Footwear strap and footwear having the same

Abstract

To provide a footwear strap for improving comfort and convenience in putting on and taking off footwear, and footwear having such a footwear strap.SOLUTION: Embodiments of the present application provide a footwear strap and footwear having the same. Among others, the footwear strap comprises a strap element and a rigid heel structural element; wherein the rigid heel structural element is disposed inside the strap element, and the rigid heel structural element comprises an upper rear portion; when the footwear strap is assembled to footwear, the upper rear portion extends in a direction from the position where the footwear contacts the heel toward the position where the footwear contacts the toe, and inclines downward of the footwear; the upper rear portion has a convex curvature which is adapted to a shape of the heel so as to facilitate easily receiving the heel; when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, an inner lower portion of the convex curvature faces an opening of the footwear.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates to the field of footwear, and more particularly to footwear straps and footwear having footwear straps. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, footwear such as sandals is provided with a footwear strap to secure the heel portion to the footwear. The footwear strap needs to be designed not only to fit the heel and be firmly attached to the footwear, but also to make it easy for the wearer to put on and take off the footwear. Therefore, the design of the strap plays an important role in the use and wearing of the footwear. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present application provide a footwear strap that improves comfort and convenience when putting on and taking off footwear, and footwear having such a footwear strap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a footwear strap comprising a strap element and a rigid heel structural element, the rigid heel structural element being disposed inside the strap element and including an upper rear portion, the upper rear portion extending in a direction from where the footwear contacts the heel toward where the footwear contacts the toe and sloping downward on the footwear when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the upper rear portion having a convex curved portion that conforms to the shape of the heel to facilitate easy reception of the heel, and the medial lower portion of the convex curved portion facing an opening in the footwear when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear.

[0005] In one embodiment, the rigid heel structural element includes two connecting arms.

[0006] In one embodiment, the connecting arms include an inner arm and an outer arm connected to the inner arm, the outer arm and inner arm being integrally molded, and the outer arm being connected to the upper rear portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the outer arm extends downwardly to the footbed, insole, or straw bell sock of the footwear, and the inner arm extends downwardly to the footbed, insole, or straw bell sock of the footwear.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer arm, when extending downwardly to the footwear insole, is attached directly or indirectly to the upper surface of the insole along the inside of the footwear insole, and the inner arm, when extending downwardly to the footwear insole, is attached directly or indirectly to the upper surface of the insole along the outside of the footwear insole.

[0009] In one embodiment, where the outer and inner arms extend downwardly to the footbed of the footwear, the ends of the outer and inner arms are attached to the footbed of the footwear.

[0010] In one embodiment, where the outer arm and inner arm extend downwardly to the strobel sock of the footwear, the ends of the outer arm and inner arm are attached to the strobel sock of the footwear.

[0011] In one embodiment, the rigid heel element is formed from a polymeric material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the polymeric material is Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomeric block copolymer or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rigid heel structure is covered with fabric, textile material, leather, polyurethane, or other polymeric plastics known in the art.

[0014] In one embodiment, a compressible layer is provided on the medial side of the rigid heel structural element, the compressible layer covering the upper rear portion, partially covering the medial and lateral arms, and gradually tapering or terminating along the medial side of the medial arm and the medial side of the lateral arm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the convex curved portion has an upwardly facing upper surface.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides footwear including a footwear strap provided according to any embodiment of the present application. The footwear provided by the embodiment of the present application may be a sandal with a heel strap, or a leather shoe, a cloth shoe, or a sports shoe, etc.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rigid heel structure is connected to the footbed or insole of the shoe via an L-shaped anchor.

[0018] The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present application in any way. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the present application will be readily understood by reference to the drawings and the detailed description that follow.

[0019] In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same or similar components or elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. It should be understood that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments disclosed in accordance with the present application and should not be considered limiting of the scope of the present application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1A] 1 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a rigid heel structural element according to a first embodiment of the present application; FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a rigid heel structural element according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 1C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a rigid heel structural element according to a first embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an L-shaped anchor viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 3A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating different structures obtained after assembling a footwear strap according to an embodiment of the present application to a footwear. [Figure 3B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating different structures obtained after assembling a footwear strap according to an embodiment of the present application to a footwear. [Figure 3C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating different structures obtained after assembling a footwear strap according to an embodiment of the present application to a footwear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following text, only some exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting in nature.

[0022] A rigid heel structural element 100 included in a footwear strap according to an embodiment of the present application will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, 2, and 3A to 3C.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the footwear strap includes a strap element (not shown in FIGS. 1A-1C) and a rigid heel structural element 100. In particular, the strap element can be a fabric or woven material that wraps around the rigid heel structural element 100. The rigid heel structural element 100, disposed inside the strap element, is configured to facilitate insertion of the foot into the footwear and to be of a structure and material that withstands pressure from the foot to prevent the rigid heel structural element 100 from collapsing under the pressure of the foot. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 1A is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a rigid heel structural element according to a first embodiment of the present application. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a left-side perspective view of the rigid heel structural element 100 according to the first embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1A , the rigid heel structural element 100 comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes an upper rear portion 101, a connecting arm 102, and a convex curvature 103, and the second portion is an L-shaped anchor 104. The connecting arm 102 is connected to the upper rear portion 101. The connecting arm 102 includes a lateral arm 102A and a medial arm 102B, both of which are disposed substantially laterally. The connecting arm 102 can be connected to the L-shaped anchor 104. As can be seen from FIG. 1A , the four portions 101 to 104 are generally disposed in order from the upper right to the lower left.

[0024] FIG. 1B is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a rigid heel structural element according to a second embodiment of the present application. The difference between the rigid heel structural element of the second embodiment and the rigid heel structural element of the first embodiment is that the connecting arm of the rigid heel structural element of the second embodiment is L-shaped. Specifically, FIG. 1B is a left-side perspective view of a rigid heel structural element 100 according to the second embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1B, the rigid heel structural element 100 includes an upper rear portion 101, a connecting arm 102, and a convexly curved portion 103. The connecting arm 102 is L-shaped. The connecting arm 102 is connected to the upper rear portion 101. The connecting arm 102 includes an outer arm 102A and an inner arm 102B, and the inner arm 102B is substantially perpendicular to the outer arm 102A.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outer arm 102A and the inner arm 102B can be integrally formed. In other embodiments, the outer arm 102A and the inner arm 102B can be manufactured separately and then assembled or connected to one another.

[0026] FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the rigid heel structural element of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1C, the first portion of the rigid heel structural element 100 includes an upper rear portion 101, a connecting arm 102, and a convex curved portion 103. The connecting arm 102 includes an outer arm 102A and an inner arm 102B, both of which are substantially oriented laterally. The first portion of the rigid heel structural element 100 extends in an arcuate shape from the upper rear portion 101 to the lower left, and the connecting arm 102 of the first portion is connected to the upper rear portion 101 of the first portion. As indicated by the two arrows in FIG. 1C, the inner surface of the rigid heel structural element 100 has a constant thickness and may include a compressible layer, such as a foam cushioning element. The compressible layer may be attached to the upper rear portion 101 of the rigid heel structural element 100 and at least a portion of the connecting arm 102.

[0027] In particular, the upper rear portion 101 is used to wrap around the heel of the foot. When the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the upper rear portion 101 extends in a direction from the position where the footwear contacts the heel to the position where the footwear contacts the toe. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C , the rigid heel structural element 100 extends in an arc shape to the left from the upper rear portion 101. On the other hand, when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the upper rear portion 101 slopes downward in a direction from the position where the footwear contacts the heel to the position where the footwear contacts the toe.

[0028] In particular, the downwardly sloping portion of the upper rear portion 101 has a convex curved portion 103, the convex surface of which protrudes toward the foot when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear. Furthermore, the shape of the convex curved portion 103 conforms to the heel to facilitate easy reception of the heel portion. The convex curved portion 103 has an opening, the lower portion of which faces the sole of the footwear when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear.

[0029] In one embodiment, the convex curved portion 103 has an upper surface facing upward.

[0030] In one embodiment, when the foot applies downward pressure to the rigid heel structural element 100, the rigid heel structural element 100 can at least partially deform instantaneously. For example, when the foot applies downward pressure to the rigid heel structural element 100, the outer arm 102A and inner arm 102B can partially bend toward the rear of the footwear, or bend outward to widen the opening of the footwear, or both. Due to the hard yet sufficiently resilient material used in the integrally molded rigid heel structural element 100, the rigid heel structural element 100 can return to its original, undeformed shape and position when the downward pressure applied by the foot is released.

[0031] 1A, the rigid heel structural element includes two connecting arms 102, each including an inner arm 102B and an outer arm 102A connected to the inner arm 102B. The connecting arms 102 can be connected to a vertical portion of an L-shaped anchor 104. The horizontal portion of the L-shaped anchor 104 is used to connect to a footbed, an insole, or a strobel sock in an assembled state. The anchor can also be in a variety of suitable shapes, such as a J-shape and a T-shape.

[0032] 1B, the rigid heel structural element includes two connecting arms 102, each including an inner arm 102B and an outer arm 102A connected to the inner arm 102B. The connecting arms 102 are L-shaped. The L-shaped end of the connecting arm 102 includes an upper surface and a lower surface, with the lower surface at least partially connected to the upper surface of the insole and the upper surface at least partially connected to the lower surface of the footbed.

[0033] In one embodiment, when the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the outer arm 102A and inner arm 102B extend downwardly to the footbed, insole, or strawberry sock of the footwear.

[0034] In one embodiment, when the outer arm 102A and inner arm 102B extend downwardly to the insole of the footwear, the outer arm 102A is attached directly or indirectly to the top surface of the insole along the medial side of the footwear insole, and the inner arm 102B is attached directly or indirectly to the top surface of the insole along the lateral side of the footwear insole.

[0035] In one embodiment, where the outer arm 102A and inner arm 102B extend downwardly to the footbed of the footwear, the ends of the outer arm 102A and inner arm 102B can be attached to the footbed of the footwear via anchors.

[0036] In one embodiment, where the outer arm 102A and inner arm 102B extend downwardly to the strobel sock of the footwear, an end of the outer arm 102A and an end of the inner arm 102B are attached to the strobel sock of the footwear.

[0037] In one embodiment, the rigid heel element 100 is formed from a polymeric material.

[0038] In one embodiment, the polymeric material is Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomeric block copolymer (such as DuPont Hytrel) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0039] In one embodiment, the rigid heel structure 100 is covered with a fabric or textile material. In particular, the fabric or textile material can be the same as the textile material of the outer surface of the shoe.

[0040] In one embodiment, a compressible layer is provided on the inside of the rigid heel structural element 100. The compressible layer can be a foam cushioning element attached to the rear of the rigid heel structural element 100 and to at least a portion of the inside of the medial and lateral arms of the medial arm. The compressible layer covers the upper rear, partially covers the medial and lateral arms, and gradually tapers or terminates along the inside of the medial and lateral arms of the medial arm. The compressible layer can be compressed during insertion of the foot into the footwear. The compressible layer can expand or at least partially expand to its original uncompressed state after the foot is inserted into the footwear. The compressible layer can be positioned around the ankle to help secure the foot within the footwear.

[0041] In a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is further provided footwear including a footwear strap provided according to any embodiment of the present application.

[0042] In one embodiment, the rigid heel structure is connected to the footbed or insole of the footwear via an L-shaped anchor.

[0043] 2 is a schematic diagram of an L-shaped anchor 200 viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present application, which can be attached to the connecting arm 102 of the rigid heel structural element 100. The L-shaped anchor 200 can be molded separately. Referring to FIG. 2, the L-shaped anchor 200 can include a vertical portion 201 and a horizontal portion 202 according to an L shape, where the vertical portion 201 corresponds to the long side of the L shape and the horizontal portion 202 corresponds to the short side of the L shape.

[0044] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams illustrating different structures that can be obtained after assembling a footwear strap according to embodiments of the present application to footwear. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3A , which shows an assembled state, a connecting arm 301 of a footwear strap 300 is adhered to a vertical portion of an L-shaped anchor 302 to secure the heel to the sandal shown. As shown in FIG. 3B , a bottom view of the footwear, the L-shaped anchor 302 is connected to a footbed or insole. The horizontal portion of the L-shaped anchor 302 is not shown because it is covered by the sole 306. In one embodiment, the connecting arm 301 of the footwear strap 300 is L-shaped. The L-shaped connecting arm 301 can be connected to a footbed or insole. As shown in FIG. 3B , a bottom view of the footwear, the L-shaped connecting arm 301 is connected to a footbed or insole. The L-shaped end of the L-shaped connecting arm 301 is not shown because it is covered by the sole 306.

[0045] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3C, footwear can incorporate a pair of boards 304 attached to the underside of a footbed or insole 303. Additionally, the boards 304 can be positioned on the medial and lateral sides of the footbed or insole 303 and spaced apart from one another. L-shaped anchors 302 can be connected to the boards 304. The boards 304 can be constructed of cellulose (e.g., Texon). The bottom 305 of the sandal straps of the sandal shown in FIG. 3C can also be connected to the footbed or insole 303 or the boards 304. A sole 306, as shown in FIG. 3B, can be formed by placing a sole portion over the insole 303.

[0046] In another embodiment, the L-shaped anchor may be connected to a footbed, an insole, or a straw-belt sock.

[0047] In one embodiment, the connecting arm 301 of the footwear strap 300 is L-shaped, and the L-shaped connecting arm 301 can be connected to the board 304 .

[0048] In another embodiment, the L-shaped connecting arm can be connected to a footbed, an insole, or a straw bell sock.

[0049] In the description herein, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "central," "vertical," "horizontal," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referenced devices or elements must have a particular orientation or be configured and operated in a particular orientation, but are merely intended to facilitate and simplify the description of the present application, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0050] Additionally, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance or number of technical features being presented. Thus, features defined using "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. The word "multiple" in the description of this application means two or more unless otherwise specified.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise specified and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," and "fix" should be understood broadly, for example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrated, may be mechanically connected or electrically connected, may be directly connected or indirectly connected through a medium, and may be a communication between two elements or an interactive relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art should interpret the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise specified and stipulated, a first feature being "on" or "under" a second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, and can also include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them, even though they are not in direct contact. Furthermore, a first feature being "on," "above," and "over" a second feature simply means that the first feature is directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or that the first feature is horizontally higher than the second feature. A first feature being "underneath," "below," and "under" a second feature simply means that the first feature is directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or that the first feature is horizontally lower than the second feature.

[0053] The above disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples that realize different structures of the present application. The components and arrangements of specific examples have been described above to simplify the disclosure of the present application. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. Furthermore, the present application may repeat reference numerals and / or characters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purposes of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements described.

[0054] The above is merely a detailed description of the present application, and the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can easily think of various modifications or substitutions that should be included in the scope of protection of the present application within the technical scope disclosed in the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

[0055] The present invention may be embodied in the following manner. [1] A footwear strap, comprising: A strap element; a rigid heel structural element; the rigid heel structural element is disposed inwardly of the strap element and includes an upper rear portion; When the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the upper rear portion extends in a direction from a position where the footwear contacts the heel toward a position where the footwear contacts the toe and slopes downwardly of the footwear; the upper rear portion has a convex curve that conforms to the shape of the heel to facilitate easy receipt of the heel; When the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the medial lower portion of the convex curved portion faces the opening of the footwear. A footwear strap characterized by: [2] The rigid heel structural element includes two connecting arms; The footwear strap according to [1] above. [3] each of the two connecting arms includes an inner arm and an outer arm connected to the inner arm; the outer arm and the inner arm are integrally molded; the outer arm is connected to the upper rear portion; The footwear strap according to [2] above. [4] When the footwear strap is assembled to the footwear, the outer arm extends downward to a footbed, insole, or straw bell sock of the footwear, and the inner arm extends downward to a footbed, insole, or straw bell sock of the footwear. The footwear strap according to [3] above. [5] the outer arm is attached directly or indirectly to an upper surface of the insole along the medial side of the insole of the footwear as it extends downward to the insole of the footwear; the inner arm is attached directly or indirectly to an upper surface of the insole along an outer side of the insole of the footwear where it extends downward to the insole of the footwear; The footwear strap according to [4] above. [6] When the outer arm and the inner arm extend downward to the footbed of the footwear, an end of the outer arm and an end of the inner arm are attached to the footbed of the footwear. The footwear strap according to [4] above. [7] When the outer arm and the inner arm extend downward to the strobel sock of the footwear, an end of the outer arm and an end of the inner arm are attached to the strobel sock of the footwear. The footwear strap according to [4] above. [8] the rigid heel structural element is formed of a polymer material; The footwear strap according to [1] above. [9] the polymeric material is Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomeric block copolymer or thermoplastic polyurethane; The footwear strap according to [8] above.

[10] The rigid heel structural element is covered with fabric, textile material, leather, or polymeric plastic. The footwear strap according to [1] above.

[11] a compressible layer provided on the inside of the rigid heel structural element; the compressible layer covers the upper rear portion, partially covers the inner and outer arms, and gradually tapers or terminates along the inner side of the inner arm and the inner side of the outer arm; The footwear strap according to [4] above.

[12] the convexly curved portion has an upwardly facing upper surface; The footwear strap according to [1] above.

[13] Footwear characterized by comprising a footwear strap according to any one of [1] to

[12] above.

[14] the rigid heel structural element is connected to a footbed, an insole, or a straw-belt sock of the footwear via an L-shaped anchor; The L-shaped anchor is either integrally molded with the rigid heel structural element or formed separately and attached to the rigid heel structural element. Footwear according to the above

[13] .

Claims

1. Footwear, A strap element; a heel structure element disposed inside the strap element, The heel structural element comprises: two connecting arms, each of the two connecting arms including an inner arm and an outer arm connected to the inner arm, the outer arm and the inner arm being integrally molded, the outer arm being connected to the upper rear portion; When the strap element is assembled to the footwear, a compressible layer is provided on the medial side of the heel structure element, the compressible layer completely covering the upper rear portion, at least partially covering the medial arm and the lateral arm, and gradually tapering or terminating along the medial side of the medial arm and the medial side of the lateral arm. footwear.

2. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel structural element is rigid.

3. The outer arm extends downward and is attached to an insole or a straw bell sock of the footwear; The inner arm extends downward and is attached to the insole or the strawberry sock of the footwear. Footwear according to claim 1.

4. the heel structural element is formed of a polymer material; Footwear according to claim 1.

5. the polymeric material is Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomeric block copolymer or thermoplastic polyurethane; Footwear according to claim 4.

6. The heel structural element is covered with fabric, textile material, leather, or polymer plastic. Footwear according to claim 1.

7. the outer arm extends downward toward the sole of the footwear and is attached directly or indirectly to an upper surface of the sole along an outer side of the sole of the footwear; the inner arm extends downward toward the sole of the footwear and is attached directly or indirectly to an upper surface of the sole along the medial side of the sole of the footwear; Footwear according to claim 1.

8. the outer arm and the inner arm extend downward to a footbed of the footwear, and ends of the outer arm and the inner arm are attached to the footbed of the footwear; Footwear according to claim 1.

9. The outer arm and the inner arm extend downward to a straw bell sock of the footwear, and an end of the outer arm and an end of the inner arm are attached to the straw bell sock of the footwear. Footwear according to claim 1.

10. 10. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel structural element is configured to at least partially deform when downward pressure is applied by a foot such that the medial and lateral connecting arms can partially flex toward the rear of the footwear and / or outward to widen an opening in the footwear.

11. Footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the upper rear portion comprises a convex curvature directed toward the front of the footwear.

12. the convex curved portion further has an upwardly facing surface; the convex curved portion extends from the upper end to the lower end of the upper rear portion in a cross section taken along a vertical plane along the longitudinal axis; Footwear according to claim 11.

13. Footwear, A strap element; a heel structure element disposed inside the strap element, The heel structural element comprises: The upper rear and an inner connecting arm extending inward from the upper rear portion; an outer connecting arm extending outward from the upper rear portion; a compressible layer provided on the inside of the heel structural element, the compressible layer completely covers the upper rear portion, partially covers the inner connecting arm and the outer connecting arm, and gradually tapers or terminates along the inner side of the inner connecting arm and the inner side of the outer connecting arm; footwear.

14. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein the heel structure is rigid.

15. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein the upper rear portion slopes downward from an upper end of the upper rear portion toward the front of the footwear.

16. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the inner connecting arm and the outer connecting arm extends vertically from one end, curves toward the rear of the footwear, and forms an arc shape in a side view.

17. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein the outer arm extends downward and is attached to an insole or straw bell sock of the footwear, and the inner arm extends downward and is attached to an insole or straw bell sock of the footwear.

18. the outer arm extends downward toward the sole of the footwear and is attached directly or indirectly to an upper surface of the sole along an outer side of the sole of the footwear; the inner arm extends downward toward the sole of the footwear and is attached directly or indirectly to an upper surface of the sole along the medial side of the sole of the footwear; Footwear according to claim 13.

19. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein ends of the outer arm and inner arm are attached to the footbed of the footwear when the outer arm and inner arm extend downwardly to the footbed of the footwear.

20. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein the heel structural element is configured to at least partially deform when downward pressure is applied by a foot such that the medial and lateral connecting arms can partially flex toward the rear of the footwear and / or outward to widen an opening in the footwear.

21. Footwear according to claim 13, wherein the upper rear portion comprises a convex curvature directed toward the front of the footwear, the convex curvature extending from an upper end to a lower end of the upper rear portion in a cross section taken along a vertical plane aligned with a longitudinal axis.

22. Footwear, A strap element; a heel structure element disposed inside the strap element, The heel structural element comprises: The upper rear and an inner connecting arm extending inward from the upper rear portion; an outer connecting arm extending outward from the upper rear portion; a compressible layer provided on the inside of the heel structural element, the compressible layer completely covers the upper rear portion, partially covers the inner connecting arm and the outer connecting arm, and gradually tapers or terminates along the inner side of the inner connecting arm and the inner side of the outer connecting arm; the upper rear portion has a first surface facing toward the front of the footwear and a second surface facing toward the rear of the footwear; the upper rear portion has an upper end and a lower end in a cross section taken along a vertical plane along the longitudinal axis; the first surface is continuously convex from the upper end to the lower end; footwear.

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