Soles and shoes

Abstract

A shoe sole (100A) includes a sole main portion (110), and a reinforcing structure portion (120) made up of a first reinforcing member (120A) and a second reinforcing member (120B) that are made of different members from each other. The first reinforcing member (120A) includes a first bar (122A), and the second reinforcing member (120B) includes a second bar (122B). The first bar (122A) is located on an inner-foot side from the second bar (122B). A portion of the first bar (122A) that is located in a midfoot portion (R2) extends obliquely crossing in both a front-rear direction and a left-right direction, such that a front end thereof is located on an outer-foot side and a rear end thereof is located on the inner-foot side, and a portion of the second bar (122B) that is located in the midfoot portion (R2) extends crossing in the left-right direction, such that a front end thereof is located on the outer-foot side. The portion of the first bar (122A) that is located in the midfoot portion (R2), and the portion of the second bar (122B) that is located in the midfoot portion (R2), are located across a distance therebetween, at least at a part thereof.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe sole having a reinforcing structure provided on a sole body, and a shoe including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, shoes used for ball games and the like are required to have excellent support functions for quickly and smoothly changing direction (so-called turning movements) as well as a running support function. For example, shoes with improved support functions are disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 073504 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the shoe disclosed in Patent Document 1, a reinforcing structure is provided in the midsole (sole body) consisting of a reinforcing member made of a material with higher rigidity than the material constituting the midsole. More specifically, the reinforcing member is a single member with multiple parallel bars, each of which extends diagonally on the underside of the midsole, with one end located on the lateral side of the forefoot and the other end located on the medial side of the midfoot toward the rear end. This results in an intervening portion between the multiple bars, which is made of a part of the midsole made of a material with lower rigidity than the reinforcing member, and which extends in the same direction as the multiple bars.

[0004] When configured in this manner, twisting is more likely to occur between the inner part of the forefoot and the outer part of the rearfoot, with the direction in which the intervening part extends at the position where the intervening part is provided as an axis, which increases the braking impulse during the turning motion, and as a result, it becomes possible to achieve a quick and smooth turning motion.

[0005] Furthermore, when configured as described above, multiple bars are arranged extending in a direction intersecting the left-right direction of the sole, which also increases the bending rigidity of the sole against dorsiflexion around the left-right direction, thereby improving the function of assisting in taking off when changing direction (i.e., acceleration assistance function) and the function of increasing forward propulsion force when running (i.e., running assistance function). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 073504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the shoe disclosed in Patent Document 1, as described above, the reinforcing structure is composed of a single reinforcing member, which naturally limits the ability to adjust the performance of the reinforcing structure during a turn depending on the intended use of the shoe (for example, depending on the type of sport in which the shoe is used). Therefore, it is not necessarily easy to achieve an optimal design depending on the intended use of the shoe, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to easily manufacture a shoe sole provided with a reinforcing structure that exhibits desired performance depending on the application, and a shoe equipped with such a sole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A shoe sole according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a forefoot section supporting the toes and forefoot area of a wearer's foot, a midfoot section supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot section supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, which are connected along a front-to-rear direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and comprises a sole body and a reinforcing structure. The sole body is positioned continuously from the forefoot section to the rearfoot section, and the reinforcing structure is attached to the sole body. The reinforcing structure includes a first reinforcing member made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body, and a second reinforcing member separate from the first reinforcing member and made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body. The first reinforcing member includes a first bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section, and the second reinforcing member includes a second bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section. The first bar is located closer to the medial side of the second bar in the left-right direction, which is the direction corresponding to the width direction of the wearer's foot. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, so that its front end is located on the lateral side of the foot and its rear end is located on the medial side of the foot in the left-right direction. The second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends intersecting the left-right direction, so that its front end is located on the lateral side of the foot in the left-right direction. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region and the second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region are located at least partially separated by a distance.

[0010] A shoe sole according to a second aspect of the present invention has a forefoot section supporting the toes and forefoot area of a wearer's foot, a midfoot section supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot section supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, which are connected along a front-to-rear direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and includes a sole body and a reinforcing structure. The sole body is located continuously from the forefoot section to the rearfoot section, and the reinforcing structure is attached to the sole body. The reinforcing structure includes a first reinforcing member made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body, and a second reinforcing member separate from the first reinforcing member and made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body. The first reinforcing member includes a first bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section, and the second reinforcing member includes a second bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section. The first bar is located closer to the medial side of the second bar in the left-right direction, which is the direction corresponding to the width direction of the wearer's foot. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends intersecting the left-right direction so that its rear end is located on the medial side in the left-right direction. The second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends diagonally intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction so that its front end is located on the lateral side and its rear end is located on the medial side in the left-right direction. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region and the second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region are located at least partially separated by a distance.

[0011] A shoe according to the present invention includes either a sole according to the first aspect of the present invention described above or a sole according to the second aspect of the present invention described above, and an upper positioned above the sole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture a shoe sole provided with a reinforcing structure that exhibits desired performance depending on the application, and a shoe equipped with the sole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe sole according to a first embodiment and a shoe provided with the sole; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the inner foot side of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the outer foot side of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state in which an outsole and a rear midsole are removed from the sole shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a bottom view showing the state in which the outsole and rear midsole are removed from the sole shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a first modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a second modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a third modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a fourth modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a fifth modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a sixth modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 16]13A and 13B are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a seventh modified example, with the outsole omitted. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a shoe sole according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe sole shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a bottom view showing the state in which the outsole is removed from the sole of the shoe shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or common parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 1 and a shoe equipped with the same. First, referring to Fig. 1, the schematic configuration of shoe 1 according to this embodiment and a sole 100A equipped therewith will be described. Here, in Fig. 1, for ease of understanding, a reinforcing structure 120, which will be described later, is colored dark, and an outsole 130, which will be described later, is colored light (the same applies to Figs. 2 to 19, which will be described later).

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the shoe 1 comprises a sole 100A and an upper 200. The sole 100A is a member that covers the sole of the wearer's foot and has a generally flat shape. The upper 200 has a bag-like shape that encloses the entire wearer's foot when inserted, and is located above the sole 100A.

[0017] The upper 200 has an upper body 210, a shoe tongue 220, and shoelaces 230. The upper body 210 is a base member of the upper 200 and has a bag-like shape. The shoe tongue 220 and shoelaces 230 are both fixed or attached to the upper body 210.

[0018] A bottom portion that is fixed to the sole 100A is located at the bottom of the upper body 210, and an opening that exposes the top of the ankle and a portion of the instep is provided at the top of the upper body 210. The tongue 220 is fixed to the upper body 210 by sewing, welding, bonding, or a combination of these, so as to cover the portion of the opening provided in the upper body 210 that exposes a portion of the instep. The upper body 210 and the tongue 220 are made of, for example, woven fabric, knitted fabric, synthetic leather, resin, etc., and for shoes that require particular breathability and lightness, double raschel warp knitted fabric made of knitted polyester yarn is used.

[0019] Shoelace 230 is made of a string-like member that draws together in the foot width direction the periphery of an opening that exposes part of the instep and is provided in upper body 210, and is inserted into multiple holes provided on the periphery of said opening. By tightening shoelace 230 with the wearer's foot inserted into upper body 210, it is possible to make upper body 210 and shoe tongue 220 fit closely to the foot.

[0020] The sole 100A has a midsole 110, a reinforcing structure 120, and an outsole 130, of which the midsole 110 corresponds to the sole body. The midsole 110, the reinforcing structure 120, and the outsole 130 are integrated together, so that the sole 100A has a generally flat shape as a whole, as described above.

[0021] The outsole 130 has a ground contact surface 131 (see FIGS. 2 to 7) on its lower surface, and the midsole 110 is located above the outsole 130. A portion of the reinforcing structure 120 is embedded in the midsole 110, and another portion is exposed from the midsole 110.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe sole shown in Fig. 1, and Figs. 3 and 4 are side views of the medial and lateral sides of the shoe sole shown in Fig. 1, respectively. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the shoe sole shown in Fig. 1, and Figs. 6(A) to 6(E) are cross-sectional views taken along lines VIA-VIA and VIE-VIE in Fig. 5, respectively. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe sole shown in Fig. 1, and Figs. 8 and 9 are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, showing the sole shown in Fig. 1 with the outsole and rear midsole removed. Next, the detailed structure of a shoe sole 100A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 9.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the sole 100A is divided along the front-to-back direction (left-to-right direction in Figures 3 and 4, and up-to-down direction in Figure 5), which is the direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot when viewed in a plane, into a forefoot portion R1 that supports the toes and forefoot of the wearer's foot, a midfoot portion R2 that supports the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot portion R3 that supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0024] Here, if the front end of the sole 100A is taken as the reference point, and the position corresponding to 40% of the longitudinal dimension of the sole 100A from the front end is taken as the first boundary position, and the position corresponding to 80% of the longitudinal dimension of the sole 100A from the front end is taken as the second boundary position, the forefoot R1 corresponds to the portion included between the front end and the first boundary position along the longitudinal direction, the midfoot R2 corresponds to the portion included between the first boundary position and the second boundary position along the longitudinal direction, and the rearfoot R3 corresponds to the portion included between the second boundary position and the rear end of the sole along the longitudinal direction.

[0025] 5, the sole 100A is divided into an inner foot side portion (the S1 side portion shown in the figure) that is the midline side (i.e., the side closer to the midline) in the anatomical orthostatic position of the foot, and an outer foot side portion (the S2 side portion shown in the figure) that is the opposite side of the midline side (i.e., the side further from the midline) in the anatomical orthostatic position of the foot, along the left-right direction (left-right direction in the figure), which is the direction that coincides with the width direction of the wearer's foot when viewed from above. Here, the boundary line dividing the sole 100A into the inner foot side portion and the outer foot side portion is the so-called shoe center. This shoe center is defined by the sole 100A of the shoe. 1 When a standard wearer with a foot size that fits the size of the product wears the product, the area between the first and second toes of the wearer and calcaneus This is the straight line obtained when a straight line connecting the center of the sole 100A and the center of the sole 100A is projected onto the sole 100A in the vertical direction.

[0026] 2 to 7, as described above, the sole 100A has a midsole 110, a reinforcing structure 120, and an outsole 130. The midsole 110 has an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces connecting the upper and lower surfaces, and constitutes the upper part of the sole 100A. The outsole 130 has an upper surface and a lower surface serving as the above-mentioned ground contact surface 131, and constitutes the lower part of the sole 100A. Meanwhile, the reinforcing structure 120 is positioned so that most of it covers the lower surface of the midsole 110.

[0027] The midsole 110 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3. The midsole 110 includes a front midsole 110A and a rear midsole 110B, which are combined together. The front midsole 110A is positioned across the forefoot portion R1, the midfoot portion R2, and a portion of the rearfoot portion R3 closer to the front end, and the rear midsole 110B is positioned across the portion of the midfoot portion R2 closer to the rear end and the rearfoot portion R3.

[0028] Here, in the portion extending from the rear end of the midfoot portion R2 to the front end of the rearfoot portion R3, the rear end of the front midsole 110A and the front end of the rear midsole 110B overlap in the up-down direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction) (see particularly FIGS. 6(D), 6(E), and 7). More specifically, in this portion, the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B are overlapped so that the front midsole 110A is located on the upper 200 side and the rear midsole 110B is located on the outsole 130 side.

[0029] As a result, in the portions of the forefoot R1 and midfoot R2 near the front end, the midsole 110 is formed by a front midsole 110A, in the portions of the midfoot R2 near the rear end and the portion of the rear foot R3 near the front end, the midsole 110 is formed by a front midsole 110A and a rear midsole 110B at the overlapping portions, and in the portion of the rear foot R3 near the rear end, the midsole 110 is formed by a rear midsole 110B.

[0030] The upper surface of midsole 110 defines the upper surface of sole 100A, and its periphery is raised in comparison with the surrounding area (see particularly Figures 3, 4, and 6). As a result, a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of midsole 110, and this concave portion serves as a portion for receiving upper 200. The upper surface of midsole 110, excluding the periphery that is the bottom surface of this concave portion, has a smoothly curved shape that fits the sole of the wearer's foot.

[0031] The outsole 130 is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3, except for a portion of the midfoot portion R2. The outsole 130 includes a front outsole 130A, a rear medial outsole 130B1, and a rear lateral outsole 130B2. The front outsole 130A is positioned across the forefoot portion R1 and a portion of the midfoot portion R2 closer to the front end, while the rear medial outsole 130B1 and the rear lateral outsole 130B2 are positioned across a portion of the midfoot portion R2 closer to the rear end and the rearfoot portion R3. The rear medial outsole 130B1 is positioned on the medial side of the portion of the midfoot portion R2 closer to the rear end and the rearfoot portion R3, while the rear lateral outsole 130B2 is positioned on the lateral side of the portion of the midfoot portion R2 closer to the rear end and the rearfoot portion R3.

[0032] As described above, the lower surface of each of the front outsole 130A, rear medial outsole 130B1, and rear lateral outsole 130B2 (i.e., the lower surface of the outsole 130) constitutes the ground contact surface 131, and therefore, in order to improve grip, a tread pattern may be formed by forming recesses and projections on the exposed surface. The upper surface of each of the front outsole 130A, rear medial outsole 130B1, and rear lateral outsole 130B2 is joined to the lower surface of the midsole 110.

[0033] It is preferable that the midsole 110 (i.e., the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B) have an appropriate strength and excellent cushioning properties, and from this viewpoint, for example, a resin foam material containing a resin material as a main component and a foaming agent and a crosslinking agent as secondary components is used for the midsole 110. Alternatively, a rubber foam material containing a rubber material as a main component and a plasticizer, a foaming agent, a reinforcing agent, and a crosslinking agent as secondary components may be used.

[0034] Examples of the resin material that can be used include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA, TPAE), thermoplastic polyester elastomer, etc. Examples of the rubber material that can be used preferably include butadiene rubber.

[0035] As a result, the midsole 110 is generally made of a softer material with a smaller Young's modulus than the outsole 130. Note that predetermined portions of the midsole 110 may include various cushioning parts, and may also include reinforcing parts other than the reinforcing structure 120 described below.

[0036] The outsole 130 (i.e., the front outsole 130A, the rear medial outsole 130B1, and the rear lateral outsole 130B2) preferably has excellent abrasion resistance and grip, and from this viewpoint, a member made of a material containing, for example, a rubber material as a main component and a plasticizer, a reinforcing agent, and a cross-linking agent as secondary components is used for the outsole 130. For example, butadiene rubber can be suitably used as the rubber material.

[0037] As a result, the outsole 130 is generally made of a harder material with a larger Young's modulus than the midsole 110. The shape of the outsole 130 and the above-mentioned tread pattern can be designed appropriately according to the use of the shoe 1.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 9, the reinforcement structure 120 is positioned so that most of it is located in the midfoot region R2, while a portion of it reaches the forefoot region R1 and the rearfoot region R3. The reinforcement structure 120 includes a first reinforcement member 120A and a second reinforcement member 120B. The first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B are configured as separate members. The first reinforcement member 120A is located closer to the medial side of the foot than the second reinforcement member 120B, and the second reinforcement member 120B is located closer to the lateral side of the foot than the first reinforcement member 120A.

[0039] Both the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B are made of a material that is more rigid than the material that constitutes the midsole 110. In other words, the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B have a larger Young's modulus and are harder than the midsole 110.

[0040] The materials constituting the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B are not particularly limited, but suitable examples include non-fiber reinforced resins made of polymer resins such as urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), amide-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPA), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and fiber reinforced resins using carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, Dyneema fiber, Zylon fiber, boron fiber, etc. as reinforcing fibers.

[0041] Alternatively, the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B may be made of rubber, or may be made of the same material as that constituting the midsole 110, provided that the material is more rigid than the midsole 110. Note that one possible method for making the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B out of the same material as the midsole 110 and making the stiffness of the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B higher than that of the midsole 110 is to increase the density, for example.

[0042] The first reinforcing member 120A is made of a substantially plate-shaped member having a predetermined thickness, and includes a first base 121A, a first bar 122A, an outer leg side first standing wall 123A1, and an inner leg side first standing wall 123A2.

[0043] The first base 121A is disposed on the medial side of the midfoot portion R2 and extends generally in the front-to-rear direction along the medial edge of the front midsole 110A at a portion corresponding to the midfoot portion R2. The first base 121A has a generally plate-like shape and covers the lower surface of the front midsole 110A.

[0044] The first bar 122A has a generally elongated plate-like shape that covers the underside of the front midsole 110A and is arranged so as to extend from a portion near the front end of the outer foot side of the forefoot portion R1 to a portion near the rear end of the inner foot side of the midfoot portion R2. As a result, the portion of the first bar 122A arranged in the midfoot portion R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, so that the front end is located on the outer foot side and the rear end is located on the inner foot side.

[0045] The rear end of the first bar 122A is connected to the first base 121A. In other words, the first bar 122A is provided so as to extend continuously from the first base 121A.

[0046] An approximately plate-shaped outer foot-side first standing wall 123A1 is provided at the front end of the first bar 122A. The outer foot-side first standing wall 123A1 stands upright from the front end of the first bar 122A along the outer foot-side side surface of the front-side midsole 110A. As a result, the outer foot-side first standing wall 123A1 covers a portion of the outer foot-side side surface of the midsole 110A.

[0047] An inner foot-side first standing wall 123A2 having a generally plate-like shape is provided at the inner foot-side end of the first base 121A. The inner foot-side first standing wall 123A2 stands upright from the inner foot-side end of the first base 121A along the inner foot-side side surface of the front midsole 110A. As a result, the inner foot-side first standing wall 123A2 covers a portion of the inner foot-side side surface of the midsole 110A.

[0048] The first reinforcing member 120A, which is composed of the first base 121A, first bar 122A, outer foot-side first standing wall 123A1, and inner foot-side first standing wall 123A2, is joined to the underside and side surfaces of the front midsole 110A. In this embodiment, a first concave receiving portion 111A (see FIG. 7) having a shape corresponding to the first reinforcing member 120A is formed in the underside and side surfaces of the front midsole 110A, and the first reinforcing member 120A is joined to the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B while being housed in the first receiving portion 111A.

[0049] The second reinforcing member 120B is made of a substantially plate-shaped member having a predetermined thickness, and has a second base 121B, a second bar 122B, a front second standing wall 123B1, and a rear second standing wall 123B2.

[0050] The second base 121B is disposed on the outer side of the midfoot portion R2 and extends generally in the front-to-rear direction along the outer edge of the front midsole 110A at a portion corresponding to the midfoot portion R2. The second base 121B has a generally plate-like shape and covers the lower surface of the front midsole 110A.

[0051] The second bar 122B has a generally elongated plate-like shape that covers the underside of the front midsole 110A and is arranged so that it extends from a portion near the rear end of the outer foot side of the forefoot portion R1 to a portion near the rear end of the inner foot side of the midfoot portion R2. As a result, the portion of the second bar 122B arranged in the midfoot portion R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer foot side and its rear end is located on the inner foot side.

[0052] The middle portion of the second bar 122B, excluding the front and rear ends, is connected to the second base 121B. In other words, the second bar 122B is provided so as to extend continuously from the second base 121B.

[0053] A front second standing wall 123B1 having a generally plate-like shape is provided at the front end of the second bar 122B. The front second standing wall 123B1 stands upright from the front end of the second bar 122B along the outer foot side surface of the front midsole 110A. As a result, the front second standing wall 123B1 covers a portion of the outer foot side surface of the midsole 110A.

[0054] A rear second standing wall 123B2 having a generally plate-like shape is provided at the outer foot side end of the second base 121B. The rear second standing wall 123B2 stands upright from the outer foot side end of the second base 121B along the outer foot side surface of the front midsole 110A. As a result, the rear second standing wall 123B2 covers a portion of the outer foot side surface of the midsole 110A.

[0055] Second reinforcement member 120B, which is composed of second base 121B, second bar 122B, front second standing wall 123B1, and rear second standing wall 123B2, is joined to the underside and side surfaces of front midsole 110A. In this embodiment, second receiving portions 111B (see FIG. 7) having a recessed shape corresponding to second reinforcement member 120B are formed in the underside and side surfaces of front midsole 110A, and second reinforcement member 120B is joined to front midsole 110A and rear midsole 110B while being accommodated in second receiving portions 111B.

[0056] The first bar 122A of the first reinforcement member 120A and the second bar 122B of the second reinforcement member 120B are spaced apart in both the front-rear and left-right directions, resulting in the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B being spaced apart, particularly in the midfoot region R2.

[0057] Therefore, particularly in the midfoot portion R2, an intervening portion 112 is located between the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B, and is made of a part of the midsole 110 (more precisely, a part of the front midsole 110A) made of a material with lower rigidity than the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B. This intervening portion 112 is a part of the midsole 110 where the reinforcing structure 120 is not provided.

[0058] This interposition portion 112 extends in the same direction as the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B. More specifically, the interposition portion 112 in the portion disposed in the midfoot portion R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer side of the foot and its rear end is located on the inner side of the foot.

[0059] 7, in the sole 100A according to the present embodiment, the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B are attached to the front midsole 110A before the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B are combined together. Therefore, after the rear midsole 110B is attached to the front midsole 110A, as shown in FIGS. 6(D) and 6(E), the rear end portion of the first reinforcing member 120A excluding the medial first standing wall 123A2 and the rear end portion of the second reinforcing member 120B excluding the rear second standing wall 123B2 are sandwiched between the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B, and these portions are embedded in the midsole 110 and are not exposed to the outside.

[0060] Furthermore, the rear end portion of the intervening portion 112 of the front midsole 110A, which is located between the first bar 122A of the first reinforcing member 120A and the second bar 122B of the second reinforcing member 120B, is covered by the rear midsole 110B, as shown in Figure 6(D), and the portion is no longer exposed to the outside.

[0061] 7, in the sole 100A according to the present embodiment, after the rear midsole 110B is assembled to the front midsole 110A, the front outsole 130A, the rear medial side outsole 130B1, and the rear lateral side outsole 130B2 are assembled to the midsole 110. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the portion of the front end of the first reinforcement member 120A excluding the lateral side first standing wall 123A1 and the portion of the front end of the second reinforcement member 120B excluding the front second standing wall 123B1 are sandwiched between the front midsole 110A and the front outsole 130A, and these portions are not exposed to the outside.

[0062] In addition, the front end portion of the intervening portion 112 of the forward midsole 110A, which is located between the first bar 122A of the first reinforcing member 120A and the second bar 122B of the second reinforcing member 120B, is covered by the forward outsole 130A, as shown in Figure 6(B), and this portion is no longer exposed to the outside.

[0063] The front midsole 110A, rear midsole 110B, first reinforcing member 120A, second reinforcing member 120B, front outsole 130A, rear medial outsole 130B1 and rear lateral outsole 130B2 may be joined to one another by any method, such as by adhesive bonding.

[0064] In the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment and the sole 100A provided therewith, as described above, the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B in the portion located in the midfoot portion R2 extend diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, with their front ends located on the lateral side of the foot and their rear ends located on the medial side of the foot, and the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B in the portion located in the midfoot portion R2 are positioned at a distance from each other. As a result, the intermediate portion 112 formed of a part of the midsole 110 is positioned between the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B.

[0065] Therefore, with this configuration, twisting is more likely to occur between the inner part of the forefoot R1 and the outer part of the rearfoot R3, with the direction in which the intervening part 112 extends at the position where the intervening part 112 is provided as an axis, which increases the braking impulse during the turning motion, and as a result, it becomes possible to achieve a quick and smooth turning motion.

[0066] Furthermore, by configuring as described above, the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B are arranged to extend in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, which also increases the bending rigidity of the sole 100A against dorsiflexion around the left-right direction, thereby improving the function of assisting in taking off when changing direction (i.e., acceleration assistance function) and the function of increasing forward propulsion force when running (i.e., running assistance function).

[0067] In addition, with the above configuration, the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B are positioned in the midfoot portion R2, and these first bar 122A and second bar 122B support the arch of the wearer's foot, preventing it from collapsing, and also functioning to maintain the arch of the wearer's foot.

[0068] Furthermore, as described above, by dividing the reinforcing structure 120 into the first reinforcing member 120A including the first bar 122A and the second reinforcing member 120B including the second bar 122B, it is possible to more easily adjust the performance of the reinforcing structure 120 than when the reinforcing structure 120 is formed from a single member. That is, if the reinforcing structure 120 is formed from a single member, it would be difficult to create an extreme difference in rigidity between the medial side and the lateral side of the foot. However, by dividing the reinforcing structure 120 into the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B, which are separate members, it becomes relatively easy to make adjustments such as creating an extreme difference in rigidity between the medial side and the lateral side of the foot.

[0069] Furthermore, if the reinforcing structure 120 were constructed from a single member, part of the reinforcing structure 120 (i.e., the connecting portion connecting the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B, etc.) would naturally be included in the part that becomes the axis of the torsion described above. However, by constructing the reinforcing structure 120 separately into the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B that are separate members, it is possible to configure the reinforcing structure 120 so that it is not located in the part that becomes the axis of the torsion. This also makes it easier to adjust performance, and ultimately further promotes quick and smooth turning operations.

[0070] Therefore, by using the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment and the sole 100A provided therefor, it is possible to easily manufacture a sole provided with a reinforcing structure that exhibits desired performance depending on the application, and a shoe provided with the same. Furthermore, with the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment and the sole 100A provided therefor, it is possible to individually change the performance of the reinforcing structure to suit not only the application but also the wearer, and in this respect, it is possible to obtain a sole and a shoe that are superior to conventional ones.

[0071] In the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment and the sole 100A provided therewith, the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B are both provided so that their front ends reach the forefoot R1, and the portions of the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B located in the forefoot R1 extend to intersect with the portion corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges of the wearer's foot (the portion indicated by the symbol MP in FIG. 9). With this configuration, a greater propulsive force can be obtained due to the restoring force of the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B that are elastically deformed in accordance with the dorsiflexion of the sole 100A at the time of kicking off, thereby further improving the acceleration assist function and running assist function described above.

[0072] In the shoe 1 according to this embodiment and the sole 100A provided therewith, the first reinforcing member 120A includes, in addition to the first bar 122A, a first base 121A, an outer foot-side first standing wall 123A1, and an inner foot-side first standing wall 123A2. The second reinforcing member 120B includes, in addition to the second bar 122B, a second base 121B, a front-side second standing wall 123B1, and a rear-side second standing wall 123B2. This configuration improves the overall strength of the sole 100A and increases the bonding area between the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B and the midsole 110 and outsole 130, thereby enhancing the bonding strength therebetween. This results in a sole and shoe with excellent durability.

[0073] Furthermore, in the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment and the sole 100A provided therewith, the midsole 110 is divided into the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B, so that the rear end portion of the first reinforcing member 120A excluding the first standing wall 123A2 on the medial side of the foot and the rear end portion of the second reinforcing member 120B excluding the second standing wall 123B2 are sandwiched between the front midsole 110A and the rear midsole 110B and embedded in the midsole 110. In this configuration, the outsole 130, midsole 110, and reinforcing structure 120 are arranged in this order from the ground contact surface 131 side, maximizing the cushioning function.

[0074] In the shoe 1 according to this embodiment and the sole 100A provided therewith, the thickness, width, shape, etc. of the first bar 122A and the thickness, width, shape, etc. of the second bar 122B can be changed in various ways to create differences in rigidity between the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B. Therefore, by adjusting these, an optimal design can be achieved depending on the intended use of the shoe.

[0075] Furthermore, in the shoe 1 according to this embodiment and the sole 100A provided therewith, instead of or in addition to changing the thickness, width, shape, etc. of the first bar 122A and the thickness, width, shape, etc. of the second bar 122B, the material constituting the first reinforcing member 120A and the material constituting the second reinforcing member 120B may be made different. Even with this configuration, it is possible to create a difference in rigidity between the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B. Therefore, by making these materials different, it is possible to achieve an optimal design depending on the use of the shoe.

[0076] (First Modification) 10(A) to 10(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a first modified example, respectively, with the outsole omitted. A shoe sole 100A1 according to the first modified example based on the first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 10. The sole 100A1 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0077] As shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(C), the sole 100A1 differs in configuration from the sole 100A of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 in that the first reinforcing member 120A does not have an outer foot side first standing wall 123A1 or an inner foot side first standing wall 123A2, and the second reinforcing member 120B does not have a front side second standing wall 123B1 or a rear side second standing wall 123B2.

[0078] Even with this configuration, effects similar to those described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the effect of being able to easily manufacture shoe soles provided with reinforcing structures that exhibit the desired performance depending on the application, and shoes equipped with such soles.

[0079] (Second Modification) 11(A) to 11(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a sole according to a second modified example, with the outsole omitted. A sole 100A2 according to the second modified example based on the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 11. The sole 100A2 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0080] 11(A) to 11(C), the sole 100A2 differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the shape of the first bar 122A included in the first reinforcement member 120A. Specifically, in the sole 100A2, the front end of the first bar 122A is located in the area near the rear end of the outer foot side of the forefoot portion R1. toThe first reinforcement member 120A does not have an outer foot-side first standing wall 123A1.

[0081] Even with this configuration, effects similar to those described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the effect of being able to easily manufacture shoe soles provided with reinforcing structures that exhibit the desired performance depending on the application, and shoes equipped with such soles.

[0082] (Third Modification) 12(A) to 12(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot, respectively, of a sole according to a third modified example, with the outsole omitted. A sole 100A3 according to the third modified example based on the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 12. The sole 100A3 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figures 12(A) to 12(C), the sole 100A3 differs from the sole 100A of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 mainly in its configuration in that the first reinforcing member 120A has an additional first bar 122A' in addition to the first bar 122A.

[0084] Specifically, the additional first bar 122A' has a generally elongated plate-like shape that covers the underside of the front midsole 110A, and is arranged so as to extend from a portion near the front end of the outer foot side of the forefoot portion R1 to a portion near the front end of the inner foot side of the midfoot portion R2. As a result, the portion of the additional first bar 122A' arranged in the midfoot portion R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer foot side and its rear end is located on the inner foot side. The additional first bar 122A' is located closer to the inner foot side than the first bar 122A.

[0085] The rear end of the additional first bar 122A' is connected to the first base 121 A. In other words, the additional first bar 122A' is provided so as to extend continuously from the first base 121A.

[0086] Here, the first bar 122A of the first reinforcement member 120A and the additional first bar 122A' are spaced apart in both the front-rear and left-right directions, so that the first bar 122A and the additional first bar 122A' are positioned at a distance from each other, particularly in the midfoot region R2.

[0087] Therefore, particularly in the midfoot portion R2, an additional intermediate portion 112' configured from a part of the midsole 110 (more strictly, a part of the front midsole 110A) made of a material with lower rigidity than the first reinforcing member 120A is located in the portion between the first bar 122A and the additional first bar 122A'. This additional intermediate portion 112' is a part of the midsole 110 where the reinforcing structure 120 is not provided.

[0088] This additional intermediate part 112' extends in the same direction as the first bar 122A and the additional first bar 122A'. More specifically, the additional intermediate part 112' in the portion disposed in the midfoot part R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer side of the foot and its rear end is located on the inner side of the foot.

[0089] Therefore, with this configuration, twisting is more likely to occur between the inner part of the forefoot R1 and the outer part of the rearfoot R3, not only around the axis of extension of the intervening part 112 at the position where the intervening part 112 is provided, but also around the axis of extension of the additional intervening part 112' at the position where the additional intervening part 112' is provided, which increases the braking impulse during the turn, making it possible to achieve a quick and smooth turn.

[0090] Furthermore, by configuring as described above, in addition to the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B, the additional first bar 122A' is arranged extending in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, which also increases the bending rigidity of the sole 100A3 against dorsiflexion around the left-right direction, thereby improving the function of assisting in taking off when changing direction (i.e., acceleration assistance function) and the function of increasing forward propulsion force when running (i.e., running assistance function).

[0091] Therefore, when configured in this manner, not only can the effects described in the first embodiment be obtained, but also an effect can be obtained in which a shoe sole with even higher performance and a shoe equipped with the same can be obtained.

[0092] (Fourth Modification) 13(A) to 13(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a sole according to a fourth modified example, with the outsole omitted. A sole 100A4 according to the fourth modified example based on the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 13. The sole 100A4 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Figures 13(A) to 13(C), the sole 100A4 differs from the sole 100A of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 mainly in its configuration in that the second reinforcing member 120B has an additional second bar 122B' in addition to the second bar 122B.

[0094] Specifically, the additional second bar 122B' has a generally elongated plate-like shape that covers the underside of the front midsole 110A, and is arranged so that it extends from a portion near the rear end of the lateral side of the midfoot portion R2 to a portion near the rear end of the medial side of the rearfoot portion R3. As a result, the portion of the additional second bar 122B' arranged in the midfoot portion R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions, with its front end located on the lateral side and its rear end located on the medial side. The additional second bar 122B' is located closer to the lateral side than the second bar 122B.

[0095] The front end of the additional second bar 122B' is connected to the second base 121 B. In other words, the additional second bar 122B' is provided so as to extend continuously from the second base 121B.

[0096] Here, the second bar 122B of the second reinforcement member 120B and the additional second bar 122B' are spaced apart in both the front-rear and left-right directions, so that the second bar 122B and the additional second bar 122B' are positioned at a distance from each other, particularly in the midfoot region R2.

[0097] Therefore, particularly in the midfoot portion R2, in the portion between the second bar 122B and the additional second bar 122B', an additional intermediate portion 112" is located, which is made of a part of the midsole 110 (more precisely, a part of the front midsole 110A) made of a material with lower rigidity than the second reinforcing member 120B. This additional intermediate portion 112" is a part of the midsole 110 where the reinforcing structure portion 120 is not provided.

[0098] This additional intermediate portion 112" extends in the same direction as the second bar 122B and the additional second bar 122B'. More specifically, the additional intermediate portion 112" in the portion located in the midfoot portion R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, so that its front end is located on the outer foot side and its rear end is located on the inner foot side.

[0099] Therefore, with this configuration, twisting is more likely to occur between the inner part of the forefoot R1 and the outer part of the rearfoot R3, not only around the axis in the direction in which the intervening part 112 extends at the position where the intervening part 112 is provided, but also around the axis in the direction in which the additional intervening part 112" extends at the position where the additional intervening part 112" is provided, which increases the braking impulse during the turn, making it possible to achieve a quick and smooth turn.

[0100] Therefore, when configured in this manner, not only can the effects described in the first embodiment be obtained, but also an effect can be obtained in which a shoe sole with even higher performance and a shoe equipped with the same can be obtained.

[0101] (Fifth Modification) 14(A) to 14(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot, respectively, of a sole according to a fifth modified example, with the outsole omitted. A sole 100A5 according to the fifth modified example based on the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 14. The sole 100A5 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0102] 14(A) to 14(C), the sole 100A5 differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the shape of the second reinforcement member 120B. Specifically, in the sole 100A5, the second bar 122B is arranged so that it extends from a portion of the forefoot portion R1 near the rear end on the lateral side of the foot to a portion of the midfoot portion R2 near the rear end on the lateral side of the foot. As a result, the portion of the second bar 122B arranged in the midfoot portion R2 extends generally along the front-to-rear direction, with its front end located on the lateral side and its rear end located on the lateral side.

[0103] Even with this configuration, effects similar to those described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the effect of being able to easily manufacture shoe soles provided with reinforcing structures that exhibit the desired performance depending on the application, and shoes equipped with such soles.

[0104] (Sixth Modification) 15(A) to 15(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot of a shoe sole according to a sixth modified example, with the outsole omitted. A sole 100A6 according to the sixth modified example based on the first embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 15. The sole 100A6 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0105] 15(A) to 15(C), the sole 100A6 differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment described above mainly in the shape of the first reinforcement member 120A. Specifically, in the sole 100A6, the first bar 122A is arranged so that it extends from a portion of the forefoot portion R1 near the rear end on the medial side of the foot to a portion of the midfoot portion R2 near the rear end on the medial side of the foot. As a result, the first bar 122A in the portion arranged in the midfoot portion R2 has its front end located on the medial side of the foot and its rear end located on the medial side of the foot. feet It extends generally along the front-rear direction so as to be located to the side.

[0106] Even with this configuration, effects similar to those described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the effect of being able to easily manufacture shoe soles provided with reinforcing structures that exhibit the desired performance depending on the application, and shoes equipped with such soles.

[0107] (Seventh Modification) 16(A) to 16(C) are a bottom view, a side view of the medial side of the foot, and a side view of the lateral side of the foot, respectively, of a sole according to a seventh modified example, with the outsole omitted. A sole 100A7 according to the seventh modified example, based on the first embodiment, will now be described with reference to Fig. 16. The sole 100A7 according to this modified example is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the sole 100A according to the first embodiment.

[0108] 16(A) to 16(C), the sole 100A7 differs from the sole 100A according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the midsole 110. Specifically, in the sole 100A7, the midsole 110 is formed from a single member, and is not divided into a front midsole 110A and a rear midsole 110B. Therefore, the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B described above are not partially embedded in the midsole 110, but are entirely disposed on the underside and side surfaces of the midsole 110.

[0109] Even with this configuration, effects similar to those described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the effect of being able to easily manufacture shoe soles provided with reinforcing structures that exhibit the desired performance depending on the application, and shoes equipped with such soles.

[0110] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 17 is a bottom view of a shoe sole according to embodiment 2, and Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe sole shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a bottom view showing the shoe sole shown in Fig. 17 with the outsole removed. Below, a shoe sole 100B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 19. The shoe sole 100B according to this embodiment is provided on a shoe 1 in place of the shoe sole 100A according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0111] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the sole 100B has a midsole 110, a reinforcing structure 120, and an outsole 130, similar to the sole 100A of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, but the configuration of each of these components differs from that of the sole 100A of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0112] In the sole 100B, the midsole 110 as the sole body is made of a single member, and the midsole 110 made of this single member is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3. The outsole 130 includes a front-side outsole 130A and a rear-side outsole 130B, and the outsole 130 made up of the front-side outsole 130A and the rear-side outsole 130B is positioned continuously from the forefoot portion R1 to the rearfoot portion R3, except for a part of the midfoot portion R2.

[0113] The reinforcing structure 120 includes a first reinforcing member 120A and a second reinforcing member 120B that is separate from the first reinforcing member 120A. The first reinforcing member 120A is located closer to the medial side of the foot than the second reinforcing member 120B, and the second reinforcing member 120B is located closer to the lateral side of the foot than the first reinforcing member 120A.

[0114] Both the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B are made of a material that is more rigid than the material that constitutes the midsole 110. That is, the first reinforcement member 120A and the second reinforcement member 120B have a larger Young's modulus and are harder than the midsole 110. The first reinforcement member 120A is embedded in the midsole 110 in advance by insert molding, two-color molding, or the like.

[0115] 17 to 19, the first reinforcing member 120A has a first base 121A, a first bar 122A, an additional first bar 122A′, and a first standing wall 123A, while the second reinforcing member 120B has a second base 121B, a second bar 122B, and a second standing wall 123B.

[0116] The first bar 122A is disposed so as to extend from a portion near the front end of the outer side of the midfoot portion R2 to a portion near the rear end of the inner side of the midfoot portion R2. As a result, the first bar 122A extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer side of the midfoot and its rear end is located on the inner side of the midfoot.

[0117] The additional first bar 122A' is positioned so that it extends from a portion of the forefoot R1 near the rear end on the lateral side of the foot to a portion of the midfoot R2 near the front end on the medial side of the foot. As a result, the additional first bar 122A' at the portion positioned at the midfoot R2 extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the lateral side of the foot and its rear end is located on the medial side of the foot. The additional first bar 122A' is positioned closer to the medial side of the foot than the first bar 122A.

[0118] The rear end of the first bar 122A and the rear end of the additional first bar 122A' are both connected to the first base 121A. The first base 121A extends generally in the front-to-rear direction along the medial edge of the midfoot portion R2. A first standing wall 123A is provided at the medial end of the first base 121A so as to cover a portion of the medial side surface of the midsole 110.

[0119] The second bar 122B is disposed so as to extend from a portion near the front end of the outer side of the midfoot portion R2 to a portion near the rear end of the inner side of the midfoot portion R2. As a result, the second bar 122B extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer side of the midfoot and its rear end is located on the inner side of the midfoot.

[0120] The front end of the second bar 122B is connected to the second base 121B. The second base 121B extends generally in the front-to-rear direction along the edge of the lateral side of the midfoot portion R2. A second standing wall 123B is provided at the end of the lateral side of the second base 121B so as to cover a portion of the lateral side of the midsole 110, and the second standing wall 123B reaches a portion of the lateral side of the forefoot portion R1 near the rear end (i.e., the side and bottom of that portion).

[0121] Here, the rear end of the second bar 122B overlaps the rear end of the first base 121A, thereby forming an overlapping area OL in which a part of the first reinforcement member 120A and a part of the second reinforcement member 120B overlap in the up-down direction in a portion of the midfoot portion R2 closer to the rear end on the medial side of the foot.

[0122] The first bar 122A of the first reinforcing member 120A and the second bar 122B of the second reinforcing member 120B are disposed at a distance in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. Also, the first bar 122A of the first reinforcing member 120A and the additional first bar 122A' are disposed at a distance in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. As a result, the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B, and the first bar 122A and the additional first bar 122A' are both positioned at a distance from each other.

[0123] Therefore, particularly in the midfoot portion R2, the intermediate portion 112 and the additional intermediate portion 112' are located in the portion between the first bar 122A and the second bar 122B and the portion between the first bar 122A and the additional first bar 122A', respectively, and are made of a portion of the midsole 110 (more strictly, a portion of the front midsole 110A) made of a material with lower rigidity than the first reinforcing member 120A and the second reinforcing member 120B. Both the intermediate portion 112 and the additional intermediate portion 112' are portions of the midsole 110 where the reinforcing structure 120 is not provided.

[0124] Therefore, with this configuration, twisting is more likely to occur between the inner part of the forefoot R1 and the outer part of the rearfoot R3, not only around the axis of extension of the intervening part 112 at the position where the intervening part 112 is provided, but also around the axis of extension of the additional intervening part 112' at the position where the additional intervening part 112' is provided, which increases the braking impulse during the turn, making it possible to achieve a quick and smooth turn.

[0125] Therefore, even in this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those described in the first embodiment.

[0126] (Summary of the contents disclosed in the embodiments, etc.) The characteristic configurations disclosed in the above-described first and second embodiments and their modifications can be summarized as follows.

[0127] A shoe sole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a forefoot section supporting the toes and forefoot of a wearer's foot, a midfoot section supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot section supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, which are connected along a front-to-rear direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and includes a sole body and a reinforcing structure. The sole body is located continuously from the forefoot section to the rearfoot section, and the reinforcing structure is attached to the sole body. The reinforcing structure includes a first reinforcing member made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body, and a second reinforcing member separate from the first reinforcing member and made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body. The first reinforcing member includes a first bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section, and the second reinforcing member includes a second bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section. The first bar is located closer to the medial side of the second bar in the left-right direction, which is the direction corresponding to the width direction of the wearer's foot. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends diagonally, intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, so that its front end is located on the lateral side of the foot and its rear end is located on the medial side of the foot in the left-right direction. The second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends intersecting the left-right direction, so that its front end is located on the lateral side of the foot in the left-right direction. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region and the second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region are located at least partially separated by a distance.

[0128] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first bar may extend across a portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges, with its front end positioned in the forefoot.

[0129] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include an outer foot side first standing wall that stands upright from the first bar along the outer foot side of the sole body.

[0130] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include a first base arranged along the medial edge of the midfoot portion in the left-right direction, and in that case, the first bar may be connected to the first base.

[0131] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include an inner foot side first standing wall that stands upright from the first base along the inner foot side of the sole body.

[0132] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include an additional first bar extending diagonally across both the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction, with its front end located on the outer side of the foot in the left-to-right direction and its rear end located on the inner side of the foot in the left-to-right direction. In this case, the additional first bar may be connected to the first base so as to be located on the inner side of the foot than the first bar in the left-to-right direction and to be spaced apart from the first bar.

[0133] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second bar may extend across a portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges, with its front end positioned in the forefoot.

[0134] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second bar in the portion located in the midfoot may extend diagonally across the front-to-rear direction so that its rear end is located on the medial side of the foot in the left-to-right direction.

[0135] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second bar in the portion located in the midfoot may extend along the front-to-rear direction so that its rear end is located on the outer side of the foot in the left-to-right direction.

[0136] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include a front second upright wall that stands upright from the second bar along the outer foot side of the sole body.

[0137] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include a second base arranged along the edge of the midfoot portion on the outer side of the foot in the left-right direction, and in that case, the second bar may be connected to the second base.

[0138] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include a rear second upright wall that stands upright from the second base along the outer foot side of the sole body.

[0139] In a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include an additional second bar extending diagonally across both the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction, with its front end located on the outer side of the foot in the left-to-right direction and its rear end located on the inner side of the foot in the left-to-right direction. In this case, the additional second bar may be connected to the second base so as to be located on the outer side of the foot than the second bar in the left-to-right direction and to be spaced apart from the second bar.

[0140] A shoe sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a forefoot section supporting the toes and forefoot area of a wearer's foot, a midfoot section supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot section supporting the heel of the wearer's foot, which are connected along a front-to-rear direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wearer's foot, and includes a sole body and a reinforcing structure. The sole body is positioned continuously from the forefoot section to the rearfoot section, and the reinforcing structure is attached to the sole body. The reinforcing structure includes a first reinforcing member made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body, and a second reinforcing member separate from the first reinforcing member and made of a material more rigid than the material constituting the sole body. The first reinforcing member includes a first bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section, and the second reinforcing member includes a second bar, at least a portion of which is located in the midfoot section. The first bar is located closer to the medial side of the second bar in the left-right direction, which is the direction corresponding to the width direction of the wearer's foot. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends intersecting the left-right direction so that its rear end is located on the medial side in the left-right direction. The second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region extends diagonally intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction so that its front end is located on the lateral side and its rear end is located on the medial side in the left-right direction. The first bar in the portion located in the midfoot region and the second bar in the portion located in the midfoot region are located at least partially separated by a distance.

[0141] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second bar may extend across a portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges, with its front end positioned in the forefoot.

[0142] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include a front second standing wall that stands upright from the second bar along the outer foot side of the sole body.

[0143] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include a second base arranged along the edge of the midfoot portion on the outer side of the foot in the left-right direction, and in that case, the second bar may be connected to the second base.

[0144] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include a rear second upright wall that stands upright from the second base along the outer foot side of the sole body.

[0145] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second reinforcing member may include an additional second bar extending diagonally across both the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer side of the foot in the left-to-right direction and its rear end is located on the inner side of the foot in the left-to-right direction. In this case, the additional second bar may be connected to the second base so that it is located on the outer side of the foot than the second bar in the left-to-right direction and is spaced apart from the second bar.

[0146] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first bar may extend across a portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges so that its front end is located in the forefoot.

[0147] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first bar in the portion located in the midfoot may extend diagonally across the front-to-rear direction so that its front end is located on the medial side of the foot in the left-to-right direction.

[0148] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include an outer foot side first standing wall that stands upright from the first bar along the outer foot side of the sole body.

[0149] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first bar in the portion located in the midfoot portion may extend along the front-to-rear direction so that its front end is located on the medial side of the foot in the left-to-right direction.

[0150] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include a first base arranged along the medial edge of the midfoot portion in the left-right direction, in which case the first bar may be connected to the first base.

[0151] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include an inner foot side first standing wall that stands upright from the first base along the inner foot side of the sole body.

[0152] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing member may include an additional first bar extending diagonally across both the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction, so that its front end is located on the outer side of the foot in the left-to-right direction and its rear end is located on the inner side of the foot in the left-to-right direction. In this case, the additional first bar may be connected to the first base so that it is located on the inner side of the foot than the first bar in the left-to-right direction and is spaced apart from the first bar.

[0153] In a sole according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the first reinforcing member and at least a portion of the second reinforcing member may be positioned to cover the outer surface of the sole body.

[0154] In a sole according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the first reinforcing member and at least a portion of the second reinforcing member may be embedded in the sole body.

[0155] In a sole according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when viewed along an up-down direction perpendicular to both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, a portion of the first reinforcing member may overlap a portion of the second reinforcing member.

[0156] A shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a sole according to one aspect of the present disclosure described above, or any of the soles according to other aspects of the present disclosure described above, and an upper positioned above the sole.

[0157] (Other forms, etc.) The specific shape, configuration, number, position, etc. of each part shown in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and their modifications can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first bar and the second bar may be configured as rods instead of plates, and multiple additional first bars and multiple additional second bars may be provided.

[0158] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and their modifications, the first and second bars are provided not only in the midfoot but also in such a way that a portion of each bar reaches the forefoot, but they may also be provided in the rearfoot or only in the midfoot. Here, by providing the first and second bars in at least a portion of the midfoot and locating the first and second bars at a distance from each other in at least a portion of the midfoot, the auxiliary function of performing the above-mentioned turning motion quickly and smoothly is appropriately exhibited.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and their modifications, shoes have been described as being configured so that the upper body fits tightly to the foot using shoelaces, but the upper body may be configured so that it fits tightly to the foot using hook-and-loop fasteners, or the upper body may be sock-shaped that it fits tightly to the foot simply by inserting the foot into the upper body. In other words, the shape of the upper can be changed as appropriate depending on the use of the shoe.

[0160] In addition, the characteristic configurations disclosed in the above-described first and second embodiments and their modifications can be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0161] As such, the above-described embodiments and their modifications disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1 shoe, 100A, 100A1 to 100A7, 100B shoe sole, 110 midsole, 110A front midsole, 110B rear midsole, 111A first receiving portion, 111B second receiving portion, 112 intermediate portion, 112', 112" additional intermediate portion, 120 reinforcing structure portion, 120A first reinforcing member, 120B second reinforcing member, 121A first base, 121B second base, 122A first bar, 122A' additional first bar, 122B second bar, 122B' additional second bar, 123A first standing wall, 123A1 outer foot side first standing wall, 123A2 inner foot side first standing wall, 123B second standing wall, 123B1 front side second standing wall, 123B2 Rear second standing wall, 130 outsole, 130A front outsole, 130B rear outsole, 130B1 rear medial outsole, 130B2 rear lateral outsole, 131 ground contact surface, 200 upper, 210 upper body, 220 shoe tongue, 230 shoelace, OL overlapping area, R1 forefoot, R2 midfoot, R3 rearfoot.

Claims

1. A shoe sole in which a forefoot portion supporting the toes and tread of a wearer's foot, a midfoot portion supporting the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot portion supporting the heel of the wearer's foot are connected in a front-to-rear direction, which is a direction that coincides with the length direction of the wearer's foot, a sole body positioned continuously from the forefoot portion to the rearfoot portion; a reinforcing structure attached to the sole body, the reinforcing structure portion has a first reinforcing member made of a material having a higher rigidity than the material constituting the sole body, and a second reinforcing member formed as a separate member from the first reinforcing member and made of a material having a higher rigidity than the material constituting the sole body, the first reinforcing member includes a first bar at least a portion of which is disposed in the midfoot portion; the second reinforcing member includes a second bar at least a portion of which is disposed in the midfoot portion; the first bar is located on the medial side of the second bar in a left-right direction that corresponds to a foot width direction of the wearer's foot, the first bar in the portion disposed in the midfoot portion extends along a diagonal direction intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction so that a front end is located on the outer side of the foot in the left-right direction and a rear end is located on the inner side of the foot in the left-right direction; the second bar in the portion disposed in the midfoot portion extends along a diagonal direction intersecting both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction so that a front end is located on the outer side of the foot in the left-right direction and a rear end is located on the inner side of the foot in the left-right direction; Since the first bar and the second bar are positioned at a distance from each other, an intervening portion that is a part of the sole body where the reinforcing structure portion is not provided is positioned between the first bar and the second bar, Furthermore, the sole is positioned such that the portion of the sole body where the reinforcing structure is not provided reaches at least both the medial edge and the lateral edge of the sole along the direction in which the intervening portion extends.

2. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the first bar extends across a portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges so that a front end of the first bar is located in the forefoot portion.

3. The shoe sole according to claim 2 , wherein the first reinforcing member includes an outer foot-side first standing wall that stands upright from the first bar along the outer foot-side side surface of the sole body.

4. the first reinforcing member includes a first base disposed along an edge portion of the midfoot portion on an inner side in the left-right direction, The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the first bar is connected to the first base.

5. The shoe sole according to claim 4 , wherein the first reinforcing member includes a medial first standing wall that stands from the first base along a medial side surface of the sole body.

6. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second bar extends across a portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the metatarsal phalanges so that a front end of the second bar is located in the forefoot portion.

7. The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the second reinforcing member includes a front-side second standing wall that stands upright from the second bar along the outer foot side surface of the sole body.

8. the second reinforcing member includes a second base disposed along an edge portion of the midfoot portion on an outer foot side in the left-right direction, The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second bar is connected to the second base.

9. The shoe sole according to claim 8 , wherein the second reinforcing member includes a rear-side second standing wall that stands upright from the second base along the outer foot side surface of the sole body.

10. The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first reinforcing member and at least a portion of the second reinforcing member are positioned so as to cover an outer surface of the sole body.

11. The shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first reinforcing member and at least a portion of the second reinforcing member are embedded in the sole body.

12. The sole of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the first reinforcing member overlaps a portion of the second reinforcing member when viewed along an up-down direction perpendicular to both the front-to-rear direction and the left-to-right direction.

13. A shoe sole according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and an upper positioned above the sole.

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