Sole structure and shoes equipped with the same

Abstract

To secure rigidity of a sole structure, and also to prevent flexibility of the sole structure from being deteriorated.SOLUTION: A sole structure 1 includes a plate 19 which is arranged by lamination between an outsole 2 and a midsole 5 and is made of a material whose rigidity is higher than those of the outsole 2 and the midsole 5. The plate 19 includes: a plurality of slits 20; and a plurality of mobile parts (mobile parts 31-37) sectioned by virtual lines along extending directions of the respective slits 20. The respective mobile parts are mutually independent to be moved in a thickness direction of the sole structure 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sole structure and shoes provided therewith.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a sole structure applicable to trail running is known as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a sole structure including an outsole (outsole 7), a midsole (comfort sole 9) disposed on the upper surface side of the outsole, and a plate (shell 13) disposed on the upper surface side of the midsole. The plate is made of plastic or a composite material. The plate is disposed from a position corresponding to the toe portion of the wearer's foot to a position corresponding to the heel portion in the sole structure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the sole structure of Patent Document 1, the rigidity of the sole structure is enhanced by a plate made of plastic or a composite material. As a result, the foot of a person wearing shoes to which the above sole structure is applied (hereinafter referred to as "wearer") is stably supported. Further, in the above sole structure, when the wearer's foot contacts the ground or an uneven road surface (hereinafter referred to as "ground etc."), for example, when the wearer steps on a stone on the ground etc., the plate can suppress the upward impact on the foot by the rigidity of the plate.

[0006] However, in the sole structure provided with the above plate, while the rigidity is improved, the flexibility tends to decrease. As a result, in the above sole structure, the movement of each joint in the wearer's foot is restricted more than necessary, which may prevent the flexible movement of the foot. In particular, in a sport such as walking or running on the ground (e.g., trail lining), if the flexible movement of the wearer's foot is hindered, the load on each joint of the foot will increase. As a result, in trail lining where the competition time is relatively long, the load on each joint will continue for a long time, which may cause pain to the wearer's foot.

[0007] On the other hand, in order to increase the flexibility of the sole structure, it is conceivable to omit the above plate from the sole structure of Patent Document 1, for example. However, in the configuration in which the above plate is omitted from the above sole structure, the required rigidity of the sole structure cannot be obtained. As a result, it becomes difficult to stably support the wearer's foot. Further, in the configuration in which the above plate is omitted, even if the midsole has a sufficient thickness, it is difficult to suppress the impact caused by the upward push during grounding.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to ensure the rigidity of the sole structure and not to impair the flexibility of the sole structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To achieve the above object, the first disclosure relates to a sole structure of shoes. This sole structure includes an outsole, a midsole laminated and disposed on the upper side of the outsole, and a plate laminated between the outsole and the midsole and made of a material with higher rigidity than the outsole and the midsole. The plate is notched so as to extend in a first direction from the peripheral edge of the plate, or has a plurality of cut portions notched so as to extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the peripheral edge of the plate, and a plurality of movable portions defined by virtual lines along the extending direction of each of the plurality of cut portions. And each of the plurality of movable portions is configured to be movable independently of each other in the thickness direction of the sole structure. The first direction corresponds to the foot width direction of the sole structure, while the second direction corresponds to the foot length direction of the sole structure. The plurality of cut portions include a plurality of first cut portions notched to extend in the first direction and a plurality of second cut portions notched to extend in the second direction. The plurality of first cut portions include a plurality of first cut portions disposed on the inner armor side of the plate and a plurality of first cut portions disposed on the outer armor side of the plate. The plurality of second cut portions include at least one second cut portion disposed on the front side of the plate and at least one second cut portion disposed on the rear side of the plate.

[0010] In the first disclosure, the rigidity of the sole structure is enhanced by the plate laminated between the outsole and the midsole. Thereby, it becomes possible to stably support the wearer's foot. Also, it becomes possible to suppress the upward impact generated at the time of grounding by the rigidity of the plate.

[0011] Further, due to the plurality of cut portions, in the plate, at the portion where the virtual line along the extending direction of the cut portion is located, the rigidity of the plate is locally suppressed. Thereby, in the plate, the portion where the virtual line is located is likely to bend. For example, when an upward impact (upward external pressure) is applied to any part of the plurality of movable parts, the portion where the virtual line partitioning the part bends.

[0012] And a plurality of movable parts are configured to move independently of each other in the thickness direction of the sole structure. With such a configuration, the flexibility of the sole structure is not impaired. As a result, the movement of each joint in the wearer's foot is less likely to be restricted, and each movable part follows the flexible movement of the wearer's foot. Thereby, for example, in trail running shoes where the competition time is relatively long, the load on each joint of the wearer's foot can be suppressed so as not to hurt the wearer's foot. Furthermore, since the same rigidity as that of the plate is ensured also in the plurality of movable parts, it is possible to suppress the impact of pushing up at the time of landing in each movable part.

[0013] Therefore, in the first disclosure, it is possible to ensure the rigidity of the sole structure and not to impair the flexibility of the sole structure.

[0014] Also, in the first disclosure, the first direction corresponds to the foot width direction of the sole structure, while the second direction corresponds to the foot length direction of the sole structure. Therefore, the sole structure can be bent in the foot width direction and the foot length direction.

[0015] Furthermore , in the first disclosure, the plurality of cut portions are notched so as to extend in the first direction a plurality of a first cut portion and a second cut portion notched so as to extend in the second direction a plurality of are included. Thereby , it becomes possible to subdivide the plurality of movable parts. As a result , the followability to the flexible movement of the wearer's foot can be further enhanced.

[0016] the second The disclosure is that, in the first disclosure, the midsole has a plurality of groove portions arranged on the upper surface side of the midsole. And each of the plurality of groove portions extends along the first direction or the second direction.

[0017] The 2 disclosure is that, in the first disclosure, it becomes possible to bend the midsole according to the movement in each of the plurality of movable parts. Thereby, the flexibility of the sole structure can be prevented from being impaired.

[0018] The3 The disclosure of 2 in the disclosure, the plurality of groove portions include at least one first groove portion formed to extend in a first direction and at least one second groove portion formed to extend in a second direction.

[0019] The 3 disclosure makes the midsole easily bendable according to the operation of each of the plurality of movable parts. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the flexibility of the sole structure from being impaired. 。

[0020] the fourth The disclosure of (However, excluding the protrusion disposed across the movable portions adjacent to each other in the first direction and the second cut portion located on the front side of the plate.) in the first disclosure, the outsole has an outsole body and a plurality of protrusions protruding downward from the outsole body. And each of the plurality of movable parts is arranged so as to overlap each of the plurality of protrusions in the thickness direction of the sole structure.

[0021] This 4 disclosure enables the operation of each movable part not to be hindered by each protrusion and can enhance the traction of the outsole by each protrusion.

[0022] The 5 disclosure of 4 in the disclosure, the plurality of cut portions include at least one first cut portion notched to extend in a first direction and at least one second cut portion notched to extend in a second direction. . That Thus, each of the plurality of protrusions is arranged so as not to overlap the first cut portion in a bottom view.

[0023] This 5 disclosure can prevent the flexibility of the sole structure from being impaired.

[0024] The 6In the first disclosure, the plate is disposed in the sole structure in a range extending from the position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch.

[0025] No. 6 In the disclosure of No., in the range of the sole structure extending from the position corresponding to the center of the arch of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the toe tip, rigidity can be ensured and flexibility can be maintained.

[0026] No. 7 The disclosure of No. is the disclosure of No. 2 In which a plurality of grooves are disposed in the midsole in a range extending from the position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch.

[0027] No. 7 In the disclosure of No., in the range of the sole structure extending from the position corresponding to the center of the arch of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the toe tip, flexibility can be maintained.

[0028] No. 8 The disclosure of No. is a shoe provided with any one of the sole structures of No. 1 to No. 7

[0029] No. 8 In the disclosure of No., shoes having the same effects as the disclosures of No. 1 to No. 7 can be obtained.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the rigidity of the sole structure can be obtained and the flexibility of the sole structure can be maintained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of the embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0033] (Sole structure) FIG. 1 shows the overall sole structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A shoe S provided with an upper 10 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) or the like on this sole structure 1 is mainly applicable to a trail lining for walking or running on the ground or an uneven road surface (hereinafter referred to as "ground etc."). Note that the shoe S provided with the sole structure 1 is also applicable to ball games or various competitions performed on soil or grass. Note that the above "ground" includes a sand field, a grass field, a rocky field, a wetland, and the like.

[0034] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sole structure 1 is exemplified only for the right foot. The sole structure for the left foot is configured to be symmetric with the sole structure for the right foot about the left - right axis. In the following description, only the sole structure for the right foot will be described, and the description of the sole structure for the left foot will be omitted.

[0035] In the following description, "up" and "down" shown in each figure represent the positional relationship in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the sole structure 1. Also, "inner - armor side" and "outer - armor side" shown in each figure represent the positional relationship in the foot - width direction of the sole structure 1. Further, in the following description, "first direction D1" corresponds to the foot - width direction of the sole structure 1, and "second direction D2" corresponds to the foot - length direction of the sole structure 1.

[0036] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, in the sole structure 1, the range corresponding to the forefoot of the wearer's foot is indicated by the symbol F, the range corresponding to the midfoot of the wearer's foot is indicated by the symbol M, and the range corresponding to the hindfoot of the wearer's foot is indicated by the symbol H. Note that in FIGS. 4 to 6, for the sake of simplicity of illustration, the illustration of the symbols F, M, and H is omitted.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the sole structure 1 includes an outsole 2 and a midsole 5.

[0038] (Outsole) As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the outsole 2 is disposed corresponding to the range from the front foot portion F to the rear foot portion H of the wearer in the sole structure 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the outsole 2 is laminated and disposed below the midsole 5.

[0039] The outsole 2 is made of a hard elastic material having a higher hardness than the midsole 5. Specifically, as the material of the outsole 2, for example, thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU), rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber, or foam materials obtained by foaming them are suitable. The hardness of the outsole 2 is preferably set to, for example, 50A to 80A (more preferably 60A to 70A) in a durometer C or A.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outsole 2 includes an outsole body 3. The outsole body 3 has a substantially plate shape. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the outsole body 3 is laminated and disposed below the midsole 5 (specifically, the first midsole portion 6 described later).

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outsole 2 has a plurality of protrusions 4. The plurality of protrusions 4 are arranged at intervals in the surface direction of the lower surface of the outsole body 3.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, each protrusion 4 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the outsole body 3. The lower surface of each protrusion 4 is configured as a ground contact surface that can be grounded to the ground or the like.

[0043] (Midsole) The midsole 5 is laminated and disposed on the upper side of the outsole 2 (see FIG. 11). An upper 10 (FIGS. 5 and 6) for covering the foot of the wearer is provided on the midsole 5.

[0044] The midsole 5 is formed of a soft elastic material having lower rigidity than the outsole 2. Specifically, as the material of the midsole 5, for example, thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and their foams, thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU) and their foams, rubbers such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber and their foams, etc. are suitable. The hardness of the midsole 5 is preferably set in the range of, for example, 15C to 65C on the Asker C scale.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the midsole 5 is composed of a first midsole part 6 and a second midsole part 9. Each of the first midsole part 6 and the second midsole part 9 may be composed of a soft elastic material of the same material, or may be composed of soft elastic materials of different materials.

[0046] The first midsole part 6 is disposed corresponding to the range from the forefoot part F to the hindfoot part H of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. The first midsole part 6 is laminated and disposed on the upper side of the outsole 2 (see FIGS. 11 to 14). The lower surface of the first midsole part 6 faces the upper surface of the outsole 2 (the upper surface of the outsole body 3).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, a lower accommodation part 7 for accommodating a plate 19 described later is formed on the lower surface of the first midsole part 6. The lower accommodation part 7 has substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the plate 19 (see FIG. 9) in plan view. The lower accommodation part 7 is disposed at a position corresponding to the forefoot part F and the midfoot part M of the wearer's foot on the lower side in the first midsole part 6 in plan view. The lower accommodation part 7 is formed to be recessed upward from the lower surface of the first midsole part 6.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7, an upper accommodation portion 8 for accommodating the second midsole portion 9 is formed above the first midsole portion 6. The upper accommodation portion 8 has substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the second midsole portion 9 in plan view. The upper accommodation portion 8 is disposed at positions corresponding to the midfoot portion M and the hindfoot portion H of the wearer's foot on the upper side of the first midsole portion 6 in plan view. The upper accommodation portion 8 is formed so as to be recessed downward from the upper surface of the first midsole portion 6 (see Fig. 11).

[0049] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the second midsole portion 9 is laminated and disposed above the first midsole portion 6. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the second midsole portion 9 is fixed to the upper accommodation portion 8 by an adhesive or the like in a state of being accommodated in the upper accommodation portion 8 of the first midsole portion 6.

[0050] The upper surface of the first midsole portion 6 and the upper surface of the second midsole portion 9 are configured as a sole support surface for supporting the sole of the wearer's foot. This sole support surface may be configured to directly support the sole of the wearer's foot, or may be configured to support the sole of the wearer's foot via an insole (not shown) or the like.

[0051] (Flexure region) As shown in Fig. 1, the midsole 5 has a flexure region 11. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the flexure region 11 is disposed on the upper surface side of the first midsole portion 6. The flexure region 11 is disposed at positions corresponding to the forefoot portion F and the midfoot portion M of the wearer's foot in the midsole 5. Specifically, the flexure region 11 is disposed in a range extending from the position corresponding to the toe tip portion of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch in the midsole 5 (see Fig. 8).

[0052] (Groove portion) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the midsole 5 has a plurality of groove portions 12. The plurality of groove portions 12 are arranged in the bending region 11 of the midsole 5. Each groove portion 12 is formed in a bottomed shape downward from the upper surface of the first midsole portion 6 (see FIGS. 11 to 13). That is, the portion located on the bottom side of each groove portion 12 in the first midsole portion 6 is formed to be relatively thin in a cross-sectional view. Thereby, the portion located on the bottom side of each groove portion 12 is easily bent.

[0053] The plurality of groove portions 12 are composed of a plurality of first groove portions 13 and a plurality of second groove portions 14. Each first groove portion 13 is formed to extend in a first direction D1. That is, each first groove portion 13 extends in substantially the same direction as the first cut portions 21a to 21e described later. On the other hand, each second groove portion 14 is formed to extend in a second direction D2. That is, each second groove portion 14 extends in substantially the same direction as the second cut portions 22a and 22b described later.

[0054] In the bending region 11, a convex portion 15 is formed in a portion surrounded by adjacent first groove portions 13, 13 and adjacent second groove portions 14, 14. The convex portion 15 is formed to have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The convex portion 15 protrudes upward from the bottom side of the groove portion 12 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The upper surface of each convex portion 15 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the midsole 5 (the above-described sole support surface).

[0055] The convex portion 15 is integrally formed with the first midsole portion 6 and is made of the same soft elastic material as the first midsole portion 6. That is, the convex portion 15 is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0056] Here, for example, when the wearer's foot touches the ground or the like (hereinafter referred to as "when grounded"), if a pushing-up (hereinafter referred to as "pushing-up") of the sole structure 1 occurs when the wearer steps on a stone on the ground or the like, the portion located on the bottom side of each groove portion 12 in the bending region 11 (the first midsole portion 6) bends, and the adjacent convex portions 15, 15 approach or separate from each other. As a result, in the bending region 11, the flexibility of the sole structure 1 when grounded is enhanced.

[0057] Also, when pushing-up occurs when grounded, each convex portion 15 is likely to receive a vertical pressure in a state of being sandwiched between the ground and the sole surface of the wearer's foot. At this time, each convex portion 15 elastically deforms such that the wall surfaces of the adjacent convex portions 15, 15 approach each other toward the groove portion 12 side. Due to such elastic deformation of the convex portion 15, it becomes possible to relieve the impact caused by the pushing-up that occurs when grounded in the forefoot portion F and the midfoot portion M of the wearer's foot. That is, in the bending region 11 of the midsole 5, the cushioning property of the sole structure 1 is enhanced.

[0058] (Plate) As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the sole structure 1 includes a plate 19. The plate 19 is a member for enhancing the rigidity of the sole structure 1 mainly in the range from the forefoot portion F to the midfoot portion M of the wearer's foot.

[0059] The plate 19 is laminated and disposed between the outsole 2 and the midsole 5 (see FIGS. 11 to 14). Specifically, the plate 19 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the lower accommodation portion 7 and the outsole body 3 by an adhesive or the like in a state of being accommodated in the lower accommodation portion 7 of the first midsole portion 6. In FIGS. 11 to 14, the plate 19 is shown by dot hatching in order to distinguish it from other components.

[0060] The plate 19 is disposed at positions corresponding to the front part F and the middle part M of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. Specifically, the plate 19 is disposed in the sole structure 1 in a range extending from the position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the peripheral edges of the inner and outer sides of the plate 19 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0061] The plate 19 is configured as a thin layer having higher rigidity than the midsole 5 and the outsole 2. The plate 19 is preferably made of a rigid elastic material. Examples of the rigid elastic material include thermoplastic resins such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide elastomer (PAE), and ABS resin, or thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin and unsaturated polyester resin, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA). In addition, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) using carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass fiber, etc. as reinforcing fibers and a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin as a matrix resin may be used.

[0062] (Cutting portion) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plate 19 has a plurality of cutting portions 20. In this embodiment, the plurality of cutting portions 20 are composed of first cutting portions 21a to 21e and second cutting portions 22a and 22b.

[0063] The first cutting portions 21a to 21e are notched so as to extend in a first direction D1 from the peripheral edge of the plate 19 in the plane direction of the plate 19. Specifically, the first cutting portions 21a to 21e extend in a substantially strip shape along the foot width direction of the sole structure 1. Each of the first cutting portions 21a to 21e is formed such that its tip end portion is substantially arc-shaped. With this shape, stress is less likely to concentrate at the tip end portions of the first cutting portions 21a to 21e.

[0064] The first cut portions 21a and 21b are disposed on the inner armor side of the plate 19. The first cut portions 21a and 21b are spaced apart in the second direction D2 (the toe-to-heel direction). The first cut portion 21a is disposed at a position corresponding to the joint between the proximal phalanx of the first metatarsal bone PP1 and the distal phalanx of the first midfoot bone MT1 of the wearer's foot (i.e., the MP joint of the foot indicated by "reference MP" in FIG. 10) in the sole structure 1. The first cut portion 21b is disposed at a position corresponding to approximately the center in the toe-to-heel direction of the first midfoot bone MT1 of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1.

[0065] The first cut portions 21c, 21d, and 21e are disposed on the outer armor side of the plate 19. The first cut portions 21c, 21d, and 21e are spaced apart in the second direction D2 (the toe-to-heel direction). The first cut portion 21c is disposed at a position corresponding to the joint between the proximal phalanx of the fourth distal phalanx DP4 and the distal phalanx of the fourth middle phalanx IP4 of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. The first cut portion 21d is disposed at a position corresponding to the distal phalanx of the fifth metatarsal bone PP5 of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. The first cut portion 21e is disposed in the vicinity of a position corresponding to the distal phalanx of the fifth midfoot bone MT5 of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1.

[0066] The second cut portions 22a and 22b are notched so as to extend from the peripheral edge of the plate 19 in the second direction D2 in the plane direction of the plate 19. Specifically, each of the second cut portions 22a and 22b extends in a substantially strip shape along the toe-to-heel direction of the sole structure 1. Each of the second cut portions 22a and 22b is formed such that its tip end portion is substantially arc-shaped. Due to this shape, stress is less likely to concentrate at the tip end portion of each of the second cut portions 22a and 22b.

[0067] The second cut portion 22a is disposed on the front side (the toe side) of the plate 19. The second cut portion 22a is disposed at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the second middle phalanx IP2 and the distal phalanx of the second metatarsal bone PP2 of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1.

[0068] The second cut portion 22b is disposed on the rear side (arch side) of the plate 19. In the sole structure 1, the second cut portion 22b is disposed at a position corresponding mainly to the proximal phalanges of the second metatarsal bone MT2 and the third metatarsal bone MT3 of the wearer's foot.

[0069] (Movable part) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plate 19 has a plurality of movable parts. In this embodiment, the plurality of movable parts are constituted by the movable parts 31 to 37.

[0070] Each of the movable parts 31 to 37 is partitioned by virtual lines (VL1 to VL7 illustrated in FIG. 9) along the extending direction of each cut portion 20. And each of the movable parts 31 to 37 is configured to be movable independently of each other in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the sole structure 1).

[0071] The movable part 31 is partitioned by a virtual line VL1 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21a and a virtual line VL6 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22a. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 31 is disposed so as to include positions corresponding mainly to the distal phalanx DP1 and the proximal phalanx PP1 of the wearer's foot.

[0072] The movable part 32 is partitioned by a virtual line VL1 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21a, a virtual line VL2 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21b, and a virtual line VL6 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22a. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 32 is disposed so as to include positions corresponding mainly to the first metatarsal bone MT1 and the second metatarsal bone MT2 of the wearer's foot.

[0073] The movable part 33 is partitioned by a virtual line VL2 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21b and a virtual line VL7 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22b. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 33 is disposed so as to include positions corresponding mainly to the first metatarsal bone MT1 and the second metatarsal bone MT2 of the wearer's foot.

[0074] The movable part 34 is demarcated by a virtual line VL3 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21c and a virtual line VL6 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22a. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 34 is arranged to mainly include positions corresponding to the third phalanx bone DP3, the fourth phalanx bone DP4, the second and third middle phalanx bones IP2, IP3, and the second proximal phalanx bone PP2 of the wearer's foot.

[0075] The movable part 35 is demarcated by a virtual line VL3 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21c, a virtual line VL4 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21d, and a virtual line VL6 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22a. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 35 is arranged to mainly include positions corresponding to the fifth phalanx bone DP5, the fourth middle phalanx bone IP4, the second to fifth proximal phalanx bones PP2 to PP5, and the second middle metatarsal bone MT2 of the wearer's foot.

[0076] The movable part 36 is demarcated by a virtual line VL4 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21d, a virtual line VL5 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21e, and a virtual line VL6 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22a. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 36 is arranged to mainly include positions corresponding to the fifth proximal phalanx bone PP5 and each of the third to fifth middle metatarsal bones MT3 to MT5 of the wearer's foot.

[0077] The movable part 37 is demarcated by a virtual line VL5 along the extending direction of the first cut portion 21e and a virtual line VL7 along the extending direction of the second cut portion 22b. In the sole structure 1, the movable part 37 is arranged to mainly include positions corresponding to each of the third to fifth middle metatarsal bones MT3 to MT5 of the wearer's foot.

[0078] (Positional relationship between the movable part and the protrusion part) As shown in FIG. 10, each of the movable parts 31 to 37 is arranged so as to overlap with each of the protrusions 4 in the thickness direction of the sole structure 1. And each of the protrusions 4 is arranged so as not to overlap with each of the first cut portions 21a to 21e in a bottom view. Further, each of the protrusions 4 is arranged so as not to overlap with the second cut portion 22b in a bottom view. In FIG. 10, for the sake of simplifying the illustration, the illustration of the protrusions 4 that do not overlap with each of the movable parts 31 to 37 is omitted.

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 14, at the position corresponding to the front part of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1, the protrusions 4 located on the inner armor side are arranged so as to overlap with the movable parts 32 and 33 in the thickness direction of the sole structure 1. Also, the protrusions 4 located on the inner armor side are arranged at intervals so as not to overlap with the first cut portion 21a and the first cut portion 21b.

[0080] [Operation and Effect of Embodiment] As described above, in the sole structure 1, the rigidity of the sole structure 1 is enhanced by the plate 19 laminated between the outsole 2 and the midsole 5. Thereby, it becomes possible to stably support the wearer's foot. Also, in the sole structure 1, it is possible to suppress the pushing-up impact generated at the time of grounding by the rigidity of the plate 19.

[0081] Also, the plate 19 has a plurality of cut portions 20 and movable parts 31 to 37 partitioned by virtual lines extending along the extending direction of each cut portion 20. Due to the plurality of cut portions 20, in the plate 19, at the portion where the virtual line located along the extending direction of the cut portion 20 is located, the rigidity of the plate 19 is locally suppressed. Thereby, in the plate 19, the portion where the virtual line is located is easily bent. For example, when an impact due to pushing up (external pressure in the vertical direction) is applied to any part of the movable parts 31 to 37, the portion where the virtual line partitioning the part is located is bent.

[0082] The movable parts 31 to 37 are configured to be movable independently of each other in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the sole structure 1). With such a configuration, the flexibility of the sole structure 1 is not impaired. As a result, the movement of each joint in the wearer's foot is less likely to be restricted, and each of the movable parts 31 to 37 follows the flexible movement of the wearer's foot. Thereby, for example, in a trail running shoe with a relatively long competition time, the load on each joint of the wearer's foot can be suppressed so as not to hurt the wearer's foot. Furthermore, since the same rigidity as that of the plate 19 is ensured also in the movable parts 31 to 37, it is possible to suppress the pushing-up impact at the time of landing in each of the movable parts 31 to 37.

[0083] Therefore, in the sole structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure rigidity and not impair flexibility.

[0084] Also, the plurality of cut portions 20 include first cut portions 21a to 21e extending along the first direction D1 and second cut portions 22a and 22b extending along the second direction D2. According to such a configuration, it is possible to subdivide a plurality of movable parts as in the movable parts 31 to 37 illustrated in FIG. 9. Thereby, the followability to the flexible movement of the wearer's foot can be further enhanced.

[0085] Further, the midsole 5 may have a plurality of groove portions 12 formed on the upper surface of the midsole 5. The plurality of groove portions 12 include a plurality of first groove portions 13 extending along the first direction D1 and a plurality of second groove portions 14 extending along the second direction D2. That is, each first groove portion 13 extends along the same direction as the extending direction of each of the first cut portions 21a to 21e, while each second groove portion 14 extends along the same direction as the extending direction of each of the second cut portions 22a and 22b. According to such a configuration, it is possible to bend the midsole 5 according to the operation in each of the movable parts 31 to 37. Thereby, it is possible not to impair the flexibility of the sole structure 1.

[0086] Also, like in this embodiment, while the first direction D1 extends along the foot width direction of the sole structure 1, the second direction D2 may extend along the foot length direction of the sole structure 1. That is, in this embodiment, while the first cut portions 21a to 21e and each first groove portion 13 extend along the foot width direction, the second cut portions 22a, 22b and each second groove portion 14 extend along the foot length direction. According to such a configuration, the plate 19 and the midsole 5 can be bent in the foot width direction and the foot length direction.

[0087] Also, each of the movable portions 31 to 37 is arranged so as to overlap with each of the protrusions 4 in the thickness direction of the sole structure 1. According to such a configuration, each of the protrusions 4 can easily move in the vertical direction following the bending operation of the plate 19 at the position of the virtual line. For this reason, the operation of each of the movable portions 31 to 37 is not hindered by each of the protrusions 4, and the traction of the outsole 2 by each of the protrusions 4 can be enhanced.

[0088] Furthermore, each of the protrusions 4 is arranged so as not to overlap with each of the first cut portions 21a to 21e in a bottom view. According to such a configuration, each of the protrusions 4 does not prevent the bending operation starting from the portion where each of the virtual lines VL1 to VL5 is located on the plate 19. As a result, the vertical movement in each of the movable portions 31 to 37 is not hindered, and each of the movable portions 31 to 37 follows the flexible movement of the wearer's foot. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexibility of the sole structure 1 can be prevented from being impaired.

[0089] Furthermore, the protrusion 4 located closer to the center of the arch and the second cut portion 22b may be arranged so as not to overlap. Thereby, the protrusion 4 located closer to the center of the arch does not prevent the bending operation starting from the portion where the virtual line VL7 is located on the plate 19. As a result, in particular, the vertical movement in each of the movable portions 33, 37 is not hindered, and each of the movable portions 33, 37 can easily follow the flexible movement of the wearer's foot.

[0090] Also preferably, the plate 19 is disposed in the sole structure 1 in a range extending from the position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch. Similarly, preferably, the plurality of groove portions 12 are disposed in the midsole 5 in a range extending from the position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the flexibility of the sole structure 1 in the range from the position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to the position corresponding to the center of the arch from being impaired. Further, generally, in the structure of the human foot, the MP joint is included in the range from the toe tip to the center of the arch. Therefore, by disposing the plate 19 and the plurality of groove portions 12 as described above, the load on the MP joint of the wearer's foot is suppressed. As a result, for example, in trail running shoes with a relatively long competition time, it is less likely to cause pain to the wearer's foot.

[0091] [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, the form in which the plate 19 is housed in the lower housing portion 7 of the first midsole portion 6 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the plate 19 may be housed in a housing portion (not shown) provided on the upper surface side of the outsole 2. Alternatively, without providing the lower housing portion 7 in the first midsole portion 6, the plate 19 may be laminated and disposed between the upper surface of the outsole 2 and the lower surface of the first midsole portion 6.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the form in which the plurality of groove portions 12 are constituted by the plurality of first groove portions 13 and the plurality of second groove portions 14 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the plurality of groove portions 12 may be constituted by only the plurality of first groove portions 13 (or only at least one first groove portion 13). Alternatively, the plurality of groove portions 12 may be constituted by only the plurality of second groove portions 14 (or only at least one second groove portion 14).

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, a form is shown in which the plurality of cut portions 20 are constituted by the first cut portions 21a to 21e and the second cut portions 22a and 22b. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the plurality of cut portions 20 may be constituted by only the first cut portions 21a to 21e (or only any one of the first cut portions 21a to 21e). Alternatively, the plurality of cut portions 20 may be constituted by only the second cut portions 22a and 22b (or only any one of the second cut portions 22a and 22b). That is, if the plate 19 has the first cut portions 21a to 21e or the second cut portions 22a and 22b, a plurality of movable portions can be provided.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, a form is shown in which each protrusion 4 is arranged so as not to overlap with each cut portion 20 in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. That is, each protrusion 4 may partially overlap with each cut portion 20.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, a form is shown in which the "first direction D1" corresponds to the width direction of the sole structure 1 and the "second direction D2" corresponds to the length direction of the sole structure 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. That is, each of the "first direction D1" and the "second direction D2" may be set to be a direction intersecting each of the width direction and the length direction of the sole.

[0096] Further, in the above-described embodiment, in FIG. 13, a state in which the protrusion 4 located on the toe side and the second cut portion 22a overlap in the vertical direction is illustrated. However, as shown in FIG. 15, the protrusion 4 located on the toe side and the second cut portion 22a may be arranged so as not to overlap in the vertical direction. If the protrusion 4 located on the toe side is arranged as shown in FIG. 15, the protrusion 4 does not prevent the bending operation of the plate 19 starting from the portion where the virtual line VL6 is located. As a result, in particular, the vertical movement of each of the movable portions 31 and 34 is not hindered, and each of the movable portions 31 and 34 can easily follow the flexible movement of the wearer's foot.

[0097] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments only, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

[0098] The present disclosure can be industrially applied, for example, as a sole structure of shoes suitable for trail line running and shoes equipped with the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0099] S: Shoes 1: Sole structure 2: Outsole 3: Outsole body 4: Protrusion 5: Midsole 6: First midsole part 7: Lower accommodation part 8: Upper accommodation part 9: Second midsole part 10: Upper 11: Bending region 12: Groove part 13: First groove part 14: Second groove part 15: Convex part 19: Plate 20: Notch part 21a~22e: First notch part 22a,22b: Second notch part 31~37: Movable part D1: First direction D2: Second direction VL1~VL7: Virtual line

Claims

1. In a sole structure of a shoe, an outsole, a midsole laminated and disposed on the upper side of the outsole, and a plate laminated between the outsole and the midsole and made of a material having higher rigidity than the outsole and the midsole, wherein the plate has a plurality of cut portions cut so as to extend in a first direction from a peripheral edge portion of the plate, or cut so as to extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the peripheral edge portion of the plate, and a plurality of movable portions defined by virtual lines along the extending direction of each of the plurality of cut portions, each of the plurality of movable portions is configured to be movable independently of each other in the thickness direction of the sole structure, the first direction corresponds to the foot width direction of the sole structure, while the second direction corresponds to the foot length direction of the sole structure, wherein the plurality of cut portions include a plurality of first cut portions cut so as to extend in the first direction, and a plurality of second cut portions cut so as to extend in the second direction, the plurality of first cut portions include a plurality of the first cut portions disposed on the inner armor side of the plate and a plurality of the first cut portions disposed on the outer armor side of the plate, and the plurality of second cut portions include at least one of the second cut portions disposed on the front side of the plate and at least one of the second cut portions disposed on the rear side of the plate, a sole structure.

2. In the sole structure according to claim 1, the midsole has a plurality of groove portions disposed on the upper surface side of the midsole, each of the plurality of groove portions extends along the first direction or the second direction, a sole structure.

3. In the sole structure according to claim 2, the plurality of groove portions include at least one first groove portion formed so as to extend in the first direction, and at least one second groove portion formed so as to extend in the second direction, a sole structure.

4. In the sole structure according to claim 1, the outsole has an outsole body, and a plurality of protrusions protruding downward from the outsole body. Each of the plurality of movable parts is arranged so as to overlap each of the plurality of protrusions in the thickness direction of the sole structure (however, excluding the protrusions arranged across the movable part adjacent to each other in the first direction and the second cutout part located on the front side of the plate). The sole structure.

5. In the sole structure according to claim 4, The plurality of cutout parts are At least one first cutout part cut out so as to extend in the first direction, and At least one second cutout part cut out so as to extend in the second direction, and includes a sole structure. Each of the plurality of protrusions is arranged so as not to overlap the first cutout part in a bottom view. The sole structure.

6. In the sole structure according to claim 1, The plate is arranged in a range from a position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to a position corresponding to the center of the arch in the sole structure. The sole structure.

7. In the sole structure according to claim 2, The plurality of groove parts are arranged in a range from a position corresponding to the toe tip of the wearer's foot to a position corresponding to the center of the arch in the midsole. The sole structure.

8. A shoe provided with the sole structure according to claim 1.

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