Soles with various cushioning properties

Abstract

The sole for a running shoe comprises an elastic midsole 1. The midsole comprises a base surface 2 defining the midsole and an upper surface 3 defining the midsole. The midsole is divided into a heel region FB, a midfoot region MFB and a forefoot region VFB. The midsole comprises a number of channels 41, 42, 43 extending in a transverse direction Q and arranged front to back in a longitudinal direction L, each channel having an elongated contour in a cross section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction, each channel having a main longitudinal axis 411, 421 in a cross section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction. The acute angle α-41 between the main longitudinal axis 411 of the channel 41 arranged in the heel region and the base surface 2 is greater than the acute angle α-42 between the main longitudinal axis 421 of the channel 42, 43 arranged in the midfoot region or the forefoot region and the base surface 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of footwear technology, and more particularly to soles for running shoes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a plurality of running shoes with different cushioning systems are known. Sports shoes and leisure shoes having soles with gel cores in the heel region to ensure vertical cushioning when stepping in are widespread. Further improvement in vertical cushioning characteristics has been achieved in that individual spring elements are attached in the heel region between the outsole and the insole.

[0003] Although the vertical cushioning of the shoes has been improved by the above-mentioned soles, satisfactory cushioning against forces acting horizontally on the soles and shoes has not been achieved. Forces having a large horizontal component are additionally intensified especially on long-distance routes and represent one of the main causes of frequent knee joint pain and hip joint pain due to lack of sufficient cushioning.

[0004] A sole having segmented groove-shaped elements protruding downward and having open sides is known from International Publication No. WO2016184920 by the applicant. Under the influence of forces generated during running, the groove-shaped elements are deformable not only horizontally but also vertically until their side openings are closed. Due to this horizontal deformability, for example, forces acting horizontally on the sole and the shoe when running on an inclined terrain can also be efficiently buffered, thereby avoiding high strain on joints, particularly the knees and hips.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the case of soles with segmented groove-shaped elements that protrude downward and have open sides, depending on the sole material used, material fatigue may occur if the usage time is long, resulting in a loss of the material's elastic properties after prolonged use, which can lead to reduced cushioning and irreversible deformation of the lateral openings of the groove-shaped elements. In the case of soles known from International Publication No. 2016184920, the groove-shaped elements also exist in all cases as individual elements protruding from the sole. Depending on the wearer's weight and foot position, this can result in irregular closing of the lateral openings, thereby causing the upper and lower layers of the groove-shaped elements to shift spatially relative to each other, for example, in the transverse direction of the sole, and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal or running direction, respectively, rather than remaining precisely stationary with respect to each other, and the wearer may experience a buoyancy effect.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been shown that the heel region of the sole is where the greatest cushioning effect is needed, as runners use their heels to establish initial contact with the ground while running. In contrast, the forefoot region requires significantly less cushioning. It has even been found that the cushioning structure in the forefoot region can be detrimental. Even if the cushioning structure in the forefoot region can provide cushioning during push-off, runners must effectively overcome the elasticity of the cushioning structure that occurs almost entirely through the forefoot region during push-off, resulting in a loss of power and an inability to use that power to push off.

[0007] The present invention is based on the general problem of further developing the prior art in the field of running shoe soles, preferably completely or partially overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art. In preferred embodiments, a sole is provided that, on the one hand, can mitigate the forces acting horizontally on the sole and shoe during running, while on the other hand, shows no material fatigue at all, or at least reduces material fatigue, even after longer periods of use. The occurrence of a levitation effect is avoided in further preferred embodiments. In some preferred embodiments, the cushioning effect in the heel area is increased compared to the prior art, but a lower cushioning effect is provided in the forefoot area compared to the heel area, so that the force lost during push-off is significantly reduced, and the force becomes virtually entirely available for the push-off process.

[0008] The general objective is addressed by the sole according to the independent claim. Further preferred embodiments are derived from the dependent claims, specification and drawings.

[0009] In a first embodiment, the common technical problem is solved by a sole for a running shoe having an elastic midsole. The sole thereon has a base surface defining the midsole on the opposite side of the midsole in the vertical direction, and a top surface defining the midsole in the vertical direction. It is understood that when running, i.e., in motion, the base surface faces the ground and the top surface faces the wearer's foot or the insole, respectively. Thus, the midsole is divided into a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region. It is understood that these regions are arranged longitudinally, i.e., in the direction of running, and in particular the midfoot region is located between the heel region and the forefoot region. The midsole additionally has several channels that extend transversely to the midsole and are arranged longitudinally to the midsole. The sides of the channels are preferably open laterally, i.e., on the lateral and medial sides of the midsole. Thus, each channel has an elongated contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is longitudinal to the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. As a result, each channel has a principal longitudinal axis in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is longitudinal and perpendicular to the transverse direction. Consequently, the acute angle between the principal longitudinal axis and the base surface of at least one channel located in the heel region is greater than the acute angle between the base surface and the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot region and / or forefoot region. It has been shown that a significantly increased cushioning effect can be achieved in the heel region due to the elongated contour of the channels, and also due to the fact that the acute angle between the base surface and the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel is greater in the heel region than in the midfoot region and / or forefoot region channels. An additionally lower cushioning effect is achieved in the forefoot region and / or midfoot region due to the smaller acute angle between the base surface and the principal longitudinal axis, which has the effect of virtually no energy being lost due to cushioning during push-off, which is performed entirely in the forefoot region and optionally in the midfoot region.Each increase in the acute angle of one or more channels in the heel region has the effect of achieving not only vertical cushioning but also greater horizontal cushioning against horizontal forces acting during running. Preferably, all channels in the heel region of the midsole have a greater acute angle between the base plane and their respective main longitudinal axes than all channels in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions.

[0010] The acute angle feature between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base surface of the midsole can be additionally replaced by an obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and a vertical channel line passing through the center point of each channel. Thus, the vertical channel lines extend through the center point of the channel and are perpendicular to the base surface of the midsole or intersect the base surface of the midsole at substantially 90° angles, respectively. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the case of a curved base surface of the midsole, the intersection point can be defined by a tangent to the midsole at the intersection of the midsole and the vertical channel line. In this case, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the heel region and its respective vertical channel line is also greater than the obtuse angle between the vertical channel line and the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions. Therefore, in all embodiments described herein, the acute angle feature between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the base surface of the midsole can be replaced by an obtuse angle feature between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and its respective vertical channel line. Those skilled in the art will understand that obtuse angles range from 90° to 180°, and acute angles range from 0° to 90°.

[0011] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention further relates to a sole for a running shoe, comprising an elastic midsole. Such a sole thereby has a base surface defining the midsole on opposite sides of the midsole in the vertical direction, and a top surface defining the midsole in the vertical direction. Thus, the midsole is divided into a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region. The midsole further has several channels extending transversely to the midsole and positioned longitudinally to the midsole. The channels preferably open on the sides of the midsole, i.e., laterally and medially. Thus, each channel has an elongated profile in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is longitudinal to the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. Thus, each channel has a principal longitudinal axis in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is longitudinal and perpendicular to the transverse direction. The obtuse angle between the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the heel region and its respective vertical channel line is thereby greater than the obtuse angle between the respective vertical channel line of at least one channel located in the midfoot and / or forefoot regions and its principal longitudinal axis. Thus, the vertical channel lines of the channels extend through the center point of each channel and are perpendicular to the base plane of the midsole. The center points of the channels generally lie on the principal longitudinal axis. It is understood that the corresponding embodiments and advantages of acute angles described herein apply equally to the corresponding embodiments having obtuse angles.

[0012] In relation to the present invention, the term “elongated profile” means that, in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane, the channel extends further in one direction within that cross-sectional plane than in other directions. In other words, a channel having an “elongated profile” can be described as having a slot shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that a slot-shaped channel has an elongated narrow profile in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is longitudinal to the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, and therefore provides an elongated narrow opening in the midsole. Thus, the extension of such a channel along a spatial direction is greater than the extension along a different spatial direction within the same spatial plane. Channels generally have channel walls that are opposite to each other and define the opening of the channel. In the case of a channel having an elongated profile, the direct distance of the channel walls in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane is greater in the first direction than in a different spatial direction within the same spatial plane, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In all cases, the main longitudinal axis of the channel extends longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the direction in which the channel extends, and passes through the center point of the channel in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. The main longitudinal axis lies in the V,L plane of the midsole, that is, the main longitudinal axis extends longitudinally and / or perpendicularly to the midsole, rather than transversely. The main longitudinal axis can typically pass through the points of the channel walls that are furthest from each other in a cross-section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. Thus, the channel walls of the channel can be farther from each other along the main longitudinal axis of the channel than along any further axis in the corresponding V,L plane of the channel.

[0014] The main longitudinal axis of a channel typically intersects the base plane, or the tangent line that strikes the point where the main longitudinal axis intersects the base plane, at an acute angle.

[0015] The channels in the midsole, and all of them in particular, further extend in a cross section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole along the longitudinal direction, increasing vertically from each end closest to the heel edge toward each end closest to the toe-end, or extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, none of the channels in the midsole in a cross section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole along the longitudinal direction extend in a way that decreases vertically from each end closest to the heel edge toward each end closest to the toe-end. Thus, the main longitudinal axis of each channel, and all of the channels in the midsole in particular, increases vertically or is parallel to the longitudinal direction toward the toe-end from the heel edge. However, the main longitudinal axis of each channel does not decrease vertically toward the toe-end from the heel edge.

[0016] The directional indications used in this disclosure should be understood as follows: The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by the axis from the heel region to the forefoot region and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The transverse direction Q of the sole extends across the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole or substantially parallel to the ground, respectively. Thus, the transverse direction extends along the transverse axis of the midsole. In relation to the present invention, the vertical direction or vertical direction V identifies the direction from the underside of the sole in the direction of the insole or, in the direction of the wearer's foot in the operating state, respectively, and thus extends along the vertical axis of the sole or midsole, respectively. The lateral side of the sole is the outer boundary of the sole that abuts against the outside of the wearer's foot in the wearing state. The inner side of the sole or midsole refers to the outer-inner boundary of the sole located opposite the lateral side, respectively. Thus, in the case of one running shoe, in the wearing state, the inner sides of two running shoes face each other, and the lateral sides face opposite each other. The forefoot region extends longitudinally, for example, from the longitudinally opposing toe of the sole to 30-45% of the total length of the midsole. The heel region extends longitudinally, for example, from the longitudinal heel edge to 20-30% of the total length of the midsole. Consequently, the midfoot region extends directly between the heel and forefoot regions, and as a result, the longitudinal length of the midfoot region accounts for the remaining portion of the total length, particularly 15-50% of the total length.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the base surface is curved convexly with respect to the ground during running, particularly in a cross-sectional area along the plane of the cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and the transverse direction of the midsole, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface refers to the angle between the main longitudinal axis and the respective tangents on the base surface at the point of intersection of the main longitudinal axis and the base surface. It is important to note that when the main longitudinal axis of the channel does not intersect with the base surface, the acute angle of the channel can be defined at the intersection of the main longitudinal axis with the extended tangent at the point of contact between the base surface and the heel edge of the base surface.

[0018] Elastic materials, particularly soft elastic materials for soles, are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, materials having a Young's modulus of about 0.0001 to 0.2 GPa, particularly 0.001 to 0.1 GPa, can be used, which can be considered, for the purposes of this invention, as elastic materials or soft elastic materials, respectively. Such materials typically include polymer foams. Polyurethanes, particularly thermoplastic polyolefins, polyolefin block polymers, polyvinyl acetate, particularly EVA, polyurethane (TPU) or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), polyamides, such as PA-11, PA-12, nylon, polyether block amide (PEBAX®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or mixtures thereof can be used as elastic materials or soft elastic materials, respectively.

[0019] Except for any possible lateral and / or medial openings, the channels in the lateral region of the midsole are preferably completely defined by the soft elastic midsole. In a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole, the channels are particularly completely defined by the midsole. Thus, in such embodiments, the channel walls can be completely formed by the midsole in the lateral region of the midsole. Thus, in a side view of the sole, the channels can typically be described as transverse openings in the otherwise preferably integral midsole. In preferred embodiments, the midsole does not have segmentation and is therefore not segmented. This significantly improves the durability of the sole because the midsole is generally formed to be significantly more stable compared to a segmented midsole. Fatigue of the soft elastic midsole is further avoided or at least significantly reduced over the service life of the sole or running shoe, respectively. This ensures that the favorable cushioning effect of the midsole is always maintained over a long period of time.

[0020] In relation to the present invention, channels should be understood as recesses that can typically be formed in a tubular shape. Except for lateral openings, channels are generally fully or partially defined by their channel walls. Channels are typically empty. Channels can be particularly open and continuous, i.e., channels are preferably not blind holes. All channels, especially those in the midsole, preferably extend continuously from the lateral side of the midsole to the inner side of the midsole. In preferred embodiments, channels can extend substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the entire portion of the opening area of ​​the midsole, i.e., the entire portion of the lateral surface of the channel opening, may be smaller than the entire portion of the closing surface of the midsole, i.e., the entire portion of the outer surface of the midsole without channels. In some embodiments, channels are positioned only in the longitudinal direction, and therefore front to back from the heel edge to the toe of the sole. This does not preclude some or all channels from being positioned offset from each other in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, channels are preferably not positioned entirely and / or partially one over the other.

[0021] In some embodiments, the channels are arranged longitudinally from the heel edge to the tip of the sole, with at least two channels offset from each other vertically. In certain embodiments, the channels are arranged in at least first and second horizontal planes in the lateral and / or medial regions of the midsole. The first and second horizontal planes are formed to be offset perpendicularly from each other. The arrangement of channels in at least the first and second horizontal planes achieves a significant improvement in cushioning effect. The cushioning is, in addition, no longer limited to individual segments of the sole, but extends substantially throughout the entire midsole.

[0022] The horizontal plane of the sole represents a plane that is positioned substantially parallel to the lower side of the sole or substantially parallel to the ground. It is understood that the horizontal plane can also be slightly curved. This can occur, for example, when the sole is slightly curved vertically upward in the forefoot region and / or the heel region, as is typical for running shoes.

[0023] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the deformability of the channel can include, for example, bringing the channel walls together vertically and / or shearing the channel longitudinally. The upper and lower channel walls can typically contact each other under the influence of the forces generated during running, and as a result, the corresponding channel deforms until it closes laterally.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic midsole is integrally formed. Therefore, the elastic midsole preferably consists of a single material and is thus more stable than a midsole consisting of several components, especially components that are adhesively bonded or welded to each other.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the channel has a lateral opening in the lateral region of the midsole. The channel preferably acts in the vertical direction and / or the longitudinal direction and can deform vertically and / or horizontally with respect to the longitudinal direction under the influence of the forces generated during running. The upper and lower channel walls can typically contact each other under the influence of the forces generated during running.

[0026] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane decreases from the channels in the heel region, particularly those closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to the channels in the midfoot region and / or the channels in the forefoot region, particularly those closest to the tip of the sole, and the acute angle can decrease continuously over at least a portion of the longitudinal region of the sole, or over the entire longitudinal length of the sole, particularly from the channels closest to the heel edge of the midsole to those closest to the tip of the sole. For example, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane decreases continuously from the heel edge to the midfoot region, channel by channel. Thus, in the forefoot region, the acute angle may be 0° throughout. The main longitudinal axis of the channels in the forefoot region may be parallel to the base plane, in particular. Viewed channel by channel, the channels decrease from the heel edge to the tip of the sole. This allows for increased cushioning in the heel area, while in the forefoot and / or midfoot areas, the smaller acute angle between the base plane and the main longitudinal axis results in less cushioning, thus minimizing energy loss due to cushioning during push-off. Generally, the larger the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base plane, the greater the cushioning effect. Therefore, since the required cushioning effect is greatest at the heel edge, it is preferable that the channel located closest to the heel edge has the largest acute angle. The further the channel is positioned towards the tip of the sole in the longitudinal direction, the smaller the required cushioning effect, and consequently, the smaller the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane.

[0027] Alternatively, the above embodiments can be described such that the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and the perpendicular channel line decreases from the channels in the heel region, particularly the channels disposed closest to the heel edge of the midsole, to the channels in the midfoot region and / or the channels in the forefoot region, particularly the channels disposed closest to the toe tip of the sole. The obtuse angle can decrease continuously, particularly over at least a longitudinal partial region of the sole or over the entire length of the sole in the longitudinal direction, from the channels disposed closest to the heel edge of the midsole to the channels disposed closest to the toe tip of the sole.

[0028] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and the base surface first increases longitudinally towards the toe tip of the sole for each channel, starting from the channels disposed closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then decreases longitudinally towards the toe tip of the sole for each channel. In such embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channel and each base surface can increase continuously from the channels disposed closest to the heel edge of the midsole to the channels with a steep gradient that are disposed further away longitudinally from the toe tip of the sole for each channel, where the channels with a steep gradient thereby represent the channels of the midsole having the largest acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface, and then can decrease for each channel from the channels with a steep gradient longitudinally towards the toe tip of the sole. Thus, in such embodiments, the midsole has channels in the heel region, and the channels disposed closest to the heel edge have the smallest acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface among all the channels in the heel region. Subsequently, the corresponding acute angle increases, for example, continuously over two channels that extend longitudinally up to the toe tip of the sole. Then, the midfoot region can be directly connected to these channels, where the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channel disposed closest to the heel edge and the base surface is smaller in the midfoot region than the corresponding acute angle of at least one, at least two, or all of the channels in the heel region.

[0029] Alternatively, the above embodiment can be described such that the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and the perpendicular channel line increases longitudinally for each channel, starting from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then decreases longitudinally for each channel towards the toe of the sole.

[0030] Corresponding analysis has shown that such embodiments are particularly preferred because all channels in the heel region close virtually completely upon impact, meaning that forces acting vertically and horizontally are efficiently absorbed on the one hand, and a safe standing posture is possible upon impact without causing a buoyancy effect on the other hand. It has also been shown that forces acting horizontally are not necessarily greatest at the heel edge, i.e., the channels located closest to the heel edge, but generally greatest in the subregions of the heel area located further longitudinally and closer to the tip of the sole. The fact that the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and the base plane, or the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel and the vertical channel line, respectively, first increases from the channels located closest to the heel edge of the midsole, longitudinally towards the tip of the sole for each channel, and then decreases longitudinally towards the tip of the sole for each channel, thus achieving maximum absorption of forces acting horizontally.

[0031] Therefore, of all the channels in the midsole, the channel having the greatest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base plane, or the greatest obtuse angle between its main longitudinal axis and its perpendicular channel line, is preferably located in the heel region and is called a steep channel.

[0032] The steeply sloping channels typically begin at the heel edge and are positioned longitudinally toward the toe of the sole, each covering 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 30%, and especially 25% to 30% of the total length of the sole or midsole.

[0033] In some embodiments, steep channels, i.e., channels of the midsole having the greatest acute angle between its principal longitudinal axis and the base plane, or the greatest obtuse angle between its principal longitudinal axis and its perpendicular channel line, can be third channels of the midsole that begin longitudinally from the heel edge.

[0034] As a result, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface of the steep channel is preferably 35° to 85°, particularly 40° to 75°. The obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of the steep channel and the vertical channel line may be 125° to 170°, particularly 125° to 165°, preferably 155° to 165°. Because the angle of the steep channel is relatively large, not only is good vertical cushioning achieved in this region of the midsole, but also great horizontal cushioning.

[0035] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, and the base surface is 0° to 15°, in particular 0° to 5°, and in particular 0° to 2°. An angle of 0° means that the main longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface are substantially parallel to each other. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent that abuts the base surface, and the tangent abuts the lower base surface of the channel in the perpendicular direction. This type of small angle has the effect that, on the one hand, sufficient cushioning is still provided and the wearer's joints are adequately protected, but on the other hand, the cushioning is not so great that a significant portion of the energy during push-off is lost due to the cushioning.

[0036] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the principal longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, and their respective vertical channel lines is 90° to 100°, and in particular 90° to 95°. An angle of 90° means that the principal longitudinal axis of the channel and the base surface are substantially parallel to each other. In the case of a curved base surface, this parallelism refers to a tangent line that abuts the base surface, and the tangent line abuts the lower base surface of the channel in the perpendicular direction.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel located in the forefoot region, and in particular all channels located in the forefoot region, is positioned substantially parallel to the base plane.

[0038] In some embodiments, each channel has a principal lateral axis, which is typically perpendicular to the respective principal longitudinal axis of the channel. As a result, the height, i.e., the direct distance of the channel wall of a channel located in the forefoot region along its principal lateral axis, is smaller than the width, i.e., the width of a channel located in the midfoot and / or heel region along its principal lateral axis. This achieves a high cushioning effect in the heel region. At the same time, the cushioning effect in the forefoot region is significantly reduced, thereby resulting in less energy loss during push-off.

[0039] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channels located in the heel region, and especially all channels located in the heel region, and the base surface is 5° to 85°, particularly 35° to 85°, preferably 40° to 75°. Due to the relatively large angle, not only is good vertical cushioning achieved, but great horizontal cushioning is also achieved, as the channels can be closed by forces acting horizontally during running, particularly by contacting the channel walls of the channels.

[0040] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of the channels located in the heel region, particularly all channels located in the heel region, and their respective vertical channel lines is 110° to 175°, particularly 125° to 170°, preferably 125° to 165°. Due to the relatively large angle, not only is good vertical cushioning achieved, but great horizontal cushioning is also achieved, as the channels can be closed by forces acting horizontally during running, particularly by contacting the channel walls of the channels.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base plane, or the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis and each vertical channel line, respectively, decrease continuously toward the sole tip in the heel region, or even only in the heel region, from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole.

[0042] In some embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel located in the midfoot region and the base surface is 0° to 35°, preferably 0° to 25°. The midfoot region represents an intermediate area where, on the one hand, a certain cushioning effect is still required during foot strike, but on the other hand, the cushioning effect should not be too great, as the front part of the midfoot region is already used for pushing off the ground when viewed longitudinally toward the tip of the sole. The acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel directly connected to a channel in the heel region and the base surface is particularly preferably greater than 0°, for example, 10° to 35° or 10° to 25°. In certain embodiments, the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis and the base surface decreases continuously from the channel located in the midfoot region of the heel edge of the midsole toward the tip of the sole in the heel region.

[0043] In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the main longitudinal axis of a channel located in the midfoot region and each vertical channel line is 90° to 120°, preferably 90° to 115°.

[0044] In further embodiments, each channel has a lateral opening on the side and / or medial side of the midsole. These openings can be closed, and in particular completely closed, by the forces generated during running, in that the channel walls of the channels make contact. Thus, channels located in the heel region and / or midfoot region and / or forefoot region can be designed to completely close their lateral openings by the forces generated during running. The forces generated during running are typically due to the weight force based on the wearer's weight, which can be, for example, 40 kg to 120 kg, and especially 50 kg to 100 kg.

[0045] In some embodiments, the channel is configured to take an S-shape when fully closed, particularly in response to the complete closure of the lateral opening.

[0046] In some embodiments, the channels are in any case oriented longitudinally in the midsole and have rectangular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, and / or drop-shaped, particularly lancet-shaped, contours in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole. Thus, it is possible that one or more channels in the midsole have different contours from other channels in the midsole. The midsole can have up to five channels, in particular, with different contours. A drop-shaped contour refers to a shape substantially characterized by isosceles triangles and circular segments connected to isosceles triangles. Those skilled in the art will understand that these contours also include shapes with rounded corners, i.e., rectangles with rounded corners. Thus, drop-shaped, particularly lancet-shaped, contours are particularly preferred, especially when a portion of the circular segments of the drop shape are aligned toward the base plane, because this allows for particularly large horizontal cushioning against forces acting horizontally during running. Drop-shaped, particularly lancet-shaped, contours further allow for particularly controlled closure of the channels, thereby avoiding a buoyancy effect. This is because, in particular, channels with a drop-shaped contour are designed to take on an S-shape in response to closure. Channels with a drop-shaped contour are understood to be positioned particularly in the heel region. In contrast, channels with different contours, particularly rectangular, pentagonal, and / or hexagonal contours, may be provided in the forefoot and / or midfoot regions.

[0047] In some embodiments, each channel has a width of 0.3 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, along the main longitudinal axis. The width describes the distance of the channel wall of the channel along the main longitudinal axis and, therefore, in some embodiments, represents the maximum in-plane cross section that crosses the transverse direction of the sole along the longitudinal direction.

[0048] In some embodiments, each channel has a height of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.3 cm to 1 cm, along the main lateral axis.

[0049] In some embodiments, the steeply sloping channel along the main longitudinal axis has a width greater than the width of any other channel in the midsole along its respective main longitudinal axis.

[0050] In some embodiments, the steeply sloped channel along the principal lateral axis has a greater height than the height of any other channel in the midsole along its respective principal lateral axis.

[0051] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between each channel and the top surface of the midsole for at least one channel in the heel region, particularly a single channel, is smaller than that for different channels in the heel region and / or different channels in the midsole. For channels in the heel region, it has been shown that a smaller vertical distance results in better cushioning than a larger vertical distance. The closer the channel is positioned to the top surface, i.e., the smaller the corresponding vertical distance, the better the cushioning effect. Such embodiments find an ideal compromise between good cushioning and sole that still provides a powerful push-off with as little force loss as possible.

[0052] The vertical distance between a channel and the top surface of the midsole refers to the shortest distance between each channel or channel wall and the top surface of the midsole, along the vertical direction of the sole. Therefore, this vertical distance typically corresponds to the minimum thickness of the midsole between each channel and the top surface of the midsole in the vertical direction.

[0053] For channels where the vertical distance to a corresponding channel is smaller than that of other channels, the vertical distance of that channel from the base surface of the midsole is, conversely, greater than that of the other channels. Therefore, corresponding channels that are shorter vertically from the top surface of the midsole to each of the other channels are positioned vertically offset. Conversely, the other channels can be described as being offset vertically on the opposite side relative to channels that are shorter vertically from the top surface of the midsole.

[0054] In some embodiments, for channels in the heel region and optionally the midfoot region, and particularly for channels in the heel region only, the vertical distance between each channel and the upper surface of the midsole decreases longitudinally from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole toward the toe of the sole for each channel. It has been shown that the horizontally acting force is not forcibly maximized at the heel edge, i.e., in the channel closest to the heel edge, but rather maximized in a portion of the heel region further along the longitudinal direction, closer to the toe of the sole. Therefore, as the vertical distance decreases, the maximum cushioning can be placed in the region that experiences the most load, and the maximum cushioning does not result in a sole that protects the wearer on the one hand, but is perceived as too soft, i.e., spongy on the other hand.

[0055] In some embodiments, the vertical distance of each channel to the top surface of the midsole decreases longitudinally channel by channel toward the toe of the sole, starting from the channel closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then increases longitudinally channel by channel toward the toe of the sole. In other words, the channels in such embodiments are arranged such that the vertical distance of each channel, viewed from the lateral or inward side of the sole, decreases longitudinally from the heel region toward the toe of the sole within the heel region, then reaches a minimum value, and then increases again.

[0056] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the heel region channel located closest to the toe of the sole in the longitudinal direction, particularly a third channel that starts from the heel edge along the longitudinal direction toward the toe of the sole, and the upper surface of the midsole can be smaller than the vertical distance between any other channel of the midsole and the upper surface of the midsole.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the vertical distance of a steep channel to the top surface of the midsole may be smaller than the distance of other channels to the top surface of the midsole.

[0058] In some embodiments, some, and in particular all, channels of the midsole can be tapered transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole. Thus, the opening of such channels decreases transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole along the longitudinal direction. This has the advantage of increasing the stability of the sole, especially during push-off, without significantly reducing the cushioning properties. Additionally or alternatively, some, and in particular all, channels of the midsole may be tapered transversely from the medial to the lateral side of the midsole. These two alternative configurations support different running styles of the wearer, depending on whether the sole is gradually loaded laterally or medially. For example, channels in the forefoot region may be tapered transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole, channels in the heel region may be tapered transversely from the medial to the lateral side of the midsole, and vice versa. Furthermore, the channels in the midfoot region can, in either case, taper transversely from the lateral to the medial side of the midsole, or in either case, taper transversely from the medial side of the midsole to the lateral side.

[0059] Further aspects of the present invention relate to shoes, particularly running shoes, that have a sole according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0060] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a sole according to one of the embodiments described herein for manufacturing shoes, particularly running shoes.

[0061] Aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail based on exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and corresponding descriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1a] A schematic side view of the sole for running shoes according to the present invention, as shown in one embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 1b] A schematic side view of the sole for running shoes according to the present invention, as shown in one embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of a channel including a drop-shaped channel in the V, L plane, as provided in some embodiments of the sole according to the present invention, is shown. [Figure 3a] A photograph of the heel area of ​​a shoe equipped with the sole according to the present invention is shown in an undistorted state. [Figure 3b] A distorted photograph of the heel area of ​​a shoe equipped with the sole according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic side view of a running shoe equipped with a sole according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic side view of a sole for running shoes according to the present invention, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the sole, where the pathways of the channels within the sole are indicated. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view showing the path of a cut channel in a sole according to a further embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below, is shown, for illustrative purposes, as if the channel were in a plane. [Figure 8] A schematic side view of a shoe equipped with a sole according to the present invention for running shoes, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] A sole according to the present invention for running shoes is shown in Figures 1a and 1b, and this sole has an elastic midsole 1. The midsole 1 is defined on the opposite side of the vertical direction V by a base surface 2 and defined in the vertical direction V by a top surface 3. The midsole 1 is further divided into a heel region FB, a midfoot region MFB, and a forefoot region VFB. As shown in the figure, these three regions are arranged longitudinally, with the midfoot region MFB positioned between the heel region FB and the forefoot region VFB. The midsole 1 includes several channels 41, 42, and 43 that extend in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and are arranged longitudinally in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for clarity, only three of the channels are identified). In the transverse direction Q, these channels can generally be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Thus, channels 41, 42, and 43 each have an elongated profile in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. In the illustrated coordinate system, the cross-sectional plane is the V,L plane, and each channel 41, 42, and 43 in a cross-section along the cross-sectional plane which is in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q has a main longitudinal axis 411, 421 (for clarity, only the main longitudinal axes of two channels are shown). Thus, the acute angle α-41 between the main longitudinal axis 411 and each of the tangents at the intersection of the main longitudinal axis 411 and the base surface 2 for channel 41 located in the heel region FB is greater than the acute angle α-42 between the base surface 2 (or each of the tangents at the intersection of the main longitudinal axis 411 and the base surface 2) and the main longitudinal axis 421 for channel 42 located in the midfoot region MFB. As a result, the angle between the principal longitudinal axis and the base plane decreases continuously from the heel edge 5 to the midfoot region towards the sole tip 6, and is substantially 0° in the forefoot region, i.e., the principal longitudinal axis of the channel in the forefoot region VFB is parallel to the base plane 2. Each channel also has a principal lateral axis 422 perpendicular to the principal longitudinal axis (for clarity, only the principal lateral axis 422 of channel 42 is shown).The channel height is defined as the distance of the channel wall along the main lateral axis. As shown in Figure 1, the height along the main lateral axis of channel 43 located in the forefoot region VFB is smaller than the height along the main lateral axis of channels 41, 42 located in the midfoot region MFB and / or heel region FB. Thus, the channel in the forefoot region VFB has a rectangular profile in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1. The corresponding channel has an elongated profile due to the fact that the edge length in one direction of two parallel rectangular edges is longer than the edge length of the other two parallel edges.

[0064] An embodiment of Figure 1a is shown in Figure 1b, but instead of the acute angles α-41 and α-42 between the main longitudinal axes 411 and 421 and the base surface 2, or the tangents at the intersections of the main longitudinal axes 411 and 421 and the base surface 2, an obtuse angle β-41 is shown between the main longitudinal axis 411 of channel 41 and the vertical channel line 413. Thus, the vertical channel line lies on the main longitudinal axis 411 and extends through the center point M-41 of channel 41, from which the front and rear ends of channel 41 are evenly spaced. The vertical channel line is additionally perpendicular to the base surface 2 or the tangent (see tangent T-41), and abuts the base surface 2 at the intersection of the vertical channel line (see vertical channel line 413) and the base surface 2. An obtuse angle β-42 between the main longitudinal axis 421 of channel 42 and the vertical channel line 423 of channel 42 is similarly shown. As a result, the obtuse angle β-41 of channel 41 located in the heel region FB becomes larger than the obtuse angle β-42 located in the midfoot region MFB.

[0065] A channel having a drop-shaped contour in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is aligned with the V,L plane, and therefore along the longitudinal direction L of the midsole, and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole, is shown in Figure 2. The drop-shaped contour consists substantially of an isosceles triangle with a rounded tip in this case and a spherical segment that is a hemisphere in this case, as indicated by the dotted line. Thus, the drop-shaped contour can also be described as, for example, a lancet-shaped contour. Such a drop-shaped contour results in partial or complete closure of the lateral openings in such a way that the channel walls of each channel move toward each other, thus negating the horizontal force F acting opposite to the longitudinal direction L. H , as well as a vertical force F acting in the vertical direction V V Because it can efficiently dampen forces, it has been found to be particularly suitable for the heel area. As a result, cushioning against horizontally acting forces can be fully achieved without segmenting the midsole, and even in the case of channels that are completely formed by the V and L planes of the midsole.

[0066] Figure 3a shows a running shoe equipped with the midsole according to the present invention in an undeformed state. When vertical and horizontal forces generated during running act on the midsole here, it results in the closure of channels, which are substantially S-shaped and directed particularly in the longitudinal direction L. This allows for efficient damping of the horizontal and vertical forces generated during running.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a running shoe comprising a midsole 1 according to the present invention, which is a further embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the midsole of Figure 1, the midsole 1 shown in Figure 4 has channels 41 and 42 (for clarity, only a total of three channels are identified), which have a partially hexagonal contour in the heel region FB and in the midfoot region MFB, in a cross-sectional plane along the V,L plane, and thus in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole, and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole. As shown, this contour does not necessarily have to represent a regular hexagon. The main longitudinal axis 421 of channel 42 extends through the center point of channel 42 in the V,L plane and extends longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the direction in which the channel extends. The main longitudinal axis also extends through the points of the channel walls that are furthest apart from each other in a cross-sectional plane along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. The channels in the forefoot region and the channels in the midfoot region have a rectangular contour with rounded corners, as shown for channel 43, for example.

[0068] A further embodiment of the sole according to the present invention, comprising a midsole 1, is shown in Figure 5. The midsole 1 is defined on the opposite side of the vertical direction V by a base surface 2 and defined in the vertical direction V by a top surface 3. The midsole 1 is further divided into a heel region FB, a midfoot region MFB, and a forefoot region VFB. The midsole 1 comprises several channels 41a, 41b, 41c, and 42a extending in the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1 and positioned anteriorly and posteriorly in the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 (for clarity, only four of the channels are identified). Thus, channels 41a, 41b, and 41c are located in the heel region, while channel 42a is located in the midfoot region, thereby representing the channel in the midfoot region that is closest to the heel edge 5. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each channel in cross-section along a cross-sectional plane that is in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q has a main longitudinal axis (for clarity, the channels are not identified). The acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of each channel and the base surface can be seen to increase longitudinally towards the tip of the sole for each channel 41b, 41c, starting with channel 41a, which is located closest to the heel edge of the midsole, and then decreasing longitudinally towards the tip of the sole for each channel 42a. It is important to note that the acute angle of channel 41a is defined by the main longitudinal axis of channel 41a and the extended tangent at the point of contact between the base surface 2 and the heel edge 5. Channel 41c is the steepest channel of the midsole, i.e., the channel with the largest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base surface among all the channels of the midsole. In the illustrated embodiment of the midsole 1, the vertical distance D of the channels 41c, both located in the heel region, and therefore the steepest channels, up to the top surface 3 of the midsole 1 is 41c , and the vertical distance D of channel 41b 41c This is even smaller than in the case of channel 41a in the heel region and / or in the case of different channels 42a in the midsole 1. The vertical distance D between each channel 41a, 41b, 41c and the upper surface 3 of the midsole 41a , D 41b , D 41cThe vertical distance decreases continuously from channel 41a, which is located closest to the heel edge of the midsole, toward the toe of the sole in the heel region, in the longitudinal direction for each channel. The vertical distance is minimized in the steep channel 41c, and then increases again in the longitudinal direction L toward the toe of the sole 6 in subsequent channels.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. It can be seen that the steep channel 41c has the largest acute angle between its main longitudinal axis and the base surface. For channels in the direction of the heel edge and channels in the direction of the sole tip, the corresponding acute angles between their respective main longitudinal axes and the base surface are generally smaller than those for the steep channel 41.

[0070] Figure 7 schematically shows an exaggerated and schematic horizontal cross-section of a sole according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In practice, not all channels are forced to exist in the same plane. In this embodiment, channels 41, 42, and 43 (only three of the channels are identified for clarity) should be shown to taper transversely from the lateral LS of the midsole to the medial MS of the midsole.

[0071] Figure 8 shows a running shoe comprising a midsole 1 according to the present invention, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The main longitudinal axis 421 of the channel 42 extends through the center point of the channel 42 in the V, L plane and extends longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the direction in which the channel extends. The main longitudinal axis further extends through the points of the channel walls that are furthest apart from each other in a cross section along the aforementioned cross-sectional plane. Thus, the channel is positioned longitudinally in the L direction from the heel edge 5 to the sole tip 6 and is positioned in at least the first and second horizontal planes of the lateral and / or medial regions of the midsole 1. Thus, the first and second horizontal planes are formed offset perpendicularly from each other. Thus, the channel 41 is positioned in the first horizontal plane, the channel 42 is positioned in the second horizontal plane, and the second horizontal plane is positioned offset perpendicularly from the first horizontal plane.

Claims

1. A sole for running shoes, comprising an elastic midsole (1), The midsole (1) comprises a base surface (2) defining the midsole (1) on the opposite side of the midsole in the vertical direction (V), and an upper surface (3) defining the midsole (1) in the vertical direction (V), and the midsole (1) is divided into a heel region (FB), a midfoot region (MFB), and a forefoot region (VFB). The midsole (1) has a plurality of channels (41, 42, 43) that extend in the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1) and are arranged front to back in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1), and each of the channels (41, 42, 43) is located in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and has an elongated profile in a cross-section along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole, and each of the channels (41, 42, 43) is located in the longitudinal direction (L) and has a main longitudinal axis (411, 421) in the cross-section along the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q), The acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) of at least one channel (41) located in the heel region and the base surface (2) is greater than the acute angle (α-42) between the base surface (2) and the main longitudinal axis (421) of at least one channel (42, 43) located in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or the forefoot region (VFB), A sole in which at least a portion of the channel is configured such that the channel takes an S-shape when fully closed.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) decreases from the channel in the heel region, particularly the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1), to the channel in the midfoot region and / or the channel in the forefoot region, particularly the channel located closest to the tip of the sole (6), and decreases continuously from channel to channel.

3. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) of each channel and the base surface (2) first increases channel by channel towards the sole tip (6) from the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1), and then decreases channel by channel towards the sole tip (6).

4. The sole according to claim 3, wherein, of all channels, the channel of the midsole with the largest acute angle between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) is located in the heel region.

5. The sole according to claim 4, wherein the channel of the midsole that has the largest acute angle between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) is a third channel of the midsole that starts from the heel edge (5) in the longitudinal direction (L).

6. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acute angle between the main longitudinal axis of at least one channel (43) located in the forefoot region (VFB), particularly all of the channels located in the forefoot region (VFB), and the base surface (2) is 0° to 15°, particularly 0° to 5°, particularly 0° to 2°.

7. The sole according to claim 6, wherein at least one channel (43) located in the forefoot region (VFB), in particular the principal longitudinal axis of all such channels located in the forefoot region (VFB), is arranged substantially parallel to the base plane.

8. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the channels (41, 42, 43) has a principal lateral axis (422), and the height of the channel (43) located in the forefoot region (VFB) along the principal lateral axis is smaller than the height of the channels (41, 42) located in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or the heel region (FB) along the principal lateral axis (422).

9. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) of the channel (41) arranged in the heel region (FB) and the base surface (2) is 5° to 85°, particularly 35° to 85°, preferably 40° to 75°.

10. The sole according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the acute angle (α-41) between the main longitudinal axis (411) and the base surface (2) decreases continuously in the heel region (FB) toward the sole tip (6) from the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1).

11. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the acute angle (α-42) between the main longitudinal axis (421) of the channel (42) arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and the base surface (2) is 0° to 35°, preferably 0° to 25°.

12. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the channels (41, 42, 43) has a lateral opening on the side and / or inside of the midsole (1).

13. The sole according to claim 12, wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) located in the midsole (1) and the heel region (FB) and / or the midfoot region (MFB) and / or the forefoot region (VFB) are configured to completely close the lateral openings by the force generated during running.

14. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the channels (41, 42, 43) are in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and have rectangular, elliptical, drop-shaped, pentagonal and / or hexagonal contours in the cross-section along the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1).

15. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one or all of the channels (41) located in the heel region (FB) are in the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1) and have a drop-shaped contour in the cross section along the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1).

16. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the channels (41, 42, 43) has a width of 0.3 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2 cm, along the main longitudinal axes (411, 421).

17. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the channels (41, 42, 43) has a height of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.3 cm to 1 cm, along the main lateral axis (422).

18. In particular, with respect to the channels within the heel region, the vertical distance between each channel and the upper surface of the midsole of each channel decreases in the direction of the sole tip (6) for each channel, starting from the channel (41) located closest to the heel edge (5) of the midsole (1). This is the sole according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the vertical distance between the channel in the heel region located closest to the tip of the sole in the longitudinal direction, particularly a third channel beginning from the heel edge in the longitudinal direction toward the tip of the sole, and the upper surface of the midsole is smaller than the vertical distance between any other channel of the midsole and the upper surface of the midsole.

20. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a portion, in particular all, of the channels of the midsole tapers in the transverse direction from the lateral side to the lateral side of the midsole, and / or a portion, in particular all, of the channels of the midsole tapers in the transverse direction from the lateral side of the midsole, in any case.

21. A shoe, particularly a running shoe, having a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. Use of a sole according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for manufacturing shoes, in particular running shoes.

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