Sports shoes, especially cycling shoes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shoe, for example a sports shoe such as a cycling shoe, which comprises a sole (2), an upper (3) constrained to the sole (2), and an insole (4) inserted into the upper (3) or constrained to the open bottom (3a) of the upper (3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sports shoe, in particular a cycling shoe. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, shoes ranging from classic to sporty lines are designed to fit the foot comfortably within a standard defined size, but as we all know, every foot is different, and for this reason the upper often does not provide sufficient support and wrapping for the foot.

[0003] Particularly in the case of cycling, where the shoe is firmly fixed on the pedals under heavy load, the arch area of ​​the foot is often not sufficiently supported and cradle by the upper during cyclical movements.

[0004] Such an aspect is defined by athletes, sports trainers and biomechanical experts as a loss of power, expressed in watts delivered to the pedals.

[0005] In an attempt to overcome this drawback, users are forced to tighten the closure too much to eliminate the "gap" between the inner sole and the foot, which during use causes unpredictable problems such as stinging pain due to the high pressure exerted by the upper on the foot by such excessive tightening of the closure, and over time the formation of hallux valgus.

[0006] For this reason, users are constantly searching for a solution to this problem, but in most cases can only resort to specific orthotic insoles.

[0007] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a cycling shoe having a sole, an upper, and a closure means shaped to encase the sole of the foot and secure it firmly to the sole, thereby ensuring proper power transmission to the pedals.

[0008] The closure means encases the sole of the foot, particularly the arch area, thereby maintaining proper foot position during use.

[0009] However, such solutions do not guarantee proper support for the user's arches, nor do they allow for sufficient adjustment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0213089(A1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide new shoes, for example sports shoes, in particular cycling shoes, but also walking or leisure shoes.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe as described above that is capable of providing an insole that provides adequate arch support, while at the same time providing a support system integrated with the upper and sole that can be easily and precisely adjusted without the need for high forces through any type of closure.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe that is also suitable for use by people with flat / pronated feet who suffer from disorders such as posterior tibial tendonopathy.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe of simple and inexpensive construction which can be easily used in any desired configuration by ordinary people who are particularly comfortable.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a shoe as described above which ensures optimal tightening without compromising the torsion of the sole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a shoe as claimed in claim 1 is provided. Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment of a shoe, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 2A-2D diagrammatically illustrate the steps of a method according to the invention for making a shoe according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating diagrammatically the steps of another method according to the invention for making another shoe according to the invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates the effect on a user's foot suffering from pronation, housed in a shoe according to the prior art. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates the effect on a user's foot suffering from pronation, housed in a shoe according to the invention.

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts or components are distinguished by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a shoe 1 is shown, which may be a sports shoe, such as a cycling shoe, but also a walking or leisure shoe, comprising a sole 2, an upper 3 directly or indirectly bound to the sole 2, and an insole 4 inserted within the upper 3 and either located on the opposite side of the sole 2 with respect to the bottom 3a of the upper 3, or bound to the open bottom 3a of the upper 3 and then bound to the sole 2, or closed by the sole 2 and then joined to the upper 3.

[0021] More specifically, the insole 4 may be inserted into the inside of the upper 3 or into the open bottom 3a of the upper 3 and glued or otherwise restrained, for example with an adhesive, while the sole 2 may be glued or otherwise restrained, for example with an adhesive, to the upper 3, or to the insole 4 if the insole 4 is restrained to the open bottom of the upper 3, or to the closed bottom of the upper 3 with the insole 4 inside the upper 3.

[0022] Naturally, when the insole 4 is inserted into the upper 3, the insole 4 is inserted through an opening OP defined by the upper 3, into the foot accommodation area RZ defined by the upper 3 itself, and ultimately rests substantially entirely on the bottom wall of the upper 3, more specifically, on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the upper 3 when in use.

[0023] The shoe 1 further comprises at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5 for tightening the upper 3 around the user's foot and adjustable and removable engagement means 6 of the strip or tape or belt 5 or, better, of each end or free end 5a of the upper 3.

[0024] It will be understood that the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5 in combination with the engagement means 6 serves to tighten the upper 3 after insertion of the user's foot into the receiving area RZ of the foot defined by the upper itself, narrowing said receiving area RZ. If desired, the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5 may also be used in permanent combination with the engagement means 6 to narrow or widen the opening OP defined by the upper 3, intended to allow the user's foot to be inserted into the shoe 1, or better into the receiving area RZ.

[0025] Preferably, the engagement means 6 is fixed, for example by gluing or sewing, to the side of the shoe, or better still the upper 3, opposite the inner or medial side 3f, preferably the outer side 3g, to which the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5 is fixed, glued or sewn.

[0026] Thus, the tightening or pulling action of the strip or tape or belt or pulling element 5 by the engagement means 6 is advantageously performed from the medial side (inner side) towards the lateral side (outer side) of the shoe.

[0027] In this connection, the strips or tapes or belts or tensioning elements 5 can be made of various kinds of fabrics or leathers, synthetic materials or composite materials.

[0028] The insole 4 may alternatively be made of various kinds of extruded, molded or thermoformed materials. Such a component 4 may be in the form of a midsole or the like.

[0029] In this connection, the insole 4 may be made entirely in a single piece by thermoforming.

[0030] Alternatively, the insole 4 may be bonded by thermoforming. For this embodiment, two or more materials may be used to create two or more portions of the insole 4, which may then be bonded together by thermoforming. In this case, the use of two or more materials allows some areas of the insole 4 to be thinner than other areas, or allows different areas of the insole 4 to have different performance (such as flexibility or strength).

[0031] Additionally, as described below, the insole 4 may also include multiple overlapping layers over all or part of its extent.

[0032] The sole 2 may be of any suitable material, such as for example carbon or carbon fibre.

[0033] The adjustable engagement means 6 may instead be of any suitable type and may include, as appropriate, a strip or tape or belt or a tensioning piece 5 or an insert or restraining eyelet at one end of a Velcro means, a rotor, rack, lever or other mechanism designed to tension an end of the strip or tape 5 or a cable or the like integral therewith. It will be appreciated that the engagement means 6 may be wholly or partly integral with the respective part of the upper and secured thereto, for example by stitching or gluing as appropriate.

[0034] With reference to the particular non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the engagement means 6 comprises a cable 6a acting on one end of the strip or tape 5, e.g. an eyelet portion at the terminal or free end 5a, which cable is engaged by a respective control part such as a knob 6b capable of winding / unwinding the cable 6a onto / from a portion thereof, in which case the knob 6b is fixed to the upper 3 as appropriate by stitching or gluing.

[0035] In this case, the shoe is provided with means 7,3c for facilitating or increasing the movement of the strip or tape or belt 5 relative to the insole 4 and / or upper 3, designed to allow adjustment (application) of the tightening action of the strip or tape or belt 5 on the upper 3.

[0036] Advantageously, such means 7, 3c are designed to increase the tightening or pulling action of the upper 3 by the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5 in the direction from the inside or medial side of the shoe to the outside or lateral side of the shoe. In this connection, the facilitating or increasing means are preferably provided on the inside or medial side of the shoe or act from or against the inside or medial side of the shoe.

[0037] In this connection, the facilitating or enhancing means may comprise at least one jagged or hollowed-out flexible or deformable portion 7, for example in the edge 4a of the insole 4 at the location of the attachment base 5b of the strip, tape or belt 5.

[0038] More specifically, the flexible or deformable portion 7 is disposed within the edge 4a of the insole, substantially surrounded in whole or in part by the strip or tape or belt 5 in use, such that tightening of the strip or tape or belt 5 causes the jagged or hollowed-out flexible portion 7 to bend, thereby increasing or facilitating, for example, the tightening action of the strip or tape 5. Of course, the upper 3 is disposed or interposed between the flexible portion 7 and the strip or tape or belt 5.

[0039] Of course, the flexible or deformable portion 7 is only located at the edge 4 a of the insole 4 , and not over the entire insole 4 .

[0040] Advantageously, this tightening action is not exerted on the entire insole 4 but only on the jagged or hollowed out flexible portion 7 .

[0041] Such jagged portion 7 is defined by two, three, four or more cutouts or notches extending into edge 4a, preferably but not necessarily a through notch 9 extending from edge 4a towards the centre line of insole 4, which notches or cutouts 9 in particular define one, two, three or more flexible and separate or foldable tabs or portions 10 adapted to be bent separately, preferably each substantially independently of the others, relative to the remainder of insole 4 when strip or tape or belt 5 is fastened to upper 3.

[0042] In this case, the notch 9 has an inner end 9a distal to the edge 4a and may be closed, open or through at the inner end 9a. Furthermore, if the notch 9 is through, it penetrates the insole 4 in the thickness direction.

[0043] If the notch is not through-hole, the insole 4 can be formed by two overlapping layers, for example a first lower layer in use and a second upper layer in use having a different elasticity (greater or lesser) than the first lower layer, with the notch formed in only one of the two layers, over the entire thickness of that layer, or over only a portion of the thickness of the insole.

[0044] In either case, the through or non-through notches improve the flexibility, or better, the deformability, of the flexible portion.

[0045] Alternatively, the insole 4 may have a first layer having a certain flexibility / elasticity and at least a second layer smaller and more flexible / elastic than the first layer, the second layer being provided only on the edge 4a of the insole 4 at the attachment base 5b of the strip or tape or belt 5. In this case, the second layer constitutes a hollowed-out portion.

[0046] More specifically, the notches 9, if present, may have a length of about 0.5 to 3 cm. Of course, the notches 9 do not all have to have the same length.

[0047] Such notches 9 may or may not be parallel to one another, but preferably extend in a direction from one side 4b of the insole 4 to the other side 4c.

[0048] The notch 9 or the hollowed-out portion is preferably obtained from a middle portion of the medial side or inner side 4b of the insole 4 when in use. More specifically, the notch 9 or the hollowed-out portion is provided within a region having a length of about 1 / 4 to about 1 / 3 of the length or distance from the rear R to the front F of the insole 4, and at a distance of about 1 / 5 to 1 / 4 from the rear R.

[0049] In this regard, the inner ends 9a of the cutouts 9 when in use, i.e. the distal ends of the respective edges 4a, may or may not be aligned along the curved portion so as to resume the inner curvature of the shoe, or better the respective sole.

[0050] If there is such a flexible or deformable portion 7, it is not firmly restrained or fixed to any position on the upper 3 or on the sole 2, and is therefore able to move or is free to move relative to the upper 3, in particular as a result of the tightening action exerted by the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5. In such a case, the insole 4 is preferably firmly restrained or fixed in place to the upper 3 over its entire length, excluding the flexible or deformable portion 7, or better along its entire periphery, for example by gluing or bonding.

[0051] The phrase "restrained in place or rigidly fixed" clearly means a rigid lock between two components, allowing substantially no relative movement between them.

[0052] The upper 3 optionally comprises a main portion 3b and a finished portion 3c of said main portion 3b or of the upper 3, wherein the finished portion 3c is elastically extensible while the main portion 3b is rigid or elastically extensible to a lesser extent than the finished portion 3c.

[0053] In this regard, the upper 3 includes a main body defining a tip 3d, a heel portion 3e and two side portions 3f, 3g defining at the rear an opening OP that opens upwards in use and is intended to allow the insertion of the user's foot into the shoe 1.

[0054] In this case, the upper 3 may include a bottom wall or open bottom 3a defined by the lower edges of a tip 3d, a heel portion 3e and two side portions 3f, 3g.

[0055] In such a case, the completed portion 3c constitutes a part of the side portion 3f, in particular the inner side, of the upper 3.

[0056] More specifically, the finished portion 3c may extend from a bottom portion of the medial side 3f of the upper 3. Even more specifically, the finished portion 3c may extend within a region of about 1 / 4 to about 1 / 3 of the length of the insole 4 or the distance between the rear R and the front F, and about 1 / 5 to 1 / 4 of the distance from the rear R.

[0057] Furthermore, the completed portion 3c may be tapered from bottom to top.

[0058] If desired, the completed portion 3c may be of a substantially inclined configuration or, better, have an inclined centerline, more specifically with the upper ends of each lower end being closer to the forward end F.

[0059] The finished portion 3c may have four peripheral edges that are inclined relative to one another, more specifically, an edge consisting of a lower portion located at the bottom of the upper 3, a top portion, and two side portions.

[0060] Finished portion 3c may be constrained to main portion 3b by any suitable method, such as stitching, but may also be formed together with main portion 3b during the same weaving or construction process.

[0061] In this case, said facilitating or augmenting means comprises an elastically extensible finished portion 3c of the upper 3, and the strip or tape or belt 5 is fixed to the elastically extensible finished portion 3c, if desired by gluing, or slidably fixed on the elastically extensible finished portion 3c so that, if necessary, the strip or tape or belt 5 can move independently from the main portion 3b of the upper 3 for adjustment, such as increasing the tightness of the main portion 3b of the upper 3. Preferably, the strip or tape or belt 5 is fixed only to the finished portion 3c, if desired by gluing.

[0062] Of course, the finished portion 3c may be provided above the main portion 3a or in a special opening separated from the main portion 3a.

[0063] Preferably, the finished portion 3 c is exposed on the outside of the shoe or, better still, of the upper 3 .

[0064] The finished portion 3c may have variable elasticity and the main portion 3b may have a lower elasticity than the finished portion 3c.

[0065] Furthermore, the finished part 3c may be made of lightweight fabrics that are fully stretchable depending on the properties, while the main part 3b may be made of various types of fabrics, leather, synthetic or composite materials with possible internal reinforcing inserts.

[0066] If the upper 3 includes a bottom wall 3a, the insole 4 is preferably restrained within the bottom wall 3a over its entire length, whereas if the upper 3 includes an open bottom, the insole 4 is restrained at the limit end of the open bottom and together with the upper 3 defines (demarcates) the containment area RZ.

[0067] With regard to this embodiment, when a flexible or deformable portion 7 as described above is provided, the flexible or deformable portion 7 is not constrained by the upper 3 or by the sole 2, and is therefore free to move, in particular as a result of the tightening action exerted by the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5. In such a case, the insole 4 is preferably constrained, for example by being glued, to the upper 3 or its open or closed bottom, over its entire length, except for the flexible or deformable portion 7.

[0068] If desired, the upper 3 may include a decorative portion or layer 3h disposed immediately above the finished portion 3c, and in fact disposed as a continuation of the finished portion 3c, the decorative portion or layer 3h being suitably decorated or made of a material so as to present an aesthetically pleasing surface. The decorative portion 3h may be constrained to the main portion 3b by any suitable method, such as, for example, stitching, but may also be formed together with the main portion 3b during the same weaving or construction process.

[0069] The strip or tape or belt 5 may be secured to one side of the upper 3 by gluing, adhesive binding or stitching as appropriate.

[0070] More specifically, the strip or tape or belt 5 has an attachment base 5b which can be wholly or partially restrained to the upper 3 and an end portion 5a which can be fixably or removably and adjustably engaged with the engagement means 6.

[0071] The mounting base 5b may be one or more pieces or bands of fabric, elastic or made using various types of leather, synthetic or composite materials as required, which are secured in place, for example by gluing or bonding with an adhesive.

[0072] Both the interior and exterior of the lower portion of mounting base 5b may be coated with a layer of material, for example over-injected into nylon, if desired.

[0073] The mounting base 5b may have a width greater than the width of the end 5a, for example 2 to 4 times, and may be tapered toward the end 5a.

[0074] Of course, the strip or tape or belt 5 may be attached, glued, sewn or adhesively bonded only to a portion of its length (strip or tape 5), more specifically to all or part of its length at the respective attachment base 5b, to the upper 3, or better to the finished part 3c, if provided. Preferably, the end 5a is not fixed or restrained directly to the upper 3, but rather restrained via the attachment base 5b, so that the end 5a is substantially free and releasably and adjustably engageable with the engagement means 6.

[0075] The end portion 5a may have a length that is approximately 2 / 3 to 3 / 2 the length of the mounting base portion 5b.

[0076] The upper 3 may define a recess 3m (FIG. 2), in which case the attachment base 5b of the strip or tape or belt 5 can be received and fixed, for example to the size of the recess 3m.

[0077] In such a case, the recess 3m may be provided with an elastically extensible completion portion 3c and, if necessary, a decorative portion 3h.

[0078] Preferably, the strip or tape or belt 5 may be attached only to the upper 3 (see FIG. 1), but may also be attached to both the sole 2 and to one side of the upper 3 (see FIG. 2).

[0079] In this second case, a portion of the mounting base 5b is fixed or restrained to the sole 2 under the sole 2 when in use, as required, and another portion of the mounting base 5b is fixed, sewn, glued or bonded by adhesive to the upper 3 as described above, as required.

[0080] The mounting base 5b may also be fixed or restrained solely to the sole 2 by gluing, adhesive, or by a fitting or engagement of respective fasteners, if desired a snap fit or engagement between the mounting base 5b and the sole 2, etc. In this regard, pins or the like may be provided on the sole 2 and slots or engagement holes for the pins may be provided on the mounting base 5b, or vice versa. Such fasteners obviously remain attached when the various components of the shoe are closed or sandwiched together.

[0081] Naturally, the attachment base 5b can also be fastened between the sole 2 and the upper 3.

[0082] If necessary, the sole 2 is recessed towards the insole 4 or defines a bowl or depression 2a to allow for deflection of the strip, tape or belt 5 and the insole 4 to encase and hold the arch of the foot without compromising the torsion of the sole.

[0083] In this case, the shoe 1 may be provided with means 12 for binding to the bicycle pedal, for example on a surface 2c facing the insole 4, such as a stud or other suitable component that can be housed in a seat 2b defined by the sole 2.

[0084] With regard to this embodiment, particularly when the insoles 4 are attached to and close the open bottom of the upper 3, the insoles 4 may define, in their respective lower surfaces, recesses 4d at the locations of the studs 12.

[0085] Of course, the shoe according to the invention may also comprise opening and closing means 13, which may be any suitable means, such as a cable, for supporting the strip or tape or belt or tensioning element 5 in each tightening movement.

[0086] A subject of the invention is also an insole 4 such as described above.

[0087] According to the invention there is also provided a method for assembling a shoe 1, the method comprising the following steps in order (see in particular FIG. 1 ): Arranging a sole 2, an upper 3, an insole 4 and at least one fastening strip or tape or belt 5; constraining the fastening strip or tape or belt 5 to the upper 3, for example by constraining the attachment base portion 5b to the finished portion 3c, by any suitable method, for example as described above; Binding the insole 4 to the first unit comprising the fastening strip or tape or belt 5 and the upper 3, in particular the bottom part 3a of the upper 3, or inserting the insole 4 into the upper 3 and then binding the insole 4 completely onto the bottom wall of the upper 3, more particularly onto the inner surface, in use, of the bottom wall of the upper 3, by any suitable method, for example as described above; restraining the sole 2 under the assembly comprising the fastening strip or tape or belt 5, the upper 3 and the insole 4, in particular on the closed bottom of the insole 4 or the upper 3, by any suitable method, for example as described above; The present invention relates to a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:

[0088] Alternatively, a method for assembling a shoe according to the invention comprises the following steps in order: A step of disposing an upper 3 and an insole 4; constraining an insole 4 under the upper 3, or better still in the open bottom 3a of the upper 3, or inserting the insole into the upper 3; Arranging the sole 2 and at least one fastening strip or tape or belt 5, and then binding the fastening strip or tape or belt 5 to the sole 2, for example by fixing or binding a part or an edge of the attachment base 5b to the sole 2, or creating a sole 2 with the at least one fastening strip or tape or belt 5 attached; restraining the second unit including the fastening strip or tape or belt 5 and the sole 2 below the second group including the upper 3 and the insole 4, "preferably taking care to fasten, glue or sew another portion of the attachment base 5b to the upper 3 or to the finished portion 3c, if provided"; The present invention relates to a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:

[0089] The step of binding the fastening strip or tape or belt 5 to the sole 2 can be obtained in various ways, such as, for example, injection or moulding with composite materials spaced apart from one another and then glued together, or even simultaneous bi-injection of specific materials with different properties, for example rigid, semi-rigid and elastic.

[0090] What has been said with regard to the shoe 1 and more particularly with regard to the steps of constraining its components obviously applies to the method according to the invention.

[0091] In the shoe according to the invention, the user can, after placing the foot in the receiving area RZ after passing through the opening OP, pull the fastening strip or tape or belt 5 to surround the receiving area RZ and then releasably engage it with the engagement means 6, or alternatively pull the strip or tape or belt 5 after such engagement.

[0092] In either case, by the action of the means 7,3c for facilitating or increasing the movement of the strip or tape or belt 5 relative to the insole 4 and / or upper 3, it is possible to adjust the tightening action of the strip or tape or belt 5 relative to the upper 3, and more particularly to increase such action so as to eliminate or mitigate flexion of the foot or ankle due to problems such as pronation or flat feet.

[0093] With regard to this aspect, reference is made for example to Figures 3 and 4, which, firstly, show a flexion or twisting action on a user's foot F or ankle F suffering from pronation housed in a shoe according to the prior art, and, secondly, show a lack of flexion of the user's foot F or ankle F in a shoe 1 according to the present invention.

[0094] In this regard, where the facilitating or increasing means includes a flexible or deformable portion 7, when the strip or tape or belt 5 is pulled, the bending of the flexible or deformable portion 7, particularly at the cut-out 9 or lightening portion, allows the strip or tape or belt 5 to be pulled more than would be the case if such a portion were not present, thus increasing the tightening action of the strip or tape or belt 5 against the upper 3.

[0095] The same applies when the facilitating or increasing means comprises an elastically stretchable or mouldable finished portion 3c of the upper 3, in which case the strip or tape or belt 5 is fixed to the finished portion 3c, so that by pulling or acting on the strip or tape or belt 5, or better on the end or free end 5a of the strip or tape or belt 5, movement of the strip or tape or belt 5 from the main portion 3b of the upper 3 is released and the tightening action on the upper 3 is increased.

[0096] Of course, a solution with a flexible or deformable portion 7 and an elastically stretchable or moldable completion portion 3c may provide excellent fastening performances.

[0097] It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention differs from the teachings of the prior art in that there is an attached insole configured to provide optimal support for the arch of the foot by means of, for example, jagged, deformable portions that are adjusted to promote the enveloping effect of a tape or belt around the foot.

[0098] An insole designed to support the arch is thus obtained, which is easily and precisely adjustable without requiring any special force by any kind of closure, tie, Velcro strap, cable, adjusted via a mechanism (e.g. rotor, rack, lever, etc.) connected to a support system integrated with the upper and sole to support the arch inside the shoe in line with the arch.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, stretchable material sections may be provided along the upper in the arch area to facilitate mobility and thus tightening action of the tape or belt.

[0100] While the shoe according to the invention makes it possible to relieve or better unload the tensions occurring in the sole on each component of the shoe, current solutions at best only unload the sole of the shoe and not the rest of the shoe, especially the upper, making the prior art solutions much weaker and less effective.

[0101] Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Shoes 2 Sole 3. Upper 3b Main part 3c Elastically stretchable or moldable completion (facilitating or augmenting means) 4 Insoles 5 Strips, tapes, belts or tensile parts 7 Flexible or deformable parts (facilitating or augmenting means)

Claims

1. A shoe comprising a sole (2), an upper (3) bound to the sole (2), and an insole (4) inserted into the upper (3) or bound to an open bottom (3a) of the upper (3), The shoe further comprises at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) for tightening said upper (3) around a user's foot, and means (6) for adjustably and releasably engaging said at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) to said upper (3), the shoe comprises facilitating or increasing means (7, 3c) for facilitating or increasing the movement of the at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5) relative to the insole (4) and / or relative to the upper (3), designed to allow adjustment of the tightening movement of the at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5) on the upper (3); The shoe, characterized in that said facilitating or increasing means comprises at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) within the edge (4a) of said insole (4) at the location of the attachment base (5b) of said at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5).

2. said at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) being defined by two or more recesses extending into the edge (4a) or by two or more notches (9) extending from the edge (4a) towards the centre line of said insole (4); 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cutouts or notches (9) define one, two, three or more flexible and separate or foldable tabs or portions (10) configured to bend relative to the remainder of the insole (4) when the at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) is fastened to the upper (3).

3. The at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) comprises:

3. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein in use the at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) is fully or partially surrounded by the at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) and positioned within the edge (4a) of the insole (4) such that tightening the at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) causes bending of the at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) and thus increases or facilitates the tightening action of the at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5).

4. so that after the tightening action applied by the at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5), the at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) is free or can move relative to the upper (3), said at least one flexible or deformable portion (7) is not firmly restrained or fixed in place to either said upper (3) or said sole (2), while 4. The shoe according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the insole (4) is firmly restrained or fixed in place to the upper (3) along its entire periphery, except for the flexible or deformable portion (7).

5. A shoe comprising a sole (2), an upper (3) bound to the sole (2), and an insole (4) inserted into the upper (3) or bound to an open bottom (3a) of the upper (3), The shoe further comprises at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) for tightening said upper (3) around a user's foot, and means (6) for adjustably and releasably engaging said at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) to said upper (3), the shoe comprises facilitating or increasing means (7, 3c) for facilitating or increasing the movement of the at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5) relative to the insole (4) and / or relative to the upper (3), designed to allow adjustment of the tightening movement of the at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5) on the upper (3); said upper (3) comprises a main portion (3b) and an elastically extensible or moldable finished portion (3c), said main portion (3b) being rigid or elastically extensible or moldable to a lesser extent than said finished portion (3c); said facilitating or increasing means being constituted by said elastically extensible or mouldable finished part (3c) of said upper (3); The shoe, characterized in that said at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) is fixed to said elastically extensible finished part (3c) by gluing, stitching or adhesive.

6. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) is fixed to one side of said upper (3).

7. 6. The shoe according to claim 5, wherein the upper (3) defines a recess (3m), the recess (3m) including the finished portion (3c) being elastically stretchable or moldable.

8. 7. The shoe according to claim 6, wherein the at least one strip or tape or belt or tension member (5) is fixed to both the sole (2) and to one side of the upper (3).

9. The sole (2) is The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one strip or tape or belt or tensioning element (5) and the insole (4) are recessed towards the insole (4) to allow the latter to move to cradle and support the arch of the foot.

10. A method for assembling a shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: Arranging a sole (2), an upper (3), an insole (4) and at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5); constraining said at least one strip or tape or belt or tensile element (5) to said upper (3); Binding said insole (4) to a unit comprising said at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5) and said upper (3) or inserting said insole (4) into said upper (3); constraining said sole (2) under a group including said at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5), said upper (3) and said insole (4); A method comprising the steps of:

11. A method for assembling a shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: Arranging the upper (3) and the insole (4); restraining the insole (4) under the upper (3) or inserting the insole (4) into the upper (3); Arranging a sole (2) and at least one strip or tape or belt or tensile element (5) and then binding said at least one strip or tape or belt or tensile element (5) to said sole (2) or creating a sole (2) with at least one strip or tape or belt or tensile element (5) bound thereto; restraining a unit comprising said at least one strip or tape or belt or tension element (5) and said sole (2) under a group comprising said upper (3) and said insole (4); The method comprising:

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