Golf shoes

Abstract

To provide a golf shoe capable of expanding a movement range of a foot of a wearer in execution of swing, for improving traction force, stability and comfort.SOLUTION: A golf shoe 10 comprises: an upper 12; a mid sole 14; an out sole 16; and a toe region 22. The upper, the mid sole, and the out sole are arranged to form an enclosure suitable for receiving a foot of a wearer. The toe region is provided on a front part of the shoe and is suitable for storing toes of the wearer, and is formed into an oblique shape partitioned by a large outer diameter part 24. In addition, a heel stabilizer 34 has a heel band extending in the surrounding of the heel part of the shoe, the heel band is connected to a middle foot part shank on a middle foot region, the middle foot part shank is fixed to at least one of the mid sole and the out sole, and a plurality of cleats are arranged on a region which receives maximum force during use of the shoe on a bottom face of the out sole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 829,599, filed April 4, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to athletic footwear, and more particularly to a golf shoe that promotes proper alignment of the wearer with respect to the golf ball and target when preparing for a golf swing, and increases the range of motion of the wearer's foot when executing a golf swing, improving traction, stability and comfort. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The golf equipment and apparel industry is filled with examples of design improvements intended to improve performance on the golf course. This is easily seen in golf clubs, golf balls, and educational materials. However, there are very few golf shoes related to golf performance. More typically, golf shoe innovations are centered on comfort, light weight, cushioning, lacing systems, water resistance, and fashion, all of which do not directly help golfers play golf better. This is a missed opportunity considering that the foot is the body's only connection to the ground during a golf swing and that many of the forces during a golf swing come from the interaction of the foot with the ground. Furthermore, the golfer's alignment with the ball and target is established at the foot-ground interface. These important aspects of golf and their relevance to performance have been largely overlooked by sports designers and engineers. However, current golf shoe designs tend to bring the big toe toward the center of the shoe, limiting the range of motion of the foot and affecting the stability of the entire body. Additionally, current golf shoe designs fail to address the areas of pressure concentration that occur between the foot, shoe, and ground during the golf swing, and do not effectively assist the golfer in aligning themselves as they place the ball and prepare for the golf swing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The shoe for golf provided herein includes an upper, a midsole, an outsole, and a toe region, the upper, the midsole, and the outsole are arranged to form an enclosure adapted to receive a wearer's foot; The toe area is located at the front of the shoe, adapted to accommodate the wearer's toes, and has an oblique shape bounded by an outer radius of the outsole greater than zero.

[0005] In a further embodiment, a shoe for golf provided herein includes an upper, a midsole, an outsole, a toe region, a heel stabilizer, a plurality of cleats, and a protrusion; the upper, the midsole, and the outsole are arranged to form an enclosure adapted to receive a wearer's foot; the toe area is located at a front portion of the shoe, adapted to receive the toes of a wearer, and has an oblique shape bounded by an outer diameter portion of the outsole that is greater than zero; The heel stabilizer has a heel band extending around a heel portion of the shoe, the heel band is connected to the midfoot shank at a midfoot region; the midfoot shank is secured to at least one of the midsole and the outsole; the heel stabilizer is configured to center the wearer's foot on the medial side of the shoe to provide stability to the foot; the cleats are disposed on a bottom surface of the outsole in an area that receives the greatest forces during use of the shoe; the projections are disposed generally concentrically around each of the plurality of cleats; The plurality of cleats include a first cleat disposed in a toe region of the shoe and positioned generally in alignment with a wearer's big toe; a second cleat in a forefoot region of the shoe positioned generally aligned with a first ray of the wearer's foot; a third cleat disposed on a medial side of a heel region of the shoe adjacent a rearward extent of the shoe; a fourth cleat located forward of the third cleat on a lateral side of the heel region; Includes.

[0006] Also provided herein is a sole for a golf shoe, the sole comprising a plurality of cleats and a protrusion, the cleats being disposed on a bottom surface of the outsole in an area that experiences the greatest forces during use of the shoe; the projections are disposed generally concentrically around each of the plurality of cleats; Each protrusion is formed as an arcuate segment and extends along a respective concentric circle; The plurality of cleats include a first cleat disposed in a toe region of the shoe and positioned generally in alignment with a wearer's big toe; a second cleat in a forefoot region of the shoe and positioned generally in alignment with a first row of the wearer's foot; a third cleat disposed on a medial side of a heel region of the shoe adjacent a rear region of the shoe; a fourth cleat provided outboard of the heel region and forward of the third cleat; Includes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, the following brief description is made in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, where like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf shoe according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another bottom view of the shoe of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an opposite side view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a partially enlarged front view of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom and side outline view showing the midsole and outsole of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view showing the midsole, outsole, cleats, and heel stabilizer of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view showing the bottom surface of the outsole of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view showing the midsole, outsole, cleats, heel stabilizer, and drop-in segments of the shoe of FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a bottom view and corresponding cross-sectional view of the outsole of the shoe of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1-8 are diagrams illustrating a golf shoe 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, the golf shoe 10 is illustrated as being configured for a wearer's left foot. The broad disclosure includes shoes configured for right feet. In shoes configured for right feet, the various features and components described herein are arranged in the opposite manner as described herein. The shoe 10 includes an upper 12, a midsole 14, and an outsole 16. The upper 12 includes a synthetic or natural material, or a mixture thereof. The upper 12 is secured to the midsole 14 by adhesive, welding, molding techniques, or other means sufficient to ensure that the upper 12 remains securely secured to the midsole 14 during use. Similarly, the midsole 14 is affixed to the outsole 16 by means sufficient to ensure secure attachment. In a different embodiment, the upper 12 is secured directly to the outsole 16. The midsole 14 is disposed on the inside of the upper and affixed to both the upper and the outsole. In yet another embodiment, the midsole 14 and outsole 16 are formed as a single unit, and the upper is separately disposed over the one-piece midsole / outsole structure. In this arrangement, the upper 12 may be molded, welded, glued, or otherwise affixed to the one-piece midsole / outsole structure. To improve the comfort of the wearer, the shoe 10 may further include an insole disposed inside the upper 12 and over the midsole 14.

[0010] Upper 12 includes an opening 18 through which the wearer inserts his or her foot into shoe 10 and a closure arrangement 20, such as a lacing system, that enables the wearer to secure shoe 10 around his or her foot.

[0011] The upper 12, midsole 14, and outsole 16 are configured to provide the shoe 10 with a diagonal toe region 22. The outsole 16 has an outermost perimeter in the toe region 22 that defines the forward most edge of the shoe 10. This edge is referred to herein as an outer radius 24, and is not linear, but has some degree of curvature. That is, the outer radius 24 has a length greater than 0 mm, and preferably has a length between about 60 mm and about 80 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer radius 24 has a length of about 70 mm, providing a somewhat flattened appearance to the front of the shoe 10. In the radial toe region 22, rearward and inward of the outer radius 24, the outsole 16 has a second circumferential edge. This edge is referred to herein as an inner radius 26, and is not linear, but has some degree of curvature. That is, the length of inner diameter 26 is greater than 0 mm, and preferably is between about 55 mm and about 75 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, inner diameter 26 is approximately 66 mm. Outer diameter 24 and inner diameter 26 give toe region 22 of shoe 10 a beveled appearance, but are slightly curved and not angular.

[0012] As seen particularly in Figures 1, 3 and 5, at the front end of the shoe 10, the outsole 16 is inclined backwards. Thus, the outer diameter 24 of the outsole 16 is forward of the inner diameter 26. The portion between the outer diameter 24 and the inner diameter 26 is referred to herein as the front band 28 and is visible from above by the wearer. As seen in Figure 9, the front band 28 may bear indicia such as a brand name or logo, or symbols, patterns, color variations, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the front band 28 has text 30 arranged in a generally linear fashion. As used herein, the terms "linear" and "line" are terms used to generally refer to the locus of a moving point and are intended to include all types of lines and linear features (such as straight, curved, and combinations thereof). The toe region 22 of the shoe 10 has a linear feature 32 arranged on the upper 12. The linear feature 32 extends substantially across the shoe, approximately 40 mm to approximately 60 mm. In one embodiment, the linear feature 32 extends approximately 50 mm. As shown, the linear feature 32 is separated by a seam in the upper 12. Alternatively, the linear feature 32 may be formed by printed lines, graphics, letters, symbols, other indicia, hot melt lines, and the like.

[0013] The outer diameter 24, inner diameter 26, the markings on the front band 28, and the linear features 32 form a series of corresponding lines visible from above the shoe 10 by the wearer. These corresponding lines are collectively referred to herein as "linear elements." These linear elements appear to be generally collinear, concentric, and / or somewhat parallel, despite their different radial lengths and shapes. The series of linear elements creates multiple parallel visual cues that improve the wearer's vernier acuity when looking at the foot. Vernier acuity refers to the process in visual psychophysics of visually detecting the offset between parallel lines. The detection limit of vernier acuity is approximately 10-30 seconds of arc. This detection limit is about 10 times better than any other type of vision task, such as recognition acuity. Vernier acuity is measured by finding just a discernible offset at the edge that separates the different luminance zones. The contrast of the stimulus is specified by the following equation:

[0014]

number

[0015] where Lstim is the luminance of the stimulus and Lsur is the luminance of the surrounding background.

[0016] The detection limit of vernier acuity for contrast is approximately 4-5 seconds of arc.

[0017] A series of linear elements in the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 create directional hyperacuity that can be utilized by the wearer to aid in target alignment and body alignment relative to the golf ball in preparation for the golf swing. Proper body positioning (i.e., alignment) during a golf swing is an important fundamental task that allows for proper motion of the body and golf club throughout the swing to facilitate effective contact and accurate orientation of the ball. Typically, alignment in golf is taught by imagining a track extending from the ball to the target. In this imagining, the ball and club head are on the outside track and the club head is pointed toward the target. The golfer's feet are located on the inside track and are positioned approximately perpendicular to the track.

[0018] The series of linear features on the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 serve to activate the brain's vernier vision, assisting the golfer in proper placement of the foot and effective alignment and targeting of the body and club head to the intended target. That is, the series of transverse linear elements on the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 are spatially arranged to activate the wearer's vernier vision, allowing the wearer's brain to better perceive the straightness of the aim. This allows the wearer to more accurately and more consistently align their foot, body and club head along the "track" described above. In one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, it has been found that the spatial arrangement of the various linear elements is optimized when the distance D1 from the outer diameter 24 to the inner diameter 26 is about 5 mm to about 8 mm (see FIG. 6), the distance D2 from the inner diameter 26 to the linear feature 32 is about 12 mm to about 16 mm, the front band 28 has a height H from the side adjacent the outer diameter 24 to the opposite side adjacent the inner diameter 26, the height H being about 4 mm to about 6 mm, and the front band 28 has a surface width W (see FIG. 1) of about 7 mm to about 10 mm.

[0019] The golf shoe 10 has a complex set of visual cues 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 in the form of contrasting substantially collinear or concentric edges and indicia systematically and spatially arranged in the front of the toe region of the shoe, which serve to activate the brain's hyperacusis and aid in the proper positioning of the golfer's body in relation to the intended target. The edges and parallel lines can be formed by forming the sole area of ​​the toe region with any combination of the following: an outermost horizontal edge; an inner horizontal edge; an edge formed by the intersection of the sole and upper in the toe region; placement or embossing of indicia on the sole; horizontal edges or lines bounded by the upper in the toe region of the shoe; edges or lines formed by coatings or materials of different thickness; use of lettering to create edges or lines; embossing on the upper to create horizontal edges or lines, and use of contrasting colors to create edges or lines.

[0020] Various linear elements disposed in the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 are described herein by way of example as formed by the medial and lateral edges of the outsole 16, lettering 30, and seam linear features 32. In the toe region 22 or elsewhere in the shoe 10, the linear elements may be formed by any means suitable for producing a transverse linear or generally linear vernier effect. For example, the linear features may be formed by any combination or variation of color contrasts, printed indicia, sewing techniques, intersections of different fabrics or materials, shoelaces, style lines, lettering, material thickness contrasts, embossing, hot melts, and surface treatments.

[0021] FIG. 10 includes a bottom view of the outsole 16 and a side view showing the midsole 14 disposed on the outsole 16 and the heel stabilizer 34 disposed on the midsole 14. In FIG. 11, an exploded view is provided showing the outsole 16, the midsole 14, the heel stabilizer 34, and the cleat 46. The heel stabilizer 34 includes a midfoot shank 36. The midfoot shank 36 is configured to be received and retained in a receiving portion 38 of the midsole 14 and may be affixed to the midsole and / or the outsole 16 thereunder. The heel stabilizer 34 further includes a heel band 40 extending from the midfoot shank 36 to encircle the heel of the wearer. One side of the heel band 40 runs down into the arch region of the shoe 10 where it connects with the midfoot shank 36. The opposite side of the heel band 40 passes through the lateral side of the shoe 10 to a connection with the midfoot shank 36. A lower edge 42 of the heel band 40 is affixed to the midsole 14, and an upper edge 44 of the opposite heel band 40 is affixed to the upper 12 (see, for example, FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the heel stabilizer 34 is a one-piece, integral structure in which the midfoot shank 36 passes through a receiving portion 38 of the midsole 14 and is secured to the outsole 16 of the shoe 10. The heel stabilizer 34 and the midfoot shank 36 form a molded external counter, the heel stabilizer creating a platform that supports the wearer's foot in a central position. This improves fit and performance, as well as helps avoid possible injuries related to instability. The heel band 40 and the midfoot shank 36 essentially define an asymmetric hoop shape that adds control to the sides of the heel and increases flexibility in the arch area. In the present exemplary embodiment, the heel stabilizer 34 is a rigid plastic piece configured to center the wearer's foot inside the shoe 10, providing greater comfort and range of motion and helping to prevent injury from falls.In different embodiments, the heel stabilizer 34 may be formed from carbon, a polymeric material, or generally any material sufficient to centralize the foot inside the shoe 10 and provide stability to the foot as described herein.

[0022] 10 and 11 also show the arrangement of the cleats 46 on the bottom surface of the outsole 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe 10 includes six cleats 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e, and 46f. The cleats 46a-46c are located in the forefoot region at the front of the outsole 16, while the cleats 46d-46f are located in the heel region at the rear of the outsole 16. The cleats 46 are strategically located directly under the areas of the foot that experience the greatest pressure during wear, particularly during a golf swing. The cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, and 46e are located in areas that experience the greatest pressure during a golf swing. These cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, and 46e and / or the areas around them may be identified with a red or other specific color or colors and / or with lettering, graphics, markings, etc., to clearly indicate that they are areas of greatest pressure. Cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, 46e may have increased compressibility or a different shape or size than the other cleats 46 to withstand maximum pressure or to improve stability and traction for the wearer.

[0023] In the illustrated example, cleat 46a is located in the toe region 22 of the outsole 16 of the shoe 10 and is positioned adjacent to the big toe of a wearer of the shoe 10. Cleat 46b is located in the forefoot region of the outsole 16 and is positioned adjacent to the first ray, i.e., the big toe bone, when the shoe 10 is worn. Cleats 46d and 46e are both located in the heel region of the outsole 16. Cleat 46d is located on the medial side of the shoe 10 toward the rear extent of the heel region and is generally aligned with cleat 46b. Cleat 46e is located on the lateral side of the shoe 10, forward of cleat 46d. Generally, the cleats 46 are positioned closer to the lateral edges (medial and lateral) of the outsole 16 to improve the overall stability of the shoe 10.

[0024] Additionally, the outsole 16 includes a series of outwardly projecting projections 48 that are disposed in relation to the cleats 46. In the illustrated example, the projections 48 are arc-shaped segments that are disposed to trace concentric circles extending around each of the several cleats 46. See, for example, FIGS. 4, 10, and 12. The projections 48 include an inner arc wall 50, an outer arc wall 52, opposing side walls 54, 56, and a ground contact surface 58. The walls 50, 52, 54, 56 may be disposed to extend generally perpendicularly from the outsole 16, and the ground contact surface 58 is disposed orthogonally to the walls 50, 52, 54, 56 and generally parallel to the surface of the outsole 16. In different embodiments, one or more of the walls 50, 52, 54, 56 may extend non-perpendicularly from the outsole 16, i.e., at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees relative to the surface of the outsole 16. Similarly, the contact surface 58 may be disposed at an angle such that it is not parallel to the surface of the outsole 16. The various projections 48 may uniformly extend similar distances from the surface of the outsole 16. Alternatively, the distances that the projections 48 extend from the sole may vary across the bottom surface of the shoe 10. That is, the height of the projections may vary across the length of the outsole 16, that is, the distance that a particular projection extends from the bottom surface of the shoe 10. The size of the walls 50, 52, 54, 56 in a particular projection 48 may be equal or different. The size of each of the walls 50, 52, 54, 56 between one projection 48 and its neighboring projection 48, and the angle relative to the outsole 16 may be equal or different. As described herein, the projections 48 have different heights relative to the surface of the outsole 16 to provide greater traction on uneven ground. The lugs 48 generally extend a distance of about 1.5 mm to about 3.0 mm from the surface of the outsole 16. In one embodiment, the lug height is a function of the load distribution and contact with the ground, with the lug height being greatest where the load and contact are greatest.

[0025] The configuration of the projections 48 as arcuate segments arranged concentrically around the several cleats 46 facilitates proper movement of the wearer's foot throughout the golf swing. During the golf swing, the foot has some rotational movement. The circularly arranged projections 48 allow the foot to pivot rotationally while still providing traction and stability. This is particularly advantageous during the follow-through of the golf swing, i.e., the portion of the swing after contact with the golf ball. During this portion of the golf swing, the golfer's hips and upper body rotate from a position generally facing the stationary ball to a position facing the target. To facilitate the hips and upper body rotation close to 90 degrees, the golfer's front foot and especially the rear foot also rotate toward the target. Impeding the rotation of the golfer's foot can cause pain and / or injury to the ankles and knees. The circular pattern of lugs 48 allows and encourages the golfer's foot rotation while continuing to provide needed traction and stability.

[0026] The protrusions 48 may also be viewed as being arranged like rays radiating from the cleat 46. An exemplary line 60 seen in FIG. 12 includes a series of protrusions 48 arranged like arc-shaped segments. In the series of protrusions 48, the distance between the side walls 54 and 56 of the protrusions 48 increases as the distance from each cleat 46 increases. In one exemplary embodiment, the distance that the protrusions 48 extend from the surface of the outsole 16 increases with the distance of the protrusions 48 from each cleat 46 until an inflection point 62, after which the distance decreases for the protrusions 48 radiating outward.

[0027] As previously mentioned, the cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, and 46e experience the greatest pressure and load during a golf swing due to downward rotational forces applied onto the cleats. In one exemplary embodiment, the shoe 10 further includes a drop-in segment 64. The drop-in segment 64 is disposed in the outsole 16 and / or midsole 14 in close proximity to one or more of the cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, and 46e. See FIGS. 13 and 14. The drop-in segment 64 is formed from a material that is softer and more compressible than the material used to form the outsole 16. As such, the drop-in segment 64 is formed from any material sufficient to absorb at least a portion of the downward pressure applied to the cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, and 46e. In one example, the drop-in segment 64 is formed from urethane, has a height of about 2-4 mm, and has a diameter of about 35 mm.

[0028] The material forming the drop-in segment 64 is configured to allow the shoe to pivot during a golf swing when at least some of the cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, 46e are in contact with the ground. As the golfer executes his swing, the cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, 46e are subjected to rotational pressure during the backswing, i.e., when the golfer first pulls the golf club back in preparation for striking the golf ball. During this motion, the majority of the cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, 46e grip the turf and are secured thereto. The softer material forming the drop-in segment 64 allows for slight pivoting of the golf shoe 10 and foot during the golfer's motion, creating a torque against the ground-contacting cleats 46a, 46b, 46d, 46e. This torque is greatest at the top of the golf swing, i.e., when the golf club is at the furthest apex of its backward movement. This torque is released as the golfer begins to move the club head toward the ball, advantageously increasing forward momentum and club head speed. The rotational pivoting provided by the drop-in segment 64 helps reduce stress and pain in the golfer's ankles and knees.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the midfoot shank 36 of the heel stabilizer 34 extends through a receiving portion 38 of the midsole 14 and a corresponding receiving portion 39 of the outsole 16. At the receiving portions 38, 39, the midfoot shank 36 is secured to the midsole 14 and outsole 16, respectively, by adhesive, welding, bonding, or other techniques sufficient to secure the heel stabilizer 34 to the midsole 14 and outsole 16. An underside of the midfoot shank 36 is visible through the receiving portion 39 from the underside of the outsole 16. See FIG. 14. This visible area of ​​the midfoot shank 36 may have surface features 41, such as markings, text, graphics, colors, contours, etc., or any combination thereof. Returning to FIG. 13, the shoe may further comprise a midfoot drop-in segment 66. The midfoot drop-in segment 66 is shaped and configured to fit over the midfoot shank 36 of the heel stabilizer 34 and to be received and retained in a contoured area 68 formed around the receiving portion 38. The midfoot drop-in segment 66 has a linear shape when viewed from above in a plan view and has an underside that is shaped to correspond with the contoured area 68 to facilitate placement within the contoured area 68. The midfoot drop-in segment 66 provides comfort and additional support to the arch area of ​​the shoe 10.

[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary heights of the projections 48 relative to the surface of the outsole 16. As illustrated, the projection heights vary from about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm. As discussed with reference to FIG. 12, the projection height increases with increasing radial distance away from the cleat 46 until it reaches an inflection point 62, where it reaches a maximum height of 3 mm. Thereafter, the projection height decreases to 2 mm and 1.5 mm. FIG. 14 also illustrates multiple cross-sectional views of the midsole 14 and outsole 16 showing the location of the drop-in segments 64, 66. As seen in this and the previous figures, the midsole 14 has holes 70 for receiving the drop-in segments 64, 66. The drop-in segments 64 that are aligned with the cleats 46 are located directly above the anchors 72 that correspond to each cleat 46. The drop-in segments may be connected directly to the anchors 72 or to the underside of the outsole 16 to which the anchors are connected. The midfoot drop-in segment 66 contacts and is disposed above the midfoot shank 36 of the heel stabilizer 34 .

[0031] The angled toe region 22 of the shoe 10 is wider than conventional golf shoes to provide additional space for the wearer's toes. Conventional golf shoes have a narrow toe region that dramatically decreases in width toward the front of the shoe. This structure causes the wearer's toes (particularly the big toe) to curl toward the centerline of the shoe, reducing the overall space occupied by the wearer's toes, thereby reducing stability and restricting the movement of the foot and shoe during a golf swing. The first row of the foot (i.e., the big toe bone) is known to support 40% of the body weight at rest, and its proper functioning is essential for effective walking. Conventional golf shoes constrict the first row, interfering with its important function.

[0032] In one embodiment, the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 is approximately 10-15% wider than a conventional golf shoe. Preferably, the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 is approximately 12.5% ​​wider than a conventional shoe. For example, the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 is four and a half inches wide for a US size 10-11 men's shoe, whereas a similarly sized conventional golf shoe is only four inches wide in the toe / forefoot region. To maintain the shape of the shoe 10, the forefoot is tapered and angled, creating a less rounded toe region 22. The added space in the forefoot region allows the foot to move through a full range of motion during a golf swing and provides a larger base for contact with the ground, providing better stability and ground contact. The expanded forefoot region of the shoe 10 allows the wearer's toes to straighten out in a forward direction, rather than being tucked and pointed toward the centerline as in conventional golf shoes. This promotes proper first row function, improves balance and stability, and allows the foot some movement within the shoe 10 during a golf swing.

[0033] In one embodiment, the interior volume of the toe region 22 is relatively constant from the area where the ball of the wearer's foot will be located to the area where the ends of the wearer's toes will be located when the shoe 10 is worn. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the ball of the foot is located adjacent cleat 46b and the ends of the toes are located adjacent cleat 46a. That is, from the rear of cleat 46b to the front of cleat 46a, the interior volume of the toe region 22 is relatively constant. This allows the forefoot to move naturally as the wearer's weight shifts from the heel to the toes and also helps the foot distribute weight evenly because the toe region 22 is not tapered and does not restrict the front of the foot to an uncomfortable position.

[0034] The front edge of the toe region 22 of the shoe 10 expands from the area of ​​the wearer's big toe toward an area that accommodates the other smaller toes. This increases the interior volume of the toe region 22 and improves freedom of movement during walking and playing, particularly during a golf swing. As seen, for example, in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the front edge of the toe region 22 is generally defined by the inner diameter 26 of the outsole 16. The interior volume of the toe region 22 increases from medial to lateral on the inside of the toe region 22 of the shoe 10, tangent to the first row of the wearer's foot.

[0035] The golf shoe herein is provided with a toe area at the front of the shoe that has a beveled appearance. The advantages of this design are described herein. The beveled, generally angular toe area where the shoe begins promotes a symmetrical appearance as the shoe is viewed moving from the front toward the heel. This design allows the base of the shoe to be extended under the ball of the foot for improved stability and balance while maintaining an attractive and balanced appearance.

[0036] Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the associated drawings. Different embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the following description and drawings, various connections and positional relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent, etc.) are defined between members. Unless otherwise specified, these connections and / or positional relationships may be direct or indirect. The present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard. Thus, connections between entities may refer to either direct or indirect connections, and positional relationships between entities may be either direct or indirect.

[0037] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are understood to include any integer number equal to or greater than one (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). The term "plurality" is understood to include any integer number equal to or greater than two (i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). Terms such as "connected," "affixed," and the like can include both direct and indirect "connections."

[0038] Although descriptions of various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, these descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used in this specification has been selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical advances over the art as seen in the marketplace, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A golf shoe having an upper, a midsole, an outsole, a toe region, and a heel stabilizer, the upper, the midsole, and the outsole are arranged to form an enclosure adapted to receive a wearer's foot; the toe area is located at the front of the shoe and is adapted to accommodate the toes of a wearer; the heel stabilizer includes a heel band extending around a heel portion of the shoe and connected to a midfoot shank at a midfoot region; the midfoot shank is secured to at least one of the midsole and the outsole; The heel stabilizer is configured to center the wearer's foot on the inside of the shoe to provide stability to the foot.

2. one side of the heel band extends downward from the heel portion to an arch region of the shoe and connects with the midfoot shank; The opposite side of the heel band passes through the lateral side of the shoe from the heel to the midfoot shank. The shoe according to claim 1.

3. A lower edge of the heel band is attached to the midsole, The opposite upper edge of the heel band is attached to the upper. The shoe according to claim 1.

4. The shoe of claim 1 , wherein the midfoot shank passes through a receptacle in the midsole and is secured to the outsole of the shoe.

5. The shoe of claim 1 , wherein the heel band and the midfoot shank define an asymmetric hoop.

6. The shoe of claim 1 , wherein the midfoot shank of the heel stabilizer extends through a receiving portion of the midsole and a corresponding receiving portion of the outsole.

7. The shoe of claim 6 , wherein the midfoot shank is fixed to the midsole and the outsole at the receiving portion.

8. The shoe has a wider area in the toe area, The wide area extends from the inner side to the outer side of the toe area. The shoe according to claim 1.

Images