Footwear, supporter, and sock

Abstract

To provide a footwear, a sock, and a supporter capable of suppressing occurrence of inversion sprain.SOLUTION: A footwear includes a heel related element including a heel protection part that directly or indirectly faces a heel. The heel protection part has a height of a portion corresponding to an outside of a side surface of the heel higher than a height of a portion corresponding to an inside of the side surface of the heel. The heel protection part is configured such that, when a foot part is inserted to the footwear, the portion corresponding to the outside of the side surface of the heel covers a position of the heel higher than the portion corresponding to the inside of the side surface of the heel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, socks, and supports. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses sneakers as an example of footwear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 2021-168910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sneakers do not take into consideration the prevention of so-called inversion sprains, which occur when the ligaments on the outside of the foot are stretched or damaged due to the ankle being forcibly bent inward (inversion). Note that this problem also exists in other examples of footwear, such as conventional leather shoes and sandals, as well as supports and socks.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide footwear, socks, and supports that can prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Footwear according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises heel-related elements including a heel protection portion that directly or indirectly faces the heel, and the height of the portion of the heel protection portion corresponding to the outer side of the heel is higher than the height of the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel, and is configured so that when a foot is inserted into the footwear, the portion corresponding to the outer side of the heel covers a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel.

[0007] According to the above-described footwear, the portion of the heel protector corresponding to the lateral side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the medial side of the heel, thereby preventing the foot from twisting inward. This prevents inversion sprains. Furthermore, when considering simply preventing inversion sprains, it is conceivable to make the portion corresponding to the lateral side of the heel and the portion corresponding to the medial side of the heel approximately the same height. However, if the portion corresponding to the lateral side of the heel and the portion corresponding to the medial side of the heel are configured to be approximately the same height, the heel protector becomes too rigid. As a result, for example, even when the shoelaces are tightened, the heel protector has difficulty conforming to the shape of the foot, resulting in a poor fit between the heel protector and the foot. On the other hand, in the footwear according to the first aspect, the portion of the heel protector corresponding to the outer side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel, so the rigidity of the heel protector is unlikely to be excessively high, which makes it possible to prevent a deterioration in the fit between the heel protector and the foot.

[0008] Footwear according to a second aspect of the present invention is footwear according to the first aspect, wherein the heel-related elements are at least one of a lining, a waist leather, a crescent-shaped core, an insole, an outsole, fine leather, a rubber sole, a looping rubber, fine leather, and a heel reinforcement part.

[0009] Footwear according to a third aspect of the present invention is the footwear according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a reinforcing part joined to the bottom surface of the heel protection part.

[0010] According to the above-described footwear, deterioration of the fit between the heel protection part and the foot is suppressed, and the rigidity of the heel protection part is increased.

[0011] Footwear according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is footwear according to the third aspect, wherein the reinforcing portion includes an outer reinforcing portion joined to the heel protection portion so as to support the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned footwear, the lateral reinforcement increases the rigidity of the lateral side of the heel protection part, thereby preventing the lateral side of the foot from sinking when a load is applied, which promotes the maintenance of the lateral longitudinal arch, in other words, allows the transverse tarsal joint to be continuously subjected to an eversion force.

[0013] When an eversion force is applied to the transverse tarsal joint, the shape of the joint between the adjacent calcaneus and cuboid bones causes these two bones to interlock, creating a compressive stress. This locks the transverse tarsal joint. The calcaneus belongs to the "hindfoot" unit (the rear part of the foot, consisting of the talus and calcaneus), while the cuboid belongs to the "forefoot" unit (all bones in front of the talus and calcaneus).

[0014] When the transverse tarsal joint is locked, the connection between the rearfoot and forefoot becomes stronger, increasing the rigidity of the entire foot, thereby improving the stability of the foot, lower leg, and body.

[0015] Footwear according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the footwear according to the fourth aspect, wherein the reinforcing portion further includes a first support portion that supports the bottom surface of the head portion of the first metatarsal bone, and a second support portion that is joined to the first support portion and supports the bottom surface of the head portion of the second metatarsal bone to the bottom surface of the head portion of the fifth metatarsal bone, and the material constituting the first support portion is softer than the material constituting the second support portion.

[0016] With the above-mentioned footwear, the head of the first metatarsal can be lowered below the heads of the second and fifth metatarsals, so that, for example, during a golf swing, the first column of the foot can smoothly assume a plantar flexed position.

[0017] A supporter according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises a supporter main body that covers at least the heel, and a heel protection part that is joined to the supporter main body, wherein the height of the part of the heel protection part that corresponds to the outside of the side of the heel is higher than the height of the part that corresponds to the inside of the side of the heel, and when the foot is inserted into the supporter main body, the part that corresponds to the outside of the side of the heel covers a higher position of the heel than the part that corresponds to the inside of the side of the heel.

[0018] With this supporter, the portion of the heel protection part that corresponds to the outer side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position on the heel than the portion that corresponds to the inner side of the heel, so the heel protection part prevents the foot from twisting inward, thereby preventing the occurrence of inversion sprains.

[0019] A sock according to a seventh aspect of the present invention comprises a sock body that covers at least the heel, and a heel protection part that is joined to the sock body, wherein the height of the part of the heel protection part that corresponds to the outer side of the heel is higher than the height of the part that corresponds to the inner side of the heel, and when the foot is inserted into the sock body, the part that corresponds to the outer side of the heel covers a higher position of the heel than the part that corresponds to the inner side of the heel.

[0020] With the sock, the portion of the heel protector that corresponds to the outer side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position on the heel than the portion that corresponds to the inner side of the heel, so that the heel protector prevents the foot from twisting inward, thereby preventing the occurrence of inversion sprains. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The footwear, supporter, and sock according to the present invention can prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of conventional footwear. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the footwear of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a rear view of another example of footwear according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of the supporter of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the supporter of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sock according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the sock of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an insole provided in footwear according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the insole of FIG. 8 . [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the insole of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [First embodiment] <1. Composition of footwear> Footwear 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of conventional footwear (hereinafter referred to as "footwear 100X"). FIG. 2 is a rear view of footwear 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view of footwear 100 according to another example of the first embodiment.

[0024] As used herein, the medial and lateral sides of the foot are defined as follows: In the frontal plane of the body in the basic standing position (viewing the body from directly in front in the basic standing position), there is a center line (hereinafter referred to as the "body center line in the frontal plane") that divides the body into left and right. In the horizontal plane of the foot in the basic standing position (viewing the body from directly above in the basic standing position), there is a center line (hereinafter referred to as the "foot center line in the horizontal plane") that divides the foot into medial and lateral. The medial side of the foot in the basic standing position is the side closer to the body center line in the frontal plane, with the foot center line in the horizontal plane as the boundary. The lateral side of the foot is the side opposite the medial side of the foot, with the foot center line in the horizontal plane as the boundary, i.e., the side farther from the body center line in the frontal plane.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , footwear 100X is a leather shoe. Footwear 100X includes elements such as a toe cap 1, decorative leather 2, toe cap 3, shoelaces 4, eyelets 5, tongue 6, lining 7, waist cap 8, crescent-shaped core 9, insole 10, arch pad 11, and outsole 12. Footwear 100X may also include thin leather. If footwear 100X is a sneaker, footwear 100X may include elements such as a rubber sole, a rubber collar, and a heel reinforcement component in addition to or instead of these elements. The heel reinforcement component is a so-called heel stabilizer or stabilizer, etc., and is a component shaped to cover mainly the lower part of the inside, back, and outside of the heel of a shoe.

[0026] Conventional footwear 100X does not take into consideration the prevention of so-called inversion sprains, which occur when the ligaments on the outside of the foot are stretched or damaged due to the ankle being forcibly bent inward (inversion). On the other hand, footwear 100 of the first embodiment is configured to prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram of footwear 100 according to a first embodiment, illustrating a rear view of the footwear 100 in which the heel-related element 20 (described later) is a rubber sole. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the footwear 100 is a left-foot sneaker. The footwear 100 may be a leather shoe or a sandal. The footwear 100 includes a heel-related element 20 including a heel protector 30. If the footwear 100 is a leather shoe, the heel-related element 20 includes at least one of a lining 7, a quarter cap 8, a crescent-shaped core 9, an insole 10, an outsole 12, and a thin leather. If the footwear 100 is a sneaker, the heel-related element 20 may include at least one of a rubber sole, a wraparound rubber, and a stabilizer in addition to or instead of these elements. Note that the elements constituting the footwear 100 are joined together except for the shoelaces 4 and are not removable.

[0028] The heel-related elements 20 include a heel protector 30. The heel protector 30 faces the heel directly or indirectly. When a foot is inserted into the footwear 100, the sole 7 and insole 10 of the heel-related elements 20 face the foot directly. When a foot is inserted into the footwear 100, the elements of the heel-related elements 20 other than the sole 7 and insole 10 face the foot indirectly via other elements. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , the heel-related element 20 is made of a rubber sole, and therefore, when a foot is inserted into the footwear 100, the heel protector 30 faces the foot indirectly.

[0029] The height HA of the heel protection part 30, which corresponds to the outer side of the heel (hereinafter referred to as "outer part 31"), is higher than the height HB of the heel protection part 30, which corresponds to the inner side of the heel (hereinafter referred to as "inner part 32"). Therefore, when the foot is inserted into the footwear 100, the outer part 31 is configured to cover a higher part of the heel than the inner part 32.

[0030] 3 is a diagram of the footwear 100 of the first embodiment, and is a rear view of the footwear 100 when the heel-related element 20 is a crescent-shaped core 9. The heel protection part 30 has a height HA of the outer part 31 that is higher than a height HB of the inner part 32. Therefore, when the foot is inserted into the footwear 100, the outer part 31 is configured to cover a higher part of the heel than the inner part 32.

[0031] The specific values ​​of the heights HA and HB can be selected arbitrarily depending on the size of the footwear 100, as long as they can prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains. From the viewpoint of effectively preventing the occurrence of inversion sprains, the difference ΔH between the heights HA and HB is preferably 10 mm or more.

[0032] <2. Actions and Effects of Footwear> Because the outer part 31 of the heel protection part 30 is configured to cover a higher position on the heel than the inner part 32, the heel protection part 30 prevents the foot from twisting inward. As a result, the footwear 100 can prevent inversion sprains. As a result, the footwear 100 can prevent inversion sprains. Another approach to simply preventing inversion sprains is to make the outer part 31 and the inner part 32 approximately the same height. However, if the outer part 31 and the inner part 32 are configured to be approximately the same height, the heel protection part 30 becomes too rigid. As a result, for example, even when the laces of the footwear 100 are tightened, the heel protection part 30 does not easily conform to the shape of the foot, resulting in a poor fit between the heel protection part 30 and the foot. On the other hand, because the outer part 31 of the footwear 100 is configured to cover a higher position on the heel than the inner part 32, the heel protection part 30 is less likely to become excessively rigid. This prevents the fit between the heel protection part 30 and the foot from deteriorating.

[0033] 3. Effects of the First Embodiment In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the footwear 100 also provides the following additional effects. <3-1> The foot is composed of a lateral column including the calcaneus and a medial column including the talus. The talus and calcaneus have axes of pronation and supination at the subtalar joint, and these movements affect the axes of movement at the talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint. When the subtalar joint is in the pronated position, the talonavicular joint axis and the calcaneocuboid joint axis are parallel, increasing the range of motion and making the foot flexible. On the other hand, when the subtalar joint is in the supinated position, the talonavicular joint axis and the calcaneocuboid joint axis intersect, reducing the range of motion and making the foot stiff. Pronation is a combined movement of dorsiflexion, abduction, and eversion, while supination is a combined movement of plantar flexion, adduction, and inversion.

[0034] According to the footwear 100, the height HA of the outer periphery 31 of the heel protection part 30 is higher than the height HB of the inner periphery 32. In other words, the footwear 100 is configured so that, when the foot is placed on the foot, the outer periphery 31 covers a higher portion of the heel than the inner periphery 32. Therefore, when the user's left foot is inserted into the footwear 100, eversion of the calcaneus, which is one element of pronation, is limited. The subtalar joint can be suitably guided from a pronated position to a neutral position, thereby stabilizing the knee joint. This prevents lateral movement of the knee joint. Lateral movement of the knee joint can lead to poor performance and injury in sports competitions. Examples of sports competitions include sports that involve sidestepping, sports that involve feinting movements to the left and right, and sports that require the body to brace itself to prevent outward instability. Specific examples of sports competitions include golf, tennis, table tennis, basketball, soccer, dance, and track and field. The footwear 100 prevents performance decline and injury during sports competitions.

[0035] <3-2> For example, if the heel-related element 20 is an insole that is configured to be detachable from the footwear 100, it may be impossible to insert the insole depending on the size of the footwear 100 (the volume of the space into which the foot is inserted). Furthermore, inserting the insole may reduce the volume of the space into which the foot is inserted, making it impossible to insert the foot. According to the footwear 100, the heel-related element 20, which is one of the elements that make up the footwear 100, includes the heel protection part 30, and therefore fits the foot well.

[0036] <3-3> Because the subtalar joint is guided from the pronated position to the neutral position, if the footwear 100 is footwear for golf, the rigidity of the foot increases during a golf swing, thereby stabilizing the user's lower body and enabling them to perform a stable swing.

[0037] <3-4> When the footwear 100 is golf footwear, the outside of the calcaneus is fixed by the outer part 31 of the heel protection part 30 during the backswing and follow-through, preventing the calcaneus from everting and being displaced outward, thereby reducing movement of the body axis from side to side.

[0038] [Second embodiment] <4. Composition of Supporters> The configuration of a supporter 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a side view of the supporter 40 for the right foot. Figure 5 is a rear view of the supporter of Figure 4.

[0039] The supporter 40 comprises a supporter body 50 and a heel protection part 60. The supporter body 50 covers at least the heel of the user's lower leg. The supporter body 50 may cover the entire lower leg of the user, only the lower leg, or only the foot. The material constituting the supporter body 50 can be selected arbitrarily. Examples of materials constituting the supporter body 50 include nylon, polyurethane, and cotton. The supporter body 50 may have a single-layer structure, or may have a multi-layer structure in which multiple supporter bodies 50 are stacked. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the supporter body 50 has a single-layer structure.

[0040] The heel protector 60 is attached to a portion of the support body 50 that directly or indirectly faces the heel. The heel protector 60 is attached to the support body 50 by, for example, adhesive or hook-and-loop fastener. When the heel protector 60 is attached to the inner surface of the support body 50, the heel protector 60 faces directly the heel. When the heel protector 60 is attached to the outer surface of the support body 50, the heel protector 60 faces indirectly the heel via the support body 50. When the support body 50 has a multi-layer structure, the heel protector 60 may be disposed between overlapping support bodies 50. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heel protector 60 is attached to the outer surface of the single-layer support body 50.

[0041] The material constituting the heel protection part 60 can be selected arbitrarily as long as it has a certain degree of rigidity so as to prevent the foot from twisting inward. The material constituting the heel protection part 60 is, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0042] The height HA of the heel protection part 60, which corresponds to the outer side of the heel (hereinafter referred to as the "outer part 61"), is higher than the height HB of the heel protection part 60, which corresponds to the inner side of the heel (hereinafter referred to as the "inner part 62"). Therefore, when the foot is inserted into the supporter body 50, the outer part 61 is configured to cover a higher part of the heel than the inner part 62.

[0043] The specific values ​​of the heights HA and HB can be selected arbitrarily depending on the size of the supporter main body 50, etc., as long as they are able to suppress the occurrence of inversion sprains. From the viewpoint of suitably suppressing the occurrence of inversion sprains, the difference ΔH between the heights HA and HB is preferably 10 mm or more.

[0044] <5. Actions and Effects of Footwear> The outer part 61 of the heel protection part 60 is configured to cover a higher part of the heel than the inner part 62, so that the movement of twisting the foot inward is prevented by the heel protection part 60. Therefore, the supporter 40 can prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains.

[0045] The height HA of the outer part 61 of the heel protection part 60 is higher than the height HB of the inner part 63. Therefore, compared to a supporter in which the height of the heel protection part 60 is generally constant, when a user inserts their foot into footwear such as sneakers while wearing the supporter 40, the supporter 40 prevents the heel part of the footwear from being pushed outward. This improves the fit between the user's foot and the footwear. Note that, for example, a supporter (hereinafter referred to as a "virtual supporter") may be considered in which the height HB of the inner part 62 is configured to be approximately the same as the height HA of the outer part 61. With a virtual supporter, the heel part of the footwear is pushed outward, thereby reducing the fit between the user's foot and the footwear. The supporter 40 of this embodiment has a sufficiently high height HA while a low height HB, thereby preventing a decrease in the fit between the user's foot and the footwear and reducing the occurrence of inversion sprains.

[0046] 6. Effects of the Second Embodiment In addition to the effects described above, the supporter 40 provides effects similar to those provided by the footwear 100 of the first embodiment.

[0047] [Third embodiment] <7. Composition of socks> The configuration of a sock 70 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a side view of a sock 70 for the right foot. Figure 7 is a rear view of the sock in Figure 6.

[0048] The sock 70 comprises a sock body 80 and a heel protection part 90. The sock body 80 covers at least the heel of the user's lower leg. The sock body 80 may cover the entire lower leg, only the lower leg, or only the foot. The material constituting the sock body 80 can be selected arbitrarily. Examples of materials constituting the sock body 80 include nylon, polyurethane, and cotton. The sock body 80 may have a single-layer structure, or a multi-layer structure in which multiple sock bodies 80 are layered. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sock body 80 has a single-layer structure.

[0049] The heel protector 90 is attached to a portion of the sock body 80 that directly or indirectly faces the heel. The heel protector 90 is attached to the sock body 80 by, for example, adhesive or hook-and-loop fastener. When the heel protector 90 is attached to the inner surface of the sock body 80, the heel protector 90 faces directly the heel. When the heel protector 90 is attached to the outer surface of the sock body 80, the heel protector 90 faces indirectly the heel via the sock body 80. When the sock body 80 has a multi-layer structure, the heel protector 90 may be disposed between overlapping layers of the sock body 80. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the heel protector 90 is attached to the outer surface of the single-layer sock body 80.

[0050] The material for the heel protection part 90 can be selected arbitrarily as long as it has a certain degree of rigidity so as to prevent the foot from twisting inward. The material for the heel protection part 90 is, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0051] The height HA of the heel protection part 90, which corresponds to the outer side of the heel (hereinafter referred to as the "outer part 91"), is higher than the height HB of the heel protection part 90, which corresponds to the inner side of the heel (hereinafter referred to as the "inner part 92"). Therefore, when the foot is inserted into the sock body 80, the outer part 91 is configured to cover a higher part of the heel than the inner part 92.

[0052] The specific values ​​of the heights HA and HB can be selected arbitrarily depending on the size of the sock body 80, etc., as long as they are sufficient to prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains. From the perspective of effectively preventing the occurrence of inversion sprains, the difference ΔH between the heights HA and HB is preferably 10 mm or more.

[0053] <8. Function and effects of socks> The outer portion 91 of the heel protection part 90 is configured to cover a higher position of the heel than the inner portion 92, so that the heel protection part 90 prevents the foot from twisting inward. Therefore, the sock 70 can prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains.

[0054] The height HA of the outer part 91 of the heel protection part 90 is higher than the height HB of the inner part 93. Therefore, compared to a sock in which the height of the heel protection part 90 is generally constant, when a user inserts the sock 70 into footwear such as sneakers, the sock 70 prevents the heel part of the footwear from being pushed outward. This improves the fit between the user's foot and the footwear. Note that, for example, a sock (hereinafter referred to as a "virtual sock") may be considered in which the height HB of the inner part 92 is configured to be approximately the same as the height HA of the outer part 91. With a virtual sock, the heel part of the footwear is pushed outward, thereby reducing the fit between the user's foot and the footwear. The sock of this embodiment has a sufficiently high height HA while a low height HB, thereby preventing a reduction in the fit between the user's foot and the footwear and reducing the occurrence of inversion sprains.

[0055] 9. Effects of the Third Embodiment In addition to the effects described above, the sock 70 also provides effects similar to those provided by the footwear 100 of the first embodiment.

[0056] <10. Variations> The above embodiments are examples of possible forms of the footwear, supporters, and socks of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the forms. The footwear, supporters, and socks of the present invention may take forms different from those exemplified in the embodiments. Examples include forms in which part of the configuration of the embodiments is replaced, modified, or omitted, or forms in which new configurations are added to the embodiments. Several examples of modified embodiments are shown below. Note that the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0057] <10-1. First modified example> In the first embodiment, the heel-related element 20 may be an insole 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the insole 10 provided in footwear 100 for the right foot of the first modified example. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the insole 10 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the insole 10 of Fig. 8.

[0058] The insole 10 is joined to the other elements constituting the footwear 100. Therefore, the insole 10 cannot be removed from the footwear 100. The insole 10 has a raised shape in a portion corresponding to the medial longitudinal arch so as to guide the subtalar joint to a neutral position. The insole 10 includes a top cover 120, a bottom cover 130, a heel grip 140, a weight support portion 150, a reinforcing portion 160, and an extension 170. The insole 10 includes the top cover 120, the bottom cover 130, the heel grip 140, the weight support portion 150, the reinforcing portion 160, and the extension 170, which are joined to one another. The elements constituting the insole 10 are joined to one another, for example, by adhesive.

[0059] The top cover 120 is located at the top of the elements that make up the insole 10. The top cover 120 is bonded so as to conform to the shape of the top surfaces of each element that makes up the insole 10, including the weight support portion 150, or to fit closely to them. The top cover 120 comes into contact with the sole of the user's right foot. The material that makes up the top cover 120 can be selected arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the material that makes up the top cover 120 is, for example, a sheet material in which synthetic vinyl leather and a lining are bonded together. The material that makes up the top cover 120 may also be a material that has cushioning properties to reduce impact on the bottom of the foot. The cushioning material is, for example, a sheet material such as urethane foam or EVA foam.

[0060] The bottom cover 130 is located at the bottom of the elements that make up the insole 10. The bottom cover 130 is joined to each element that makes up the insole 10 so as to conform to the shape of the bottom surface of the insole 10 or to be in close contact with it. The material that makes up the bottom cover 130 can be selected arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the material that makes up the bottom cover 130 is, for example, a sheet material such as synthetic suede.

[0061] The heel grip 140 prevents the insole 10 from slipping relative to the midsole of the shoe. The top surface of the heel grip 140 is joined to the bottom surface of the rear foot post 162 so as to fit along or be in close contact with the rear foot post 162. The tip of the heel grip 140 is joined to the rear end of the bottom cover 130. The material constituting the heel grip 140 can be selected arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the material constituting the heel grip 140 is a sheet material in which rubber and a lining are joined together.

[0062] The weight support unit 150 covers the sole of the right foot from the heel to the proximal part of the metatarsal head (excluding the metatarsal head). The weight support unit 150 has a shape modified from the shape of the sole of the foot so as to guide the subtalar joint to a neutral position. The top surface of the weight support unit 150 is joined to the bottom surface of the top cover 120. The material constituting the weight support unit 150 can be selected arbitrarily. The weight support unit 150 is preferably made of a material that has a certain degree of rigidity or a material with resilience so as to be able to guide the subtalar joint to a neutral position. In this embodiment, the material constituting the weight support unit 150 is, for example, a sheet material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, carbon FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics), or glass FRP.

[0063] In the first modified example, a portion of the top cover 120 and a portion of the weight support portion 150 constitute a heel protection portion 180 that covers a portion of the heel of the right foot. As shown in FIG. 10 , the heel protection portion 180 has an outer portion 181, a rear portion 182, and an inner portion 183. The outer portion 181 covers a portion of the outer side of the heel of the right foot. The rear portion 182 covers a portion of the rear part of the heel of the right foot. The inner portion 183 covers a portion of the inner side of the heel of the right foot. The height HA of the outer portion 181 is higher than the height HB of the inner portion 183 so that the subtalar joint of the user's right foot can be guided to a neutral position. In other words, the height of the portion of the heel protection portion 180 corresponding to the outer side of the heel is higher than the height of the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel. That is, when the foot is placed on the insole 10, the portion corresponding to the outer side of the heel covers a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel. The specific values ​​of the heights HA and HB can be selected as desired depending on the size of the footwear 100, etc., as long as they are sufficient to prevent the occurrence of inversion sprains. From the perspective of effectively preventing the occurrence of inversion sprains, the difference ΔH between the heights HA and HB is preferably 10 mm or more. In the longitudinal direction of the insole 10, the outer portion 181 is preferably formed up to the portion corresponding to the calcaneus or near the base of the fifth metatarsal bone.

[0064] The reinforcement portion 160 includes an outer reinforcement portion 161, a first support portion 161A, a second support portion 161B, and a rear foot post 162. The reinforcement portion 160 prevents the weight support portion 150 from being excessively elastically deformed. In other words, the reinforcement portion 160 prevents the weight support portion 150 from being excessively bent or sinking due to a load. Furthermore, the reinforcement portion 160 increases rigidity and supportability, or increases resilience.

[0065] The outer reinforcement part 161 is located between the weight support part 150 and the bottom cover 130. The outer reinforcement part 161 supports the outer side of the foot part. The outer reinforcement part 161 has a shape that extends along the outer side of the foot part. The top surface of the outer reinforcement part 161 is joined to the bottom surface of the weight support part 150. The bottom surface of the outer reinforcement part 161 is joined to the top surface of the bottom cover 130. In a plan view, there is no member adjacent to the outer reinforcement part 161 in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insole 10. In this embodiment, the material that constitutes the outer reinforcement part 161 is a sheet material such as foamed EVA.

[0066] The first support part 161A supports the bottom surface of the head of the first metatarsal bone. The top surface of the first support part 161A is joined to the bottom surface of the top cover 120. The bottom surface of the first support part 161A is joined to the top surface of the bottom cover 130. The outer side of the rear end of the first support part 161A is joined to the tip of the outer reinforcement part 161.

[0067] The second support part 161B is joined to the first support part 161A and supports the bottom surfaces of the head parts of the second metatarsal bone to the bottom surfaces of the head parts of the fifth metatarsal bone. The top surface of the second support part 161B is joined to the bottom surface of the top cover 120. The bottom surface of the second support part 161B is joined to the top surface of the bottom cover 130.

[0068] The material forming the first support portion 161A is preferably softer than the material forming the second support portion 161B. In this embodiment, the material forming the first support portion 161A is, for example, a sheet material such as a low-resilience cushion containing urethane foam. The material forming the second support portion 161B is a sheet material such as EVA foam.

[0069] The rearfoot post 162 supports the heel. The rearfoot post 162 stabilizes the calcaneus at any angle when the weight support unit 150 is tilted in the frontal plane in order to guide the subtalar joint to a neutral position. The outer side of the tip of the rearfoot post 162 is joined to the rear end of the lateral reinforcement unit 161. The top surface of the rearfoot post 162 is joined to the bottom surface of the weight support unit 150. The bottom surface of the rearfoot post 162 is joined to the top surface of the heel grip 140. In other words, the rearfoot post 162 is sandwiched between the weight support unit 150 and the heel grip 140. In this embodiment, the rearfoot post 162 is made of a sheet material such as foamed EVA.

[0070] The extension 170 supports the toes. The extension 170 has a semicircular shape that supports almost the entire toe. The top surface of the extension 170 is joined to the bottom surface of the top cover 120. The bottom surface of the extension 170 is joined to the bottom surface of the bottom cover 130. The rear end of the extension 170 is joined to the tips of the first support portion 161A and the second support portion 161B. If it is desired to provide even higher cushioning from the bottom surface of the head of the first metatarsal bone to the bottom surface of the head of the fifth metatarsal bone, the extension 170 may extend rearward by overlapping the first support portion 161A and the second support portion 161B. The material constituting the extension 170 can be selected arbitrarily. The material constituting the extension 170 is preferably a material with cushioning properties. In this embodiment, the material constituting the extension 170 is, for example, a sheet material such as a high-resilience cushion containing urethane foam.

[0071] In addition to the effects obtained by the footwear 100 of the first embodiment, the footwear 100 of the first modification further provides the following effects.

[0072] Since the footwear 100 has a reinforcing part 160 joined to the bottom surface of the weight support part 150, a decrease in the fit between the heel protection part 180 and the foot is prevented, and the rigidity of the weight support part 150 is increased.

[0073] The reinforcement section 160 includes an outer reinforcement section 161 that supports the outer side of the foot. Because the rigidity of the outer side of the weight support section 150 is increased, it is possible to prevent the outer side of the foot from sinking when a load is applied. This promotes the maintenance of the lateral longitudinal arch; in other words, a force in the eversion direction is continuously applied to the transverse tarsal joint.

[0074] When an eversion force is applied to the transverse tarsal joint, the shape of the joint between the adjacent calcaneus and cuboid bones causes these two bones to interlock, creating a compressive stress. This locks the transverse tarsal joint. The calcaneus belongs to the "hindfoot" unit (the rear part of the foot, consisting of the talus and calcaneus), while the cuboid belongs to the "forefoot" unit (all bones in front of the talus and calcaneus).

[0075] When the transverse tarsal joint is locked, the connection between the rearfoot and forefoot becomes stronger, increasing the rigidity of the entire foot, thereby improving the stability of the foot, lower leg, and body.

[0076] The material forming first support portion 161A is softer than the material forming second support portion 161B. The head of the first metatarsal can be recessed below the heads of the second and fifth metatarsals, so that, for example, if footwear 100 is footwear for golf, the first column of the foot can smoothly assume a plantar flexed position during a golf swing.

[0077] In the first modified example, the first support portion 161A and the second support portion 161B may be made of the same material. The outer reinforcement portion 161, the first support portion 161A, the second support portion 161B, and the rearfoot post 162 may be made of different materials. At least one of the first support portion 161A and the second support portion 161B may be omitted from the insole 10. The configuration of the reinforcement portion 160 in the first modified example can be similarly applied to the outsole 12 and the sole rubber as the heel-related element 20, as well as to the second and third embodiments.

[0078] <10-2. Second modified example> In the first embodiment, the interior 32 may be omitted from the heel protection part 30. The second modified example can be similarly applied to the second and third embodiments.

[0079] <10-3.Third Modification> In the second embodiment, the supporter 40 may be provided with a reinforcing part 160 of the first modification. The first reinforcing part 160 is joined to the bottom surface of the heel protection part 60. In the third embodiment, the sock 70 may be provided with a reinforcing part 160 of the first modification. The first reinforcing part 160 is joined to the bottom surface of the heel protection part 90. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10: Footwear 20: Heel-related elements 30: Heel protection part 40: Supporter 50: Supporter body 60: Heel protection part 70: Socks 80: Socks 90: Heel protection part 160: Reinforcement 161:Outer reinforcement part 161A: 1st support part 161B:Second support part

Claims

1. a heel-related element including a heel protection portion directly or indirectly facing the heel; The heel protection part is The height of the part corresponding to the outer side of the heel is higher than the height of the part corresponding to the inner side of the heel, When a foot is inserted into the footwear, the portion corresponding to the outer side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel. footwear.

2. The heel-related element is at least one of a lining, a waist leather, a crescent-shaped core, a midsole, an outer sole, a thin leather, a rubber sole, a loop rubber, a thin leather, and a heel reinforcement part. Footwear according to claim 1.

3. The shoe further includes a reinforcing portion bonded to the bottom surface of the heel protection portion. Footwear according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The reinforcing portion includes an outer reinforcing portion joined to the heel protection portion so as to support the outer longitudinal arch of the foot. Footwear according to claim 3.

5. The reinforcing portion is a first support portion that supports a bottom surface of the head of the first metatarsal bone; a second support part connected to the first support part and supporting a bottom surface of the head part of the second metatarsal bone to a bottom surface of the head part of the fifth metatarsal bone, The material constituting the first support portion is softer than the material constituting the second support portion. Footwear according to claim 4.

6. A supporter body that covers at least the heel; a heel protection part joined to the support body, The heel protection part is The height of the part corresponding to the outer side of the heel is higher than the height of the part corresponding to the inner side of the heel, When the foot is inserted into the support body, the portion corresponding to the outer side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel. Supporter.

7. a sock body that covers at least the heel; a heel protection part joined to the sock body, The heel protection part is The height of the part corresponding to the outer side of the heel is higher than the height of the part corresponding to the inner side of the heel, When the foot is inserted into the sock body, the portion corresponding to the outer side of the heel is configured to cover a higher position of the heel than the portion corresponding to the inner side of the heel. socks.

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