainder of the footwear in the same manner as the heel element 2 is connected to the remainder of the footwear. For example, the support shroud 21 may be connected to the remainder of the footwear at the strobel board, similar to the heel element 2. The support shroud 21 serves to keep the heel element 2 in a registered position. The shroud 21 is optional, and other embodiments do not include a support shroud.

[0080] Figure 5B shows the appearance of the upper 1, the heel element 2, and the support shroud 21 of Figure 5A. This shows that the upper 1 is open at the heel without having a heel portion.

[0081] Figure 6 shows the composition of the heel element 2 of the embodiments of Figures 4A - 4C according to some embodiments. The outer layer of the heel element 2 is a fibrous material 22. The integrated heel counter 23 reinforces the heel element 2. Since the upper 1 of Figures 4A - 4C does not have a heel portion, the integrated heel counter 23 can reinforce the heel portion of the footwear. Thus, stability, support, and protection are provided to the heel by only the heel element 2. In some embodiments, the heel counter 23 may be a molded piece. For comfort and padding, the heel element 2 also comprises a foam package 24 which may also be a molded piece. Finally, the inner side of the heel element 2 facing the foot is finished with a lining material 25. In some embodiments, the heel element 2 described in connection with Figures 1A - 3 or Figures 7A - 9C may comprise the composition shown in Figure 6.

[0082] Figures 7A-7C illustrate a footwear according to some embodiments including an upper 1, a heel element 2, and a sole structure 19. FIG. 7A shows the overall footwear. FIG. 7B shows the footwear with the upper 1 removed, i.e., only the heel element 2 and the sole structure 19. FIG. 7C is an "X-ray view" showing the position of the heel element 2 inside the upper 1. The upper 1 in the embodiments of FIGS. 7A-7C includes a heel portion 3. An external heel counter 26 is disposed on the heel portion 3. A support shroud 21 is joined to the lower rim of the heel element 2 and connected to the remainder of the footwear 18 at the strobel board. Similar to other embodiments described herein, the heel element 2 is not connected to the upper 1 such that the heel element 2 is movable relative to the upper 1. The heel element 2 includes a grommet 27 through which a shoelace of the footwear can be inserted. It is understood that the grommets 27 are on both sides (outer foot and inner foot) of the heel element 2. How the heel element 2 acts to lock down the foot via the shoelaces of the footwear 18 is described with respect to FIGS. 9A-9C.

[0083] FIG. 8A shows a schematic view of the upper 1 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C. FIG. 8A shows that in addition to the heel counter 26, the upper 1 includes webbing, one of which is indicated by reference numeral 28, and the webbing acts as an anchor point (shoelace hole) for the shoelaces of the footwear. The webbing in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A extends to the edge of the upper 1 and will be connected to the sole structure of the footwear. The webbing 28 is configured to receive the shoelaces 10 of the footwear and functions like a loop through which the shoelaces 10 are inserted. In other embodiments, for example, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the webbing does not extend to the sole structure of the footwear. Also, instead of webbing, loops, lugs, or punched holes may be used.

[0084] FIG. 8B shows a schematic view of the heel element 2 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C. The contour of the upper 1 (see FIG. 8A) is also shown as the relative arrangement of the upper 1 and the heel element 2. As described above, the upper 1 and the heel element 2 are movable relative to each other in the final footwear, which means that they are not joined in the plane in which they both extend.

[0085] FIGS. 9A-9C show how the heel element 2 starts to act by pulling the shoelace 10 of the footwear 18 according to some embodiments. Any embodiment of the heel element 2 described herein is operable by the shoelace 10 as described in connection with FIGS. 9A-9C.

[0086] FIG. 9A shows the start of pulling up of the shoelace 10. When the wearer pulls up the shoelace 10 in the vertical direction (as indicated by arrow 30) (which is a natural and intuitive way to tighten the footwear), due to the tension from the shoelace 10, the articulated heel element 2 acts so as to start moving forward horizontally towards the wearer's heel. This articulated movement of the heel element 2 can consist of a sliding movement of the heel element 2 in the forward direction, a pivoting movement of the heel element 2 in the forward direction, or a combination of both sliding and pivoting movements. In any case, the articulated movement can reduce the distance 31 between the shoelace hole 27 in the heel element 2 and the shoelace hole (e.g., webbing 28) of the upper 1. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, there is an initial distance 31 between the shoelace hole 27 of the heel element 2 and the shoelace hole (webbing 28) of the upper 1, which decreases during the process of pulling the shoelace 10.

[0087] FIG. 9B shows a generally intermediate state of the action of the heel element. As the vertical force 30 increases when pulling up the shoelace 10, tension starting from the shoelace hole 27 of the articulated heel element 2 is added to the system. As the tension increases, the shoelace hole 27 is brought closer to the shoelace hole (webbing 28) of the upper 1 by a pulley system and pivots the heel element 2 forward, as also indicated by arrow 32 and the decreased distance 31.

[0088] Figure 9C shows a complete heel lock - down. The system locks completely when the articulated heel element 2 is fully engaged with the wearer's heel geometry. As shown in Figure 9C, the wearer has pulled up the shoelace 10, the distance 31 between the shoelace holes of the heel element 2 and the shoelace holes of the upper 1 has further decreased, and the heel element 2 has moved forward to fit snugly against the heel as indicated by arrow 32.

[0089] As a result, the vertical tensile force applied to the shoelace 10 is converted into a horizontal force acting on the heel element 2, pulling it towards the wearer's heel to lock down the foot within the footwear. This lacing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is designed to form a lever means. When athletes intuitively pull the shoelace vertically through their footwear, the lever mechanism in the lacing architecture guides the heel element directly forward against the athlete - specific heel morphology. Thereby, a self - adjusting system is provided.

[0090] Figure 10A shows the lacing system according to some embodiments and details of how it interacts with the heel element 2. The footwear has a standard lacing up to the second last eyelet 33 from the last of the upper, and the eyelet 33 is realized as webbing in this example. Instead of webbing, loops, lugs or punched holes may be used. It is understood that there are second last eyelets 33 on both sides (outer foot and inner foot) of the upper 1. The shoelace passes from the second last eyelet 33 to the eyelet 27 on the opposite side of the heel element 2. In some embodiments, the shoelace may pass through the eyelet 27 from the inward-facing surface to the outward-facing surface of the heel element 2. Here too, there are eyelets 27 on both sides of the heel element 2, the outer foot eyelet 27 receives the shoelace 10 from the inner foot eyelet 33 of the upper, and the inner foot eyelet 27 receives the shoelace 10 from the outer foot eyelet 33 of the upper. The shoelace 10 passes from the eyelet 27 to the last eyelet 28 of the upper 1 provided as webbing also in this example. The webbing 28 is arranged on both sides (outer foot and inner foot) of the upper as the last lacing point. This last lacing point is below the eyelet 27 of the heel element 2. Thereby, when the shoelace 10 is pulled, the heel element 2 is pulled towards the upper 1 by the shoelace 10.

[0091] Figure 10B shows details of the lacing system from another perspective. It also shows the distance 34 by which the heel element 2 can move forward when pulling the shoelace 10 as described above. This distance 34 is directly tightened up to the distance between the eyelet 27 of the heel element 2 and the webbing 28 in the upper 1. The distance between the eyelet 27 and the webbing 28 is the distance by which the heel element can be articulated forward when the system is actuated during lacing.

[0092] Figures 11A - 11B show how the heel element 2 is actuated by pulling the shoelace 10 of the footwear 18 according to some embodiments. Any embodiment of the heel element 2 described herein can be actuated by the shoelace 10 as described in connection with Figures 11A - 11B.

[0093] FIG. 11A shows a heel element 2 having a fulcrum 35. The fulcrum 35 is configured to provide a levering means for moving the heel element 2 relative to the upper when the wearer pulls the shoelace 10. Specifically, the shoelace 10 passes through the fulcrum 35 and forms a bend with respect to the fulcrum 35, so that by pulling the shoelace 10, the heel element 2 starts to act by the levering means provided with respect to the fulcrum 35, and the heel element 2 starts to move towards the wearer's heel. Such movement of the heel element 2 towards the wearer's heel can consist of a sliding movement of the heel element 2 in the forward direction, a pivotal movement of the heel element 2 in the forward direction, or a combination thereof. In any case, the movement of the heel element 2 will reduce the distance 36 between the fulcrum 35 and the shoelace hole (e.g., webbing 28) of the upper 1.

[0094] The distance 36 between the fulcrum 35 and the shoelace hole (e.g., webbing 28) of the upper 1 is the distance by which the heel element 2 can be connected and moved forward when the shoelace 10 is pulled. In some embodiments, the fulcrum 35 is positioned in the rear half of the heel element 2, and the distance 36 between the fulcrum 35 and the shoelace hole (e.g., webbing 28) of the upper 1 increases, so that the distance by which the heel element 2 can be connected and moved forward when the shoelace 10 is pulled increases. The increase in the connecting and moving distance of the heel element 2 is beneficial as it increases the adjustability of the footwear 18 and consequently results in a better fit for the wearer. In some embodiments, the distance 36 ranges from 30 mm to 50 mm when the heel element 2 is in a non-operative state (e.g., when the footwear 18 is not in use). In some embodiments, the fulcrum 35 is positioned behind the rearmost part of the vamp 12 of the footwear 18.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11A, the heel element 2 may further include a shoelace guide 37. The shoelace guide 37 is configured to position the shoelace 10 along the surface of the heel element 2 when the shoelace 10 passes to the fulcrum 35. In some embodiments, the shoelace 10 will pass through the shoelace guide 37 in a direction parallel to the lever means provided by the fulcrum 35 when the wearer pulls the shoelace 10. Due to the orientation of the shoelace 10 provided by such a shoelace guide 37, the wearer can easily adjust the heel element 2.

[0096] In some embodiments, the shoelace guide 37 may be positioned on the outer surface of the heel element 2 adjacent to the inner surface of the heel portion 3 of the upper 1. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the heel portion 3 where the shoelace guide 37 is positioned will overlap the outer surface of the heel element 2 such that when the wearer puts on the footwear 18, the shoelace guide 37 is pushed away from the upper part of the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the shoelace guide 37 is pushed into the gap 4.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fulcrum 35 may be positioned on the outer surface of the heel element 2 adjacent to the inner surface of the heel portion 3 of the upper 1. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the heel portion 3 where the fulcrum 35 is positioned may overlap the outer surface of the heel element 2 such that when the wearer puts on the footwear 18, the fulcrum 35 is pushed away from the upper part of the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fulcrum 35 is pushed into the gap 4.

[0098] In embodiments where the shoelace guide 37 and / or the fulcrum 35 are pushed into the gap 4, at least a portion of the shoelace 10 is pushed into the gap 4. In such embodiments, the inner surface of the heel portion 3 will overlap the outer surface of the heel element 2 such that when the wearer puts on the footwear 18, at least a portion of the shoelace 10 is pushed away from the upper part of the wearer's foot.

[0099] In some embodiments, the heel portion 3 may be omitted if the adjacent inward-facing surfaces of the heel portion 3 are absent, whereby the shoelace guide 37 and / or the fulcrum 35 guide the shoelace 10 away from the upper part of the wearer's foot.

[0100] The fulcrum 35 and / or the shoelace guide 37 may be on both sides (outer foot and inner foot) of the heel element 2. In such an embodiment, the heel element 2 may comprise a second fulcrum 35 on the side opposite the first fulcrum 35. Similarly, in such an embodiment, the heel element 2 may comprise a second shoelace guide 37 on the side opposite the first shoelace guide 37. The fulcrum 35 and / or the shoelace guide 37 can be a shoelace hole, loop, webbing, lug, punched hole, or any other structure suitable for fixing the shoelace 10 and / or providing a levering action for the heel element 2 to move relative to the upper 1 when the shoelace 10 is pulled.

[0101] FIG. 11B shows details of a lacing system according to some embodiments and how it interacts with the heel element 2. The footwear 18 has a standard lacing up to the second-to-last eyelet 38, and the eyelet 38 can be webbing as shown in FIG. 11B. Instead of webbing, loops, lugs, punched holes, or any other structure suitable for securing the shoelaces 10 may be used. In some embodiments, there are second-to-last eyelets 38 on both sides (outer and inner sides of the foot) of the upper 1. In such embodiments, the upper includes an additional second-to-last eyelet 38 on the side opposite the second-to-last eyelet 38. The shoelaces 10 pass from the second-to-last eyelet 38 to the shoelace guide 37. The shoelaces 10 pass from the shoelace guide 37 to the fulcrum 35. Finally, the shoelaces 10 pass from the fulcrum 35 to the last eyelet 39 of the upper 1, and the eyelet 39 can be webbing as shown in FIG. 11B. Again, instead of webbing, loops, lugs, punched holes, or any other structure suitable for securing the shoelaces 10 may be used. In some embodiments, there are last eyelets 39 on both sides (outer and inner sides of the foot) of the upper 1. In such embodiments, the upper includes a second last eyelet 39 on the side opposite the first last eyelet 39. In some embodiments, the shoelace guide 37 may be omitted, whereby the shoelaces 10 pass directly from the second-to-last eyelet 38 to the fulcrum 35.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, in some embodiments, the heel element 2 can be manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques. Exemplary additive manufacturing techniques generally include, for example, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, selective heat sintering, stereolithography, solution heat deposition lamination, or 3D printing. Various additive manufacturing techniques for articles of footwear are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0126225, International Publication No. 2010 / 126708, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0300676, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0300675, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0299009, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0026773, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0029030, International Publication No. 2014 / 008331, International Publication No. 2014 / 015037, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0020191, European Patent No. 2564719, European Patent No. 2424398, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0117825. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing process can include a continuous liquid interface manufacturing process.

[0103] In some embodiments, the heel element 2 may include an opening 41. The opening 41 reduces the amount of material required to form the heel element 2, thereby lightening the heel element 2 and thus the entire footwear 18, which provides a performance benefit to the wearer. Further, the opening 41 can mitigate the contact between the inward-facing surface 42 of the heel element 2 and the wearer's heel, preventing rubbing of the wearer's heel. The opening 41 also provides breathability to the footwear 18, which can be desirable, for example, when the wearer is exercising.

[0104] In some embodiments, the outer-facing surface 43 of the heel element 2 may comprise a protruding hatch 44 that extends across the outer-facing surface 43. In such embodiments, the hatch 44 may be configured to provide additional support to the heel element 2 and thereby to the wearer's heel. In some embodiments, the hatch 44 may extend across the outer-facing surface 43 at the rearmost portion 40 of the heel element 2. In some embodiments, the hatch 44 may extend across the opening 41 and thereby provide additional support to the opening 41. In such embodiments, the hatch 44 may extend from a first portion 43a of the outer-facing surface across the opening 41 and to a second portion 43b of the outer-facing surface.

[0105] In some embodiments, the inner-facing surface 42 of the heel element 2 may comprise a hatch 44. In such embodiments, the hatch 44 on the inner-facing surface 42 may similarly be configured to provide additional support to the heel element 2 and thereby to the wearer's heel. In some embodiments, the hatch 44 on the inner-facing surface 42 may extend across the inner-facing surface 42 at the rearmost portion 40 of the heel element 2. In some embodiments, the hatch 44 on the inner-facing surface 42 may extend across the opening 41 and thereby provide support to the opening 41. In such embodiments, the hatch 44 may extend from a first portion 42a of the inner-facing surface across the opening 41 and to a second portion 42b of the inner-facing surface. In some embodiments, the heel element 2 may comprise hatches 44 on both the outer-facing surface 43 and the inner-facing surface 42.

[0106] FIG. 12B shows a heel element 2 manufactured by additive manufacturing techniques inside a footwear 18 according to some embodiments. As shown, the heel element 2 may comprise a grommet 27 through which a shoelace 10 may be inserted. There may be grommets 27 on both sides (outer foot and inner foot) of the heel element 2.

[0107] As shown, in some embodiments, the additively manufactured heel element 2 may comprise a lining material 25 coupled to at least a portion of the inner-facing surface 42 of the heel element 2.

[0108] In some embodiments, the additively manufactured heel element 2 may comprise a fiber material 22 coupled to at least a portion of the outward-facing surface 43 of the heel element 2. In such embodiments, the fiber material 22 may comprise any of the features of the embodiments of the heel element 2 described above. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber material 22 may comprise loops 11a, 11b, and 11c. As another example, in some embodiments, the fiber material 22 may comprise eyelets 27. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the fiber material 22 may comprise a fulcrum 35 and a shoelace guide 37. As an additional example, in some embodiments, the fiber material 22 may comprise a webbing, loop, lug, punched hole, or any other structure suitable for securing the shoelace 10. In such embodiments, the heel element 2 may be configured to move relative to the upper 1 by virtue of the interaction between the shoelace 10 and the fiber material 22 to which the heel element 2 is coupled. In some embodiments, the additively manufactured heel element 2 may be disposed between the lining material 25 and the fiber material 22.

[0109] The heel element 2 manufactured by an additive manufacturing technique may be utilized in any of the embodiments of the heel element 2 described above. By way of illustration, the heel element 2 manufactured by an additive manufacturing technique may comprise a fulcrum 35 and a shoelace guide 37. In some embodiments, the fulcrum and the shoelace guide 37 may be adhered to the heel element 2. As another illustration, the heel element 2 manufactured by an additive manufacturing technique may comprise loops 11a, 11b, and 11c. In some embodiments, any other structure suitable for securing a webbing, loop, lug, punched hole, or shoelace 10 may be adhered to the heel element 2.

[0110] Although various embodiments have been described herein, they are presented by way of example and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications, which fall within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, are based on the teachings and guidance presented herein. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can be mutually replaceable to meet various situations, as can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0111] Each example is for the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure and not a limitation thereof. Other suitable variations and adaptations of the various conditions and parameters commonly encountered in the art, which are apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] It should be understood that the language or terms used herein are for explanatory purposes and not for limitation. The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0113] The present invention includes the following aspects. [Aspect 1] Footwear comprising an upper, and a heel element disposed at least partially overlapping at least a part of the upper, wherein the heel element is configured to wrap at least a part of the wearer's heel of the footwear, and the heel element is movable relative to the upper. [Aspect 2] The upper of the footwear according to Aspect 1 does not include a heel portion. [Aspect 3] The heel element of the footwear according to Aspect 1 or 2 overlaps the upper on the outer and inner sides of the foot of the upper. [Aspect 4] The upper includes a heel portion, the heel element is disposed inside the upper, the heel element has an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface, and most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion of the upper such that a gap is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element and the heel portion of the upper. The footwear according to Aspect 1 or 3. [Aspect 5] The heel element includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion is disposed closer to the sole of the footwear than the upper portion, the upper portion is filled with a cushioning material, and the cushioning material is a foamed material. The footwear according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4. [Aspect 6] The heel element includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion is disposed closer to the sole of the footwear than the upper portion, and the upper portion includes a mesh material. The footwear according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. [Aspect 7] The heel element is coupled to a shoelace of the footwear. The footwear according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6. [Aspect 8] The heel element includes a fulcrum for receiving the shoelace, and the fulcrum is configured to provide a levering action for moving the heel element relative to the upper when the wearer pulls on the shoelace. The footwear according to Aspect 7. [Aspect 9] The shoelace passes from a shoelace hole in the upper through a shoelace guide of the heel element to the fulcrum. The footwear according to Aspect 8. [Aspect 10] The heel element is configured to receive the shoelace of the footwear at different positions on the heel element. The footwear according to any one of Aspects 7 to 9. [Aspect 11] The heel element includes one or more shoelace holes for receiving the shoelace on both sides of the heel element. The footwear according to Aspect 10. [Aspect 12] The footwear according to aspect 7, 10, or 11, wherein the shoe lace passes from the first lace hole of the upper, through the first lace hole of the heel element, to the second lace hole of the upper. [Aspect 13] The first lace hole of the upper is located on the first surface of the footwear. The footwear according to aspect 7, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the first lace hole of the heel element and the second lace hole of the upper are located on the second surface of the footwear opposite to the first surface. [Aspect 14] The footwear according to aspect 12 or 13, wherein the lace holes of the upper and the lace holes of the heel element are loops, webbings, lugs or punched holes. [Aspect 15] The footwear according to any one of aspects 1 and 3 to 14, further comprising a flap connecting the heel portion of the upper and the heel element. [Aspect 16] A footwear, comprising an upper, a heel element disposed at least partially overlapping at least a part of the upper, and the heel element is configured to wrap at least a part of the wearer's heel of the footwear, the heel element is movable relative to the upper, the heel element is coupled to a shoe lace of the footwear, the heel element comprises a fulcrum configured to provide a levering action for moving the heel element relative to the upper when the wearer pulls the shoe lace. [Aspect 17] The footwear according to aspect 16, wherein the upper does not comprise a heel portion. [Aspect 18] The footwear according to aspect 16, wherein the heel element overlaps the upper on the outer and inner surfaces of the foot of the upper. [Aspect 19] The upper includes a heel portion, the heel element is disposed inside the upper, the heel element has an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface, and most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion of the upper such that a gap is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element and the heel portion of the upper. The footwear according to aspect 16. [Aspect 20] The footwear according to aspect 19, wherein at least a portion of the shoelace is pushed into the gap. [Aspect 21] The footwear according to aspect 16, wherein the fulcrum is positioned at a rear half portion of the heel element. [Aspect 22] The footwear according to aspect 21, wherein the fulcrum is positioned behind the rearmost part of the vamp of the footwear. [Aspect 23] The footwear according to aspect 16, wherein the heel element further includes a shoelace guide. [Aspect 24] The footwear according to aspect 23, wherein the shoelace guide is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the heel element and adjacent to the inward-facing surface of the heel portion of the upper. [Aspect 25] The footwear according to aspect 24, wherein the fulcrum is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the heel element and adjacent to the inward-facing surface of the heel portion of the upper. [Aspect 26] The footwear according to aspect 23, wherein the shoelace passes from a first shoelace hole of the upper through the shoelace guide to the fulcrum. [Aspect 27] The footwear according to aspect 26, wherein the shoelace further passes from the fulcrum to a second shoelace hole of the upper. [Aspect 28] The footwear according to aspect 27, wherein the distance between the fulcrum and the second shoelace hole of the upper decreases as the wearer pulls the shoelace. [Aspect 29] The footwear according to aspect 28, wherein the distance is in the range of 30 mm to 50 mm when the heel element is in a non-operating state. [Aspect 30] Each of the first eyelet, the shoelace guide, the fulcrum, and the second eyelet of the footwear according to aspect 27 consists of a loop, webbing, a lug, or a punched hole. [Aspect 31] The shoelace of the footwear according to aspect 16 passes from the first eyelet of the upper to the fulcrum. [Aspect 32] The shoelace of the footwear according to aspect 31 further passes from the fulcrum to the second eyelet of the upper. [Aspect 33] The heel element of the footwear according to aspect 16 has a second fulcrum on the side opposite to the first fulcrum. [Aspect 34] The heel element of the footwear according to aspect 23 has a second shoelace guide on the side opposite to the first shoelace guide. [Aspect 35] The heel element of the footwear according to aspect 16 is configured to move forward in a linked manner when the shoelace is pulled.

Claims

1. A footwear, comprising: an upper; a heel element disposed at least partially overlapping at least a part of the upper; and the heel element is configured to wrap at least a part of the heel of the wearer of the footwear, wherein the heel element is movable relative to the upper.

2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper does not have a heel portion.

3. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the heel element overlaps the upper on the outer and inner sides of the foot of the upper.

4. The upper has a heel portion, the heel element is disposed inside the upper, the heel element has an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface, and most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion of the upper such that a gap is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element and the heel portion of the upper. The footwear according to claim 1.

5. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the heel element has an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion is disposed closer to the sole of the footwear than the upper portion, the upper portion is filled with a cushioning material, and the cushioning material is a foaming material.

6. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the heel element has an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion is disposed closer to the sole of the footwear than the upper portion, and the upper portion comprises a mesh material.

7. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the heel element is coupled to a shoelace of the footwear.

8. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein the heel element has a fulcrum for receiving the shoelace, and the fulcrum is configured to provide a lever action for moving the heel element relative to the upper when the wearer pulls the shoelace.

9. The footwear according to claim 8, wherein the shoelace passes from a lace hole of the upper through a shoelace guide of the heel element to the fulcrum.

10. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein the heel element is configured to receive the shoelace of the footwear at different positions on the heel element.

11. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the heel element has one or more shoelace holes for receiving the shoelace on both sides of the heel element.

12. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein the shoelace passes from a first lace hole of the upper through a first lace hole of the heel element to a second lace hole of the upper.

13. ​ The first buttonhole of the upper is located on the first surface of the footwear. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein the first buttonhole of the heel element and the second buttonhole of the upper are located on the second surface of the footwear opposite to the first surface.

14. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the buttonholes of the upper and the buttonholes of the heel element are loops, webbings, lugs or punched holes.

15. The footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a flap connecting the heel portion of the upper and the heel element.

16. A footwear, comprising an upper, and a heel element disposed at least partially overlapping at least a part of the upper, wherein the heel element is configured to wrap at least a part of the heel of the wearer of the footwear, the heel element is movable relative to the upper, the heel element is coupled to the shoe lace of the footwear, the heel element comprises a fulcrum configured to provide a levering action for moving the heel element relative to the upper when the wearer pulls the shoe lace.

17. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the upper does not comprise a heel portion.

18. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the heel element overlaps the upper on the outer and inner surfaces of the foot of the upper.

19. The upper comprises a heel portion, the heel element is disposed inside the upper, the heel element comprises an inward-facing surface and an opposite outward-facing surface, and most of the outward-facing surface is not connected to the heel portion of the upper such that a gap is formed between the outward-facing surface of the heel element and the heel portion of the upper. The footwear according to claim 16.

20. The footwear according to claim 19, wherein at least a part of the shoe lace is pushed into the gap.

21. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the fulcrum is positioned at a rear half portion of the heel element.

22. The footwear according to claim 21, wherein the fulcrum is positioned behind the rearmost part of the vamp of the footwear.

23. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the heel element further comprises a shoe lace guide.

24. The footwear according to claim 23, wherein the shoe lace guide is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the heel element and adjacent to the inward-facing surface of the heel portion of the upper.

25. The footwear according to claim 24, wherein the fulcrum is positioned on an outward-facing surface of the heel element and adjacent to an inward-facing surface of the heel portion of the upper.

26. The footwear according to claim 23, wherein the shoelace passes from a first eyelet of the upper, through the shoelace guide, to the fulcrum.

27. The footwear according to claim 26, wherein the shoelace further passes from the fulcrum to a second eyelet of the upper.

28. The footwear according to claim 27, wherein a distance between the fulcrum and the second eyelet of the upper decreases as the wearer pulls the shoelace.

29. The footwear according to claim 28, wherein the distance is in a range of 30 mm to 50 mm when the heel element is in a non-operative state.

30. The footwear according to claim 27, wherein each of the first eyelet, the shoelace guide, the fulcrum, and the second eyelet is formed of a loop, webbing, lug, or punched hole.

31. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the shoelace passes from a first eyelet of the upper to the fulcrum.

32. The footwear according to claim 31, wherein the shoelace further passes from the fulcrum to a second eyelet of the upper.

33. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the heel element includes a second fulcrum on a side opposite to the first fulcrum.

34. The footwear according to claim 23, wherein the heel element includes a second shoelace guide on a side opposite to the first shoelace guide.

35. The footwear according to claim 16, wherein the heel element is configured to move forward in a linked manner when the shoelace is pulled.

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