Boot

Abstract

To provide a technique to improve shock-absorbing properties while stability maintenance in a midsole is contrived.SOLUTION: In the member of a plurality of layers constituting a midsole 22, there is provided at least one linear notch having a depth from a first height position to a second height position in a thickness direction. The notch, at least in a part of the layers of the plurality of layers, is formed at least in one of the upper face and the lower face. The notch is provided in a region overemphasized at least in any one of the forefoot region, middle foot region, and heel region of the midsole 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to shoes. In particular, it relates to the structure of the sole.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in the running shoe market, the development of materials for midsoles and outsoles has been active, and there is a demand for shoes with higher shock absorption and better running comfort.

[0003] Here, in order to increase the flexibility of the sole, a technique of providing grooves that form voids in the midsole is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, as the weight of the midsole material has been reduced due to recent technological innovations, the number of shoes with an increased sole thickness to enhance shock absorption has been increasing. On the other hand, as the sole thickness increases, the distance from the ground to the body's center of gravity also increases, so carelessly increasing the sole thickness may lead to a decrease in stability. Therefore, from the perspective of preventing injuries and maintaining performance, even higher stability is required for shoes.

[0006] However, in the technologies of Patent Documents 1 to 4, in terms of the volume of the foam material that should originally contribute to resilience and stability decreasing due to the provision of voids, it could not be said to be preferable from the perspective of improving stability.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for improving shock buffering performance while maintaining stability in a midsole.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a shoe according to an aspect of the present invention includes a sole including a midsole formed by laminating a plurality of layers of members, and an upper joined to the sole. The midsole is provided with at least one linear cut having a depth from a first height position to a second height position in the thickness direction in at least some of the plurality of layers of members. The cut may be formed in at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface in at least some of the plurality of layers of members.

[0009] Here, the “sole” may include members such as an outsole in addition to the midsole. The “midsole” may be a midsole composed of a single integrally formed member, or may be a midsole formed by laminating a plurality of layers of members. The “midsole” may be formed of a resin foam such as a polyolefin resin, a polyurethane resin, a nylon resin, or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The “cut” may be cut perpendicular to the ground from the first height position to the second height position, or may be cut obliquely at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground.

[0010] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the midsole, shear deformation of the midsole can be promoted with the cut as a boundary, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced compared to a midsole without a cut. Further, when a cut is provided on the lower surface of the upper layer or the upper surface of the lower layer, by providing the cut at a position away from the wearer's sole, the shock buffering property can be enhanced without impairing the stability of the sole. Further, when a cut is provided on the lower surface of the lower layer, by providing the cut at a position away from the wearer's sole, the shock buffering property can be enhanced without impairing the stability of the sole, and the shock buffering property when traveling on, for example, an uneven road surface or a road surface with large irregularities can be enhanced.

[0011] The cut may be provided in a region biased toward at least any one of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region of the midsole. In this way, depending on which region the cut is biased toward, the shock buffering property can be promoted in accordance with characteristics such as the direction of the impact applied at landing and the movement of the foot, or a specific movement can be suppressed.

[0012] The cut may be provided in a region biased toward either the outer foot region or the inner foot region of the midsole. In this way, depending on which region of the outer foot side or the inner foot side the cut is biased toward, the shock buffering property can be promoted in accordance with characteristics such as the direction of the impact applied at landing and the movement of the foot, or a specific movement can be suppressed.

[0013] The cut may be provided in a region where the load applied during wearing is relatively small compared to other regions, or in a region excluding a region where the load is relatively large. By excluding a region where the load is small, the processing range of the cut can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified. Further, by excluding a region where the load is large, an improvement in the sense of stability can be achieved.

[0014] The cuts may be provided at a plurality of discrete locations linearly in a predetermined shape. By forming the cuts in a pattern of a predetermined shape, the impact buffering property can be improved, and by discretizing the pattern at predetermined intervals, the stability can be improved.

[0015] The cuts may be provided at a plurality of locations spaced apart from each other such that the density is different between the weighted region and other regions. By making the density different for each region where the cuts are provided, it is possible to improve the impact buffering property of a specific region while improving the stability of the specific region.

[0016] The cuts may be formed such that the depth varies according to the difference in the distance to the end of the midsole. By making the depth of the cuts different depending on the position, for example, by gradually changing from a shallow cut to a deep cut, smooth weight transfer can be promoted.

[0017] The cuts may be formed in an oblique direction from in front of the inner foot part to behind the outer foot part, or from in front of the outer foot part to behind the inner foot part. Thereby, it is possible to suppress or promote the movement in a specific direction, and it is possible to suppress the twist to the inside or outside of the foot.

[0018] The cuts may be formed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the midsole. Depending on whether the cuts are provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the midsole, it is possible to change the tactile sensation of the shear deformation of the midsole or to improve the impact buffering property.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving the impact buffering property while maintaining the stability in the midsole.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments. In the embodiments and modifications, the same or equivalent components and members will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The dimensions of the members in each drawing are shown enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding. Some of the members that are not important in explaining the embodiments in each drawing are shown with omission.

[0022] In each of the embodiments and modifications, various aspects of the "cut" and their respective operations will be described. The aspect of the cut in one embodiment may or may not be compatible with the aspect of the cut in other embodiments or modifications within one shoe. The aspect of the cut in one embodiment may have effects or actions that are the exact opposite of those of the cut in other embodiments or modifications. Thus, the various aspects of the "cut" are covered in all directions by a plurality of embodiments and modifications because the human foot's skeleton, characteristics, running style, landing method, running power, shoe usage, etc. are diverse. Therefore, one or more aspects of the "cut" can be selected from among the plurality of embodiments and modifications according to the specifications of the shoe to be realized as a product, and one or more aspects of the "cut" can be adopted as the shoe specifications so that the wearer can select from among shoes with multiple specifications according to their own characteristics and desires.

[0023] Hereinafter, in the first and second embodiments, an aspect where one cut does not intersect with other parts of the same cut or other cuts will be exemplified, and in the third and subsequent embodiments, an aspect where one cut can intersect with other parts of the same cut or other cuts will be exemplified. Also, in the first to fifth embodiments, a midsole formed of a plurality of layers of members will be exemplified, and in the sixth embodiment, a midsole formed of a single layer of members will be exemplified.

[0024] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shoe according to the first embodiment as seen from the front left obliquely. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the shoe 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following figures including FIG. 1, unless otherwise specified, shoes or their parts for the left foot are shown, but the description in this specification is equally applicable to shoes or their parts for the right foot.

[0025] The shoe 10 of this embodiment is a laced shoe used for sports such as running and walking. The shoe 10 includes an upper 12, shoe laces 14, a shoe tongue 16, and a sole 20.

[0026] The upper 12 forms an internal space for accommodating the wearer's foot by joining its hem portion to the sole 20. The upper 12 wraps around the entire upper part of the foot when the wearer puts on the shoe 10. The upper 12 and the sole 20 are joined by a method such as adhesion.

[0027] The shoe tongue 16 is provided on the back side of the upper 12, that is, from the side of the internal space, so as to close the instep opening, and covers the range from the front part of the wearer's ankle to the instep. The shoe laces 14 are passed through a plurality of eyelet holes and crossed on the shoe tongue 16. When tightened, the downward pressing force generated by the tightening force is applied to the wearer's instep through the shoe tongue 16, and the shoe tongue 16 fits to the wearer's instep.

[0028] The sole 20 mainly includes a midsole 22 and an outsole 28. More specifically, the midsole 22 is overlapped and adhered on the outsole 28 which is the grounding part. Also, an insole 21 is overlapped and adhered on the midsole 22. Further, a heel counter 29 is adhered at the position of the heel. Since the insole 21 and the heel counter 29 are inside the upper 12 and not visible from the outside, they are shown by broken lines in the figure. In an actual product, an insole (not shown) is inserted into the internal space and laid on the bottom, that is, on the insole 21. Note that the insole 21 and the heel counter 29 are not essential components and can be omitted from the sole 20 as appropriate.

[0029] The midsole 22 is formed of a sponge material for buffering landing impact, such as a resin foam of a polyolefin resin, a polyurethane resin, a nylon resin, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, or the like. The midsole 22 of the present embodiment is configured by laminating and adhering a plurality of layers including a first layer 24 which is an upper sponge member and a second layer 26 which is a lower sponge member. Note that the midsole 22 may be configured by sandwiching a plate member such as a carbon fiber material (not shown) for enhancing resilience between the first layer 24 and the second layer 26.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a top view and a cut end face view schematically showing the midsole 22. In the present embodiment, a cut is provided on the upper surface of the first layer 24 in the midsole 22. In the top view shown in the center of the figure, a foot region 30 which is a region where the foot of the wearer is placed is indicated by a broken line, and a heel region 32 which is a region corresponding to the heel of the wearer is indicated by a broken line. A first cutting line 50 connecting the center of the toe and the center of the heel is indicated by a one-dot chain line, and a heel axis 54 connecting the center of the heel and the center of the midfoot is indicated by a one-dot chain line. The right side of the figure from the first cutting line 50 is referred to as the "inner foot side", and the left side of the figure from the first cutting line 50 is referred to as the "outer foot side". In the case of a shoe for the right foot, the inner foot side and the outer foot side are reversed left and right. An arrow W directed in the left-right direction of the figure indicates the foot width direction of the shoe 10 or the midsole 22, and an arrow L directed in the up-down direction of the figure indicates the front-rear direction of the shoe 10 or the midsole 22.

[0031] The heel axis 54 is not parallel to the first cutting line 50, but has an angle that opens outward from the first cutting line 50 toward the outer foot side, that is, an angle inclined from the heel toward the outer foot side. The heel region 32 is an elliptical shape formed such that its major axis is along the heel axis 54, and at least one linear notch 40 is provided along its major axis. In the example of this figure, the heel region 32, which is the region where the notch 40 is provided, is shown as an ellipse. However, it is merely shown using an ellipse for convenience as a shape that generally covers the heel, and the shape of the region where the notch 40 is actually provided is not limited to an ellipse. In each of the following figures as well, each shape shown by a dashed line as the region where the notch 40 is provided is merely a convenient shape for illustration and does not limit the shape of the region where the notch 40 is actually provided.

[0032] The number of notches 40 in this embodiment is one. Also, the notch 40 of this embodiment is formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the notch portion is configured not to have a contact point with other notch portions. That is, a part of the notch portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other notch portions. Note that a single linear notch 40 may also be substantially included as a single linear notch 40 when short linear notches such as dashed lines or chain lines are arranged at regular intervals to form a linear shape. Also, the linear notch 40 is not limited to a linear shape and may be a curved shape. In each of the following figures as well, all linear notches may be any of solid lines, dashed lines, chain lines, linear shapes, or curved shapes.

[0033] The end view of the A-A' cut portion when cut along the first cutting line 50 is shown on the left. The end view of the B-B' cut portion when cut along the minor axis of the heel region 32 is shown on the right. In the end view of the A-A' cut portion, the notch 40 itself does not appear on the end face, but the position where the notch 40 is projected is indicated by diagonal lines of a dashed line. The depth of the notch 40 is shorter than the thickness of the first layer 24 and less than 1 / 2 of the thickness of the midsole 22, for example, about 1 / 3 of the thickness of the midsole 22. In the end view of the B-B' cut portion, the notch 40 is shown at a position slightly shifted outward from the first cutting line 50 toward the outer foot side.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an enlarged end view showing the shape of the cut 40 in the midsole 22. FIG. 3(a) shows a state where the midsole 22 is not deformed, such as a situation where the shoe 10 is not inserted with a foot. Arrow D indicates the thickness direction of the midsole 22. The insole 21 is adhered on the midsole 22.

[0035] The midsole 22 is provided with a cut 40 having a depth from a first height position (starting position 42) to a second height position (deepest position 44) in the thickness direction. In a modified example, the starting position 42 may not be the position of the upper surface of the first layer 24. For example, both the starting position 42 and the deepest position 44 may be provided so as to be lower than the upper surface and higher than the lower surface in the thickness direction D. That is, the cut 40 may be provided in a deep part that does not appear on the surface of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first layer 24. Alternatively, it may be provided so as to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first layer 24.

[0036] The deepest part in the cross section where the opposing inner walls are separated in the cut 40 has a V shape. However, in the normal state, the interval between the inner walls is almost zero or extremely small, such as less than 1 millimeter (for example, about 0.5 millimeter), and they may be in contact with each other. Therefore, the shape of the deepest part hardly appears in the cross section in the normal state. In this regard, on the premise that the inner walls are separated while maintaining a predetermined interval, the inner walls have an interval until the bottom, and it is different from a groove, a slit, or a sipe in which a thin inner bottom surface is formed.

[0037] When the notch 40 is formed by cutting a part of the midsole 22 with a tool such as a cutting blade, it is merely a cutting of a member, so the volume of the midsole 22 does not decrease. On the other hand, when the notch 40 is made in a part of the midsole 22 by short-pulse laser processing such as a nanosecond laser, the volume of the midsole 22 may decrease by an amount corresponding to a gap of less than 1 millimeter due to some melting of the member. Note that in the case of the notch 40 formed by ultra-short pulse laser processing such as a femtosecond laser, there is less melting of the member than in short-pulse laser processing. Also, by locally performing three-dimensional processing by applying the focus of an ultra-short pulse laser inside the midsole 22, the notch 40 may be provided at an internal position that is not exposed away from the outer surface of the midsole 22. According to such internal processing technology, even after the product becomes a shoe 10 to which the outsole 28, the midsole 21, the upper 12, etc. are adhered, it is also possible to provide the notch 40 afterwards by applying an ultra-short pulse laser to a specific position of the midsole 22. In that case, based on data related to the wearer's foot and running at a store or the like, the notch 40 may be added to the midsole 22 in a manner optimized for the wearer, thereby realizing personalized notch processing.

[0038] FIG. 3(b) shows a state where the shoe 10 has a foot inserted and a load is applied. Here, as a result of the load on the foot 60 being applied downward to the right in the figure by landing or the like as indicated by the arrow 62 showing the load direction, if the notch 40 opens and a gap is generated by the inner walls of the notch 40 being slightly separated from each other, a V-shaped cross-sectional shape may appear at the bottom of the notch 40 as shown in the figure.

[0039] In this embodiment, by providing one cut 40 in the longitudinal direction of the heel region 32, when a load is applied in the medial side direction or the lateral side direction like at the time of landing, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the cut 40 as a boundary. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be further enhanced as compared with the midsole 22 without the cut 40. Further, by forming the deepest part of the cut in a V shape, a gap is formed to be minimized, and the volume reduction of the foam material is minimized as compared with the midsole without the cut, and the resilience and stability can be improved.

[0040] In a modification, one linear cut 40 may be provided along a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the heel region 32. For example, when the cut 40 is provided in the foot width direction along the second cutting line 52 in FIG. 2, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the cut 40 as a boundary when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side at heel strike. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be further enhanced as compared with the midsole 22 without the cut 40. Further, two or more non-crossing linear cuts 40 may be provided in the heel region 32. Hereinafter, a modification in which two non-crossing cuts are provided will be described, but in another modification, three or more non-crossing cuts may be provided.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a top view schematically showing the positions of the cuts in the first and second modifications of the first embodiment. In the modification of this figure, two cuts are provided in various manners in the heel region 32 of the midsole 22.

[0042] In the first modification shown in FIG. 4(a), two cuts (first cut 40a and second cut 40b) parallel to the major axis of the heel region 32 are provided. Note that the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b do not have to be parallel as long as they do not cross each other.

[0043] The first cut 40a is formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0044] The second cut 40b is also formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0045] In the first modification of the first embodiment, by providing two cuts 40 in the longitudinal direction of the heel region 32, when a load is applied in the medial side direction or the lateral side direction as in the case of landing, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be further promoted compared to the case of providing one cut, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0046] In the second modification shown in FIG. 4(b), two cuts (the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b) parallel to the minor axis of the heel region 32 are provided. Note that the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b do not have to be parallel or intersect each other.

[0047] The first cut 40a is formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0048] The second cut 40b is also formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0049] In the second modification of the first embodiment, by providing two cuts 40 in the foot width direction of the heel region 32, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side as in the case of landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one cut is provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0050] (Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in which the cut 40 is provided in the heel region in that one linear cut 40 is provided in the forefoot region. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a top view and a cut end view schematically showing the midsole 22 in the second embodiment. In the top view shown in the center of the figure, the forefoot region 34, which is the region corresponding to the forefoot of the wearer, is indicated by a broken line. The forefoot axis 56 connecting the center of the toe tip to the center of the midfoot is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

[0052] The forefoot axis 56 is not parallel to the first cut line 50, but has an angle opened to the outer foot side from the first cut line 50, that is, an angle inclined to the outer foot side from the toe tip. The forefoot region 34 is an ellipse formed such that its major axis is along the forefoot axis 56, and at least one linear cut 40 is provided along its major axis. As described above, the shape of the forefoot region 34 where the cut 40 is provided is not limited to an ellipse.

[0053] The number of cuts 40 in this embodiment is also one. Further, the cut 40 of this embodiment is formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a loop formed by the intersection or contact of a part of the cut portion with other cut portions is not formed.

[0054] The end-face view of the A-A' cut portion when cut along the first cutting line 50 is shown on the left. The end-face view of the C-C' cut portion when cut along the C-C' line connecting from slightly behind the outer foot side to slightly in front of the inner foot side in the front foot region 34 is shown on the right. In the end-face view of the A-A' cut portion, the notch 40 itself does not appear on the end face, but the position where the notch 40 is projected is indicated by hatched broken lines. The depth of the notch 40 is shorter than the thickness of the first layer 24 and less than 1 / 2 of the thickness of the midsole 22, for example, about 1 / 3 of the thickness of the midsole 22. In the end-face view of the C-C' cut portion, the notch 40 is shown at a position slightly shifted to the outer foot side from the first cutting line 50.

[0055] In the present embodiment, by providing one notch 40 in the longitudinal direction of the front foot region 34, when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the notch 40 as a boundary. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be further enhanced as compared with the midsole 22 without the notch 40.

[0056] In a modified example, one linear notch 40 may be provided along a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the front foot region 34. For example, when the notch 40 is provided in the foot width direction along the third cutting line 53 in FIG. 5, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the notch 40 as a boundary when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side or from the front side to the rear side at the time of front foot landing or kicking. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be further enhanced as compared with the midsole 22 without the notch 40. Also, two or more non-intersecting linear notches 40 may be provided in the front foot region 34. Hereinafter, a modified example in which two non-intersecting notches are provided will be described, but in another modified example, three or more non-intersecting notches may be provided.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a top view schematically showing the positions of the notches in the first and second modified examples of the second embodiment. In the modified example of this figure, two notches are provided in various modes in the front foot region 34 of the midsole 22.

[0058] In the first modification example shown in FIG. 6(a), two cuts (a first cut 40a and a second cut 40b) parallel to the major axis of the forefoot region 34 are provided. Note that the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b do not have to be parallel and may not intersect each other.

[0059] The first cut 40a is formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0060] The second cut 40b is also formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0061] In the first modification example of the second embodiment, by providing two cuts 40 in the foot length direction of the forefoot region 34, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing can be further promoted compared to the case of providing one cut, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0062] In the second modification example shown in FIG. 6(b), two cuts (a first cut 40a and a second cut 40b) parallel to the axis connecting slightly behind the outer foot side to slightly in front of the inner foot side in the forefoot region 34 are provided. Note that the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b do not have to be parallel and may not intersect each other.

[0063] The first cut 40a is formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portion is configured not to have a contact point with other cut portions. That is, a part of the cut portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other cut portions.

[0064] The second notch 40b is also linearly formed in a top view, and a part of the notch portion is configured not to have a contact point with other notch portions. That is, a part of the notch portion does not form a loop due to intersection or contact with other notch portions.

[0065] In the second modification of the second embodiment, by providing two notches 40 in the foot width direction of the front foot region 34, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side as in the case of landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one notch is provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0066] (Third Embodiment) In the present embodiment, in that a plurality of intersecting linear notches 40 are provided, it is different from the first and second embodiments in which non-intersecting notches 40 are provided. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a top view and a cross-sectional end view schematically showing the midsole 22 in the third embodiment. The number of notches 40 in the present embodiment is two. One linear first notch 40a is provided along the long axis of the heel region 32, and another linear second notch 40b is provided along the short axis of the heel region 32. The first notch 40a and the second notch 40b are each linearly formed in a top view and intersect at the center of the heel region 32.

[0068] The end face view of the A-A' cut portion when cut along the first cutting line 50 is shown on the left. The end face view of the B-B' cut portion when cut along the minor axis of the heel region 32 is shown on the right. In the end face view of the A-A' cut portion, the second notch 40b is shown at the position of the second cutting line 52, and although the first notch 40a itself does not appear on the end face, the position where the first notch 40a is projected is indicated by the dashed oblique lines. In the end face view of the B-B' cut portion, the first notch 40a is shown at a position slightly shifted from the first cutting line 50 toward the outer foot side, and although the second notch 40b itself does not appear on the end face, the position where the second notch 40b is projected is indicated by the dashed oblique lines.

[0069] In the present embodiment, by providing one first notch 40a in the longitudinal direction of the heel region 32 of the midsole 22, when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the first notch 40a as a boundary. Further, by providing one second notch 40b in the width direction of the heel region 32 of the midsole 22, for example, when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side during heel strike, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the second notch 40b as a boundary. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be further enhanced as compared with the midsole 22 without the notch 40.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a top view schematically showing the positions of the notches in the first to fourth modified examples of the third embodiment. In the modified examples of this figure, three to four notches are provided in various forms in the heel region 32 of the midsole 22.

[0071] In the first modified example shown in FIG. 8(a), one notch (first notch 40a) along the major axis of the heel region 32 and two notches (second notch 40b, third notch 40c) parallel to the minor axis of the heel region 32 are provided so as to intersect. Note that the second notch 40b and the third notch 40c do not have to intersect or be parallel to each other.

[0072] In the first modification example, by providing two cuts 40 in the foot width direction of the heel region 32, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side during heel strike can be further promoted compared to the case where one cut is provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0073] In the second modification example shown in FIG. 8(b), one cut (first cut 40a) along the major axis of the heel region 32 and three cuts (second cut 40b, third cut 40c, fourth cut 40d) parallel to the minor axis of the heel region 32 are provided so as to intersect. Note that the second cut 40b, the third cut 40c, and the fourth cut 40d do not have to be parallel or intersect with each other.

[0074] In the second modification example, by providing three cuts 40 in the foot width direction of the heel region 32, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side during heel strike can be further promoted compared to the case where one or two cuts are provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0075] In the third modification example shown in FIG. 8(c), two cuts (first cut 40a, second cut 40b) parallel to the major axis of the heel region 32 and one cut (third cut 40c) along the minor axis of the heel region 32 are provided so as to intersect. Note that the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b do not have to be parallel or intersect with each other.

[0076] In the third modification example, by providing two cuts 40 in the foot length direction of the heel region 32, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one cut is provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0077] In the fourth modification example shown in FIG. 8(d), three cuts (first cut 40a, second cut 40b, third cut 40c) parallel to the major axis of the heel region 32 and one cut (fourth cut 40d) along the minor axis of the heel region 32 are provided so as to intersect. Note that the first cut 40a, the second cut 40b, and the third cut 40c may not be parallel as long as they do not intersect each other.

[0078] In the fourth modification example, by providing three cuts 40 in the longitudinal direction of the heel region 32, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one or two cuts are provided, and the shock absorption performance can be further enhanced.

[0079] (Fourth Embodiment) In the present embodiment, in that a plurality of intersecting linear cuts 40 are provided in the forefoot region, it is different from the first and second embodiments in which non-intersecting cuts 40 are provided and the third embodiment in which intersecting cuts 40 are provided in the heel region. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to third embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0080] FIG. 9 is a top view and a cross-sectional end view schematically showing the midsole 22 in the fourth embodiment. The number of cuts 40 in the present embodiment is two. One linear first cut 40a is provided along the major axis of the forefoot region 34, and one more linear second cut 40b is provided along the axis connecting from slightly behind the outer foot side to slightly in front of the inner foot side in the forefoot region 34. The cuts 40 of the present embodiment are formed linearly in a top view, and a part of the cut portions are configured not to have contact points with other cut portions. That is, a loop formed by the intersection or contact of a part of the cut portions with other cut portions is not formed.

[0081] The end face view of the A-A' cut portion when cut along the first cutting line 50 is shown on the left. The end face view of the C-C' cut portion when cut along the C-C' line connecting from slightly behind the outer foot side to slightly in front of the inner foot side in the front foot region 34 is shown on the right. In the end face view of the A-A' cut portion, the second notch 40b is shown at the position of the third cutting line 53, and although the first notch 40a itself does not appear on the end face, the position where the first notch 40a is projected is indicated by the dashed oblique lines. In the end face view of the C-C' cut portion, the first notch 40a is shown at a position slightly shifted to the outer foot side from the first cutting line 50, and although the second notch 40b itself does not appear on the end face, the position where the second notch 40b is projected is indicated by the dashed oblique lines.

[0082] In the present embodiment, by providing one first notch 40a in the longitudinal direction of the front foot region 34, when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the first notch 40a as a boundary. Further, by providing one second notch 40b in the width direction of the front foot region 34, for example, when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side during front foot landing or when a load is applied from the front side to the rear side during kicking, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 can be promoted with the second notch 40b as a boundary. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be further enhanced compared to the midsole 22 without the notch 40.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing the positions of the notches in the first to fourth modification examples of the fourth embodiment. In the modification example of this figure, three to four notches are provided in various forms in the front foot region 34 of the midsole 22.

[0084] In the first modification example shown in FIG. 10(a), one notch (first notch 40a) along the major axis of the front foot region 34 and two notches (second notch 40b, third notch 40c) parallel to the width direction of the front foot region 34 are provided so as to intersect. Note that the second notch 40b and the third notch 40c do not have to intersect with each other and may not be parallel.

[0085] In the first modification example, by providing two cuts 40 in the foot width direction of the forefoot region 34, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side during landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one cut is provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0086] In the second modification example shown in FIG. 10(b), one cut (first cut 40a) along the major axis of the forefoot region 34 and three cuts (second cut 40b, third cut 40c, fourth cut 40d) parallel to the foot width direction in the forefoot region 34 are provided so as to intersect. Note that the second cut 40b, the third cut 40c, and the fourth cut 40d do not have to intersect with each other and may not be parallel.

[0087] In the second modification example, by providing three cuts 40 in the foot width direction of the forefoot region 34, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied from the rear side to the front side during landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one or two cuts are provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0088] In the third modification example shown in FIG. 10(c), two cuts (first cut 40a, second cut 40b) parallel to the major axis of the forefoot region 34 and one cut (third cut 40c) in the foot width direction of the forefoot region 34 are provided so as to intersect.

[0089] In the third modification example, by providing two cuts 40 in the foot length direction of the forefoot region 34, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied in the inner foot side direction or the outer foot side direction as in the case of landing can be further promoted compared to the case where one cut is provided, and the shock buffering property can be further enhanced.

[0090] In the fourth modification example shown in FIG. 10(d), three cuts (first cut 40a, second cut 40b, third cut 40c) parallel to the major axis of the forefoot region 34 and one cut (fourth cut 40d) in the foot width direction of the forefoot region 34 are provided so as to intersect.

[0091] In the fourth modification, by providing three cuts 40 in the longitudinal direction of the forefoot region 34, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 when a load is applied in the medial or lateral direction of the foot, such as during landing, can be further promoted compared to the case where one or two cuts are provided, and the shock absorption performance can be further enhanced.

[0092] (Fifth Embodiment) In this embodiment, it is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that a cut 40 is provided on at least one of the lower surface of the first layer 24, the upper surface and the lower surface of the second layer 26. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to fourth embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0093] FIG. 11 is an end view schematically showing the cut region in the first example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11(a) is an end view of the midsole 22 in the longitudinal direction of the foot, and FIG. 11(b) is an end view of the midsole 22 in the width direction of the foot. The cut region 35 is provided on the lower surface of the first layer 24, that is, on the adhesive surface side with the upper surface of the second layer 26. In this case, by providing a cut at a position away from the wearer's sole, the shock absorption performance can be enhanced without impairing the stability of the sole. Note that, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, there are a plurality of aspects regarding the position, size, shape, incident angle, depth, number of cuts, etc. of the cut region 35 on the lower surface of the first layer 24.

[0094] FIG. 12 is an end view schematically showing a cut region in a second example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12(a) is an end view in the longitudinal direction of the midsole 22, and FIG. 12(b) is an end view in the width direction of the midsole 22. The cut region 35 is provided on the upper surface of the second layer 26, that is, on the adhesive surface side with the lower surface of the first layer 24. In this case, by providing a cut at a position away from the wearer's sole, the shock absorption performance can be enhanced without impairing the stability of the sole, and when a plate member is sandwiched between the first layer 24 and the second layer 26, the deformation directly under the plate, which is difficult to be compressed due to the dispersed application, can be facilitated. Note that there are a plurality of aspects regarding the position, size, shape, incident angle, depth, number of cuts, etc. of the cut region 35 on the upper surface of the second layer 26, which is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0095] FIG. 13 is an end view schematically showing a cut region in a third example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13(a) is an end view in the longitudinal direction of the midsole 22, and FIG. 13(b) is an end view in the width direction of the midsole 22. The cut region 35 is provided on the lower surface of the second layer 26, that is, on the adhesive surface side with the outsole 28. In this case, by providing a cut at a position away from the wearer's sole, the shock absorption performance can be enhanced without impairing the stability of the sole, and the shock absorption performance when running on, for example, an uneven road surface or a road surface with large irregularities can be enhanced. Note that there are a plurality of aspects regarding the position, size, shape, incident angle, depth, number of cuts, etc. of the cut region 35 on the lower surface of the second layer 26, which is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0096] In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments, an example in which a notch is provided on any one of the upper surface of the first layer 24, the lower surface of the first layer 24, the upper surface of the second layer 26, and the lower surface of the second layer 26 has been described. In another modification, it may be configured to provide notches on a plurality of surfaces among the upper surface of the first layer 24, the lower surface of the first layer 24, the upper surface of the second layer 26, and the lower surface of the second layer 26. In that case, there are a plurality of modes for the position, area size, shape, incident angle, depth, number of notches, etc. of the notches on each surface, and various combinations are possible among the plurality of surfaces. Further, not limited to the upper and lower surfaces, in at least either the first layer 24 or the second layer 26, notches may be provided in a deep part that does not appear on the surface, or notches may be provided so as to penetrate the layer vertically.

[0097] (Sixth Embodiment) In this embodiment, after the midsole 22 is configured as a single layer, a notch 40 is provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the midsole 22, which is different from the first to fifth embodiments in which a notch 40 is provided on at least one of the upper surface of the first layer 24, the lower surface of the first layer 24, the upper surface of the second layer 26, and the lower surface of the second layer 26 of the midsole 22 composed of a plurality of layers. Hereinafter, the differences from the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0098] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the shoe according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from the front left obliquely. The midsole 22 of this embodiment is composed of an integrally formed single-layer sponge member.

[0099] FIG. 15 is an end view schematically showing the notch region in the first example of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 15(a) is an end view of the midsole 22 in the longitudinal direction of the foot, and FIG. 15(b) is an end view of the midsole 22 in the width direction of the foot. The notch region 35 is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 22, that is, on the adhesive surface side with the insole 21. In this case, the impact buffering property can be enhanced in the same manner as in the first to fourth embodiments. It should be noted that there are a plurality of modes for the position, size, shape, incident angle, depth, number of notches, etc. of the notch region 35 on the upper surface of the midsole 22, which is the same as in the first to fifth embodiments.

[0100] FIG. 16 is an end view schematically showing a cut region in the second example of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 16(a) is an end view in the longitudinal direction of the midsole 22, and FIG. 16(b) is an end view in the width direction of the midsole 22. The cut region 35 is provided on the lower surface of the midsole 22, that is, on the adhesive surface side with the outsole 28. In this case, for example, the shock buffering property when running on an uneven road surface or a road surface with large irregularities can be enhanced. Note that, as in the first to fifth embodiments, there are a plurality of modes for the position, size, shape, incident angle, depth, number of cuts, etc. of the cut region 35 on the lower surface of the midsole 22.

[0101] In the sixth embodiment, an example in which a cut is provided on either the upper surface or the lower surface of the midsole 22 has been described. In a modified example, it may be configured to provide cuts on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the midsole 22. In that case, for the upper surface and the lower surface of the midsole 22, there are a plurality of modes for the position, size of the cut region, shape, incident angle, depth, number of cuts, etc., and various combinations are possible between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0102] (Seventh Embodiment) In this embodiment, the shape of the region where the cut 40 is provided is different from that in the first to sixth embodiments. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to sixth embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted. Note that, from the seventh embodiment onward, as in the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which the cut 40 is provided on the upper surface of the first layer 24 in the multi-layer midsole 22 will mainly be used for the description. However, as in the fifth embodiment, at least any one of the lower surface of the upper layer, the upper surface of the lower layer, and the lower surface of the lower layer in the multi-layer midsole 22, or as in the sixth embodiment, at least any one of the upper surface and the lower surface in the single-layer midsole 22, the cut 40 as described below can be provided.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a top view schematically showing the position of the cut in the first and second examples of the seventh embodiment. In the example of this figure, cuts are provided in various modes similar to those in the first to sixth embodiments in the region from the heel part to the midfoot part of the midsole 22.

[0104] In the first example shown in FIG. 17(a), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a fan-shaped cut region 35a that extends from the region supporting the entire heel toward the outer side of the midfoot and tapers. By providing the cut 40 in such a region that is biased toward the heel and the outer side of the midfoot, in addition to the effect of providing the cut 40 in the heel, an effect of suppressing pronation while further enhancing the impact buffering property at the time of landing can also be expected.

[0105] In the second example shown in FIG. 17(b), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a fan-shaped cut region 35b that extends from the region supporting the entire heel toward the inner side of the midfoot and tapers. By providing the cut 40 in such a region that is biased toward the heel and the inner side of the midfoot, in addition to the effect of providing the cut 40 in the heel, an effect of suppressing supination while further enhancing the impact buffering property at the time of landing can also be expected.

[0106] FIG. 18 is a top view schematically showing the positions of the cuts in the third and fourth examples of the seventh embodiment. In the example of this figure, cuts are provided in various modes similar to those of the first to sixth embodiments in the region from the forefoot to the midfoot of the midsole 22.

[0107] In the third example shown in FIG. 18(a), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a cut region 35a that supports the region from the outer side of the forefoot to the outer side of the midfoot. By providing the cut 40 in such a region that is biased toward the outer side of the forefoot and the outer side of the midfoot, the impact buffering property at the time of forefoot landing or midfoot landing can be particularly enhanced.

[0108] In the fourth example shown in FIG. 18(b), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a cut region 35b that supports the region from the inner side of the forefoot to the inner side of the midfoot. By providing the cut 40 in such a region that is biased toward the inner side of the forefoot and the inner side of the midfoot, the shear deformation to the ball of the thumb at the time of kicking can be particularly promoted, and smooth center of gravity movement can be expected.

[0109] FIG. 19 is a top view schematically showing the positions of the cuts in the fifth to eighth examples of the seventh embodiment. In the example of this figure, cuts are provided in various modes similar to those of the first to sixth embodiments in the region from the front foot portion to the middle foot portion of the midsole 22.

[0110] In the fifth example shown in FIG. 19(a), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a cut region 35a extending from the region supporting the entire front foot portion toward the outer foot side of the middle foot portion. By providing the cuts 40 in such a region that is biased toward the entire front foot portion and the outer foot side of the middle foot portion, it is possible to further enhance the impact buffering property particularly when the front foot lands or the middle foot lands.

[0111] In the sixth example shown in FIG. 19(b), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a cut region 35b which is a region obtained by cutting off the range on the little finger side from the cut region 35a of the fifth example. In this way, by cutting off the range on the little finger side where the load is small, the processing range of the cuts 40 in the midsole 22 can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0112] In the seventh example shown in FIG. 19(c), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a cut region 35c which is a region obtained by cutting off the range near the ball of the thumb from the cut region 35a of the fifth example. In this way, by cutting off the range near the ball of the thumb where the load is large at the time of kicking, the kicking stability can be further improved, or a separate buffer member can be inserted directly under the ball of the thumb. Also, the processing range of the cuts 40 in the midsole 22 can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0113] In the eighth example shown in FIG. 19(d), one or a plurality of cuts 40 are provided in a cut region 35d which is a region obtained by cutting off both the range on the little finger side and the range near the ball of the thumb from the cut region 35a of the fifth example. In this way, by cutting off the range on the little finger side where the load is small and the range near the ball of the thumb where the load is large at the time of kicking, the effects of both the sixth example and the seventh example can be obtained.

[0114] (Eighth Embodiment) In this embodiment, it is different from the first to seventh embodiments in that the depth of the notch 40 varies depending on the position. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to seventh embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0115] FIG. 20 is a top view and a cross-sectional end view schematically showing the midsole 22 in the first example of the eighth embodiment. In a modified example of this figure, the depth of the notch 40 varies depending on the position, that is, depending on the distance to the end of the midsole 22, and relatively deep portions and shallow portions are mixed.

[0116] In the end view of the A-A' cut portion, the depth of the first notch 40a projected by the broken-line hatching is such that the front end and the rear end are the shallowest, and the portion intersecting the second notch 40b in the center is the deepest, and a gradient is formed at the bottom of the first notch 40a. Also, in the end view of the B-B' cut portion, the depth of the second notch 40b projected by the broken-line hatching is such that the front end and the rear end are the shallowest, and the portion intersecting the first notch 40a in the center is the deepest, and a gradient is formed at the bottom of the second notch 40b.

[0117] The greater the depth of the notch 40, the more the impact buffering effect can be enhanced, while the shallower the depth, the more it can contribute to stability. By changing the depth of the notch 40 from the shallow portion to the deep portion in the foot length direction and the foot width direction, and then from the deep portion to the shallow portion, smooth weight transfer can be promoted.

[0118] FIG. 21 is a top view and a cross-sectional end view schematically showing the midsole 22 in the second example of the eighth embodiment. In a modified example of this figure, the depth of the notch 40 varies depending on the position, that is, depending on the distance to the end of the midsole 22, and relatively deep portions and shallow portions are mixed.

[0119] In the end view of the A-A’ cutting part, the depth of the first notch 40a projected by the dashed hatching is such that the front end and the rear end are the shallowest, and the portion intersecting the central second notch 40b is the deepest. A gradient is formed at the bottom of the first notch 40a. Also, in the end view of the C-C’ cutting part, the depth of the second notch 40b projected by the dashed hatching is such that the front end and the rear end are the shallowest, and the portion intersecting the central first notch 40a is the deepest. A gradient is formed at the bottom of the second notch 40b.

[0120] The greater the depth of the notch 40, the higher the shock buffering effect can be enhanced, while the shallower the depth, the more it can contribute to stability. By changing the depth of the notch 40 from the shallow part to the deep part and then from the deep part to the shallow part in the instep length direction and the instep width direction, smooth weight transfer can be promoted.

[0121] (The Ninth Embodiment) In this embodiment, it is different from the first to eighth embodiments in that a large number of slanted notches 40 are provided in a striped pattern in the notch area 35, where one to several notches 40 are provided in parallel or intersecting. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to eighth embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0122] FIG. 22 is a top view schematically showing the position of the notch in the ninth embodiment. In the example of FIG. 22(a), nine notches 40a - i parallel to each other at equal intervals are provided in a striped pattern in the diagonal direction from the upper right to the lower left, that is, in the diagonal direction from the front inner instep side to the rear outer instep side, on the entire elliptical notch area 35 provided on the front foot part. In this case, while maintaining the stability in the diagonal direction of the notch 40, the shear deformation in the direction intersecting the diagonal can be promoted, thereby suppressing the torsion to the inside of the foot. As described above, the shape of the notch area 35 where the notch 40 is provided is not limited to an ellipse.

[0123] In the example of Fig. 22(b), nine cuts 40a to 40i that are parallel to each other at equal intervals are provided in a striped pattern in the diagonal direction from the upper left to the lower right on the entire surface of the elliptical cutout region 35 provided in the front foot portion, that is, in the diagonal direction from the front outer foot side to the rear inner foot side. In this case, while maintaining the stability in the diagonal direction of the cuts 40, the shear deformation in the direction intersecting the diagonal lines can be promoted, thereby suppressing the twisting of the foot to the outside. As described above, the shape of the cutout region 35 where the cuts 40 are provided is not limited to an ellipse.

[0124] In addition, in a modified example, diagonal striped cuts 40 as shown in Fig. 22 may be provided in a region other than the front foot portion. In another modified example, instead of diagonal stripes, they may be provided in vertical stripes or horizontal stripes. Also, each of the striped lines does not have to be parallel or non-intersecting, and may be curved instead of straight.

[0125] (Embodiment 10) In this embodiment, it is different from the first to ninth embodiments in that one or more cuts 40 are provided on the upper surface of the midsole 22 so as to form a predetermined shape, and the cuts 40 are provided in parallel or intersecting. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to ninth embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0126] Fig. 23 is a top view schematically showing the shape and arrangement of the cuts in the first and second examples of the tenth embodiment. In the modified example of this figure, a hexagonal cut pattern 41 is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 22. Fig. 23(a) shows a single cut pattern 41. The cut pattern 41 is formed by the ends of six cuts contacting each other so as to form a hexagon. Fig. 23(b) shows a first example in which nine cut patterns 41a to 41i are arranged in close contact with each other to form an aggregated shape. Fig. 23(c) shows a second example in which nine cut patterns 41a to 41i are arranged at intervals from each other to form a discrete shape.

[0127] By forming the notch in a hexagonal shape, impact buffering performance can be exhibited against loads in all directions. Also, by forming a plurality of hexagonal shapes in an aggregated shape, the impact buffering performance can be further enhanced. Further, by forming a plurality of hexagonal shapes in a discrete shape, both impact buffering performance and stability can be achieved.

[0128] FIG. 24 is a top view schematically showing the shape and arrangement of the notches in the third and fourth examples of the tenth embodiment. In a modification of this figure, a circular notch pattern 41 is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 22. FIG. 24(a) shows a single notch pattern 41. The notch pattern 41 is formed by looping one notch and connecting it so as to form a circle. FIG. 24(b) shows a third example in which nine notch patterns 41a to 41i are arranged in close contact with each other to form an aggregated shape. FIG. 24(c) shows a fourth example in which nine notch patterns 41a to 41i are arranged at intervals from each other to form a discrete shape.

[0129] By forming the notch in a circular shape, impact buffering performance can be exhibited against loads in all directions. Also, by forming a plurality of circular shapes in an aggregated shape, the impact buffering performance can be further enhanced. Further, by forming a plurality of circular shapes in a discrete shape, both impact buffering performance and stability can be achieved. Note that the circular shape may be not only a perfect circle but also an elliptical shape.

[0130] FIG. 25 is a top view schematically showing the shape and arrangement of the notches in the fifth to eighth examples of the tenth embodiment. In a modification of this figure, an inverted Y-shaped notch pattern 41 is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 22. FIG. 25(a) shows a single notch pattern 41. The notch pattern 41 is formed by gathering one end of each of the three notches at one point and radiating them so as to form an inverted Y shape.

[0131] FIG. 25(b) shows a fifth example in which a set shape is formed by a total of 12 cut patterns 41a to 41l obtained by connecting four cut patterns 41 in a vertical row and connecting three rows in a horizontal direction. FIG. 25(c) shows a sixth example in which a set shape is formed by a total of 12 cut patterns 41a to 41l obtained by connecting four cut patterns 41 in a vertical row and arranging them with a vertical position shift in a horizontal direction. Here, they are arranged such that the vertical positions alternate between even and odd rows.

[0132] FIG. 25(d) shows a seventh example in which a discrete shape is formed by a total of nine cut patterns 41a to 41i obtained by arranging three cut patterns 41 at regular intervals in a vertical row and arranging three rows at regular intervals in a horizontal direction. FIG. 25(e) shows an eighth example in which a discrete shape is formed by a total of nine cut patterns 41a to 41i obtained by arranging three cut patterns 41 at regular intervals in a vertical row and arranging them with a vertical position shift at regular intervals in a horizontal direction. Here, they are arranged such that the vertical positions alternate between even and odd rows.

[0133] By forming the cut in an inverted Y shape, impact buffering performance can be exhibited against loads in all directions. Further, by forming a plurality of inverted Y shapes in a set shape, the impact buffering performance can be further enhanced. Also, by forming a plurality of inverted Y shapes in a discrete shape, both impact buffering performance and stability can be achieved.

[0134] FIG. 26 is a top view schematically showing the shape and arrangement of the cuts in Examples 9 to 12 of the tenth embodiment. In a modified example of this figure, an inverted V-shaped cut pattern 41 is provided on the upper surface of the midsole 22. FIG. 26(a) shows a single cut pattern 41. The cut pattern 41 is formed by joining one end of each of the two cuts at a point and arranging them to form an inverted V shape.

[0135] Figure 26(b) shows a ninth example in which a set shape is formed by a total of ten cut patterns 41a to 41j obtained by alternately connecting three horizontally-connected rows of three cut patterns 41 and three vertically-connected rows of four horizontally-connected rows of cut patterns 41. Here, the horizontal positions are alternately shifted between even and odd rows so as to have contact points with each other. Figure 26(c) shows a tenth example in which a set shape is formed by a total of nine cut patterns 41a to 41i obtained by arranging three horizontally-connected rows of three cut patterns 41 at regular intervals in the vertical direction.

[0136] Figure 26(d) shows an eleventh example in which a discrete shape is formed by a total of ten cut patterns 41a to 41j obtained by alternately arranging rows of three cut patterns 41 arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction and rows of four cut patterns 41 arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction at regular intervals in the vertical direction. Here, the horizontal positions are alternately shifted between even and odd rows. Figure 26(e) shows a twelfth example in which a discrete shape is formed by a total of nine cut patterns 41a to 41i obtained by arranging rows of three cut patterns 41 arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction at regular intervals in the vertical direction.

[0137] By forming the cuts in an inverted V shape, impact buffering performance can be exhibited against loads in all directions. Further, by forming a plurality of inverted V shapes in a set shape, the impact buffering performance can be further enhanced. Also, by forming a plurality of inverted V shapes in a discrete shape, both impact buffering performance and stability can be achieved.

[0138] (11th Embodiment) In this embodiment, it is different from the first to tenth embodiments in that the cuts are multiplexed to form a cut pattern. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to tenth embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0139] FIG. 27 is a top view schematically showing the first to fourth examples of the notch pattern in the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 27(a) showing the first example shows a notch pattern 41 in which three circular notches 40a to 40c are concentrically nested. In this figure, a notch pattern 41 with perfect circles nested is shown, but as a modification, notches such as ellipses, polygons, and other loop shapes may be nested, or non-loop straight lines or curves may be arranged multiplicatively. In this way, by arranging the notches in a nested or multiplicative manner, notches can be provided particularly intensively at the sites where deformation is desired, thereby enhancing the impact buffering property. By changing the shape and arrangement method of such a notch pattern as in the following second to tenth examples, the notches can be unevenly distributed at the sites where deformation is desired.

[0140] In the second example shown in FIG. 27(b), a fan-shaped notch pattern 41 that extends from the area supporting the entire heel to the area supporting the outer side of the midfoot and tapers toward the outer side of the midfoot is provided. The notch pattern 41 of the second example is a pattern in which three fan-shaped notches 40 of the same shape but different sizes, namely, large, medium, and small, are nested. That is, a smaller second notch 40b is provided in the first notch 40a of the fan shape, and a smaller third notch 40c is provided in the second notch 40b, thereby forming the notch pattern 41. In the notch pattern 41, each of the first notch 40a, the second notch 40b, and the third notch 40c is slightly shifted toward the outer side of the foot so that the effect of the notch becomes larger particularly as it goes toward the outer side of the foot, and the interval between the notches on the outer side of the foot is made narrower than the interval between the notches on the inner side of the foot. Further, the intervals between the first notch 40a, the second notch 40b, and the third notch 40c on the outer side of the foot do not have to be equal, and the interval between the first notch 40a and the second notch 40b may be made narrower than the interval between the second notch 40b and the third notch 40c.

[0141] Note that each cut line shown in this figure and the following figures does not necessarily indicate the position and shape of the cut itself. Instead, it may indicate the distribution, bias, number, narrowness of the interval, shading, etc. of the cuts, such as the distribution and bias of the cut positions, the number of cuts, and the high density. For example, the number and density of cuts of various shapes and the cut pattern like that of the tenth embodiment may be increased as going towards the outer foot side, and decreased as going towards the inner foot side. Also, the shape, depth, incident angle, etc. of the cuts and the cut pattern may be changed so that the deformation of the midsole 22 increases as going towards the outer foot side and decreases as going towards the inner foot side. Also, as described above, in this figure and the following figures, all linear cuts may be solid lines, broken lines, chain lines, straight lines, or curved lines. Thereby, the impact buffering property can be enhanced by increasing the density of the cuts particularly at the site where deformation is desired.

[0142] In the third example shown in FIG. 27(c), a fan-shaped cut pattern 41 that extends from the entire heel towards the outer side of the midfoot and tapers is provided in the same region as in FIG. 27(b). However, different from the second example, in the cut pattern 41 of the third example, only the outermost first cut 40a is fan-shaped, and the inner second cut 40b and third cut 40c are in the shape of only the partial curve on the outer foot side of the fan, excluding the curve portion on the inner foot side. In this way, the cuts 40 are arranged such that the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and the inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the third example is greater than the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and the inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the second example.

[0143] In the fourth example shown in Fig. 27(d), a cut pattern 41 is provided in the same area as in Figs. 27(b) and (c), extending from the entire heel towards the outer side of the midfoot. However, unlike the third example, the outermost first cut 40a of the cut pattern 41 in the fourth example is not fan-shaped either. Similar to the inner second cut 40b and third cut 40c, it has the shape of only the partial curve on the outer foot side of the fan, excluding the curve part on the inner foot side. In this way, the cuts 40 are arranged such that the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the fourth example is greater than the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the third example.

[0144] Fig. 28 is a top view schematically showing the fifth to tenth examples of the cut pattern in the eleventh embodiment.

[0145] In the fifth example shown in Fig. 28(a), an oval cut pattern 41 extending from the entire forefoot towards the outer side of the midfoot is provided in the area from the area supporting the entire forefoot to the area supporting the outer side of the midfoot. The cut pattern 41 of the fifth example is a pattern in which three oval cuts 40 of the same shape but different sizes, namely large, medium, and small, are arranged concentrically. That is, a smaller second cut 40b is provided inside the oval first cut 40a, and a smaller third cut 40c is provided inside the second cut 40b, thereby forming the cut pattern 41. In the cut pattern 41, each of the first cut 40a, second cut 40b, and third cut 40c is slightly shifted towards the outer foot side so that the effect of the cut becomes greater towards the outer foot side. The cut pattern 41 is provided such that the interval between the cuts on the outer foot side is narrower than the interval between the cuts on the inner foot side. Also, the intervals between the first cut 40a, second cut 40b, and third cut 40c on the outer foot side do not have to be equal, and the interval between the first cut 40a and the second cut 40b may be narrower than the interval between the second cut 40b and the third cut 40c.

[0146] In the sixth example shown in FIG. 28(b), an oval cut pattern 41 extending from the entire front foot portion toward the outer foot side of the middle foot portion is provided in the same region as in FIG. 28(a). However, unlike the fifth example, in the cut pattern 41 of the sixth example, only the outermost first cut 40a is oval, and the inner second cut 40b and third cut 40c are in the shape of only the partial curve on the outer foot side of the oval, excluding the curve portion on the inner foot side. In this way, the cut 40 is arranged so that the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and the inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the sixth example is greater than the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and the inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the fifth example.

[0147] In the seventh example shown in FIG. 28(c), a cut pattern 41 is provided in the same region as in FIGS. 28(a) and (b) extending from the entire front foot portion toward the outer foot side of the middle foot portion. However, unlike the sixth example, in the cut pattern 41 of the seventh example, not only the outermost first cut 40a is not oval, but like the inner second cut 40b and third cut 40c, it is in the shape of only the partial curve on the outer foot side of the oval, excluding the curve portion on the inner foot side. In this way, the cut 40 is arranged so that the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and the inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the seventh example is greater than the difference in the effects of the cuts on the outer foot side and the inner foot side in the cut pattern 41 of the sixth example.

[0148] In the eighth example shown in FIG. 28(d), a mountain-shaped curved cut pattern 41 is provided from the center of the midfoot portion toward the inner foot side. The cut pattern 41 of the eighth example includes three parallel curved first cuts 40a, second cuts 40b, and third cuts 40c in the longitudinal direction on the inner foot side of the midfoot portion, and each central portion has a mountain-shaped curved shape that bulges toward the center side of the midfoot portion. That is, the three first cuts 40a, second cuts 40b, and third cuts 40c draw curves such that both ends are located on the front and rear inner foot sides of the midfoot portion, and the center of each is closer to the center while avoiding the inner foot side of the midfoot portion. The inner foot side of the midfoot portion mainly corresponds to the arch of the wearer. However, in the case of the eighth example, in the midfoot portion, the density of the cuts is higher on the center side than on the inner foot side, and relatively, the rigidity is greater on the inner foot side than on the center side. Thereby, an effect of suppressing the arch drop and pronation of the wearer can be expected.

[0149] In the ninth example shown in FIG. 28(e), a mountain-shaped curved cut pattern 41 is provided from the center of the midfoot portion toward the inner foot side in the same region as in FIG. 28(d). The cut pattern 41 of the ninth example has one more cut than the cut pattern 41 of the eighth example and includes four parallel curved first cuts 40a, second cuts 40b, third cuts 40c, and fourth cuts 40d in the longitudinal direction on the inner foot side of the midfoot portion. The first cuts 40a, second cuts 40b, third cuts 40c, and fourth cuts 40d each have a mountain-shaped shape in which the central portion bulges toward the center side, and are arranged such that the interval between the curves is narrower closer to the center than on the inner foot side. In the case of the ninth example, since the number of cuts is larger and the interval is narrower on the center side than on the inner foot side, the density is relatively high, and the inner foot side is relatively more rigid than the center side. Thereby, an effect of suppressing the arch drop and pronation of the wearer can be expected.

[0150] In the tenth example shown in Fig. 28(f), a mountain-shaped curved cut pattern 41 is provided in the same area as in Figs. 28(d) and (e), extending from the center of the midfoot part toward the inner foot side. The cut pattern 41 of the tenth example has one more cut than the cut pattern 41 of the ninth example, and includes five parallel curved first cuts 40a, second cuts 40b, third cuts 40c, fourth cuts 40d, and fifth cuts 40e in the longitudinal direction on the inner foot side of the midfoot part. The third cuts 40c, fourth cuts 40d, and fifth cuts 40e each have a mountain-shaped form with the central part of each rising toward the central side of the midfoot part. The first cut 40a is provided on the inner foot side closer to the forefoot part, and the second cut 40b is provided on the inner foot side closer to the heel part. In the case of the tenth example, the interval between the cuts is wider and the number of cuts is smaller on the inner foot side than on the central side, and there are fewer cuts compared to the forefoot side and the heel side, so the inner foot side is relatively more rigid. As a result, an effect of suppressing the arch drop and pronation of the wearer can be expected.

[0151] (The 12th Embodiment) In this embodiment, the incident angle of the cut provided in the midsole 22 is oblique, which is different from the first to eleventh embodiments where the incident angle of the cut is perpendicular to the upper surface or the lower surface of the midsole 22. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first to eleventh embodiments, and the description of the common points will be omitted.

[0152] Fig. 29 is an end view schematically showing the incident angles of the cuts in the first and second examples in the 12th embodiment. This figure is an end view of the midsole 22 in the foot width direction.

[0153] In the first example of Fig. 29(a), three cuts 40a to 40c are provided so as to have an incident angle that obliquely descends from the inner foot side to the outer foot side in the foot width direction. In this case, when a load is applied to the inner foot side as indicated by the arrow, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 is promoted, and the impact buffering property can be enhanced.

[0154] In the second example of Fig. 29(b), three cuts 40a to 40c are provided so as to have an incident angle that obliquely descends from the outer sole side to the inner sole side in the foot width direction. In this case, as shown by the arrow, when a load is applied to the outer sole side, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 is promoted, and the impact buffering property can be enhanced.

[0155] Fig. 30 is an end view schematically showing the incident angles of the cuts in the third and fourth examples in the twelfth embodiment. This figure is an end view of the midsole 22 in the foot length direction.

[0156] In the third example of Fig. 30(a), three cuts 40a to 40c are provided so as to have an incident angle that obliquely descends from the rear side to the front side in the foot length direction. In this case, as shown by the arrow, when a load is applied to the rear side, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 is promoted, and the impact buffering property can be enhanced.

[0157] In the fourth example of Fig. 30(b), three cuts 40a to 40c are provided so as to have an incident angle that obliquely descends from the front side to the rear side in the foot length direction. In this case, as shown by the arrow, when a load is applied to the front side, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 is promoted, and the impact buffering property can be enhanced.

[0158] Fig. 31 is a top view schematically showing the incident angle of the cut in the fifth example in the twelfth embodiment. In the fifth example, in the cut region 35a, which is the region from the front part of the outer sole side to the middle part of the outer sole side of the midsole 22, a cut 40 is provided so as to have an incident angle that obliquely descends from the front side to the rear side in the foot length direction, as in the fourth example of Fig. 30(b). Thereby, on the outer sole side, when a load in the landing direction, that is, a load to the front side shown by the arrow 62, is applied, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 is promoted, and the impact buffering property can be enhanced.

[0159] On one hand, in the cutout region 35b, which is the region from the inner-foot front-foot part to the inner-foot middle-foot part of the midsole 22, a cut 40 is provided so as to have an incident angle that obliquely descends from the rear side in the foot length direction and goes forward as shown in the third example of FIG. 30(a). Thereby, on the inner-foot side, when the load direction at the time of kicking, that is, the load to the rear side indicated by the arrow 64 is applied, the shear deformation of the midsole 22 is promoted, and the impact buffering property can be enhanced.

[0160] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications are possible for each combination of these components and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0161] 10 Shoe, 12 Upper, 20 Sole, 22 Midsole, 32 Heel Region, 34 Front-Foot Region, 40 Cut, 60 Foot.

Claims

1. A sole including a midsole formed by laminating a plurality of resin members, and having a bottom surface serving as a grounding portion, and an upper joined to the sole. The midsole has at least one linear cut provided on the upper surface of the midsole and having a depth from a first height position to a second height position in the thickness direction, and both the first height position and the second height position are located above the bottom surface. A shoe characterized by this.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the cut is provided in a region biased toward at least one of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the midsole.

3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cut is provided in a region biased toward either an outer foot region or an inner foot region of the midsole.

4. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cut is provided in a region where the load applied during wearing is relatively small compared to other regions, or in a region excluding a region where the load is relatively large.

5. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cut is provided at a plurality of discrete locations in a linear shape of a predetermined shape.

6. The shoe according to either claim 2 or 3, wherein the cut is provided at a plurality of locations having a space from each other so that the density is different between the biased region and other regions.

7. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cut is formed so that the depth varies according to the difference in the distance to the end of the midsole.

8. The notch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the notch is formed in an oblique direction from the front of the inner foot part to the rear of the outer foot part, or from the front of the outer foot part to the rear of the inner foot part.

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