Sole

Abstract

To stabilize the foot of a wearer when the wearer performs a turning movement.SOLUTION: The boundary portion 11 located between the upper 2 and the midsole 10 in the foot width direction includes a first boundary portion 12. The first boundary portion 12 is located at a position of the sole 1 corresponding to the lateral side of the wearer's forefoot F. The expansion portion 13 is located in the midsole 10 at a position corresponding to the lateral side of the wearer's forefoot F. The expansion portion 13 expands from the first boundary portion 12 toward the lateral side of the sole 1 relative to the first boundary portion 12 in the foot width direction. The outsole 20 includes a rolled-up portion 21 protruding upward from a peripheral portion of an upper surface of the outsole 20. The roll-up portion 21 is located at a position corresponding to the expansion portion 13 of the midsole 10 and covers the periphery of the expansion portion 13 from outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to shoe soles. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Shoes intended to increase stability when landing during running and walking have been proposed, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a shoe having an outsole with a ground contact surface, a midsole fixed on the outsole, and an upper joined to the midsole along the periphery of the midsole.

[0004] The midsole has a role of absorbing shock (i.e., cushioning properties) and is made of a shock-absorbing material (i.e., a relatively soft elastic material) such as foamed EVA, foamed urethane, GEL, or cork. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7402230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Indoor sports such as volleyball and handball often involve intense movements in the width direction of the feet, and specifically, turning movements such as side steps are frequently performed in these indoor sports.

[0007] The side step is an action in which the wearer puts their weight on the ball of their foot (the outer instep side of the forefoot) and steps onto the floor while jumping in the width direction of their foot. When a wearer performs a side step, when the ball of their foot (the outer instep side of the forefoot) steps onto the floor, their weight shifts from the medial instep side to the lateral instep side at the periphery of the midsole, which corresponds to the position of the lateral instep side of the wearer's forefoot. This weight shift generates a relatively large compressive load (a load acting in the compressive direction) on the periphery of the midsole on the lateral instep side of the wearer's forefoot.

[0008] If the shoes of Patent Document 1 were applied to the above-mentioned indoor sports, when a wearer performed a side step, the compressive load would temporarily compress the outer edge of the forefoot of the midsole, which is made of a relatively soft elastic material. Therefore, when the wearer performed a side step, the wearer's foot would excessively collapse toward the outer edge. As a result, the wearer's foot would become unstable, making it difficult to jump in the width direction of the foot. In other words, side steps would be hindered.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to stabilize the wearer's feet when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above object, the first disclosure relates to a sole used in a shoe having an upper. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole layered below the midsole and made of a material more rigid than the midsole. The midsole has a boundary portion located between the upper and the midsole in the foot width direction when the upper is attached to the midsole. The boundary portion includes a first boundary portion located at a position on the sole corresponding to the lateral instep side of the forefoot of the wearer. The midsole has an extension portion located at a position on the sole corresponding to the lateral instep side of the forefoot of the wearer. The extension portion bulges out from the first boundary portion toward the lateral instep side of the sole in the foot width direction beyond the first boundary portion. The outsole has a rolled-up portion protruding upward from the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the outsole. The rolled-up portion is located at a position corresponding to the extension portion in the midsole and covers the peripheral edge of the extension portion from the outside.

[0011] According to the first disclosure, the sole has an extension in the midsole. Therefore, the edge of the sole on the outer instep side of the ground contact surface is located away from the position on the sole corresponding to the ball of the little toe (the outer instep side of the forefoot) of the wearer's foot. Therefore, when the wearer takes a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the outer instep side.

[0012] Furthermore, the outsole has a rolled-up portion, which can effectively support the collapse of the midsole. Specifically, the rolled-up portion of the outsole is made of a material with higher rigidity than the midsole, and is therefore less likely to deform than the midsole. Furthermore, the rolled-up portion is positioned in a position corresponding to the extension portion of the midsole and covers the periphery of the extension portion from the outside, so it can support the deformation of the midsole.

[0013] As a result, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the instep side, thereby stabilizing the wearer's foot when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0014] In the second disclosure, in the first disclosure, the extension portion is disposed at least on the outer instep side of the midsole at a position corresponding to the ball of the little toe of the wearer's foot.

[0015] According to the second disclosure, the extension portion positions the outer instep side edge of the sole's ground contact surface away from the position on the sole that corresponds to the ball of the wearer's foot. Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the outer instep side. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, the extension portion can adequately support at least the ball of the wearer's foot. This allows the second disclosure to stabilize the wearer's foot when performing a turning motion, such as a side step, in indoor sports.

[0016] The third disclosure is the first disclosure, wherein the maximum dimension of the expansion portion in the foot width direction is equal to or greater than the dimension of the ball of the wearer's foot in the foot width direction.

[0017] According to the third disclosure, the maximum dimension of the extension portion in the foot width direction is equal to or greater than the dimension of the wearer's ball of the little toe in the foot width direction. Therefore, the extension portion positions the outer instep side edge of the sole's ground contact surface away from the position on the sole corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot toward the outer instep. Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the outer instep side. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, the extension portion can adequately support at least the ball of the wearer's little toe. This allows the third disclosure to stabilize the wearer's foot when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0018] A fourth disclosure is directed to the first disclosure, wherein the dimension of the expansion portion in the foot width direction is 10 mm or more.

[0019] According to the fourth disclosure, the extension portion has a length of 10 mm or more in the foot width direction. Therefore, the extension portion positions the outer instep side edge of the sole's ground contact surface away from the position on the sole corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot (the outer instep side of the forefoot). Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the outer instep side. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, the extension portion can adequately support at least the ball of the wearer's foot. This allows the fourth disclosure to stabilize the wearer's foot when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0020] The fifth disclosure is the first disclosure, wherein the vertical height of the roll-up portion at a position on the midsole corresponding to the outer side of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer's foot is at least half the distance between the underside of the outsole and the upper surface of the midsole.

[0021] According to the fifth disclosure, the vertical height of the roll-up portion is at least half the distance between the lower surface of the outsole and the upper surface of the midsole. Therefore, the roll-up portion on the outsole can support the deformation of the midsole. As a result, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the instep. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, at least the ball of the little toe of the wearer's foot can be appropriately supported by the expansion portion. This allows the wearer's foot to be stabilized when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0022] The sixth disclosure is the first disclosure, wherein the vertical height of the roll-up portion at a position on the midsole corresponding to the lateral side of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer's foot is 12 mm or more.

[0023] According to the sixth disclosure, the vertical height of the roll-up portion is 12 mm or more. Therefore, the roll-up portion provided on the outsole can support the deformation of the midsole. As a result, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the instep. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, at least the ball of the wearer's foot can be properly supported by the expansion portion. This allows the sixth disclosure to stabilize the wearer's foot when performing a turning motion, such as a side step, in indoor sports.

[0024] The seventh disclosure is the first disclosure, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the midsole in a region corresponding to the wearer's toes is greater than the thickness of a region corresponding to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints.

[0025] In indoor sports, in addition to turning movements such as side steps, jumps with a vertical (upward) run-up are frequently performed. In a jump with a run-up, when jumping with both feet, weight is applied to the ball of the big toe (inside of the forefoot) of one foot and the balls of the big toe to little toe B (outside of the forefoot) and toes of the other foot to step onto the floor, converting the horizontal force of the run-up into a vertical force and jumping upward.

[0026] When a wearer jumps with a running start, when the wearer steps onto the floor with the ball of their foot and their toes, their weight shifts from the medial side to the lateral side and to the toes at the periphery of the midsole that corresponds to the lateral side of the wearer's forefoot. This weight shift generates a relatively large compressive load (a load acting in the compressive direction) at the periphery of the midsole that corresponds to the lateral side of the wearer's forefoot.

[0027] According to the seventh disclosure, the thickness of at least a portion of the midsole in the region corresponding to the wearer's toes is greater than the thickness of the region corresponding to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints. Therefore, even if a relatively large compressive load is applied to the peripheral edge of the midsole corresponding to the outer instep of the wearer's forefoot due to weight transfer when jumping with a running start, excessive sinking of the midsole can be suppressed. As a result, the seventh disclosure can further stabilize the wearer's feet during indoor sports. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] As described above, the wearer's feet can be stabilized when performing a turning motion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a sole according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the outer instep side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sole shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sole shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the sole shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the outer instep side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 of a sole according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a sole according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0031] (First embodiment) In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, only the sole 1 for the left foot is illustrated. The sole for the right foot is configured to be bilaterally symmetrical with the sole 1 for the left foot. In the following explanation, only the sole 1 for the left foot will be explained, and an explanation of the sole for the right foot will be omitted.

[0032] In the following description, the terms "upper" (upper side) and "lower" (lower side) refer to the vertical positional relationship of the sole 1. The terms "forward" (front side) and "rear" (rear side) refer to the longitudinal positional relationship of the sole 1. The terms "medial side" and "lateral side" refer to the transverse positional relationship of the sole 1.

[0033] Furthermore, in the sole 1 shown in Fig. 3, the area corresponding to the forefoot of the wearer is indicated by the symbol F, the area corresponding to the midfoot of the wearer is indicated by the symbol M, and the area corresponding to the rearfoot of the wearer is indicated by the symbol H. The wearer's foot is indicated by the symbol ft (two-dot chain line) in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0034] (Sole) 1 shows the entirety of a sole 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. This sole 1 can be used as the sole of a shoe used in indoor sports that involve turning movements such as side steps, such as volleyball or handball.

[0035] (Midsole) As shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the sole 1 includes a midsole 10. The midsole 10 is configured to support the sole of the wearer's foot. The midsole 10 is layered above an outsole 20 (described later) in the thickness direction. In a shoe including the sole 1, an upper 2 for covering the wearer's foot ft is attached to, for example, the midsole 10.

[0036] Suitable materials for the midsole 10 include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and foams thereof, thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU) and foams thereof, and rubbers such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber and foams thereof. The hardness of the midsole 10 is preferably set in the range of 15C to 65C on the Asker C scale.

[0037] (Boundary) 5, the midsole 10 is provided with a boundary portion 11. The boundary portion 11 is located between the upper 2 and the midsole 10 in the width direction of the foot when the upper 2 is attached to the midsole 10.

[0038] The boundary portion 11 includes a first boundary portion 12. The first boundary portion 12 is disposed in a position on the sole 1 corresponding to the outer instep side of the forefoot portion F of the wearer's foot ft.

[0039] 1 to 7, the boundary portion 11 is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 10. The boundary portion 11 is provided along the periphery of the midsole 10.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, the first boundary portion 12 is disposed on the periphery of the midsole 10 near the lateral instep side. The first boundary portion 12 is disposed across a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the lateral instep side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. The first boundary portion 12 is disposed in a range extending from the front end of the midsole 10 to a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the rear part of the forefoot F of the wearer's foot ft. Specifically, the first boundary portion 12 is disposed in an area that occupies at least 60% to 85% of the length of the midsole 10 in the foot length direction from the heel to the toes.

[0041] (extension) 1 to 6, the midsole 10 has an extension portion 13. The extension portion 13 is disposed in a position on the sole 1 corresponding to the outer instep side of the forefoot F of the wearer's foot ft.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 3 and 5 to 6, the expansion portion 13 bulges out from the first boundary portion 12 toward the outer instep side of the sole 1 beyond the first boundary portion 12 in the foot width direction.

[0043] 3, the expansion portion 13 is disposed at least on the outer instep side of the midsole 10 at a position corresponding to the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft. The expansion portion 13 bulges outward in the foot width direction beyond the first boundary portion 12.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the maximum dimension of the expansion part 13 in the foot width direction is dimension A. As shown in Figure 3, the dimension of the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft in the foot width direction is dimension E. Dimension A has a length equal to or greater than dimension E. Specifically, dimension A has a length equal to or greater than 10 mm.

[0045] 3, the extension portion 13 is disposed in a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the lateral instep side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. The extension portion 13 is disposed over a range from the front end of the midsole 10 to a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the boundary between the forefoot F and midfoot M of the wearer's foot ft. The extension portion 13 is disposed on the lateral instep over an area that is at least 60% to 85% of the length of the sole 1 in the foot length direction from the heel to the toes.

[0046] 3, the expansion portion 13 bulges outward most toward the outer instep at a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the outer instep side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. The bulge becomes smaller as the expansion portion 13 approaches the front end of the midsole 10. The bulge also becomes smaller as the expansion portion 13 approaches the position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the rear of the forefoot F of the wearer's foot ft.

[0047] 5 and 6, the size in the foot width direction of the portion of the extension portion 13 extending from the lower surface to the upper surface of the midsole 10 is approximately constant in the vertical direction. That is, the size in the foot width direction of the portion of the extension portion 13 corresponding to dimension D is approximately constant in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the size in the foot width direction of the portion of the extension portion 13 extending from the upper surface of the midsole 10 to the apex portion 15 gradually decreases from the upper surface of the midsole 10 (the position corresponding to the upper end of dimension D) toward the apex portion 15.

[0048] (protrusion) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the extension 13 has a protrusion 14. The protrusion 14 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the midsole 10. The protrusion 14 is formed around the entire periphery of the upper surface of the midsole 10.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 14 is approximately triangular. The protruding portion 14 includes an apex portion 15 at its upper portion. The upper 2 is attached near the apex portion 15. The protruding portion 14 includes a side portion 16 that faces the wearer's foot ft. The protruding portion 14 includes a first protruding portion 17 that is disposed at a position on the sole 1 corresponding to the outer instep side of the forefoot portion F of the wearer's foot ft.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, the protruding portion 14 has a boundary portion 11 between the upper 2 and the protruding portion 14 when the upper 2 is attached to the protruding portion 14. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the boundary portion 11 corresponds to a line drawn vertically from the apex portion 15. The boundary portion 11 is located between the upper 2 and the midsole 10 in the width direction of the foot. The boundary portion 11 includes a first boundary portion 12 that is located in a position on the sole 1 that corresponds to the outer instep side of the forefoot F of the wearer's foot ft.

[0051] (Outsole) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the sole 1 includes an outsole 20. The outsole 20 is disposed under the midsole 10 and layered thereon. The outsole 20 is made of a material that is more rigid than the midsole 10.

[0052] The outsole 20 is disposed in correspondence with the range of the wearer's foot ft on the sole 1, from the forefoot F to the rearfoot H. The upper surface of the outsole 20 is fixed to the lower surface of the midsole 10, for example, with an adhesive or the like.

[0053] Suitable materials for the outsole 20 include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU), rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber, and foam materials obtained by expanding these materials. The hardness of the outsole 20 is preferably set to, for example, 50A to 80A (more preferably 60A to 70A) in durometer C or A.

[0054] (winding section) As shown in Fig. 2 and Figs. 4 to 6, the outsole 20 has a rolled-up portion 21. The rolled-up portion 21 protrudes upward from the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the outsole 20. The rolled-up portion 21 is disposed at a position corresponding to the extension portion 13 in the midsole 10. The rolled-up portion 21 covers the peripheral edge of the extension portion 13 from the outside.

[0055] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the vertical height of the roll-up portion 21 is defined as dimension h. Furthermore, the distance between the lower surface of the outsole 20 and the upper surface of the midsole 10 is defined as dimension D. Specifically, dimension h is the dimension of a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the outer side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. Furthermore, dimension D is the dimension of a position on the midsole 10 that corresponds to the center of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft in the foot width direction. Dimension h has a height that is at least half of dimension D. Specifically, dimension h has a height that is at least 12 mm.

[0056] 4, the dimension h decreases toward the rear from a position on the midsole 10 corresponding to the lateral side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. The dimension h is located on the lateral side of the outsole 20 in an area that is at least 60% to 85% of the length of the sole 1 in the foot length direction from the heel to the toes.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the dimension of the roll-up part 21 in the foot width direction decreases as the roll-up part 21 approaches the top. The length of the lower part of the roll-up part 21 in the foot width direction is defined as dimension w. Specifically, dimension w is the dimension of the outsole 20 at a position corresponding to the lateral instep side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. Furthermore, dimension t is the length between the upper and lower surfaces of the outsole 20. Specifically, dimension t is the dimension of the outsole 20 at a position corresponding to the lateral instep side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft. Dimension w has a length approximately equal to dimension t.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lower part of the winding part 21 protrudes toward the outer shell side.

[0059] (Extended part operation) Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 6, we will explain how the extension portion 13 and the roll-up portion 21 support the collapse of the peripheral edge portion on the outer instep side of the forefoot portion F of the midsole 10 when stepping in to take a side step.

[0060] For example, indoor sports such as volleyball and handball may involve intense movements in the width direction of the feet, and specifically, turning movements such as side steps are frequently performed in these indoor sports.

[0061] The side step is an action in which the wearer puts their weight on the ball of their foot (the outer instep side of the forefoot F) and steps onto the floor while jumping in the width direction of their foot. When the wearer performs a side step, when the ball of their foot ft (the outer instep side of the forefoot F) steps onto the floor, their weight shifts from the medial to lateral instep side at the periphery of the midsole 10, which corresponds to the position of the lateral instep side of the wearer's forefoot F. This weight shift generates a relatively large compressive load C (load acting in the compressive direction) on the periphery of the midsole 10 on the lateral instep side of the wearer's forefoot F.

[0062] A compressive load C (a load acting in the compressive direction) generated by the wearer's weight shift is input to the midsole 10 from a position on the sole 1 corresponding to the ball of the little toe B (the outer instep side of the forefoot F) of the wearer's foot ft. Here, the load input to the midsole 10 will be explained by breaking it down into a component force Cz in the vertical direction and a component force Cy in the foot width direction. The component force Cz in the vertical direction, together with a reaction force Rz pushing back from the top surface of the outsole 20, act to compress the periphery of the outer instep side of the midsole 10 in the vertical direction.

[0063] The component force Cy in the foot width direction acts to tilt the side surface 16 of the first protrusion 17 on the outer instep side of the midsole 10 toward the outer instep side, with the outer instep side edge of the ground contact surface of the sole 1 as the center of rotation. At this time, because the midsole 10 has the extension portion 13, the outer instep side edge of the ground contact surface of the sole 1 is located away from the position on the sole 1 corresponding to the ball of the little toe B (the outer instep side of the forefoot F) of the wearer's foot ft toward the outer instep side. Therefore, it is possible to resist the tilting of the sole 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the roll-up portion 21 provided on the outsole 20 receives a component force Cy in the foot width direction and pushes back with a reaction force Ry. The roll-up portion 21 is made of a material that is more rigid than the midsole 10, and is therefore less likely to deform than the midsole 10. The roll-up portion 21 is also disposed at a position corresponding to the extension portion 13 of the midsole 10, and covers the periphery of the extension portion 13 from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to support the deformation of the midsole 10.

[0065] However, if the expansion portion 13 were formed only by the outsole 20, the rigidity of the sole 1 would be higher than necessary. In other words, it is conceivable that the cushioning properties of the sole 1 would be insufficient.

[0066] [Problems with the prior art] BACKGROUND ART In the past, shoes intended to increase stability when landing during running and walking have been proposed, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0067] The shoe of Patent Document 1 includes an outsole having a ground contact surface, a midsole fixed on the outsole, and an upper joined to the midsole along the periphery of the midsole.

[0068] The midsole has a role of absorbing shock (i.e., cushioning properties). The midsole is formed of a shock-absorbing material (i.e., a relatively soft elastic material) such as foamed EVA, foamed urethane, GEL, or cork. The midsole also has a bulge. In plan view, the bulge is shaped so that the outer edge of the bottom surface of the midsole is positioned outside the joint between the upper and midsole.

[0069] In the shoes of Patent Document 1, the bulging portion of the midsole enhances stability when landing. In particular, if the bulging portion is made of the same material as the remaining portions of the midsole (hereinafter referred to as "other portions") and has the same hardness as the remaining portions, the bulging portion will have the same cushioning properties as the midsole. As a result, shocks when landing during running and walking will be more easily absorbed.

[0070] Indoor sports such as volleyball and handball often involve intense movements in the width direction of the feet, and specifically, turning movements such as side steps are frequently performed in these indoor sports.

[0071] The side step is an action in which the wearer puts their weight on the ball of their foot (the outer instep side of the forefoot) and steps onto the floor while jumping in the width direction of their foot. When a wearer performs a side step, when the ball of their foot (the outer instep side of the forefoot) steps onto the floor, their weight shifts from the medial instep side to the lateral instep side at the periphery of the midsole, which corresponds to the position of the lateral instep side of the wearer's forefoot. This weight shift generates a relatively large compressive load (a load acting in the compressive direction) on the periphery of the midsole on the lateral instep side of the wearer's forefoot.

[0072] If the shoes of Patent Document 1 were used in the indoor sports described above, when a wearer performed a side step, the compressive load would temporarily compress the outer instep side periphery of the wearer's forefoot in the midsole and bulge, which are made of a relatively soft elastic material. Therefore, when the wearer performed a side step, the wearer's foot would excessively collapse toward the outer instep side. As a result, the wearer's foot would become unstable, making it difficult to jump in the width direction of the foot. In other words, side steps would be hindered.

[0073] In order to solve the problems of the conventional technology (Patent Document 1) described above, the sole 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to stabilize the wearer's foot ft when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0074] [Effects of the first embodiment] As described above, the sole 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the midsole 10 and the outsole 20. The midsole 10 has the extension 13. The outsole 20 has the roll-up portion 21. The roll-up portion 21 is disposed at a position in the midsole 10 corresponding to the extension 13, and is configured to cover the peripheral edge of the extension 13 from the outside.

[0075] According to this configuration, the sole 1 has an extension 13 in the midsole 10. Therefore, the edge of the outer instep side of the ground contact surface of the sole 1 is located away from the position on the sole 1 corresponding to the ball of the little toe B (the outer instep side of the forefoot F) of the wearer's foot ft toward the outer instep side. Therefore, when the wearer takes a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the outer instep side.

[0076] Furthermore, since the outsole 20 has the rolled-up portion 21, it can effectively support the collapse of the midsole 10. In other words, the rolled-up portion 21 provided on the outsole 20 receives the component force Cy in the foot width direction. The rolled-up portion 21 is made of a material that is more rigid than the midsole 10, and is therefore less likely to deform than the midsole 10. Furthermore, the rolled-up portion 21 is disposed at a position corresponding to the extension portion 13 in the midsole 10 and covers the peripheral edge of the extension portion 13 from the outside, so it can support the deformation of the midsole 10.

[0077] As a result, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the outer instep, thereby stabilizing the wearer's foot ft when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0078] Furthermore, the extension portion 13 is positioned at least on the outer instep side of the midsole 10 at a position corresponding to the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft. With this configuration, the extension portion 13 positions the outer instep side edge of the ground contact surface of the sole 1 away from the position on the sole 1 corresponding to the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft (the outer instep side of the forefoot F). Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the outer instep side. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, the extension portion 13 can appropriately support at least the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft. This allows the wearer's foot ft to be stabilized when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0079] Furthermore, the maximum dimension A of the extension portion 13 in the foot width direction is configured to be equal to or greater than the dimension E of the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft in the foot width direction. With this configuration, the extension portion 13 positions the outer instep side edge of the ground contact surface of the sole 1 away from the position on the sole 1 corresponding to the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft (the outer instep side of the forefoot F). Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the outer instep side. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, the extension portion 13 can appropriately support at least the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft. This allows the wearer's foot ft to be stabilized when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0080] The extension portion 13 is also configured so that its maximum dimension A in the foot width direction is 10 mm or more. With this configuration, the extension portion 13 positions the outer instep-side edge of the ground-contact surface of the sole 1 away from the position on the sole 1 that corresponds to the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft (the outer instep side of the forefoot F). Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively tipping toward the outer instep. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, the extension portion 13 can adequately support at least the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft. This allows the wearer's foot ft to be stabilized when performing a turning motion, such as a side step, in indoor sports.

[0081] Furthermore, the vertical height h of the roll-up portion 21 is configured to be at least half the distance D between the bottom surface of the outsole 20 and the top surface of the midsole 10. With this configuration, the roll-up portion 21 provided on the outsole 20 receives the component force Cy in the foot width direction and supports the deformation of the midsole 10. Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the instep. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, at least the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft can be appropriately supported by the expansion portion 13. This allows the wearer's foot ft to be stabilized when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0082] Furthermore, the dimension h is configured to be 12 mm or greater. With this configuration, the vertical height h of the roll-up portion 21 is 12 mm or greater. Therefore, the roll-up portion 21 provided on the outsole 20 receives the component force Cy in the foot width direction and supports the deformation of the midsole 10. Therefore, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the instep. Furthermore, when the wearer performs a side step, at least the ball of the little toe B of the wearer's foot ft can be appropriately supported by the expansion portion 13. This allows the wearer's foot ft to be stabilized when performing a turning motion such as a side step in indoor sports.

[0083] [Modification of the first embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the vertical height (dimension h) of the roll-up portion 21 is smaller than the distance (dimension D) between the lower surface of the outsole 20 and the upper surface of the midsole 10, but this is not limited to this.

[0084] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, a modified rolled-up portion 21 may be configured such that at least a portion of the rolled-up portion 21 (rolled-up extension portion 22 shown in Fig. 7) covers the entire outer periphery of the expansion portion 13. Specifically, the rolled-up portion 21 at the portion where the rolled-up extension portion 22 is located may be configured such that the height dimension h in the vertical direction is greater than the dimension D. Furthermore, the rolled-up portion 21 at the portion where the rolled-up extension portion 22 is located may extend in the vertical direction up to the position of the upper 2 (a position above the apex portion 15 shown in Figs. 5 and 6).

[0085] The rolled-up portion 21 of this modified example can further increase the durability of the extension portion 13 of the midsole 10. That is, the rolled-up portion 21 having the rolled-up extension portion 22 can further suppress deformation of the midsole 10 (especially the extension portion 13). As a result, when the wearer performs a side step, the wearer's foot ft can be prevented from excessively collapsing toward the instep.

[0086] Second Embodiment 8 to 12 show a sole 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the difference is mainly in the structure of the midsole 10 compared to the midsole 10 of the sole 1 according to the first embodiment. Other configurations of the sole 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the sole 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] (Midsole) The symbol MA shown in Figures 8 and 9 is a region of the sole 1 that corresponds to the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer in the midsole 10. The length of the region MA in the foot length direction corresponds to 60% to 75% of the length of the midsole 10 from the heel to the toes in the foot length direction. The symbol TA shown in Figures 8 and 9 is a region of the midsole 10 that corresponds to the toes T of the wearer. The length of the region TA in the foot length direction corresponds to 75% to 100% of the length of the midsole 10 from the heel to the toes in the foot length direction.

[0088] 9, the thickness of a portion of region TA is greater than the thickness of region MA. Preferably, the thickness of 75% to 98% of region TA in the foot length direction from the heel to the toe of midsole 10 is greater than the thickness of region MA. Specifically, the difference between the thickness dimension of region TA and the thickness dimension of region MA is greater than 0 mm and not more than 5 mm.

[0089] If the difference in thickness between the part of area TA and the area MA is greater than 5 mm, the wearer's foot ft is likely to be in a dorsiflexed state. Dorsiflexion is the movement of the ankle joint toward the top of the foot. When the wearer's foot ft is dorsiflexed, the movement of the ankle joint is restricted, which can make it difficult to walk, for example.

[0090] The thickness of the region MA is 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and preferably 20 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0091] In indoor sports, in addition to turning movements such as the side step described in the first embodiment, vertical (upward) jumps with a run-up are frequently performed. A run-up jump is a movement in which the athlete leaps upward. In order to achieve higher performance in a run-up jump, it is preferable that the thickness of the area MA is 15 mm or more. On the other hand, in indoor sports, in order to play stably, for example, with a side step, it is preferable that the thickness of the area MA is 30 mm or less.

[0092] The thicknesses of the midsole 10 at the positions of the X-X cross-sectional line, the XI-XI cross-sectional line, and the XII-XII cross-sectional line are shown below as examples. The X-X cross-sectional line is a cross-sectional line that includes the ball of the little toe B and extends along the width direction of the foot. The XI-XI cross-sectional line is a cross-sectional line that includes the distal phalanx of the little toe and extends along the width direction of the foot. The XII-XII cross-sectional line is a cross-sectional line that includes the distal phalanx of the second toe and extends along the width direction of the foot.

[0093] 10, at the position of the X-X cross-sectional line of area MA, the thickness dimension t10a of the lateral side of the midsole 10 is set to, for example, 27 mm. The thickness dimension t10b of the medial side of the midsole 10 is set to, for example, 26 mm. The thickness dimension t10c of the midsole 10 at the intermediate portion between the lateral side and the medial side is set to, for example, 23 mm.

[0094] 11, at the position of the XI-XI cross-sectional line of the region TA, the thickness dimension t10a of the lateral side of the midsole 10 is set to, for example, 28 mm. The thickness dimension t10b of the medial side of the midsole 10 is set to, for example, 28 mm. The thickness dimension t10c of the midsole 10 at the intermediate portion between the lateral side and the medial side is set to, for example, 25 mm.

[0095] 12, at the position of the XII-XII cross section line of the region TA, the thickness dimension t10a of the lateral side of the midsole 10 is set to, for example, 27 mm. The thickness dimension t10b of the medial side of the midsole 10 is set to, for example, 26 mm. The thickness dimension t10c of the midsole 10 at the intermediate portion between the lateral side and the medial side is set to, for example, 26 mm.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 9, the underside of the region of the sole 1 that corresponds to the wearer's midfoot M (the underside of the outsole 20) is flat. That is, the underside of the region of the sole 1 that corresponds to the wearer's midfoot M is not arched. This makes it possible to arrange the material that makes up the midsole 10 at a position on the sole 1 that corresponds to the wearer's midfoot M in the up-down direction of the sole 1. This configuration improves the cushioning of the sole 1 in the region of the sole 1 that corresponds to the wearer's midfoot M. This increases the upward leaping power during a jump.

[0097] [Issues specific to the second embodiment] As mentioned above, in indoor sports, in addition to turning movements such as side steps, jumps with a vertical (upward) approach are frequently performed. When jumping with both feet, weight is applied to the ball of the big toe of one foot and the ball of the big toe of the other foot, then to the ball of the little toe B and toe T, and the feet are pushed down onto the floor. By pushing down onto the floor, the horizontal force generated by the approach is converted into a vertical force.

[0098] When a wearer performs a jump with a running run, the wearer steps onto the floor with the ball of their foot, B, and toe, T. When stepping onto the floor, weight transfer occurs from the ball of their foot to the ball of their foot, B, and toe, T, at the peripheral edge of the midsole 10 at a position corresponding to the outer instep side of the wearer's forefoot F. This weight transfer generates a relatively large compressive load (load acting in the compressive direction) CT (see FIG. 9 ) at the peripheral edge of the midsole 10 at a position corresponding to the outer instep side of the wearer's forefoot F.

[0099] Here, let us consider a hypothetical configuration in which the shoes of Patent Document 1 are applied to the indoor sports described above (hereinafter simply referred to as the "hypothetical configuration"). The hypothetical configuration does not disclose the thickness of the midsole corresponding to the position of the wearer's forefoot. If the thickness of the midsole were constant throughout the entire midsole from the heel to the toes in the foot length direction, this could hinder a run-up jump. This is because, when a wearer performs a run-up jump, the peripheral edge of the midsole corresponding to the position on the outer instep side of the wearer's forefoot and the area corresponding to the toes are temporarily compressed by the compressive load. As a result, when the wearer performs a run-up jump, the wearer's foot collapses excessively from the ball of the big toe toward the ball of the little toe B and the toe T. This results in the wearer's foot becoming unstable, making it difficult for them to jump upward.

[0100] In order to solve the problems of the conventional technology (the above-mentioned provisional configuration), the sole 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to stabilize the wearer's foot ft when performing a jump with a run-up in indoor sports.

[0101] [Effects of the second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 9, a compressive load CT generated by the wearer's weight shift is input to the midsole 10 from a position on the sole 1 corresponding to the toe T of the wearer's foot ft. The compressive load CT is a downward load. Together with a reaction force RT pushing back from the upper surface of the outsole 20, the compressive load CT acts to compress the region TA of the midsole 10 in the vertical direction.

[0102] A characteristic configuration of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is that the thickness of at least a portion of the region TA of the midsole 10, which corresponds to the wearer's toe T, is greater than the thickness of the region MA of the midsole 10, which corresponds to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint MP. This configuration prevents interference with run-up jumps. This is because, when the wearer performs a run-up jump, the peripheral edge of the midsole 10, which corresponds to the lateral instep of the wearer's forefoot F, and the region TA, which corresponds to the toe T, are temporarily compressed by a compressive load CT. The thickness of at least a portion of the region TA of the midsole 10 is greater than the thickness of the region MA. Therefore, even when compressed by the compressive load CT, the region TA of the midsole 10 can maintain a sufficient thickness. This prevents the wearer's foot ft from excessively collapsing from the ball of the big toe toward the ball of the little toe B and the toe T. As a result, the wearer's foot ft is stabilized when the wearer performs a run-up jump.

[0103] [Modification of the second embodiment] Although not shown, the overall thickness of the region TA of the midsole 10 corresponding to the wearer's toes T may be greater than the thickness of the region MA corresponding to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints MP. With this configuration, as in the second embodiment, the wearer's feet ft can be stabilized when the wearer jumps with a running start.

[0104] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the dimension h becomes smaller from a position on the midsole 10 corresponding to the lateral side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft toward the rear, but this is not limiting. For example, the dimension h may be a constant height from a position on the midsole 10 corresponding to the lateral side of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP of the wearer's foot ft toward the rear.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 14 is a substantially triangular shape, but this is not limiting. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 14 may be a square, a sector, or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] The present disclosure has industrial applicability, for example, as a sole for shoes used in indoor sports such as volleyball or handball. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1: Sole 2: Upper 10: Midsole 11: Boundary 12:First boundary 13: Extension 20: Outsole 21: Winding section A: Dimension of the extension part in the foot width direction B: Little toe ball D: Distance between the bottom of the outsole and the top of the midsole E: Dimension of the ball of the foot across the width ft: wearer's feet h: Vertical height of the winding section MP: metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer MA: The area of ​​the midsole that corresponds to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints T: wearer's toes TA: Area of ​​the midsole corresponding to the wearer's toes

Claims

1. A sole used in a shoe having an upper, The sole includes a midsole and an outsole that is laminated below the midsole and is made of a material that is more rigid than the midsole, the midsole is provided with a boundary portion located between the upper and the midsole in a foot width direction when the upper is attached to the midsole, the boundary portion includes a first boundary portion that is disposed at a position on the sole corresponding to the outer instep side of the forefoot portion of the wearer's foot, The midsole has an extension portion disposed at a position on the sole corresponding to the outer instep side of the forefoot of the wearer, The expansion portion bulges out from the first boundary portion toward the outer instep side of the sole in the foot width direction beyond the first boundary portion, The outsole has a turned-up portion that protrudes upward from a peripheral edge portion of an upper surface of the outsole, The rolled-up portion is disposed at a position on the midsole corresponding to the extension portion and covers the peripheral edge of the extension portion from the outside.

2. The sole according to claim 1, The extension portion is positioned at least on the outer instep side of the midsole at a position corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot.

3. The sole according to claim 1, The maximum dimension of the expansion portion in the foot width direction is equal to or greater than the dimension of the ball of the wearer's foot in the foot width direction.

4. The sole according to claim 1, The sole has a length in the foot width direction of the expansion portion of 10 mm or more.

5. The sole according to claim 1, The vertical height of the roll-up portion at a position on the midsole corresponding to the outer side of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer's foot is equal to or greater than half the distance between the lower surface of the outsole and the upper surface of the midsole.

6. The sole according to claim 1, The sole has a vertical height of the roll-up portion at a position on the midsole corresponding to the outer side of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer's foot, of 12 mm or more.

7. The sole according to claim 1, A sole, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the midsole in a region corresponding to the wearer's toes is greater than the thickness of a region corresponding to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joints.

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