Sole and shoe

Abstract

To provide a sole which can improve both a driving force at the time of kicking up and stability at the time of landing.SOLUTION: A sole 100A includes: a sole body 110 positioned continuously from a forefoot part R1 to a heel part R3; and a high-rigidity member 120 configured of a material of a higher rigidity than a material configuring the sole body 110 and fixed to the sole body 110. The high-rigidity member 120 includes a curved plate part 121 which extends along a direction perpendicular to a right-left direction corresponding to a food width direction of a foot of a wearer, and which has a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction formed in a reverse arch shape that projects toward a landing face side of the sole 100A. The curved plate part 121 includes an inner foot side curved plate part 121A to include a part supporting a first toe of the wearer's foot of the forefoot part R1 and provided along an edge part of the inner foot side of the sole 100A. The inner foot-side curved plate part 121A reaches at least a middle foot part R2 form the forefoot part R1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe sole in which a high-rigidity member made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body is fixed to the sole body, and to a shoe equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0095034 (Patent Document 1) discloses a shoe that includes a midsole and a high-rigidity plate between the upper and the outsole. By providing the shoe with this high-rigidity plate, the high-rigidity plate elastically deforms when the shoe is pushed off, and the repulsive force resulting from this elastic deformation provides propulsion.

[0003] In the shoe disclosed in Patent Document 1, the high-rigidity plate in the sole, located from the forefoot to the midfoot, is curved toward the ground with a predetermined curvature along the front-to-back direction, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot. This configuration increases the repulsive force of the high-rigidity plate when pushing off, and accordingly increases the propulsive force. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0095034 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As mentioned above, in shoes equipped with a high-rigidity plate, the high-rigidity plate is made of an elastically deformable material to obtain a high resilience, but if it is constructed in this way without any ingenuity, stability when landing will be lost. In other words, stability when landing will be lost due to the high-rigidity plate deforming significantly depending on the condition of the landing surface when landing.

[0006] In this way, in shoes equipped with high-rigidity plates of a conventionally known configuration, there is a trade-off between improving propulsion force when pushing off and improving stability when landing, making it difficult to achieve both.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a shoe sole with a novel configuration that achieves both improved propulsion force when pushing off and improved stability when landing, and a shoe equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The shoe sole according to the present invention comprises a forefoot section supporting the toes and forefoot area of ​​the wearer's foot, a midfoot section supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot section supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, which are connected in a longitudinal direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and includes a sole body extending continuously from the forefoot section to the rearfoot section, and a high-rigidity member fixed to the sole body and made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body. The high-rigidity member has a curved plate section that extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction that corresponds to the width direction of the wearer's foot, and has an inverted arch-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction that bulges toward the ground-contact surface of the sole. The curved plate section includes a medial curved plate section that is arranged along the medial edge of the sole so as to include the portion of the forefoot section that supports the wearer's big toe, and the medial curved plate section extends from the forefoot section to at least the midfoot section. The front end of the medial curved plate portion is located forward of the portion corresponding to the center of the first proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and the rear end of the medial curved plate portion is located at or rear of the portion corresponding to the rear end of the first metatarsal along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot.

[0009] A shoe according to the present invention comprises the above-described shoe sole according to the present invention and an upper provided above the sole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoe sole and a shoe equipped with the sole that achieves both improved propulsion force when pushing off and improved stability when landing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe sole according to a first embodiment and a shoe provided with the sole; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the high-rigidity member shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the behavior of a curved plate portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a shoe sole according to a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a shoe sole according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a shoe sole according to a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a shoe sole according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a shoe sole according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe sole according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a shoe sole according to a seventh modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a second embodiment. [Figure 25]FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of the high-rigidity member shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 34 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 36] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 37] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 38] FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to a fifteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or common parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe sole and a shoe including the same according to embodiment 1. First, with reference to Fig. 1, the schematic configuration of a shoe 1 and a shoe sole 100A according to this embodiment will be described.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the shoe 1 comprises a sole 100A and an upper 200. The sole 100A is a member that covers the sole of the foot and has a generally flat shape. The upper 200 has a bag-like shape that encloses the entire foot when inserted, and is located above the sole 100A.

[0015] The upper 200 has an upper body 210, a shoe tongue 220, and shoelaces 230. As described above, the upper body 210 has a bag-like shape, and the shoe tongue 220 and shoelaces 230 are both fixed or attached to the upper body 210.

[0016] A bottom portion that is fixed to the sole 100A is located at the bottom of the upper body 210, and an opening that exposes the top of the ankle and a portion of the instep is provided at the top of the upper body 210. The tongue 220 is fixed to the upper body 210 by sewing, welding, bonding, or a combination of these, so as to cover the portion of the opening provided in the upper body 210 that exposes a portion of the instep. The upper body 210 and the tongue 220 are made of, for example, woven fabric, knitted fabric, synthetic leather, resin, etc., and for shoes that require particular breathability and lightness, double raschel warp knitted fabric made of knitted polyester yarn is used.

[0017] The shoelace 230 is made of a string-like member that draws together in the foot width direction the periphery of an opening that exposes part of the instep and is provided in the upper body 210, and is inserted into a plurality of holes provided on the periphery of the opening. By tightening the shoelace 230 with the foot inserted into the upper body 210, the upper body 210 can be fitted tightly to the foot.

[0018] The sole 100A has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120 (see FIGS. 2 to 7), and an outsole 130, of which the midsole 110 corresponds to the sole body. The midsole 110, the high-rigidity member 120, and the outsole 130 are integrated together, so that the sole 100A has a generally flat shape as a whole.

[0019] The outsole 130 has a ground contact surface 131 (see FIGS. 3 and 5 to 7) on its lower surface, and the midsole 110 is located above the outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is embedded in the midsole 110 and is thereby fixed to the midsole 110.

[0020] 2 and 3 are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view, respectively, of the shoe sole shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the high-rigidity member shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic transverse cross-sectional views taken along lines VI-VI and VII-VII in FIG. 2, respectively. Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, the configuration of the shoe sole 100A according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. Note that the wearer is assumed to be a person of average build with feet that fit the shoe size. In FIG. 2, foot bones 300 are shown superimposed on the shoe sole 100A so that the positional relationship between the foot bones of a wearer wearing the shoe and the shoe sole can be clearly understood.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the sole 100A is divided along the front-to-back direction (approximately the up-and-down direction in the figure), which is the direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot when viewed in a plan view, into a forefoot portion R1 that supports the toes and footbed of the wearer's foot, a midfoot portion R2 that supports the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot portion R3 that supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0022] Here, if the front end of the sole 100A is taken as the reference point, and the position corresponding to 40% of the longitudinal dimension of the sole 100A from the front end is taken as the first boundary position, and the position corresponding to 80% of the longitudinal dimension of the sole 100A from the front end is taken as the second boundary position, the forefoot R1 corresponds to the portion included between the front end and the first boundary position along the longitudinal direction, the midfoot R2 corresponds to the portion included between the first boundary position and the second boundary position along the longitudinal direction, and the rearfoot R3 corresponds to the portion included between the second boundary position and the rear end of the sole along the longitudinal direction.

[0023] In addition, the sole 100A is divided along the left-right direction (approximately the left-right direction in the figure), which is the direction that matches the width direction of the wearer's foot when viewed in a plane, into an inner foot side portion (the S1 side portion shown in the figure), which is the midline side (i.e., the side closer to the midline) of the anatomical orthogonal position of the foot, and an outer foot side portion (the S2 side portion shown in the figure), which is the opposite side of the midline side of the anatomical orthogonal position of the foot (i.e., the side farther from the midline).

[0024] 2, 3, and 5 to 7, as described above, the sole 100A has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The midsole 110 has an upper surface 111, a lower surface 112, and a side surface 113, and constitutes the upper portion of the sole 100A. On the other hand, the outsole 130 has an upper surface and a lower surface serving as the above-mentioned ground contact surface 131, and constitutes the lower portion of the sole 100A.

[0025] The midsole 110 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3. The upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 defines the upper surface of the sole 100A, and its peripheral edge has a shape that is raised compared to the surrounding area. As a result, a concave portion is provided on the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110, and this concave portion serves as a portion for receiving the upper 200. The upper surface 111 of the midsole 110, excluding the peripheral edge that is the bottom surface of this concave portion, has a smoothly curved shape that fits the shape of the sole of the foot.

[0026] The outsole 130 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3. The outsole 130 may be configured as a single member, or may be configured as divided into multiple members as shown in the figure. The lower surface of the outsole 130 forms the ground contact surface 131 as described above, and therefore, a tread pattern may be formed by forming recesses and protrusions on the exposed surface to improve grip. The upper surface of the outsole 130 is joined to the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110, for example, by adhesive.

[0027] It is preferable that the midsole 110 has a moderate strength and excellent cushioning properties, and from this viewpoint, for example, a resin foam material containing a resin material as a main component and a foaming agent and a cross-linking agent as secondary components is used as the midsole 110. Alternatively, a rubber foam material containing a rubber material as a main component and a plasticizer, a foaming agent, a reinforcing agent, and a cross-linking agent as secondary components may be used.

[0028] Examples of the resin material that can be used include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) foam, polyolefin resin foam, thermoplastic polyurethane foam, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA, TPAE) foam, thermoplastic polyester elastomer foam, etc. Examples of the rubber material that can be used preferably include butadiene rubber.

[0029] As a result, the midsole 110 is generally made of a softer material with a smaller Young's modulus than the outsole 130. Note that predetermined portions of the midsole 110 may include various cushioning parts, and may also include reinforcing parts other than the high-rigidity member 120 described below.

[0030] It is preferable that the outsole 130 has excellent abrasion resistance and gripping properties, and from this viewpoint, the outsole 130 is made of, for example, a material containing a rubber material as a main component and a plasticizer, a reinforcing agent, and a cross-linking agent as secondary components.

[0031] As a result, the outsole 130 is generally made of a harder material with a larger Young's modulus than the midsole 110. The shape of the outsole 130 and the above-mentioned tread pattern can be designed appropriately according to the use of the shoe 1.

[0032] The high-rigidity member 120 is made of a single member and is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, the high-rigidity member 120 straddles the medial side (S1 side) and lateral side (S2 side) of the sole 100A in the left-right direction, and is also arranged in the front-rear direction of the sole 100A in the forefoot portion R1 excluding the front end and in the midfoot portion R2 excluding the rear end.

[0033] The high-rigidity member 120 is made of a plate-shaped member overall, and is fixed to the midsole 110 by being embedded in the midsole 110 as described above. Specific methods for embedding the high-rigidity member 120 in the midsole 110 include, for example, a method in which the midsole 110 is divided into upper and lower halves and the high-rigidity member 120 is sandwiched between these halves when they are bonded together, and a method in which the high-rigidity member 120 is inserted when the midsole 110 is cast-molded or injected-molded.

[0034] 2 to 7, and particularly FIG. 4, the high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B that are provided separately from each other, and these inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and outer foot side curved plate portion 121B are connected to each other by the connecting plate portion 122. Note that in FIGS. 2 to 4, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is colored dark and the connecting plate portion 122 is colored light.

[0035] 2, the medial curved plate portion 121A is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, the medial curved plate portion 121A is disposed along the medial portion of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S1 side) including the region Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100A.

[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A has its front end located at a position corresponding to the first distal phalanx and its rear end located at a position corresponding to the rear end of the first metatarsal. Therefore, in a plan view, the medial curved plate portion 121A generally overlaps with the wearer's first distal phalanx, first proximal phalanx, and first metatarsal. In FIG. 2, of these foot bones 300, only the first proximal phalanx is labeled with the reference symbol 301.

[0037] 6 and 7, the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A has an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to its extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100A. That is, the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A has a curved plate shape with both left-right ends located on the upper 200 side and a left-right center portion located on the ground contact surface 131 side, and the curved concave portion formed on the upper surface of the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A is located so as to extend generally along the front-rear direction.

[0038] 2, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is disposed along the outer foot side portion (i.e., the portion on the S2 side) including the region Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100A.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B has its front end located at a portion corresponding to the third distal phalanx and its rear end located at a portion corresponding to the rear end of the fifth metatarsal. Therefore, in a plan view, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B generally overlaps with the wearer's third distal phalanx, fourth distal phalanx, fourth middle phalanx, fifth distal phalanx, fifth middle phalanx, fifth proximal phalanx, and fifth metatarsal. Note that in FIG. 2, of these foot bones 300, only the fifth proximal phalanx is designated by the reference numeral 305.

[0040] 6 and 7, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B has an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to its extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100A. That is, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B has a curved plate shape with both left-right ends located on the upper 200 side and a left-right center portion located on the ground contact surface 131 side, and the curved concave portion formed on the upper surface of the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is located so as to extend generally along the front-rear direction.

[0041] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the connecting plate portion 122 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2, and includes a portion positioned between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and a portion that protrudes forward and a portion that protrudes backward from the portion positioned between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B.

[0042] 3 and 5 to 7, the connection plate portion 122 has a generally flat plate shape curved in the front-to-rear direction. More specifically, the connection plate portion 122 has a curved plate shape with both ends in the front-to-rear direction positioned on the upper 200 side and a central portion in the front-to-rear direction positioned on the ground surface 131 side. The medial foot side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral foot side curved plate portion 121B are also curved in the front-to-rear direction in accordance with the shape of the connection plate portion 122.

[0043] The high-rigidity member 120 is made of a material that is more rigid than the material that constitutes the midsole 110. The material that constitutes the high-rigidity member 120 is not particularly limited, but suitable materials include, for example, fiber-reinforced resins that use carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, Dyneema fiber, Zylon fiber, boron fiber, or the like as reinforcing fibers, and non-fiber-reinforced resins made of polymer resins such as urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU) and amide-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPA).

[0044] As described above, in the sole 100A according to this embodiment, the high-rigidity member 120 is provided with the curved plate portion 121 having an inverted arch cross section, and the high-rigidity member 120 has, as the curved plate portion 121, an inner curved plate portion 121A arranged along the inner part of the foot including the part Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and an outer curved plate portion 121B arranged along the outer part of the foot including the part Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer. This achieves both improved propulsion force when pushing off and improved stability when landing. The reason for this will be explained in detail below.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the curved plate portion. Here, Fig. 8(A) illustrates the curved plate portion 121 when the sole 100A is in an unloaded state, Fig. 8(B) illustrates the curved plate portion 121 when a load is applied to the sole 100A causing dorsiflexion, and Fig. 8(C) illustrates the curved plate portion 121 when a load is applied to the sole 100A causing plantarflexion.

[0046] Here, dorsiflexion refers to deformation of the shoe sole caused by bending the shoe sole downward in a convex manner along the front-to-back direction, which occurs mainly in the forefoot and midfoot parts of the shoe sole when pushing off, while plantar flexion refers to deformation of the shoe sole caused by bending the shoe sole upward in a convex manner along the front-to-back direction, which may occur in the forefoot and midfoot parts of the shoe sole when landing depending on the condition of the landing surface, etc.

[0047] 8(A), as described above, in the sole 100A according to this embodiment, the curved plate portions 121 (including both the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B) provided on the high-rigidity member 120 have an inverted arch shape in which the cross section perpendicular to the extending direction (i.e., the direction of the arrow DR shown in the figure) bulges downward. That is, the curved plate portions 121 have a shape in which both ends thereof are warped toward the upper 200 along the left-right direction.

[0048] Therefore, when an external force is applied to the sole 100A during a push-off, the sole 100A is bent downward in a convex manner along the front-to-rear direction, resulting in a dorsiflexed state, and at this time, the high-rigidity member 120 also becomes dorsiflexed as shown in Fig. 8(B). At this time, the curved plate portion 121, due to its inverted arch shape, easily bends in the direction of the arrow AR1 shown in the figure, causing large elastic deformation, and the dorsiflexion is not hindered.

[0049] On the other hand, when landing, it is possible that external forces are applied unevenly to the sole 100A depending on the condition of the landing surface, and in that case, the sole 100A may be curved upward in a convex manner in the front-to-rear direction depending on the condition of the landing surface, resulting in a plantar flexion, and at this time, the high-rigidity member 120 also becomes plantar flexed as shown in Fig. 8(C). However, at that time, the curved plate portion 121 cannot easily bend in the direction of arrow AR2 shown in the figure due to its inverted arch shape, and the plantar flexion is suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, when landing, regardless of the condition of the landing surface, an external force is applied to the toe portion of the sole 100A (i.e., the forefoot portion R1) to flatten that portion. However, by arranging the curved plate portion 121 of the high-rigidity member 120 in this portion, plantar flexion of the sole 100A is suppressed as described above, and the original shape of the sole 100A is maintained, which ultimately improves stability when landing.

[0051] As described above, in the sole 100A according to this embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A is disposed along the medial portion of the foot, including the portion Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and the lateral curved plate portion 121B is disposed along the lateral portion of the foot, including the portion Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer. The portion Q1 that supports the big toe and the portion Q2 that supports the little toe are portions that receive a greater load than other portions when landing. By providing the curved plate portions 121 described above in these portions, plantar flexion of the sole 100A in these portions and their vicinity (i.e., the lateral ends of the forefoot portion R1 and the midfoot portion R2 of the sole 100A) can be effectively suppressed. This dramatically increases stability when landing.

[0052] On the other hand, in the sole 100A according to this embodiment, as described above, the inner curved plate portion 121A and the outer curved plate portion 121B of the curved plate portion 121 are both easily dorsiflexed when pushing off, so that the high-rigidity member 120 in the portions corresponding to the forefoot portion R1 and the midfoot portion R2 is easily dorsiflexed as a whole and elastically deformed, and the rebound force resulting from this elastic deformation provides a large propulsive force.

[0053] Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the sole 100A and the shoe 1 equipped therewith that achieve both improved propulsion force when pushing off and improved stability when landing.

[0054] As described above, the high-rigidity member 120 can be made of various fiber-reinforced resins, non-fiber-reinforced resins, etc., but from the viewpoint of achieving both improved propulsion force at the time of kicking off and improved stability at the time of landing, it is preferable that the flexural modulus be 5 GPa or more and 15 GPa or less.

[0055] Furthermore, the thickness of the high-rigidity member 120 is not particularly limited, but when the high-rigidity member 120 has the above-mentioned flexural modulus, the thickness of the curved plate portion 121 is preferably 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. Here, when the thickness of the curved plate portion 121 is 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm, it is possible to increase the flexural rigidity and improve stability when landing. On the other hand, when the thickness of the curved plate portion 121 is 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, it is possible to achieve a lighter weight while improving stability when landing.

[0056] Furthermore, the thickness of the high-rigidity member 120 does not need to be uniform throughout its entire area, and it may be configured so that it is thinner at the front end in the fore-and-aft direction and thicker toward the rear end in the fore-and-aft direction. This configuration increases the rigidity of the portion to which a greater load is applied, thereby improving the durability of the high-rigidity member 120. On the other hand, the thickness of the high-rigidity member 120 may be configured so that it is thicker at the front end in the fore-and-aft direction and thinner toward the rear end in the fore-and-aft direction. This configuration makes it possible to promote forward movement of the center of gravity during riding.

[0057] In the sole 100A according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 equipped with the same, as described above, the high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate shape overall, with both ends in the front-to-rear direction positioned on the upper 200 side and the center portion in the front-to-rear direction positioned on the ground surface 131 side. Therefore, due to this curved shape, the repulsive force of the high-rigidity member 120 at the time of kicking off is increased, and the propulsive force also increases accordingly.

[0058] Here, since both the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B extend roughly along the front-to-rear direction, the repulsive force obtained at the time of kicking off by arranging the high rigidity member 120 is more likely to act in the forward direction on the sole of the foot, thereby making it possible to increase the forward propulsion efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, in the sole 100A of this embodiment and the shoe 1 equipped with it, as described above, the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B are connected by the approximately flat connecting plate portion 122, which increases stability when landing compared to when the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B are not connected and are provided independently of each other.

[0060] Furthermore, in the sole 100A according to the present embodiment and the shoe 1 equipped with the sole, as described above, the high-rigidity member 120 is embedded in the midsole 110. This configuration can ensure a comfortable fit while absorbing impact when landing.

[0061] In this embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A is configured so that its front end is located at a portion corresponding to the first distal phalanx and its rear end is located at a portion corresponding to the rear end of the first metatarsal. However, it is sufficient that the medial curved plate portion 121A is positioned so that at least its front end is located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the first proximal phalanx 301 along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot and its rear end is located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the first proximal phalanx 301 along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot (i.e., a portion corresponding to the metatarsal phalanx 310). This configuration achieves both improved propulsion during push-off and improved stability during landing. However, even in this case, in order to obtain a suitable plantar flexion suppression effect, it is preferable that the length of the medial curved plate portion 121A in the longitudinal direction be at least 10 mm.

[0062] In this embodiment, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is configured so that its front end is located at a portion corresponding to the third distal phalanx and its rear end is located at a portion corresponding to the rear end of the fifth metatarsal. However, it is sufficient that the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is positioned so that at least its front end is located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the fifth proximal phalanx 305 along the wearer's foot length and its rear end is located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the fifth proximal phalanx 305 along the wearer's foot length (i.e., a portion corresponding to the metatarsal phalanx 310). This configuration achieves both improved propulsion during push-off and improved stability during landing. However, even in this case, in order to obtain a suitable plantar flexion suppression effect, the length of the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B in the front-to-rear direction is preferably at least 10 mm.

[0063] The outer foot side curved plate portion 121B may be configured to overlap not only the wearer's third distal phalanx, fourth distal phalanx, fourth middle phalanx, fifth distal phalanx, fifth middle phalanx, fifth proximal phalanx, and fifth metatarsal in a plan view, but also the fourth proximal phalanx and fourth metatarsal. In this case, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B should be positioned so that at least its front end is located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the fourth proximal phalanx 304 along the wearer's foot length direction, and its rear end is located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the fourth proximal phalanx 304 along the wearer's foot length direction (i.e., a portion corresponding to the metatarsal phalanx 310).

[0064] (First Modification) Fig. 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sole according to a first modified example based on the first embodiment described above, and Fig. 10 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 9. A sole 100A1 according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. The sole 100A1 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above.

[0065] 9 and 10, the sole 100A1 according to this modification differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the position at which the high-rigidity member 120 is provided. Specifically, in the sole 100A1, the high-rigidity member 120 is not embedded in the midsole 110, but is disposed on the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 and fixed to the midsole 110. The high-rigidity member 120 can be fixed to the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 by, for example, adhesion or the like.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10, in the sole 100A1 of this modification, similar to the first embodiment, a high-rigidity member 120 is provided with a curved plate portion 121 having an inverted arch cross section and a generally flat connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A arranged along a portion of the inner foot including a portion Q1 that supports the wearer's big toe, and an outer curved plate portion 121B arranged along a portion of the outer foot including a portion Q2 that supports the wearer's little toe. Note that in Fig. 10, the portion of the high-rigidity member 120 corresponding to the curved plate portion 121 is surrounded by a dashed line for ease of understanding.

[0067] Even with this configuration, sole 100A1 is provided with high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which improves both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, with this configuration, high-rigidity member 120 is positioned closer to the sole of the wearer's foot, which more effectively prevents plantar flexion of sole 100A1 when landing.

[0068] (Second Modification) Fig. 11 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sole according to a second modified example based on the first embodiment described above, and Fig. 12 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11. A sole 100A2 according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. The sole 100A2 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above.

[0069] 11 and 12, a sole 100A2 according to this modification differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the position at which the high-rigidity member 120 is provided. Specifically, in the sole 100A2, the high-rigidity member 120 is not embedded in the midsole 110, but is disposed on the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110 and fixed to the midsole 110. The high-rigidity member 120 can be fixed to the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110 by, for example, adhesion. The outsole 130 at a position corresponding to the portion where the high-rigidity member 120 is disposed is fixed to the high-rigidity member 120 by, for example, adhesion.

[0070] 12, in the sole 100A2 according to this modification, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, a curved plate portion 121 having an inverted arch cross section and a substantially flat connecting plate portion 122 are provided on a high-rigidity member 120. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A arranged along a portion of the inner foot side including a portion Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and an outer curved plate portion 121B arranged along a portion of the outer foot side including a portion Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer.

[0071] Even with this configuration, sole 100A2 is provided with high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which improves both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, with this configuration, high-rigidity member 120 is positioned farther from the sole of the wearer's foot, which further reduces the impact when landing and further ensures a comfortable fit.

[0072] (Third Modification) Fig. 13 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sole according to a third modified example based on the first embodiment, and Figs. 14 to 16 are schematic transverse cross-sectional views taken along lines XIV-XIV, XV-XV, and XVI-XVI in Fig. 13, respectively. A sole 100A3 according to this modified example will now be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. The sole 100A3 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0073] 13 to 16, a sole 100A3 according to this modification differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the position at which the high-rigidity member 120 is provided. Specifically, in the sole 100A3, the front and rear ends of the high-rigidity member 120 are not embedded in the midsole 110, but rather the front end is positioned so as to be exposed on the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110, and the rear end is positioned so as to be exposed on the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110. In other words, the high-rigidity member 120 is positioned so that the distance from the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 increases from the front side to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction, by being partially embedded in the midsole 110.

[0074] 14 to 16, in the sole 100A3 of this modification, similar to the first embodiment, a high-rigidity member 120 is provided with a curved plate portion 121 having an inverted arch cross section and a generally flat connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A arranged along a portion of the inner foot including a portion Q1 that supports the wearer's big toe, and an outer curved plate portion 121B arranged along a portion of the outer foot including a portion Q2 that supports the wearer's little toe. Note that in FIG. 14, the portion of the high-rigidity member 120 corresponding to the curved plate portion 121 is surrounded by a dashed line for ease of understanding.

[0075] Even with this configuration, sole 100A3 is provided with high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which allows for both improved propulsion when pushing off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of above-described embodiment 1. In particular, when high-rigidity member 120 is arranged at an angle in this manner, it is possible to increase the curvature of high-rigidity member 120 that curves in the front-to-rear direction, which in turn increases the repulsive force of high-rigidity member 120 when pushing off, thereby further increasing propulsion.

[0076] Note that even when the high-rigidity member 120 is disposed at an angle as described above, it is not necessary that the front and rear ends of the high-rigidity member 120 are exposed on the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110, respectively. For example, only the front end of the high-rigidity member 120 may be exposed on the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110, and the rear end of the high-rigidity member 120 may be disposed near the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110 without being exposed on the lower surface 112, or the front end of the high-rigidity member 120 may be disposed near the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 without being exposed on the upper surface 111, and only the rear end of the high-rigidity member 120 may be exposed on the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110. Furthermore, the front and rear ends of the high-rigidity member 120 may be disposed near the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 of the midsole 110, respectively, without being exposed on the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112. In other words, by embedding at least a portion of the high-rigidity member 120 in the midsole 110, and positioning the high-rigidity member 120 so that the distance from the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 increases as the high-rigidity member 120 moves from the front to the rear in the front-to-rear direction, the propulsion force described above can be further increased.

[0077] (Fourth Modification) Fig. 17 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sole according to a fourth modified example based on the first embodiment described above, and Fig. 18 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 17. A sole 100A4 according to this modified example will now be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18. The sole 100A4 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above.

[0078] 17 and 18, the sole 100A4 of this modified example differs from the sole 100A of the above-described first embodiment mainly in the number of high-rigidity members 120. Specifically, in the sole 100A4, two high-rigidity members 120 are embedded in the midsole 110, and these two high-rigidity members 120 are stacked and arranged at a distance in the vertical direction (i.e., in the thickness direction of the sole 100A4).

[0079] In the sole 100A4 of this modified example, each of the two high-rigidity members 120 is provided with a curved plate portion 121 having an inverted arch cross section and a generally flat connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A arranged along the inner part of the foot including a portion Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and an outer curved plate portion 121B arranged along the outer part of the foot including a portion Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer.

[0080] Even with this configuration, sole 100A4 is provided with high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which allows for both improved propulsion force at the time of pushing off and improved stability at the time of landing, as in the case of above-described embodiment 1. In particular, when high-rigidity member 120 is arranged in layers in this manner, the repulsive force of high-rigidity member 120 at the time of pushing off is increased, which accordingly increases propulsion force and further improves stability at the time of landing.

[0081] (Fifth Modification) Fig. 19 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sole according to a fifth modified example based on the first embodiment described above, and Fig. 20 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in Fig. 19. A sole 100A5 according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figs. 19 and 20. The sole 100A5 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above.

[0082] 19 and 20 , a sole 100A5 according to this modification differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the number of high-rigidity members 120 and the positions at which these high-rigidity members 120 are provided. Specifically, the sole 100A5 is provided with two high-rigidity members 120, one of which is disposed on an upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 and fixed to the midsole 110, and the other of which is disposed on a lower surface 112 of the midsole 110 and fixed to the midsole 110.

[0083] In the sole 100A5 of this modification, each of the two high-rigidity members 120 includes a curved plate portion 121 having an inverted arch cross section and a substantially flat connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A arranged along a portion of the inner foot including a portion Q1 that supports the wearer's big toe, and an outer curved plate portion 121B arranged along a portion of the outer foot including a portion Q2 that supports the wearer's little toe. For ease of understanding, in FIG. 20 , the portion of the high-rigidity member 120 arranged on the upper surface 111 of the midsole 110 that corresponds to the curved plate portion 121 is surrounded by a dashed line.

[0084] Even with this configuration, sole 100A5 is provided with high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which improves both the propulsion force at the time of pushing off and the stability at the time of landing, as in the case of above-described embodiment 1. In particular, when high-rigidity member 120 is arranged in layers in this manner, the repulsive force of high-rigidity member 120 at the time of pushing off is increased, which accordingly increases the propulsion force and further improves the stability at the time of landing.

[0085] (Sixth Modification) Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sole according to a sixth modified example based on the first embodiment, and Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of region XXII shown in Fig. 21. A sole 100A6 according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figs. 21 and 22. The sole 100A6 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0086] 21 and 22, when compared with the sole 100A according to the first embodiment, the sole 100A6 according to this modification has the same position and general shape of the high-rigidity member 120, but differs in the detailed shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100A6, a plurality of through-holes 123 are formed in the high-rigidity member 120 (see FIG. 22 in particular).

[0087] The multiple through holes 123 are provided along the thickness direction of the high-rigidity member 120, penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof, and are positioned at a distance from each other. In this modified example, as shown in the figure, the multiple through holes 123 are positioned throughout the entire high-rigidity member 120, and are provided in all of the medial foot side curved plate portion 121A, the lateral foot side curved plate portion 121B, and the connecting plate portion 122. Note that the multiple through holes 123 may be provided only in specific portions of the medial foot side curved plate portion 121A, the lateral foot side curved plate portion 121B, and the connecting plate portion 122.

[0088] Even with this configuration, sole 100A6 includes high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which improves both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of the first embodiment. In addition, when multiple through-holes 123 are provided in high-rigidity member 120, it is possible to reduce the weight of high-rigidity member 120 without impairing its functionality. The shape of through-hole 123 is not particularly limited, and various shapes are possible, such as circular holes, elliptical holes, polygonal holes, and track-shaped holes (long, thin holes) when viewed from above.

[0089] (Seventh Modification) Fig. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a sole according to a seventh modified example based on the above-described first embodiment. Below, a sole 100A7 according to this modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 23. The sole 100A7 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment.

[0090] 23, when compared with the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above, the sole 100A7 according to this modification has the same position and general shape of the high-rigidity member 120, but is different in the detailed shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100A7, a plurality of depressions 124 are provided in the high-rigidity member 120.

[0091] The plurality of recesses 124 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the high-rigidity member 120 and are spaced apart from one another. In this modification, as shown in the figure, the plurality of recesses 124 are located throughout the high-rigidity member 120, and are provided in all of the medial side curved plate portion 121A, the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, and the connecting plate portion 122. The plurality of recesses 124 may be provided only in specific locations among the medial side curved plate portion 121A, the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, and the connecting plate portion 122, or may be provided only on one of the upper and lower surfaces of the high-rigidity member 120.

[0092] Even with this configuration, sole 100A7 is provided with high-rigidity member 120 having curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, and as a result, both improved propulsion force at the time of kicking off and improved stability at the time of landing are achieved, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment. In addition, when multiple depressions 124 are provided in high-rigidity member 120 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the weight of high-rigidity member 120 without impairing its functionality. The shape of depressions 124 is not particularly limited, and various shapes are possible, such as circular depressions in a plan view, elliptical depressions, polygonal depressions, and track-shaped depressions (long, thin depressions).

[0093] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 24 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 2, and Fig. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in Fig. 24. Next, a shoe sole 100B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 24 and 25. The shoe sole 100B according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0094] 24 and 25, a sole 100B according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Like the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment, the sole 100B has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is formed from a single member and is located continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2.

[0095] The high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A, an outer curved plate portion 121B, and an intermediate curved plate portion 121C. The inner curved plate portion 121A, the outer curved plate portion 121B, and the intermediate curved plate portion 121C are provided separately from one another and are connected to one another by the connecting plate portion 122. In FIG. 24, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is shaded dark, and the connecting plate portion 122 is shaded light.

[0096] 24, the middle curved plate portion 121C is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, the middle curved plate portion 121C extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100B so as to be positioned between a portion on the medial side of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S1 side) including a portion Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer and a portion on the lateral side of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S2 side) including a portion Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer.

[0097] Specifically, the front end of the middle curved plate portion 121C is located at a portion corresponding to the second distal phalanx, and the rear end thereof is located at a portion corresponding to the rear ends of the second and third metatarsals. Therefore, in a plan view, the middle curved plate portion 121C generally overlaps with the wearer's second distal phalanx, second middle phalanx, second proximal phalanx, second metatarsal, and third metatarsal. In FIG. 24, of these foot bones 300, only the second proximal phalanx is labeled with the reference symbol 302.

[0098] 25, the middle curved plate portion 121C has an inverted arch-like cross section perpendicular to its extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100B. That is, the middle curved plate portion 121C has a curved plate-like shape with both left-right ends located on the upper 200 side and a left-right center portion located on the ground contact surface 131 side, and the curved concave portion formed on the upper surface of the middle curved plate portion 121C is positioned so as to extend generally along the front-rear direction.

[0099] With this configuration, plantar flexion of the sole 100B can be effectively suppressed not only in the portion where the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B are provided and their vicinity (i.e., the left-right ends of the forefoot portion R1 and the midfoot portion R2 of the sole 100B), but also in the portion where the intermediate curved plate portion 121C is provided and their vicinity (i.e., the left-right central portions of the forefoot portion R1 and the midfoot portion R2 of the sole 100B). Furthermore, when pushing off, the medial curved plate portion 121A, the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and the intermediate curved plate portion 121C easily dorsiflex, so that the high-rigidity member 120 in the portion corresponding to the forefoot portion R1 and the midfoot portion R2 as a whole easily dorsiflexes and elastically deforms, and the rebound force resulting from this elastic deformation generates a large propulsive force.

[0100] Therefore, by providing the sole 100B according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, it is possible to improve both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A, the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and the intermediate curved plate portion 121C are provided individually and separately, which makes it possible to reduce their widths (i.e., their size in the left-right direction), and thus makes it possible to more effectively prevent plantar flexion of the sole 100B than if they were integrated into one curved plate portion 121.

[0101] In this embodiment, the intermediate curved plate portion 121C is configured so that its front end is located at a portion corresponding to the second distal phalanx and its rear end is located at a portion corresponding to the rear ends of the second and third metatarsals. However, it is sufficient that the intermediate curved plate portion 121C is positioned so that at least its front end is located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the second proximal phalanx 302 along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot and its rear end is located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the second proximal phalanx 302 along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot (i.e., a portion corresponding to the metatarsal phalanx 310). This configuration achieves both improved propulsion during push-off and improved stability during landing. However, even in this case, in order to obtain a suitable plantar flexion suppression effect, the length of the intermediate curved plate portion 121C in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least 10 mm.

[0102] In addition, the middle curved plate portion 121C may be configured to overlap not only the second distal phalanx, second middle phalanx, second proximal phalanx, second metatarsal, and third metatarsal of the wearer in a plan view, but also the third proximal phalanx. In this case, the middle curved plate portion 121C only needs to be positioned so that at least its front end is located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the third proximal phalanx 303 along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and its rear end is located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the third proximal phalanx 303 along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot (i.e., a portion corresponding to the metatarsophalange 310).

[0103] (Embodiment 3) Fig. 26 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 3, and Fig. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26. Next, a shoe sole 100C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 26 and 27. The shoe sole 100C according to this embodiment is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0104] 26 and 27, a sole 100C according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Like the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment, the sole 100C has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is formed from a single member and is located continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2.

[0105] The high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a base plate portion 122', of which the curved plate portion 121 includes only the medial curved plate portion 121A. That is, in the sole 100C according to this embodiment, the high-rigidity member 120 includes only the medial curved plate portion 121A as the curved plate portion 121, whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction thereof is in an inverted arch shape that bulges toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100C, and does not include the lateral curved plate portion 121B (see FIG. 2, etc.) included in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above. Accordingly, the high-rigidity member 120 is provided with a base plate portion 122' having an overall substantially flat shape that curves along the front-to-rear direction, instead of the connection plate portion 122 included in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above. In FIG. 26, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is colored dark, and the base plate portion 122' is colored light.

[0106] When configured in this manner, plantar flexion of the sole 100C can be effectively suppressed in the area where the medial curved plate portion 121A is provided and in its vicinity (i.e., the medial portions of the forefoot R1 and midfoot R2 of the sole 100C). Furthermore, when pushing off, this medial curved plate portion 121A easily dorsiflexes, so that the high-rigidity member 120 in the areas corresponding to the forefoot R1 and midfoot R2 as a whole easily dorsiflexes and elastically deforms, and the rebound force resulting from this elastic deformation generates a large propulsive force.

[0107] Therefore, by providing the sole 100C of this embodiment and the shoe 1 equipped with it, it is possible to achieve both improved propulsion force when kicking off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0108] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 28 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 4. Next, a shoe sole 100D according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 28. The shoe sole 100D according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0109] 28, a sole 100D according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Like the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment, the sole 100D has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is formed from a single member and is located continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2.

[0110] The high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A and an outer curved plate portion 121B. The inner curved plate portion 121A and the outer curved plate portion 121B are provided separately from each other and are connected to each other by the connecting plate portion 122. In FIG. 28, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is shaded dark and the connecting plate portion 122 is shaded light.

[0111] The medial curved plate portion 121A is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, as in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A is disposed along the medial portion of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S1 side) including the region Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100D. However, the position of the rear end of the medial curved plate portion 121A differs from that in the first embodiment, and extends further rearward.

[0112] Specifically, in this embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A has its front end positioned at a portion corresponding to the first distal phalanx and its rear end positioned at a portion corresponding to the navicular bone. Therefore, in a plan view, the medial curved plate portion 121A generally overlaps with the wearer's first distal phalanx, first proximal phalanx, first metatarsal, medial cuneiform, and navicular bone. In FIG. 28, of the foot bones 300, only the first proximal phalanx and navicular bone are labeled with the reference numerals 301 and 306, respectively.

[0113] The outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, as in the first embodiment, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is disposed along the medial side of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S2 side) including the region Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100D. However, the position of the rear end of the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B differs from that in the first embodiment, and extends further rearward.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B has its front end located at a portion corresponding to the third distal phalanx and its rear end located at a portion corresponding to the cuboid bone. Therefore, in a plan view, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B generally overlaps with the wearer's third distal phalanx, fourth distal phalanx, fourth middle phalanx, fifth distal phalanx, fifth middle phalanx, fifth proximal phalanx, fifth metatarsal, and cuboid bone. In FIG. 28, of the foot bones 300, only the fifth proximal phalanx and cuboid bone are denoted by reference numerals 305 and 307, respectively.

[0115] As in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B each have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to their extension direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100D, which is an inverted arch shape, and the portion that extends toward the rear compared to the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 also has the same inverted arch shape.

[0116] On the other hand, the connecting plate portion 122 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2, and includes a portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and a portion that protrudes forward and a portion that protrudes backward from the portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B.

[0117] Therefore, by providing the sole 100D according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the sole, it is possible to improve both the propulsion force at the time of pushing off and the stability at the time of landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, since the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, which have an inverted arch shape, are extended further rearward than in the case of embodiment 1, the stability of the midfoot portion R2 at the time of landing is increased by the amount.

[0118] (Embodiment 5) Fig. 29 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 5. Next, a shoe sole 100E according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 29. The shoe sole 100E according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the shoe sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0119] 29, a sole 100E according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Like the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment, the sole 100E has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is formed from a single member and is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3.

[0120] The high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a connecting plate portion 122. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner curved plate portion 121A and an outer curved plate portion 121B. The inner curved plate portion 121A and the outer curved plate portion 121B are provided separately from each other and are connected to each other by the connecting plate portion 122. In FIG. 29, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is colored dark and the connecting plate portion 122 is colored light.

[0121] The medial curved plate portion 121A is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2 and then to the rearfoot portion R3. More specifically, as in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A is disposed along the medial portion of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S1 side) including the region Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100E. However, the position of the rear end of the medial curved plate portion 121A differs from that in the first embodiment, and extends further rearward.

[0122] Specifically, in this embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A has its front end positioned at a position corresponding to the first distal phalanx and its rear end positioned at a position corresponding to the calcaneus. Therefore, in a plan view, the medial curved plate portion 121A generally overlaps the wearer's first distal phalanx, first proximal phalanx, first metatarsal, medial cuneiform, navicular, and calcaneus, and its rear end reaches the medial side of the part Q3 that supports the calcaneus. In FIG. 29, of the foot bones 300, only the first proximal phalanx, navicular, and calcaneus are labeled with the reference numerals 301, 306, and 308, respectively.

[0123] The outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2 and then to the rearfoot portion R3. More specifically, as in the first embodiment described above, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B is disposed along the medial side of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S2 side) including the region Q2 that supports the little toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100E. Meanwhile, the position of the rear end of the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B differs from that in the first embodiment described above, and extends further rearward.

[0124] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B has its front end positioned at a portion corresponding to the third distal phalanx and its rear end positioned at a portion corresponding to the calcaneus. Therefore, in a plan view, the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B generally overlaps the wearer's third distal phalanx, fourth distal phalanx, fourth middle phalanx, fifth distal phalanx, fifth middle phalanx, fifth proximal phalanx, fifth metatarsal, cuboid, and calcaneus. Its rear end reaches the outer foot side of the portion Q3 that supports the calcaneus. In FIG. 29, of the foot bones 300, only the fifth proximal phalanx, cuboid, and calcaneus are labeled with reference numerals 305, 307, and 308, respectively.

[0125] As in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the outer foot side curved plate portion 121B each have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to their extension direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100E, which is an inverted arch shape, and the portion that extends toward the rear compared to the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 also has the same inverted arch shape.

[0126] On the other hand, the connecting plate portion 122 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3, and includes a portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and a portion that protrudes forward and a portion that protrudes rearward from the portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B.

[0127] Therefore, by providing the sole 100E according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, it is possible to improve both the propulsion force at the time of kicking off and the stability at the time of landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, since the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, which have an inverted arch shape, are extended further rearward than in the case of embodiment 1, the stability of the midfoot portion R2 and the rearfoot portion R3 at the time of landing is increased by the amount.

[0128] (Embodiment 6) Fig. 30 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 6. Next, a shoe sole 100F according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 30. The shoe sole 100F according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0129] 30, a sole 100F according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Like the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment, the sole 100F has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is formed from a single member and is located continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2.

[0130] The high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a base plate portion 122′. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and a first oblique curved plate portion 121D. The inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the first oblique curved plate portion 121D are connected to each other at their rear ends in the front-to-rear direction. Accordingly, instead of the connecting plate portion 122 included in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above, the high-rigidity member 120 is provided with a base plate portion 122′ having a generally flat shape curved along the front-to-rear direction, the base plate portion 122′ including a portion located between the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the first oblique curved plate portion 121D, a portion protruding forward from the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the first oblique curved plate portion 121D, and a portion protruding rearward from the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the first oblique curved plate portion 121D. In FIG. 30, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is colored dark, and the base plate portion 122' is colored light.

[0131] The medial curved plate portion 121A is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, as in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A is disposed along the medial portion of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S1 side) including the region Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100F.

[0132] The first oblique curved plate portion 121D is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, the first oblique curved plate portion 121D is obliquely disposed so that the distance from the edge on the outer foot side (i.e., the edge on the S2 side shown in the drawing) increases as it moves from the front to the rear in the front-to-rear direction, and extends in this oblique direction.

[0133] Specifically, the front end of the first oblique curved plate portion 121D is located at a portion corresponding to the fourth distal phalanx, and the rear end thereof is located at a portion corresponding to the rear end of the first metatarsal, so that the first oblique curved plate portion 121D overlaps substantially with the wearer's fourth distal phalanx, fourth middle phalanx, fourth proximal phalanx, third proximal phalanx, third metatarsal, second metatarsal, and first metatarsal in a plan view.

[0134] The first obliquely curved plate portion 121D has an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to its extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100F. That is, the first obliquely curved plate portion 121D has a curved plate shape with both left-right end portions located on the upper 200 side and the left-right center portion located on the ground contact surface 131 side, and the curved concave portion formed on the upper surface of the first obliquely curved plate portion 121D is positioned so as to extend along the above-mentioned oblique direction.

[0135] With this configuration, plantar flexion of the sole 100F can be effectively suppressed not only in the portion where the medial curved plate portion 121A is provided and its vicinity (i.e., the medial portions of the forefoot portion R1 and midfoot portion R2 of the sole 100F), but also in the portion where the first oblique curved plate portion 121D is provided and its vicinity (i.e., the lateral portion of the forefoot portion R1 of the sole 100F and the central portions in the left-right direction of the forefoot portion R1 and midfoot portion R2). Furthermore, when pushing off, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the first oblique curved plate portion 121D easily dorsiflex, so that the high-rigidity member 120 in the portion corresponding to the forefoot portion R1 and midfoot portion R2 as a whole easily dorsiflexes and elastically deforms, and the rebound force resulting from this elastic deformation generates a large propulsive force.

[0136] Therefore, by providing the sole 100F according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, it is possible to improve both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. Additionally, in the sole 100F according to this embodiment, the first oblique curved plate portion 121D is provided in addition to the medial curved plate portion 121A, which makes it possible to control the bending direction of the sole 100F when pushing off more toward the big toe, thereby preventing so-called excessive supination from occurring in the wearer's foot and further improving the efficiency of forward propulsion.

[0137] From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of this excessive supination, the first oblique curved plate portion 121D should be positioned so that at least its front end is located at a portion corresponding to the fourth or fifth proximal phalanx, and its rear end is located at a portion corresponding to the rear end of the first metatarsal.

[0138] (Embodiment 7) Fig. 31 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 7. Next, a shoe sole 100G according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. The shoe sole 100G according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the shoe sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0139] 31, a sole 100G according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Like the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment, the sole 100G has a midsole 110, a high-rigidity member 120, and an outsole 130. The high-rigidity member 120 is formed from a single member and is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2.

[0140] The high-rigidity member 120 has a curved plate portion 121 and a base plate portion 122′. The curved plate portion 121 includes an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and a second obliquely curved plate portion 121E. The inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the second obliquely curved plate portion 121E are connected to each other at their respective front ends in the front-to-rear direction. Accordingly, instead of the connecting plate portion 122 included in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above, the high-rigidity member 120 is provided with a base plate portion 122′ having a generally flat shape curved along the front-to-rear direction, the base plate portion 122′ including a portion located between the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the second obliquely curved plate portion 121E, a portion protruding forward from the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the second obliquely curved plate portion 121E, and a portion protruding rearward from the inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and the second obliquely curved plate portion 121E. In FIG. 31, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is colored dark, and the base plate portion 122' is colored light.

[0141] The medial curved plate portion 121A is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, as in the first embodiment described above, the medial curved plate portion 121A is disposed along the medial portion of the foot (i.e., the portion on the S1 side) including the region Q1 that supports the big toe of the wearer, and extends generally along the front-to-rear direction of the sole 100G.

[0142] The second oblique curved plate portion 121E is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the midfoot portion R2. More specifically, the second oblique curved plate portion 121E is disposed obliquely so that the distance from the edge on the medial side of the foot (i.e., the edge on the S1 side shown in the drawing) increases as one moves from the front side to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction, and the second oblique curved plate portion 121E extends in this oblique direction.

[0143] Specifically, the front end of the second oblique curved plate portion 121E is located at a portion corresponding to the first distal phalanx, and the rear end is located at a portion corresponding to the center in the front-to-back direction of the fifth metatarsal bone. Therefore, in a plan view, the second oblique curved plate portion 121E generally overlaps with the wearer's first distal phalanx, first proximal phalanx, second middle phalanx, second proximal phalanx, third proximal phalanx, third metatarsal, fourth metatarsal, and fifth metatarsal bones.

[0144] The second obliquely curved plate portion 121E has an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to its extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100G. That is, the second obliquely curved plate portion 121E has a curved plate shape with both left and right ends located on the upper 200 side and a left and right central portion located on the ground contact surface 131 side, and the curved concave portion formed on the upper surface of the second obliquely curved plate portion 121E is positioned so as to extend along the above-mentioned oblique direction.

[0145] With this configuration, plantar flexion of the sole 100G can be effectively suppressed not only in the portion where the medial curved plate portion 121A is provided and its vicinity (i.e., the medial portions of the forefoot portion R1 and midfoot portion R2 of the sole 100G), but also in the portion where the second oblique curved plate portion 121E is provided and its vicinity (i.e., the medial portion and the central portion in the left-right direction of the forefoot portion R1 of the sole 100G and the lateral portion of the midfoot portion R2). Furthermore, when pushing off, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the second oblique curved plate portion 121E easily dorsiflex, so that the high-rigidity member 120 in the portion corresponding to the forefoot portion R1 and midfoot portion R2 as a whole easily dorsiflexes and elastically deforms, and the rebound force resulting from this elastic deformation generates a large propulsive force.

[0146] Therefore, by providing the sole 100G according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, it is possible to improve both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. Additionally, in the sole 100G according to this embodiment, the second oblique curved plate portion 121E is provided in addition to the medial curved plate portion 121A, which makes it possible to control the bending direction of the sole 100G when pushing off more toward the little toe, thereby preventing so-called over-pronation from occurring in the wearer's foot and further improving the efficiency of forward propulsion.

[0147] From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of this over-pronation, the second oblique curved plate portion 121E should be positioned so that at least its front end is located at a portion corresponding to the first proximal phalanx and its rear end is located at a portion corresponding to the anterior-posterior center of the fourth metatarsal or the anterior-posterior center of the fifth metatarsal.

[0148] (Embodiment 8) Fig. 32 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 8. Next, a shoe sole 100H according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. The shoe sole 100H according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0149] As shown in Fig. 32, a sole 100H according to this embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100H, the high-rigidity member 120 has, as in the first embodiment described above, an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a connecting plate portion 122; however, the configuration of the connecting plate portion 122 is different. Note that in Fig. 32, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portions 121 are shaded dark and the connecting plate portions 122 are shaded light.

[0150] More specifically, the connecting plate portion 122 only includes a portion that protrudes forward and a portion that protrudes rearward from a portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B. That is, unlike the first embodiment described above, the connecting plate portion 122 does not include a portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B (see FIG. 2, etc.), and an opening 125 is provided in that portion.

[0151] Even in this configuration, the sole 100H is provided with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which improves both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. In addition, the sole 100H according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 equipped with it are significantly lighter in weight due to the above-described openings 125 provided in the high-rigidity member 120.

[0152] (Embodiment 9) Fig. 33 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 9, and Fig. 34 is a schematic perspective view of the high-rigidity member shown in Fig. 33. Fig. 35 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line XXXV-XXXV in Fig. 33, and Figs. 36 and 37 are schematic transverse cross-sectional views taken along lines XXXVI-XXXVI and XXXVII-XXXVII in Fig. 33, respectively. Next, a shoe sole 100I according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 33 to 37. The shoe sole 100I according to this embodiment is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0153] 33 to 37, a sole 100I according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100I, like in the above-described first embodiment, the high-rigidity member 120 has an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a connecting plate portion 122; however, the configuration of the connecting plate portion 122 is different.

[0154] More specifically, referring particularly to Fig. 34, the connection plate portion 122 only includes a portion that protrudes rearward from a portion located between the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B. That is, unlike the first embodiment described above, the connection plate portion 122 does not include a portion located between the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B (see Fig. 2, etc.) or a portion that protrudes forward from a portion located between the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B (see Fig. 2, etc.). Instead, the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B are positioned so as to protrude forward from the front end of the connection plate portion 122. Note that in Figs. 33 and 34, for ease of understanding, the curved plate portion 121 is colored dark, and the connection plate portion 122 is colored light.

[0155] As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, which are arranged to protrude forward from these connection plate portions 122, each have an inverted arch shape in the cross section perpendicular to their extension direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100I, as in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0156] 35 to 37, the connecting plate portion 122 has a generally flat plate shape that is slightly curved in the front-to-rear direction. Although not explicitly shown in the figures, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B are curved in the front-to-rear direction so as to be continuous with the connecting plate portion 122. More specifically, as in the first embodiment, both ends in the front-to-rear direction are positioned on the upper 200 side, and the center in the front-to-rear direction is positioned on the ground surface 131 side.

[0157] Even with this configuration, since the sole 100I is provided with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, it is possible to improve both the propulsion force at the time of kicking off and the stability at the time of landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. In addition, in the case of the sole 100I according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, as described above, since the connecting plate portion 122 only has a portion that protrudes rearward from the portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, it is possible to achieve a significant weight reduction.

[0158] (Embodiment 10) Fig. 38 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 10. Next, a shoe sole 100J according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 38. The shoe sole 100J according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0159] 38, a sole 100J according to this embodiment differs from a sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100J, the high-rigidity member 120 has, as in the above-described first embodiment, an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a connecting plate portion 122; however, the configuration of the connecting plate portion 122 is different.

[0160] More specifically, the connecting plate portion 122 includes only a portion that protrudes forward from a portion located between the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B. Unlike the first embodiment, the connecting plate portion 122 does not include a portion located between the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B (see FIG. 2, etc.) or a portion that protrudes rearward from a portion located between the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B (see FIG. 2, etc.). The medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B are positioned so as to protrude rearward from the rear end of the connecting plate portion 122. For ease of understanding, in FIG. 38, the curved plate portion 121 is depicted in a dark color, and the connecting plate portion 122 is depicted in a light color.

[0161] Even with this configuration, the sole 100J is provided with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, thereby achieving both improved propulsion force when pushing off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. In addition, in the case of the sole 100J according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, as described above, the connecting plate portion 122 only has a portion that protrudes forward from the portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, thereby achieving a significant weight reduction.

[0162] (Embodiment 11) Fig. 39 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 11. Next, a shoe sole 100K according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 39. The shoe sole 100K according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the shoe sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0163] 39, a sole 100K according to the present embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100K, the high-rigidity member 120 has, as in the above-described first embodiment, an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a connecting plate portion 122; however, the configuration of the connecting plate portion 122 is different.

[0164] More specifically, the connecting plate 122 includes only a portion located between the medial side curved plate 121A and the lateral side curved plate 121B and a portion extending forward from the portion located between the medial side curved plate 121A and the lateral side curved plate 121B. That is, unlike the first embodiment, the connecting plate 122 does not include a portion extending rearward from the portion located between the medial side curved plate 121A and the lateral side curved plate 121B (see FIG. 2, etc.). Also, unlike the first embodiment, the portion located between the medial side curved plate 121A and the lateral side curved plate 121B is provided only in a portion corresponding to the forefoot region R1, not in a portion corresponding to the midfoot region R2. Note that, for ease of understanding, in FIG. 39, the curved plate 121 is depicted in a darker color and the connecting plate 122 is depicted in a lighter color.

[0165] Even in this configuration, since the sole 100K is provided with the high-rigidity member 120 having the curved plate portion 121 whose cross section is inverted arch-shaped, it is possible to achieve both improved propulsion force when kicking off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in the case of the sole 100K according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 including the same, as described above, of the portion located between the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, the connection plate portion 122 is provided only in the portion corresponding to the forefoot portion R1, and the connection plate portion 122 is not provided in the portion corresponding to the midfoot portion R2, so that the stability of the forefoot portion R1 when landing is improved while the shoe is lightweight.

[0166] (Embodiment 12) Fig. 40 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 12. Next, a shoe sole 100L according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 40. The shoe sole 100L according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the shoe sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0167] 40, a sole 100L according to the present embodiment differs from a sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, unlike the case of the above-described first embodiment, the high-rigidity member 120 in the sole 100L has only an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as the curved plate portion 121, and does not have a connecting plate portion 122 (see FIG. 2, etc.).

[0168] That is, in this embodiment, the high-rigidity member 120 is composed of two members: a single member constituting the medial curved plate portion 121A and a single member constituting the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and these two members are both embedded in the midsole 110. In Fig. 40, the curved plate portion 121 composed of these two members is colored darker to facilitate understanding.

[0169] The medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, which are made up of these two members, each have an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction thereof that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100L, just as in the case of the above-described first embodiment. Also, although not explicitly shown in the figure, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B have a curved shape in which both ends in the front-to-rear direction are located on the upper 200 side and the center in the front-to-rear direction is located on the ground contact surface 131 side, just like in the case of the first embodiment.

[0170] Even in this configuration, the sole 100L is provided with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross section, which improves both the propulsion force when pushing off and the stability when landing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment 1. In addition, in the case of the sole 100L according to this embodiment and the shoe 1 equipped with it, as described above, the absence of the connecting plate portion 122 (see FIG. 2, etc.) results in a significant weight reduction.

[0171] (Embodiment 13) Fig. 41 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 13. Next, a shoe sole 100M according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 41. The shoe sole 100M according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the shoe sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0172] 41, a sole 100M according to this embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100M, the high-rigidity member 120 has an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a connecting curved plate portion 126.

[0173] Of these, the connecting curved plate portion 126 replaces the connecting plate portion 122 (see FIG. 2, etc.) in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above and connects the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, smoothly connecting the rear end of the medial curved plate portion 121A and the rear end of the lateral curved plate portion 121B. In FIG. 41, for ease of understanding, the connecting curved plate portion 126 as well as the curved plate portion 121 are shaded dark.

[0174] As in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B each have an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100M. Although not explicitly shown in the figures, as in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B each have a curved shape in which both ends in the front-to-rear direction are located on the upper 200 side and the center in the front-to-rear direction is located on the ground contact surface 131 side.

[0175] On the other hand, like the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, the connecting curved plate portion 126 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to its extension direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100M, like the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, but unlike the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, its extension direction is generally left-right rather than front-back.

[0176] Even when configured in this manner, since the sole 100M is equipped with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross-sectional shape, it is possible to achieve both improved propulsion force when kicking off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of embodiment 1 described above.

[0177] (Embodiment 14) Fig. 42 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 14. Next, a shoe sole 100N according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 42. The shoe sole 100N according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0178] 42, a sole 100N according to this embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100N, the high-rigidity member 120 has an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a connecting curved plate portion 126.

[0179] Of these, the connecting curved plate portion 126 replaces the connecting plate portion 122 (see FIG. 2, etc.) in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above and connects the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, smoothly connecting the front end of the medial curved plate portion 121A and the front end of the lateral curved plate portion 121B. In FIG. 42, for ease of understanding, the connecting curved plate portion 126 as well as the curved plate portion 121 are shaded dark.

[0180] As in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B each have an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to their extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100N. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, as in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B each have a curved shape in which both ends in the front-to-rear direction are located on the upper 200 side and the center in the front-to-rear direction is located on the ground contact surface 131 side.

[0181] On the other hand, like the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, the connecting curved plate portion 126 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to its extension direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100N, but unlike the medial side curved plate portion 121A and the lateral side curved plate portion 121B, its extension direction is generally left-right rather than front-back.

[0182] Even when configured in this manner, since the sole 100N is equipped with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross-sectional shape, it is possible to achieve both improved propulsion force when kicking off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0183] (Embodiment 15) Fig. 43 is a schematic plan view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 15. Next, a shoe sole 100O according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 43. The shoe sole 100O according to this embodiment is provided on the shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0184] 43, the sole 100O according to this embodiment differs from the sole 100A according to the above-described first embodiment mainly in the shape of the high-rigidity member 120. Specifically, in the sole 100O, the high-rigidity member 120 has an inner foot side curved plate portion 121A and an outer foot side curved plate portion 121B as curved plate portions 121, and a pair of connecting curved plate portions 126.

[0185] Of these, the pair of connecting curved plate portions 126 replace the connecting plate portions 122 (see FIG. 2, etc.) in the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above and connect the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, one of the pair of connecting curved plate portions 126 smoothly connecting the front end of the medial curved plate portion 121A to the front end of the lateral curved plate portion 121B, and the other of the pair of connecting curved plate portions 126 smoothly connecting the rear end of the medial curved plate portion 121A to the rear end of the lateral curved plate portion 121B. Note that in FIG. 43, for ease of understanding, the pair of connecting curved plate portions 126 as well as the curved plate portions 121 are shaded dark.

[0186] As in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B each have an inverted arch shape in a cross section perpendicular to their extending direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100O. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, as in the first embodiment, the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B each have a curved shape in which both ends in the front-to-rear direction are located on the upper 200 side and the center in the front-to-rear direction is located on the ground contact surface 131 side.

[0187] On the other hand, the pair of connecting curved plate portions 126, like the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, have an inverted arch-like cross-sectional shape perpendicular to their extension direction that bulges out toward the ground contact surface 131 of the sole 100N, but unlike the medial curved plate portion 121A and the lateral curved plate portion 121B, their extension direction is generally left-right rather than front-to-back.

[0188] Even when configured in this manner, since the sole 100O is equipped with a high-rigidity member 120 having a curved plate portion 121 with an inverted arch cross-sectional shape, it is possible to achieve both improved propulsion force when kicking off and improved stability when landing, as in the case of embodiment 1 described above.

[0189] (Summary of the contents disclosed in the embodiments, etc.) The characteristic configurations disclosed in the above-described first to fifteenth embodiments and their modifications can be summarized as follows.

[0190] A shoe sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a forefoot section supporting the toes and forefoot area of ​​a wearer's foot, a midfoot section supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot section supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, which are connected in a longitudinal direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and includes a sole body positioned continuously from the forefoot section to the rearfoot section, and a high-rigidity member made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body and fixed to the sole body. The high-rigidity member has a curved plate section that extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction that corresponds to the width direction of the wearer's foot, and has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extending direction that is an inverted arch that bulges out toward the ground contact surface of the sole, and at least a portion of the curved plate section is located in the forefoot section.

[0191] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may be provided in plurality on the high-rigidity member, and in that case, the high-rigidity member may further have a connecting plate portion having a substantially flat shape that connects the curved plate portions to each other.

[0192] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may include an inner curved plate portion arranged to fit along the inner portion of the forefoot that includes a portion supporting the big toe of the wearer.

[0193] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the front end of the medial curved plate portion may be located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the first proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and the rear end of the medial curved plate portion may be located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the first proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot.

[0194] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the medial curved plate portion may be positioned so as to extend from the forefoot to the midfoot, in which case the rear end of the medial curved plate portion may be located in a portion corresponding to the navicular bone of the wearer's foot.

[0195] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the medial curved plate portion may be positioned so as to extend from the forefoot portion via the midfoot portion to the rearfoot portion, in which case the rear end of the medial curved plate portion may be located in a portion corresponding to the calcaneus of the wearer's foot.

[0196] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may include an outer foot side curved plate portion arranged to fit along the outer foot side portion of the forefoot that includes the area supporting the little toe of the wearer's foot.

[0197] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the front end of the outer curved plate portion may be located forward of a portion corresponding to the center of the fifth proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and the rear end of the outer curved plate portion may be located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end of the fifth proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot.

[0198] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer curved plate portion may be positioned so as to extend from the forefoot to the midfoot, in which case the rear end of the outer curved plate portion may be located in a portion corresponding to the cuboid bone of the wearer's foot.

[0199] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer curved plate portion may be positioned so as to extend from the forefoot portion via the midfoot portion to the rearfoot portion, in which case the rear end of the outer curved plate portion may be located in a portion corresponding to the calcaneus of the wearer's foot.

[0200] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may include an intermediate curved plate portion arranged along the front-to-rear direction at an intermediate position in the left-to-right direction of the forefoot portion.

[0201] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the front end of the intermediate curved plate portion may be located forward of a portion corresponding to the central portion of the second proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and the rear end of the intermediate curved plate portion may be located rearward of a portion corresponding to the rear end portion of the second proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot.

[0202] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may include a first oblique curved plate portion that extends from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion and is arranged obliquely so that the distance from the edge portion on the outer foot side increases as the curved plate portion moves from the front side to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0203] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may include a second oblique curved plate portion that extends from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion and is arranged obliquely so that the distance from the medial edge of the foot increases as the sole moves from the front to the rear in the front-to-rear direction.

[0204] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sole body may include a midsole that is positioned continuously from the forefoot to the rearfoot, and in that case, the high-rigidity member may be embedded in the midsole.

[0205] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sole body may include a midsole that is positioned continuously from the forefoot to the rearfoot, and in that case, the high-rigidity member may be provided on the upper or lower surface of the midsole.

[0206] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sole body may include a midsole that is positioned continuously from the forefoot to the rearfoot, and in this case, at least a portion of the high-rigidity member may be embedded in the midsole, so that the high-rigidity member is positioned such that its distance from the upper surface of the midsole increases as it moves from the front to the rear in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0207] In the shoe sole according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the curved plate portion may be provided with a through-hole that penetrates the curved plate portion in a thickness direction.

[0208] In the shoe sole according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a recess may be provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the curved plate portion.

[0209] A shoe according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a sole according to an aspect of the present disclosure described above, and an upper provided above the sole.

[0210] (Other forms, etc.) The specific shapes, configurations, numbers, positions, etc. of the components shown in the first to fifteenth embodiments and their modifications can be changed as appropriate.

[0211] For example, in the second embodiment, the medial curved plate portion, the lateral curved plate portion, and the intermediate curved plate portion are connected to one another by connecting plates. However, these three curved plate portions may be provided separately without connecting plates. Alternatively, any two of the medial curved plate portion, the lateral curved plate portion, and the intermediate curved plate portion may be connected by connecting plates, and the remaining one may be provided separately. In other words, some or all of the connecting plates may be omitted.

[0212] Although the sixth embodiment illustrates a case in which the rear end of the medial curved plate portion and the rear end of the first oblique curved plate portion are connected, these two curved plate portions may be provided separately from each other. In this case, these two curved plate portions may be stacked at a distance in the thickness direction of the sole so that the rear ends of the two curved plate portions overlap each other in a plan view.

[0213] Although the seventh embodiment illustrates a case in which the front end of the medial curved plate portion and the front end of the second oblique curved plate portion are connected, these two curved plate portions may be provided separately from each other. In this case, these two curved plate portions may be stacked at a distance in the thickness direction of the sole so that the front ends of the two curved plate portions overlap each other in a plan view.

[0214] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first to fifteenth embodiments and their modifications, shoes have been described as being configured so that the upper body fits tightly to the foot using shoelaces, but the upper body may be configured so that it fits tightly to the foot using hook-and-loop fasteners, or the upper body may be sock-shaped that it fits tightly to the foot simply by inserting the foot into the upper body. In other words, the shape of the upper can be changed as appropriate depending on the use of the shoe.

[0215] In addition, the characteristic configurations disclosed in the above-described first to fifteenth embodiments and their modifications can be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0216] As such, the above-described embodiments and their modifications disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1 shoe, 100A to 100O, 100A1 to 100A7 sole, 110 midsole, 111 upper surface, 112 lower surface, 113 side, 120 high-rigidity member, 121 curved plate portion, 121A medial curved plate portion, 121B lateral curved plate portion, 121C intermediate curved plate portion, 121D first oblique curved plate portion, 121E second oblique curved plate portion, 122 connecting plate portion, 122' base plate portion, 123 through hole, 124 recess, 125 opening, 126 connecting curved plate portion, 130 outsole, 131 ground contact surface, 200 upper, 210 upper body, 220 shoe tongue, 230 shoelace, 300 foot bone, 301 first proximal phalanx, 302 second proximal phalanx, 303 Third proximal phalanx, 304 Fourth proximal phalanx, 305 Fifth proximal phalanx, 306 Navicular bone, 307 Cuboid bone, 308 Calcaneus, 310 Metatarsophalanges, Q1 Part supporting the big toe, Q2 Part supporting the little toe, Q3 Part supporting the calcaneus, R1 Forefoot, R2 Midfoot, R3 Rearfoot.

Claims

1. A shoe sole in which a forefoot portion supporting the toes and tread of a wearer's foot, a midfoot portion supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot portion supporting the heel of the wearer's foot are connected in a front-to-rear direction, which is a direction that coincides with the length direction of the wearer's foot, a sole body positioned continuously from the forefoot portion to the rearfoot portion; a high-rigidity member made of a material having higher rigidity than a material constituting the sole body and fixed to the sole body; the high-rigidity member extends in a direction intersecting with the left-right direction, which is a direction that coincides with the width direction of the wearer's foot, and has a curved plate portion whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extending direction is an inverted arch shape that bulges out toward the ground contact surface side of the sole, the curved plate portion includes an inner foot side curved plate portion that is arranged along an edge portion on an inner foot side of the sole so as to include a portion of the forefoot portion that supports the big toe of the wearer, the medial curved plate portion extends from the forefoot portion to at least the midfoot portion, a front end of the medial curved plate portion located forward of a portion corresponding to a center portion of the first proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot; The rear end of the medial curved plate portion is located at a position corresponding to or rearward of the rear end of the first metatarsal bone along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot.

2. The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the rear end of the medial curved plate portion is located at a portion corresponding to the navicular bone of the wearer's foot.

3. the medial curved plate portion extends from the forefoot portion through the midfoot portion and further to the rearfoot portion, The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the rear end of the medial curved plate portion is located at a portion corresponding to the calcaneus of the wearer's foot.

4. 4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the high-rigidity member is discontinued at both an inner foot side end and an outer foot side end, which are a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the inner foot side curved plate portion.

5. the high-rigidity member further has a substantially flat base plate portion, the high-rigidity member is interrupted at an inner foot side end portion, which is one of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the inner foot side curved plate portion, 4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the base plate portion extends from an outer foot side end portion, which is the other of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the medial curved plate portion, toward the outer foot side of the sole.

6. the curved plate portion includes an outer foot side curved plate portion that is arranged along an outer foot side edge portion of the shoe sole so as to include a portion of the forefoot portion that supports the little toe of the wearer's foot, the outer foot side curved plate portion extends from the forefoot portion to at least the midfoot portion, a front end of the outer foot side curved plate portion is located forward of a portion corresponding to a center portion of the fifth proximal phalanx along the foot length direction of the wearer; 4. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the rear end of the outer curved plate portion is located at a position corresponding to the rear end of the fifth metatarsal bone along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot or further rearward.

7. The shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the rear end of the curved plate portion on the outer side of the foot is located at a portion corresponding to the cuboid bone of the wearer's foot.

8. the outer foot side curved plate portion extends from the forefoot portion through the midfoot portion and further to the rearfoot portion, The shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the rear end of the outer curved plate portion is located at a portion corresponding to the calcaneus of the wearer's foot.

9. 9. The sole according to claim 6, wherein the high-rigidity member is discontinued at both an inner foot side end and an outer foot side end, which are a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the outer foot side curved plate portion.

10. the high-rigidity member further has a substantially flat base plate portion, the high-rigidity member is interrupted at an outer foot side end portion, which is one of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the outer foot side curved plate portion, 9. The sole according to claim 6, wherein the base plate portion extends from an inner foot side end portion, which is the other of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the outer foot side curved plate portion, toward the inner foot side of the sole.

11. the high-rigidity member further includes a substantially flat connecting plate portion, the high-rigidity member is interrupted at an inner foot side end portion, which is one of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the inner foot side curved plate portion, the high-rigidity member is interrupted at an outer foot side end portion, which is one of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the outer foot side curved plate portion, 9. The sole according to claim 6, wherein the connecting plate portion extends to connect an outer foot side end portion, which is the other of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the inner foot side curved plate portion, to an inner foot side end portion, which is the other of a pair of ends located in the left-right direction of the outer foot side curved plate portion.

12. the curved plate portion includes an intermediate curved plate portion disposed along the front-rear direction at an intermediate position in the left-right direction of the forefoot portion, the intermediate curved plate portion extends from the forefoot portion to at least the midfoot portion, a front end of the intermediate curved plate portion is located forward of a portion corresponding to a center portion of the second proximal phalanx along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot; 9. The shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the rear end of the intermediate curved plate portion is located rearward of a portion of the sole corresponding to the rear end of the second metatarsal bone along the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot.

13. 4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the curved plate portion extends from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion and includes a first obliquely curved plate portion that is obliquely arranged so that the distance from the outer edge of the sole increases from the front side to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction.

14. 4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the curved plate portion includes a second obliquely curved plate portion that extends from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion and is disposed obliquely so that the distance from the medial edge of the sole increases from the front side to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction.

15. the sole body includes a midsole positioned continuously from the forefoot portion to the rearfoot portion, The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the high-rigidity member is embedded in the midsole.

16. the sole body includes a midsole positioned continuously from the forefoot portion to the rearfoot portion, The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the high-rigidity member is provided on an upper surface or a lower surface of the midsole.

17. the sole body includes a midsole positioned continuously from the forefoot portion to the rearfoot portion, 15. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the high-rigidity member is embedded in the midsole, so that the high-rigidity member is positioned so that the distance from the upper surface of the midsole increases from the front side to the rear side in the front-to-rear direction.

18. The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the curved plate portion is provided with a through-hole that penetrates the curved plate portion in a thickness direction.

19. The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein a recess is provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the curved plate portion.

20. A shoe sole according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and an upper provided above the sole.

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